I like Burke and her series a lot and this book was a good one and I hope the rest of serries continues.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author as I haven't read anything else by her.

This book has all the classic tropes—grumpy vs. sunshine, road trips that spark love, and the whole "your sister is ruined, so you must marry the duke" vibe. Acton is immediately smitten with Persephone, but the emotional depth I was hoping for between them never quite materialized. We're told they have a connection, but it’s rarely shown, which left me feeling a bit disconnected.

The story started to drag in the middle, and I found myself more invested in Acton's relationships with his mother and sisters than the romance itself. While this one didn’t completely click for me, I’m still curious to see how the rest of the series unfolds.

#IftheDukeDares #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

This was an enjoyable read, but I never really connected with the characters and the storyline as a whole. I feel like we were told what was happening and what the characters were feeling rather than being shown.

Witty, charming, and entertaining. Can't go wrong with Darcy Burke! It's been awhile since I got this into a modern historical romance. Very glad I gave it a try.

If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke is a charming historical romance that follows Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellsbourne, whose quest for a duchess is upended when he meets Persephone Barclay, a widow hiding her true identity to avoid an arranged marriage with him. Their initial deception leads to a delightful interplay of banter and growing affection, as Acton's determination to reform his rogue image gradually wins over the wary Persephone. With richly developed characters, emotional depth, and a supportive friend group introducing the Rogue Rules, Burke weaves a captivating tale of love, trust, and personal growth, making this first book in the series a standout read.

It has been a while since I last read a historical romance book, and I'm glad I decided to read this one. It made me smile. I loved the witty banter between Persephone and Acton. Their chemistry was so good. Acton and Persephone's connection is captivating. I felt the intensity of their growing love for one another.

I enjoyed the bond that formed between Acton and Persephone as they both underwent personal growth. Acton underwent the most growth, though. I felt that Acton was kind and endured so much to show Persephone he was worth it. He's earning a spot on my list of favorite MMCs. I'm totally infatuated with him.

I admired Persephone's strength and determination to escape her family's expectations for her life. She was honest and spoke her mind. I couldn't imagine having my life planned out for me and not having a choice. I would run away, too.

Love Always Catherine

This book is for you if you like:

Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Swooney MMC, Outspoken FMC


I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Darcy Burke's "If the Duke Dares" is a delightful romp through Regency England, filled with humour, charm, and plenty of romantic tension. For instance, the scene where the Duke, in a case of mistaken identity, finds himself dancing with the wrong lady at a ball is a perfect example of the book's light-hearted humour. This enchanting tale of mistaken identities and unexpected love will surely capture the hearts of historical romance enthusiasts.

At the heart of the story is Acton Loxley, the incorrigible Duke of Wellsbourne, whose need for a duchess leads him on a whirlwind adventure. From the moment he encounters the captivating widow, Persephone Barclay, Acton's world is turned upside down. Burke does an excellent job of portraying Acton as a charming rogue with a heart of gold, making him a genuinely irresistible hero.

Persephone's plight adds depth to the narrative as she navigates the challenges of a compromised reputation and the pressure to marry quickly. Her decision to flee from a forced marriage sets the stage for a series of delightful misunderstandings and humorous encounters with Acton. A beacon of strength and independence, Persephone is a heroine to be admired, and her chemistry with Acton is palpable from their first meeting.

Burke's writing is engaging and evocative, transporting me to a bygone era filled with lavish balls, glittering society, and romantic intrigue. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat, always trying to figure out what will happen next. The supporting cast of characters, from Persephone's meddling family to Acton's rakish friends, adds depth and dimension to the story, making it feel rich and immersive.

While "If the Duke Dares" is undeniably entertaining, there are moments when the plot feels a bit predictable. This is because some twists and turns are foreshadowed, and resolving specific conflicts is too convenient. However, these minor flaws are easily overlooked in light of the book's overall charm and appeal.

In conclusion, "If the Duke Dares" is a delightful historical romance that will sweep readers off their feet. Darcy Burke has crafted a captivating tale filled with wit, warmth, and romance, a book that is impossible to put down. Whether you're a longtime lover of Regency romance or new to the genre, this book will leave you smiling and yearning for more.

This book felt so long and that is never a good sign. Upon reading I thought this was going to be about Pandora and I was very interested in seeing where it was going. However, It quickly shifts to her sister Persephone who was just not interesting.

Another fantastic story by Darcy Burke. The author has an incredible talent to tell the story and keep it entertaining.

“If the Duke Dares” is a light and entertaining historical romance that will keep you wanting to finish the book in one sitting.

I have read so many books by the author and I’m still being surprised by original stories that she is publishing.

Definitely recommend it.

The first story in the Rogue Rules, a great start to this series. Persephone Barclay and Acton Loxley's the Duke of Wellesbourne's engaging story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest until the end. I want to read the next story.

Darcy Burke never missed! Such a fast-paced fun read!

Absolutely can’t wait to see where this series goes!

