Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins is the third book in her popular historical mystery series, Ladies Most Scandalous, and can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Story Recap:
Miss Poppy Delamare left home to start a new life in London two years ago in order to escape a betrothal to an odious man. Now, two years later, her sister is accused of murdering that same man. Poppy now runs home to the small town of Little Kidding, to save her sister from the gallows.

Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham is also on his way to Little Kidding to return to his family's estate to attend his grandmother’s, the dowager Duchess of Langham’s annual birthday house party. When he runs into Poppy at the London train station, upon seeing her distress after she was robbed of her train fare, he invites her to travel with him in his coach. After they get to know each other they form an alliance to be fake engaged. Joshua wants to prevent his grandmother from setting him up at her house party, and Poppy wants the Duke’s help in helping her sister.

My Thoughts:
I was excited to be back in Manda Collin’s world and visit with her characters in this series. I love this combination of romance, mystery, and family dynamics, all set in Victorian England. The characters of this series are intertwined, but each book can be read as a stand-alone.

This book has a good balance of romance, to mystery and I loved both aspects of the story. The setting of Victorian England was well described and adds to the atmosphere of the mystery. The romance between Poppy and Langham is based on friendship first and includes both witty banter and sweet talk. The mystery is complex and fascinating to follow. Poppy makes a great detective and she doesn’t shy away from danger.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Collins’s light-hearted, pleasant historical romance/mystery was read in one sitting…not because it inspired “can’t put this down”, though a fun read. Rather because my home-city experienced a devastating ice storm, which I drove through on Wednesday, and then went into the dark and cold for two days while power was out. The Kindle held out long enough for me to read Collins’s Spinster’s Guide in one sitting on Thursday and then sit on my review till the power came back. I have been thinking about how our reading is as much about the when and how we read a book as much as the book itself and how blogs, waning as they are, recount and reflect those circumstances. So, there you have how I read Spinster’s Guide in the dark and cold.

Onwards to Collins’s third Lady’s Guide romance-mystery and its lovable characters, especially hero Joshua Fielding, Duke of Langham and heroine Poppy Delamere. To start, the publisher’s blurb to set us up with premise and details:

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?

Manda Collins’s strength does not lie in what she does to the genre, but in what she brings to it, a playful, endearing, hopeful ethos and lovely writing. In this, A Spinster’s Guide, and others, I find my favourite romance “thing”: clever diction and banter. Joshua and Poppy are smart, kind people and their exchanges reflect their natures. Their playful antagonism is one the reader can see right through, which is the fun part. To use one of Collins’s choice words, there is pleasure in thinking “you nodcocks, don’t you know you’re in love?!” That reader superiority is one of the pleasures of reading light-hearted romance: the stakes are low, but the emotions, a delight…if done right and Collins gets it right every time. What she may lack in development of “deep” themes and issues, she more than makes up for with humour, kindness, tenderness, and camaraderie (she also assembles endearing secondary characters).

As proof of Collins’s writing chops, here is a favourite bit when Poppy, still in contrarian-mode, ponders Joshua’s good looks: “a man who looked so much like an angel should thrive on devilry”. It is more mistaken reputation than act on Joshua’s part, but fun to read anyway. Case in point also Poppy’s snappy reply to Joshua’s offer of companionship when they find themselves on the same Buckinghamshire-bound train: ” ‘…don’t believe a duke can ever be friends with an impecunious spinster, Your Grace.’ ” Being an impecunious spinster, I totally get it. When the stakes are low and the hero and heroine as lovely and kind as Joshua and Poppy, everything “sharp” may sound like “they doth protest too much,” but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining a read. Consider, when Joshua’s questionable poetic praises to Poppy’s beauty are brought up at the family dinner table, she looks “at him with the kind of expression usually bestowed by mothers upon their ambulatory offspring.” LOL…

Moreover, always appreciated on my part is Collins’s gently feminist message: where the romance novel becomes a paean to finding a partner who will offer respect, consideration, and confidence, as well as love, comfort, support, and sexy times. When the false murder claim against Poppy’s sister needs a final “handling”, this is Joshua to Poppy: ” ‘I realize that of the pair of us, you are by far the cleverer. If you run into problems, I will attempt to help, of course, but otherwise I leave it in your capable hands.” As he does. And she does. And they live happily-ever-after with good humour, affection, friends, and family. The essence of the romance’s HEA. Miss Austen stands with me when we say A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Manda Collins’s A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and released on March 28th. I received an e-ARC from Forever, via Netgalley, which does not deter me from offering an honest opinion.

