Tessa Dare - The Wallflower Wager

They call him the Duke of Ruin.
To an undaunted wallflower, he's just the beast next door.
Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.
Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.
When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbor demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.
Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?
And a two-legged dog.
And a foul-mouthed parrot.
And a goat, an otter, a hedgehog . . .
Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.
Not if he ruins her first.

Comment: This is the third story in the Girl Meets Duke series by author Tessa Dare. Although I didn't remember much from the previous books, a lot came to mind as I was reading this one...

Lady Penelope Campion is devoted to her animals, and she is content living alone with them, but the house next door finally has a new occupant and although he feels the house will be even even easier to sell with the daughter of an earl next door, the animals aren't exactly the best feature...

Penny is warned the duke of ruin, as Gabriel Duke is called, is dangerous and ruthless but she can't simply let her animals be taken from her and she agrees she will not mind them to go if he finds them a happy new home. Gabriel believes this will too easy, but he wasn't counting on enjoying every moment he spends with Penny and all the arguments they have over what can be considered a "loving" home...

The books by this author are fluffy, sweet and easy to read. All extremely anachronistic, ore fantasy than historical, but they are certainly enjoyable and entertaining. As it happened to the previous installments, here we have again an unlikely pair but things work out beautifully between them.

The real appeal of these novels for me is the character interaction. Penny and Gabriel get themselves in ridiculous situations but the base for all this is a sweet and meaningful relationship. It's a bit exaggerated of course, but it's nice to read between the lines and see them having key conversations for the growth of their bond, even if it seems silly. Well, it is silly but sometimes serious things are debated as if it's silly, and I think the author is very competent in making this happen.

The plot is not very imaginative, but the animals make for a very fun-like vibe and provide incredibly funny and cute scenes. I think some situations were more a caricature than a really appreciative moment, but like I said, between the writing and the vibe, this doesn't come across as childish nor badly done. Sure, I'd change and/or add some other things, but thinking about the bigger picture, this was well accomplished and made for an entertaining novel.

Penny is a sweet woman, whose cheery personality and disposition hides one or two disappointments and a much more serious issue than seemed at first. When she finally reveals her big secret to Gabriel, it is made to seem a bit superficial but it's actually quite devastating and I think this is where the usual cute atmosphere the books convey kind of misses something. I mean, of course, this would never be a dramatic story but the situation required other developments and part of me believes this aspect was only a way t make Penny more... layered.

Gabriel is another one of those heroes who pretends to be mean and heartless and, of course, hides a much more emotional depth than what he wants himself. He has a sad past, overlooked at the workhouse and has made himself a rich man, not caring about the lives of the rich he ruins in the process. Obviously, his actions seem easy to understand, considering his background, but he isn't truly a bad man, even though we are led to believe Penny brought the best in him...

I won't say much about the romance, for it it's very unlikely and unfit for an historical setting, but it's cute and romantic and they fall in love while dealing with opposed ideas and backgrounds. Reading about them was more on the sweet, fairy tale side than in a real romance one but it managed to hit all the necessary notes and fit the goal intended for such a sweet and light historical novel. 

This book was released in 2019, the fourth and last one, apparently, will come out next year. I surely hope it is everything the hints we were given in this book are meant to be.

Grade: 7/10

Tessa Dare - The Governess Game

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart . . . without risking her own.
Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling . . . and he’s in danger of falling, hard.

Comment: This is the second installment of the Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare.

In this story, following the events of the first book after a while, we focus on another one of the girls from the quartet of friends whose lives have not been as traditional nor as formal as one would expect from the regency period. Alexandra Mountbatten was raised in a ship by her captain father and now she dreams of the stars and also of Chase Reynaud, with whom a random clash at the bookstore never left her thoughts. However, he does seem to have forgotten her, especially when he hires her as a governess for the two girls he is in charge of. However, as their relationship also gets more intimate, can Alexandra find in Chase the person to trust and believe in? Can this happen, since their positions in society are so different? Will Chase also be able to let go of his own fears and believe in happiness with her?

I liked this novel, as I expected to. Although it has been said more than once by many readers that this author's work isn't accurate historical at all, it doesn't mean it's not fun and appealing to read. I think it's good escapism and makes for an easy time reading something we know will end well. To be fair, however, I can't help but thinking why couldn't this be contemporary, only a few changes and it would still be a wonderful romance and with less room for criticism, I suppose...

The story is, as always, a game between what the characters do and how they act and the depth of their personalities and good features, which we unravel as the plot advances. Chase and Alex begin as apparent simple characters, who live their lives and have their struggles - of different levels - but as the situations they face keep coming, we discover they aren't as superficial or as easy to read as one might expect. I do think the author does this very well, this peeling of layers as things go by.

