I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Duke With Benefits is the second book in Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series of Regency romances. I enjoyed the first book in the series- Ready Set Rogue; Daphne and Maitland had some delightful interactions as secondary characters, so I was very excited when I found out that they were the main characters in the second book of the series.

Daphne is a mathematical genius, and her arrival at Beauchamp House provides her with the opportunity for independence from her n’er do well father. Daphne also has a secret that she has been keeping from her new friends- it appears that Celeste Beauchamp wanted her to solve a cipher. As legend has it, the solution to the cipher leads to an enormous treasure.

Dalton Beauchamp is the Duke of Maitland, and he initially arrives at the house to discover what all the fuss is about. He is especially curious about Daphne, who is unlike any woman he has encountered before. Their mutual attraction is a surprise to both of them, and Maitland is even more shocked by Daphne’s solution to this “problem”.

Unfortunately, their budding romance must be pushed to the side when they discover that Daphne is not the only one who knows that the cipher might be located in Beauchamp House- and that there are people who are willing to kill in order to find it. But on the bright side, this gives Daphne and Maitland many opportunities to spend time together as they track down clues and race against unseen nemeses.

Duke With Benefits is an absolute delight. Daphne and Maitland are so sweet together. I do think that her personality was toned down a bit from the first book; she is still acerbic, but slightly more circumspect. Maitland comes across and very caring, and he can take charge of a situation without being aggressive.

I would absolutely recommend Duke With Benefits. You don’t have to read Ready Set Rogue first, but you really ought to read it at some point. I have such a soft spot in my heart for bluestocking heroines, and Collins does a wonderful job with giving Daphne a backstory that strongly shaped her personality. I am already eagerly awaiting the third book in the series after having wished for the pairing of the characters based on a short ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ interaction.

I am not saying that I was lost, but for once in a HR series it did feel like I had missed out. I think it was how it started. One of the women being rushed back to the house. And I was all, what has happened? There was this whole murder plot that I got the end of and the couple in this one already knew each other so well. So yes for once I say read book 1 first. But of course it is still HR so it worked fine reading book 2 first too...just, yes I felt like I had missed the beginning.

Daphne was something else. She spoke her mind, and not in a good way. She said whatever came to mind, however wrong that was. I do not want to say it was cos she had not had any schooling in social graces. No, I would rather give her a diagnosis.

Dalton was hot, she sure thought so and how she was smarter. Yes I am glad he did not run away cos she sure said what she liked.

They fall in lust, and live happily ever after.

But before that there is a secret that Daphne want to figure out. Someone is lurking in the shadows and it gives a bit of suspense to the book.

Conclusion:
A nice romance with a couple that fits each other well despite being so different.

Daphne is so fun, maybe not how I'm supposed to see her, but I love her lack of social graces that make her so real. Mainland was great as well. I love this series of blue stockings and can't wait for more from manda Collins.

Another fun mystery and romance. Daphne is much more likeable in this story than in the previous one and Dalton, well he is just swoon-worthy. The mystery in this one is very well written and you really need to pay attention to the clues and how they work together. Loved it. Daphne and Dalton’s personalities are polar opposites and I guess opposites do attract. Their interactions are great – Dalton is easily shocked and it is fun to see him squirm. I love these smart women. Another great addition to the series.

Duke with Benefits is a mystery driven regency romance that I found fun and cleverly plotted. It's the second in the Studies in Scandal series, and the first book by Manda Collins that I've read. Though it is a part of a series, I had no trouble in reading this as a standalone.

The two main characters in this story; the very independent and extremely smart Daphne Forsythe and Dalton Beauchamp. The Duke of Maitland. Daphne is the daughter of an earl and a recent benefactor to a Madam Albinia and has moved into the Beauchamp house as part of her inheritance. This is where the two are brought together. These two don't have immediate chemistry, but they are attracted to each other and from that and friendship, and a relationship blooms. I really enjoy their banter and Daphne's indignation at Dalton's insistence they play by the rules of society. This story is driven by Daphne's treasure hunt for the Cameron Cipher and a mysterious death of an old acquaintance of Daphne's. There's a few villainous suspects for the murder, and the same contending in the hunt for the Cipher. The riddles presented take a very clever person to unravel and it seems Daphne was chosen for the task. And lucky for Daphne, Dalton is along to assists.

