To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield (Wicked Wagers, #1)

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To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield (Wicked Wagers #1)

by Bronwen Evans (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 124 ratings · 25 reviews

Let the Wicked Wagers Begin...

Lady Caitlin Southall’s temper has finally got the better of her. She’s challenged Harlow Telford, the Duke of Dangerfield, the most notorious rake in all of England, to a wager. She wants her house back. The one her destitute father lost to Dangerfield in a card game. But if she doesn’t win their bet, she not only loses her home, she loses he...more

Kindle Edition, 170 pages

Published February 1st 2012 by Bronwen Evans

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Nov 19, 2012 Melody May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, novella, romance

Also on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com

All right, last night I wanted to read something quick and enjoyable. So, I started To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans, which happens to be the first book in the Wicked Wagers trilogy.

First off this is a light-hearted story that is mainly here to entertain you, it's short and sweet and nothing more. I personally like to have short and sweet story here and there. They tend to give you a break every now and then. With that said, we meet Lady Cai...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Aretha melina rated it 4 of 5 stars

To dare a duke of Dangerfield is a romantic story about hopes and loves between Caitlin and Harlow. The story starts when Caitlin’s father’s, Earl of Bridgenorth, staked her home Mansfield Manor which she inherited from her mother, in a game of faro against Harlow who won it and now considers the home his. Such an irresponsible father- I may say.
Harlow may be a rake, but he is fair, honest, and very sweet towards his mother and brother. He actually tries to win Caitlin’s home to be given away to...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, historical-romance, bronwen-evans, kindle-lendable

Lady Caitlin Southall can not believe that her home, her mothers home which is being held in a trust for her, was lost in a card game. She becomes even more frustrated when she learns the most notorious rake and her neighbor, Harlow Telford, Duke of Dangerfield is the one that won her home and will not return it like a gentleman when he learns of her situation. Oh no. Caitlin's temper gets the best of her and she challenges Harlow to the best of three events to see who wins the home--but her los...more Lady Caitlin Southall can not believe that her home, her mothers home which is being held in a trust for her, was lost in a card game. She becomes even more frustrated when she learns the most notorious rake and her neighbor, Harlow Telford, Duke of Dangerfield is the one that won her home and will not return it like a gentleman when he learns of her situation. Oh no. Caitlin's temper gets the best of her and she challenges Harlow to the best of three events to see who wins the home--but her loss will come with her losing herself in his bed.

Harlow is troubled when he hears that the home he won was being held in a trust but he has his own personal reasons for needing to own Caitlins home and he has no intention of losing the bet. He knows what must happen after Caitlin loses and he hopes it will be a win/win situation for them both but in the process he needs to trump the lovely lady in cards, baking and horse racing all while trying to hold on to his heart.

This was my first experience reading Bronwen Evans and I really enjoyed it. The story worked well with the length, about half the length of a full length novel, and I didn't feel like the romance was rushed. There is a back story of our couple knowing each other previously and that always helps move a novella along for me. I really enjoyed Caitlin and her passion for securing her future and her boldness but who I really enjoyed was Harlow. I don't really want to give away much of the storyline as it came as a pleasant surprise, but I was really surprised at the decenty of him underneath his rakish persona. Watching the sparks fly between this couple was fun and leads to some very steamy encounters until they finally seal the deal. However, Harlow is still keeping quite a big secret from Cate and when it is finally revealed it leads to heartbreak and sets up for tragedy. The only thing that sort of bothered me about the story was the ending. It has a double whammy that is a bit over dramatic and I'm not sure it needed to be in there. I understood the first punch but the second tied everything up a little to neatly. This was the only part where I felt a longer story would have been welcome.

Overall though I really enjoyed this story. It is fast paced and filled with sharp barbs between our couple and plenty of heated passion all while gradually falling in love with each other and learning to appreciate what the other had to offer . The supporting characters (two of Harlow's friends whom I hope are the next two books) add a bit of humor to the story as well. If you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, Harlow and Cate's romance is one that is sure to heat up your blood, make you laugh and end with a sigh. 4 stars

A fun quote:

"Good God, how's a man to concentrate with those staring at him all night? And I thought I preferred you in trousers. Well, played Lady Southall."(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Dabney rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dear Ms. Evans,

I’ll begin this review with the last line of your novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield.