Alexandra is part of the group we've met in the previous story and she dreams of owning her own cottage where she can look at the stars and remember the good times with her father, a sea captain. She can't stand the thought of being in a boat or ship, though, for that reminds her of the trauma of losing her father during a storm. In order to accomplish her dream she must work, but after declining the offer to be a governess to the girls Chase is responsible for, something happens and she changes her mind, meaning she will be able to spend more time with him.

In a believable world, this would not have been done as easily and they, in opposed sides of society's class, would not have that much chance to spend time together, but of course that is exactly what happens and they fall in love. I think the conflicts between them were made a bit too simple and I do wish there was some more care in how they interact, so easily in the reach of secondary characters who could expose what was happening... I know this is meant to be as light as it is, but I still worry and can't help thinking that the tone isn't always up to what is being described.

Chase is, I'm sorry to say, a forgettable hero for me. I liked him and the worries he faced, the guilt over something he believes was his responsibility making him someone much more caring than what he lets others perceive. I liked he fell in love despite his decisions in the beginning and there were plenty of scenes where his presence was definitely a plus, but I don't think he was one of those larger than life characters one can't ignore either.

The romance was pretty much standard for the author, cute and with some easily overcome conflicts, where love and the unexpected take more attention than practicality. I liked Alexandra and Chase together but the process of how they fell in love didn't dazzle me as much as it happened with couples from other books by the author. I can't tell if it felt there wasn't enough chemistry or their personalities just didn't mesh as obviously as others did... the overall feeling for me is along the lines of average, not amazing.

The children were great, there were many cute and fun scenes to go through, this is meant to be adorable and entertaining and the author always accomplishes that, but I also think this book could have been even better.

Grade: 7/10

Tessa Dare - The Duchess Deal

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…

Comment: This is the first book in the Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare. Despite background noise over certain subjects within the "romanceland" world, there is no doubt this author can write fun and romantic stories, although the historical settings rarely seem totally realistic. Nevertheless, it's entertaining and an escapism to read these books, thus I gladly carry on.

In this new series we meet Emma, a seamstress whose job is in peril for the big wedding dress she took months to sew won't be used after all, since the wedding was cancelled but no one has thought about paying for it, therefore a daring Emma wears the dress to make her point across and visits the duke who would have been the groom, hoping he can see all she requires is what her work is worth.

The duke of Ashbury has been at war and came back with heavy scars, which are repulsive for many and got used to it. Mellowing in his sadness while dealing with dukedom issues, he wasn't prepared for the vision of Emma in such an awful dress but he respects her position and her bravery in coming up to him. Since he, conveniently, needs to marry, why not someone who wasn't afraid of him? That is how he decides to pursue Emma and convince her she can, indeed, be a duchess...

Like I said, the books by this author are fun and cute. Still, reading the blurb and my small summary above probably will be indication enough the story isn't really accurate, historically. For those who need facts to be straight, then this will sound silly, but who can ignore that, the story is romantic and entertaining and a pleasure to read for how good it makes one feel.

The plot follows the "beauty and the best" trope. Ashbury (Ash) is scarred and has all the classic features of someone who is angry at his circumstances and he deals by being too direct and staying away from others, although he does go at night scaring criminals in the streets. He only considers the idea of marrying because of legal issues, as ensuring the titles remain in the family and such, otherwise he would have become a real hermit. He feels no one can appreciate him, much less a woman, for he was hurt by his former fiance's rejection and only wants to avoid it again.

Emma is a young woman whose life hasn't been easy, she trusted someone who didn't took her reputation into consideration, her own father accused her of sin and cast her out and she had to find a way to survive. She accepts the duke's crazy proposal only because she knows she would have financial security yes, but she also wants to help a former client who is in trouble. She knows this marriage won't be a real one but she still believes she can find something out of it, so she is willing to try.

Of course we are more than aware the couple will fall in love and although the wedding is cool and unassuming, they are clearly attracted, which is one tactic to make it seem they are becoming closer than they should in such circumstances. In my opinion, too much relies on sexual attraction and how the need to secure a heir makes it necessary for them to be sexually together but that is fun to see them deal with one another and grow fonder by bantering, bickering and find a connection in the bedroom, that it is.

As the plot develops, all the emotional strings are slowly connected, dealt with, which means the two protagonists face their fears, face their worries and past hurts and find happiness together. There are some scenes I found too much on the drama side and I did struggle with this or that scene which was really hard to accept (historically speaking) but overall, the author tries her best to make it seem Emma and Ash are in sync and are a good match, that they understand each other and will be supportive partners.

