The Dare Before Christmas

Daring Daughters #15

by Emma V. Leech

A case of unrequited love…
Lady Victoria Adolphus is the beautiful daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin. Wherever she goes, men follow, eager to win the hand–and the dowry–of such a powerful man’s daughter. Torie is not interested in the gloriously handsome, the titled, the wealthy and powerful. There is only one man she wants, a kind, funny and good-natured fellow who everybody loves, but he refuses to contemplate her.

Once bitten, twice shy…
Barnaby Godwin is everybody’s friend, decent to his marrow, he would never turn his back on a friend in need, has a kind word for everyone, and is thoroughly sick of being nice. Being nice failed to win him the hand of Lady Millicent, who married an earl thirty years her senior, choosing title and fortune over good old Barnaby. Now, he has a duke’s daughter making sheep’s eyes at him, but Barnaby won’t be made a fool of again.

A cosy Christmas house party
When their good friends, Evie and Louis, throw their first Christmas house party at Heart’s Folly, Barnaby and Torie are thrown together in close quarters, much to Barnaby’s discomfort. Hurt by his refusal to spend any time in her company, Torie goes off seeking adventure, for the old house is full of secrets, and if she can’t have the man she loves, a Gothic style adventure will have to suffice.

Just a dash of seasonal spice…
Torie did not mean to get Barnaby caught up in the trouble she finds herself in, but that’s what comes of being too decent to let her get into mischief alone. Now he’s here, though, Torie will not let him go. Well, what’s a daring girl to do, but take a chance on the magic of Christmas?

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Historical, Regency, Romance, Regency Romance, Victorian

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torie and Barnaby

Even though this is a part of the Daring Daughter's world, I tend to think of this story as Barnaby's. He's been so loyal and such a good friend to the Comte , and has been mentioned in quite a few of the Daughter's books that I was happy for his HEA . It was especially good to see it happened with Torie, a Duke's daughter and truly genuine person.
As usual, Ms. Leech puts her characters through their paces before earning their reward and its truly enjoyable, taking their journey with them.
I am excited for the rest of series and cannot wait for the sons to get their stories told as well.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄The Dare Before Christmas 💎
Daring Daughters Book 15
✒️ Emma V. Leech
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech/
Release Date 12/09/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHKN725C?...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A case of unrequited love…
Lady Victoria Adolphus is the beautiful daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin. Wherever she goes, men follow, eager to win the hand–and the dowry–of such a powerful man’s daughter. Torie is not interested in the gloriously handsome, the titled, the wealthy and powerful. There is only one man she wants, a kind, funny and good-natured fellow who everybody loves, but he refuses to contemplate her.

Once bitten, twice shy…
Barnaby Godwin is everybody’s friend, decent to his marrow, he would never turn his back on a friend in need, has a kind word for everyone, and is thoroughly sick of being nice. Being nice failed to win him the hand of Lady Millicent, who married an earl thirty years her senior, choosing title and fortune over good old Barnaby. Now, he has a duke’s daughter making sheep’s eyes at him, but Barnaby won’t be made a fool of again.

A cosy Christmas house party
When their good friends, Evie and Louis, throw their first Christmas house party at Heart’s Folly, Barnaby and Torie are thrown together in close quarters, much to Barnaby’s discomfort. Hurt by his refusal to spend any time in her company, Torie goes off seeking adventure, for the old house is full of secrets, and if she can’t have the man she loves, a Gothic style adventure will have to suffice.

Just a dash of seasonal spice…
Torie did not mean to get Barnaby caught up in the trouble she finds herself in, but that’s what comes of being too decent to let her get into mischief alone. Now he’s here, though, Torie will not let him go. Well, what’s a daring girl to do, but take a chance on the magic of Christmas?

