Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, prides herself on the quality of her staff. After the Duke of Westmorland sacks the third typist she has sent him in as many days, she’s not just outraged, she’s determined to put the arrogant bully in his place.Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is having the worst week of his life. A bomb has exploded on London Bridge, … London Bridge, the Special League is unraveling, and he cannot seem to find a secretary who is not a spineless watering pot. When the prim and proper Miss Hilgrove arrives on his doorstep, calling him everything but a gentleman, he can’t resist toying with her.
Their mutual attempts to teach each other a lesson quickly turn into something more. But danger is in the air, and the brooding duke and the self-avowed spinster are about to become targets of the most lethal menace London has faced…
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Isabelle Hargrove is furious the the Duke of Westmoreland he has refused her three best typist. She trained them herself at her typing business, a business she started for woman. When the Westmoreland meets Isabelle he is quite intrigued by the unusual female and challenges her to be his typist for one week. I love it when he calls Miss Killjoy not realizing she’ll be the biggest joy of his life. What a week it turns out to be as these two try fighting their attraction for each other. Westmoreland and the Special League are after the Fenian terriers who are responsible for several bombings in and around London. I loved the interaction and sexual tension between they were so perfect for each other…if only they will give into their feeling to find HEA! I voluntarily read and reviewed the amazing book.
London, January 1885
A sparkling read that invites a smile immediately and only becomes better with each stroke of the pen!
Their first meeting was beyond the imagination. Isabella Hilgrove was determined to give the Duke of Westmorland a piece, of her mind on how he had treated the three typist she had sent over from her Ladies Typing School to assist him. He had dismissed all three and she was there to demand he apologize!
Benedict could not get over the audacity of Miss Hilgrove and their witty banter went back and forth at a fast pace. All Isabella could think was “I will not box his ears, she reminded herself. I will not box this arrogant, vexing, beautiful scoundrel’s ears.”
Then he threw the challenge down. She was to prove her worth by becoming his typist for a week and he would endorse her school. She thought “What a pity that such a blackhearted scoundrel should have such a gorgeous exterior. It was a sin.”
Scarlett Scott whips up her amazing pen and creates another scrumptious addition to this series that only gets better…wait, it cannot get better! It is perfection! Treat yourself and enjoy!
A wonderful end to this series!!
A fearless duke, a lady typewriter, and a book of poetry…otherwise known as Benny, Miss Killjoy, and lovesick twaddle. Haha! What a treat!
Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, works for the Home Office. He is working to put a stop to the recent London bombings & bring the Fenians responsible to justice.
Miss Isabella Hilgrove is the owner of a typewriter school for women. She has sent 3 different typists to the Duke. Each one was sacked & returned, terrified of the man. Isabella decides to give the Duke a piece of her mind.
Benedict loves to nettle her, calling her Miss Orange Grove, Miss Killjoy, etc. She is bold & thorny & Benedict likes it. He does not, however, like the way she affects him. In turn, Isabella finds Benedict to be an insufferable, arrogant tyrant. Despite this, she feels an overpowering attraction to him…which displeases her greatly.
I love the banter between these two, as they fight their attraction. The sexual tension is simmering & delicious. Their attraction takes on a desperate quality, and any good outcome seems devastatingly impossible. The chemistry between these characters is scorching, impatient & beautiful.
I loved Isabella’s proud defiance as she stood her ground. But as danger strikes & the pair grows closer, we see a softer side to Benedict, casting him a different light. Is there a future for this duke & shopkeeper’s daughter? Is the difference in stations insurmountable?
This was a perfect ending to the League of Dukes series! And the epilogue was so beautifully written! While I am sad to see this incredible series end, I am so excited for the next series!
If you have never read a book by Scarlett Scott, do yourself a favor and read one. She is an amazing author who draws you in and keeps you hooked for the entire book. Her books are entertaining, witty, beautiful, and HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! She can not write a bad book, people. I’m convinced it’s impossible! Thank you for another amazing book, Scarlett Scott!