There are also the secondary characters, namely three friends that make friendship with Emma after her marriage, who help the couple seem a perfect match by how they interact with one another. I find this funny because how easy it seems to be that people who have never met would so quickly understand how someone else reacts but it was still fun to see the relationships develop. Of course the three ladies will be protagonists of the following books.

All in all, this was a good enough novel, funny, filled with unlikely and sometimes crazy scenes but the main couple is falling in love, they share enough scenes where we can see their devotion and care for one another even if they are hard to believe could actually happen. But that is the role of fiction, to allow one to dream and hope. I liked this one for how easy it was to read and I will read the following ones too.

Grade: 8/10

Tessa Dare - When a Scot Ties the Knot

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.

Comment: This is the third story in the Castles Ever After series by Tessa Dare.

I liked the other two books, being the first one my favorite and after finishing this one as well, it remained so. I liked this story but more along the lines of the second, meaning it was cute but not as amazing or special as I imagined.

In this story we meet another heroine, Maddie, who has inherited a castle from her godfather. Since Maddie has also fabricated a story about a military fiancé to avoid attending balls and being around many people, it is understandable she would feel like going to a castle in the Highlands to "mourn" the death of the man she wrote to for years. 

Maddie is, therefore, quite surprised and somewhat suspicious when a man, saying he is the captain McKenzie she has wrote to all those years, arrives at her door. 

Apparently, the name she invented is rather common among the Scottish and a man has indeed received all those - sometimes silly - letters and now wants to provide for his fellow soldiers and that means the land where Maddie's castle is. 

Since everyone already assumed they were sweethearts... why not making it real?

This is where the author's books are both silly and amusing: some premises are just too unlikely to have been possible and even allowing for some leeway in a time before videos and cameras and the internet recording all clues, it's still difficult to imagine no one would suspect of Maddie's scheme for so long in a more obvious way.

Still, it is what makes it possible for this funny story to exist and part of the fun of the author's books is precisely how it can work.

Even admitting some of the silliness of the plot, of course the author has cleverly created a situation where it can be understandable why captain Logan McKenzie would feel he could live with the fellow soldiers of his company who had no place to go or who had been maimed and left abandoned. His is a worthy goal and the lack of money or estate after the war sent so many Scottish men away only to return to "occupied" estates by the English lords who were excused had to be solved. I mean, this was a very interested critique to do, so there's always some little gems of insight or even of characterization to look for among the most silly or funny scenes.

Maddie is an interesting heroine. She is a bit of an introvert and I liked how this was portrayed. She is, of course, a sweet young woman, whose flaws aren't that negative, just aspects she hasn't worked on. Meeting and dealing with the hero improves her considerably for she finds strength in being with someone who challenges her and supports her. She is cute and funny and I could relate to some of her behavior but she is not over the top special.

The hero is more interesting for me, emotionally. We learn about his past, his lacks and how he tried to better himself despite what was against him. I obviously liked he cared for his friends and had the thought of doing something unselfish and even a little mean (to scare Maddie into a real relationship) in order to make a right (helping those worst than he).

Their romance was a sweet, funny one, quite balanced even despite the (in my opinion) too many sexual innuendos and thoughts they both had but that was to be expected anyway.

Some sequences weren't very well done, I'd say. the insta-love is explained, after all we have them interacting and seeing good things in each one, which brings them closer but the reasons why just don't work all the time. It's still too quick because they are strangers, even having the letters Logan has read to know more about Maddie. Other situations seem to be solved so quickly, without fuss...

I liked the book as a whole but there are details I think would be better if different.

This was an enjoyable, fluffy read that suits its style perfectly. Those who like the author's style will certainly appreciate this cute story.

I liked other things by her more but in general this was a good way to spend the time.

Grade: 7/10

Tessa Dare - Say Yes to the Marquess

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.
So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet? 
He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.
He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.
He doesn't kiss her.If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.
When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.
And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

Comment: This is the second book in the Castles Ever After by Tessa Dare. I liked the first book in the series so of course I'd try this one as well. It's also interesting that the hero is the brother of the hero of another book (Do You Want to Start a Scandal) with crosses over two of the series by the author, Castles Ever After and Spindle Cove. 

I had already read Do You Want to Start a Scandal which should have been read after this one but, of course, I wasn't aware of it at the time. Nevertheless, this plot is pretty much independent from the other book so no spoilers besides who's protagonist if readers get to these books out of order.

In this story we meet Clio Whitmore, a young woman who has been the fiancée of the marquess of Granville for eight years but it seems the marriage won't ever happen and the to is already mocking Clio for all her wait. She then decides enough is enough when she inherits a castle and no longer needs to rely on a marriage to have a steady life.

