Review: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

Stand Alone

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.

Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.

The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.

Review

This was such a cute novella. Ms. Dare is really good at writing a solid novella.

She played with tropes and archetypes in such a fun way. And it was cute how she told it over several years. It was like little vignettes. This gave her the ability to develop the characters in a natural way even though it's a shorter story.

Harry and Eliza were both fun characters. I liked their bickering and growth as they became friends and a couple. I want to see these two again!

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Series: Stud Club Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke--until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

Review

I've been in a Tessa Dare mood, but I already read everything. So I decided to go to some older books. I had read these in like college but don't remember much about them.

I did enjoy this and it was like a marriage of convenience story. Amelia and Spencer were strong-especially Amelia. Spencer could be really pushy and kind of an a-hole, but she held her own against him. There was one time where she seemed to take his crap, but then when she had him alone explained how he could and could not treat her. You go girl!

There's a friendship brewing between the men in the Stud Club. Like I said before, I don't remember a lot so I don't know what's going to happen. But I definitely hope to see that friendship grow. I'm a sucker for a good friendship.

I'm glad I re-read this and am excited to keep going with the trilogy.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Series: Girl Meets Duke Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis from GoodReads

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

Review

I read this book without reading the synopsis. I literally just went with the fact that Tessa dare wrote it. She is definitely a favorite author now and a must buy/read. This is just a fantastic story. I read it in one sitting which is always a good sign.

Emma and Ash were both well-crafted characters. Emma is such a strong and determined woman. She is certainly an inspirational character. Ash was so funny in a dark and dry way. Ms. Dare really knows how to write scarred characters and humor.

This whole story dealt with some dark and serious issues. But it was handled in a wonderful way and Ms. Dare kept it appropriately light with does of humor here and there.

The only thing that makes me mad is that I have to wait months for the next book. There isn't even a real synopsis yet. But I think I saw some sequel bait there.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

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: Do You Want to Start a Scandal? By Tessa Dare

 

Series: Spindle Cove Book #5
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 376
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library. Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit . . . and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

Review

This was a super adorable story and might be my favorite Spindle Cove book now. Who would've known the youngest Highwood would be the best?

It's a cute story with a spunky heroine. It actually reminds me of an older Julia Quinn book. Charlotte is a fantastic heroine. I love her. I root for her. I want her to be my friend. There's something about a well written optimistic character I particularly enjoy.

Piers is an awesome hero. He has some darkness that makes him intriguing, but he's a good guy. He's smart and caring even if he tries to hide that part of himself. And it's pretty funny to see them all spun up by Charlotte's high jinx. They complement each other as a couple very well.

I'm already a fan of Tessa Dare, but if she keeps writing like this she's going to be a favorite/must-buy author.

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

Review: Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book #3.5
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance, Small-town romance
Publisher: Avon Impulse

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Beautiful and elegant, Miss Diana Highwood is destined to marry a wealthy, well-placed nobleman. At least, that's what her mother has loudly declared to everyone in Spindle Cove.

But Diana's not excited by dukes and lords. The only man who makes her heart pound is the village blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. By birth and fortune, they couldn't be more wrong for each other...but during stolen, steamy moments in his forge, his strong hands feel so right.

Is their love forged strong enough to last, or are they just playing with fire?

Review

I remember liking this more the first time I read it. Now, it's still a good story and I don't regret reading it or anything. And the first novella is just a gem so this can't hold up against it.

This is really just a cute story. There's nothing wrong with that and is pretty standard for a novella. But there isn't a lot of depth to the characters or their romance. It feels a little insta-lovey which is weird because the characters have known each other for a couple years.

But I still enjoyed the read. And I would've liked to see more about Diana and Aaron as a married couple. She's taking a serious step down in status so that has a lot of potential. Hopefully, this will come up a little in futrue books like Charlottes's.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book #4
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 373
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Review

I thought this would be a re-read, but I quickly released I had never read this one before. And I really enjoyed it. Like it's right there with book two as the favorite of the series.

A lot of historical romances address social differences. Which I've said before I'm a fan of. But Tessa Dare really went for it on this one. Pauline is a straight up commoner/peasant. Is it historically accurate for a barmaid to marry a duke? No. But I love it and not everything was gumdrops and rainbows for them.

The characters were so great. Pauline is a wonderful woman. She's realistic and doesn't take crap from anyone-even when she probably should. And she wants to run a library so she's a girl after my heart. Griff definitely leans toward the angsty side which makes sense considering hes past. He's kind of a reformed rake character, but his reformation happens before Pauline which is a little different. Then, there's Griff's mom. I often read about cold and bitter moms, so she was a nice change. I just loved her.

The romance was cute and they complement each other well. There were some Pretty Women moments which I  thought were funny.

I do wish Pauline's sister had more of a presence, but this is still a fantastic book. This series is definitely staying strong.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: A Lady to by Midnight by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book #3
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 374
Rating: 4  Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance, Small-Town,
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

After years of fending for herself, Kate Taylor found friendship and acceptance in Spindle Cove—but she never stopped yearning for love. The very last place she'd look for it is in the arms of Corporal Thorne. The militia commander is as stone cold as he is brutally handsome. But when mysterious strangers come searching for Kate, Thorne steps forward as her fiancé. He claims to have only Kate's safety in mind. So why is there smoldering passion in his kiss?

Long ago, Samuel Thorne devoted his life to guarding Kate's happiness. He wants what's best for her, and he knows it's not marriage to a man like him. To outlast their temporary engagement, he must keep his hands off her tempting body and lock her warm smiles out of his withered heart. It's the toughest battle of this hardened warrior's life . . . and the first he seems destined to lose.

Review

In some ways, this book has my catnip all over it. But for some reason I can't put by finger on I'm not really into it.

Thorne was great. He's got a well-developed and I get him. Plus, it's always nice to see a story explore the impact of war on people. And I've always liked Kate, but she became a little immature. Not necessarily in the way you might think. It's like someone attractive shows her attention and she turns into a lost little girl. I do think they love each other, but it could've been done a little better.

There is less of the awesomeness that is Spindle Cove in this one, but I still love Spindle Cove. And naturally, I will keep reading. This was still a good book and Tessa Dare is a great writer.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 356
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance, Small-town
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove's confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be... anywhere but Spindle Cove.

These unlikely partners have one week to

• fake an elopement
• convince family and friends they're in "love"
• outrun armed robbers
• survive their worst nightmares
• travel four hundred miles without killing each other

All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.

What they don't have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.

Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble. And maybe... just maybe... love.

Review

I remember really liking this the first time I read it. But I didn't remember much else. This made this re-read exciting, but a little scary. What if I was disappointed?

It's easy to see from my star-rating I wasn't. This book has so much of my catnip-the bickering couple, emotional trauma, marriage of convenience. It also has some of that small town vibes and no ballroom which is a nice break.

Minerva and Colin are both great characters. And they have fantastic banter. Minerva is very strong and intelligent. And she never loses that which is nice to see. She evolves, but not in a negative way. Then there's Colin. Oh, Colin. He is such a kind person, but no one seems to see that. Ms. Dare really shows how people's expectations can impact you.

I'm not always a fan of stories with forced confinement for the hero and heroine. But this one works. It probably helps that it isn't one location and they put themselves in this situation.

Oh, and there was some sequel bait which the world knows I love. I'm really glad I started to re-read this series, because it's beautiful.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book 1.5
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter s night. "

 
Review

Oh my god, that's probably the best novella I've read. Definitely romance novella. And it was very fast paced-mainly takes place in one night-which is normally a turn-off for me.

I don't want to spoil things, but the characters and their story is beautiful. Ms. Dare took one of my least favorite tropes and made it compelling. Violet definitely stole the show. She has so much sass and strength under her wallflower shell.

And the pacing. This is how you do a well-written romance. The time is so compressed, but the characters face conflicts (internal and external) in a natural way. The romance truly had a beginning, middle, and end (Happily Ever After).

I've said before that writing a novella is a particular skill set and not everyone can do it. But Tessa Dare sure can. I want more of these characters in the best possible way.

Probably, the best compliment I can give this is that I wanted to immediately read it again when I finished it. That doesn't happen very often.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

Series: Spindle Cove Book #1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 372
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance, Small Town
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are... nowhere to be found. Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn't belong here. So far as he can tell, there's nothing in this place but spinsters... and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It's a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram's makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle... but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

 
Review

I've read this series before, but I didn't read all of the novellas and it's been a long time. So, I didn't remember much of what happened.

Spindle Cove is amazing. It's like a small-town romance, but historical, which I feel like you don't see that often. There's tons of quirky characters and sequel bait. Oh, there's so much sequel bait.

Honestly, now that I'm writing this I realize I don't have much to say. I find some of Rhys' decision or words problematic. But generally, they are good characters. I cared about them. And it isn't everyday you read a romance between two alpha characters.

My plan is to go through this complete series in order including the novellas. Wish me luck.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

July Wrap-Up (2016)

It didn't feel like I read a lot this month. Then, I actually look at it and apparently I did. I ended up reading eleven books.

In an effort to save money, I've started using my library again. Yeah, I have a ton of books on my TBR, but the library has been great. It's allowed me to read books I've been a little apprehensive about picking up. And the library always makes me happy.

July was definitely an eclectic reading month which describes me.

These are the books I read and my ratings.

Head Over Heels-4 Stars

Only With You-4 Stars

A Week to Be Wicked-4.5 Stars

Made For You-3 Stars

The Demon King-4 Stars

A Lady by Midnight-4 Stars

Some Kind of Perfect-5 Stars

Asking for More-5 Stars

Bet Me-4 Stars

Bared to You-3 Stars

First & Then-3 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly