Audiobook Review: Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Neil Hellegers
Title: Goddess of the Hunt

Series: The Wanton Dairymaid Trilogy #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: July 28, 2009
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Summary: 

Every earl knows the one lady he shouldn't seduce is his best friend's little sister . . .

Lucy Waltham is hunting for a husband, but she needs some target practice. She turns to her brother's cold-as-ice best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to test her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion-one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past full of secrets. He's always kept a safe distance from his own emotions—and from Lucy, who wears her heart on her sleeve. But to save his best friend's little sister from certain heartbreak, he can't stay at arm's length anymore. Their sensual battle of wills is as forbidden as it is delicious. The closer Jeremy gets to taming his temptress . . . the nearer he comes to losing all control.

Review:

Love me some Dare! Been slowly going through all her works. She certainly has a lot, and I'm not complaining!!!!

Here we follow Lucy and Jeremy. Jeremy is friends with Lucy's brother. Lucy has been in love with her brother's friend for a long time, but it isn't Jeremy. It's another friend who is in love with someone else. However, things don't go as planned, and Lucy finally realizes maybe, just maybe, Jeremy is the one for her. He's been the one who has always been there for her. Sure, he is cold, but there is a secret warmth there.

This was adorable and entertaining. I loved Lucy and Jeremy. Both are so different but at the same time so similar. Stubborn and love to vex each other. Loved it!!!

Jeremy has some demons, so he keeps his emotions close to his chest. He is a tough wall to climb, but Lucy loves a challenge. You could tell they were meant for each other in their first interaction. 

I loved watching them finally get on the same page and stop being so stubborn. It was lovely!

They get married fairly quickly, and I loved watching them deal with marriage and finding their love. It was nice. 

The narrator was lovely. The men's voices all sounded similar sometimes, but they worked if you are paying attention. Little difference. 

My only issue is the subplot with the tenants. I hope that is resolved later, because it certainly was not resolved fully here. Jeremy has a lot to do. 

But yes. I was entertained from page 1 until the very end. I want to read book 2 asap. I need to see where our side character ends up. She wormed her way into my heart! I did want more of a resolution with the subplot that seemed to be left dangling and not fully resolved. Maybe we'll see it later on.

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #10

- Library Love #7

- Reading Romance Challenge #7 (Sunset/Sunrise on the cover)

Audiobook Review: One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Title: One Dance with a Duke

Series: Stud Club #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 25, 2010

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

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:

Weeeee Dare!

Here we have Spencer and Amelia. Spencer is a reclusive horse breeder. He never wanted to be Duke, but here we are. He just wants to be left alone with his horses and finally get the prize horse of his dreams but there are a lot of members of the Stud Club he will have to beat in order to get sole position of that horse. In order to keep appearance, he selects on lady for a midnight dance and then he leaves. This has labeled him the "Duke of Midnight". One evening, Lady Amelia catches his interest so he chooses her. Amelia claims the dance with fervor because this will give her the chance to beg him to forgive her brother's debts. Pulling him to the side, alone, she will find herself embroiled in a murder mystery of who killed the founder of the Stud Club. 

Let's do our divide and conquer method for this review (I am lazy today).

The Good

- Loved our characters. They were so perfect for each other. They needed each other to help bring out the best in each other. 

- They were soooo complex! 

- Lots of talking needed to be done. I loved their banter. 

- The resolution between our couple was nice. The resolution between Amelia and her one brother was done so well.

- Awesome side characters! I can't wait to read more!

- The narrator was great as per normal. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- Claudia and her last minute twist at the end. Mmmm. Not a fan. Plus....what does she decide to do? Hopefully we see that in the next book. 

- I wish we got to see more of the murder mystery aspect. 

- What happened to one of the horses!!!!!!! WHY??? WHY WAS THAT NEEDED FOR THE STORY!?!?!?!?!?! *cries*

Overall

I enjoyed this one overall. Loved the characters. They were written with a lot of depth even our side characters! I loved the majority of the resolutions at the ending. They were done nicely! However, I struggled with a few points as seen above. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Amelia and Spencer

Least Favorite Character(s): Claudia

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #36

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

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright

Genre: Historical Romance, Short story, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 11, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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:

After a string of not great books...I turned to a Dare story because Dare has never let me down so far. 

Eliza is always waiting. Waiting....and waiting. Due to a foolish mistake in her youth, she is not allowed to take her turn in Society until her three older sisters are wed so as long as she behaves. While she is trying to stay good, she keeps running into Harry Wright who is a rake. She hates him. She must stay away...but she can't resist. 

This was a fun little number. I loved watching their journey over a few years. Yes, years. They obviously are perfect for each other, but she is not allowed out in Society even though she is of age until her sisters are married off. Which! Was utter BS in my opinion. >_> Poor thing. 

Harry is a rake and scoundrel who, on the surface, hasn't done a good thing in his life. I loved that there is more underneath it all and he actually has a heart of gold. Sure he has done some wicked things, but he is sweet to those he actually cares about. What a sweet, but devilish man. 

Yes, Dare has saved me again. Loved this and the length was perfect. No spoiler, because it is a romance, but everyone is happy and in love. Very sweet! That ending was pure perfection. 

Oh! Nearly forgot....the narrator did wonderful. I've listened to her voice before so I was extremely happy to hear her narrate a Dare experience. 

5 stars. Perfect in every way. 

- Favorite Character(s): Eliza and Harry

- Least Favorite Character(s): Eliza's parents

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #15

- Library love #7

Audiobook Review: Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

Title: Lord Dashwood Missed Out

Series: Spindle Cove #4.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 8, 2015

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!

Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she’s on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She’s forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.

And he finally seems to have noticed her.

George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir--only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.

She has one night.

Review:

Another Dare? Yes please!

Here we have Nora who had her heart broken by Lord Dashwood. She had thought they were at least friends, but he took off without even a goodbye. After a little bit too much to drink she spilled her heart out on paper. That piece became a love letter and a best seller to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen. George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the world as a cartographer. One his return to England to take his responsibilities and find a wife...realizes that his reputation was ruined by this piece of literature. On her way to Spindle Cove to do a reading, the two find themselves forced together to hide from bad weather. He challenges Nora to prove that he had missed out. 

Bad weather, hurt feelings, and a passion they can't deny any longer??? Sign me up. This was bound to be fun. 

They talked a lot and I appreciated it. There was a lot to wade through. Lots of past to untangle between these two. They were both young and dumb. I'm glad they were forced together to talk. This leads to passion. They were meant for each other but it took years and a whole cold night for them to figure it out. 

There is the classic humor, but it didn't overtake the story. Dare is so good at that! 

I was amused with the side characters running around trying to find Nora, but I did feel that we spent a little too much time with them. Yes, yes, I love them but I wanted more of Nora and George. Maybe dig more into their relationship as kids or more steamy scenes would've been fun. 

The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed her voices for both genders. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was fun and a classic Dare. I do wish we had a little less of the side characters and their shenanigans. Don't get me wrong....I enjoyed their bits, but I felt like it was too much. I wanted more time with Nora and George weeding through and finding their love. At the end, I will stamp this with 4 stars.  

- Favorite Character(s): Nora & George

- Least Favorite Character(s): The thugs I guess?

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #5

- Library Love #3

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

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve

Series: Spindle Cove #1.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Published:  November 15, 2011

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Some wallflowers bloom at night...

A Spindle Cove Novella

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:

This was free on Amazon so I grabbed it! Last time I read this was last year and I had borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed this one so much last time and I'm a book goblin so I wanted it for my shelf. 

Violet had a terrible heartbreak and she is licking her wounds at the Spindle Cove. She is enjoying her quiet life until a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at her feet. She is the only who speaks his language so she is recruited to get info out of him. He isn't what he seems and she will get the answers out of him one way or another. 

Weeeee love Dare! And I really have been enjoying this series. I think I only have a book or two left and I'm sad to say goodbye to the Spindle Cove!

Love Violet. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She is too sweet for her own good. 

I hope to see more of this couple, but I doubt it. I would love to see more of their love flourish. 

All-in-all, I still adored this little short. I'll keep my original rating of 5 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Violet

- Least Favorite Character(s): no one

 

Book Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: Any Duchess Will Do

Series: Spindle Cove #4

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 389

Published: May 28, 2013

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without?

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:

Why are Dare books so much fun???