The problem is that she needs to annul the engagement and cancel the wedding and for that a formal signature is required. Since her fiancé is in the continent, she searches for his brother, Lord Rafe Granville, for him to do so...

Rafe is a prize fighter and has gained a famous reputation despite his late father's disapproval. He feels he wouldn't ever achieve much so he fought for his money and life. He has always been attracted to Clio but she is promised to his brother. Feeling he can't fail at this too, he tries his best to convince Clio to marry his brother but in the meantime, can he resist her?

This was, unsurprisingly, a very romantic story with a lot of feelings and sweetness involved. The author is known for her sweet and funny style (without getting to silliness) while the protagonists slowly realize they are perfect for each other.

Her stories being historical, there are some rules but this is not the best author for those looking for historical accuracy. Precisely that is what makes her stories engaging and easy to read.

Thinking on this novel from a general point of view, I'd say this was a great story but there were a few details that, for me personally, weren't as well achieved and in the bigger scheme of things, I'd say this book felt it was one little step beneath the previous one in the series.

I liked most of the plot and several parts of it but it was difficult to not wish the situation about the wedding were solved more quickly or that the protagonist didn't have to doubt their potential happy future over some detail after they acknowledged their feelings. Not that these things couldn't be realistic considering what was going on but with such frankness and complicity between them, it felt like the final "conflict" before the HEA was very staged.

The best part of the story (and of the author's writing style?) is obviously how much attention she dedicates to the small things between the main couple. How much we see them interacting, how many scenes we have with them doing things together or in some way related to the other. It makes it look as if they have to be together and they are the perfect match.

I also liked Phoebe, one of Clio's sister and a character I hope might get a story one day. The other characters played their part but none seemed that impressive.

The romance between Clio and Rafe is filled with all the modern devices couple are suppsoed to face nowadays: mutual respect, lengthy conversations, exchange of confidences, trust and many other little things that it's difficult to imagine people back in the 19th century would feel inclind to share or acting in a unlikely behavior. Yes, this puts some readers off, but I think I can abstract myself from that and simply enjoy the story. I do think Clio was quite brave in trying to be happy when she had the means to do so but some of the stories she mentioned regarding how her mother saw her body figure seem a little too convenient for the story.

Rafe was an almost perfect hero, especially by how he thought of the heroine but that second guessing at a certain point, closer to the end, was really dispensable...oh well.

Everything considered, this was a cute story, not as strong for me as others by the author but what a great experience to just spend time reading something sweet and lacking weird or complex mysteries. It could have been better but it was not bad at all.

Grade: 7/10

Tessa Dare - Romancing the Duke

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.

Comment: This is the first installment in the Castles Ever After series by author Tessa Dare. Having enjoyed immensely the majority of the books in another series (Spindle Cove), and knowing the last one in that series has a crossover with a story in this series too, I wanted to read it soon and here it is, the first book.

In this book we meet Izzy Goodnight, a young woman down on her luck because of her father's bad decisions making and an inheritance going to the male heir. However, Izzy received a letter from her godfather (who she doesn't know) telling her he has left her a castle in his will. Having nothing to lose, Izzy travels to the castle but only finds a very rude occupant, its former master, the duke of Rothbury.

Ransom Vane, the duke, is still physically recovering from a duel although a consequence seems to be quite final, namely his lack of sight. He only wants to be left in peace to wallow in his misery but Izzy showing up makes him think about scenarios he didn't believe hew could be a part of. But the longer he must endure Izzy's presence, the more they try to solve the problems of the inheritance since he never sold the castle in the first place, the more they get to know one another and trust begins to be shared.

Can these two let go of past expectations and just find happiness in the present? 

One of the biggest critics some readers have about this author is her lack of realism regarding what it meant to live in the 19th century. Many say the heroes, heroines, plots are too modern in relation to what was possible and what was appropriate in that society's time. In a way, I can understand this and it does scream at the reader here and there but I must also say this really doesn't matter if one wants to be entertained by fiction because the author does this beautifully.

Counterbalancing the anachronism of some aspects, we the have the other side of the coin:  the stories are richly detailed and the romance is cute and "romantic".

In this novel, both protagonists have to deal with some issues in their past (as expected, things are mostly emotional in a way) disguising their feeling with actions related to the plot taking place. I just think that the author cleverly writes things in a way that the reader has to like the couple, has to be on their side and understands their difficulties. The best course of action to make this happen is to create a background for both that gives us plenty of reason to care for them and to see them succeed.

Izzy has a very interesting background, apparently she is quite famous because her father wrote books for children/young people inspired by the adventure tales he told Izzy when she was a young child. The stories got a lot of success and there are even many people who consider themselves fans and followers of the world created by the author (modern, huh?) but that puts a huge pressure on Izzy to not defraud them despite her father lack of reliability for daily life matters.

