Beauty and the Blacksmith: A Spindle Cove Novella

The Beauty and the Blacksmith is such a good book. I admit, though I've loved Ms Dare's other books, I was a little reluctant to read a love story about a woman of the gentry and a blacksmith. However, I love the tension between the Diana and Aaron, and the way Ms. Dare handles the historical conflict in a believable manner.

I just read this one for the second time and realized that I didn't post a review. This book is just awesome, covered with more awesome. It's super short, maybe two hours worth of reading, max. But so worth it. This book is part of a series and with it being so short, I wouldn't recommend it for a first time Tessa Dare reader. Read some of the other Spindle Cove novels first. But if you know something about Spindle Cove already, this is a perfect book to spend a couple hours with.

Diana has been a part of many of the Spindle Cove novels already. Her mom wants her to have an advantageous marriage but she's been able to put off any proposals with her ill health. She's had asthma all her life so has always been very controlled and calm. A nice china doll to look at, but she doesn't make much noise or express herself. This is the book where she breaks free of all of that. It takes some effort and some time, but she finds what she wants, goes after it, and finds herself to be capable of living life to the fullest.

Aaron is the town blacksmith. He's big and brawny and very hot. He's always been a good "big brother" to all the ladies in Spindle Cove and he can pretty much do anything he sets his mind to. He seems totally confident, except when it comes to Diana. He loves freely, cares about pretty much everyone, and puts other's needs above his own. But when it comes to Diana, he doesn't feel refined enough. He doesn't want to sully a person so pure and precious. But Diana is finally ready to shed the pure image and it's simply magic to see.

The language in this book is wonderful - enough historical that you feel like you're living there, but also enough contemporary phrasing that you're not trying to figure out what they mean. The writing is expressed so beautifully; every emotion is a part of you too whenever it's laid out in the book. It's a great escape book, especially when you've only got a little bit of time to read. It's got some dynamite love and sexual tension, some adventure and some character growth that combines to leave you very fulfilled but still wanting more.

I enjoyed this story, but it rather felt like we were coming in at the middle of the tale - did I miss a couple of chapters on either end? So, I wasn't thrilled with this book, but I was happy enough with the author's writ8style to try another.

I enjoyed the untraveled path Tessa took in telling a medieval romantic story in a unique, unexpected way. The story was delightful and a page turner. Star-crossed lovers find a way to beat the odds and find a way to be together that goes outside the expected societal boundaries. A real fist bump!

I don't usually read novellas. I prefer a full length book. But I have read almost all the Spindle Cove books by Tessa Dare and absolutelly loved them!!! So I decided to read this one.
It's a wonderful book. It's got the touch of a Spindle Cove story of course, and I have to say that Ms Dare's writing style is excellent as always.
If only it weren't so short! [sigh] I think if it was a full length book the relationship between the H and h could develop better.
But that's just me and my "prejudice" towards novellas.

A nice conclusion to Diana's story. While I liked the male lead, Aaron, Diana really got on my nerves a bit. While she appeared strong, she cried a bit too much for my tastes. There was an interesting back story, that was somewhat convoluted, but all in all, it was a cute short read.

Entertaining read, interesting plot. Not a barn burner, but for the price is well done. The class differences in Regency British society are brought out quite well in this book. I will keep this book in my kindle library.

Tessa Dare she is a wonderful writer and I always have trouble in putting her books down every book that I have read have a really good story line so get reading you will have a hard job in putting her books down.

Tessa Dare writes with good humor, absurdity, and style. Her heroines are spunky contrarians who never fit the demure mold of proper ladies, but have a delightful time being their sensual courageous best selves. More of us should live in Spindle Cove.

Good Story!

Although I enjoyed this short story but the character Diana needed more then a short story. The story was well written and the story was easy to follow. The story had suspense, intrigue, amusement, and romance.

This is a pretty good book. It started off well, and you could see how much passion the hero had for the heroine and vice versa, but after a while, it started to read flat.

The hero seemed far more reserved than he should be, both through dialogue and actions. You never knew what he was thinking. There was one part where it was from his point of view, but after that, it's in the heroine's.

What bothered me the most was that I started to believe they were wrong for each other, too. The hero ignored her sometimes when she came to his blacksmith shop to visit him. Claimed he was working. How romantic. Yeah. I guess this is where it fell short, and then the heroine wanted to do 'anything' to help, and tried to cook a meal but made a mess of it.

I just wasn't feeling the love on this one unfortunately.

I couldn't put this book down. I usually like the books with more struggle and fight for the relationship, but this was so sweet and refreshing in how much they loved each other. I really really enjoyed reading this book!

Even though a shortbread the characters were developed and the story flowed smoothly. A little predictable being that it is a romance,but still had surprise elements, I would enjoy a longer story about Aaron and Diana.

