Say Yes to the Marquess: Castles Ever After

I LOVED this book! Rafe and Clio are brilliant together. They have such chemistry between them.

Rafe was such a wonderful hero. He is rough and tough on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. And Clio is just sweet - I really liked her, she is sweet without being a doormat, caring without being overbearing and kind without being condescending. She was a doormat for eight long years and has finally realized her own worth.

This entire book was a joy to read. I laughed, I sighed and I even misted up a bit.

I highly recommend this book !!

Please be patient with this book and you will be rewarded. There are no contrived plot devices and it is beautifully and descriptively written. The sex scenes are pretty hot and the hero is virile, yet does not act like a caveman. This book has the BEST line I have ever read in a romance novel, I actually captured it and will share it with my friends.

While still a bit witty and with quite well rounded characters, Say Yes to the Marquess fell a little short for me.

Especially when compared to Romancing the Duke (the first book in the series).

It is still a nice, funny, sweet, heartwarming historical romance about two endearing characters and their slowly(?) or moderately slowly built romance.

But it lacked something Romancing three Duke had in abudance.

Perhaps, Clio and Raf were a bit less compared to Izzy and Ransom. Maybe. I don't know.

I do recommend this book and this series. Tessa Dare is s great writer.

The first part was a bit draggy, but after the first 2 chapters I could not stop reading it.
The different personalities, the banters, the chemistry and sexual tension were amazing. I love Tessa Dare!

Excellent. It can be very hard to find a well-written romance and after stumbling onto this book I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up reading it in one sitting. I will definitely be reading the rest of Tessa's Dare's books!

I loved this book! Best Tessa Dare book I've read yet. It was so great to read a book where the H and H had trobles to overcome, but their misunderstandings were solved right away.... Not chapters later. Great witty dialog... and supporting charactors! Awesome read!!

I really enjoy Tessa Dare Books, they are fun and sweet with engaging characters, and this one is all that ...... But the more is missing.

The story is lacking its happy ending. Almost all the characters betrayed themselves and their family. Piers, the reason for the story is not given closure. He is betrayed by family and friends. I think he is presumptuous to think he can have it all, but I think it is uncaring that he is not given the chance for the happy ending he thought was waiting for him. It would have been entertaining to see the brothers and Clio work it out instead of a fait accompli.

I read books like this to escape to the happy ending. I like it when characters can communicate and are able to solve life problems. I like the villain to be obvious and bad. The only villain in this book is misunderstandings that are not resolved. I think Tessa Dare is great, I will still read her books. The first book in this series is witty and intelligent. It is a book to be admired in the genre. It is hard to repeat at the same level.

I can't believe I had to give a Tessa Dare book a rating of "2"!! I was truly looking forward to this book and when it popped up on Kindle for $1.99 I jumped on it. This was so over the top silly to the point of ridiculous. It read like a contemporary romance, and might have been better if it had been set in modern times. The prizefighter aspect was a total turn-off for me. I've never been a fan of gratuitous violence and a hero who didn't feel like himself unless he was hitting someone. But not just anyone only other prizefighters, that made it okay. Huh? The side characters were other shades of silly. The heroine was an innocent who turned into a submissive slut during her first night of Sex. Okay, I've said enough. I don't understand all the five-star reviews. This author is much better than this effort.

Wow. Major disappointment! Tessa Dare is one of my favorite authors. She has a lively writing style and a talent for creating dialogue that is realistic and often humorous. This book, however, just didn't make the grade. The premise was good. The beginning was terrific and I got a bottle of water and a bowl of grapes and settled in for a good read. And then....What? I didn't care for the characters at all. The heroine was wishy-washy with her own family. She let her younger sister and brother-in-law walk on her. The hero was an idiot. His reasoning for trying to force her into a wedding with his brother didn't make good sense. The trainer/wedding planner was supposed to be humorous, I suppose. Somehow I just don't see a pugilist back in that era willing to travel with a bisexual man. Making a historical novel politically correct by today's standards is a pet peeve of mine. And I definitely did not care for the ending. I see that other reviewers were well pleased with this book. Maybe you will be, too. Just be warned that it is not up to Ms. Dare's usual standards.

Sexual situations in this book may offend some readers.

I really enjoy Tessa Dare Books, they are fun and sweet with engaging characters, and this one is all that ...... But the more is missing.

The story is lacking its happy ending. Almost all the characters betrayed themselves and their family. Piers, the reason for the story is not given closure. He is betrayed by family and friends. I think he is presumptuous to think he can have it all, but I think it is uncaring that he is not given the chance for the happy ending he thought was waiting for him. It would have been entertaining to see the brothers and Clio work it out instead of a fait accompli.