Ransom's reasons for his sulkiness take longer to be understood but he decided he was better off without anyone to care about after his loss of sight. Of course the reason why he changes, the reason why he feels he needs to live isn't only his love for Izzy, but also the fact he realizes he still has a lot to live for himself and, combined with the way the plot points connect, their mutual journey was cute and romantic in my POV.

The romance is cute and the pace believable but I'd have liked to see them more in sync at the end, right before they admit their feelings. I can understand why there were some issues closer top the end, plot conflict demands, but it wasn't as smoothly dealt with as I imagined. It didn't really feel like it had been part of the plot. Still, for the entertainment of it, I liked the way the author connected the loose points and solved things.

The couple's connection, which feels like went at a very steady pace and rhythm, is a very good point in this novel. It was fascinating to see them interact and slowly grow more confident in themselves because there it was, someone to trust. The details about each main character and why they could be a good couple were well done. I had a great time reading this novel and, sometimes, that is the best feeling we can get.

Grade: 8/10

Tessa Dare - Do You Want to Start a Scandal

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?

Comment: Being a fan of the Spindle Cove series by Tessa Dare, it was no surprise I'd add this 5th installment to my TBR when I realized it would be released eventually. Although it's been out for a while, I only managed to get it recently and this month I finally got to it. I was expecting a good story but I was still proved how right it felt because it did feel like a great story to me.

In this book we finally get Charlotte Highwood's story, she's the youngest sister of the Highwood family we've met in the first book in the series. Her sister Minerva was the heroine of book #2, still one many readers look up to. Charlotte was younger in that book but now that she is a grown up her mother is still trying her best to see her last daughter married even if she needs to use all the tactics she can.

This is why when the book begins, Charlotte is entering a room to advise and warn lord Granville that, being a single man with money he will be in her mother's sight as a possible groom so they should avoid one another as best and as often as possible. The problem is that in that precise moment they are alone and when they hear steps coming their way, they both hide themselves from view by getting plastered together behind some curtains while a mysterious couple has a very personal meeting. Because of this Charlotte and Granville are found by others and it's complicated to explain what they were doing. A marriage offer is then offered to Charlotte but she still thinks that if she can find who was there have an illicit tryst, then her name and Granville's can be left alone. The problem is she and Granville become quite fond of one another...

I think my little summary and the blurb don't leave much to be guessed when it comes to the plot and its more obvious developments. This is a sweet and fun romance and two main characters I was very eager to see in the page. There's something about simply liking the characters that makes the reading much easier and fluid.

The plot is interesting to read about and all the little details that one can infer from between the lines only add more "flavor" to the plot moves and decisions. I wouldn't say this is a comedy but some situations do seem funny and the grace of Charlotte's personality and Piers Granville more stoic response but firm dedication to Charlotte only make everything feel better and well done. I, for one, felt the story was quite balanced and addictive to read.

The romance was very sweet, not only because it begun in a funny way, but also because as time went by and they got to know each other better, they do seem to complement one another and that is certainly vital in every romance.

The relationship between Piers and Charlotte was romantic I think. There is a slight difference in ages between them but both see in the other someone to love. I especially liked how Piers struggled to accept he would be happy with Charlotte not just because she was a great person and would be a good wife but mainly because he would be a happier man and that would make all the difference. I also liked how we could "see" this instead of him only deciding it eventually.

Charlotte is a great heroine, she is not a complicated woman, she has a notion of what happened around her and she only tries to be fair and make those she cares about happy too, like how she promises her friend Delia a tour for them alone (even if things don't turn out to be as easy as that) or how she knows her mother would be too obvious in her matchmaking and she tries to avoid being labeled desperate or worse as some less than good people already consider herself. She, however, always looks at things with a particular humble look and that makes quite the difference when it comes to like her for who she is.

I think the author did a great job portraying this relationship, the little details of the plot and even the elements that allowed the reader to have a great time. Perhaps this isn't the author's best work but I like her voice and style and this worked out very well for me. 

Grade: 8/10

Tessa Dare - Any Duchess Will Do

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?

Comment: This is the last apparent book in the Spindle Cove series. The author has said this is the last one but she might return to it one day. I feel sorry to leave this little corner of the romance world because I liked how different the heroines were and how special each story was.

This is Griff's story, he's a duke, wealthy of course, and his mother is at the end of her patience for him to marry, she's eager for grandchildren.

Griff however, only wants to avoid the issue due to a secret from his past. But he doesn't want his mother to feel bad, so he prefers to act like the bad guy and make her angry instead. For that he will find any excuse not to marry, until she drugs him, bring him to Spindle Cove and makes him pick any woman so she can turn her into a real duchess. Trying to call her bluff, he chooses the maid, Pauline, but is surprised when his mother not only accepts but as Pauline makes an act of being ironic with the situation. But after a deal made Griff will see Pauline isn't as simple to read as he thought...