I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Another wonderful, well written book in the League of Dukes series by Scarlett Scott. This is the last book in the series, you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this book, but if you did read the others, you will enjoy the Epilogue. Isabella is the owner of a school for ladies’ typist. Benedict needed a typist and he hired Isabella’s school. So far, he has scared and chased away three of Isabella’s students. Isabella goes to his house to confront him, and that is where the sparks begin. Benedict and Isabella’s love scenes were very hot and well written. I have enjoyed this whole series and was not disappointed in any of the books. Scarlett Scott writes in a way which just surrounds me and I get lost in the story and enjoy every minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fearless Duke by Scarlett Scott is book 6 in the League of Dukes Series. This is the story of Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland and Isabella Hilgrove. I have read the previous books (and loved them) but felt this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Benedict is a special agent who needs someone to type of his dictation. But he keeps scaring the women off because of his gruff attitude. Isabella runs the Ladies’ Typewriting School, so she is beside herself with the way her students come back from the Duke upset. This leads her to go and confront him which is what starts their story. There are some funny scene but this has adventure also. Really enjoyed their story.
Isabella can’t believe that the Duke of Westmoreland sent away 3 of her typists. She is determined to find out why he is bullying her girls. But after she arrives at his home, she ends up agreeing to be his typists for a week. If she performs up to his standards, he will place an add in the paper praising her girls. Can she last the week or will she walk out early over his high handedness?
With everything that is going on with the bombings in London, Benedict has no time to get his notes typed up. After letting go three of his typists, their boss shows up on his doorstep to see what the issue is. Benedict is intrigued by Isabella upon meeting her and goads her to agreeing to work for him for a week. But the more time he spends with her, just increases his fascination with her.
When Isabella gets dragged into the current intrigue, Benedict does his best to protect her by moving her into his home. Can they end the threat to London and get the HEA neither thought they wanted?
I loved Isabella and Benedict’s story!! I was so happy when I saw that Westmoreland was going to get his HEA after having him pop up in several of the previous books in the series. I loved that Isabella was a self made woman and had created a business for herself that allowed other woman to do the same. I think that the struggle she had with this, made her a bit feistier than she normally would have been and that gave her the courage to stand up to Benedict, who as a duke, wouldn’t normally have been spoken to in the ways that she did. It was good to knock him down a few pegs!!
I’m so sad that this series has come to an end as I’ve throughly enjoyed it, but am very excited to see what Scott comes up with next!!
Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, sent her top three typists to the Duke of Westmorland in order to assist him with home office documents. All three were sacked and returned to Miss. Hilgrove in dismay. Of course, she has to go see the Duke to determine the problem!
Isabella:
Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is under a great deal of stress due to a Fenian bombing on London Bridge. The Special League is under a great deal of pressure to apprehend the plotters. The last thing he needs is an incompetent secretary.
Benedict:
Benedict and Isabella could have never anticipated their mutual attraction and a great deal of adventure and romance ensues. This is a fun story with a lot of steam. Mrs. Scarlett Scott is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I will miss this series!
Miss Isabella Hilgrove, proprietress of the Ladies’ Typewriting School, prides herself on the quality of her staff. After the Duke of Westmorland sacks the third typist she has sent him in as many days, she’s not just outraged, she’s determined to put the arrogant bully in his place. Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is having the worst few weeks of his life. A bomb has exploded on London Bridge, the Special League is unravelling, and he cannot seem to find a secretary who is not a spineless watering pot. When the prim and proper Miss Hilgrove arrives on his doorstep, calling him everything but a gentleman, he can’t resist toying with her.
This is the sixth & final book in the series & what a series it’s been, yes this book could be read on its own but seriously when a series is this good it needs to be read in its entirety. Another well written page turner that kept me engrossed from cover to cover. I loved Isabella, her dowdy clothes & independence & how she fell for Benedict. However I adored Benedict the upright head of the Special League who didn’t believe in love & poetry but who fell oh so hard & fast for Isabella. This was a lovely romance, the sexual chemistry & tension was electric even though it was a long way into the book before they even kissed. I also loved their verbal bantering – heck I just loved everything about it. The icing on this very delicious cake was the epilogue, which rounded the series off to perfection. I’m also thrilled that Cally will have her story in a new series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
What starts out as a reprimand for causing three of her employees to leave turns in to a beautiful love story that has danger lurking around the corner. Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, has had three typist leave for various reasons but mainly he was hard to deal with. There is a lot going on in this book due to his investigating bombings that are occurring in London and the dangers aimed at the crown. The story is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. I would highly recommend this book as a great read.
