DUKE WITH BENEFITS is book two in the Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins. Because this is the second book in this series, and the main characters are somewhat established, this is a slightly faster-paced story than the first book. Four young ladies are staying at a grand estate, solving puzzles left by their benefactress in order to claim a prize. Lady Daphne Forsythe is brilliant when it comes to numbers, but a flop when it comes to some basic social skills. She and Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland experience a heady attraction at first sight. What I love so much about this romance is the way that Daphne and Dalton complement each other. The duke has the social skills that Daphne needs to investigate a murder mystery.

Dalton is my favorite type of hero -- laid back, charming, and supportive of the heroine. Daphne's blunt way of speaking turns a lot of people off, but Dalton finds it refreshing. As the danger to Daphne and everyone increases, Dalton is protective without being smothering. Manda Collins does a great job of digging into the backstories of the two main characters, and giving the reader a better idea of who they are. Although Daphne has good reasons to be wary of romantic entanglements, her fake engagement to Dalton turns out to be one of the best things to happen to her. Dalton is a considerate, and sexy, Dr. Watson to her Sherlock Holmes. As usual, Manda Collins does a superb job of balancing romance and mystery.

Greed is the motivating factor for some of the more unsavory characters in DUKE WITH BENEFITS. With so many bad guys lurking around, the friendship and loyalty between the four heiresses and their gentlemen counterpoints the evil shenanigans. For me, figuring out the identity of the unknown murderer or murderers is slightly more intriguing than trying to find the much sought after Cameron Cipher. It was great seeing a familiar Lisle face, and gaining another helper to solve the mystery.

DUKE WITH BENEFITS is a delicious romance with an enthralling mystery thrown in to spice things up. Daphne is an intelligent heroine who experiences personal growth, true love, and exercises her demons in DUKE WITH BENEFITS. This book has a well-matched couple and an adoring hero. I eagerly await the next installment in this riveting Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins.