A Week to Be Wicked (Spindle Cove)

I loved this book! It was romantic, sexy, and funny. I laughed out loud in a couple of places. The characters are easy to like and root for, and their adventures together are sweet and charming. Highly recommend!!

If you are a long time romance reader who struggles to find a fresh new read then please go and purchase this book now! I loved both characters and the enormous fun and complications they experienced on a road trip to Scotland. Great fun. No tedious misunderstandings just a lovely couple getting to know each other, their strengths and weaknesses and falling in love. What more could a reader ask for? ENJOY!

This was the first Tessa Dare book I have read and now will read more. Fun enjoyable and I'm going to buy it for my daughter for light summer fun reading.. especially since her boyfriend is named Colin.

Again Tessa Dare delivers a humorous look at Regency mores and customs. This book is laugh out loud funny so we don't mind suspending some disbelief.

Our heroine, Minerva, is a closet geologist. In the "closet" because in this era it was frowned upon for women to have intellectual pursuits. But since she has made a scientific breakthough, she needs to go to a scientific symposium in Scotland to submit her findings. She needs an escort; she implores Colin, Lord Payne, to escort her because she is trying to discourage a marriage between him and her sister. From here all manner of regency hell breaks loose as they make their way to Scotland.

The writing is top notch even if a bit over the top at times. The plot is original. This is a feel good book full of wit, sexy encounters and characters who might just be slightly manic.

I absolutely loved this story-it was funny, fast paced and extremely entertaining. The heroine, Minerva, was smart and strong. I especially like books that have a lot of dialogue between the characters and this one did not disappoint.

I enjoyed that the author used the book's heroine to demonstrate the . Plight of women as it relates to scientific discovery; however, it took forever. The numerous obstacles that hindered Minerva & Colin's journey became monotonous, and I just wanted it to be over.

But a bit hokey. Wished for more of the geological story and less prattle by the main man. Appreciated the afterword notes. Liked the unexpected jumps in the story. Would have liked more character-development beyond the primary couple.

what a couple this two make!!!
Minerva and Colin i loveeeeed them
specially Minerva, she is awesome!
Spindle Cove Series are worth the read, worth the money and worth the time invested in reading them!!

Ms. Dare will always be one of my favorite historical romance authors there just isn't anything that she leaves out in her stories! Romance, adventure, humor, and great editing a reader can't ask for more!

The first chapter was filled with all common cliche's of a professionally churned out cheap novel. I don't think there was one original thought in it.
The bookish, bespectacled, sensibly shod heroine,(probably a beauty behind the spectacles) bravely offering herself up to the notorious rake to save her angelic and pretty sister, while at the same time gawping and blushing at his bare chest. The rake himself of course displaying himself and being not the least rakish but charming....more or less. Dialog.......abysmal. Huh! I barely made it past the first chapter and then gave up. I had to read a Georgette Heyer (The Masqueraders written 1928)to bring my blood pressure down, the difference being ocean wide.
Of course I realize that you can't expect every romance book to be a masterpiece, at the rate they are written, but if you want to be amused and having a good time, maybe this should not be your choice. I could not go on reading it, it would probably have given me a seizure.

I read this book before I began doing reviews and was encouraged to read it again by a fellow reviewer (it's one of her favourites). Unfortunately it wasn't one of mine. There are so many reviews and summaries here already so this is more for my record than anything else. I'd classify this book as a mistorical (modern historical romance) where the sex is more important than the story itself. Honestly like someone else already said it's light porn and our h was a virgin in more restricted times - not that you'd know. The plot is ridiculous and a thin disguise for the main characters to do what they please throughout the book. As for the ending where everyone thinks they're married but now the H is courting the h on his own property while she's still single and no one has any isssues?? I'm surprised I went on to buy some many more of this author's works.

This book has very high ratings. Even though it's not a five star book for me,I saw and understood the popularity, so I won't say it was overrated. It had some great scenes between the hero and heroine. some of those scenes were sweet and adorable and some were quite simply scorching hot for such a fluffy book. That's what saved this book for me because it was very cotton candy and predictable at times. There is nothing wrong with fluff now and then, but there were a lot of eye rolling moments. A little more angst would have been nice, but of course the heroine's sister didn't care if the heroine ran off with the very eligible, extremely handsome, wealthy man that everyone thought would have propose to her. For once I would like to see a realistic view on that. Step out of the box a little! Overall this was a good book if you like them fluffy. If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be.... Cute.

The story was interesting, but it did not need all the private parts told in detail. An innocent woman is attracted by a man she feels is wrong for her sister and herself. The trip, to give a presentation of a fossil she had found, takes more time than she feels she can take. This book tells of all the adventures along the way and all the lies he tells. It is, at times, humorous.

Anyone who reads romantic novels, will enjoy this book.

I was really intrigued with the concept of this book. I loved the beginning of the book. Unfortunately, once the characters began their journey, my interest in the story dropped. I liked the characters, but I didn't think there was enough story there to justify all the pages that I had to read.

I just loved the book that comes after this one, The Duke is Mine. This was so boring, I gave it a go and could only read about a quarter of it. No laugh out loud stuff, nothing romantic in what I did get to in the story. I was very confused what she even kissed him the first time, just couldn't continue.

Ok, I can suspend belief with the best of them, but this book just defeated me. Perhaps I was 'in the wrong place' to enjoy it. It was just SO UNLIKELY in soooo many respects that I just gave up less than halfway through. He tries to pass her off as his mistress at a torrid house party (a virgin in Regency England?). He spins the unlikeliest stories - lies - to everyone they meet (apparently, he has yet to learn that lying will come back to bite one...not my idea of a hero). I gave up.

Well-written but not my cup of tea. Overall I found Colin and Min to be a bit boring. It started off with promise, started to drag a bit in the middle and the end was exceedingly lubby dubby and cheeeesy to the nth degree.

I rarely stop reading a book altogether, but I'm not into poorly written, incredibly trite, Victorian light porn. I stopped midway when I found myself skipping pages to see if it got any better...it didn't.

I am in the minority. I did not love this book. I have loved all of Tessa Dare's books until this one. The book is ok, but for me failed to live up to her previous stories. It seemed merely to meander through the sex education of a bookish woman. The author does have a way of making you love her characters. Her dialogue is witty and I had a few good chuckles. There was however, to my way of thinking, the lack of much of a plot. The H and H merely wander through the pages encountering one, mostly humorous, situation after the other. I found myself loving the characters but wanting the book to end because there was absolutely no angst or suspense. If you are a Tessa Dare fan definitely read the book, it is not awful, just not great,and completely predictable.

The Spindle Cove series will continue and I have every intention of reading more. This is just not one I will mark for rereading in the future.

I like historical romances as much as the next girl, especially regencies but this book is just too historically and culturally incorrect. Yeah, Minerva is a geologist who doesn't care if she gets ruined as long as she separates the rake from her sister and as long as she gets to present her findings to other scientists. COMMON!

The hero is completely unlikable to me...he is ridiculous, a blatant and un-repentfull liar who gets in trouble more often than not for these ridiculous lies and we as a reader are supposed to be charmed by this? The sexual tension is there at times but he ends up treating our heroine as a little sister instead of a lover. The heroine is unbelievably ok with sleeping with a man and having sex with him being unmarried as if she was from this century, not a single drop of virginal shame or guilt. For some reason this woman falls head over heels for this stupid buffoon of a hero.

There should have been more of a serious conflict instead of the stupid problems that came from the stupid lies the hero concocted. As I was reading about one stupid adventure after another I was just waiting of it all to end..yes yes I love you, you love me...THE END. This may be many women's cup of tea but I do not like this book at all. I lost all interest in it soon after it began...I am just reading it by bits now cause I dont like to leave a book unfinished if I pay for it. I guess I have gotten accustomed to a better quality of historical romance. This was TOTAL BALDERDASH!

Borrrrrring. I tried but could not finish it. It's just so lame and boring.. The hero is like the "cool guy" and the heroine is "the nerdy girl" and I feel like I'm reading that cliché high school story line in a different setting. I don't particularly like either character or the plot, so this book is a real loser for me.

Spindle Cove safely harbours all damsels in need of retreat and/or independence. Minerva is a trained geologist who needs to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland to present a scientific paper regarding a fossil she discovered in Spindle Cove. However unable to travel alone she needs to persuade Colin, the rake and viscount, to accompany her.

The chemistry between the leads, Minerva and Colin was very spicy and really entertaining. As characters, their back stories and interests were interesting, particularly Colin's history, showing why he developed into the person he's become and how Minerva’s personality was a perfect foil for him.

I very much enjoyed this romp of a book. It reminded me of the romances I used to devour 20/30 years ago. The banter was lively and witty, the situations were hilarious and bordered on ridiculous and silly, and the hero and heroine had an insane amount of chemistry between them. All in all a solid 4.5 Stars. With charm and wit this adventure Ms. Dare delivers provides a few great hours reading pleasure along with a delightful HEA. I am a verified purchaser in Australia

I had really high expectations for this book after the reviews but I was very disappointed. Don't get me wrong there were some humorous moments and some witty dialogue but the main character the Viscount, Colin is a sociopath. He goes beyond improvising . I got so fed up of all the ridiculous lies he kept coming up with along the trip to Scotland. Another thing was the fact that every chapter was some mishap. Highly ridiculous , those two things just completely put me off this book. Over the top fluff that was not funny !!

3.5 out of 5 stars

This is one of those books that you really have to be in the mood for -- not just that it's romance, but that there are so many silly, inconceivably ridiculous twists and turns that fall flat (unless you're perfectly in the mood for really over the top contrivances. The main characters are, themselves, interesting: the prototypical bookworm who runs into tree branches while reading and the charming rake with the tortured past.. They've always teased and fought with one another, but it's during their week of traveling (and sleeping together, initially platonically!?!?) that they fall in love. While there are moments of sparkling dialog, for me, the crazy twists and turns were just too much, and I spent more time feeling exasperated than moved or involved.

Greater Detail:
Minerva Highwood is a nerdy's girl's nerd. She's got the spectacles, the journals full of copious notes, and she's discovered an imprint of a footprint that she thinks will get her recognized by the geological society and also win her five hundred guineas (you're not told it's (SPOILER) an iguanadon until the footnotes). She doesn't necessarily need a traveling companion (she's already decided that she's going to the conference, and that her life's work is worth the damage to her reputation), but she approaches Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, anyhow. Minerva's afraid that he's secretly determined to marry her beautiful sister and is determined to protect her beautiful sister.

Now, all of that should already give you a sense that this is going to be a book with lots of twists -- Minerva approaching Colin about her plan (that he gets 500 guineas when she wins, but has to stay away from her sister and accompany her), to Colin's counter-demands (that he can't sleep unless someone is with him, and so they'll share a bed, she below the sheets, he on top). They eventually haphazardly decide that they'll accompany one another and set off with a series of secret identities: different lies for different traveling companions, each more crazy than the last: they're traveling do-gooder brother and sister who've saved one another from unimaginable evils, they're royalty (like claiming to be the long-lost future Prince and Princess of Crustacea), she's his volatile, non-English-speaking mistress who'll attack him in the middle of a cards game.

They're drawn to each other, and they are actually interesting characters, which is why the farcical asides were annoying to me. I think the best scenes were when they weren't busy lying to side characters we'd never hear from again, but were instead teasing one another (there's a running joke that Colin can't remember her name, and he calls her every somewhat feminine name that starts with an M throughout the book).

The development of their romance feels, in many ways, too quick, not just because their story happens over a week, but because it seems like things keep happening to them, forcing an artificial intensity to their burgeoning romance. Still, it has some nice dialog, some very well-written scenes, and it was good enough for me to finish (just with some eye-rolling at the more farcical plot twists and lies).

Comparison with Other Authors:
I've always had a love/hate relationship with Tessa Dare's books. I think that there are some great characters, but the humor tends to be on the Julia-Quinn-on-steroids end of puns and farces, and the plot twists don't always make sense to me, perhaps especially given the time period (like there will be highwaymen, which is okay, done to death and already a little tough to believe... but then they're always saved in even more contrived ways). The amount of physicality is closer to Stephanie Laurens than Lisa Kleypas, and it's often very passionate, but again, it does leave you wondering how these women all stayed virgins for so long and are now all suddenly wantons. I've yet to find that Tessa Dare novel that I love, love, but I've generally enjoyed her enough to keep reading.

I was excited to read this book. Once I begain to read it I had a hard time continuing it. I usually finish a book a day. It took all I had to try and get through this book. I do not recommend this book.

A Week to Be Wicked is book two in Tessa Dare’s Spindle Cove series. Having read and enjoyed book three, A Lady by Midnight a few years ago, I happily dove into this one when I was in the mood for a nice regency romance. I know I’ve been reading this series backwards but they are standalone reads so it hasn’t made much difference.

In this installment we have Minerva Highwood from Spindle Cove who wants to stop Colin Sandhurst aka Lord Payne from marrying her sister. Minerva thinks the notorious ladies man Payne is not the right match for her sister. She thinks that Payne is looking to marry so that he can get his inheritance so Minerva makes him an offer he cannot refuse.

She is a scientist and she has made a discovery that she wants to present to the geological symposium in Scotland. Minerva digs up fossils and thinks she has found one unlike any other, the footprint of a very large lizard. She is offering Payne the money she is sure to win once the council sees her discovery.
Minerva’s plan is to pretend to have eloped Payne and once the trip is over she will act like he dumped her. She is a scientist and her love of geology trumps all so she doesn’t care if her rep is ruined. Payne will get the money and leave her sister alone. Win. Win.

Minerva was a fun heroine. She is bookish and wears glasses and doesn’t know how to kiss, but Payne of course teaches her. What I also liked about her character was that she was intelligent and independent. When Payne initially refuses to go to Scotland with her, she is ready to make the journey alone.

Payne was a fun hero, he teases Minerva plenty, but never too much and it’s never mean spirited. He is genuinely intrigued then besotted by this beautiful brainiac. Their stage coach road trip to Scotland was a fun adventure as these two fall in love along the way of course.

The writing was great and the story-line just flowed smoothly. Perfect chemistry between these two and nothing felt rushed or awkward as they naturally gravitated towards one another. Tessa Dare pens a fun and romantic plot with well rounded and flawed characters who I liked right away.

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I purchased my e-copy of A Week to Be Wicked.

The first Spindle Cove book I read was "Any Duchess Will Do," which blew my socks off. The next two that I read, "One Night to Surrender" and "Lady by Midnight", were just meh. "A Week to be Wicked," the second in the series (I read them all out of order, oops), was the best of the series. It was sensual but funny, sweet but tortured. It reminded me a lot of Lisa Kleypas's "Married by Morning," except this was waaaaay better (and "Married by Morning" was one of my favorites!). Seriously, this was so good. If you love historical romance, you'll love this.

Minerva is a serious bookworm - a geologist to be specific. She'd rather dig in the dirt and read books than wear pretty dresses and attend balls. Sounds boring, right? Trust me, it's anything but boring! Colin is a typical and seasoned rake. All he sees when he looks at Minerva is a studious bluestocking with no interest in love and courtship. He is intrigued when she approaches him with an unconventional proposal: if Colin escorts her to a geology convention so that she can present her paper and win the prize, he gets to keep all of the prize money. He refuses her but is somehow drawn into her scheme when she determinedly boards a coach to travel to the nerd I mean geology convention by herself. Ever the gentleman, Colin follows her. The trip is a hilarious comedy of errors that takes us from one disaster to the next. We discover Colin's penchant for telling tall tales and, of course, Minerva's hidden romantic. This is definitely one story that I can't adequately summarize in one paragraph, so you're going to have to read it. A resounding five stars!

The second book in Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series is just wonderful. Minerva is an intelligent, understated beauty who is constantly harangued by her mother for her looks, her bookishness, and really, just about anything a mother can harangue a daughter about. Colin is a handsome, roguish aristocrat waiting to inherit his fortune. We meet both characters in A Night to Surrender, and they definitely threw sparks against one another in that book, but I don't think I was quite prepared for just how wonderful this book would be.

One of the things that stands out for me in reading this book is that Minerva and Colin spend nearly every page together. We get to know them quite well and to see their interactions with each other. At some times their adventures are wickedly funny, at others touchingly sweet. Colin has a tortured past (which is used to explain his rakish ways), and Minerva, while well aware of her own intelligence, has self-doubts about her feminine attributes. As the story progresses, they each help the other to find their inner strengths. I loved the dialogue between them, the inside jokes that the reader is privy to, and the way that Tessa Dare shows us just how much they come to love each other.

It sounds cheesy and trite, but this book really did make me both laugh and cry at times (heavy on laughter). It felt like a good time as I read, and I loved that the characters admire and respect each other so much, as demonstrated throughout the story. I also think Tessa Dare did a brilliant job of making Minerva brilliant but likable (too often smart women in books are portrayed as shrewish).

There is an excerpt from Dare's next book, A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove) at the end of the book. Kate and Thorne, who play background roles in this book will be featured in the next book. I hope that it lives up to the brilliance of this one!

A Week to Be Wicked is a wonderful romp and an entertaining read. It hits on all of Tessa Dare’s best aspects as a writer:

Smolder. Really, really, good smolder. Lisa Kleypas level smolder.
Funny of the laugh out loud variety. Witty, too.
Sincere emotion successfully balanced against the aforementioned humour.
At least one hysterical turn of phrase describing a man’s specific firmness.
Sincerely besotted heroes falling for wallflowers.
Likeable, emphatically capable heroines.
A strain on your willing suspension of disbelief which will almost always be worth it.

Minerva Highwood and her family are living in remote Spindle Cove (coincidentally the name of this series) as her sister recovers from an illness. The ignored middle child, Minerva is bespectacled and bookish as opposed to her beautiful inside and out sister, Diana, and her precocious younger sibling, Charlotte. Sadly for Minerva, she is not quite ignored enough by her ambitious mother who never loses an opportunity to find Min inadequate in comparison with just about anyone. Minerva is a scientist at a time when such things were nigh on impossible for a woman, but the isolation of Spindle Cove affords her the opportunity to indulge her passion for geology. Minerva has found what the reader recognizes as evidence of prehistoric fauna and has been asked to present her findings to the Royal Geological Society in Edinburgh. There are only two problems a. they don’t know she’s a woman and b. getting there. Spindle Cove affords but one possible escort. One person whose magical combination of maleness and a lack of scruples will suit her purpose.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, is a well-intentioned, disillusioned rake. He is gorgeous, loquacious, and his best laid plans always go awry. Minerva approaches him with a promise of the money he will need to leave Spindle Cove and lounge in London until his inheritance kicks in. Being a rogue, Colin has some conditions for his company, the most interesting of which is that Minerva must sleep in his bed as he is an insomniac and prone to nightmares when he does get to sleep. A warm female body close to hand soothes him.