I read books like this to escape to the happy ending. I like it when characters can communicate and are able to solve life problems. I like the villain to be obvious and bad. The only villain in this book is misunderstandings that are not resolved. I think Tessa Dare is great, I will still read her books. The first book in this series is witty and intelligent. It is a book to be admired in the genre. It is hard to repeat at the same level.

I can't believe I had to give a Tessa Dare book a rating of "2"!! I was truly looking forward to this book and when it popped up on Kindle for $1.99 I jumped on it. This was so over the top silly to the point of ridiculous. It read like a contemporary romance, and might have been better if it had been set in modern times. The prizefighter aspect was a total turn-off for me. I've never been a fan of gratuitous violence and a hero who didn't feel like himself unless he was hitting someone. But not just anyone only other prizefighters, that made it okay. Huh? The side characters were other shades of silly. The heroine was an innocent who turned into a submissive slut during her first night of Sex. Okay, I've said enough. I don't understand all the five-star reviews. This author is much better than this effort.

Wow. Major disappointment! Tessa Dare is one of my favorite authors. She has a lively writing style and a talent for creating dialogue that is realistic and often humorous. This book, however, just didn't make the grade. The premise was good. The beginning was terrific and I got a bottle of water and a bowl of grapes and settled in for a good read. And then....What? I didn't care for the characters at all. The heroine was wishy-washy with her own family. She let her younger sister and brother-in-law walk on her. The hero was an idiot. His reasoning for trying to force her into a wedding with his brother didn't make good sense. The trainer/wedding planner was supposed to be humorous, I suppose. Somehow I just don't see a pugilist back in that era willing to travel with a bisexual man. Making a historical novel politically correct by today's standards is a pet peeve of mine. And I definitely did not care for the ending. I see that other reviewers were well pleased with this book. Maybe you will be, too. Just be warned that it is not up to Ms. Dare's usual standards.

Sexual situations in this book may offend some readers.

It's been a while since I've read such a good book. All the characters were great. The H & h were magnificent together, the chemistry was unbelievable. I hope to see a story for Clio's sister Phoebe.

This book had such adorable, lovable characters that's really all I can say. I loved Phoebe, Bruiser, and Piers a lot as secondary characters. I hope they will appear in other future books. Rafe and Clio were very endearing and Tessa Dare did an amazing job establishing the bond between them!

Didn't even bother finishing this book. Was very disappointed, I really enjoyed her other books. This felt like she just wanted some thing to publish but with very little thought. Hardly anything descriptive or detailing to give you a feel for the characters, the setting, or their personalities.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with other reviewers who have given similar star ratings. I didn't love this book, I can't say I hated it either, but I found it very hard work. I'm a fan of Tessa Dare and look forward to her books, but this one was a disappointment. There really wasn't much substance to it, and I couldn't warm to either the heroine or the hero. I love an imperfect hero, but for me Rafe was just cartoonish and over done, I was pretty much lost from the moment the eggs were cracked into the coffee.

Others will disagree with my review, but if you enjoyed Miranda Neville's 'The Duke of Dark Desires' I think you'll probably find this one hard work. Even as a lighthearted alternative it didn't inspire me.

Having read all of Ms. Dare's other books, I was hotly anticipating this release. However, even the title should have given me pause...I get she is trying to play with "marquess" but it is pronounced MAR-key.

On to the story...Clio has been engaged for 8 yrs to a diplomat who hasn't come home from abroad. She is tired of waiting, inherits a castle, and sees a sustainable future for herself. She just needs to get out of her engagement. In her Fiancé's absence, his brother, Rafe, is in control of the marquessate's business & can grant her a dissolution of the engagement. Rafe is a boxer trying to succeed against the strictures of the ton. He asks her to give him a week to convince her to plan the wedding and continue to wait for her fiancé. Cue the sexual tension and forbidden love.

The story was predictable. They both have inner conflict they are working through that takes up 70% of the story...we get it...She wants to be independent, he wants to be respected. They get together, Diplomat brother shows up at 90%, everything resolves itself too quickly and we are at the HEA. It felt like Ms. Dare was writing and writing, then realized she was going to go over her word count and tried to tie the bow too quickly. Then there was one lover's encounter that was misplaced and didn't do anything to move the story forward. I don't regret reading this book, but was pretty disappointed.