He loved, with a consuming passion, the woman who’d dared the Duke of Dangerfield.

This line evokes a picture perfect happy ending for Harlow Telford, the Duke of Dangerfield, and Lady Caitlin Southall, the woman who dared him. It’s a fitting finish to your tale in which everything is so sweet, lovely, and darling that the book reads like a naughty version of a 1950’s Disney film. The story is an airy cliché, the characters overcome obstacles with unforced ease, each conflict is effortlessly resolved. It’s the literary version of a tiny, over-sweet cupcake; fun enough to take in, but too sugary and predictable to satisfy in any real way.

Catlin and Harlow share the same birthday (so adorable); he is thirty to her twenty-three. As the book opens, Caitlin, wearing trousers, is bent over her horse’s hoof, trying to free a stone caught there.

“If you’re going to point that delectable rump at a man you’re asking for trouble.”

Caitlin cursed under her breath and ignored the cultured baritone voice goading her from behind. She remained bent, focused on her task, and determined to clear the stone from her horse’s hoof. Still, irritation dribbled down her back. If she were a cat her hackles would have risen.

She knew who the voice belonged to. She’d heard the melodically ducal tones in church and the village store often enough. Harlow Telford, the Duke of Dangerfield, consummate rake and the most powerful man in the Kingdom next to the Prince Regent.

(I considered whether or not a “consummate rake” would go weekly to church and sing in the choir and decided it seemed unlikely. Harlow may be labeled a rake—the only proof of this is his catty mistress whom he dumps a day after spying Caitlin’s pants-clad derriere—but he’s really a Dudley Do-Right kind of guy. Every action he takes is fair, honorable, and just. He’s even sweet to his mom.)

Caitlin and Harlow live next door to one another although they haven’t seen each other for years. Recently, however, Caitlin’s father’s, Earl of Bridgenorth, a sad sack of a man, staked her home Mansfield Manor, in a game of faro against Harlow who won it and now considers it his. Caitlin feels her father had no right to use the house as a marker—it belonged to her mother and, when her mother died, it passed to Caitlin. However, her mother made her father the trustee—a terrible mistake in that, once Bridgenorth lost the love of his life, he became a drinker and a gambler—and thus, legally, he was able to lose it to Harlow. Harlow loathes Bridgenorth because, fourteen years ago, after Caitlin’s mother died and her dad became a cad, Bridgenorth seduced and impregnated Harlow’s recently widowed mother. He then refused to marry Harlow’s mom who had a son, Jeremy, out of wedlock and both have socially suffered ever since. Harlow deliberately won Mansfeld Manor for Jeremy so that Jeremy will own the house he should have been raised in. Caitlin, however, knows none of this—in the never-real world of this novel, such a secret is easily kept from a 23 year old woman in living in a small Shropshire town.

Caitlin loves her home and is determined to hold on to it. So, the day after the trouser incident, she sneaks next door to Harlow’s home at night where he is entertaining two friends, two whores, and his snippy mistress. Given that Caitlin is an unmarried woman, if it were known she visited Harlow’s home, Telford Court, at night and unchaperoned, she would be ruined. She goes anyway and asks Harlow to give her back her house. He instead offers her a chance to win back her home. She agrees and suggests a horse race—her horse Ace of Spades is the fastest around. He declines that offer and, after some negotiation, the two agree instead on three wagers—a horse race, a game of faro, and—I am not making this up—a cake-baking contest to be judged by the local vicar. If Caitlin wins two of the three, she gets back her home. If the Duke wins, he gets Caitlin in his bed. In some other book, this behavior would make Harlow an unscrupulous rake. But here, the minute Caitlin leaves, Harlow sends Larissa—the bitchy mistress back to London—and tells his friend Marcus he plans to marry “the chit.”

click here for the rest of the review at Dear Author
(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

A surprising and thoroughly enjoyable read! Strong, complex characters keep the story interesting and will keep readers wanting to know what will happen next, page after page. Harlow Telford, Duke of Dangerfield, is arrogant and a veritably, debauched rake, who meets his match in the independent, feisty and lovable Lady Caitland. She doesn't hold back her thoughts and isn't afraid to stand up to the duke when she challenges him to a wager that will give her the opportunity to win back her home....more

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Feb 18, 2013 Mey Buentipo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

First time I read from this author. From the good reviews I got from this book, I did not regret reading this. Although a short story, I felt like reading a novel. From this story it covered everything a novel can have. The h/h are wonderful, the twist I am not expecting which is a nice touch. I just hoped the twist remained for heroine. Of course, an author can't resist a happy ending for h/h.