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger & Dukes by Manda Collins
#3 of the Ladies Most Scandalous series. Historical romantic mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Poppy Delamare finds out her sister is suspected of killing her husband and heads home to help investigate. Poppy’s purse is stolen at the train station and she ends up agreeing to accompany
Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, back to his estate which is in the same area as her stepfather’s home. Faking an engagement to the Duke helps get rid of matchmakers and helps her have some authority to ask the questions on behalf of her sister. Poppy and Langham spend time together and grow close.

The mystery gets deeper as they find a secret society, a knife and the sister unavailable and accused by the stepfather. The upside is that the Duke’s family is super nice and accommodating and welcoming to Poppy.
A lot of unfamiliar wording (for me) that would have been the formal language at the time.

Excerpts for the tone and content of the story:
“Oh, do not don a hair shirt and flog yourself in remorse, I beg you,” he said blithely. “Though I must say ladies do not usually have such a strong negative reaction to the prospect of bedding me.”

“He looked into her wide blue eyes and tried to read her thoughts. But apparently sexual congress did not imbue you with omniscience.”
Excerpt from A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

I received a copy of this from NetGalley

When aspects of Mystery and Romance come together, I think it can make for a truly interesting read. "A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes" by Manda Collins, was a good read. I enjoyed the mystery elements within the story concerning the murder and the sister being the alleged culprit. That grabbed my attention for sure. However, the romance was super cute. I did not feel like either element took over from the other. In fact, it blended seamlessly within the overall plot. I was happily pleased with this book. It may be the third in the series, but it is not necessary to read in order. I would still recommend reading the series though because each book is unique and enjoyable.

ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Net Galley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

This was a fake engagement for the Duke of Fielding to help his friend Miss Poppy investigate her sister's husband's murder (who her sister is accused of murdering). Though no one believes this spinster could possibly be suitable for him and laugh at the joke when they meet her. I am so glad I don't live in that time that seems so superficial, oh wait..
But as Joshua the Duke and Poppy investigate near his country home they get closer and as he falls first, she is hesitant to get too close but wants to experience everything with him since she's resigned herself to the shelf.
There are a lot of weird coincidences happening and a lot of murders around some notable people in that area but the clues for this murder are pointing to her sister and they seem to be planted to be that way. But no one has even seen or questioned her sister which is also suspicious.
Love a fake relationship with a investigation there's always fun involved. Especially when he falls first or at least tries to admit his feelings first.

Thank you readforeverpub for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

"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 "
This is an amazing story. If Poppy can't prove her sister's innocent she is domed.
I received this complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

3.5⭐️ - Slow to start, but quickly wrapped up in mystery, romance, and adventure, this was a fun historical romance novel with marriage of convenience as it’s central but not only plot point. I also love how fiercely independent our FMC was and how the MMC supported her in that. Had the pacing been a bit more even, it would have been higher rated. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy

I wanted this one to be for me but unfortunately this one didn't work for me. it was just really slow and i found myself not wanting to pick it back up.

4.5 Stars!!!

Poppy Delamere has been living under the alias of Flora Deaver ever since she ran away from her home several years ago to escape a betrothal to an awful man. When she gets word that her sister is being accused of the murder of her husband, the very same man Poppy was to be wed to, she knows she must come out of hiding to prove her innocence. Joshua is the Duke of Langham and NOT Poppy's favorite person but together they concoct a plan to help them both- Poppy will stand in as his fake betrothed and he will lend his power of position to help her sister. As time goes on and truths surrounding the murder start coming to light, so do Poppy and Joshua's feeling for one another.

Manda Collins has done it again. I love this entire series and Poppy and Joshua's story did not disappoint. This book grabbed my attention from page 1 and didn't let go. The story was juicy, the mystery wasn't predictable and the romance swoon worthy. I felt like all the parts of the story tied together so seamlessly. I think this whole series is such a unique take on historical romance! The murder mystery themes and plot lines truly add an essence to the romance that is unlike anything I've read. I can't wait for more!

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and Forever publishing for my honest review,

This 3rd book in the series is another good one. England, 1867, Poppy heads for the countryside to help her sister Violet when things get complicated. There’s a dashing Duke, a murder and some strange things going on. Poppy and her friends are entertaining

Tropes: Mystery, historical romance, funny, fake relationship

Manda Collins knows how to write such fun historical romance/ mystery books and I have enjoyed the Ladies Most Scandalous series.

