Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Avon (2014), 384 pages
Description
Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?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. Ladies 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.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member B.J.O.
Tessa Dare is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance writers. Her writing is simply a pleasure to read. I love how she takes characters who are seemingly imperfect and proves just how much more superior they are to what society considers perfection. From the romance to the clever
Imagine waiting eight years for your betrothed. Well that's exactly what Miss Clio Witmore has done, and she is done waiting for diplomat, Marquess Piers Brandon to conquer the world before owning up to the promise he made at his family's behest many years ago. After all, he has never so much as kissed her, in all those eight years, so how highly can she factor into his future plans? Besides, if she ever marries, she is determined that it be for love love. So, she resolves to take care of her own needs, both financially, by starting a brewery on the land she fortuitously inherited, and emotionally, by ending her laughing stock engagement which has only brought her shame and pity.
With the Marquess of Granville gone, however, she is forced to seek resolution with his notorious, younger brother, and once Champion prize fighter, Rafe Brandon. In the Marquess' absence, Rafe holds the Marquess power of attorney over all matters and she is determined that he sign the papers dissolving her engagement.
Rafe Brandon, however, is equally determined to see Clio and Piers married albeit for his own personal reasons, so he challenges Clio to what he believes will be an easy wager. If after a week of no expense barred, wedding planning, that he himself will oversee, Clio still wishes to end the engagement, then he will sign the papers. After all, how hard can it be to charm a lady into wedding fever? Well, Rafe is soon to find out that Clio is no ordinary lady.
As Clio and Rafe, and a whole cast of other eccentric family members and friends, explore flowers, cakes, music and gowns, however, the one thing that becomes painfully clear is the undeniable attraction between Clio and Rafe. What will Rafe do now, when the one woman that is definitely off limits, is the only one he could never live without?
I loved so many things about this book. For one, this book had me in stitches. From the very beginning, I found myself chuckling at the interactions between Clio and Rafe which so frequently contained double meanings. Moreover, the sexual tension between the two, and the attention to each others' troubled past, and linked emotional needs, was incredibly well done. It is this complexity of the characters, and attention to how it affects their interactions with others and self definition of happiness, that makes Ms. Dare's works so special. I can't wait to read more of both Tessa Dare's back list and future works!
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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battle of wits between the hero and heroine and the amusingly entertaining puns and other humorous situations interspersed throughout, Say Yes to the Marquess is a top notch Historical Romance that readers of this romance sub genre will not want to miss. Imagine waiting eight years for your betrothed. Well that's exactly what Miss Clio Witmore has done, and she is done waiting for diplomat, Marquess Piers Brandon to conquer the world before owning up to the promise he made at his family's behest many years ago. After all, he has never so much as kissed her, in all those eight years, so how highly can she factor into his future plans? Besides, if she ever marries, she is determined that it be for love love. So, she resolves to take care of her own needs, both financially, by starting a brewery on the land she fortuitously inherited, and emotionally, by ending her laughing stock engagement which has only brought her shame and pity.
With the Marquess of Granville gone, however, she is forced to seek resolution with his notorious, younger brother, and once Champion prize fighter, Rafe Brandon. In the Marquess' absence, Rafe holds the Marquess power of attorney over all matters and she is determined that he sign the papers dissolving her engagement.
Rafe Brandon, however, is equally determined to see Clio and Piers married albeit for his own personal reasons, so he challenges Clio to what he believes will be an easy wager. If after a week of no expense barred, wedding planning, that he himself will oversee, Clio still wishes to end the engagement, then he will sign the papers. After all, how hard can it be to charm a lady into wedding fever? Well, Rafe is soon to find out that Clio is no ordinary lady.
As Clio and Rafe, and a whole cast of other eccentric family members and friends, explore flowers, cakes, music and gowns, however, the one thing that becomes painfully clear is the undeniable attraction between Clio and Rafe. What will Rafe do now, when the one woman that is definitely off limits, is the only one he could never live without?
