ARC Review: A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare

A Lady by Midnight

by Tessa Dare

(Spindle Cove # 3)

On Mondays they had country walks.  Tuesdays were sea bathing.  On Wednesdays they turned their hands to gardening.  And Thursdays were their day to shoot.

Spindle Cove is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to go back in time and visit.  This time around we finally get the story Kate and Corporal Thorne.  She's soft and refined, even though she grew up as an orphan, never knowing or remembering who her parents were.  He's dark and intense, with a past that is very much a part of his every thought.  A past that involved Kate, but she can't remember.

I loved the connection between Kate and Thorne, the link in their pasts, and how they interacted in the present.  They were very well suited for each other even when they were arguing.  Although he is the typical tortured, brooding hero, he was written so to perfection.  How can you not love such a hard man who then turns around and has so much love for a puppy?  Then flip that coin and you get that burning desire he's always had for Kate. *melting* Swoon-worthy and absolutely lovable, that is how I have filed Samuel Thorne in my mind.

Although Kate was a very likeable heroine, strong and independent, I have to say she's not my favorite in this series.  I found her quick acceptance of her new family and of some of the things that were going on around her wasn't exactly how I was expecting her to react.  But in her relationship with Thorne she was everything he needed and then some.

A LADY BY MIDNIGHT is definitely another solid book in this wonderful series.  Tessa Dare yet again captivates my full attention with the intricate story of Kate's life and love, taking us through the ups and downs with even a bit of humor.  I can't wait to be WOWed again with the next trip to Spindle Cove.

"I'm here. You're not alone now."

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

A Week to be Wicked

by Tessa Dare

(Spindle Cove # 2)

I first fell in love with both characters in book one.  Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, is a rake, a flirt, always getting in trouble and never sleeping alone.  We heard a little bit about his "condition" of needing to have someone sleep with him or he just can't sleep but we didn't know the origin of that story.  Isn't it always the funny, unabashed heroes that have the most depth?  Well that's exactly what you can expect from Lord Payne.

While everyone in town thinks he has his sights set on Diana Highwood, it is actually her sister that has caught and stirred his interest.  Minerva is the smart one of her sisters, she never wants to outshine another so long as she is left alone with her rocks.  Well, she is very much interested in geology and has found a fascination with some underground caves in Spindle Cove.  While her mother decided to extend their stay thinking that Lord Payne might propose to her sister, she's been researching and gathering information about a footprint she's found in one of the caves.

But when she hears from the rumor mill in town that Lord Payne might be proposing to Diana so that he can access the money in his fortune earlier than he was supposed to, she comes to him with a proposition.  He can come along with her to a geology simposium so she can present her findings which will earn her 500 guineas.  He can keep the money, which will support him until his birthday in London, when he will have access to his fortune.  Tempting as this might be to a rake like him (ha!) she doesn't have an easy time of it convincing him but finds himself going anyway.

It helps that he's been attracted to her from the start for unknown reasons.  Or maybe just because she is a surprise.  They are polar opposites and they bicker and argue at every opportunity.  He teases her constantly but she gives it right back.  She's so innocent at times where he is concerned.  And she reaches a part of him that he doesn't show others easily.

I loved Colin and Minerva together so much I just couldn't put this book down!  There was never a dull moment in their adventure to get to Scotland and I was rooting for them the whole time.  And there is also a tortured past that our hero has to face head on for his girl that might've brought me close to tears towards the end.  If you like your heroines spunky and smart, crazy adventures, funny dialogues and a whole lot of sparks flying then you must read this book!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

A Night to Surrender

by Tessa Dare

(Spindle Cove # 1)

Spindle Cove is a nice and quiet vacationing spot where young ladies can go to and feel free to enjoy themselves without facing the judgement of others like they would in London society.  Also known as Spinsters Cove.  The ladies here are not your ordinary historical romance heroine.  There's something that has been determined "less desirable" with each of them.  Once they are in Spindle Cove, though, they maintain a schedule.  On Mondays, they have country walks.  On Tuesdays, sea bathing. On Wednesdays, gardening.  I'll have to let you find out about Thursdays when you read the book!

Susanna Finch is the head spinster of sorts.  She pretty much runs this town, and the women have taken it over!  Susanna's control is tested when a group of men, led by Victor Bramwell, aka Bram, and soon to be known as Lord Rycliff arrives.  He's a war hero seeking her fathers' recommendation so that he can return to his post for the duration of the war.  Her dad gives him a castle, and a title, and will consider signing his papers if he manages to make the few good men of the town to make a presentation worthy of a military group.

With not too many pickings, he has his work cut out for him.  And the one thing he was not counting on is Susanna Finch.  She's spirited, opinionated, strong willed, and he can't help his attraction to her!  These two are great from the start!  Their dialogue is witty and funny and entertaining.  Their chemistry is amazing turning to hot!

The secondary characters in this book are endearing as well.  My favorite being Colin, Bram's cousin.  Lord Payne is the incorrigible rake who, in more than one occasion, turns the sweet town of Spindle Cove upside down with his antics.  I can't wait for his book next.

I am excited to see what happens with the rest of the crazy ladies in Spindle Cove!

Favorite quote:

He knew all her objections to marriage were logical. She’d built her life and village around happy spinsterhood, and the demands of his military career left no room for a wife. A hasty wedding could mean grief for Sir Lewis, scandal for Susanna, and God knew what for Bram. But he was going to marry her, despite it. Because when he looked at Susanna, all he could think was one word. It wasn’t a particularly elegant or poetic word, any more so than “like.” But it had a straightforward eloquence all its own.
Mine.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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

Once Upon a Winter's Eve

by Tessa Dare

(Spindle Cove # 1.5)

I've been checking out this series for a while so when I saw this Christmas read for only $0.79 on Kindle I had to jump on it. I've never read this author either so it was the perfect sampler. Now I can't wait to read more.

This historical has some spunk. Violet is no wilting flower. She was in love with her neighbor, Christian, her whole life. Then one night he finally notices her and takes her virginity, only to leave town the next day. From then on, he's been referred to in her mind as The Disappointment.

She's been away from home at Spindle Cove ever since and now that is time to go back home and find a husband she receives a most unexpected guest. A bit unrecognizable, but still her Christian. She's not sure if he's a spy or just working undercover during the war but he's risked everything to come see her and ask her to give him a chance and wait for him.

I thought this was a perfect Christmas time romance, it has some intrigue and some action and the H/h are very likeable. A fast and deliciously enjoyable read!

Purchase Links: Amazon