A review by brianaisgoingplaces
Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

dark hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sadly, my time with the Bareknuckle Bastards has come to an end, but it’s been quite a fun ride. I was nervously anticipating Daring and the Duke about halfway through the first or second book when we realized he and Grace had history, and it was satisfying to see how they were drawn together. I think though, Ms. MacLean did such a wonderful job making the Duke of Marwick a villain, that it was difficult to see him as the hero. As a reader, I found it hard to trust any bit of him, so it’s hard to believe Grace could do it.

I also felt a little weird about the “second chance” aspect of this. It was a little much, considering that they were barely teenagers when they first meant, and to imagine their love as so strong that it’s survived decades felt a bit silly, but I leaned in for the story’s sake.

I think this was my least favorite book in the series, but someone has to take the title. I still like Grace, I feel indifferent about Ewan, but I’m glad they got to have their happily ever after, and I was very happy to see how they managed that.

3.85 rounded to 4