Feigning an elopement, Colin and Minerva head for Scotland and, as is the case with fictional road trips, whatever can go wrong, does, and the love-hate attraction they have always felt for each other chooses a side. A Regency romance with a vacillating grasp on reality, A Week to Be Wicked is tremendously entertaining and maintains a genuine sweetness despite the spiraling chain of events.

Warning: This review may contain spoilers

"A fun romance with a geeky heroine!"

I have been intrigued by Minerva Highwood ever since I read A Night to Surrender, the first book in the Spindle Cove series. Of course, we were given a small glimpse of Minerva's romance and the rogue Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne. This book has also been recommended by quite a few romance bloggers (I'm looking at you Mary!) so I immediately jumped on the bandwagon.

I was not disappointed!

I love Minerva Highwood! Her strength and unique character really shown in this book. Although we see it in the previous book, it is more emphasized here. I also love the pairing between Colin and her. I mean, who doesn't love a rake paired with a plain bluestocking? I do! With Colin's antics in the previous book, it was quite a relief to see him step up to the plate and be responsible for a change. I love his caring for the lad that lost his foot (I forgot his name, sorry) and his insistence to right the wrongs that he inadvertently caused.

A Week to be Wicked was very unique in a sense that I did not expect what was coming. I enjoyed the escapades the two got into while traveling to Scotland (which was no ordinary travel, mind you) and I also enjoyed their witty banter. Naturally, their romance fairly sizzled as I listened to the audiobook.

The only downside of this book was the slightly dragging part when they were traveling together. It got a little frustrating for a time when it became a little to predictable for me.

A Week to be Wicked is a fun read, never to be missed. The most enjoyable Spincle Cove book yet!

THE AUDIOBOOK

Narrated by Carolyn Morris, she added a certain degree of enjoyment and excitement to my listening pleasure. She was also the narrator for A Night to Surrender so I was glad that she narrated this book.

I liked this, it was cute it had some really funny moments, some great sexual tension at times and all and all it was fun. It did drag a bit towards the end and that is why I’m only giving it 3.5 stars instead of 4.0 to 4.5 I was really getting a little bored towards the end.

Minerva’s head is always stuck in a book, she practically lives in them. Her mother believes that there is no hope for Minerva. Queue the opening scene to Beauty and the Beast.

-- "Diana and Charlotte will do well for themselves, but Minerva? Plain, bookish, distracted, awkward with gentlemen. In a word, hopeless.

Everyone in the town is convinced that Mr. Collin Payne will soon be asking her beautiful sister Diana to marry him. Minerva wants to save Diana from this torturous future and she also would like to make it to a geological symposium to present her discovery. Two birds, one stone all she has to do is convince the devilish Mr. Payne to accompany her to Scotland and the symposium.

Collin is a rake, but at least he has rules for his rakishness. No virgins and no ruination of society women….how generous. Minerva needs him and for some reason he wants to rise to the challenge for her, even if he pretends that he can’t remember her name.

-- “This is true valor, I hope you know. Legends have sprung from less. All Lancelot did was paddle about in a balmy lake.” She smiled. “Lancelot was a knight. You’re a viscount. The bar is higher.”

What ensues is a trip across the country where every time they turn around some new disaster strikes out at them. In the days they talk getting to know each other and making up fantastical tales for any traveling companions they may find. At night they begin to discover that their bodies know they should be together even if their minds and hearts aren’t sure yet.

-- “I'm male. You rubbed your...femaleness all over me. I didn't think. I reacted.”

There are some incredibly funny scenes and banter between the Minerva and Collin. My favorite banter being how to seduce a woman using mathematical terms. Had I not already read One Good Earl Deserves a Lover I might have liked this more. A Week to be Wicked actually made me miss that book and I re-read it in the middle of reading this one. It really had me until the last third of the book when I was really looking for a stronger wrap up of the story and it seemed to wax and wane on.

My only other problem was with Collin, it took me a little time to warm up to him. He was a right rake and due to part of the situation in the opening scene I didn’t grow to really like him until the journey was underway. His transition from rake to helplessly needing Minerva went really quickly.

This is still a great cotton candy Historical Romance when you just want to root for the girl who reads while walking.

*Audiobook edition*

Tessa Dare, I needed this today.

After a string of mediocre/terrible books, this was like a beacon of light in the darkness.

After years of reading romance, this book, and the one before it (A Night to Surrender), might just have converted me to a die-hard historical romance fan. Honestly, this book was pretty much perfection.

I need to stop and give a HUGE shout out to Carolyn Morris, one of the most skilled female narrators around. She was spot on, and I mean FLAWLESS, in her narration of this book. I was riveted, entranced, clinging to her every freakin' word! Some female narrators do a terrible male voice which makes the sex scenes sort of... awkward. But this narrator nailed it, she well and truly nailed it (pun intended!).

What I didn't expect was for this book to be so funny. Even funnier than A Night to Surrender, which was pretty hilarious at times. Just really, really witty stuff. It makes me wish I had someone to yell "tally ho" at me so I could reply, "you're cracked" (<--- inside joke). This book was this perfect mix of funny and emotional.

I loved the bookish Minerva, and I loved damaged, rakish Colin even more. They were smoking hot together and had chemistry that flew off the page. I love a M/F book that can get me all hot and bothered.

Authors, this is how you write complex, well rounded characters. This is how you make a book humorous and passionate and heartfelt. This is how you write a love story.

A Week to be Wicked
Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

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

"A Week to Be Wicked" is a distinct improvement from the last novel as the main characters are likeable, the situations they find themselves in amusing and the romance swoon-worthy. The bespectacled Minerva, a bluestocking geologist propositions the delectable rake Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne. She wants him to leave her sister Diana alone and fake an elopement so she can attend the Royal Geological Society Symposium in Scotland. She offers him the price money of 500 guineas which she reckons she is a shoo-in to win with her plaster-cast of a giant lizard's footprint. I was pleasantly surprised to read Dare's note at the end which identified the lizard as an iguanodon as it was bugging me trying to work out what the damn creature was.

This is a travel romance at its best and the trials and tribulations that Minerva and Colin have to go through in order to get the 400 miles north bring the couple closer together. Minerva is initially a fairly plain, retiring character, bullied by her mother and determined not to outshine her sisters in any way. Whenever others are threatened though, she becomes an avenging angel. In "A Night to Surrender" (the first novel in the series), she whacks Bram over the head with a bag of rocks because she thinks he is taking advantage of Susanna and she even challenges Colin to a duel to get him to stay away from Diana. The girl clearly has hidden gumption and just needs someone (Colin) to bring it to the fore. The further in miles she gets away from her mother, the more opinionated and passionate she becomes. Colin may be a bit of a rake but he has principles - "no virgins, no prostitutes, no women in dire financial straits, no sisters of former lovers and no mothers of former lovers" (p82). He initially refuses to accompany Minerva but acquiesces when he realises just how serious she is about following her dreams. The fact that she agreed to share his bed was an added bonus spurred him on. Unfortunately Colin has a tragic past that means he is incapable of sleeping alone or travelling in closed in carriages. By sleeping, I actually mean sleeping.

The plot is well paced and Colin's glib tongue and fanciful stories get the two both in and out of trouble fairly frequently. One of my favourite scenes would have to be where they recite naughty-sounding mathematical terms to each other. I don't think I will ever view parabola and trinomial in such the same way in the future. The ending is wholly unconventional, just like this couple and I loved every page of it.

This delightful Regency romance ticks all the right boxes. I am crossing my fingers that Dare can continue this trend with number three, "A Lady by Midnight".

I really enjoyed book one, but I have to say that I loved book two! Tessa Dare ups the bar in this second installment with her characters, adventure, and delicious smexiness that is sure to capture the heart of all historical romance fans who want to laugh, cry, fall in love - simply feel - and be left a little breathless with each new chapter.

For readers unfamiliar with this series, it's a series about a little place off-the-beaten-trail along the coast of southern England in the late eighteenth century: Spindle Cove. A place where woman can be who they are, or find their reprieve, from the prying and gossiping eyes of society. Heroine Minerva Highwood is just one of the ladies who finds herself in Spindle Cove (albeit, still under the thumb of her dictative and degrading mother) to accept her inevitable destiny to remain a spinster. You see, Minerva is a geek to the core. She reads her scientific papers through the perch of her spectacles, and doesn't mind getting her plain and dull attire - and self - a little dirty in her scientific investigations.

Hero, Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, feels stifled in Spindle Cove. All he has to do is make it a couple of more months until his birthday, free of trouble that is, to finally receive his inheritance and get away from the God forsaken place that is running out of woman for him to tumble with. Did I mention he has to stay out of trouble though?

However, trouble is what both Minerva and Colin find themselves in.

The fast paced adventure that takes place in this book truly drives the bringing together of these two highly unlikely characters: A plain-Jane geek and a devilishly handsome, rake.

