Another hit for Darcy. Absolutely loved all the characters and the plot. Darcy's stories always keep you wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next book

This is the first Darcy Burke I've read, but it definitely won't be the last!

I love the premise behind this. I loved that Persephone stood up for herself, and didn't back down when her parents kept trying to push her into marriages she didn't want. I also loved how resilient she was when she was trying to flee from this whole situation, and instead kept running into issues (and the duke in question).

Seeing the growing feelings and attraction develop between Persy and Acton was sweet! I loved how immediately smitten with and intrigued by Persy he was. I also love that she slowly realized maybe he's not so bad, and starts to develop feelings for him when she realizes he's actual quite sweet and thoughtful.

I will say, I hated her parents a lot. I get they had to be awful in order to drive this situation, but they were really something else. They treated Persy terribly it seems like for years, and for no real reason that we can discern other than they thought her sister, Pandora, was better.

I loved the added element of Acton's relationship development with his mother and sisters, who he didn't really have any contact or relationship with as a result of his father, who died the year prior. It was sweet seeing him form bonds with all of them and coming to realize that his father had manipulated the situation to isolate Acton away from them as a young child.

I also thought the relationship development, while enjoyable and sweet, wasn't quite enough for me. It definitely felt like a more slow-burn situation (though it admittedly happened over a short period of time), but then sort of rushed right to love? Something about it was a little off, though not enough to prevent me from enjoying this overall.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4⭐️

Persephone Barclay is dealing with one of the most distressing symptoms of regency eldest daughter syndrome: saving the family reputation after a younger sister’s ruination. And wouldn’t ya know it—her parents just happen to be acquainted with a Dowager Duchess whose son is in dire need of a wife! Only one problem—the Duke of Wellesbourne runs around with a band of merry rakes, including the cad who ruined her sister. The absolute last thing Persey is willing to do is break the Rogue Rules and tie herself to this libertine forever, so she bolts…only for her future intended to mosey right on into her private dining room.

This story is an absolutely a couple-centric book. There is very little time where they are not on page together, which compliments their developing relationship. I do just love a well executed grumpy-sunshine relationship, even though Persey was almost frustratingly stubborn at times. Persephone tried her damndest to shut this guy out, and Acton really took that as a personal challenge in a very endearing way. The more she resisted Wellesbourne, the more introspective he became about both his past and the guidance he received from his father. We love a self-aware king, especially one with remarkable golden retriever energy.

Darcy Burke is a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this story! This is the first book in her Rogue Rules series, and I know I am already crossing my fingers that we get to see a HAE for Pandora and their friends.

When Persephone Barclay’s younger sister is compromised, their parents believe that Persephone should marry to reduce the likelihood of a scandal. Her mother arranges for her to meet Acton Loxley, the Duke of Wellsbourne, having made an agreement with his mother whom she befriended when the dowager duchess had left London society and Acton as a young boy. Persephone is determined to avoid marriage as flees, only to find herself meeting Acton, in her travels. Acton, who is known as a notorious rake and incorrigible flirt, is on his way to meet Persephone, when he encounters a most intriguing and captivating widow who completely distracts him from his task. However, after she takes insult at his behaviour and disappears, Acton soon discovers that it is Persephone. Determined to save her from danger, he finds her but only to realise that she might be the one to change his ways.
Both characters are headstrong in their outlook on romance, but I found Acton a more likeable and engaging character than Persephone. At times, I couldn’t understand her issue with Acton and wished that she could put aside her ideologies of men and see him for the person that he was becoming. The notion that they realise they love each other, seems almost like a lightbulb moment that I believe can be a tad overused. Some of the secondary characters made the book all the better, particularly Persephone’s aunt and Acton’s mother, who were both unique and lovely women – quite a change from Persephone’s unfeeling mother. An enjoyable romance overall.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one was so cute and fun to read. I think the start was a bit slow however as the reader meets all the characters and understands the world. However once the story picks up and it really gets going.

Acton has his moments as a MMC and I like that while he isn't self aware of his actions, when things are pointed out to him he learns and reflects on his actions.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about persephone because at times she was so enjoyable to read and then she became annoying. Like she blames him for having a past but she also has a past.

The characters felt very modern which kinda hurt my immersion into the book.

Overall though I flew through the book and had a great time with it.

"If the Duke Dares" by Darcy Burke seems to be a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This captivating story is filled with explosive emotions that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Love, heartache, friendship, and trust are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of trust—a theme often overshadowed by other aspects of relationships. Burke's focus on trust adds depth and complexity to the story, reminding readers of its crucial role in forming and maintaining meaningful connections.

With a glowing recommendation and a perfect score of 10/10, "If the Duke Dares" deserves a spot on everyone's TBR list for 2024. It promises to be a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the value of trust in our own lives and relationships.

