Ebook or not, it shouldn't take me 19 days to get to the second chapter in a book. Just couldn't get into the story which really sucks because I was looking forward to Daphne's story. I just do not have the patience it takes to wait for a slow story to get going.

Lady Daphne Forsyth is one of 4 young ladies who have inherited an estate. The woman, Lady Celeste, left the estate to heirs who have special talents. Daphne's talent's are mathematics and ciphering. She was chosen because it is hoped she will be able to solve the Cameron Cipher which could lead to a cache of gold.
The Duke of Maitland (Dalton) is one of Lady Celeste's two nephews who are at the estate to provide protection for the young women. He has become enamored of Daphne.
She is abrupt, rude and cares nothing for the feelings of others. She believes the fact that she is a brilliant mathematician allows her to care nothing for the feelings of others. He is charming and kind and though he is a duke tries to be considerate of everyone he meets. The only time he uses the power of his title is when it is to do some good.
It was difficult for me to like Daphne. I get that she is brilliant. But she has been out in society because her father was using her talent to win money at cards. So, she must have seen the way other people treat one another at least every now and then. But, in her mind her talent is greater than the talents of the other young women and that grants her the right to treat everyone as though they are beneath her. That became old after a time.
Dalton leads her to see that her treatment of others is not a good thing. He is a gentleman who believes in a code of conduct so when Daphne propositions him to become his mistress he says no thank you. She believes he was being mean to her. Again, she has lived in the world, so a man being honorable should have been at least a possibility to her.
There are villains after the Cameron Cipher and when things become dangerous, Dalton becomes a protector for Daphne. As they search for the cipher, as well as who might be trying to find it, Dalton slowly introduces Daphne to the idea that other people may be of value. He exhibits patience and understanding as well as an innate kindness.
Although this is the second in a series, it works well as a stand alone read.
The plot is entertaining and the mystery is a nice diversion. For me it was a slow start, but shortly began moving along and provided an interesting read.
The character development is well done. The reader gets to see the development of Daphne's growth as a human being. We also see Dalton's attraction to Daphne and his understanding of why she behaves the way she does.
I have not read the first book in this series, but will look for the next book to see who finds the next adventure.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

DUKE WITH BENEFITS is the second book in this series. I have not read the first book, though I fully intend to go back and do so. You can enjoy this book without having read the first one because this one catches you up with much of what went on.

The series features four bluestockings – each outstanding in her particular field – who jointly inherit the estate of Lady Celeste Beauchamp (also a bluestocking). Each heir is left a particular mystery to solve based on their specific skills. The mystery in the first book was to solve the murder of Lady Celeste and this one was the solving of a cypher that would lead to the discovery of a large cache of gold.

This book is witty and sensuous and will captivate you and suck you in right from the first.

Okay – picture Temperance Brennan from the TV series Bones – or Walter from the TV series Scorpion and you have Lady Daphne Forsyth who is our heroine in this book. She’s lovely to look at, has a brilliant mathematical mind, but has absolutely no social skills. She’s plain spoken to the point of rudeness. She doesn’t mean to hurt anyone, she’s just totally unaware of how her very plain words affect others. She just states facts and doesn’t dress them up prettily.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland is one of the few people in the world who admires Daphne and appreciates her absolute honesty. He was attracted to her from the beginning (in the first book) and that attraction just grows as he gets to know her better. One of Dalton’s foremost skills is in dealing with people, so he and Daphne are wonderfully suited. Each complements the other’s weaknesses.

Someone else is out to find the treasure and Daphne and Dalton must find the cypher, solve it and then find the treasure first. There is a murder, an attempted murder and a kidnapping before it all comes to an end.

It is a fun entertaining read and I enjoyed getting to know Dalton and Daphne. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. I know that there will be at least two more books to tell the stories of the remaining two heiresses, but I’d also like to see one featuring Serena. She is Dalton’s sister and the chaperone of the four heiresses – and she definitely deserves a happily ever after of her own.

