This is a very short novella. Would have liked it a bit longer. I haven't read the series and there is enough in the story that you don't have to but I can imagine it's even better if you already know the other characters. It was an enjoyable quick read.

A fun quick read that brings another look into the Leighton Cluster but with the new generation.

Nigel and Arabella are life long family friends that find themselves in love with each other. They struggle to recognize they belong together but the find their way to each other.

This story is a fun escape from the typical formula where the female protagonist is helpless and the male protagonist must save her. Talk about breaking the mold(s); even the support characters defy stereotypes in a time when gender roles were rigidly defined. The balances of power and mutual respect along with healthy doses of animal attraction made this book a fairytale of our time. I do recommend this book to readers bored by the usual tropes in this genre. The author does a good job of developing the characters in a way that keeps things measured. Not too much of the 'tortured soul' or 'bleeding heart' in this book!

A wonderful novella, just under 100 pages, from Tracy Sumner. Continuing with her Duchess Society series this book goes to the next generation. Nigel Streeter is 33 and runs a gaming hell for the man he considers his uncle and mentor. Although born in the gutter he has risen in society and is very successful. Arabella Macauley is 22 and of marriageable age. She isn’t interested in the fops of the ton that are after her money. Her sights are set on Nigel who works for her father.

Bella delightfully goes after what she wants. There isn’t time to develop the characters more, but you know they’ve known each other most of their lives. So it isn’t shocking when she turns to Nigel when she needs a ride home in the middle of the night or after a scuffle at a ball. Nigel of course thinks he is too old for her but their first kiss is all it takes to know his heart has been slayed. Sumner’s writing is easy to read and comes with sweet payoffs. She is able to ratchet up the passion one moment and then share a memorable father and daughter scene the next.

This book can be read on its own but it is the sixth in the Duchess Society series. Nigel’s and Belle’s parents' romances can be read in 'The Brazen Bluestocking' and 'The Wicked Wallflower respectively’. I’ve read those and the others in the series and can recommend them all.

Nigel was found on the streets as a boy and even though he was finally raised in a loving home he can never forget his origins.
Bella is gorgeous and independent deciding that she wants Nigel and will stop at nothing.
Their parents are the best of friends with their own intriguing love stories.
Nigel tries to resist Bella at first but with every encounter he falls a little deeper into her arms.
Steamy fun that is easy to read.

4.5 ⭐️
Read if you like: novella, grumpy MMC, age gap, family friends, experienced mmc and virgin fmc, unrequited love, Christmas setting, scarred hero

This was such a sweet read filled with yearning 💕 I am just obsessed with Tracy Sumner’s writing

Nigel is the grumpiest mmc (rightfully so with his sad childhood). He is 10 years older and a very experienced rake.
Arabella is bold, witty, and just wanted Nigel to notice her. Their banter and chemistry had me screaming at them to get together 😫🫶🏻
I was obsessed with how they were comfortable with each other and how they didn’t need to filter their conversations to be polite. I love how their banter was filled with sass, name calling, snappiness, and honesty.

Oh and that absolutely magical, steamy first kiss?? Or later on when he sweeps her off her feet? - I was left absolutely breathless reading this book 🥰🤭

This short but amusing chapter of the series deals with the next generation of the Macauley/Streeter families. We have a feisty, determined Arabella going after a reluctant, doubtful Tobias, and it's pure fun!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

A wonderful love story that might have not happened if Bella had not decided to go after what she wanted and that was Nigel. I love the fact he did not have a chance once Bella decided who she wanted. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. The story is well written with some hilarious dialogues mixed in. The story made me laugh and I couldn’t wait to see what plan Bella was forming next, Nigel did not have a chance but in the end he was captivated with her. I love the nickname he had for her, very descriptive. This is a wonderful edition to the Duchess Society series.
I received a free copy of this book via the Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

The Daring Debutante is a lighthearted, heartwarming and fun short read. Part of the Duchess Society, it nevertheless stands alone as it introduces the next generation. So we really get two wonderful stories packed into the pages: The new romance between Nigel and Arabella and the continuing love between their parents. I loved the banter, the flirting, the soul-searching and of course the steamy sexy times and I hope we get to see more of the new generation in future books!

Nigel is attracted to Arabella but he feels he is too old and too baseborn for her. Arabella is the wild debutante that decides she wants Nigel and nothing will stop her. While I was happy to see Nigel and Arabella’s story, I felt this did not go into enough depth and story. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for my honest review.