This is the start of a new series which might be why I found it a little slow going at the beginning as we meet all new people. It was also a little repetitive at times with the same situations and scenes playing over and over again causing the pace to be slow as well. Not my favourite from this author for that reason but a solid start. 3.5 stars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Okay read. It did not quite jive with me.

2 stars for Acton. He is not so self aware, but as things are pointed out to him, he does reflect and changes. Yes he's a rake but he reforms himself quite nicely. He also very charming, happy (considering how he was raised) and quite protective and honorable.

Next star was for Perseys aunt, and Actons mom.

What I disliked about this book was the heroine. She's is just so judgemental and a prissy prig. Seriously she has no money, no protection and she turns down the one man who can help her in the middle of no where. Add stupid to the list. There is one scene in the end where Acton declares his love and says he was not flirting, the ladies in question even come out and openly declare that he is not and Persey asks of he paid them to say that?? What???

While not my favorite by Darcy Burke, I enjoyed this start to a new series! Reformed rake is a top favorite trope of mine and Acton’s journey from rake to devoted husband was intensely satisfying. I loved his dynamic with Persy and their push/pull relationship was delightful! But at times I felt like we were supposed to know things/characters that hadn’t already been introduced or explained. And the starting chapters were very slow to start. Once the story got moving though, I was invested in Acton’s crumbling facade (he’s really a sweetheart) and Persephone’s determination to stay away from rake’s like him. I just kept hoping for…a little more. A little more plot. A little more chemistry. And a little more character development.
3.5 ⭐️

This book was just okay for me. Their meet ugly was fun and I enjoyed watching them navigate the expectations of their families and figure out what they wanted from each other. The highlight of this book was definitely the hero. He was sweet, sincere and adorable. I almost feel like he was too good for our heroine. I loved that she wasn't a virgin but I wish she didn't feel the need to blame him for his past when she also had a past. I didn't feel like he had to grovel for half the stuff she blamed him for but he was good at it so there was that. The characters seemed a bit flat to me (especially the her nasty parents) and I wish they had more complexity. Acton's journey away from rakehood felt a bit flat as well since he didn't seem to take much convincing to change his ways (and he didn't seem to be that much of a rake to begin with honestly). The characters have pretty modern perspectives about women making their own choices which is typical for current historical romance so I expected it but it's worth noting in case that's not your thing.
I did really love the premise even if the execution wasn't exactly what I was hoping it would be. The sexual chemistry was there and I was rooting for Persephone to find people that cared about her (unlike her horrid parents).

Am a massive fan of this genre but I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to. The sex was a bit clunky and I didn't click with any of the characters.

A well written historical romance that is sadly not completely believable. The story of Acton and Persephone falling in love does has something sweet. Which is why I enjoyed this even though it is a little farfetched.

Oh my gosh. There are parts of this story that make me so mad for how women were treated during that time period. But, I loved watching the way Persephone and her friends had chosen to exert what control they could over their world. In contrast, I felt sorry for Acton for completely different reasons. Here’s this young man with all this power and influence, but who’s been taught to suppress his emotions and feel nothing for anyone. His epiphanies were probably the most poignant in the book. Though, watching Acton and Persey falling for one another without ever really realizing it filled me with purely evil glee. I can’t wait to discover what the author has up her sleeve for the rest of this cohort of young ladies.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

As a fan of Darcy Burke - I have read most of her back catalog - I was excited to see that she was launching a new series. "If the Duke Dares" unfortunately did not live up to my expectations. The start of the book felt a little like a data dump - here are all these people! Learn their names! And their relationships! And then once we move into the main relationship between Persephone and Acton, it just didn't make sense. I still don't understand why he would have been so drawn to her upon their first meeting. It seems incongruous that a girl so worried about propriety would run from her parents to travel alone. And once we get into the physical relationship, it seems like whole aspects of Persephone's character are suddenly different than they were before, but in ways that seem disjointed and unlikely.

As other reviewers have said, I didn't feel much of an emotional connection between Persey and Acton. I was more invested in his relationship with his mother and sisters, which we know there has to be more to than what Acton was told. There were also lots of other details left hanging, perhaps to be wrapped up in future installments? Why did Persey's mother become such a horror? What was Pandora trying to gain by walking alone with Bane? Is Bane really going to marry his new fiancee? (I think not.). But I digress. I will definitely read other entries in this series because one book is not enough to make me no longer a Darcy Burke fan. But the only reason I could recommend this one is if you are someone - like me - that has to read the entirety of a series in the proper order and this is of course the first book.

2 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

Arranged marriage gone rogue! And it’s a blast!!