Flora Deaver had been hiding who she really is, her real name is Poppy Delamere and she did not want her family to find her. When her sister is in trouble she finds herself heading home to help her. While at the train station she finds herself in a bit of trouble, but runs into Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham. They know each other but are not really friends. But they soon realize they can help each other out and that is when things get fun

I really enjoyed Poppy and Langham’s relationship. This book is a lot of fun if you enjoy a light, historical murder mystery and romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC

Manda Collins is back with another must read. I loved the story in this book and how fleshy and wonderfully developed the characters were. I felt like I knew them by the end of the story. The plot is great with just enough mystery to keep you intrigued but enough romance to keep you satisfied the whole way.

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes is the latest in the Ladies Most Scandalous series. Each novel follows a different lady, one who is a strong and unconventional type, as they navigate a society that wants to keep them small and quiet. They also each get their own romance with a seemingly unlikely match.

This book follows Poppy, who has been working in London for Kate and Caro under a pseudonym to avoid her past. She must travel back into her past when her sister is accused of murdering her husband. Poppy finds herself entwined in a fake betrothal with the handsome Duke of Langham. Poppy needs his help to investigate the murder and Langham needs a way to avoid his grandmother's matchmaking designs.

If you love a historical romance, a fierce and capable heroine, and the trope of fake dating/ fake fiances, then you will love Manda Collins's work. I recommend you start with the first in the series, but this one can stand on its own as well. Collins is an auto-buy author for this librarian!

Poppy Delamere has been hiding as 'Frida Deever', fact-checker for the newspaper column A Ladies Guide To Mischief and Mayhem. When her sister is accused of murder she has to flee home to see her.

Lord Langham is a duke and doesn't wanna be bothered by the ladies so he asks Poppy to pose as his fake fiance. Pretty standard duke behavior.

The 2 join forces to figure out what happened to Poppy's sister.

First off, I super enjoyed this book. I went in expecting one thing and came out satisfied. All of Manda's books are "Nancy Drew meets Jane Austen with kissing" and that is 100% the case here.

The banter between these 2 characters had me all smiles the first half of the book. The scenes with his family and Poppy holding her own were marvelous and extremely satisfying.

The second half of the book is where the book lost a star for me. The story shifts almost completely to solving what happened with her sister that it's almost like the chemistry between them dropped. HOWEVER, the use of hand holding in this book GOT ME. Casual walking around hand holding is so rare in histroms (so weirdly) and it was all over the place here. It was rather sweet.

All in all I really liked it. Would def recommend to a friend but would tell them to start from the first book.

Shout out to all the MFM references

Manda Collins continues to exceed my expectations with each new book published in this series. The newest, A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes is my favorite. In fact, it's one of my all-time favorites written by this author.

Using a tightly-plotted blend of historical romance and mystery wrapped around well-developed characters, snappy dialog, perfectly-placed humor, unexpected danger, sparkling banter, and a well-executed, adversaries-to-lovers, fake engagement, slow-burn romance, this story kept me happily flipping pages from beginning to end. In fact, I was having so much fun I didn't want it to end.

Can't wait to see what this author has in store for readers next.

4.5 Stars
*ARC received from Forever via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review

The moment I read the initial encounter between Flora and Langham in An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire I was itching to get my hands on their love story, and I must say that Manda Collins did not disappoint. This is my favorite of the series so far.

Poppy Delamere has been hiding in London the past two years, under the pseudonym Flora Deaver and working alongside Kate and Caro, but a murder accusation against her sister has her coming out of the shadows and rushing back to the family she fled.

Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, is heading to his country home to celebrate his grandmother's birthday when he encounters Poppy at the train station. The two do rather irk each other, but she is in need of help and they are going in the same direction after all. He offers her a ride.

Along the way they hatch a plan: he will assist her in clearing her sister's name if she will pose as his betrothed during the weeklong country party. They're from different classes and get along much like oil and water; surely this fake betrothal won't lead anywhere.

This book is a delight filled with banter, intelligent takedowns, mystery, and sizzling chemistry. Poppy takes on the formidable dowager duchess as well as Langham's initially prickly sister and the ladies of the ton and their highly ruffled feathers with aplomb.

Poppy and Langham make a perfect team, and I adore that one of the main things he finds attractive is that she doesn't fawn over him for being a duke. She has no qualms disagreeing with him and telling him what she thinks, and as a result, he falls in love with her. Instead of being challenged by her intelligence, he finds it to be one of her most attractive qualities.