Back at Spindle Cove! Griff, a duke, as zero desire to marry. None. Zip. But his mom has other plans and she abducts him and takes him to Spindle Cove and insists he select a bride...any bride. In order to teach her a lesson, he selects the serving girl. That girl is Pauline who is overworked and struggling. She has a dream to open a bookshop and that dream becomes a possibility when the duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her job? Do the duchess training and fail. Embarrass herself. However, she proves to be anything but a miserable failure. She's everything Griff has ever wanted. 

Alongside the serious tones and steamy scenes....Dare adds a nice helping of humor. I was certainly creased!!! Hilarious. 

Pauline is a gem and Griff was fun. I had zero remembrance of him from a past book until his friend's wife reminded us. I was not a fan of him then (super duper gross Rake), but we weren't supposed to like him then. He's mended his ways and wants to live right. Love a good redemption arch! 

But yes, they were perfect for each other and I adored their interactions. 

I really had no idea what was going to happen. Yes, I knew they would find love and be happy (it is a romance after all), but I really had no idea how things would get fixed. There are a LOT of hurdles for them.

The side story of Griff's friend, Delacre, who's goal was to "keep Griff unmarried" because they made a pact at 19 was annoying. Go away. I get protecting him because he is a friend and you love him, but because of a PACT to sabotage at ALL costs? Ew. Not a fan of that whole thing. 

All-in-all, this was amusing. I enjoyed our couple. Lots of hurdles but it was worth it. This had a lot of steam when it finally happened, funny moments, and an adorable couple. I wasn't amused of the whole "Pact" thing, but I guess we needed a baddie of sorts? I'll give this 4 stars at the end of the day. 

  

- Favorite Character(s): Griff, Pauline, & oddly enough...the Dowager Duchess

- Least Favorite Character(s): Mr Simms (F him) and Delacre

Audiobook Review: Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare
Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: Beauty and the Blacksmith

Series: Spindle Cove #3.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella
Pages: Audiobook
Published: April 30, 2013
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

At last, Diana gets a romance of her own! But with the last man anyone in Spindle Cove expects...

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: 

Yayy another Dare! Yesss I couldn't wait because I've been simply dying for Diana and Aaron's love story. You could see the chemistry in the other books. It's about time!

BTW - you need to read the other books before this one. Lots of references you need. 

Diana is perfect and destined to marry a rich nobleman. However, she can't get Aaron Dawes out of her mind. Aaron is the village blacksmith and he has been in love with Diana since she first came to Spindle Cover. However, they couldn't be more wrong for each other, but after a stolen moment in his forge....they can't stay away from each other. 

This book had me awwwwing a million times. It's so sweet and precious. They are simply perfect for each other if you take away the birth/station thing. It wasn't easy for them but the ending was perfection. 

I loved the mini mystery and the twist at the end. I was in stitches laughing. Cuuuuuute. 

I do worry about their future but it'll be okay. Diana is a sweetie and I think a quiet life will be perfect. She was never meant to be a Duchess or whatever. 

The narrator was lovely. 

All-in-all, this was very adorable and cute. I loved the couple. I loved the drama and the mystery. I can't wait to read more of this series. I'm nearly done and I'm feeling sad. I did read Minvera's book on accident (whoops) but I'm sure I'll re-read it just to keep the series going as long as possible. BUT, yes, this was good. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Precious

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #59

- Library Love #35

Book Review: A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: A Lady by Midnight

Series: Spindle Cove #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 389

Published: August 28, 2012

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Spindle Cove, nestled in a peaceful corner of Regency Era England, has long been known as “Spinster Cove,” due to its preponderance of unwed ladies of “delicate constitutions”—and that’s the fictional setting for a delightful historical romance series by USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare. In A Lady by Midnight, a young woman searching for her family finds love unexpectedly with a handsome colonel—but the secrets of her heritage threaten to disrupt their romance…and their upcoming nuptials.

Review:

Been meaning to read this one, but other books got in the way. *shakes fist*

Back at Spindle Cove. This time is it is Kate's and Colonel Thorne's turn for love. The secrets of her heritage threaten to disrupt everything...including the early sprouts of their romance. Thorne is also not making it easy. He has a dark past and he doesn't know what the meaning of love it. 

