Review: The Danger in Daring a Lady (The Naughty Girls #4) by Emma Locke

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Intrepid Reads (March 10. 2016)

From Goodreads.com: A WAGER HE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE 

Devil-may-care rogue Lord Darius Alexander can’t resist a wager. When a game of cards is suggested at the remote inn where he’s stopped for the night, he antes up his family’s savings, certain his Town bronze will give him the advantage. He never expects to lose his fortune to the irritatingly confident, uncommonly beautiful hoyden daring to play with the men. …Nor does he expect to lose his heart. 

A WOMAN HE DOESN'T DESERVE TO WIN 
Caitlin Hart is known for her good sense. When a ridiculous reprobate tosses his savings onto the gaming table, she doesn’t hesitate to divest him of it. But Lord Dare won’t accept defeat like a gentleman. He suggests a compromise, and before long the handsome scoundrel is working back his losses on her small farm. But her neatly plowed fields might be too close for her heart’s content, for soon she finds herself wondering if she can dare him to stay forever when the last of his coin is tucked safely into his pocket. 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let me begin my saying that although this is book number four in a series, you do not need to have read the previous books in order for this story to make sense. This was actually the first in this series that I have ever read, and I had no trouble understanding this story. In fact, if anything, this novel has made me want to read the others in the series even more! 

I also have to admit that it took me awhile to warm up to Darius. He was an unrepentant... well a lot of things. A rake, a gambler, a sorry brother and an even sorrier son. I couldn't understand why after all that he had done, his family didn't turn him away. Even at the end of things, he still escaped punishment more because of what someone else did for him than by his own actions (even though at this point he had finally decided to do the honorable thing). 

However, the journey of the hero and his heroine is one worth reading. I enjoyed watching their relationship bloom almost as much as I enjoyed the witty banter between them. Added to that the drama of the contract Darius had with his mistress, and you have yourself a very entertaining way to spend a lazy day! 

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy well written historical novels with witty and well developed characters. I would read more from this author. 

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                     The Danger of Daring a Lady is available from Amazon.com