One of the aspects I *love* about Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series is her writing style. She has an uncanny ability to merge laugh-out-loud moments and some of the most seductive passages, all while keeping it utterly believable coming from the personalities of the characters.

But it's not jut about seduction between these characters. They find an unwavering respect in, and longing to be near and protect each other as the story progresses. What starts off as a selfish quest for each of the characters, turns into a venture that by the ending of the book each are ready to toss aside their original goals and desires just to save - and have - one another.

I'm not going to lie, when I was first introduced to Colin and Minerva in book one, I honestly wasn't too sure I would like them, let alone how they could ever "fit" together as a couple. But, I definitely have a different opinion of them now! In fact, these are officially two of my favorite characters and book couples!! They did fit together, and they do have fabulous personalities that grow with them over the course of the story. In my opinion, it simply made the HEA that much better!!

I know it's just the second book of the series, but it was by far the best! In fact, I can't help but wonder how Dare will top this one!

Historical romance fans hike up your skirts because you have A Week to Be Wicked! You're going on an adventure that will take you from cove caves to coach rides with a footprint (you'll see), having your plans thwarted by a group of bandits only to end up at a carnival. Shot at, luggage stolen, dress ripped, giggle at some of the most outrageous lines that come from a geeky little heroine and a rake hero, and, of course, swoon over heated seduction that ends in fairytale love. *sighs*
Enjoy!!

At the end of this book, you will also get a sneak peak into the next installment, A Lady By Midnight (Spindle Cove, #3). Coming September 2012 by Avon Books.

Spindle Cove Series:

A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove, #1)
A Week to be Wicked (Spindle Cove, #2)
A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove, #3): Coming 2012

Notice: I have not purchased any of these titles from the store and have them on my Nook or from the library. Just wanted to give full disclosure up front since I have seen comments before in the store reviews so if you have issue with that then do not read below...

I have read ALL of Tessa Dare's novels and love them! I checked out some from my library and own all the Spindle Cove novels and novellas as well as the Werestag novella. You will not be dissapointed with any of her writings except that they end! I would like to find a "comparable" author because I just know Tessa's work to be the best for my tastes with the right amount of story, character development, setting, and spice. I was not actually a romance reader until I stumbled upon a free offering of one of her ebooks on my Nook. I know egads not a Kindle but anyways... that was how I even found this genre and now am hooked!

I have always been a fan of period romance movies and am a stickler for anything set in the Victorian (or earlier) settings of Europe which all of her books are. I do have a few other free historical romances but I just know already I won't be as pleased. I wish Tessa would go full time just writing ONLY Spindle Cove series and that PBS or BBC would pick up the rights and make an ongoing romance seriers for TV that would be hot and heavy and for adult viewers but tasteful. Maybe Netflix??? Wouldn't that be incredible! LOL

Bascially to sum all this up do not worry one bit about purchasing any of her materials. You will love having them. I have read each of the Spindle Cove series twice and plan to re-read each once a year- Yes they are that good! I stay tuned for pre-orders and have always been on of the first to get a book as it comes out.

This was such a cute story. The story starts out with Minerva Highwood, a bookish young woman who is also a budding Geologist trying to prevent a possible marriage between her sister, Diana and Lord Payne, a well-known ladies man. Minerva concocts a scheme to get him out of town. She is interested in attending a Geological Symposium in Scotland and wants Lord Payne to accompany her there. Hoping that the towns-people will believe that Minerva and Lord Payne have run off and eloped, leaving her sister free to marry someone else. Minerva doesn't plan to marry Lord Payne, so according to her plan when they return to town, they won't be together, she will tell people she left him. I love how much she cares about her sister in order to risk the ruin of her own reputation so her sister won't marry a rake.
I love sarcasm, and when a couple like these two get together, they are always ready with the quick wit.
As the story continues to unfold, I saw a couple who could barely stand being in the same room with each other, starting to see the nice and oftentimes surprising qualities the other had to offer. They encounter some calamity along the way to Scotland and the stories they told to travelers where crazy. But I think a little excited and adventure is always good to have in a romance, especially this one. Every now and then, I was able to see what the ladies of Spindle Cove where doing in regards to Minerva and Colin leaving town, which was a bit of an added bonus I think.
I laughed a ton, and highlighted almost have the book with favorite passages. A Week to Be Wicked was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and if you like historical romances with a good amount of banter between the main characters, then grab this book up.

Minerva Highwood is a confirmed bluestocking spinster living in Spindle Cove who wants nothing more than to be recognized and able to present her latest findings to the Royal Geological Society of Scotland. One problem - she needs a willing co-conspirator to bring her to Edinburgh, and present her paper. With that in mind, she has elected to bare her soul and risk everything to ask a rake of the first order to help her achieve her mission, namely Colin Sandhurst, Viscount Lord Payne. To ask of him to fake an elopement; convince all and sundry they are in "love"; outrun armed robbers; travel together without killing one another; and for Minerva to remain chaste while sharing one very small bed with a man who ignites a passion she had no idea she possessed.

*** Well, with a description like that, what could possibly be better? I admit I laughed, cried and was thoroughly enchanted with both the story, the writing and Ms. Dare's delightful characters. Dare's delicious banter between the two protagonists was delicious. But the best parts were Colin's outlandish out of the air ludicrous and exaggerated stories where he continually set Minerva up to go along with his silly sense of humor were hilarious. In a way, Colin was helping Minerva to break out of her studious quiet ways and embrace the fun and passion of living life, even as he himself tried to come to terms with his own deep secrets.

I really believe this gem A WEEK TO BE WICKED is what reading romance is all about. Dare took two somewhat incomplete people who in a week of sharing adventure and love discovered themselves in a most unique way. The writing was superb, the pace was rapid, the dialogs simply divine, the laughs and the sighs all worth the effort and the love story as sweet as could be.

Bottom line: A WEEK TO BE WICKED was a terrific and highly enjoyable romance that I highly recommend to give you that fully satisfied ...ahhhhh feeling when you close the cover.

I don’t quite know what to think about this book. Their mad rush into Scotland was amusing. There are several scenes that made me laugh, but in so many ways I really didn’t like the characters through most of the story. Colin behaves like a self-centered jerk and Minerva spends most of her time behaving like callous shrew. At least the super sweet ending made up for a lot of their poor behavior earlier in the story.

This book was by far my favorite book of the series. I don't know if it was the unmarried traveler's plot (always works for me) or the scientific mind/sexual exploration combo, but I found A Week to be Wicked a sexy and witty read - Something I'm coming to expect from a Tessa Dare book. I'll admit that pre-read I wasn't sure I was going to like Colin as my hero. Form the outside view of A Night to Surrender he came across as immature and slightly annoying. Inside this tale know that instead, he appears charming, sexy, and emotional scared. Also, the man is constantly encouraging Minerva to be herself! Confident and sexy; who doesn't love a man who does that.

"He gave her a searching look, and Minerva marshaled the strength to hold it. Level, confident, unblinking. After a moment, his eyes warmed with an unfamiliar glimmer. Here was an emotion she'd never seen from him before. She thought it might be...respect. "Well," he said "certainty becomes you." " (13)

It's the interplay between Minerva's scientific nature and Colin's excess of irreverence and charm that keeps the dialogue sharp and moments funny and endearing. They both have confidence issues. Hiding it at opposite ends of the spectrum. He shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. She keeps her nose in a book. Both are lonely souls who desperately need someone to knock them out of their shells and expose their true selves to the world.

"Perhaps, she thought, people were more like ammonites than one would suppose. Perhaps they too built shells on a consistent unchanging factor - some quality or circumstance established in their youth. Each chamber in the shell just an enlargement of the previous. Growing year after year until they spiraled around and locked themselves in place." (184)

I would be doing a review of this title an injustice if I failed to mention the amazing sex scenes Dare creates. Just know that my favorites all happened before either character rounds 3rd base. They were unique and sweet and titillating And somewhat more realistic a physical premise than most. Who among us went from naive virgin to a home run with out some exploration of bases 1-3? I'd say the 0 to 60 experience is rare. Yet, it's what happens in a lot of the historical romances we read. It was fun to see Minerva and Colin explore the sexual landscape slowly (well for a week-long road trip!) and thoughtfully. Gaining confidence and compassion along the way.

Rating: 5/5 Easily my favorite romance of the year!

Lord Payne is stranded in Spindle's Cove without any money. Blueblood Minerva Highwood thinks the rakish lord plans to marry her older sister Diana so she comes in the rain to persuade him to leave town. She offers him a deal. If he escorts her to Edinburgh where she wants to make a presentation to the Royal Geological Society symposium on her geological find of a giant lizard's footprint, she will pay him. Colin accepts her outlandish offer.

They share a carriage and a bed on their one week trek. Her family pursues them and outlaws accost them. He would never accept such an outlandish proposal, but he needs the money she offers. As they fall in love, she knows the biggest hurdle waits in Edinburgh where the Royal Geological Society's members are all gentlemen.

The latest Spindle Cove regency romance (see A Night to Surrender) is a wonderful tale starring two opposites in love. The rake and the spinster make for a delightful tale as each brings plenty to the relationship. Readers will want to know whether the all-male Royal Geological Society, of which she is a member, will allow a female to present the finding of "Francine" as gender and social class matters more to these scientists than the science.