"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

I actually wanted to rate this book higher than a four, but some little details about the heroine, Daphne, held me back. Other than those small issues, I really loved the plot of DUKE WITH BENEFITS. The chemistry between Daphne and Maitland is off the charts! I found myself laughing at Daphne's forthrightness on more than one occasion. Poor Maitland is in no way prepared for this bright young woman. The must work against time together to find the Cameron Treasure and the adventure is certainly something to see.

I liked all the action, suspense and mystery in this book. Daphne has been left a task to find a cipher that will lead to great riches. All her new friends get involved including the handsome duke. Together Daphne and Maitland try to solve all the clues left for them.

When Mathematician Lady Daphne Forsyth receives news she has inherited a home and all the contents with three other female scholars, she packs her bags as fast as she can. Her benefactress left her more than a house and friendship with the three other lady scholars. She left her the chance to solve the legendary Cameron Cipher and be rewarded with all the riches to be found upon completion. One hitch Daphne doesn’t expect is her benefactress’ nephew, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, to help her in the quest.

Dalton is a young, handsome, witty Duke who wants to make sure his aunt’s home is in safe hands. When he meets Daphne, he is immediately struck by her beauty and charmed by her plain and more often than not inappropriate speaking.

Both Daphne and Dalton play a large part in the first novel in the series, Ready Set Rogue. They begin this novel with a shocking proposition. Daphne never intends to marry, but she believes she would enjoy the pleasures of the marriage bed. She therefore asks Dalton to be her lover, what we would now call Friends with Benefits. He refuses to be like his father who had numerous affairs and sullied the dukedom. The rejection seems to sting Dalton more than Daphne. Dalton doesn’t give up hope that she will eventually agree to become his wife.

Daphne’s lack of filter had me both laughing and cringing. Not the sort of lady who should be a duchess, but I’m overjoyed that Dalton never gave up on her. After joining her on the hunt for the Cameron Cipher, he learns more about the reasons why Daphne is the way she is. Along the way, Daphne learns to let her heart led her in a direction her head tells her to never tread. I love how Dalton acknowledges several times that he is not as intelligent as the object of his affection, but it is that humble attitude that helps him win her heart.

With death, danger, and a diabolical villain, Duke with Benefits is more than a romance. It’s a journey into the past with love and iminent peril nipping at your heels.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Duke With Benefits is not what you think it will be by the title. Yet, it is still a great book, second in the Studies in Scandal series. This is Daphne and Dalton’s romance. Daphne was able to overcome her lack of social skills present in the first book, but she still has a lot to work on. Although not specifically stated, she appears to possibly have Asperger’s Syndrome – extremely gifted but with very little social grace, and she is uncomfortable looking people in the eye. Thank goodness the handsome Duke of Maitland finds her quirkiness charming, especially after she shocks his by propositioning him. Obviously, he did not know what to do with her forthrightness at first, but the more he was around her, the more he understood her.

Daphne is not bashful about her gift in math, nor does she hide it, although she states in the book she would prefer someone compliment her on something she cannot do but is able to accomplish. Daphne’s father had used her to assist with his gambling addition once he realized her specialty with numbers. He did allow her a tutor to help her learn more about math, but she even surpassed her tutor eventually. So, when she was included with the other bluestockings, she joined them leaving her father behind.

Daphne’s skill brought her to the attention of Lady Celeste Beauchamp, aunt of the Duke of Maitland or Dalton. She along with three other blue stockings were left Celeste’s estate which included a huge library, one of the largest in England if the four young ladies lived there a full year. In the first book in the series, Ready, Set, Rogue, Ivy, one of the bluestockings, and Quill, Dalton’s cousin and a marquess, met and fell in love while solving Aunt’s Celeste’s murder.

Daphne was left a personal letter from the aunt about the Cameron Cipher, clues to finding lost gold. As she goes about methodically searching for the cipher, ghosts from her past show up, her father and her former tutor’s son to name two. As events begin to unfold, you realize there is more going on than just Celeste leaving Daphne clues to find the gold. This is where trouble begins making for a race to find the gold first.