Some of my favorite character traits are in this book. A very strong woman, a grumpy man, very clever banter and you throw in the enemies to lovers trope and you have me hooked. Bombings, kidnapping, intrigue and instant attraction (and more) pepper this story of Benedict (now the head of the Special League) and Isabella (a typewriter). Even though Benedict is strict and rough around the edges when it comes to social graces with Isabella, when she is kidnapped you feel his heartache and can see his vulnerabilities which is my favorite part of this story. A great ending to this series. If you love “Victorian romantic suspense” give this series a try, it is fantastic.
Oh, let’s not forget Benedict’s sister, Callie, who is outrageous and puts Benedict on edge. Yes, she is getting a book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Oh my goodness. This book is the last in The League of Dukes series but can be read as a stand alone. But I have to say you are truly depriving yourself if you do not read the series. I do not like spoilers but I will till you my opinions happily! I loved the interaction between Benedict and Isabella. Their first meeting to me was so funny and the perfect set up for the story.It only got better (and steamier) from there. There was action, great wit and banter, romance and heat and such a great happily ever after! It was so great to see characters from earlier books in the series too. I thought this was the perfect wrap to the series and I highly recommend this book. I am an advanced reader and received an arc in exchange for an honest review, and can honestly say I adore this book and will be rereading this series again and again.
Another great book by Scarlett Scott! I love a good series book and this one did not disappoint. This book (and the entire League of Dukes series) has it all: love, steam, intrigue..I could not put it down! I think my favorite part was the conclusion, where we get an update on past romances in the previous series! Ince again, Scarlett has outdone herself! She never disappoints!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
“The lady typewriter and the fearless duke.” We end this entertaining collection with a standoff. More than one! Benedict would never fall in love. “A love match then.” Yes, yes it is. Being that my career for years was as a secretary I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The whole concept gave the book its own, unique personality compared to the other books in the series. Not quite as exciting as the other books, but just as entertaining.
This was such a grand finish to the League of Dukes series – I loved it but was sad it was the last one; we have met so many wonderful characters in this series.
Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmorland, is handsome, rich & has only been a duke for a year, after his brother & sister-in-law were killed. He works for the Home Office and never expected he would have to take on a dukedom and being a spy – one he can’t give up & the other he loves. He requires help in getting his reports finalized for the Home Office files, so he hires a typist – oh, what a typist she turns out to be!
Miss Isabella Hilgrove is a shopkeepers daughter & she now owns her own typewriter company that trains women in a profession that will allow them to make money for themselves & their family. She is strong, independent, intelligent & kind. When three of her typists are sent away from the duke’s employment, she knows she must go to see him in person to find out what the problem is with him. After standing toe to toe with him, he manages to make a deal with her. She has a week to prove her work and he will endorse her company in the newspaper. She accepts the challenge.
The union of these two is funny, dangerous, romantic, sizzling with friends and family offering their help where the can. I highly recommend this book & the entire series. Scarlett writed characters that are so real and her stories keep you turning the pages!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
A wonderful, enchanting romantic adventure and an awesome finale to a great series!! Benedict Manning, Duke of Westmoreland, is the head of the Special League to bring an end to the violence of the Fenians, terrorizing London with bombs. To help with his reports, he engages a typist from Ladies Typewriting School – but after dismissing the third lady, he is confronted with the school’s head, Miss Isabella Hilgrove. The initial meeting has indignation and rage on her part and on his part an interest in goading Isabella, attracted by her courage, loyalty and beauty. A compromise is reached and Isabella herself is to help Benedict with his reports for the Home Office. Benedict is a bachelor who has his unwed sister, Lady Callie, living with him. Callie immediately befriends Isabella, admiring her independence and involves her in her many projects, including female vote. The Mannings are the product of their parents loveless marriage which turned to hate. Determined never to repeat their mistake, Benedict remains single. But his growing attraction to Isabella is disturbing – as well as her attraction to him. As the daughter of a shopkeeper, Isabella is aware and sensitive of the difference in their social standing, especially when Benedict wants her as his mistress. Insulted and determined to keep her distance, Isabella’s plan is destroyed when she is kidnapped by the Fenians hoping to get information. When they let her go, Benedict who put all available men to find her, insists she stay at his home for her own protection. But what of her heart and her weakness in being close to Benedict for she has fallen in love with him! With danger all around with continued bombings, Benedict is determined to protect the innocent, especially those in his care. Action story of menace lurking and two strong willed people who fall into love they never expected – and proved the depth of that love with their very lives!