Harriet Klausner

Colin is the kind of guy who is fun at parties - coming up with entertaining ideas and things to do. He tells lies for fun. He's never been serious about responsibilities or studying in school. Minerva has spent her life in books and field trips studying geology. She's discovered an unknown lizard's footprint and wants to present it at a geological society meeting in Scotland. She asks Colin to accompany her on this trip. Her bookishness and Colin's playfulness creates interesting relationship development. They have several problems while they travel together - lose their ride, their luggage, encounter armed robbers, bad weather, and more.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 356 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 6. Setting: 1814 England. Copyright: 2012. Genre: regency romance.

The first book of this series, A Night to Surrender, is one of my favorites, but I think A Week to be Wicked is even better!

Minerva Highwood is a geologist and her biggest dream is to be recognized for her work. Even if she has to fake an elopement with Lord Payne, the worst rake. So when he refuses to help her, she doesn't let her dreams end, but she decides to go to Scotland by herself.

Minerva is one of my favorites female characters. She isn't the most beautiful lady (as her sister), but she's actually very smart. I was impressed by her discoveries and her decision to be heard, even as a woman. Lord Payne, or Colin, started as a rake, but of course, he has a good heart. He just couldn't let Minerva go alone, but he isn't going to make this trip easy. He's very funny and was enchanted by Minerva's 'transformation', but he had his own transformation too.

I wasn't sure they were compatible at first, but they not only were attracted but respected each other and found reasons to laugh at the most rare moments. It's important to laugh when you're getting robbed, or have to act like a mistress...

Overall, I really enjoyed A Week to be Wicked. It had everything without becoming overly dramatic or extremely sweet, it never bored me, and I easily I fell in love with the characters. Historical romance readers, this one is a must read!

This is one of the best romance novels I've ever read and Colin and Minerva are definitely my favorite main characters out of any romance I've read. I identify with Minerva a lot; we are both somewhat shy, awkward nerd girls, rational and analytical almost to a fault (I guess my love of romance novels kind of ruins my street cred as a robotic, unemotional INTP, but I digress…) and it was really nice to be given a romance heroine I could identify with so strongly. That has literally never happened before. I also really like Colin; though Minerva is more the bookish intellectual type than he is, Colin is far wittier and more intelligent than she originally gives him credit for. Their conversations are full of surprises and banter. Also, it seems to be a common romance trope that the rakish hero has some horrible event in his past that has shaped his scoundrel-ish behavior. This is true of Colin--he witnessed his parents die in a carriage accident as a child--but it's refreshing that it isn't treated as a deep, dark secret that isn't even revealed until halfway through the book and he spends the rest of the book silently brooding over it and being uncommunicative until the end when he reluctantly concedes that he's in love with the heroine. Colin's past is established near the beginning of the novel and, while he is afraid of hurting Min, it doesn't really drive a wedge between them. I also thought there was a realistic buildup to Colin and Min's relationship becoming sexual; it didn't feel rushed the way it does in so many romances. It helps that they have evidently known each other for quite some time before the beginning of the novel. That being said, the number of sex scenes in the novel was, perhaps, a bit excessive. They didn't technically have sex until 3/4 through the book and it was the first of FOUR graphic sex scenes crammed into the last quarter of the novel. It just seemed like a lot of lemon, especially considering there were also several previous sexual encounters throughout the novel building up to them eventually making love.

My one complaint is that the characters both become uncharacteristically mushy and poetic around each other towards the end of the novel. The romantic speeches get a bit annoying in my opinion and don't always sound like lines real people would say--especially two people who seem embarrassed and uncomfortable whenever they express emotional vulnerability. Being in love is great, but it doesn't make emotionally-guarded people suddenly become so unabashedly gushy. As a pretty cerebral person in a happy, committed relationship, I should know.

Anyway… great book.

Though technically the second book in a series, they're essentially companion novels and I didn't feel at all like I'd missed anything. I dove into A Week To Be Wicked and found just SO MUCH to love.

There are certain romance tropes that I adore: and a couple of protagonists who don't quite see eye-to-eye and consequently bicker a lot is one of them. (I am 99% certain that this stems back to my enduring love of Sailor Moon, but anyway...) Minerva and Colin are NOT friends when this book starts out. Minerva has almost no respect for him and he's not her biggest fan either. Watching that relationship shift was wonderful and their interactions are positively rife with moments that me laugh out loud.

And the heat between them. Lord. I mean LORDY BE. The more ummm... carnal scenes were DELICIOUS. I practically needed to fan myself.

Basically, what I'm saying: if you're looking for a YA break or if you're a historical romance fan, pick this one up. I promise you won't regret it.

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This book was absolutely adorable I'd give it ten stars if I could. The characters were fully developed and the plot, as aptly described above, fit them perfectly.

I have been reading Tesse Dare for quite a while, and find that I greatly enjoy each of her novels, but this one is absolutely up several notches on the ladder, truely a shinning star.

The rapport between these two characters, Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, and Minerva Highwood was at times hilarious as well as seductivly sensual. I was completely lost in the story. The humor was wildly funny and Lord Payne was nothing like I believed him to be in the first book of this series. Perhaps that was what was so much of a surprise. And there were a lot of surprises with Colin, you'll see.

I cannot believe anyone would not enjoy this book. My highest recommendation, whatever it's worth, for this story.

This is one of the stand out books for me this year and I would also reccommend:
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, Jennifer Ashley,
My Favorite Countess, Vannessa Kelly,
The Lady Was Tempted, Cathy Maxwell
Waking up with the Duke, Loraine Heath

This is one of my first Tessa Dare novels. Her writing style is competent and at times humorous. Problem is this is a contemporary novel masquerading as a historical. None of the characters behave true to their historical roles. Not even remotely.

Case in point: virginal scholar asks the local rake to fake an elopement to Scotland with her so she can present a paper at an all male scholarly society for a cash prize. She'll be ruined socially because she doesn't marry, but that's ok since she'll have scholarly success. Not in a million Regency years! The fate of such women in 1814 was to either become a paid courtesan, a kept mistress or die in a workhouse. Many ended up becoming all three and died alone in poverty. The only women who were recognized in scholarly circles did so being the daughters, sisters or wives of established and powerful men who could protect their reputations.

The love scenes read like 21st century porn rather than love scenes. If you like bawdy thrills with no emotion then you'll like these scenes. I find they subtract from the building of romance. No way would a Regency virgin treat sex so casually and expertly she would engage in so many detailed foreplay acts with the skill of a French courtesan before she'd even completed the deed herself. These love scenes just leave you feeling dirty, not loved.

Ultimately the novel fails in the end because these factors don't allow the characters to believably work through their issues to form a loving bond to make a believable romance. Colin is tortured by memories of being trapped inside a carriage with his dying parents when he was 8. That's why he stays up all night and seeks casual encounters with widows. But there's so much bawdy sex in the story and revelations that he's had comfort from any warm body next to him at night, it never seems true that it's the heroine's comfort that he seeks above all others. Minerva is no different to him, just another in a long succession of lovers. That is until the last chapter when you glance over a month of their courtship in two pages where they supposedly courted and grew to love each other. Those paragraphs did more to further the romance than the 300 pages before.

Minerva does get more developed in the story as the wallflower girl coming out of her shell. She tells bold lies about herself, sings in a tavern, wins a village shooting contest and refuses an elopement to get a month-long courtship instead. Problem is her ready acceptance of the love scenes make her better suited to a contemporary 21st girl than a Regency era virgin. That dichotomy makes her an unbelievable character. You cannot believe she stepped out of her shell because in the very next scene she's boldly baring herself naked to the waist in front of a naked man for curiosity sake.

I'd like to give Tessa Dare another try. Her writing style is good. But if she shows this much carelessness with her historical roles, I'll pass.

As a disclaimer, I have to admit that I normally really dislike "rake" heroes - and their bluestocking/spinster female counterparts. I find these so-called "rakes" to be obnoxious, shallow, useless, whiny, selfish, spoiled and immature overgrown brats who wouldn't last a week in real life. And call me unromantic, but I don't buy into the whole notion of rakes being "reformed" by love. Leopards don't change their spots, and obnoxious a-holes don't...well you get the picture. Usually the heroines are not much better, and tend to be self-pitying, whiny pushovers completely devoid of self-esteem until they attract the glorifying lust of their rake heroes. There are a few decent "rake" romances out there, I'll admit, but they are very, very rare and far between.

Given my prejudices, I normally stay far away from "rake" romances, in spite of their unfortunate proliferation in the historical romance genre. However, Tessa Dare is one of my favorite HR authors, and has a way of turning trite cliches on their heads and making less-than-thrilling plots and characters snap together, so I decided to give this one a shot. I am really glad I did, because this is one of those rare good "rake" romances, and I enjoyed this much more than I expected I would.

Yes, Colin is a "rake", and Miranda is a bluestocking, but they are not just shallow copies of the romance stereotypes. They each have genuine depth and strong and unique personalities that complement each other beautifully. Their dialogue and interactions are sparkling and witty, but not without emotional depth. Colin is much more than a rake, and we see as the novel progresses that, although he is charming, witty, and yes, a bit shallow and selfish, he can also be a genuinely considerate and earnest man, and is not without humility. He also has some emotional baggage, and has some significant personal problems, including severe insomnia and an unfortunate tendency to make of wreck of things in spite of his best efforts, which can genuinely gain our sympathy as readers. Miranda is a strong, intelligent, and confidant woman. She has her insecurities, but they don't overwhelm her sense of self-worth, and she certainly doesn't whine incessantly about them. By supporting and being there for each other, however, they help each other overcome their problems and insecurities, and make a strong, powerful team.