This is a great book in the series but can be a standalone book, too. There are still two bluestockings left, and I hope the chaperon, Serena gets her own book, too. This is a thoroughly enjoy book to read to lighten your weekend.

This story had a little bit of everything. Suspense, romance and the h was a mathematician! You don't always see a strong, smart (smarter than the H) female in historicals - and have the H acknowledge it! It was a good read and definitely kept my interest.

First story I've read by Ms. Collins but it is fantastic. Loved the plot and romance. Great job.

I really enjoyed this story, the characters were funny and not your typical historical romance types. It was a nice change.

Duke With Benefits by Manda Collins is a fantastic historical romance. Ms Collins has penned a story with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns and loaded it with lovable characters. Daphne and Dalton's story has enough drama, humor and spice to keep a reader glued to this book from cover to cover. I totally enjoyed reading Duke With Benefits and look forward to reading more from Manda Collins in the future. Duke With Benefits is book 2 in the Studies in Scandal Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

Far more enjoyable than the first in this series, Ready Set Rogue. And there was a lot more action, what with a mysterious cipher, hidden treasure, spies, kidnapping, fake engagement, riddles and clues galore. But the real pleasure was Daphne and Dalton dancing around each other.

In the first book, Daphne was almost insufferably blunt-spoken without no social filters. Here, we find layers of what makes her tick - she's not just an awkward bluestocking so much as someone dealing with real psychological conditions while trying to find a place to belong. The author makes it obvious that Daphne is probably a high-functioning autistic with obsessive compulsive disorder, but it is depicted in a gentle, respectful manner and not as a literary gimmick. I loved that Daphne tried so hard, not to change her true self, but to make adjustments so as not to hurt or offend her newly found friends.

As a result, Dalton wasn't nearly as interesting a character as Daphne, but his obvious adoration and adulation of Daphne, ticks and all, was a lovely tribute. Dalton may not fully understand Daphne, but he loves all of her.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The second title in the Studies in Scandal series features Lady Daphne, the mathematician with limited social skills. Raised by her father who saw her as a way to pay his bills through her skill with cards, Daphne finds social interactions challenging. She tends to say exactly what is on her mind without thinking and doesn't understand the need to stick to save conversation topics. Three months prior, Daphne propositioned Dalton, the Duke of Maitland to have a strictly physical affair with no strings attached. After growing up with a father known for his scandalous behavior, Dalton refuses Daphne and hurts her feelings. Lady Celeste, Dalton's aunt and Daphne's benefactor, has left clues to the Cameron Cipher for Daphne, but she will need Dalton's help to find a Jacobite treasure. A murder complicates the search; Daphne and Dalton soon realize that they are better together than individually. I could totally relate to Daphne and her social awkwardness and appreciated a character that wasn't socially adept. I love how Dalton understands Daphne's quirks and appreciates of her incredible math skills without feeling threatened. Dalton's defense of Daphne when her father shows up proves that he is the perfect man for her - he is proud of her knowledge but will also protect her from anyone wanting to take advantage of her. Like Manda Collins other stories, the mystery aspect is well done and keeps the reader guessing throughout. I can't wait to see what is in store for the final two beneficiaries of Lady Celeste's legacy.

Duke with Benefits ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ written by Amanda Collins
(Study in Scandals #2)

While is did not read the first book of this series I did find this a throughly enjoyable romance/mystery.

Lady Daphne Forsyth is renowned mathematician she has a true passion for puzzles and alike. It is her gift that brings her to the attention of Lady Celeste. Celeste upon her untimely death bequests her estate the Beauchamp House to four great female minds. Her nephew Dalton Beauchamp upon meeting Lady Daphne is quite intrigued by her abilities and her less than proper struggles to get along with others. Although, Daphne hides a secret from them all about her once almost suffering a rape attack as she becomes close to them she reveals her circumstances.

It is the hidden cypher that truly draws the reader into the story. The cunning way both Dalton and Daphne hunt down clues and become closes and begins to fall in love. The cypher has the reader making assumption as to what the actual treasure is as well as trying to find out who is the murderer.

Here lies my disappointment in this story. Once the treasure box is uncovered we are never told of its contents. Why did the author leave us hanging.

I found the romance lovely both seemed to compliment each other even though Daphne had a long way to travel learning to interact with others. I do believe she succeeded. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review of this book.

This book is the second in a series and although I did not read the first book you really didn't have to in order to understand the plot. That's probably the only thing I liked about this book. I found Lady Daphne to be an insufferable main character. In fact, I disliked her so much I that I didn't really care when bad things happened to her. The Duke was not much better. In the beginning I can't tell if he's a rake or a prude. You kind of figure it out halfway through the book but you really only get a one chapter explanation on him and then the story continues.

The writing is about average for a historical romance. I will say Amanda Collins did present an original concept and the book wasn't as formulaic as your typical romance novel. Would I recommend this one? No. Would I read another Manda Collins book? Absolutely, just maybe not another Studies in Scandal book.

I know arguable rating! BUT BUT BUT, I have met people in real life that has the same problem as the heroine, with no filter and too many brains at times where everyday life escapes them. Having said this, i must say I truly enjoyed this book. I found it funny, entertaining and I loved the hero and the heroine had my heart pulling for her with all her problems of not understanding everyday life or people. I truly like the writing by this author and cannot wait for her books to come out. They are entertaining and always enjoyable for me. I enjoy the way the plot lines are different the characters have depth and complexity but overall the books are enjoyable and funny to some extent. I like the romance and honesty within the relationships. I can only say I sincerely enjoyed this book. I was given this arc in return for an honest review. Anna

Duke with Benefits is book two in the Studies in Scandal series. I had not read book one and I did feel at a disadvantage because of that, but the author did a good job of catching you up to speed on the characters and the setting.

Lady Daphne Forsyth is one of four benefactors of the famous home of Lady Celeste. Each of the benefactors were selected because of their great minds. Daphne's area of expertise is in mathematics. Daphne was told prior to moving to the home that there was a treasure hidden and that she would find clues to unlocking ciphers code.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland is in the home visiting his sister. There is immediate chemistry between Dalton and Daphne. Although Daphne is a genius when it comes to mathematics, she struggles with interacting with others. She tends to say exactly what is on her mind. She propositions Dalton to engage in a physical relationship with her. Dalton rejects her offer and tries to persuade her to marry him instead. Daphne rejects the idea of marriage and turns Dalton down.

Daphne and Dalton embark on trips to try and solve the clues to the treasure hunt. As they go on these trips, they become more and more fond of one another. Also the treasure hunt becomes more dangerous as a dead body is found in their home. Daphne has been hurt by the men in her life and despite the fact that Dalton is different, she has her own fears about whether she will be able to be a good wife to Dalton and whether she would be able to give him an heir.

Duke with Benefits was a book that kept me engaged. I liked the characters and enjoyed trying to solve who was at the heart of the attacks and the murder. I was certainly surprised. I enjoyed watching the characters develop and watching the romance between Daphne and Dalton blossom.

I thought that Ready, Set, Rogue was my new favorite Manda Collins book and it was, until I read Duke with Benefits! Sorry, Ivy and Quill - Dalton and Daphne's story has taken over as my favorite!

I loved the Duke of Maitland aka Dalton in the first book, he was charming, easy going and obviously head over heels for Daphne. Daphne was a bit off-putting in the first book, not unlikable - she kind of reminded me of Temperance Brennan aka Bones - brilliant, blunt and socially oblivious - not intentionally unkind but still somewhat obnoxious.

