The Dog Who Dared to Dream tells the story of Scraggy, the odd one out of the litter of pups born to a mother who’s life has been series of pregnancies. Scraggly slowly sees her family disappear for various reasons until one day there is just her left. Alone she sets off to see the world outside the gates of her home. We follow her as she encounters other animals and humans, and grows up with her owner Grandpa Screecher.

The novel shows the trials of life through the eyes of Scraggly, grief at losing loved ones, the importance of friendship and the cruelties that can lay at the hands we trust the most.

This is a charming and moving tale about the relationship between man and dog. The symbiotic relationship and the often times cruel one that can exist. It is also a sad tale, one of the loneliness Scraggly faces as her family leave her.

It is a parable about the vagaries of life, of hardship, sacrifice and love. Scraggly’s children leave, some dying, others sold, never to return and she pines their loss equally. I was soon caught up with Scraggly’s tale, pulled along by the narrative, and oddly moved by it.

This is a short novel, only 160 pages in length but it packs a lot of story into those few pages. There is a fairytale like sense to the book, helped not only by the canine lead character but by the translation, which I always find tends to lend an aura of magic to a story. It opens on the door a little on a different culture, one perhaps unknown and therefore a little mysterious. Because it is such a short novel it is hard to discuss the book without giving too much of the storyline away and so my review will be one of brevity.

A lovely, perfectly paced story that will make you ponder.

Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known for several things. One of which is his prowess in the bedchambers, a fact that he seems to embrace. When he comes home, intending on clearing out his household, he finds Miss Elizabeth Lacey, a young woman his grandmother has hired as her companion. Right from the beginning, she fights his every command.

I am all for love (or lust) at first sight as long as the story is well written, but I had a problem getting into this story. I couldn’t really buy into them knowing each other’s characters within just a few hours of meeting or how the Duke suddenly trusted her help (based on a character he shouldn’t have known yet) after trying to get rid of her. Unfortunately it just didn't’ work for me.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Second installment in The Wayward Wallflowers series but can easily be read as a standalone. Both Alex and Beth are unique characters in that he’s not what he’s allowed the ton to believe and she’s not the meek mouse he’s thought her to be. Although there is some sort of spark when they first meet there is no instant physical attraction, which I truly appreciated. I was glad to see their feelings blossomed from engaging in actual conversations and from daily interaction.

There was an easy and funny banter between the two that made their relationship feel real and believable. Even though the Duke behaved roguish and intimidating at times, Beth showed plenty of resolve and strength of character, both to resist his charms and later to help him overcome some personal issues.

There was however that little issue with the so-called “incidents”. The heart of the matter is that it appears someone was trying to hurt Alex. Instead of enlisting the help of professionals or at least gather more intelligence before jumping to conclusions he actually secluded himself into his old home with the person he said he loved the most. There is also Beth, who at the beginning of the story showed such wit and an agile mind but towards the end was pushing Ben to act recklessly and even use her as bait to uncover the villain. It was as if she was a completely different person than the woman at the beginning.

In short, I was hooked when the story started but not so much as the story progressed and quite frankly I was conflicted in how I felt when I finished it. I suppose it was still a good story but in my opinion it just didn’t deliver in the mystery aspect nor did it provide the ending I needed.
3.5 stars.

*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***

I really enjoyed this story. Beth is a companion to Alex's grandmother. When Alex shows up, Beth gets the wrong idea. To protect her charge, she dares Alex to grant his grandmother three wishes and spend time with her before shuffling her out of his life. Alex is trying to figure out who is trying to kill him without endangering anyone else. Beth pushes him until he tells her things he has told no one else. Their connection strengthens as the danger comes closer. I had a tough time putting this one down, and I highly recommend this story. I have made Anna Bennett a must read and look forward to reading more.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

'I Dared the Duke' by Anna Bennett is book Two in the "The Wayward Wallflowers" series. This is the story of Alexander 'Alex' Savage, the Duke of Blackshire and Miss Elizabeth 'Beth' Lacey. I have read the previous book "My Brown-Eyed Earl" but feel this is easily a standalone book. Beth is the sister of Meg who was the main character in the first book. Beth and her other two sister were consider Wallflowers by the town and Beth is okay with that.
Beth is doing a favor for her Uncle Alistair by being a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, who is her Uncle's friend. It is only a temporary job to escort the Duchess to various functions and ease her loneliness now that her niece has married and moved away. Beth is known for having a soft heart and taking in animals and people so this is just the thing Beth needs too... to feel helpful. Beth and her sister had a somewhat tough time after their parents died, so Beth is not only soft but a strong women who does stand up for herself and others.
Alex on the other hand seems to have a temper, short on words, somewhat injured inside and all around tough guy. When someone is out to hurt him he doesn't want the Duchess who is his Grandmother hurt in the process of find out who is behind this. Alex just coldly seems to tell them what he plans to do about the Duchess but Beth isn't haven't it. Beth thinks at first he just wants the Duchess away so he can be a Rake and not be around his Grandmother. But once Beth learns the truth she turns to help him the best she can.
I am totally in love with this series! Ms. Bennett is quickly become a top favorite author for me. Can't want for the next book in this series!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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