I can't wait to read the next one. This book was so lovely. A great read that I didn't want to put down. Please give us more!

Sportochick's Musings: This is one of my favorite types of Historical Romances. It moved quickly, was unconventional, and full of surprises.

Once again, I was delighted by author Darcy Burke's writing in this very entertaining "If the Duke Dares" Book 1: Rogue Rules. She has a way of making historical romance lively and fun while staying close to historical accuracy.

The primary characters are a flirtatious rogue, Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellesbourne and Persephone Barclay whose parents continue to let her know she is not as pretty as her younger sister. Both carry the plot with their robust characters and honestly the secondary characters just added the finishing touches to this beautifully written book.

I recommend this entertaining book and give it 4.5 STARS.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of If the Duke Dares!

If the Duke Dares is a quick, fun read for lovers of historical romances with strong fmcs and roguish love interests.

The first book in a new historical romance series, If the Duke Dares follows Persephone on her escape from an arranged marriage to infamous rogue, Acton, Duke of Wellesbourne. Persephone is stubborn and adamant on making her own decisions regarding marriage. Her stubbornness gets her into various sorts of trouble, only to be rescued by her intended fiancé, Acton. Acton’s interactions with Persephone lead to self-reflection and a change of heart that results in a reformed rogue chasing after, and falling for, the stubborn Persephone.
The interaction between these characters was quite funny and the scenarios they found themselves in was tropey but enjoyable. Where I struggled with this book was the fmcs characterization. I love a strong-willed and independent woman in a historical romance but Persephone’s moral condescension and judgmental attitude became too much at times…until her personality changed altogether once the characters arrived in Bath. The drastic 180 was a bit of a turn off for me, it felt like the author needed to insert the “romance” aspect of the book but couldn’t make it fit with the current characterization so she just stuffed it in and altered the characters instead. That being said, Acton’s development as a reformed rogue was enjoyable, I loved seeing how his self-reflection lead to a full “reformation” - how he endeavored to fix not just how he interacts with romantic partners but also with his friends and family. His character development was very heartwarming and made me connect to his character.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the dynamics between the two main characters, their antics were funny and I liked how their interactions spurred development. That said, the second half of the book fell flat for me once the characterization changed and the plot was just Persephone being stubborn but still wanting to have sex with Acton. Her character didn’t develop in the same depth as Acton’s which made the resolution feel awkward and rushed. Had her character strived to change her perspectives as much as Acton did, I probably would have enjoyed the story more.

Persephone Barclay has a major dislike for rogues, especially after one refused to marry her sister who was caught in his embrace. Persephone's parents are forcing her to accept a betrothal to a rogue duke, without her permission.Tired of their manipulation, Persephone runs away. Fortunately or not, she accidentally encounters her soon to be betrothed, Acton, Duke of Wellesbourne. He has a lot to learn to be a considered a reformed rogue. Persephone is just the lady to teach him, even if she has to break the Rogue Rules. Humor and lots of passion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

A rogue can‘t change, can he?

I really enjoyed this start to the new series! The plot was very good, with wonderful characters, romance, steam and some unexpected twists. I especially liked the chemistry between the two protagonists, their transition from enemies to friends to lovers, the way Persey stood up to Acton and his attempts to reform himself.

After her sister Pandora was caught in a compromising situation with a rake, Persephone Barclay and her friends draw up a list of rules for dealing with rakes.

To avoid social and financial ruin, her parents scheme to marry her off to a duke who is in fact a friend of the rake who compromised her sister and who is a rake himself. Persephone resists their plan and runs away, only to run into her future fiancé by chance at an inn.

Acton and his friends are known rakes, but he knows that it is his duty to marry and sire an heir. So he agrees to meet his mother's friend and her daughter Persephone. When she doesn't turn up, he realises that she is the woman he met at an inn the night before, the one who couldn't abide him and who was immune to his charms. He decides to keep her safe and help her reach her destination, and Persephone reluctantly accepts his support...

If you like sweet and spicy historical romances with reformed rakes and determined heroines, you certainly enjoy this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I believed I read another Darcy Burke historical romance and enjoyed it. However, this one, didn't do it for me. I felt that the chemistry between Acton and Persephone felt forced. It was also quite dull and thought that it could have been shorter than how it is. I didn't also enjoyed the smut 🌶🌶 that much to be honest 🙈.

~thank you netgalley for the e-arc~

If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke is an adventurous historical romance.

Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellesbourne, is a charming rogue in need of a duchess. When he encounters the captivating widow Persephone Barclay, he is completely distracted from his search for a bride. Little does he know, Persephone is the very bride he is supposed to meet, but Persephone has absconded from home in order to avoid marriage to the rakish duke.

When circumstances force Persephone to pretend to be someone else, it leads to a series of humorous and romantic encounters with Acton. She is surprised to find another side to him and the lengths he will go to safeguard her reputation and that of her family, as the adventure takes them across the country to Bath where more challenges await the duo.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read quite a few books by this author, and enjoyed them all. But I think this one is the best one yet!