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

🎄The Dare Before Christmas 💎
Daring Daughters Book 15
✒️ Emma V. Leech
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Will he accept he can be enough…

Oh my, I was so happy when I learned earlier this week the book was to be released a week in advance, as today is a rest day for me.
If I had known all the challenges reading it today would have been, I might have wished to be working as I would have found more quiet time in between work than with all the little trials that came up today.
I will need to reread it soon to fully enjoy this story as I hate reading bit by bit, it is so frustrating.
And I was lucky to have woke up a little earlier to have reached the half mark of the story before life became erratic and meddling with my reading.

Whatever, I loved this book with not one but two sweet romances plus the corroboration of previous hints about the next books.
This was not the full of hardships story some of the daring daughters or their mothers had to face, it is instead a cute romance for the man who was kind to everyone but overlooked by many.
Barnaby is no alpha hero but the beta one who deserves too his own happy end. He has been from the beginning the companion and friend of Louis during his wild journey to his happily ever after, himself much surprised to have become the famous and beautiful Comte’s special pet project and at the same time the witness of his forbidden love story with Evie, while whatever his attributes, he was not deemed enough by the young debutante he was courting.
Torie is like her elder sister determined once her heart is set, she does not back down, only when she believes she is not welcome.
Which was one of the first if not the first time I saw Barnaby to even be rude. Yet he immediately felt guilty, nothing can change the good man he is in the inside, even his fear to be hurt again if he places his affections where they are not required.
It was entertaining to see him fall, as whatever he does, he is a man drowning, already caught in Torie’s spells regardless of his words, his gentleness won’t see her hurt nor can he deny his heart’s content when he sees equal longing in her eyes.

Then there is Barnaby’s aunt, Hester and her common history with the Duke of Ashton, an other fun love affair.
5 stars

Now will Emmaline’s story be next?

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene

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[Varsi Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice guys don’t always have to finish last! Great new story in the Daring Daughters Series from Emma Leech. Never in a million years would you believe that kind, gentle and steadfast Barnaby Godwin would be the perfect match for feisty, adventure seeking Lady Victoria (Torie) Adolphus, but in true form, Emma gives us fresh eyes to see the most unscrupulous character to the least imposing one as redeemable or exciting and drool worthy - whichever the case may be. In this instance, we learn that once again appearances are deceiving and Barnaby may just be a lot more than we originally thought and Torie may just be his perfect match!

[Ju Transcendancing · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read Barnaby's story - I know usually we're following after the female protagonist, and I adored Torie, but it was so nice seeing Barnaby get a HEA after all he's been through. I wish perhaps there was less 'ruination' involved - that part I was a little eye rolling about, but it was a delightful and believable romance between them. I loved Torie's treasure hunting determination even if tearing off into the winter and an abandoned building tests my judgement of her common sense... It's hard to pick, really - I loved the story, tiny faults and all.

[Whatkatydidnt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive fun

I really enjoyed this lighthearted romance. It’s nice to see a character who has been a great friend to some of the stars of the series get his own happy ending. Loved getting snippets of the lives of various characters from past books and seeing possible future romances developing all intertwined with the main story. It’s something the author always does well but particularly in this series.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keep getting better

This is another steamy story this sees this series just getting better. All he intriguing characters are amazingly crafted and beautifully portrayed, with a very determined heroin who just wont give up. A very entertaining book that you will not be able to put down.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way these books continue to include the happenings of others in the series and show what is going on with them leading up to their own books.

[Susan Rigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An understated hero and a vivacious heroine on a gothic adventure filled with hidden tunnels and a hidden treasure that leads them to the greatest treasure of all . . . Each other!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Another amazing book by Emma Leech. Finally Barnaby gets his happy ever after and what a story it is! I absolutely loved it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book in a wonderful series!

This was so good! I love Barnaby and Torie.. such a sweet couple. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this series!

[LainieLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I know I write the same review for Emma's books each time, but this was ~yet again~ a great addition to the series. Daring Daughters has officially surpassed the Girls Who Dare series in my mind! Every book is just so so good.