On one side you have a sisterhood of friends who fiercely stick together for better or for worse, and are united in their disdain for rakes and all they get away with without consequences. On the other, you have a band of brothers – arrogant, entitled, gambling, flirting, fornicating, rambunctious rogues.

When Persephone’s sister gets compromised by one of them, her self-centred parents have a ready solution: either Persey marries the duke of their choice, or she’s out on her own. She may be an undesirable spinster, but she’s no sacrificial lamb, and so she runs away on their trip to visit said duke…
Acton knows it’s time to settle down and mend his ways - raking around has lost its luster. On his way home to meet his potential duchess, he gets distracted by a widow… He falls first and so very hard before he even knows who she is. He figures it out quickly though, and then the chase is on!

Persey and Acton are perfection together! Great chemistry, lots of sizzle and nice steam, but also respect and care. The way he nibbles away at her resolve, never leaving her side, while she bluntly points out his failings, forcing him to reevaluate his life, his privilege and his choices. A most splendid rake reformation indeed!
I also really enjoyed the side plot of Acton’s personal quest to get reacquainted with his mother and his sisters. He only ever heard his father’s version of why they left nearly 25 years ago. And Persey’s sassy aunt is a treasure!
This story is always on the move, the plot is captivating and fun, the MC’s have intriguing depth and it’s beautifully written with wonderful dry wit. I loved it start to finish, and I can’t wait for the next book in this new series!

Persephone must marry, to save her sister’s reputation. Her parents choose a known rake, she can’t do it. She runs away and meets that Duke but doesn’t know it. The two get to know each other before knowing exactly who they are and maybe first impressions aren’t everything…

This book was cute. If not predictable. The action starts right away and that’s not a bad thing. I thought the chemistry was good and the story was fun. Couldn’t ask for more.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

A new serie by Darcy Burke🥰!!!and I don't know about you but I'm starting the year with the best books ☺️
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Lady Persephone Barclay has to save her sister's reputation by marrying the man her parents chose the Duke of Wesllbourne and raise their social status
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But she knows the Duke through his notorious fame and that of his friends. Deciding to keep her oath not to marry Rogue, she decides to run away in the middle of the night to her aunt's house
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But the trip is not as prosperous as she thought and she ends up face to face with the man she is trying to avoid at all costs
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This book took away my hours of sleep because the twist plots appeared every time it told myself it was the last chapter and the chemistry they have was to cry of happiness, also so steamy🫠
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My second five stars and after the sneak peak about the next book I know I'm going to love this series.
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And they covers 😍 they're to die for🥰
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Thanks to Darcy Burke for give me a copy of this Beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

Thanks NetGalley. The story had some fun parts as well as sad having Pandora being compromised by one Acton's friends and then walking away telling her he is betrothed to anther already. Acton was raised by his father who believed a duke could do as he pleased and not be held accountable. His mother raised his two sisters. Now the father has died and mother is living near him. She feels it is time he married. Persephone does not want to marry but her parents insist. She runs away and meets Acton but he doesn't know who she is. Then finds out and they get to know each other. He tries to protect her and her sister and realizes where he has made his mistakes in his actions. As he gets to know his mother and sisters he sees where he had gone wrong.

Darcy Burke is always a one click for me and I'm always happy when I see she has a new book out. If the Duke Dares is a new series and begins with the story of Persephone and Acton. I enjoyed both characters and liked their unique love story. This is a good read. 4.25 stars rounded to 4.

Persephone Barclay, or Persey, is very close with her sister Pandora, who has recently been socially ruined by the worst of lordly rakes. She and their group of girlfriends are supporting Pandora as best they can and have even come up with a list of "do's and don'ts" when dealing with men that make sense for the day.
Once thought to be the sister most likely to attract a highly successful marriage, Pandora is now a family liability. As a result, and much to her dismay, Persey is being pushed forward by her parents as a potential marital candidate. Her parents have their own reasons, and none of them are pleasant.
The Duke of Wellesborne, Acton Loxley, is thinking it's time to marry. His rogue days are becoming less exciting, or maybe he is maturing. He is set to meet a potential bride but is unaware that this young woman has no desire to wed, as Persey is unhappy her parents are forcing the issue.
The two meet under unplanned circumstances with humorous results, and the plot moves forward with a series of twists for the two,which are mired in misunderstandings and gossip fueled errors.
The H and h find that despite their original plan not to follow her parents' plan, their attraction for each other just might not be something either of them can overcome.
This is a wonderful story, and I really enjoyed it. The development of both the main characters was interesting as they gained an understanding of each other and also of themselves. There were other characters and subplots that made the story interesting and entertaining as well. Finally, there was just enough heat to make the romance sexy without it being at all gratuitous. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance, and I am really looking forward to the next in this series.
I read this as an arc, but my opinions are my own.