Review: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare

Series: Castles Ever After Book #3
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library (Overdrive)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

 
Review

So, this is really going to be an awful review. The book was great. It's just me. I hand-write my reviews and couldn't write due to a wrist injury. So, I've forgotten a lot of the specifics. Sorry.

This one was a step up after the second book. Maddie was that great combination of a dreamer and realist. I also really appreciate how passionate about her choosen profesion she is. Logan is a sweet guy who really cares about the men in his life. Actually, Tessa Dare seems to write a lot of heroes like that.

The whole romance plot is kind of kooky, but it works. There are serious moments, but mostly it's a romantic comedy full of situation comedy and humor. I blew through this book and loved it.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Series: Castles Ever After Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Romance, Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

Review

I have to be honest, this was a  little disappointing. The first book was just so magical and beautiful. Don't get me wrong, this is good, but pales in comparison to the other.

Clio is a really strong heroine. She has depth and the right amount of uniqueness. And she feels like a real woman instead of an idealized romance heroine. Rafe should've been the hero for me. He's got some brooding angst while being a sweet puppy dog. I don't dislike him, but sometimes she was a little annoying.

They make a cute couple. Their story has a good amount of tension. Now, there are shades of a cheating story since Clio is engaged to Rafe's brother. I'm not a huge fan of those type of stories. It wasn't a huge distraction, but it was always in the back of my mind.

Sorry, I can't really explain what about this didn't work for me. It's a perfectly enjoyable book and I would read again, but it isn't at the top of my list.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

Series: Castles Ever After Book #1
Format: ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.

Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

This one.

Review

 
What a beautiful and fantastical read. It really feels like a fairy tale kind of story. And it was so easy to read. There's a certain magic in Tessa Dare's writing.

Izzy is perfectly craftted. She is this odd but expertly blended personality of believing in love and jaded by fairy tales. She could've easily come across as niave, but she is really just a caring person.

Ransom was equally great. Naturally, I love him because he's physically scarred. His vision issues were handled well and not as a handicap while being historically accurate. He also had a wonderul growth story.

The romance really showed what love can do. Those are some of my favorite stories. Izzy and Ransom had great chemistry but it didn't overpower them a characters.

Originally, I gave this four stars, but I'm changing it to five. I can't think of any reason to give it a lower-rating. I loved the Spindle Cove Series, but I think this is my favorite Tessa Dare book yet.

Thanks for reading!
Holly