Well, I liked this story a lot. I think it has a lot of situations to feel eager to read and the feel of the story is one to be curious about and to enjoy.

I know some readers didn't like the fact the romance between a peer and a commoner was unlikely to be credible. But I think, this being romance and not literary fiction, I don't mind the author taking me to a fantasy romance where I can like the characters and root for them. Of course, the society wouldn't approve but I like I could be transported to a place where what mattered was what was happening between those two and that they were both worthy on their own to be the loved one of the other, no matter their origins. After all, the main issue in romance is to build a good relationship between the protagonists and to make them be in love and in sintony with each other. For me, this book was a hit on all that.

I liked the story's plot line. How Griff wanted to avoid marriage so he made a deal with Pauline, but she was so much more than what was on the surface. 

She might be poor and uneducated but she taught herself and she was kind and she knew how to behave. She just had bad luck to be in a family that didn't allow her to become more. She never let her position in life to rule her behavior towards others or to turn her bitter or lazy or uncaring. I liked how Pauline showed herself to be special and caring and understanding and realistic. She knew her romance with Griff wouldn't end in anything but she still supported him and helped him and was there for him when he needed to share his secrets and fears.

Griff has a secret which isn't bad but changed him and the way he saw the world around him. I was touched by the way he described what happened to him and how that made him think differently about his life and the way he lived before. He still had a funny side and he was planning to gave fun with the whole Pauline situation. But things aren't as simple as that and a bond grew between them.

Their relationship may have started because of a deal, of a game of making fun of society and avoiding his mother's attempts, but when two people start talking and seeing int he other someone who they can trust and hold on to, I think this is a great example of a good romance, a good base to support a relationship and I liked how they've tried to ignore society and do the right things at the end. Still, love was stronger than that, communication was also important and love prevailed.

Only one thing didn't seem as good for me, how the intimacy started between them, because I was so focused on how balanced their relationship was, even with all the truths being thrown at each other and the little disappointments attached to it - which in a way helped them secure honesty -, I still would have liked a bit more care in the relationship turning intimate. I know, it isn't such a big deal but I admit I wanted that part of their relationship to have started a bit more romantic.

Also, some parts of the story would be slower in pace but it wasn't obvious why and it confused me. It only happened once or twice but it still stayed in my radar.

Overall, I really liked this one, the fantasy, the truths behind many words and actions, and I liked how two different people can dream to belong together and make a happy family and ending. A great story to cherish!

Grade: 8/10

Tessa Dare - Beauty and the Blacksmith

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?

Comment: This is a short story in the Spindle Cove series by the author. I've been reading this series for a while now and although the first two books were much better than the third one, I had high hopes for this story because if featured two characters I like, Diana and Aaron.

Diana is the most beautiful lady in Spindle Cove, but she doesn't seem interested in any lord and was more focused on her health, the main reason why she and her mother and sisters went to Spindle Cove. She met Aaron there and has been falling in love since the first day even without realizing it.
Aaron is the blacksmith of the village and he has always work although he isn't rich by any means. His work is beautiful and Diana is always looking for a reason to go to his shop. When they both finally talk about it, there's no going back to indifference...

I liked this short story. There isn't much to develop in such a short page count but at this point most of the reader's impressions about them have been known from the other books, more so Diana. I liked how we saw Aaron better because I had th idea he wasn't such an impressive man, and in a way the best part of this short story was to get to know him and how someone doing such apparent heavy and tiresome work can be the author of beautiful jewelery, the reason Diana is first always around.

It was fun to realize both of them have been longing for the other for a while and how Diana would ruin her jewels so Aaron could fix them and she could spend time with him.
Of course, one could say this relationship was doomed because of their stations in society but for me things worked because the focus was the way they felt about each other and what was in each one that the other recognized and accepted which would be the foundation of a balanced relationship and in the end sometimes love is what matters the most.

Because of the page limit, obviously things move along quite fast in this story but it doesn't seem anything was rushed because we get the idea things have been like this for them for a while. I was still surprised by Diana's mother reaction and how Diana grew to be assertive when it mattered so much to her how others would accept her relationship with Aaron.

As for Aaron himself, I was also surprised for th positive, because he is wise and careful and tried to protect Diana and to treat her like a lady but the feelings between them were quite forceful to ignore. Still, he maintained his honorable side and proved he was a worthy man. I was really glad to know him better.
I think his character could still have been better explored but maybe in the future we'll see more of him.