I am ready for the second book. In spite of the not good reviews of it, I will gamble for that story....more

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Feb 10, 2013 Toni rated it 5 of 5 stars

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield is a fast and furious read. I was captivated from start to finish, and couldn't wait to see what was up next for these two stubborn people.

Lady Caitlin Southall’s lost her home and she knows if she can race her prize horse Ace against the Duke, she can win it back. What she doesn't count on is him making a counter bet. Even though his bet has a steep price, she can’t back down. Her home is the only thing she has left from her mother and this rake will not deter he...more

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Mar 18, 2013 SANDRA rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was such a cute story.. I really enjoyed it the only downside was that it was too damn predictable and the HEA was too sweet. I think that's where I decided that too much is just too much. lol but the author did a very good job with the story. I felt like she should have developed the characters a little more three dimensional instead of two. But reading it was very enjoyable. :D

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Feb 08, 2012 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars

OMG! I laughed, cried and squealed with delight. I love a strong woman who does not sacrifice her strength to please a man, Caitlin was that woman. Poor Harlow did not have a chance after the cake challenge, he fell hard, really hard. I loved how Caitlin got her wishes at the end- all of them ;-)

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Oct 17, 2012 Richa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: feisty, historical, wager-bet, petite-heroine-large-hero

Contrary Facts.
Predictable Story-line.
And to say the least the way certain characters reacted to certain situations is wayyy over the top even for fiction!
The saving grace... a warm endearing heroine and a well-used but nevertheless enjoyable plot!

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Jul 23, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a shot book, but a really good one. I normally don't like novella's, because the story is so short that you feel like a lot is missing that could have went into the story. Not this one though. Now I can't wait to read the other books in this series.

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May 06, 2012 Vichy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

A short romance novel taking place in 1821 (but in England:o). So, this story turned 180 degrees from its starting approach, a bet that created suspense, ending too cheesy and all happily ever after. Romanticism was the main dominating element.

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Mar 13, 2013 Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-2013

This is my first read from Brownen Evans and it will not be my last. I have never been a fan of novellas. I feel I don't get enough, but Ms. Evans delivers and I like these novellas. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

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Jun 12, 2012 Tam B. rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun, sexy extended novella featuring a feisty heroine and arrogant hero and a series of bets. There are a couple of unexpected plot twists but for the most part, it proceeds as you'd expect and you enjoy going along for the ride.

A fun read.

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Mar 11, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

My 2nd bk from this author & it was just as good. Even tho this was a short book (~8 chprs of so) the story was not lacking. Enjoyed it & a definite keeper & bk to be reread. Nice chemistry & connection & very well written

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Oct 19, 2012 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Could not put it down. I love this series, the attraction between the characters was hot. Lots of great alpha males!

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Mar 30, 2012 Catherine Robertson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fine-romances

My favourite Regency romance author, Bronwen Evans has done it again. A smart, action-packed bodice-ripping yarn.

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Jun 02, 2012 Shh I'm reading! rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a pleasant surprise! An intriguing novella that piqued my curiosity about Harlow's friends.

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Mar 10, 2012 Poppy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this. It was sweet and sexy and just felt good to read. Very Happy ending kind of book.

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Feb 02, 2013 Marie-claude Perras rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very good. A fast read. Caitlin is daring and harlow is a rake of the first order.

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Jan 28, 2013 Wendy Vella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great story, loved the characters and thought the story was fresh and flowed well.

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Feb 17, 2013 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing-novellas, 5star-check-em-out

My first novella by Bronwen Evans and i loved the light easy read romantic story.

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Mar 29, 2013 Toni Kenyon rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you love your women with spunk, then you'll love Lady Caitlin Southall.
The chemistry between our heroine and the Duke oozes from the page. A great start to the Wicked Wagers trilogy from Ms Evans.
Highly recommended.

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Feb 12, 2012 Booklover1335 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 2012-february, to-review, 2012-favorites

really loved it. A solid 4.75 stars/3.5 sensuality. full review to come soon

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May 22, 2013 Nancy Goodman rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 22, 2013 Julie-ann marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 Gracie O'Neil rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 18, 2013 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 15, 2013 Alisha Dangerfield rated it 2 of 5 stars

May 14, 2013 Marcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

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About Bronwen Evans

My 2011 debut Regency historical, INVITATION TO RUIN, is a Nominee for Best First Historical, RT Reviewer's Choice Awards.

I'm a proud reader and writer of Romance! Any romance, but historical romance in particular, and the Regency period is my favorite. I live in Wellington, New Zealand and I'm one of five sisters - and I am a twin! So no surprise that my first book is about twins!

I grew up on a f...more My 2011 debut Regency historical, INVITATION TO RUIN, is a Nominee for Best First Historical, RT Reviewer's Choice Awards.

I'm a proud reader and writer of Romance! Any romance, but historical romance in particular, and the Regency period is my favorite. I live in Wellington, New Zealand and I'm one of five sisters - and I am a twin! So no surprise that my first book is about twins!

I grew up on a farm in the Wairarapapa until I was twelve and I love the country. My dream is to become a full time romance writer and live in a rural retreat in the beautiful, sunny Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. I am finally on the way with the sale of my first two books.

Growing up I loved reading and watching TV, mainly because I loved anything that challenged my imagination. I loved Enid Blyton's Famous Five and The Secret Seven or C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. My twin sister also loves stories and we would often put on plays for our parents. Telling a story is what attracts me to writing. Bringing characters, plots and places to life.

At school I was very good at math. My father has a PhD in statistical economics from Cornell University in the States (I lived there for three years until I was almost six years old while my father attended Cornell), so I was encouraged to go down the science, math route at school, when I would have probably loved English. I went to University and got a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree and started work in the corporate world. I have had a successful career in business working in banking and telecommunications. I also set up my own e-commerce company which I listed on the NZ Stock Exchange, before selling in 2005. But nothing has brought me as much satisfaction as seeing my first book in print.

Unfortunately, it took me almost ten years to realize big corporate's were not for me. I finally decided to take a chance and indulge my passion for story-telling. I gave up my well paid, full time, job and took part-time employment in order to enable me to have the time to learn, hone and develop my writing skills. Joining Romance Writers of New Zealand in 2006 was the first serious step I took towards a writing career and the friends, critique partners and mentor's I have met have all helped me get to publication. I can never thank them enough.

Now I spend my time immersing myself in love stories full of passion, desire and of course the happing ever after. But that's not to say they don't have a number of hurdles to overcome along the way.

In my stories I have the rich playboy who just happens to be a Lord of the realm, with the ahead of their time feminist, who bucks Society's conventions and gives the hero a run for his money.

In particular, I love the dark, tortured souls, who don't think they deserve love or are, like most men in my stories, scared of love. My heroes are strong, alpha males with tortured pasts. They need the love of a good woman to save them and my heroine's are up for the task. They are not, sit back and let men run their lives, women. They grab life, shake it, and mold it, and most of all never give up.

And of course lets not forget the villains. Creepy, very dangerous, often perverted but never undefeatable.

My first book Invitation to Ruin hits the shelves on 22nd February 2011. I have also finished book two, Invitation to Scandal - Rufus Knight, Viscount Strathmore's story which should be due out early 2012. Following that, watch out for Richard's story (Anthony's twin brother) Invitation to Passion and Alexander Smythe, the Earl of Montford's tale in Invitation to Love.

I belong to RWA and RWNZ and when not working, reading or writing, I enjoy hiking, golf and movies.(less)

More about Bronwen Evans...

Books by Bronwen Evans

To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone (Wicked Wagers, #2)

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood (Wicked Wagers, #3)

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