Review: A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes (Ladies Most Scandalous #3) by Manda Collins

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

(Ladies Most Scandalous #3)

by Manda Collins

March 28, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a lady in danger must be in need of rescue, but whether she wants to be rescued is up for debate—for fans of Evie Dunmore and Netflix's Bridgerton from the bestselling author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem!

England, 1867: Miss Poppy Delamare is living a lie. To escape an odious betrothal, she fled to London where she’s been hiding as the unassuming secretary Flora Deaver. However, when her beloved sister is accused of murder, Poppy cannot leave her to the wolves. Only a most unexpected—and unwelcome—collision interrupts her journey home . . .

Despite a rather dismal first meeting, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, has no intention of abandoning a lady in need. But he’s not above asking a favor. A fake betrothal will give Poppy and her sister the power of the dukedom and protect Langham from the society misses intent on becoming his duchess.

Yet the longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impressions were—and the less pretend their engagement feels. But before Langham can propose in truth, their search reveals a tangled web of lies and betrayals. With time running out, can Poppy and Langham find the real culprit—before Poppy becomes the next victim?

Review

As with all the previous books in this series, A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes was a quick and witty read. There was plenty of sleuthing and swooning to be had.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes maintained an air of mystery throughout the story. The mystery-solving was slow going but every little piece of information unearthed was crucial (to clearing Poppy's sister's name). I was compelled to keep reading and was not disappointed by the results.

I have so much respect for Poppy. Not having much support in her youth did not stop her from becoming a well-mannered and thoughtful young lady. Her sharp-witted nature also didn't let anybody try to put her down. Poppy was no damsel in distress.

The romance in A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes was pulse-pounding and mostly respectable ;) It moved a tad fast for my liking and was missing bigger sparks but I did feel the chemistry between Poppy and Langham. The two of them may seem like an odd pair in society but they worked quite well together.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes is a smart and fun addition to the Ladies Most Scandalous series. I hope with all my heart that this series goes on forever!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.