Gosh what a book but so short :(
Finally Diana gets her story and OMG what steamy moments with Mr Dawes on the smithy
with this book you get to enter Diana's thoughts and wow she is a naughty girl

Gosh what a book but so short :(
Finally Diana gets her story and OMG what steamy moments with Mr Dawes on the smithy
with this book you get to enter Diana's thoughts and wow she is a naughty girl

This was my favorite in the series! So many books end with the poor girl being saved by a rich and powerful Duke or Prince. Not this time ! Such a breath of fresh air. It made me want to believe in and cheer for this couple.

I recommend reading the whole Spindle Cove Series. The story lines will fall into place. Mrs. Highwood always had hopes of Diana marrying into wealth. She was considered the family beauty. Diana fell in love with the town blacksmith Mr. Dawes instead. They had a crush on each for over two years. Diana made up her mind to start living her own life. One night at the Bull and Blossom she got her courage to profess her feelings for Mr. Dawes. Granted it did take a big gulp of his whiskey. The next day in the vicars carriage he found her feelings to be sincere. I won't give away too many details. I will say it was hot and passionate when they finally made love. It is an excellent book.

I love Spindle Cove and was excited to find another one. Unfortunately, this one is so unbelievable that it was hard to finish...even though it was a novella. The chemistry between the H/h seems to be based on nothing more than lust that is inspired by the physical attributes of the other. I just can't imagine a lady choosing to marry down as far as a blacksmith. That would have been a black mark on her whole family. And, to make the announcement that she made in the pub--not likely! When the mysterious 'Mr. Evermore' is revealed, my stomach started churning. As much as I love Tessa Dare and Spindle Cove, I have to admit that I am deleting this one.

Sexual situations may offend some readers

I love the Spindle Cove series, but I am not as fond of this book as I am of the others in the series. Other reviews point out that this book could be expanded upon, made more involved and more detailed and I think that would help it out a lot.

We finally get Diana's story! I was surprised to read who Diana ended up with. Aaron and Diana made such an odd couple, that some how was right. I just wished this was a bit longer or maybe revisit Aaron and Diana again in the future.

This is the first novel I have read by this author and......I loved it. The story line is humour with a dash of spice. Diana Highwood knew what she wanted in life and it isn't a Lord or Duke. What did she care what folk thought of her love for a 'smithy' covered in soot. All she knew she wanted Aaron Dawes and she blatantly goes after him. What I also liked about this story--it wasn't long and drawn out to get to the conclusion you already knew. I highly recommend this read.

I love the Spindle Cove Series! This is a much shorter book but it still answers the questions that you might have from previous books. I would only read this if you've already read, A Week to Be Wicked. You won't regret it if you're already into the series.

This story simply resonates with me. I love it. Aaron Dawes is a hands-on kind of guy. :)
I enjoy the way Ms Dare writes her female characters, especially in this series. They have power and confidence. It's a wonderful series.

Beauty and the Blacksmith was wonderful! I was a little sad that it was only a novella, but it was a beautiful story and I would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone who loves a great romance that knows no bounds!

A lady of the ton , Diana Highwood, falls for the local blacksmith. A resident for the last two years, Diana , has snagged his heart. A Lady and a villager ? Do they have a future? Oh, what to do, what to do ? This novella is a sweet fairytale to be read at bedtime only. You will enjoy watching the H/h work out the logistics to obtain their goal. Read with a light heart.

I am an avid fan of Ms Dare's work. Like all her books I found myself pulled into the story from the first few pages. I have always loved her character development, the subplots that lead to other sequels, her detail to history and the friction between the lead characters. I had been looking forward to the love story between Diana Highwood and the blacksmith Aaron Dawes having enjoyed their characters in previous books. However, I felt like in this story I was let down. I understand the concept of a Novella but I think she missed the possibility of a truly good novel when she cut the story short. I felt rushed in the relationship and let down in the end. I do love her work but this time I felt like she sold out to her publishers who wanted her to mass produce.

Another great book from Tessa Dare. This author really knows how to capture your attention from the first few words right till the last. I couldn't put it down! Well done again! I've already pre-purchased your next book, I can't wait to read it!

It was an ok book and I liked that I had read it when I came across another of Tessa Dare's books that referenced this couple, but as a story, it just did not appeal that much to me. Lady falling for the blacksmith, I really had a hard time accepting the premise
.

Beauty and the Blacksmith is a greAt story. The plot, the characters, and ending are all delightful. A couple of proofreading errors, but the story was so well-written that it was easy to overlook them.

Cute, short, story.....this had great potential, but the nature of novellas is not to delve too much into characters or plot.

I liked the characters and there were a few really good moments, but I guess novellas are not for me. I keep trying though. I think this author made as much out of this story as was possible. It was an easy quick read. If you enjoy novellas definitely give it a try.

So while this is only a 3 star for me, keep in mind, I am not a fan of novellas, but I am a fan of Tessa Dare.

The introduction to her new book caused me to immediately pre-order it!