I enjoyed this one a lot even though I wanted to shake everyone. Especially Thorne. UGH. I get it. He had a rough, rough, ROUGH past. But dude....you aren't that guy anymore. You have amazing friends and Kate LOVES you! *bangs head on table*

The solution was easy to Kate's "problem" at the end there. Her solution was silly and not necessary. Whatever. It works, but it was silly.

I'm so happy these two found love. They really needed it and deserved it. 

Can't wait to read more. I'm trying to take these slowly so I don't burn out. 

But yes, this wasn't my favorite of the series or of Dare's other books, but I still enjoyed it. I wanted a different solution but it is what it is. It worked. 

More please!

3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #34

Audiobook Review: A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: A Week to be Wicked

Series: Spindle Cove #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 27, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When a devilish lord and a bluestocking set off on the road to ruin... time is not on their side.

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:

Yayy book 2. I've been curious to see how these two COMPLETELY different people would find each other!

Here we have Minerva and Colin. Minerva is a spinster and she needs to be in Scotland ASAP. Who can help her? Only Colin who is a rake of the first order. Maybe her reputation can finally be ruined and she can focus on her science and rocks. She convinces him to go along with her plan. She only needs a week of his time. Fake a runaway elopement...convince her family and friends they are in love....outrun armed robbers....survive....and travel 400 miles without killing each other. Easy peasy. 

This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed watching these two be forced to become allies to get Min to Scotland for a science thing to show off her discovery. Unlikely allies, to friends, to lovers. How fun. 

My biggest gripe was that I wanted to see them pretend to be in love in Spindle Cove before they took off. I wanted to see people's shock. Everyone knows they hate each other so I wanted to see them try and convince everyone else. It would've been comedic gold. Alas, we only see them act for strangers. 

This book was pretty light and funny, but there was a darker element here. Colin had a really bad traumatic incident when he was a lad and it can make the toughest sonagun want to cry. How scary. How traumatic. Colin needs a therapist. But I loved that there was more to Colin.

I am glad it took a while for them to realize that they love each other. There is lust...yes, obviously, but it took forever and a day for them to fall in love. Which felt right. 

The ending was abrupt. I wanted to see them interact with people in Spindle Cove. I wanted to see the shock! 

The narrator was pure perfection for this tale. The voices were great. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. I would've liked more time in Spindle Cove seeing them have to pretend to be in love and then actually arrive IN love. Dang. Missed opportunity there I think. Maybe we'll see some of it in the next book. Besides that, I really liked this book. It was very fun. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fun

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #34

- Library Love #20

- Romance Reading Challenge #21 (Fake relationship)

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

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve

Series: Spindle Cove #1.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Published:  November 15, 2011

Where I got It: Library

Summary: 

Some wallflowers bloom at night...

A Spindle Cove Novella

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:

I'm feeling a Dare read-a-thon happening again LOL. Dare is always fun. 

Here we have Violet who is a member of the ladies at Spindle Cove. She has been suffering a broken heart in silence. She came to Spindle Cove to hide away from the ton and her family while she recovers. Everything is going okay, but she isn't ready to go home yet to find a husband. It is the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball and a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. He is muttering in a language that only she understands, so she agrees to watch over him and question him when he awakes. She has one night to draw forth his secrets. He looks oddly familiar, but it can't be....The Disappointment...could it? No. Of course not.......

This is short (hair over 100 pages) but it was the perfect length. I really enjoyed this little novella! Love Violet. Love her story even though it made me sad for her. She is an angel and deserves the best. 

Spoiler, not spoiler, this "stranger" is the man who broke her heart. We learn that he had to leave abruptly without a word because he enlisted as a spy for the Crown. Scoundrel. Yes, yes, he couldn't say a word because he has to keep it secret. But damn man!!!! He really has to make it up to her because he tore her heart apart. Poor Violet. 

This was a unique romance and I loved it. It's a second chance, but so much more complex. I loved watching them talk and him apologize. 

The ending had me squealing. Adorable! I would love a short story or SOMETHING on their new adventure. Awwww. 

This was def worth the read. You should read book 1 first, but read this immediately after. I really adored this novella. 

All-in-all, quick and lots of fun. A complex love story that gets the HEA we all want. I hope there is a short story because this couple is fun. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Dynamo

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #11

Audiobook Review: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: A Night to Surrender

Series: Spindle Cove #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 30, 2011

Where I got It: Library

Summary: 

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:

Oh Dare. I do love you. I think I am getting all caught up with reading her stuff. Mmmm. I'll have to double check. 