Langham's moments of ducal condescension to others also had me smirking as they are so very different from who he is underneath it all.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I hope there is more to come. Perhaps a book about Langham's brother Lord Adrian???

I received a review copy from Forever via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Manda Collins resurrects the Hellfire Club as the Lucifer Society in this madcap rom-con whodunnit about a spurned groom-to-be, his runaway erstwhile intended, his wife, and a whole lot of ruinous fraud and other criminal goings on. There is never a dull moment in this mid-Victorian era mystery mixed with romance. There is some distracting tidbits with a thoroughly modern heroine, but in general, the novel rewards the reader with its brisk plotting and surprising villain. There is also sharp dialog that entertains.

I enjoyed this one! This is set in mostly in the countryside, with Poppy (known to her employer as Flora, as she'd been hiding her identity for reasons quickly revealed in the story) anxiously returning home upon hearing that her sister has been charged with the murder of her husband, an odious man (whom Poppy would have been forced to marry had she not left home). Poppy reluctantly accepts the help of Joshua, the Duke of Langham who has an estate close to her family home, in return for pretending to be his fiancee to help him avoid the women his grandmother has assembled in hopes of seeing him married off. It's a fake relationship trope story complete with an intriguing mystery to solve, all the while drawing Poppy and Joshua closer. Mostly lighthearted though the reality of women forced into marriage, including abusive ones, is part of the story. A sweet romance with sensual love scenes, witty banter, and a great addition to the series. Definitely recommend the whole series.

I loved how in the beginning of this book, everything starts happening right away. You are thrown into this book dealing with murder and potential brides from a meddling grandmother and it’s amazing!!

I LOVED the marriage of convenience and how Langham protected Poppy from his family, when he needed to, and the ton. I also loved how when his family came around about the marriage, they were very supportive of their relationship and was really there for Poppy.

I was shocked that this book was dealing with a satanic cult! It made me enjoy the book even more since I love books about true crime and cults.

Manda Collins has created a wonderful blend of mystery and romance in this book and I stayed up waaaaayyyy too late reading it. I couldn’t help it because it grabbed me with the first words and just wouldn’t turn me loose. You’ll absolutely adore the protagonists who are well-crafted, fully developed, and very relatable – and we get wonderful cameo appearances of the characters from the first two books.

Miss Flora Deaver has made a life for herself in London over the last two years. She has a job she loves and close loving friends – except – she has been lying to them about who she is. Now, with the shocking story of her sister’s imminent arrest for murder, she must quickly abandon all and return to . . . Where will she go? She is really Miss Poppy Delamare, daughter of a vicar, and stepdaughter to the vilest man on the face of the earth. She ran away when he tried to force her to marry another vile man – his private secretary, Mr. Alistair Lovell. What she didn’t realize was that her stepfather would force her sister, Violet, to marry Lovell after she ran away. And now, Violet is accused of Lovell’s murder and Poppy must give up her London life and friends to save her. However, things go awry as soon as she reaches Padding Station. Why is it that the one man who was there to offer assistance is that odious Joshua Fielding, Duke of Langham? Can they make his plan work?

Joshua Fielding adores his meddling, match-making grandmother and is on his way to his country estate to celebrate her birthday with her – and probably a house full of young ladies who hope to become his duchess. The face Joshua presents to the world isn’t who he really is, but he learned very early in life that most people were only after what he (or more to the point, his title) could do for them. The only person who doesn’t want anything to do with him or his title is Miss Deaver – and she detests him. However, when he comes across her in Paddington Station, he can’t help but offer his assistance. Besides, maybe they can help each other – she can pretend to be his betrothed and protect him from those marriage-minded ladies (and his grandmother) and he (and his title) can help her sister Violet.

Since I was instantly smitten by both characters, I smiled and sighed as Joshua and Poppy came to know and love each other. It was such a pleasure to watch Poppy charm Joshua’s grandmother and sisters all while investigating the murder of Mr. Lovell. And then, there is chemistry! OMGoodness – the chemistry between Poppy and Joshua nearly dissolved the pages.

The mystery is excellently done and the villains – well – they’ll lead you, Joshua, and Poppy on a merry chase before they are identified and justice is delivered. There is danger and intrigue within some unique settings and situations. You’ll love it.

I can definitely recommend this clever, engaging, well-written, and romantic book. While there isn’t officially an epilogue, the final chapter provides a nice wrap-up for the book. I hope you'll love it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.