The Debutante Dares #1
by Charlie Lane
A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts
The Plot
This was an enjoyable book...I felt like it was a bit ridiculous at times and I was frustrated by some of the holes left at the end of the book, but overall it was a nice, quick read. What started out as a dare, softened and changed both Tabitha and Arthur for the better. I really enjoyed seeing the changes take place, especially in Arthur, and eventually see them realize they will be a great Duke and Duchess because they care for others and for each other.
The Heroine
Tabitha Hampton is a very smart girl who has a photographic memory. She basically runs her family household since her mother died and her father is sick. She takes care of her little sisters too. After an investment she made goes wrong and she loses a lot of their money, she is desperate to finally marry...someone rich who can help her family and ensure her sister can afford a Season and get married as well. But Tabitha is older and many men are scared off when they find out about her eccentric mind and her inability to hold her tongue at times. But she is determined to help her family so she convinces Arthur to give her a chance to prove she can be the perfect duchess for him.
The Hero
Arthur is a bit of a stick in the mud. He father died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, uncle and grandmother, all of whom still hold great power over him. He is determined to marry the perfect woman to be his Duchess because, in order to get his beloved childhood home, his whole family needs to approve of his future wife. His Uncle is very controlling and disapproving of Arthur which has left him with needs to be the perfect Duke with ridiculous tasks. Thankfully, Tabitha came along, got through his façade and was able to help him see that "perfection" is not necessary and you'll be happier once you set that mantle aside.
The Steam
The steam was okay; I loved that their first time together was in a romantic, meadow setting.
Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Politician Hero, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Dare or Bet
HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, Season/MarriageMart, TonSociety, Beta/CinnamonrollHero, PoliticianHero, StarchyHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, SpinsterHeroine, VirginHeroine, WallflowerHeroine, OutdoorSteam, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, DareorBet
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