Here we have Bram and Susanna. Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of young ladies......the painfully shy, unhappy wives, bluestockings, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men. It is a haven and lead by Susanna. Bram comes exploding on the scene. He takes on the task to gather a militia in the area. It's a simple mission, but made complicated by Susanna. Both have no use for love and they have a different mindset on what this town needs.

This one took me longer than normal to finish. Not that it was bad, but.......mmm. I don't know. Something just didn't meet up for me. It all seemed unrealistic and I didn't buy the love right away. YES, the lust was there from the moment they met but even by the end I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

There was a moment near the end that I wanted to drop kick Bram. F you man. I get WHY he had that reaction (trauma and etc) but dang dude. Yes, he apologizes and blah blah blah, but what he said was beyond cool. 

Once they patched things up it was very sweet seeing them be comfy in love. Finding the rhythm. Even though I wasn't a huge fan of this coupling, I enjoyed the story nonetheless. They actually talk...eventually...and it was nice seeing two damaged people finally find peace. 

Oh! The narrator was good. I liked her voice. 

In the end, this wasn't my favorite of the Dare books but I still had fun. I'm curious to get to book 2. There are some side characters I really want to watch fall in love. I'll give this 3 stars. The side characters and the epilogue gave the rating a boost.  

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Decent

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #22

- Romance Reading Challenge #14 (A MC with a name that starts with 'S') 

- Library Love #8

Audiobook Review: The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Title: The Wallflower Wager

Series: Girl Meets Duke #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 13, 2019

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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.

Review:

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

More Dare! *fist pump*

He is the Duke of Ruin and she is an undaunted wallflower with a heart of gold. Lady Penelope never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn't take in and smother in love. Gabriel Duke has clawed his way from the bottom and he enjoys destroying those rich when he can. Penelope is tasked by her aunt and Gabriel to clear out and find homes for all of her animals. Gabriel promises to help. How hard can it be? 

This was adorable. Absolutely adorable. 

Penelope is a darling. It made me sad learning what happened to her when she was young!!!!! Sobs!

Gabriel is all gruffy and angry, but all he needs is love and someone to be patient with him. He had a terrible and poor childhood. The coin thing...when he explained....broke my wee heart. 

So many animals!

So many laughs!

So many conversations!

And so much love. I loved watching them go from neighbors...to partners....to friends with lust....then to lovers. They are perfect for each other. He is honest and down-to-earth. She has the heart the size of the world. 

There was little drama...just a spat and what was done was done out of love and misunderstanding. I'm glad it was a simple convo and that made me happy.

The narrator was fantastic. I'm glad it was the same person. She is utterly perfect. I hope she does the last book!

In the end, I really enjoyed this. I loved this couple and watching them fall in love. Another winner for Dare. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #12

- Library Love #8

- Romance Reading Challenge #8 (Audio) 

Audiobook Review: The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Title: The Governess Game

Series: Girl Meets Duke #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 28, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson

The accidental governess.

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.

The infamous rake.

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.

Review:

I needed some Dare in my life!!

Chase has become the heir to a Dukedom after many tragedies. Along with that....two young girls become his wards and they need a governess. He wants no attachments so he needs to get them trained up and sent to a school as soon as possible. Enter in Alex. She accepts the role after her livelihood literally slips through her fingers. She is tasked with the near impossible to transform two unruly girls and ignore her feelings for Chase. 

Why is Dare so dang good? There is romance and some darkness, but there is comedy too. She did such a great job with balancing everything. 

I also love that you don't HAVE to read in order. However, I do recommend book 1 first because the couple does show up here and it makes it more special knowing the past. But again...it would do fine as a standalone. 

Alex, Chase, and the girls have their sad pasts but they need each other. I loved this.

The girls were great. 

Alex was great. 

Chase was great even though I was SO mad at him at one part. GRR! Alex should've made him sweat some more.

Always a blast. I can't wait to read book 3. 

OOO. The narrator was fantastic. Perfect voices for everyone. 

All-in-all, this was a joy. I needed a nice HR. 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #11

- Romance Reading Challenge #7 (borrowed from library) 

- Library Love #6