This story was a bit cliche. The dialogue wasn't clever or interesting. The rooming-house thief subplot was juvenile and unnecessary. Gently-bred woman falls in love with blacksmith. Blacksmith secretly loves the beauty for two years. She makes up excuses to see him in his shop. They have a secret love affair before being forced to out themselves before family and friends. Zzzzzzzz!

I don't know where the small sea town of Spindle Cove is in Regency England, but they seem to bend the rules of etiquette. Diana leaves the rooming house alone and goes to the tavern to find a thimble. Really? She is allowed to go the blacksmith's shop alone more often than any young lady should. This isn't a country estate, but a town. She has a sister and a mother. Other young ladies live in their rooming house, but she walks around without a chaperone and spends an unbelievable amount of time alone with the blacksmith. She even "cooks" him lunch one afternoon in his home and, on another occasion, spends the night alone with him while they make love. You'd think her mother, who wants Diana to marry a marquess or a duke, would keep better tabs on her beautiful daughter.

Nice man meets nice woman, they fall in love and do it on an anvil. The best thing about a well-written novella is that it won't get too complex, and serves as a nice side trip with a gratifying end. I'll never be able to see another blacksmith's demonstration without thinking of this novella.

This must be one of the more silly romances I've read. I've anticipated it for quite some time but was sorely disappointed. The story is so thin - even thinner than what is usual for novellas.

It was really just about two people who are in love on page 1, kiss on page 3 and have sex on page 5. And that's about it. They need to convince her mother that they should be allowed to marry but that' s done with a snap of the fingers - and some 2013 behavior. No drama - just some cheap melodrama.

The characters were flat, which is really a shame. It feels like two potensially great characters have been wasted.

It’s cute, light, fluffy fun. I’ve been impatiently waiting to see Dianna or Aaron get their stories and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were one and the same story. I’m not sure I completely grasp the concept of a blacksmith being also a designer and creator of fine jewelry, but for the sake of the story, I can force it to work. It’s certainly not as common for the main story to be about a lady with a lower-class gentleman. That’s a bit of a role reversal from what we usually see. But somehow, I think it might be a bit more historically accurate than the reverse. Either way, I enjoyed it. I just wish the main story had taken up more than 64% of the book.

Rating: B+ ... Heat: Warm

I've fallen for a lot of heroes. Viscounts, Earls, and Dukes. Second sons and illegitimate sons. Pugilists and pirates. But I've never fallen for a blacksmith... until now. And, oh, Aaron Dawes is definitely worth the fall. I'm sure Diana Highwood would agree.

Diana Highwood is perfect, poised, and polite. Unexcitable and unemotional. Not by choice, really, but because she had to be. Any extra emotion or too much activity would set off an asthma attack. Now that she's been attack-free for more than a year, she's ready to start living. Experience all the things she's been denied. And the first thing she wants to experience is passion and heat...

With Aaron Dawes. Town blacksmith and pseudo-big brother to all the towns ladies. Aaron has spent many a day and night wishing he were with Diana but never thought it'd come true. A woman like Diana, she's meant for a gentleman not a laborer. And Aaron was meant for a farmer's daughter or a barmaid, not the prettiest lady in Spindle Cove.

But you can't fight fate or deny chemistry, and these two have plenty of both on their side. It was so sweet to see Diana finally able to let loose and be herself. Try new things. Let her hair down and get some soot on her fancy frocks. And believe me, when these two come together - more than Aaron's forge gets hot and bothered. *wink*

I have been looking forward to Diana's story since book one, and Beauty and the Blacksmith was a perfect and cute happily ever after for her. Aaron is just the man Diana needs. He treasures her but never coddles her, which she's had enough of to last two lifetimes. And who would want gentle after years of it? Not me. I'll take Aaron's roughened and callused hands over a pampered dandy's any day! I'll take some lovin' on an anvil over a feather bed any time!

I'm a huge fan of Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series. With amazing writing, deep characters, believable relationships, and fluid, well-rounded story lines, it's one of my top three favorite series in the Historical Romance genre, and Diana Highwood finally gets her own story! While I wish this Highwood sister got her own full-length novel, Beauty and the Blacksmith was satisfyingly sweet, tender, and fun.

I loved how Diana, Spindle Cove's great beauty who's treated like spun glass because of a life-threatening illness, gets down and dirty for--and with!--a blacksmith. Aaron may look like he's made of grit, sweat, and steel, but he's gentle with his hands, charmingly upfront, and the perfect mix of content with ambition. Since Diana is a lady of high society, their relationship is incredibly romantic. She wants to prove she's more than her looks, that she can clean, cook, and be a working-class wife, while he aims to give her everything that he can within his means and with his talent.

Although Beauty and the Blacksmith is a novella, there is a little plot that was both mysterious and hilarious, very fitting for Spindle Cove because of the gossip, intrigue, and women-driven little town feel. While the ending was a little outrageous, it was cute and I still adored it. I squealed, laughed, and became light-headed with characters in the scene. As always, Tessa Dare delivers sensual and sigh-provoking romance with very real characters in exquisitely told settings and plausible situations. Definitely a must-read for fans of light forbidden romances between two characters who have secretly loved each other from afar.