The setting of the road-trip to present Miranda's research is also an excellent choice. It is exciting and fast-paced, but at the same time, allowing for character growth and attachement...as well as some pretty hot sensual scenes. All in all, a beautifully written, entertaining read.

A Week to be Wicked is pretty implausible although not much so more than many Regencies. If you suspend yourself in the story, though, it is a fun tale, well told. The writing is pretty good and the author aparently believes in using an editor and proofeader as there are no noticible errors.

Minerva convinces Colin (against his better judgement) to help her get to Scotland for a geology presentation of her significant findings. Their adventures and escapades offer the (im)perfect backdrop to find themselves, to find each other, and to fall in love. There is a building trust as well as attraction that lead to pretty steamy (but not overly graphic) sexual encounters and sex.

I have been sorely disappointed in many of my recent book choices for a variety of reasons (most are poorly written, edited and do not draw me into the story). A Week to be Wicked was a delightful, engaging story for me.

Loved this book! So very refreshing - lots of great dialogue between the characters with real wit, intelligence and humor. Plus a very good understanding and appreciation of their own characters and who they were - all things said and thought rang true but stunned me with the sheer brilliance of insight of exactly the "right" thing to be saying or feeling in the moment. This author has a true gift - no hiding behind pretension and silliness and still one heck of a story. And NO million pages of sex scenes thank the lord. Lots and lots of buildup. Oh this book took me back to some truly great authors and their earlier works such as Suzan Elizabeth Phillips. Writers who could tell one heck of a story without "smoldering" their way thru with purple prose and supernatural gimmicks.

Highly recommended. I will be reading the rest of Tessa's work.

Tessa Dare won the 2012 RITA® for her novel A Night To Surrender. I have to admit, I am a newfound Tessa Dare fan, and I really liked A Night To Surrender, and also, A Lady by Midnight.

But I LOVED A Week To Be Wicked. Seriously, a geeky girl with glasses, hooks up with THE hot guy in town? "I demand you ruin me. As a point of honor."

Hilarious, all the way through... Our bespectacled heroine, Minerva is a serious geologist, for pity's sake; our hero, Colin, seems to be a heartless rake but has unexpected depths. The tension between these two is HOT; the sex even steamier, but there is so much humor mixed in that there isn't a single page of filler. Together their goal is to get the plaster cast of Minerva's astounding discovery of a fossil footprint (nicknamed Francine) to the meeting of the Royal Geological Society of Scotland, so there's a ticking clock.

If you enjoy laughing and steamy, sexy romance, buy this book.

Minerva was a scientist who wanted to present her research paper during a very important Science Symposium in Scotland. Being a female, she needed an escort for her week long journey to Scotland-- and thought of her handsome neighbor, Colin.
I have been brought up with the "proper" traditional romances and the implied intentions of the male and female characters. So it was to my shocking surprise to read about the intimate details and "explorations" that the young, intelligent, well-bred woman was conducting to appease her "scientific" curiosity (en-route to the Symposium).
If you keep an open mind and accept the original premise of a young woman barging into a "rake's" house and proposing herself be "ruined" (to save her sister), then the adventure begins. Yes, there is a lot of humor and intelligent bantering between Minerva and Colin. You are witness to the development of the characters and see that they have deeper and more complex personalities. However, you can also predict what can happen if you have this virile Greek-God-Eros-male, who absolutely needs to have another "body" in bed with him to sleep adequately --mixed with an innocent "ultra scientist" female who is in awe of this gorgeously, handsome speciman of a man. In addition to journeying to the Science Symposium by day, you have the nocturnal experimenting between the sheets described in explicit details. Needless to say, not much is left to the imagination.
Beside all that, there is some story line and some character development. It is a good read, because there are the "clever conversations" and laughable situations. I am old fashioned, and I admit, I probably am in the minority where I prefer using my imagination vs. reading about the physical dalliance in such sensual detail.

Ignore the cheesy title and cover, and pick up this book if you're in the mood for a light, historical romance that has a sassy, intelligent main character, and a grumpy-yet-respectful male lead. Tessa Dare does a wonderful job of creating an engaging story with plot and real issues - like PTSD and women's inability to be taken seriously in the academic world in those times - while still giving you the warm fuzzies.

I really liked this book by Tessa Dare. The author weaves a tale of yearning love and forgiveness. I loved Minerva Highwood, a spinster who loves scientific studies of rocks etc. She needs to get to Scotland to present her paper at the Royal Geological Society. Of course, Minerva can't go alone or tell her family who will stop her. She goes to seek aid from Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne. She doesn't really like him but is willing for forgo a fake elopement just to get to Scotland. Colin thinks Minerva is totally cracked and trys to dissuade her. They end up traveling together for a week of being robbed, stranded, and learning to trust each other with their hearts. I can't say enough about this book and hope you will give it a go. I look forward to reading A Lady at Midnight. It will be available September 2012.

I've been on a romance kick since summer and had gotten to the point where I was half heartedly skimming thru the formulaic selections, when I found this book. What started out as typical--heroine offers herself in place of her beloved sister to a rake--turned into one of the most memorable, inventive plots yet. Minerva and Colin quickly endeared themselves to me with their banter and backgrounds, and their relationship never felt rushed or trite even though the book basically took place in a matter of weeks. I loved the humor between them and even more the catharsis that awaited each at the end. Most of all, I adored Francine. I had been thinking it was some small dinosaur, and didn't expect to find out if I was right so was thrilled to see the truth in the author's notes at the end. Utterly captivating, best I've read yet in this genre.

Book two was just as cute as book one. I must admit I'm not that big a fan of the rake character. It gets annoying after all for the manslut to find one virginal woman to tame his wondering ways. But this duo really meshed well and it was easy to fall for their chemistry rather than the typical trope. I loved both of these characters in book one so I was excited to find they were the pair in book two. A Week To Be Wicked was a comical road trip involving some misunderstandings, dreams for the future, and tons of lies.

I new I was going to like this book when I read the sneak previews from the last book is this series. You can Appreciate Minerva and Colin's relationship so much more if you read "a night to surrender first."
This story is full of adventure. Minerva and Colin go out on this wild goose chase trying to get to Scottland for s symposium. Well When all is said and done that does not work out as planned. In the mean time they fall in love during the trip trying to get there. I love how the author brings them together. They spend a lot of time together getting to know each other. So there falling in love is realistic. The love scenes are off the chart. WOWWWW, HOT, HOT love secenes....could not get enough. Great Chemistry. I cant wait to read Kate's story.

I really enjoy her writings. This was funny sweet. I left several book marks for re reads. It didn't get 5 stars because I don't like it when people insult or make jokes about God it's not funny it's unnecessary and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I am a jaded romance reader ..and had almost given up on those repetitive formulaic romances ..But Ms.Dare changed everything!

A Week to be Wicked has it all for these reasons :

1-It has a great adventure which is full of humor and intrigue ..u will not be bored at all..I get bored easily but Ms.Dare kept me on the edge of my seat..She kept me intrigued and entertained all through the book..

2-Sexy hero with a great sense of humor and such passion and depth that in one moment he would make u laugh and the second your heart will wrench for him..He is beautiful in every way!

2-Heroine is funny ,smart and most importantly ..REAL! She was not perfect ..she was totally human ..I loved her so much and cheered for her ..she is neither annoying nor too stupid to live..but a woman with such passion ,courage ,and integrity..

3-The chemistry and passion between Colin and Min was palpable..u can feel it..and it will touch ur heart..

4-Suspense and surprises along the way ! Although it is a romance ,yet it is full of unpredictable events and twists..This is Dare's true talent ..She kept me interested and engadged all the way ..She bewitched me ..

5-The heroine and hero have more than lust ..their relationship is complete ..they chat and banter and tease each other ..they also share private jokes and hilarious moments ..try new things and find themselves in moments where they have to save each other ..They also share intimacy in every way not only physical..u feel they are made for each other and it makes u believe in love *sniff* I want my Colin !!!

6-Stirs your emotions..They story made me laugh ,cheer,hold my breath and pray for them, and I felt the sting of tears at few moments ..Some utterances by the hero and heroine ..ah ..are Unforgettable ..Brilliant job Ms.Dare ..

It would make an excellent movie because it was full of humor and adventure ,,passion and tender moments ..

This is a story I will always remember in details ..I did NOT force myself to finish it as I usually do recently ..On the contrary ..Tessa Dare is a brilliant writer ..

IT IS A FUN AND ENGADING READ ..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ..YOU WILL ENJOY EVERY MOMENT ..AND WILL CLOSE THE BOOK WITH A SIGH AND A SILLY SMILE ON YOUR FACE ..I DID !!

I thought it was going to be another typical Regency about a bluestocking and a rake. But Minerva turned out to be like any modern woman; she is serious about her work, but she was able to let go and have fun too. Colin turned out to be goofy and imaginative, very kind-hearted, and deeply and passionately in love with Minerva. It was wonderful watching his reluctant attraction to her grow into a desire to be inseparable from her. Finally, I loved that they treated each other with respect and compassion; like the best couples, they support each other in reaching their goals, whether for professional gain or in becoming the best people they hope to be. They truly brought out the best in each other.