I loved so many things about this book. For one, this book had me in stitches. From the very beginning, I found myself chuckling at the interactions between Clio and Rafe which so frequently contained double meanings. Moreover, the sexual tension between the two, and the attention to each others' troubled past, and linked emotional needs, was incredibly well done. It is this complexity of the characters, and attention to how it affects their interactions with others and self definition of happiness, that makes Ms. Dare's works so special. I can't wait to read more of both Tessa Dare's back list and future works!
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Read/Listened for Fun (Kindle/Audible)
Last book read in 2014
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not Part of the Overall Rating)
First Thought when Finished: Say Yes to Marquess by Tessa Dare was a great way to end 2014! Rafe was so very Alpha (all
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Carmen Rose / Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
This is the 2nd Historical Romance (the other being Sophie Jordan's Good Debutantes Guide to Ruin) that I have listened to narrated by Carmen Rose. She is becoming a narrator to watch for in my book. She handles the fine line of lady/spitfire very well!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, Done! Reviews
Last book read in 2014
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not Part of the Overall Rating)
First Thought when Finished: Say Yes to Marquess by Tessa Dare was a great way to end 2014! Rafe was so very Alpha (all
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protective and beat on your chest kind of way). Clio was smart as a whip (Yet she still managed to hold very well to the time--tricky to pull off but done very well). Together they made an unconventional pair that was a delight to read! I do so hope that Clio's sister eventually will get a book (when she is a tad bit older).Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Carmen Rose / Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
This is the 2nd Historical Romance (the other being Sophie Jordan's Good Debutantes Guide to Ruin) that I have listened to narrated by Carmen Rose. She is becoming a narrator to watch for in my book. She handles the fine line of lady/spitfire very well!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, Done! Reviews
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LibraryThing member Becky_McKenna
I adored this first book in this series, Romancing The Duke, and while I liked Say Yes to the Marquess, a little voice kept whispering in my ear that something wasn't right. The humor was top notch, the couple was perfect for each other (I liked that they had a history together as childhood
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it and found myself firmly in the Clio/Rafe camp, I just had to acknowledge that voice in my head and keep going. I also had to suspend my belief more than normal. For example, Clio is very smart and took the initiative to look into a business for Twill Castle (which she owns independently of her fiancé). At the same time, she lacks the assertiveness to break her engagement to Piers? It's a little thing, but I noticed it just the same. I really think I was just in a weird mood when I read this one, so take it with a grain of salt.
I'm still giving this one 4 stars because I laughed out loud...A LOT...regardless of my inner voice. This book still gets my recommendation, but it's not on the same level as book one. Moving on to book three!
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friends), and I admired Rafe's restraint during the first third or so of the book. Despite all of that AND the fact that Rafe and Clio were so well-suited for one another, she was engaged to Rafe's brother. That's a big no-no for me and cast a shadow over that last half of the story. Granted, this is reader preference, so to each his or her own. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it and found myself firmly in the Clio/Rafe camp, I just had to acknowledge that voice in my head and keep going. I also had to suspend my belief more than normal. For example, Clio is very smart and took the initiative to look into a business for Twill Castle (which she owns independently of her fiancé). At the same time, she lacks the assertiveness to break her engagement to Piers? It's a little thing, but I noticed it just the same. I really think I was just in a weird mood when I read this one, so take it with a grain of salt.
I'm still giving this one 4 stars because I laughed out loud...A LOT...regardless of my inner voice. This book still gets my recommendation, but it's not on the same level as book one. Moving on to book three!
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LibraryThing member Kaethe
Clio is a marriageable young woman, betrothed to a diplomat who is also a marquess. It isn't going well. After eight years of delays she's pretty much had it and doesn't have to put up with it anymore, because she has inherited a castle of her very own. So now her would-be-brother-in-law finds
As a series concept, giving castles to various single women is genius. Who doesn't love castles? Real life is sadly lacking in women receiving property in their own right, let alone castles that they can rebuild or redecorate to suit themselves. Why isn't there a genre about real estate? Finding true lasting love is good and all, but land lasts for ever. Surely that's part of the appeal of Gone With the Wind? So much real property in Scarlett's hands.
This is the novel for the woman who doesn't care about The Wedding. I know I'm not the only one who cared about nothing other than the tastiness of the cake (devil's food, and you?). Dare has tremendous fun making her heroine indifferent to the whole marriage business in favor of creating a business plan that makes best use of her new estate. And while the tropes are being upended, Dare gives us a professional boxing manager as wedding planner.
Historically, I have no idea what time frame this is supposed to be, nor do I care. There's an old and beloved dog, did I mention that? He puts me in mind ofThree Men in A Boat which is a happy place to be.
Library copy
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himself in the unfortunate position of trying to convince her to go through with the marriage, and when she states clearly that she has no interest in wedding plans, he has to take on all that as well. As a series concept, giving castles to various single women is genius. Who doesn't love castles? Real life is sadly lacking in women receiving property in their own right, let alone castles that they can rebuild or redecorate to suit themselves. Why isn't there a genre about real estate? Finding true lasting love is good and all, but land lasts for ever. Surely that's part of the appeal of Gone With the Wind? So much real property in Scarlett's hands.
This is the novel for the woman who doesn't care about The Wedding. I know I'm not the only one who cared about nothing other than the tastiness of the cake (devil's food, and you?). Dare has tremendous fun making her heroine indifferent to the whole marriage business in favor of creating a business plan that makes best use of her new estate. And while the tropes are being upended, Dare gives us a professional boxing manager as wedding planner.
Historically, I have no idea what time frame this is supposed to be, nor do I care. There's an old and beloved dog, did I mention that? He puts me in mind ofThree Men in A Boat which is a happy place to be.
Library copy
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LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Fun book. Clio became engaged to Piers when she was seventeen, and deemed too young to take up duties as a diplomat's wife. But she never expected her engagement to last eight years. She's tired of waiting for a man who obviously doesn't really want her. Having just inherited a castle, she's
Rafe has made a name for himself as a prizefighter, a life he prefers to the one he was born into. Since his father's death has been stuck overseeing the family's affairs, while his brother is off doing his thing. One of those charges has been to watch over Clio and provide what she needs. When he discovers that she wants out of the engagement, he is determined to change her mind.
I liked both Clio and Rafe. Both of them had definite ideas of what they wanted out of their lives. They had the confidence they needed to pursue those dreams. But they also had issues that prevented them from believing in their ability to be loved. Clio has had the misfortune (in her eyes) to be built on the curvier side. This feeling was exacerbated by her mother's attitude and determination to make Clio fit her ideals. Having her fiancé put off their wedding for so long doesn't help. Once Clio decides she has had enough, she goes full steam ahead with her plans to take up residence in her castle and start a brewery as a way to support herself. But she needs her dowry to fund it, and to get it she must end her engagement, which is why she contacts Rafe. She needs him, as his brother's representative, to sign the release papers.
Rafe has never felt like he fit in with his family. He never did well in school, and the frustration added to his temper problems, getting him kicked out of school. He had no support from his father, who after years of putting him down finally kicked him out. The only way Rafe had to survive was to become a fighter, so he became a great one. He was a champion until he was defeated in a brutal match up. Now he's determined to make a come-back, but the distraction of dealing with Clio isn't helping. He has spent so long feeling like a failure to his family, that he refuses to let Clio dump his brother. He's determined to show her that she really wants to marry Piers.
The attraction between Clio and Rafe is obvious from the minute she confronts him for his signature, but both try to resist it. Clio is determined to show Rafe that marrying Piers is a bad idea, and he is equally determined to convince her it's a good one. All the time that they are trying to prove their points, the feelings between them continue to grow. There are some really funny moments as Rafe goes over the top in his attempts, ending in a cake fight between them. There are also some really sweet moments, as the connection between the two of them becomes clear. I loved the way that Clio sees the vulnerable man under prizefighter's surface. There are still signs of the boy who just wanted the love and respect of his father. I loved seeing her bring out that softer side. For his part, Rafe saw Clio for the beautiful and intelligent woman that she was. I loved how his attraction to her helped her see herself through his eyes. I also loved his astonishment and respect when she finally got him to listen to her plans for the brewery. It was great to see them finally realize that they belonged together, no matter what others tried to tell them. There were still a couple obstacles to get over, but that was managed pretty quickly. I loved Rafe's big moment at the end.
I also enjoyed the underlying theme of family. Clio's relationships with her sisters were good, but definitely had their challenges. Daphne was so much like their mother that it affected Clio's ability to just come out and announce that she didn't want to marry Piers. Daphne can be quite the bulldozer, and never actually listened to what Clio was trying to say. Her husband was really annoying and I loved when Rafe punched him. I liked Phoebe. She is honest and quirky and obviously loves Clio. I would like to see her get her own story in the future, as I'm sure her abilities could create some interesting situations. Rafe's relationships with his father and brother were heartbreaking at times. I never did like his father from all the things that came out about him. Piers irritated me because of the way he kept Clio hanging for so long, and then expected her to fall in with his plans when he finally showed up. Rafe had been determined to protect Piers's engagement because of his own guilty feelings over the death of their father. But he also wants out of having to do Piers's job as marquess, because he feels so out of place doing it. He also feels guilty over the fact that he has wanted Clio as his own for years. I liked seeing them start to repair their relationship at the end.
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decided to break her engagement and make a life on her own terms. The only thing stopping her is her fiancé's brother.Rafe has made a name for himself as a prizefighter, a life he prefers to the one he was born into. Since his father's death has been stuck overseeing the family's affairs, while his brother is off doing his thing. One of those charges has been to watch over Clio and provide what she needs. When he discovers that she wants out of the engagement, he is determined to change her mind.
I liked both Clio and Rafe. Both of them had definite ideas of what they wanted out of their lives. They had the confidence they needed to pursue those dreams. But they also had issues that prevented them from believing in their ability to be loved. Clio has had the misfortune (in her eyes) to be built on the curvier side. This feeling was exacerbated by her mother's attitude and determination to make Clio fit her ideals. Having her fiancé put off their wedding for so long doesn't help. Once Clio decides she has had enough, she goes full steam ahead with her plans to take up residence in her castle and start a brewery as a way to support herself. But she needs her dowry to fund it, and to get it she must end her engagement, which is why she contacts Rafe. She needs him, as his brother's representative, to sign the release papers.
Rafe has never felt like he fit in with his family. He never did well in school, and the frustration added to his temper problems, getting him kicked out of school. He had no support from his father, who after years of putting him down finally kicked him out. The only way Rafe had to survive was to become a fighter, so he became a great one. He was a champion until he was defeated in a brutal match up. Now he's determined to make a come-back, but the distraction of dealing with Clio isn't helping. He has spent so long feeling like a failure to his family, that he refuses to let Clio dump his brother. He's determined to show her that she really wants to marry Piers.
The attraction between Clio and Rafe is obvious from the minute she confronts him for his signature, but both try to resist it. Clio is determined to show Rafe that marrying Piers is a bad idea, and he is equally determined to convince her it's a good one. All the time that they are trying to prove their points, the feelings between them continue to grow. There are some really funny moments as Rafe goes over the top in his attempts, ending in a cake fight between them. There are also some really sweet moments, as the connection between the two of them becomes clear. I loved the way that Clio sees the vulnerable man under prizefighter's surface. There are still signs of the boy who just wanted the love and respect of his father. I loved seeing her bring out that softer side. For his part, Rafe saw Clio for the beautiful and intelligent woman that she was. I loved how his attraction to her helped her see herself through his eyes. I also loved his astonishment and respect when she finally got him to listen to her plans for the brewery. It was great to see them finally realize that they belonged together, no matter what others tried to tell them. There were still a couple obstacles to get over, but that was managed pretty quickly. I loved Rafe's big moment at the end.
I also enjoyed the underlying theme of family. Clio's relationships with her sisters were good, but definitely had their challenges. Daphne was so much like their mother that it affected Clio's ability to just come out and announce that she didn't want to marry Piers. Daphne can be quite the bulldozer, and never actually listened to what Clio was trying to say. Her husband was really annoying and I loved when Rafe punched him. I liked Phoebe. She is honest and quirky and obviously loves Clio. I would like to see her get her own story in the future, as I'm sure her abilities could create some interesting situations. Rafe's relationships with his father and brother were heartbreaking at times. I never did like his father from all the things that came out about him. Piers irritated me because of the way he kept Clio hanging for so long, and then expected her to fall in with his plans when he finally showed up. Rafe had been determined to protect Piers's engagement because of his own guilty feelings over the death of their father. But he also wants out of having to do Piers's job as marquess, because he feels so out of place doing it. He also feels guilty over the fact that he has wanted Clio as his own for years. I liked seeing them start to repair their relationship at the end.
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LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Clio has been waiting eight years for her fiance to come home and marry her. Piers is in no hurry, but his brother Rafe is determined that the wedding must go on. Rafe is a prizefighter and a rebel in regards to the aristocracy, but he wants to do right by his brother, and that means getting Clio
However, Clio has changed her mind. She has inherited a castle and wants to start a brewery instead. Rafe would be a perfect partner - both for the brewery and for a wedding - if she can talk him into replacing his brother.
I've enjoyed this entire series, but perhaps I made a mistake in reading the last book first as that has Pier's story. This story might have been better as a novella as it seemed to drag on, then wrapped up too quickly. The chemistry between Clio and Rafe was just so-so for me; if any man had paid her attention after the long wait for Piers, I thought Clio would have fallen for him.
Still, as I said above, I enjoyed the series as a whole, and Ms. Dare's writing is always sexy and fun.
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prepared for her wedding.However, Clio has changed her mind. She has inherited a castle and wants to start a brewery instead. Rafe would be a perfect partner - both for the brewery and for a wedding - if she can talk him into replacing his brother.
I've enjoyed this entire series, but perhaps I made a mistake in reading the last book first as that has Pier's story. This story might have been better as a novella as it seemed to drag on, then wrapped up too quickly. The chemistry between Clio and Rafe was just so-so for me; if any man had paid her attention after the long wait for Piers, I thought Clio would have fallen for him.
Still, as I said above, I enjoyed the series as a whole, and Ms. Dare's writing is always sexy and fun.
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LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Say Yes to the Marquess
4.5 Stars
Miss Clio Whitmore has been waiting to wed her wandering fiancé, Piers Brandon, for 8 long years. Fed up with his procrastination, and not without means of her own (namely a newly inherited castle in Twill), Clio approaches Rafe Brandon and demands to be released
Beware - Long and detailed review ahead. No spoilers though :0)
It seems that I’m in the minority amongst my friends in loving this book. The issues that appear to emerge from the criticism include the unlikable secondary characters, the lack of historical detail and the theme of rivalry between brothers. None of these disturbed me in the least.
Let’s take them one at a time. Yes, Clio’s sister Daphne and her husband, Teddy are insufferable; yet, it is clear from the start that Clio (and Rafe) will find a way to put them in their place and they do -Rafe punching Teddy in the kisser is simply priceless! . The rest of the cast from Clio’s youngest sister, Phoebe, to Rafe’s trainer and Ellington the dog add necessary humor to an otherwise serious storyline.
A comparison with the first book, Romancing the Duke is inevitable here. While book #1 is cute and fluffy with some rather silly elements that stretch both the imagination and suspension of disbelief, Say Yes to the Marquess is more realistic and deals with darker issues, such as social humiliation and ostracism, family discord and guilt.
Although the story lacks sufficient historical information and the story could well have been set in contemporary times, it is the romance that makes it all worthwhile. Rate and Clio’s chemistry is off the charts and their emotional connection is wonderful. They bring out the best in each other with unconditional love and acceptance.
Rafe is an endearing mix of tremendous physical strength and emotional vulnerability, and seeing him struggle with and finally give in to his feelings for Clio makes for entertaining reading. If there is one small problem with his characterization, it is his unnecessary guilt and confused sense of honor that hinder his actions. However, without these, the romance would not have been as captivating.
Clio is an incredible heroine. She stands her ground and refuses to succumb to the social norms that place restrictions on her merely due to her gender and class. Her protectiveness both of Rafe and her obviously autistic sister, Phoebe, makes her all the more appealing.
Finally, the theme of brothers as rivals does not effect me as negatively as it did other readers, especially as it is quite clear that Piers doesn't love Clio and vice versa. There is no real rivalry for her affections and she isn't playing one off against the other (now that would annoy me!) My only nitpick here is thatPiers got off too easily after all the years he made Clio wait and didn't even think of the humiliation she was suffering. Selfish prig! .
All in all, a lovely romance and a charming couple. Although the next book features a different, unrelated couple, I would gladly read a book focusing on Phoebe.
4.5 Stars
Miss Clio Whitmore has been waiting to wed her wandering fiancé, Piers Brandon, for 8 long years. Fed up with his procrastination, and not without means of her own (namely a newly inherited castle in Twill), Clio approaches Rafe Brandon and demands to be released
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from the betrothal contract. Rafe, a ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, is just as determined that Clio should marry his brother (if only for his own peace of mind) and sets out to plan the wedding. Now if only he can keep his hands off the bride … Beware - Long and detailed review ahead. No spoilers though :0)
It seems that I’m in the minority amongst my friends in loving this book. The issues that appear to emerge from the criticism include the unlikable secondary characters, the lack of historical detail and the theme of rivalry between brothers. None of these disturbed me in the least.
Let’s take them one at a time. Yes, Clio’s sister Daphne and her husband, Teddy are insufferable; yet, it is clear from the start that Clio (and Rafe) will find a way to put them in their place and they do -
A comparison with the first book, Romancing the Duke is inevitable here. While book #1 is cute and fluffy with some rather silly elements that stretch both the imagination and suspension of disbelief, Say Yes to the Marquess is more realistic and deals with darker issues, such as social humiliation and ostracism, family discord and guilt.
Although the story lacks sufficient historical information and the story could well have been set in contemporary times, it is the romance that makes it all worthwhile. Rate and Clio’s chemistry is off the charts and their emotional connection is wonderful. They bring out the best in each other with unconditional love and acceptance.
Rafe is an endearing mix of tremendous physical strength and emotional vulnerability, and seeing him struggle with and finally give in to his feelings for Clio makes for entertaining reading. If there is one small problem with his characterization, it is his unnecessary guilt and confused sense of honor that hinder his actions. However, without these, the romance would not have been as captivating.
Clio is an incredible heroine. She stands her ground and refuses to succumb to the social norms that place restrictions on her merely due to her gender and class. Her protectiveness both of Rafe and her obviously autistic sister, Phoebe, makes her all the more appealing.
Finally, the theme of brothers as rivals does not effect me as negatively as it did other readers, especially as it is quite clear that Piers doesn't love Clio and vice versa. There is no real rivalry for her affections and she isn't playing one off against the other (now that would annoy me!) My only nitpick here is that
All in all, a lovely romance and a charming couple. Although the next book features a different, unrelated couple, I would gladly read a book focusing on Phoebe.
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LibraryThing member rabidgummibear
This series so far is just adorable and I really like how unique the characters have been.
LibraryThing member authorjanebnight
Synopsis:
Clio has been engaged for years but her intended remains overseas and elusive. Clio decided that if he really wanted to marry her she'd already be married and so decides to end the engagement. In steps her fiancé's brother, Rafe, to assure that the engagement remains intact. To do so,
My rating:
4/5
This is the 4th Tessa Dare I have read to date and is in slot 3 in rank of my preferences. I likes Romancing the Duke and When a Scot ties the knot, both in this series, significantly better.
Despite this not being my favorite I did enjoy it. I am in love with Tessa Dare's style and hope to binge every romance she has written. While her books are historical fiction the characters are relatable and feel like people you could meet in modern times. The characters and their struggles are relatable. Like her other books, this one is funny and heartwarming.
This book was less steamy than When a Scot ties the Knot (which I liked) however I didn't care for the bedroom scenes as much. There was some "dirty talk" I wasn't a fan of.
I liked the plot of this book and found humor in Rafe's ideas about women. The idea that he can make a woman fall in love and want to get married by basically showing her wedding stuff is idiotic but I can imagine men who don't know much about women believing such things. Some of Rafe's ideas bordered on misogyny however I didn't feel like he was a jerk but instead was someone who just didn't know women well.
Clio counteracts Rafe by being a deep and complex characters with hopes and dreams I was onboard with. I loved her depth and how who she was turned many of Rafe's ideas about women on their head. I liked Clio as a character significantly more than Rafe.
I really loved the ending of this book. The last scene subverted my expectations in an awesome way. I thought we were going to have a typical romance trope happen and something else happened which I just adored.
If you enjoy historical romance I recommend this one. It was amazing as an audio book and I loved the narrator.
Clio has been engaged for years but her intended remains overseas and elusive. Clio decided that if he really wanted to marry her she'd already be married and so decides to end the engagement. In steps her fiancé's brother, Rafe, to assure that the engagement remains intact. To do so,
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Rafe decides he will help Clio plan the wedding. Things do not go as planned as Clio and Rafe develop feelings. My rating:
4/5
This is the 4th Tessa Dare I have read to date and is in slot 3 in rank of my preferences. I likes Romancing the Duke and When a Scot ties the knot, both in this series, significantly better.
Despite this not being my favorite I did enjoy it. I am in love with Tessa Dare's style and hope to binge every romance she has written. While her books are historical fiction the characters are relatable and feel like people you could meet in modern times. The characters and their struggles are relatable. Like her other books, this one is funny and heartwarming.
This book was less steamy than When a Scot ties the Knot (which I liked) however I didn't care for the bedroom scenes as much. There was some "dirty talk" I wasn't a fan of.
I liked the plot of this book and found humor in Rafe's ideas about women. The idea that he can make a woman fall in love and want to get married by basically showing her wedding stuff is idiotic but I can imagine men who don't know much about women believing such things. Some of Rafe's ideas bordered on misogyny however I didn't feel like he was a jerk but instead was someone who just didn't know women well.
Clio counteracts Rafe by being a deep and complex characters with hopes and dreams I was onboard with. I loved her depth and how who she was turned many of Rafe's ideas about women on their head. I liked Clio as a character significantly more than Rafe.
I really loved the ending of this book. The last scene subverted my expectations in an awesome way. I thought we were going to have a typical romance trope happen and something else happened which I just adored.
If you enjoy historical romance I recommend this one. It was amazing as an audio book and I loved the narrator.
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LibraryThing member samnreader
RTC probably.
I'm a complete sucker for scenes in the rain.
I'm a complete sucker for scenes in the rain.
LibraryThing member Narshkite
Tessa rarely lets me down. Like getting home on a crummy day and finding that someone has send you caramel cupcakes.
Is Clio a completely unrealistic woman for her time? She is. Is Rafe too perfect? Yep. I don't care. Great banter, great romance, cute bulldogs, good beer. Its just delightful. I am
Is Clio a completely unrealistic woman for her time? She is. Is Rafe too perfect? Yep. I don't care. Great banter, great romance, cute bulldogs, good beer. Its just delightful. I am
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reading a gutting book (Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents) at the same time I read this. While reading Caste there have been times when I just thought I was going to break into pieces from grief and frustration. It is a VERY important book that everyone should read. We have a duty to contextualize caste because we can't fix anything but symptoms until we fully identify what we are fixing, but that does not mean that as we bear witness we don't also need joy. This was my joy. Show Less
LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
2nd read- I gave this 4 stars originally, but after a second read, I just received so much enjoyment from this that I'm bumping it up. I laughed a lot, the couple is good together, (and for each other), and there are some nice touching moments. It's just a pretty solid book.
LibraryThing member thewestwing
Good read. I knew what was going to happen as I had accidentally read a book later in the series but I really liked the character of Clio. Would love a book focusing on Phoebe.
LibraryThing member yonitdm
Enjoyable with several laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed how the two characters work through each others trauma together. I wish the cover art more closely matched the physical description of the main character who is supposed to be plump.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Clio Whitmore has spent eight years waiting for her fiance, Piers Brandon, the Marquess of Granville, to return from diplomatic duties abroad so that they can finally get married. But when she inherits a beautiful castle in Kent from an uncle, Clio decides she's had enough waiting and starts to
A solid historical romance from Tessa Dare. Clio and Rafe have excellent chemistry and their relationship development is enjoyable to read. I really appreciated that Dare includes two neurodiverse characters in the book. Of course, Dare doesn't use modern terms but based on character descriptions, Rafe has ADHD while Clio's youngest sister is on the Autism spectrum. While it won't make a list of my favourite Tessa Dare books, it was a good reading experience.
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pursue her own independent life. The only catch is she needs Piers' brother, Rafe Brandon to sign papers dissolving her engagement so that she can get control of her dowry funds. Rafe is in the midst of training to return to the world of illegal bare knuckle boxing and retake his champion title but he drops everything to go to Clio's castle and try to convince her to go ahead with her marriage to Piers. The only problem is that Rafe would much rather get Clio for himself than marry her off to his brother. A solid historical romance from Tessa Dare. Clio and Rafe have excellent chemistry and their relationship development is enjoyable to read. I really appreciated that Dare includes two neurodiverse characters in the book. Of course, Dare doesn't use modern terms but based on character descriptions, Rafe has ADHD while Clio's youngest sister is on the Autism spectrum. While it won't make a list of my favourite Tessa Dare books, it was a good reading experience.
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LibraryThing member Karla.Brandenburg
What do you do when you've been waiting for 8 years for an absent fiance you're not sure even likes you? In Tessa Dare's Castles Ever After series, if you're a lucky heiress, you say screw the groom, I just inherited a castle. Who needs ya? Clio has been trained to be a compliant woman of the ton,
I am really enjoying this series of "what would a Regency-era heroine do if she suddenly inherited a castle?" It gives them power they wouldn't normally possess and the opportunity to be who they want to be. Cleverly written, believably Regency, I would highly recommend the latest addition (as well as the first!) to the Castles Ever After series.
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to the point of starvation to have the proper figure, but she's discovered she doesn't want her groom anymore. As a landowner, she has other plans, so she employs her groom's brother, Rafe, who she prefers when all is said and done, to release her from the overlong commitment. The profligate brother, Rafe was charged with watching after things while his brother was gone, and since he's screwed up everything else in his life, that's the one thing he is determined to succeed at. Except he's always been soft on Clio, too. I am really enjoying this series of "what would a Regency-era heroine do if she suddenly inherited a castle?" It gives them power they wouldn't normally possess and the opportunity to be who they want to be. Cleverly written, believably Regency, I would highly recommend the latest addition (as well as the first!) to the Castles Ever After series.
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LibraryThing member Okies
Comment: Quite simply, listening to this book puts you in a good mood. I've read a few Tessa Dare novels now but this one gets an extra half star because it is close to perfection though I must admit I missed some chunks of the first half - so it seemed shortish - a 9 1/2 hour listen; a wonderful
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heroine, Clio, who still managed to surprise me - so smart! a fun story; a touching journey undertaken by the hero, Rafe. And at times a tear came to my eye! sometimes from delicious amusement, sometimes from the stirring sentiment. Carmen Rose, the narrator - don't think I've heard her before, but she was superb. Show Less
Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — 2015)
RITA Award (Finalist — 2016)
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-12-30
Physical description
384 p.; 4.19 inches
ISBN
006224020X / 9780062240200
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