The story is really very well plotted and as Daphne and Dalton get closer, and the circumstances transpire towards a more meaningful relationship, their chemistry does shine through. 4 stars and Regency Romance recommendation!

"<i>I would think that finding a dead man's body in the library would do more damage to Beauchamp House's reputation than the hasty marriages of two of Aunt Celeste's proteges.</i>"
"<b>You know full well that sex is far more scandalous than murder.</b>"

While my main issue with book one in the <i>Studies in Scandal</i> series was the romance and the murder mystery, I'm happy to report that DUKE WITH BENEFITS had a much more realistic love story than it's predecessor. Helped by the fact that the main characters were both more interesting and charming in their own rights.. as well as having the amusement of Daphne's honest and blunt and uber-rational approach to all things; even sex and marriage.

<i>Her lessons in gentility had been abandoned in favour of higher maths. Which left her with the ability to solve complex equations more quickly than most Oxbridge fellows and almost no sense of how to speak without setting up the backs of those around her.</i>

However it seems that each book in this series is each going to have it's own murder/mystery of the week, all centered around the late mysterious and scholarly Aunt Celeste, who has bequeathed her home and life works to the four bluestockings. Aaaand it was that, in particular, which bored me. Again. I mean, I liked the concept of the treasure hunt aspect of it all but by the time it was revealed and discovered.. well, considering how little importance the author made of this big find, I'm feeling like she might not have cared much about it, either.

Two books in this is feeling very formulaic (two abductions in two books, I mean c'mon) and it's a foregone conclusion that with two of the heiresses "compromised" and been made to wed, I can only guess that the same will happen to the remaining two. And seeing as the sisters have not yet been given much time to shine or show any semblance of personality -- Daphne was the only one who, from the beginning, stood out -- I'll be making a pass on the rest of the series.

<i>Sometimes conversation was a trial for Daphne, who wished people would simply say what they meant instead of using metaphors and the like. Turns of phrase made life very frustrating for her.</i>

The various elements that make up this series are fun and interesting in theory but it's a little too repetitive, a little too dull, too convenient, and unfortunately I didn't find any of the characters to be very compelling -- Daphne being the slight and sole exception, mostly because I love that she has a form of OCD/anxiety, even Aspergers. The fact that in addition to that Collins chose to make her beautiful instead of the typical awkward homely girl might be the best part.

"<i>First Ivy was compromised into marrying Quill and now you, Maitland, my own brother, have faked a betrothal to Daphne in order to protect her from her father. At this rate, Sophia and Gemma will be embroiled in scandals with the vicar and his curate before the week is out. It's like living in a Sheridan play. With murder.</i>"

However, that being said, here was definite improvement in this installment vs the first (which I can only attribute to the MCs) and I did enjoy the continued trend of the tongue-in-cheek bits of humour that poked fun at some of the cliches that run rampant in this genre. I just think there are plenty of other historical romances that offer similar adventures or romances that, overall, are more enjoyable.

2.5 stars

Duke with Benefits is the second book in Collins' Studies in Scandal in which four young ladies inherit a home from an eccentric older woman. With that inheritance comes many mysterious and a chance at romance.

Lady Daphne is one of the ladies who has jointly inherited the house. Daphne was recruited due to her outstanding mathematical skills, which come in handy when she finds herself embroiled in a mystery with mathematics at its heart. Aiding Daphne is the Duke of Maitland, Dalton, who is quite taken with Daphne's unusual manner even when he's thrown for a loop by it.

Anyone familiar with Collins' writing will recognize the formula present in Duke with Benefits. The combination of romance and mystery works well, and it's the prefect light and cozy read. While there are often darker themes hinted at, it never overwhelms the reader. In my opinion Collins' titles are often a safe and comfortable read, and in that, I think there is a lot of appeal to reads looking for a comfort read.

What I liked best about Duke with Benefits is Daphne's quirky character. I loved that Daphne was unusual, but also learning to be self-aware to recognize when her words could be hurtful to others. Dalton was a nice compliment to Daphne, but in my opinion, Daphne was the stronger character.

Overall, Duke with Benefits was a nice, cozy read, perfect for those who like a touch of intrigue in their romances.

Can the next one please come out!!??!! Manda Collins creates characters that are funny, witty and believable.

Honestly, the fact that this book DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS the previous one within the first few pages annoyed me so much that I couldn't even keep reading. I'm all about Roshoman and unreliable narrators, but there's unreliable and there's 'hey, remember the timeline from the previous book? Yes? Too bad because I don't!" I found it infuriating and careless, and couldn't make myself finish--or even really start--the book.

This is my honest review in return for this ARC. This is the second book in the Beauchamp House series that I have had the chance to read. These stories have so much to recommend them! They are filled with extremely clever women and pompous Lords and mystery and romance. The absolutely correct combination of all of these bring these tales to a very satisfactory conclusion. I can't wait for the next one!

*I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

Release Date: 6/27/17

I had never read a Manda Collins book before but after reading a Duke with Benefits, I am definitely interest in reading more of her stuff! I love a heroine who has something special to them whether a backstory detail or a characteristic that makes them unique and Daphne was no exception! I love her mathematical mind! As someone who was never very good at math, it was cool to get to see the perspective of someone, especially a lady in Daphne's time, use her strengths on an adventure and to solve a mystery (especially one with such a hot duke as a lead!) The scenes between Daphne and Dalton were amazing. I was caught on their first exchange! In a time where I've been craving a good solid romance and adventure, Collins delivered and I can't wait to reread the book as well as picking up more of Collins writing!

Interesting story - hadn't read the prior book but didn't need to as it is viable as a stand alone story. Enjoyed the romance and the mystery would read this author's works again

Lady Daphne Forsyth is one of the four blue stocking scholars that have inherited a valuable estate from Lady Celeste. They must all live together for a year. Lady Daphne has been given a clue to a treasure hunt. She must use her impressive mathematical brain to solve a cypher. The problem is they have to find the cypher before she can solve it, and that looks like a dangerous undertaking.
Dalton Beauchamp the Duke of Maitland was not at all happy when his aunt left the estate to the women, but in the time since has come to enjoy their company. The prickly Daphne enchants him with her very direct manner.
You could quite easily read this as a stand alone, but it's better to read the series in order to understand the story that links our heroine to the rest of the blue stockings.
This is a marvelous murder/mystery with lots of fun and danger. The characters are all very unusual and the puzzles are clever.
I loved it.

This book picks up immediately after <a href="http://themeanderingreader.blogspot.com/2017/01/ready-set-rogue-by-manda-collins.html">Ready, Set, Rogue</a>. Lady Daphne Forsyth and Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, have been circling around each other. She is a genius at mathematics. She's also very wary because she's been burned by men before. First, her father who would use her to win money at cards. Then her tutor's son who... well... that's a bit of a spoiler but when he shows up, she's not happy.
Dalton is taken aback by this woman who says what she thinks and is willing to have sex with him without the sanctity of marriage. He knows that she's smart at math, but he also knows that he's a genius with people (we're told this over and over again.) Together, they are going to be able to not only solve the riddles his aunt left for them both, but discover the location of some long-lost gold.
Like the first book, this is a fast trip between introductions and Twu Lurv. We get a little more time since Daphne and Dalton met in the first book but that book didn't cover much time. We also got two characters who were nice enough but we got more "tell" than "show" in character development.