Beauty and the blacksmith is my second book by Tessa Dare, whom I've discovered by reading: Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove).

This book is a historical romance in the spindler cove series. I have no idea in which order I have to read the series, but have to admit that this is no problem as it can be read as a standalone.

The plot is nice. Miss Diana Highwood has suffered for year of asthma and her health was very fragile, this is why she has not been forced to marry early and has lived at spindler's cove with her mother and her younger sister. Her mother is hoping for her to marry a rich nobleman as she is the prettiest of her daughters. Diana's heart and body however only desire is Aaron Dawes, the village blacksmith. Aaron does not dare to approach this special lady who is meant for a nobleman, but the attraction is defintly mutual and so strong that they can't resist each other. A sweet story starts, but is a relation between the two even possible?

Well this is maily the plot, it is ok, not overwhelming, it is nice that the smith is really only a smith and does not have any hidden noble background. I would be curious if in their case love is enough to be happy even in a poorer way of life, especially for her. At the beginning she has troubles cooking for example, this is then simpy ignored afterwards which I regretted.

The real breathtaker of this book is Aaron. What a man in comparison to all these Lords of the historical romance books. Gererally the lords, the heroine falls in love with are very musculed strong and taned which never really made sense to me. So this man is all male, hot and in the same time tender and sweet...

So the story is ok, Aaron is great, Diana is nice but not overwhelming but what disturbed me is that towards the end I had the impression that the author just wanted to finish fast and not go into detail anymore.

So this was a nice but not great historical romance.
Enjoy the read and feel free to comment MBTM

***Review posted on The Eater of Books!***

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare
Book 3.5 of the Spindle Cove series
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

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?

What I Liked:

First, a warning: I have not read any of the other books in this Spindle Cove series. In fact, I've never read anything by Tessa Dare. So, I may not know the relationships of some characters to others, or background of the setting or several characters, or so on. Nevertheless, that did not stop me from understanding and enjoying this book

I really liked this book. It is a novella, and therefore, it is short, but it is fun and swoony and so CUTE! I was thrilled by the character development in this book, despite the brevity of the story. Diana is a sturdy character from the beginning, but she definitely develops some more backbone as the story progresses.

Aaron is FABULOUS. Ever since Will Turner, I have acquired a liking for blacksmiths. Well, Aaron is no exception. Right from the start, he is one to make your heartstrings kick. He did not undergo too much character development, but I feel like he didn't need to. But maybe I am just biased. *wink wink*

Even though I have not read any of the other Spindle Cove books, I got a good feel and understanding of the setting of the story. The place of the story is exquisitely described, and subtly, the author draws the readers into Spindle Cove. The time period is unmistakably historical - Regency, if I am not mistaken. I love Regency-era fiction. But that is no secret.

YAY for no love triangle! No foreseeable love triangle, anyway. Diana and Aaron get a nice ending, as is expected. But it is a CUTE ending. This book is so cute. I love the sort-of proposal scene. If you read the novella, you will love it as well.

I know this is a novella, but when this book ended, I was dying for more! Good thing there was a preview of the next book that filled the last 25% of this book, right? NO. Because now I want more of that book! I think I have found myself a new historical fiction author to love!

What I Did Not Like:

I don't really have any complaints with this book. I enjoyed it; it was a quick and engaging read. Why 4 stars and not 5 stars? It feels like a 4-star book to me. It's a great historical fiction read!

Would I Recommend It:

Of course I would! Especially if you have read the previous books in this series, or plan on doing so. Although, my recommendation would be to read the series in order. BUT, as with me, it is not necessary.

Rating:

4 stars. This novella is absolutely adorable!

Oh Tessa Dare, you had me at "blacksmith." My only complaint about this fantastic little Spindle Cove novella is that is wasn't a full length book. I really enjoyed it. And for the record, it works easily as a standalone, even if you've never read from the series before.

Our heroine, Diana, is a gentlewoman, but she only has eyes for Aaron, the town smithy. For years, she has held a torch for him in silence, finding reasons to visit the forge --even if she has to break her own jewelry. Aaron is just as smitten as she is, but never dreamed there could be a chance for him with their difference in social station. But he's starting to realize there may be a reason for all of her visits. So he decides to take a chance and call her on it.

Diana doesn't admit her feelings immediately, but it doesn't take long. The story follows the two of them as they begin to spend more time together, to see if something more than a friendship can ever bloom between them.

I love the lady and the lower-class man trope. Especially when the heroine sees the value of her hero and never considers herself better than him. I loved how Aaron worried that he wasn't good enough, yet he did everything right. The romance was sweet, but it had solid sexual tension and a very satisfying payoff.

It was very good and I would definitely recommend.

Rating: B+

My funny bone got quite a workout with this story. To say that the author surprised me is an understatement because there is no way I could have foreseen how the little mystery included in this tale would be solved.

I enjoy reading about a character that blossoms before my very eyes. I like seeing challenges and setbacks be overcome, I like seeing the depth of a protagonist's personality revealed. Furthermore, I appreciate it more when there is humor to lighten the load. The heroine, Diana, experiences so many things during the course of this novella, the story had no problems keeping my interest all the way through.

Diana lived her life with the haunting restrictions of asthma but the book puts the reader in the middle of the time when she realizes the chains of asthma are broken. What happens next is gratifying, eventful and very entertaining.

Aaron is the burly and muscular blacksmith that makes Diana's heart go all aflutter. After reading the descriptions that Ms. Dare used to describe him, even I got all flustered. It made me want to go and find my own handsome, sweaty man to ogle. The closest I'll get is a construction worker, if I'm lucky. The best part about the hero is that he's not all brawn; he has a brain filled with talent and tender emotions that get showcased whenever Diana is near or on his mind. His craft plays a major role in the story.

Diana and Aaron are very good together and I enjoyed their dialogue and how their heart to heart talks always lead them in places they never expected to go. I enjoyed where they ended up.

Secondary characters weren't overly developed. They were there to move the plot forward and to prod either Diana or Aaron to say or do certain things. Only Charlotte showed some life and fire which intrigued me. Then again, she's Diana's sister so that family connection was important. In fact, I know that Diana said that Charlotte sleeps like a log but I seriously doubt anyone could sleep through what Charlotte did. Can people be that dead to the world? That completely?

What isn't dead is physical love. In this story, it's tantalizingly vivid, passionate and very well written. Even during a moment when it's all serious intent, the author interjected a spot of humor. I liked that.

The great chase scene was hysterical and right smack in the middle of that chaos came the best part in the whole book. Awesome writing.

Beauty and the Blacksmith is delightful, funny, sexy and a book that is almost impossible to put down. The writing is so well done that it flowed smoothly and quickly. The characters didn't suffer false posturing which is a breath of fresh air for readers who are tired of fabricated internal angst. This tale is a must read for any reader looking for something to turn that frown right side round. It's wonderful, entertaining and I'm very happy I read it.

Originally posted at Long and Short Reviews

Beauty and the Blacksmith was the first book in the Spindle Cove Series as well as by this author that I have read and I will definitely be reading more. The characters and story were really well written and I loved seeing how the story came together in the end. Aaron and Diana were fun characters and I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold.

This book also contains a 50 page excerpt for the next book in the series Any Duchess Will Do (spindle cove Book 4) and it looks like a really good book.

This is the fifth installment in the series and it is a novella. We know both of the main characters quite well. This story is about the eldest Highwood sister, Diana and (obviously) the blacksmith, Mr. Aaron Dawes. They have both had their eye on the other since the night they worked together to save...I can't remember his name, but in the first book there is a boy who requires his food amputated. Quite a strange time to fall in love but that is when it happens!

Since this is a novella, it is obviously short and to the point. Diana was never my favorite Highwood, but in getting to know her in this book we find she is more than kind and beautiful. She longs to be her own person and this story tells how this happens. Aaron is a big, brawny, soft-hearted blacksmith...enough said. Diana's mother is her usual annoying self. At the end, the author tries to redeem her, but at this point it is too little too late and the damage is done. I do not care why she acts the way she does, I just don't care for the mother.

The next book is Any Duchess Will Do. I am sure I will read this book, but I am not nearly as excited as I was for the others. We just met Pauline in this book when Fosbury tries to convince Aaron to go after her instead of Diana. I do not believe we have met the man yet.

Favorite Quote:

"They are a great many situations a woman might do well to drive away from. Very few where it's advisable to shoot her way out."

For more Spindle Cove reviews, visit my blog at: [...]

Aaron is hunky, strong and sweet. I enjoyed reading how Diana's character developed from reserved and proper to being able to know her mind and stand up for what she wants. It's like Aaron brings her to life. Unfortunately, the plot was all over the place: a theatrical, a cooking fiasco, a roadway robber, a series of thefts, not to mention the sex scenes and conversations with Diana's dragon of a mother. It was a lot going on and sometimes I was annoyed and had to put the book down and come back to it.

If you're looking for one of the best Tessa Dare books to read, my favorites are The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright: (Originally published in the e-book anthology THREE WEDDINGS AND A MURDER),Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove) and A Week to Be Wicked (Spindle Cove).

Benefits of reading Beauty and the Blacksmith:

You probably know at this point, since she is a New York Times bestselling author and her latest book is up for a RITA, but Tessa Dare’s writing is humorous, vivacious, and absolutely bursting with personality. She favors strong-minded women as her heroines, and equally spirited men. Spindle Cove is a popular vacation spot for refined ladies who need a break from the suffocating London society, a place where women can learn to shoot rifles in peace and just be themselves without the hawk-eyed gaze of other aristocrats. Miss Diana Highwood is one such lady, and though her story is just a novella she will reveal that her spine is made of sterner stuff and delight readers with her practical but intrepid spirit.

Spindle Cove has it all – a boarding house, an all-purpose store that also functions as the local gossip mill, an elegant teashop that doubles as a tavern for the small group of marvelous men that inhabit this female-dominated village, the robust seaside air that is guaranteed to bring a healthy glow back to any complexion paled by the frigid city atmosphere. Prepare to be taken on a vacation – because you’ll never want to come back.

I’ve read the entire series, and this novella is my favorite. It’s like an addiction. Each time I read it I am filled with a burning need to know if Diana and Aaron Dawes ever get together, and each time I discover something new and engaging. It’s not surprising that Tessa Dare started out writing Pride & Prejudice fanfiction. Because it’s so short, the story moves fast and will keep you at the edge of your seat. But don’t worry, there’s also ample under-the-corset action that will keep seasoned romance reader satisfied.

Aaron Dawes’ arms. Did I mention he’s a blacksmith? That’s basically like being a firefighter in Victorian England. We still like firefighters, right?

Benefits Rating: 5 Benefits!

ARC Provided

Aaron might not be the most complex of Tessa Dade's hero, but he is handsome, built, and humble as the town blacksmith. He is also utterly smitten with Diana Highwood; reserved and of a different class than Aaron. Unbeknownst to him, she harbors the same attraction and fascination. After 2 years of stolen glances, Diana comes to the realization that she has been caged by her, now cured, asthma, and hasn't really lived her life. She now wants to live it with Aaron.

It get all smokey and sensual from there. Ms. Dare takes an candid approach to this relationship, which is refreshing compared to other historical romances, where the H/H never really confront how they feel with each other early on. Aaron and Diana are sweet and honest and I couldn't put down their story!

BEAUTY AND THE BLACKSMITH by Tessa Dare is an interesting Regency Historical Romance in the Spindle Cove series. #3.5 in the "Spindle Cove"series, but can be read as a stand alone. A novella. A quick,fast paced story. This is Miss Diana Highwood and Aaron Dawes,the village blacksmith's story and what a story. If you have never been to Spindle Cove you are in for a treat,if you have, than you know what a delicious story "Beauty and the Blacksmith" is turn out to be. Can passion forged in a smithy be true and strong, or will social class separate these two young lovers? To find out visit Spindle Cove, you will not be disappointed. Beauty and the Beast look out here comes Diana and Aaron! A wonderful story! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Edelweiss.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

Miss Diana Highwood, the perfect beauty of her family, is destined to be a noblemans wife, at least according to her mother and Diana has accepted this until they arrive in Spindle Cove to address her health and she meets the local blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. Now with two years of glances and delicious thoughts, she is pushed by her sister to live her life her way and Diana decides to finally act on her thoughts and desires, much to the delight of Aaron. Never in his dreams would he expect a lady to give up a genteel life for the life of being a blacksmith's wife but Diana seems determined too even though she refuses to tell anyone about their relationship. Matters come to light that force this couple to explain themselves (seriously, I about died laughing at that scene...oh, her poor mother!) and you just hang on for the happily ever after that is sure to come!

Oh my goodness, what a clever, hilarious tender and sexy romance! I devoured it and was so disappointed when it was over! Tessa Dare has become an auto buy author for me with her Spindle Cove series and this novella is the reason why. I know when I read a Tessa Dare book I will get a smoldering romance with trials and grit mixed with some laugh inducing scenes that will keep you up all night until you finish and Beauty and the Blacksmith is no exception! Diana is quite a beauty but through her actions, Aaron learns that beauty goes all the way through and helps showcase her strength, determination and intelligence. However, he learns that maybe she isn't the right fit for a kitchen :) Aaron is protective (having had to raise two sisters), affectionate, honest and strong... especially in the forearm area and he is a wonderful counterpart to Diana and takes her mishaps in stride and helps give her the courage to follow her heart. Clever wit, charm, smoldering heat and a true love destined to be make this a keeper for both new and old Tessa Dare fans! 4 1/2 stars

*review copy*

I loved the fact that Aaron, our hero, is an "ordinary" man and not some Lord, and the chemistry and romance between him and Diana were absolutely wonderful. The pacing was perfect for the length of the story, with the attraction that had existed between the two being established early on so as to keep the romance from feeling at all whirl-wind, which was a major relief for me.

The one big drawback, however, was that the silliness of the Big Confrontation rather pulled the rating down a little for me, and didn't really feel like it fit in with the rest of the story up to that point.

Still, a very good read.

Recommended for fans of lighthearted tales of forbidden lovers, beautiful heroines determined to prove their worth lies outside of their looks, and of strong, honorable heroes who have long loved from afar.

4/5 Stars

I'm so glad Diana Highwood finally got her HEA and she didn't have to marry one of the lords or dukes her mama wanted in order to get it! This was a quick, fun read with plenty of heat. The description of Aaron working at the forge is enough to heat up anyone's day. The added little mystery was intriguing too. My only quibble was that I found it completely unbelievable that Charlotte could sleep that soundly!

~Reviewed by FRANCESCA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

"One of those few talented authors that can rock a novella. BEAUTY AND THE BLACKSMITH is the second Spindle Cove novella I've read and it's for sure another winner." ~Under the Covers

Tessa Dare blows me away every time. She's one of my favorite historical romance authors and, as I've said before, one of those few talented authors that can rock a novella. BEAUTY AND THE BLACKSMITH is the second Spindle Cove novella I've read and it's for sure another winner. A winner from page 1 until I finished devouring it.

There's just something sexy about a man who works with his hands and Aaron Dawes, Spindle Cove's blacksmith, is sexy at his best. All bulging muscles and rugged with a few secrets. Miss Diana Highwood is the moth attracted to that light. She's a society lady, elegant, and according to her mother, she should be looking to marry a wealthy man with a title. But she can't keep herself from lusting after the blacksmith to the point she breaks her own jewelry just to take it to him to fix....repeatedly.

As usual I love her characters and I love Spindle Cove, full of the gossiping old women and there's always some intrigue going on which in the end can provide for some comic relief as well.

Their attraction had obviously been building for a while and we are thrown in right about when their sparks couldn't be contained anymore. This novella was as sweet and funny as it was sexy! Classic Dare.

Anything Tessa Dare writes goes immediately on my Keeper shelf. She completely transports me to her worlds, makes me live her stories and leaves me sighing when I turn that last page.

*ARC provided by publisher

As a fan of Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series, I've always considered Diana Highwood as the princess of Spindle Cove. She was presented as this perfectly beautiful, and delicate lady who was the jewel of her mother's eye. There may have been a part of Diana who believed her mother who said she would be destroyed by her asthma -- so she contained herself: all her happiness, sadness, anger, and love were hidden away from herself and from the world, much like the little trinkets purchased from the Brights' All Things shop, which she carefully hid at the bottom of her trunk. She tried to control what she felt for Aaron Dawes, the blacksmith -- allowing herself a little bit of him every day -- but never more than that. This is Diana's irony -- it is generally believed that she could have any man she wanted because of her beauty and her accomplishments -- but she can never have the one man she desperately wanted.

Like the rest of the world, Aaron loved Diana from afar, afraid to soil her with his tradesman's hands and it took a lot of courage for Aaron to take that first step closer, and then the next step, and the next -- until he was close enough to realize that Diana was flesh and blood, heart and passion.

I love Tessa Dare's play on "dirty" in both the literal and figurative sense. Diana is a true English lady who is always very nicely put together: always knowing the right thing to say and the right thing to do. She has never dug up rocks and gone exploring like her sister Minerva and she has never experience the rigors of life because of her asthma -- her mother had kept her in their house, safe and unsullied by the world. Inwardly, Diana also has a pureness to her. She is kind and sweet and loving and loyal. But she is in love with Aaron: a man who is surrounded by coal and soot and whose hands are rough and grimy -- Aaron is the opposite of who Diana's mother wants for Diana, who dreams of pairing Diana with a peer.

By habit, she'd never strayed too near a fireplace or stove -- not only because her mother had insisted gentlewomen didn't dirty their hands with such tasks but also because Diana had feared that inhaling smoke or ash could trigger a breathing crisis.
- loc 723 - 736

Diana is the woman on the pedestal. She is perfect, unblemished, and there to be worshipped, but this honor is tainted: being on a pedestal, Diana cannot move from her fixed spot. She is adored but cannot adore. She can be touched but she cannot return the gesture.

What happens, then, when said woman is knocked off her pedestal? The most common belief is that she would shatter and be ruined forever. But, what really happens is that the woman is set free.

..."Tonight, my sister asked me, Don't I want to start living? And I realized I don't even know what I want from life. I know what my mother wants for me. I know what everyone else expects. But what do I truly desire?"

Excellent question. Aaron waited for the answer.

Her hand pressed to her chest. "Do I want to have a season in London and marry a lord? Do I want to stay here in the village and become a permanent spinster? Do I want to join a circus? I don't know, Mr. Dawes. I don't know, and it terrifies me. All those years of setting aside my emotions. My lungs are healed, but at what cost? I am a stranger to me own heart."

...

"There's only one thing I feel absolutely certain of," she said.

"Tell me."

Whatever it was, he vowed that she would have it.

...

"This afternoon. She drew close. "I wanted you to kiss me. I wanted it more than I can remember wanting anything in my life."
- loc 374 - 388

I love the title Beauty and the Blacksmith as it plays on the Beauty and the Beast theme, showcasing the transformative power of love. Diana's love for Aaron is the impetus for her emergence and makes her discover her true potential.

Novellas are most often criticized for lacking depth and development, and is is an understandable concern due to the limited length of the form -- but there have been authors who have used the novella in a tremendously creative and imaginative way and managed to create the world in a grain of sand (Apologies, William Blake).

Tessa Dare is one of those authors. Her previous novella (also part of the Spindle Cove series), Once Upon a Winter's Eve, is another shining example of the novella done right.

I would give this novella a tepid "OK". The story would have made a better secondary storyline in a full-length novel. There really wasn't much going on. The characters already loved each other before the start of the book so no suspense. Very little of the humorous oddball elements of the author's other novels. One main character acts completely against type at the end of the story. It was all very pat, little sense of how a pampered upper-crust girl would adapt to being the wife of a blacksmith, albeit one who is apparently on the cusp of being an in-demand jewelry craftsman. Forgettable.

Charming, funny, romantic and sexy, Beauty and the Blacksmith is another wonderful addition to the Spindle Cove series! If you're a fan of feel good, meaningful, passionate historical romances with intelligent heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, you simply must read these book!

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy the story but compared to others in the series it was a little slow. I can understand that the characters didn't have a history to build upon but so much of the story was focused on the budding romance that we didn't see much of the secondary characters that makes the series so enjoyable.

... and it was only sufficient to be told in a novella, so I can't fault the author there. Anything longer and it would have really stretched the old credulity. I don't mind, either, the class-crossing — as if it didn't go on in that time? It is totally plausible.
I just felt there was a wandering of focus, and as I feel about Dare's books, one more plot point/device than necessary. Howevs, I really do enjoy her stories, and will keep reading.

I like this novella because the combination of the two main characters caught my attention right off the bat. This author has the right amount of heat,humor,and love to entertain those 18 and above in this novella!

This book has very sweet H and h who have to work out their future. They are perfect together and overcome all obstacles. It was slightly amusing to read because of the h's silly mother. Basically, it is simply a light hearted book.

I was shocked that it was another novella. Why is this author doing this? This is the second time I got caught buying a novella by accident. I know it's my fault but I have no patience for anything this brief. It is not worth my time. I am a fan of this author but not sure what she is doing with the novellas.

When have you ever seen a historical romance with a blacksmith as the hero. And he doesn't even turn into the missing son of a nobleman. He is what he is an artist from the common people. I loved Aaron. Actually, I loved Diana too. They realized their love would be difficult, but were willing to work for it. I loved finding out who the thief was. That was hysterical.

There are thoughtful parts, funny parts, and heated parts in this very short story. I loved it. This story developed well, even though it was short. If you like historical romances with surprises, twists and turns and laughter, then you will love this. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I love the Spindle Cove Series and this novella was so very sweet.
Aaron (the blacksmith) is lovely, strong and virile and Diana is so very dear, with her asthma, her courage and her overbearing mama.
Great short story!

This is how novellas should be done. Just because it isn't long doesn't mean the story can't be fully developed and good. I loved the premise of the blacksmith and the lady, and Ms. Dare executed it well. Spindle Cove is hit after hit, and you need to read every book in the series. You will thank me.

I was really kind of disappointed that Diana did not get a full novel. I mean we got to hear all about her sisters travels but it felt that Diana's was almost an after-thought. After everything that her mother put her though I really felt that she should have been able to tell it all without being rushed through it.

It was a cute short story adding charm to the Spindle Cove series.
As the previous novella, it is sweet, funny but lack the craziness of the full length novels.
Here it pictures Diana, the eldest of the Highwood sisters, the prettiest one, the one for who their mother has the highest expectations. Except Diana has none of them, she has set her eyes on the blacksmith of the village and he is the sole man who makes her quiver. Just she has to make her dreams come true, but she will need to free herself from her own cocoon.
Aaron Dawes has set his sight on the lovely Miss Highwood since two years, but he also knows he is only a craftsman, no nobility, so she is far above him until she tells him the opposite and begins to spend more and more time in his workshop with any pretense.
It was a nice read, a good way to spend some time lost in a lovely book.
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I loved this story. I remember reading many novels about lower-class girls marrying into upper class, but very few where the opposite is true. Although at the begging I thought Aaron and Diana professed their love to one another a bit too soon, later it seemed it was at exactly right time. They're an adorable, passionate couple.

The only thing bothering me is the cover. Why on earth is there so much blue empty space behind the models? There could be a nice background instead. Makes it look unprofessional.

I have been a fan of Tessa Dare and the Spindle Cove series for a while. I have read all the Tessa Dare books in print and have all of the books on pre-order for Tessa Dare but I do not want or need a kindle, I want a book and now, because I have supported Tessa Dare all these years, I will be punished because I do not have a kindle or do not want to read this on the computer. I will have to wait, who knows how long, to get this novella in print. This is not fair and is a slap in the face to people like me who have read all the other Tessa Dare books and lets face it we support Miss Dare by purchasing her books. I feel like she is not interested in ALL of her fans and lets face it I will not die if I do not continue to read her books. Maybe she should think about this and print the novella for her fans that want a book.