This series just gets better and better. Benedict and Isabella have undeniable chemistry. The theme set is so exciting and powerful. Memorable characters all. The author makes the reader feel part of the story. There are many pleasurable, seductive and compelling moments. Just a memorable historic piece of work. Vocabulary is outstanding and so challenging. I just had to look-up some words. I like stories that widen my sense of place and time. A very good read to re-read.
Wow! What a Magnificent story, it takes you on a rollercoaster ride of heights of delicious passion swirling down into a vortex of uncertainties. Fearless Duke will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Benedict and Isabella until the very end! Scarlett Scott has a writing style that I thoroughly enjoy; she’s filled this story with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into their tale, a story that is well-written, strong plot and great and witty dialogue, with setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. Benedict, the Duke of Westmoreland who is the head of the Special League investigating bombings by the Fenians does not have time to put up with the prim, proper and feisty Isabella. Miss Isabella, or as Benedict enjoys calling her Miss Killjoy, needs to set Benedict, who is arrogant and insufferable, straight about herself and her typewriters! As their emotions start to become more than a verbal sparring match they find themselves being drawn to one another in this story filled with drama, deadly villains lurking in the background, angst, uncertainties, sizzling passion, trials and tribulations, turmoil and as tensions intensify and mayham abounds with twists and turns that will make you hold your breath until the end in this outstanding story!
Another wonderful story from Scarlett Scott who has become a favorite of mine! Along with a sizzling romance comes a great storyline with such engaging and likable characters. Isabelle Hilgrove owns a typewriting school and she meets Benedict Manning, the Duke of Westmorland, when she charges into his home, madder than a hornet. He has fired three of her best typists that she had sent to him to complete his reports. He enjoys sparring with the very proper Miss Hilgrove, and insists that she , herself, complete his work. He is in charge of the Special League, who are trying to track down the evil doers setting off bombs around London. Unaware, the Duke has set up Isabella and himself to become their targets. As their passion grows, danger surrounds them. This is a passionate and intriguing story, start to finish. Loved it!
A bit slow to start but totally worth the read! A very fitting end to a fantastic series. Ms. Scott has a way with weaving an enchanting tale with feisty characters, romance, and intrigue. The characters were great foils for each other and the chemistry was incendiary. I was on the edge of my seat towards the climax of the book. I enjoyed this book and am sad to see the series end but very much look forward to the spinoff book Lady Ruthless staring the Duke’s sister Callie, launching her new series Notorious Ladies of London!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
As the proprietress of the London Ladies’ Typewriting School, Isabella Hilgrove must maintain an excellent reputation for the quality of her staff. When the Duke of Westmorland goes through three typists in less than a week, she decides to take on the bullying duke herself.
Benedict Manning, the Duke of Westmorland, is up to his ears in work for the Special League regarding bombings around the city and he can’t seem to find a secretary with any backbone. The arrival of the exceedingly proper and obstinate Ms. Hilgrove brings out the less than gentlemanly side of Benedict and he finds himself unable to resist toying with her.
Beneath their mutual animosity lies an equally mutual attraction and their attempts to deliver set downs to one another quickly evolve into more. But with the Fenian bombers still terrorizing London, a connection to the leader of the Special League means Isabella is in as much danger as Benedict and they soon become targets of an even more lethal faction of the radical group.
I wanted to love this book so much but I have to say it’s definitely not my favorite of this series, perhaps because I’ve loved the other entries so very much. I didn’t much care for Benedict as a hero; he was very high-handed and could be downright rude. However, I must say if I were in Benedict’s stressful position and then had to come home to deal with his sister Callie’s antics and face near constant sniping from Isabella, I’d probably be rude too. They had no respect for him so it was still annoying but not surprising that he didn’t show much for them. Isabella’s constant griping and rigid attitude were not endearing to me and although I appreciated her willingness to stand up for herself, that fire seemed distinctly at odds with her insecurity about her social status and her constant, often rather repetitive, wavering about her feelings for Benedict. At some points it almost felt like she was two different characters; it’s no wonder Benedict was so confused. I’m not a fan of heroines who don’t own up to their actions and her trying to blame Benedict for a kiss she initiated and then trying to say he was attempting to ruin her was a bit much for me to like her. All that said, I actually did like this couple together and enjoyed the action in the last third of the book, I just wish there had been a bit more of it. This has been one of my favorite series and I’m sad to see it come to a close.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.