The story has a HEA and I'm happy with it. I understand why it wouldn't suit some people, but I like the fantasy, I like the way the romance is the most important thing in here and how the characters don't betray their own feelings and minds. I can't wait for the next.
Grade: 7/10

Tessa Dare - A Lady by Midnight

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.

Comment: Here's another story in the Spindle Cove series by the author. This time it's Kate Taylor on the spotlight. I was quite curious to know her story considering the hero was someone so reserved...but I wasn't as impressed as that in the end.

Kate is an orphan and she doesn't remember her childhood before going to the orphanage but she always wanted to now about her parents and why they abandoned her.
Corporal Thorne is part of the militia that arrived with Bram, the hero from book #1, and he only wants peace and quiet. He recognized Kate by her birthmark and knows exactly where she comes from. When a family from the aristocracy finds Kate and tells her she's their lost cousin, Thorne believes they're lying but the truth is deeper than they all think...

I was a bit disappointed with the story. Although it followed all the elements a story like this should have and after a wonderful beginning where I felt for Kate's fate and her thoughts of being unwanted and miserable while seeing she had lost the last transport home, I couldn't help but feeling a bit bored with the way things progressed from there.
The plot had its positive aspects but I was less and less surprised as time went by and the romance didn't help because at first it was slow paced and beautiful and then it went to a point where Thorne, despite his reasonable motivations, kept saying he wasn't for her but at the same time he faked a betrothal to her...it was all so confusing that not even the author's style, which had my applause in the first two books, was enough to save this one.

Kate and Thorne seemed perfect for each other at first and they were wonderful together in the end. What happens in between didn't seem as well accomplished as that, though. The intimacy between them wasn't the problem, I just think it didn't seem as romantic at times and it was all mixed with Kate's past and everyone's expectations of what become of her. Their romance kept developing but there times where I wasn't sure about them and worse, I wasn't really that interested. Thankfully it all got solved.

The plot's main issue was Kate's past and if she was really a lady. The explanations weren't that much convincing to me, or maybe the problem was how we were told about what happened since ate was left an orphan. I just didn't see the beauty of the writing on those pages and those justifications. It didn't seem well explained somehow.

In the end, the story was ok, it had some positive things, I was curious about seeing everyone again, but there's this vibe about this novel that left me a bit disappointed and after two amazing books, I can't help thinking this one was a let down.
Grade: 6/10

Tessa Dare - A Week to be Wicked

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.

Comment: Since I've read the first book in the Spindle Cove series and became aware many people loved the second one even more, I was immediately curious to read it myself. Therefore, here it is and I have to say I did love it quite a lot!

This story features Minerva Highwood and Colin Sandhurst. From book #1 we've seen they couldn't be more different and unsuitable for each other, but Minerva wants to rescue her older sister from a marriage she thinks Colin will propose eventually, so she talks him into a business deal, she will pay him a certain sum if he goes with her to Scotland for a symposium and doesn't care about her reputation.
Colin is known as a rake and reckless man. But he never ruined an innocent and isn't willing to start now. However, circumstances force him to go with Minerva mostly to help her, or so he tells himself. But as the week of travel moves along, Min and Colin have more fun and more deep conversations they ever imagined and even best, the other might be exactly what they most wanted in life...

I really enjoyed Minerva and Colin's story. It was both funny and sentimental but not in a exaggerated way, I think the tone was perfect for the story and the purpose. None of the main characters were supposed to be dummies or conceited. I think they worked out well together and even in the aspects they clashed, it wasn't in such a way the reader would feel any lack of balance between them, in fact, the opposite happened, the characteristics of each other suited the other well, and I finished the book with the feeling that couple was perfect together. The only thing I thought was a bit too much was the sugary in the end, but considering everything ended so well, I can't really complain too much.

Colin is a fascinating character. He has a reputation but deep down he is has as much fears as anyone else. He tries to present a side of him that others won't look too deep into and he likes his life is what everyone sees, but he hides fears and wishes like everyone, just doesn't think he is good enough to chase dreams or to be what everyone around him wants him to be. I think his slow path towards redemption, let's call it that is highly influenced by Min and how she sees the world. In a way she helped him to dream and to realize he could be as happy as he wanted.

Minerva is very protective of her sisters and she knows that, not being a beauty of an accomplished society girl, her aims have to go elsewhere. She thinks about geology and how to impress those who deal with it. She made a huge discovery but can't travel to Scotland alone so she tries to blackmail Colin but he has honor after all. Min has an amazing evolution, she has so much to give to others and she proves to Colin over and over she could be as funny as him if he only accepted he was worthy of being loved.