The writing is fabulous, and I really enjoyed seeing Barnaby get his HEA! He's such a sweet character that I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout this series. Torie seems like a lovely match for him, but I will say her character was slightly underdeveloped for me. I was told why Torie was in love with Barnaby, but I wasn't really shown? That impacted their relationship development a tad, since I wasn't 100% sold on their connection. Nevertheless, the two were adorable together. This story leaned more on the sweet/cutesy side of the spectrum, but I know Emma can write that - and stories with a bit more of an edge - very well!

In terms of spice, this was pretty low - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just something to note.

Another note - I found the letters between chapters a bit confusing. I actually think having the to/from at the top of the letter would be so so helpful - I end up being so confused with who it's to/from that I basically have to re-read each letter after I see who the letter is actually about. And the letters about Rex - I had totally forgotten his real name until I realized a bit later in the story that the letters were to/about him.

I'm SO looking forward to Rex and Emmaline's story! I think that's what's coming next, but the women on the cover of the next book is blonde so maybe I'm wrong... I think the Knight's are all dark haired? Maybe it's the extremely attractive Vicar and someone next? Also, the Kilbane and Cat connection that's simmering - I have very high hopes!

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting acquainted with heroes such as Montague, Bainbridge or Wolf, I cannot help feeling that Barnaby Goodwin is very tame as heroes go. However, we like him for his loyalty and kindness, so I was happy to follow his love story.
The most exciting fragments of the book, however, were letters exchanged between Emmaline and Wrexham!!! Can't wait to read their story, and I am shredding my nails waiting for it's February premiere!
There were a few hints before, that gave me hope, but Mrs. Leech confirmed at the end, that series about "Daring Sons" is coming, and I could not be happier. What a fabulous author she is and so hard-working!

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, How I Love This Author's Books

I eagerly await each book as it's released, and I'm never disappointed! The exploits and love relationships in all the parents' stories kept me spellbound. Now, the same can be said for all their children. In this one I loved reading about Torie and her unrequited love of Barnaby. Her heart laid bare and her adventurous spirit had me unable to put this book down. So many relationships are explored and should make for future stories. Loved the exceedingly happy endings

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding he was worthy

I loved Barnaby and Lady Victoria’s story. He has been hurt and lead by his nose, she’s a Dukes daughter and knows what she wants. Can a straight laced Barnaby realize he is good enough for Victoria before she decides to give up on him. A lovely story with a beautiful ending.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

It was so hard to put down. I so happy to read Barnabys story! I been waiting to see if he would get his happy ever after, after everything that happened to him in pass books. It was well written.

[Roxanne Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love that these books tell stories of so many characters. Barnaby is the nice guy who wins the girl. He is afraid of love but realizes that he is worthy of her love. It takes some time, she chose him and he finally stopped running away.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Book in this series.

Victoria (Torie) & Banaby's story was Absolutely Wonderful. Their characters were delightful & so Adorable.

I look forward for each book in this series. Each story has me so excited & ready for the next adventure.

Next is Alana Cadogan's story.

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas Story

This is just the ticket for the Christmas Historical Romance read of the year!
Barnaby and Victoria’s happily ever after did not disappoint!

[between the covers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately they changed Barnaby's personality and body to make him the hero of this book. Another issue is that too many other people's story lines are mixed in with the book.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just sweet and lovely. I can’t wait for the next one. I love this series.

[Renee Ferritto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from Emma V. Leech. If you adore historical romance, I highly recommend this author

[Holly Ortega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story of Victoria and Barnaby. I little predictable but very enjoyable.

[Brenda Geddes]

Awesome

[edia]

hmm, I

[Carol]

easy read

This story in the series tells us about Tori and how she and Barbary finally come together in their own happy ending.

[Aspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodness I wish dear Barnaby had a better storyline. Victoria was too immature for my taste. I just couldn't finish it.

[Marci Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it