Three stars
This book comes out June 27

WE FINALLY HAVE A STORY FOR DAPHNE!!!
I have been waiting for this book from the very second we met Daphne in the first "Studies in Scandal" bok. Once again, Celeste has left behind a mystery for the bluestockings (Honestly, I don't think I like Celeste that much. Why does she keep putting these girls in danger? She's dead and gone so she's safe from harm but what about the poor girls?).
Daphne is the only one who can decode the mysterious Cameron Cipher which apparently leads to a fortune. And of course this means her spending lots of time with the dreamy- I mean, with the Duke of Maitland. Their search for the Cipher turns bloody which puts Daphne at risk. Especially when it seems like someone close to her might want her dead.
I love the whole element of danger leading to people falling in love. Personally I think it's a plot device that is used far too often but I love it nonetheless.
This was a great read and I found it impossible to put down. Maybe it was because of the plot that kept me glued until the end of the book or maybe it was because I was really eager to see what happened between Daphne and Maitland. This was just an absolutely amazing read and I can't wait for the rest of the series to release.

Duke with Benefits” is the second in the series “Studies in Scandal” by Amanda Collins. It follows Lady Daphne Forsyth who has inherited Beauchamp House from Lady Celeste, along with her three friends. However, it is quickly revealed that Daphne believes that Lady Celeste was murdered. She believes that Celeste’s death may have been at the hands of criminals. It is only upon meeting someone from her past, that she reveals her suspicions; that the criminals were trying to uncover the location of the treasure, believing that the clues were hidden at Beauchamp House.
Daphne has an incredible mathematical mind and her love for puzzles, finds her trying to uncover the clues with Celeste’s nephew, the Duke of Maitland (Dalton). She believes that if she can solve the puzzle, she will uncover the murderer.
I found the story enjoyable once Daphne overcame her initial arrogance especially regarding her greater intelligence than Dalton. Whilst Daphne struggles to overcome her bluntness, Dalton makes up for this through his ability to charm everyone he encounters. Their relationship was well developed and made this story all the more enjoyable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four young ladies with different academic talents have inherited Beauchamp House from Lady Celeste who they had also never previously met. The condition for them to receive their share of their inheritance is they must live together in Beauchamp House for a year and Lady Celeste has left letters for all of them. In her letter to Lady Daphne Forsyth she challenges her to find and solve the notorious Cameron Cipher and suggests that her nephew, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, could assist her in this quest.
Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library at Beauchamp House houses the legendary Cameron Cipher, Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on and cannot resist. Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, he’s intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner.
Another very good read about the second of the four bluestockings that inherited from Lady Celeste. This book could be a stand-alone book but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading Ivy’s story. I didn’t warm to Daphne in the previous book but she certainly improved with the help of Dalton who is so charming. There was an attraction between the pair in the previous book & it only grows in this. The book is well written, mystery surrounding the cipher had me reading long after I should have been doing other things. The pace is very good. The characters are very well portrayed & have lots of depth of character. I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series.

Second book in the Studies in Scandal series, and this one is about Lady Daphne, the very direct, tell it like it is Daphne who we met in the first book, and the Duke of Maitland, Dalton.

I thought the first book was good, and this one is too, I can't wait for the others in this series, they get better and better.

I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and I voluntarily leave my own honest opinion

This is the second book in the Studies in Scandal series that was introduced in book #1, Ready Set Rogue. The series deals with four highly intelligent young women who together inherit a country estate from a benefactress who believes in their bluestocking leanings. To keep their inheritance the women must live at the estate for a year.
Daphne Forsyth has an inability to tell a white lie, she takes most everything spoken literally, which often causes others to have hurt feelings. This distresses Daphne since she is really a nice young woman who does not mean to hurt her friends. Dalton finds her entertaining and tries to help with her social faux pas. He is also falling in love with her and meets resistance from Daphne who has no desire to marry. She is content to be a bluestocking mathematician. There are evil villains who will stop at nothing to secure the treasure for themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The romance is fun and certainly steamy, the mystery kept me guessing and the characters are well developed. I do think the reader will enjoy this book more if they read the first book in the series. That book gives a true foundation for the mysteries and the young women. However this book can be read as a standalone.
I can recommend this book to all Historical Romance readers. I certainly look forward to the next book in the series.
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