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Maggie Dallen is an American author of romance books. She has authored over a hundred romantic comedies in different genres, including historical, young adult, and contemporary.
A Duke for Miss Daisy is the first novel in A Wallflower’s Wish series by Maggie Dallen. We meet Miss Daisy, who has always embraced her role as a wallflower alongside her closest friends, Lily and Marigold, with whom she shares companionship and a bond symbolized by their flower-themed nicknames. United by their shared status on the fringes of society events, they’ve navigated the challenges of the marriage market with humor and pride in their unique identity.
However, Daisy’s latest season in society brings unexpected changes. Surprisingly, she finds herself the object of increased attention from gentlemen, including Lord John, whose newfound interest and smiles signal a shift from his previous indifference—this sudden change puzzles Daisy, known for her clumsiness rather than her grace on the dance floor.
Amidst her mother’s enthusiastic matchmaking efforts, Daisy harbors a secret adoration for the Duke of Dolan, a figure she has long idolized from afar. The Duke’s return to the social scene as a widower ignites Daisy’s hopes, only to be dashed by an awkward encounter that reveals his disdain and disinterest. This rebuff prompts Daisy to reassess her feelings, vowing to abandon her infatuation.
On the other hand, the Duke grapples with his own prejudices shaped by a previous marriage that belied its initial promise. Convinced that his next wife should be a wallflower to avoid the pitfalls of his first marriage, he initially dismisses Daisy as a potential match due to her beauty, directing his attention toward Marigold instead. Yet, despite his intentions, Daisy continues to captivate him, challenging his resolve and preconceptions.
Their interactions, filled with misunderstandings and unspoken attractions, gradually reveal a depth of feeling and mutual attraction. The Duke’s initial resistance crumbles as he recognizes the sincerity and authenticity in Daisy’s demeanor, distinguishing her from his past experiences. Daisy, too, begins to see beyond the Duke’s gruff exterior, discovering a tenderness and affection that speak volumes more than his initial harshness suggested.
As they navigate their complex feelings and societal expectations, Daisy and the Duke’s relationship evolves from clumsy encounters to a profound connection that defies their initial misgivings. In a world where appearances often mask true intentions, their journey toward love underscores the importance of seeing beyond the surface to the heart beneath. Their story reminds us that genuine affection can flourish in unexpected places, transforming wallflowers and wary hearts.
Playing the Enemy is the first novel in the Tomboys series, published in 2019. Hannah Crowley’s life in a quaint Upstate New York town takes an unexpected turn during the summer before her junior year. Having spent her entire academic career at the prestigious Lakeview Prep alongside Caleb Everette, her neighbor and boyfriend of five years, Hannah’s comfortable world is upended. Their relationship, more akin to a deep friendship than a passionate romance, is abruptly severed when Caleb, influenced by new affections, ends their relationship through a cold text message. To compound the hurt, Caleb, leveraging his role as the captain of their school’s intramural soccer team, demands Hannah’s removal from the team to appease his new girlfriend.
Feeling doubly betrayed by Caleb’s actions, Hannah grapples with the loss of not only her first love but also her place in a sport that brought her joy and camaraderie. Despite her primary passion for basketball, soccer significantly expresses her competitive spirit and athleticism. The prospect of being sidelined from soccer plunges Hannah into despair until her best friend Rose suggests an alternative that could reignite Hannah’s love for the game.
Enter River Owens, the talented soccer captain from Fairmont High, the town’s public school. Known for his exceptional skills on the field, River has been Caleb’s adversary since their early school days, their rivalry intensifying each soccer season. Despite their shared history and River’s animosity towards Caleb, Hannah finds herself approaching River requesting to join Fairmont’s off-season intramural soccer team—a move that surprises them, given their past connections and current estrangements.
River’s initial wariness of Hannah’s motives gradually gives way to realizing her genuine desire to play and contribute to the team. Recognizing her talent and the unique opportunity her presence offers, River agrees to welcome Hannah into the fold, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives. As they navigate this unexpected alliance, the dynamics of their relationship evolve, offering both a chance to rediscover themselves and each other outside the shadows of their connections to Caleb.
River Owens has harbored ambitions of securing a soccer scholarship for as long as he can remember, viewing Caleb Everette, his childhood friend turned rival, as the main obstacle to his dreams. Thus, it comes as a complete surprise when Hannah Crowley, Caleb’s ex-girlfriend and a former friend of River’s, approaches him with a request to join the Fairmont High intramural soccer team. Their past connection, severed by Hannah’s relationship with Caleb and the ensuing rivalry, resurfaces in an unexpected reunion on the deteriorating soccer field of Fairmont.
Hannah’s arrival at Fairmont’s practice is met with skepticism from River, who initially doubts her motives. However, Hannah’s earnest assurance that she harbors no intentions of espionage for Lakeview and her newly single status gradually dissolve River’s reservations. Recognizing Hannah’s exceptional soccer skills and her potential to fill a much-needed role on the team, River welcomes her aboard, not just as a player but as someone he has quietly admired for years.
The story, adhering to Ms. Dallen’s signature G-rated style, crafts a wholesome and sweet romance between Hannah and River, focusing on developing their relationship through shared interests and genuine affection rather than relying on mature themes. Their chemistry is undeniable, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of young love that is refreshing and engaging.
The soccer scenes within the story serve as thrilling interludes, skillfully written to captivate both enthusiasts of the sport and those less familiar with it. These moments of athletic prowess and teamwork add a dynamic layer to the story, enhancing the connection between Hannah and River.
Beyond the central romance and sports action, the novel is enriched by a cast of vividly depicted secondary characters. Among them is Bentley, Hannah’s younger brother, whose endearing presence and interactions add depth and warmth to the narrative. His character and others contribute to a sense of community and family that underscores the story’s themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of personal goals.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
Everyones favourite Mossad agent and art restorer Gabriel Allon is back. This is the 26th novel in this excellent spy thriller series by Daniel Silva.
In the latest entry, with a release date of July 14th, Gabriel has to track down the missing wife of a British billionaire.
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Are you a Jack Reacher fan? If so, you absolutely have to read the Peter Ash series by author Nick Petrie.
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