As a teaser, here is one of my favorite lines:
"When I woke this morning, I missed you so intensely. I don't even know how to describe the sensation. I looked at the other pillow, and it just seemed wrong that you weren't there. As though I'd woken up missing my own arm, or half of my heart. I felt incomplete. So I rose, and dressed, and I just started walking toward you--because I couldn't move in any other direction. And then there you were, walking toward me. Flowers in hand."

It's said that opposites attract that might be true but as this story shows us the attraction is only the beginning. What we have here is an imperfect hero with little to redeem himself other than looks and charm. Our heroine is understated with character, intellect, and spirit plus the all important hidden depth. An interesting combination for sure especially when thrown together in close proximity under ridiculous circumstances. Ms. Dare has crafted a spirited read with complex well developed and interesting characters that will not soon be forgotten.

A Week to be Wicked is the second book in Tessa Dare's thoroughly entertaining, completely brilliant Spindle Cove series. It's funny, romantic, poignant, passionate, sexy, inspiring, clever, delightful... in a word - it's wonderful!

The Series:

Not all young ladies are looking forward to seasons, balls, comings out, love matches - or any match at all, for that matter! But what's a lady to do when her whole life will be defined by how well she marries? How do young misses cope when Marriage Minded Mamas won't pass up any opportunity to introduce their daughters - in some cases, kicking and screaming - into polite society?

Welcome to Spindle Cove! On the surface Spindle Cove seems to be the kind of place Mothers can bring their daughters to prepare for their debuts. It's a place to relax, recuperate, to gird up their loins and plan their attack. Again, this is on the surface. But what Spindle Cove really is, is a place where these young ladies can be themselves. Where they're not just accepted for their eccentricities, they're encouraged to nourish them! But don't let their mamas find out!

My Review:

I have to say, I'm absolutely in love with Colin and `Millicent ... Madeira ... Michaela ... Marilyn ... Minerva! They're such amazing people! Colin is so vulnerable, and he hides that vulnerability behind his sense of humor. Joking his way through any situation, never even considering the possibility he might fail at something...but not really. Inside Colin there's a nightmare so deep, so tragic, that I couldn't help but feel that he was just one short step away from a breakdown. He's strong, don't get me wrong, and maybe I'm totally off in how I'm reading him, but regardless... he's one tormented man. Thankfully, he has Minerva, an amazing heroine who cares little for what society thinks of her. She's accepted her "spinster" title, and has nothing to lose. So why not live her dream? Fortunate for her, she has Colin to help her do precisely that!

Apart they're wonderful, together they're perfect!

The Bottom Line:

I absolutely love the idea behind this series! What a fun, unique place to be, Spindle Cove. It's the perfect setting for mischief, mayhem - intentional or otherwise - and romance, and I can't wait to move on to the next book, A Lady by Midnight.

This had me giggling:

"Jesus," he finally managed, pushing water off his face. "Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. For that matter, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John." Still not enough. He needed to reach back to the Old Testament for this. "Obadiah. Nebuchadnezzar. Methuselah and Job."

"Be calm," she said, taking him by the shoulders. "Be calm. And there are women in the Bible, you know."

"Yes. As I recall it, they were trouble, every last one..."

Excerpt From: Dare, Tessa. "A Week to Be Wicked."

Ms. Dare's books are just adorable. The heroines are never obnoxious and that is hard to achieve. The hero's are just perfect, the dialogue amazing. I loved A Lady By Midnight but liked this even better. The story line is very good, not boring, overdone, or too wordy. The love scenes have a unique feel to them too. She is right up there with greats like Elizabeth Hoyt, Sophie Jordan, Lisa Kylepas and Carolyn Jewel.

I just don't know why the author is now writing novellas. I don't like that at all. Come on, start putting out some full novels again.

Oh man, I really liked the heroine in this book so very much. Minerva Highwood is brilliant and nerdy and loves to study rocks. She desperately needs to get to Scotland so she can present her finds to the Royal Geological Society of Scotland. So she hatches up a plan involving Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne and a fake elopement to Scotland. They drive each other batty, but neither can deny there is an attraction on both ends. Colin's attraction is not because she suddenly grows beautiful by getting rid of her glasses and wearing better dresses. No, she attracts him because she is nerdy and very much because she surprises him. They both hide behind a shell they've built around themselves. But as they travel through England they start breaking through those shells. It was extremely enjoyable to watch. Also Colin made me laugh, which is always a major plus for me.

Here comes the second Tessa Dare installment of her Spindle Cove series and this time around we're following Colin (Lord Payne), Lord Rycliff's ward, who we met in the first book, `A Night to Surrender' and in which I thought him to be a real pain at times. Well, Ms. Dare did pretty good job redeeming the guy in my eyes, and she even made me like him!

Minerva Highwood is the bluest of bluestockings. She wasn't easy to like at the beginning but slowly I warmed up to her. Plot wise, this was once again on the light side and a bit predictable, but Ms. Dare's writing is good, so I overlooked it. I enjoyed the read for its humor and well written sensual scenes. By now I know what to expect from this author and so far she has not disappointed, but I would love it if she'd surprise me in the next installment of this series `A Lady by Midnight', which will be Kate and Thorne's story and he seems to be a bit on the dark side. In the end, if you're into `road trip' stories, you'll have much fun reading this one.

Mel

*Copy provided by AVON publisher through Edelweiss*

This is the regency road trip to end all regency road trip books! Intelligent, funny, and most of all that all-too-rare quality - romantic.

The only drawback was a couple of times feeling like I had a dash of ice cold water splashed in my face when the characters seemed out of character. It was jarring. Both times it was during intimate moments. I think the most jarring was their first encounter (on the road) & her behavior seemed way too provocative for who she was, & he seemed too suddenly willing despite the reader knowing his thoughts, etc. I stopped short, shook my head, shrugged & kept happily reading!

I loved how the relationship developed between Minerva and Colin. I just knew there was a lot more under those spectacles than met the eye. And Colin's teasing about her name was just proof he was very interested in her from the beginning. I thought it was a good touch of humor how they drug "Francine" with them through one catastrophe after another. Fun, sexy, and romantic addition to the Spindle Cove series.

Every now and again you read a book that leaves you feeling giddily happy. This is one of those books. The heroine is smart, funny and a true original. The hero is delicious, romantic, funny and a true original. And how refreshing to read a romance not filled with so much anguish and gnashing of teeth. Buy this book - you will not be disappointed! In fact, as soon as I click the button, I am going to buy all of Ms. Dare's other books.

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. I don't say that lightly. I'm someone who can't read romance if it's not well-written, and not only is Tessa Dare's writing ALWAYS superb, but this story in particular is funny, exciting, heart-wrenching, and HOT. Minerva and Colin feel like real people. Their chemistry is palpable. Love, love, love this book. It's one of my all-time favorites - and not just in romance novels.

All of the Spindle Cove novels feature hero-heroine pairs who are polar opposites in some way--personalities, social background, etc.--and A Week to be Wicked is my favorite. A bluestocking (a serious scientist, no less) and a fribble on an opposite-sex buddies' road trip in which each of them grows up. Pure fantasy but highly engaging, and with a neat twist at the end. Masterful story-telling by Ms. Dare.

I really did love this book. It's funny, and it's so refreshing not to have the female protagonist all missish or playing hard to get. The young virginal thing, confused about how she feels and blah, blah, blah, is so over-rated after reading 5 or more romance books in any genre.
It's nice to see a WOMAN embrace who she is and her sexuality and the way it's done in this book is pretty brilliant. I mean, it's still a fluff book, but a fun one.

The characterization of the hero and heroine in this book is really top-notch. So often in a romance novel you get a hero who initially thinks the heroine is plain and annoying and then suddenly he falls in love with her for no apparent reason, but Ms. Dare really makes Colin's fascination with Minerva slow and believable in A Week to be Wicked, with multiple examples of show-don't-tell. They learn who each other is in various adventures from a town fair to a gambling party, have disagreements but not violent ones, make apologies and work things out, and at the end I could really believe that they'd last as a couple even after the initial infatuation wore off. I'll be checking out the next book.

I couldn't give this book marks as high as "Any Duchess will Do" or 'When a Scot ties the Knot" but it was still very, very good. The hero is what makes this book. The plot is silly, the heroine is cute, but Colin is the standout in this story. He is equal parts funny, brash, silly, caring, vulnerable. Tessa Dare writes him so well that you'll fall in love with him, too. Very good read.

The rake and the bluestocking meet and sparks fly between them. I loved the dialogue between the hero and heroine, and the unexpected conversations the pair had during their trip to Edinburgh. The characters moved the plot forward and I never knew what might happen next. This story was full of surprises. This was a fun romp from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment of the journey.

I love this author! the Spindle Cove series is very entertaining. The dialogue was very witty and the premise of the tale was fun and unconventional. Lots of steamy seduction and love scenes spice the adventure of the wounded but strong, alpha hero and the quirky intelligent heroine. Thank you Ms. Dare for not ever disappointing me. My only complaint is that there's too much time between books.