The prologue of this book starts shortly before the end of RSR, with Daphne propositioning Dalton and him refusing her. Chapter One starts about 3 months later. Daphne has been searching for the Cameron Cipher, which leads to the stash of gold that the Cameron clan hid after the uprising. The letter that Lady Celeste left for her made it clear that she wanted Daphne to find and solve the cipher. She didn't tell any of the others about her search and reasons that Ivy didn't tell her about her quest and she assumes that Sophia and Gemma have their secrets too. So when, Nigel Sommersby, someone from Daphne's past shows up and mentions the cipher, Daphne must reveal her secret. The others are all willing to help her, but she wants to do it on her own. That is until Sommersby turns up dead and someone takes a shot at Daphne.

Dalton goes into hyper protective mode and is determined to keep Daphne safe. Dalton is the only person that Daphne truly feels comfortable with and even though his rejection still hurts her, she enjoys his company and trusts him. She accepts his offer of protection and begins to open up about her past. The more Dalton hears, the more he wants to keep her safe. So when her father shows up and demands that she leave the estate with him, Dalton claims they are betrothed.

Daphne is stunned by this announcement, but plays along knowing that her father would never turn away a duke! And Dalton convinces her that being betrothed will enable them to spend more time together searching for the cipher without damaging her reputation. What she doesn't know is that Dalton has every intention of making their pretend engagement real.

While following up on a clue, they are caught in a storm and take shelter at an inn. Once inside they are spotted together by an old acquaintance of Dalton's who is a notorious gossip. When "Pinky" makes a rude insinuation about Daphne, Dalton claims that they are married. He later tells Daphne that they must marry and she agrees, if he will be her lover. She wants to make sure that her past will not interfere with their future and makes him promise to let her go if she can't be a true wife to him.

From here the story really takes off, there are more clues, more victims, more betrayal, more steamy love scenes, an abduction, treasure and finally a very sweet HEA.

Daphne really grew as a person in this book and that was due in large part to Dalton. She isn't perfect and is still a bit socially awkward, but it comes across as more endearing than annoying. The relationship between Daphne and Dalton was perfectly paced and believable, I felt the connection between them and it was much more than lust.

I would highly recommend this book and would strongly suggest reading Ready, Set, Rogue before starting this story. It is not 100% necessary, but it will give you a better understanding of the characters and why they are all at the estate. Not to mention it is a really awesome book!

Really enjoyed this book, much better organized than last book., though I liked that one as well. Daphne did grate in last book, but became delightful in this one! The story was well written and interesting, with multiple plot twists. The romance between the H and h is passionate and romantic, very well done. Look forward to the stories of the rest of the ladies!

Daphne and Dalton are a wonderful couple who compliment each other very well. Daphne is a mathematical genius whose blunt manner has always caused many problem swith those around her whereas Dalton may not be a genius but he is a very warm and understanding person who sees the amazing woman behind the social inaptitude.. I loved to see how he helps her and looks out for her, how he fell in love with her and how he found a way to explain her why certain simple things like saying "thank you" and offering praise go a long way to make people accept you,

As Daphne has no reason at all to trust any man, it takes a lot for her, to accept Dalton's help and to start, slowly, very slowly, to trust him - and to finally dare to fall .in love with him.
While those two try to sort out their feelings for each other there's also a big mystery to solve. Working to figure out this riddle and find the hidden treasure while trying to find a murderer at the same time, and keep each other safe, those living at Beauchamp House come to care for each other deeply, For someone like Daphne who hasn't had anyone to trust and to depend upon for a very long time, this is a wonderful experience.

Beauchamp House was left to four women, all of them brillant scholars like their late benefactress, all of them as different as their scholarly interests. but they didn't know how much all their lives would change when they went to live there at Beauchamp House!
As a reader I loved to see their interactions, how they all grew closer and what an impact their new circumstances had on their lives.
The story is interesting and well plotted but it is the characters that really made me fall for this book. Especially Daphne took my heart by storm and it was wonderful to see her spread her wings and dare to live - and love.

Oh, should I mention that the first book in the series "Ready Set Rogue" went straight on my wish list?