The relationship between the two of them is unique and full of new things for both. There's lessons learned about who they are and what they can achieve if they trust one another and themselves. I liked how the author made them change for better in each other's company and how they faced their wishes and dreams together, it was sweet.
The book has many deep scenes where we learn more about their minds and thoughts and there are lighter moments to give the deep moments an even more special meaning.

I think this story was very romantic and well balanced in all parts. I really can't wait to read more in the series and I hope the following ones are as good for me as this one.
Grade: 9/10

Tessa Dare / Abigail Roux

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.

Comment: This short story is second in the Spindle Cove series. It's Violet's story and we learn why she is in Spindle Cove and on the eve of her return home, a man shows up and she thinks he's familiar. The development was rich and intense despite the small size of the story. I found if deeply engrossing and so very detailed for such a short length. The romance part was fast but there are mitigating circumstances. I was once more surprised by hoe serious and rationally discussed everything was. This is a solid, strong writing and shows great promise. Can't wait for more!
Grade: 8/10

*  *  * 

After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado. He’s not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O’Flaherty stays with him in New Orleans. Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet—after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can. He’s very surprised, though, when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him.
Nick knows all of Kelly’s quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk move on his part . . . or so he thought. But what should’ve been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address.
Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other—friends and brothers in arms, or something even deeper?—before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Comment: This is the first of a spin off of the Cut and Run series. It's Nick's side of things and his relationship with Kelly, with his take on work, on life. I was glad he got a story. His relationship with Kelly changes but I was quite surprised with the level of emotions and expectations the author dealt with in a short story. It doesn't feel like one. Kudos for talent, I guess. I was impressed and will read the rest. Being a spin off it's better read after the main series, because many things are understood because of that. It was a strong story, I'm very happy with it.
Grade: 8/10

Tessa Dare - A Night to Surrender

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?

Comment: I've got this book some time ago after seeing some discussion on a message board about the unconventionality of some of the romances in this series. Although some readers might find the concept as too much fantasy, for me it was like a beacon and I got the first story right away. Eventually time went by and only now I managed to read it.

The story presents us Bram, his cousin and an officer who's been with Bram forever during the war. Bram arrives at Spindle Cove to ask the help of Sir Lewis Finch, a renowned inventor of artillery. Bram wants to return to war despite his knee and doctor's advice to retire. Bram doesn't want to even think about it so Sir Lewis might be the key to put him on battles again.
Before that Bram meets Susannah and feels very attracted to her, not knowing she's Sir Lewis' daughter. Susannah is a woman with a mission, she wants to help the ladies who arrive at Spindle Cove to cure themselves for whatever ails them in the city but in truth Spindle Cove is the place for them to breathe, to be themselves without pressure or disappointments. Bram's arrival disturbs the peace and the routine but what Susannah fears the most is her own feelings about him...

I liked this story a lot! I especially liked the idea of a place where ladies can be without the pressure of living in a city where those with some kind of apparent handicap, like a facial birthmark or shyness or spinsterhood are targeted by the society. Susannah tried and achieved her goal of creating a place where that doesn't happen and ladies have a weekly routine of chores where they can be on their own, with friendly faces and peace. All this in the disguise of being away to be cured. I really liked how Susannah behaved like the hostess of a never ending possibility of freedom and peace.

Susannah was quite the character. She had all the evidence of being a women ahead of her time, she wanted the best for those ladies because herself had bad experiences in dealing with society and even more so about curing what others thought was illness. All she needed was time and peace to be herself. After returning to Spindle Cove she envisioned that for other women in need. This shows the kind of person she is and how she would try to create the best she could to help others.
Men weren't part of the picture because in Spindle Cove there were no alpha men, so that scenario wasn't even a thought, but with Bram things change. Susannah keeps an eye on him but she can't help but fall for him and his nobility of character. 
I think their relationship was well done, it felt phased, not rushed, not even the seduction scenes seemed forced or there just for the sake of the romance, when they actually are exactly that. But while many authors can't disguise this with talented writing, I had the feeling ms Dare could and the seduction between Bram and Susannah seemed cute and romantic to me. Plus, it looked like they belonged together and I was happy when they reached their HEA.
Bram wanted to go back to the life the knew, he wanted to stay away from dealing with different responsibility, but he wasn't prepared for Susannah or the feelings Spindle Cove and its inhabitants would set on him. He has character and a good heart and throughout the story it was evident to see and cherish.

There are many secondary characters with the magic possibility of good plots and I can't wait to read about them. I think the author did a good job, thought about a good plot and set up an interesting place and environment. Some might feel this was too much fictional to be labeled simply historical, but honestly I liked it a lot and I don't think it's to different from so many other books in the genre out there. As with everything, it's a matter of personal taste and, in this case, it did work for me perfectly.
Grade: 9/10