This book made me laugh out loud! Min and Colin are perfect for each other and the way they spent their week was so creative I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to see what happened next! I highly recommend this book and this author!

The previous reviews listed most of the qualities of this book, so I can only justify my review by saying that I simply had to write something. It would be unfair towards the authors efforts to pass this opportunity by. And those efforts seam so effortless when you read the book. It seams to float so easily, run ahead of you, always surprising you with new turnabouts. The pace of the plot is rampant and in the end you will find yourself disappointed that it's over. The two main characters are multilayerd, both clever in their own way, witty and sensitive at the same time. You will laugh, shake your head in disbelief and wish to read parts of it to people around you, not to mention reading parts of it over and over, and I don't necessarily mean the parts that contain hot stuff. Everything falls into it's right place, leaving you with a content feel of a circle being closed. It is definitely a feel-good book.

This book is fantastic! I dont want to give anything away so I wont talk about the plot! All you need to know that the banter between to two main characters is hilarious! Love the hero! He is the best! Also it is a very steamy read! Love the passion that sparks between these two! You gotta read it! It's one of the best one's I have read and trust me I read A LOT of regency era romance novels! Enjoy!

I don't know how, but her books keep getting better and better. I love all of the SPINDLE COVE books. They are FANTASTIC stories with great characters. It's hard to put them down. I haven't had a single book by 's Dare that wasn't great. I can't wait to start the next one

Got this book after reading the glowing reviews. My first taste of this author.
What do I look for in romance reading? I want to be touched, laugh or cry, and LOVE the characters.
This read left me entertained, chuckling here and there, but not involved, or touched, or particularly caring. Was it because the main characters weren't my cup of tea? Or too one-dimentional? Or too illgocial? Or may be because the plot was too silly /illogical? Whichever the case, I give it 3 stars and probably will not be looking for this author again.

Overall this was a great romance and while not unlike others in some ways it was very different. It was a fast paced, easy read that while not always a page turner, was more often than not.

I will say that it did have some descriptive scenes so if you are younger or don't appreciate that then be warned :-)

The heroine is about as interesting as a loaf of bread, and about as bright. The hero is constantly lying, assaulting her, and just in general being an a$$. The whole thing was more than a bit ridiculous, and the "love" scenes were anything but. Reading the last page was a relief that I was finally done. I loved all of Tessa Dare's books I read before this, hopefully the next one is better since I've bought the first four in the series.

First I have to admit that I read only 40 percent the book before I decided to give credence to the negative reviews and believe that a) the hero's lies will only increase in their stupidity and b) nothing earth-shattering is going to happen story-wise.

A Week to be Wicked *has* a lot going for it - an intelligent, bookish female lead, writing that seems both appropriate to the historical setting and modern at the same time, quick, funny, unusual (if sometimes a bit over the top) dialogue and - despite their brief appearances - well rounded secondary characters - it is after all a part of series.

What made me abandon it was the lack of emotional depth in general and the rather unappealing male protagonist in particular who insults the (plain) heroine repeatedly in a casual way not because he is a cruel or tortured person, only a stupid one who can't stand still for a moment and think before speaking (or doing). For some that may all be forgiven under the guise of witty banter, I found it grating. More so when the heroine who is obviously hurt by it goes on sparring with him a second later as if nothing has happened. It's inconsistent and made me loose faith in her character building as well.
Maybe the book would have turned into a light story of sexual awakening without a lot of feelings involved or a light story of getting to know and (at the last second) fall in love with each other, but as I prefer a romance where some kind of meaningful emotional connection between the two characters is established before the 50 percent mark I didn't finish.

This book is a gem. It made me smile every 5 minutes and I hated for the story to end. The whole series is good, but this one stands out as one of the few books I actually reread when I need a pick me up.

This book was so humorous and refreshing that I had to say -something- on its behalf.

I loved the characters so very much that I didn't actually want this to end. The book is light, and silly, and sexy too. I enjoyed every minute of Min and Colin's romp across the countryside. I haven't previously read anything by Tessa Dare but if this book is anything to go by, she'll become one of my new favorites.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the banter between the two. I laughed every time he called her a different name knowing he was doing it on purpose. Enjoyed their romance.

Read from December 12 to 13, 2013

i loved the story two souls coming together through their own fears about life....each finding the beauty within each other and their strengths they didn't even know they had within them...if there was trouble colin and min found theirselves in the middle of it....they have the worst luck of any two people..i smiled through the whole book since at times it turned to such a funny tale...goes to show you sometimes those love hate relationships could turn into a fairy tale

The first word that occurs to me in describing this book is sensual. Minerva has been infatuated by Colin for ages. The story proceeds with their journey to Scotland to attend a geology symposium. There are of course plenty of opportunities for love and mayhem enroute. This is an enjoyable romp with some sizzling se to spice it up. It doesn't feel a 5 however as there were times when the story flagged for me. Nonetheless this is a good, light read and I enjoyed it.

The title leads you to believe this would be a HOT book. There is some flames, but the H tries to keep them banked. Book mainly focuses on the horrible trip to Scotland. Humorous in part. Light reading and good author.

What a pleasant surprise. Julia Quinn was right I fell in live with the characters immediately. It was witty and romantic and hot. You will not be dissapointed. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Tessa Dare is such a delightful writer. Reading this book, I felt like a was in the middle of a regency rom-com. I am partial to wallflower/ rake romances anyway, but this is one of he best I have read. Loved it!!!

What a wonderful read. This book has it all, humor, heat, romance and prose. I found myself sighing with happiness with the strong role Minerva plays and the vulnerability and humor of Lord Payne. Truly one of my top ten books.

So maybe Minerva's plan wasn't as well thought out as it should have been for such an intelligent young woman, and Colin really is quite hopeless, but this was certainly worth buying because it was just so fun to read. Colin being, well...himself...there's a random nature to their adventure that makes it far less predictable than similar books I've read. Also, points for a male damsel in distress and him NOT taking off her glasses to find the sexy woman underneath...I've never quite understood why most books and movies feel a need for the nerdy girl to become blind or irritate her eyes with contacts in order to find her womanly appeal.

This book was wonderful. I adored Minerva for all of her intelligence and for her flaws - which were many. It would have been so difficult to be as intelligent as she was in such a male-dominated society. Fortunately for her there was Colin, charming and enlightened Lord Payne. And goodness, they had some steamy moments. I will re-read this dozens of times. Thank goodness it is digital, or the binding would break.

The story of Colin and Minerva is filled with twists and turns. It's wonderful to see Minerva become her own woman - and she is a brilliant scientist to boot - and Colin going through a variety of hilarious yet deadly scenarios as they make their way to Scotland so Minerva can make her scientific presentation. Good sensuality; excellent character revelation and development. Highly recommend.

I loved reading this story from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. The overlooked heroine is brought out of her shell by the handsome hero with dark secrets. It was exciting, and sooooo romantic.

This book was wonderful. I adored Minerva for all of her intelligence and for her flaws - which were many. It would have been so difficult to be as intelligent as she was in such a male-dominated society. Fortunately for her there was Colin, charming and enlightened Lord Payne. And goodness, they had some steamy moments. I will re-read this dozens of times. Thank goodness it is digital, or the binding would break.

The story of Colin and Minerva is filled with twists and turns. It's wonderful to see Minerva become her own woman - and she is a brilliant scientist to boot - and Colin going through a variety of hilarious yet deadly scenarios as they make their way to Scotland so Minerva can make her scientific presentation. Good sensuality; excellent character revelation and development. Highly recommend.

I loved reading this story from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. The overlooked heroine is brought out of her shell by the handsome hero with dark secrets. It was exciting, and sooooo romantic.

I have read all the spindle cove books, and I have to say even thought I enjoyed them all very much, this is my very favorite of al! I truly loved this book! It made me laugh so hard, and made me so happy too! Cheers Tessa Dare! I can't wait for the story of Charlotte :)

Best of the Spindle Cove series. The hero and heroine were completely balanced. He with stunning looks , her with a stunning mind. It was funny,sexy, sad and an all around excellent book. It's a keeper. Read all the books by Tessa Dare, she doesn't disappoint

I chose this book because it had the option for reading or listening with Audible and I do like that option. The book lives up to its name and cover so don't be shocked by it's X rating. Seems to me like, for the sake of drawing out every single opportunity for the characters to give in to temptation, the author drags on and uses the most unbelievable scenarios to do so. This is a cheap romance novel IMHO.

This was a cute book. The story was long and interesting. The sex was steamy. The dialogue funny. It was just a little annoying in how repetitive the language was, and the poetic sentimentality of the hero was a bit too effeminate for my tastes.

The delightful Tessa Dare has written another great Regency romance. She has outdone herself with witty dialogue and interesting characters. This is, in my opinion, her most comedic book, with some laugh-out-loud moments.

I liked a night to surrender much better. In this sequel, Ms. Dare tries a little too hard to be cute & funny. Some of it falls flat & the devil may care hero, Colin, comes accross as shallow. Lacks the character development of her other novels (ex: Goddess of the Hunt) and comes across as slapstick-like and riduculous.

I love romance novels, and a bookish gal is right up my alley so I thought I'd love this one. Not so. When characters make completely improbable decisions that go against their character I get really upset. This happens several times in this book. I ended up throwing the book down in disgust. This was a "did not finish" for me.