I don't know why this is getting such great reviews. I thought it was just okay. A lot of the plot seemed implausible and really sort of plodding. I will admit to liking the hero and I liked heroine as well but I didn't love them. You get a little hint of their motivations but there isn't anything too deep here. The other characters weren't developed much at all. There are two sisters and you don't get to know more than one dimension of them but of the two I liked Phoebe and think she could have a real personality if she got her own story at some point. The thing is there wasn't much of a story to this story. Of all the characters I liked Bruiser the best. I'd love to see him again. I have read almost all of Tessa Dare's books and they have been hit or miss. This one was not a total miss but it was left of center to be sure.

I'm not totally sure, with this one. I didn't anticipate reading a contemporary rom-com style HR novel, but there you have it. It was meant to be funny and heartwarming, but I found it neither. The chemistry between Rafe and Clio in the first 1/4 of the book seemed decent enough, and kept me reading more (desperately searching for that connection again), but, for me, any believable connection between them (aside from their obvious lust) was gone. And to add to that note, the lust, itself, was a bit of a dud. The author genuinely tried to string me a long, eagerly waiting for the H&H to finally do the deed, but in order for that to be impactful, "the deed" has to be a momentous moment for the characters, and this just didn't read that way to me.

As for the plot, itself, I found it not just unbelievable, but a bit vexing, as well. Rafe's motivation throughout the entirety of the novel is weak: forcing the woman that you've been mad for since you were youths to marry your basically estranged brother (for stupid, weak spoiler reasons) is absolutely ludicrous, most particularly when he knows that Clio doesn't want to get married. Now Clio, while vowing to be stronger and more independent, cowardly attempts to force Rafe to cancel her engagement to his brother before his brother comes home from the continent, while also meekly accepting her family's bullying because they "mean well". If this was supposed to be part of her character development, then having her make the decision to be more independent at the beginning of the novel was a mistake, because she showed absolutely no inclination to be more independent while she was relying on others and hiding behind politeness. Also, after that whole discussion on how her mother used to starve her, you'd think that she would have more sense than to let her sister do the same thing.

So, while I would absolutely love to give this at least 3.5 or 4 * just for the pleasant beginning, the parts of this novel that vexed me are taking over. I'll definitely read more Tessa Dare, but I truly hope that she doesn't keep up the contemporary style of writing, as I really enjoy HR novels.

Tessa Dare does not disappoint in this second installment of her Castles Ever After series. I really loved the first book, but if you haven’t read it, don’t worry. This book stands alone just fine.

The story follows our heroine, Clio, as she tries to break off her engagement from her betrothed of eight years. You see, Piers asked her to marry him when she was only 17 and then he scuttled off to be a diplomat, leaving her the butt of society’s jokes. I absolutely love this premise. Not that Piers abandoned Clio, of course, but that she doesn’t take it like some wilting flower. She not only decides she’s worth more, but she takes action to create a new future for herself.

Her path to freedom begins with Rafe, her would-be brother-in-law. With Piers out of the country, a simple signature from his brother would dissolve the betrothal and allow Clio access to her dowry. Unfortunately, Rafe only seems interested in training for the boxing bout that will restore his championship. It seems that way, that is, until he shows up at the castle Clio has been bequeathed, determined to make her reconsider crying off. He goes after his goal with a single minded focus, until he is totally sidelined by the attraction he feels for his brother’s intended.

If you’re worried about this being a cheater story, don’t be. There is really nothing between Clio and Piers. He has never so much as kissed her. But the chemistry she has with Rafe is undeniable. I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a tortured hero, but he does have some emotional hurts and a pretty hefty lack of self-worth. I loved watching him realize the esteem Clio holds for him. I love watching his walls and best laid plans crumble to dust when he’s around her. I love how he makes her feel beautiful and how she makes him feel worthy. It’s quite romantic watching him shower her with all the attention and gifts she’s never had. Of course, it starts as a pretense to sell her on marrying Piers, but his gestures are all so telling of how he really feels inside.

I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed Clio as a heroine who knew her own mind and heart; one who is smart and brave, but never comes off as a Mary Sue. I just liked her. And Rafe was such a great match. Plus — I liked the fact that Piers was nothing like I thought he was in the end. I’d like to get to know him a little better. A good love story. Very satisfying.

Rating: B+

copy received from publisher for an honest reivew
What a fun, sweet, heart-warming, laugh-out-loud read. I’ve read Tessa Dare before but I was so impressed with her in “Say Yes to the Marquess.” Page one the story begins and I was instantly interested in Clio Whitmore. What a great heroine. I loved her, I applauded her and I wanted to stand up and cheer for her!

When the story begins, Clio is looking to end her eight year engagement to the Piers Brandon. Piers is the very eligible older brother. Although he is engaged to Clio he has been wondering the globe while she has been sitting at home waiting for his return. The reasons for his absence become known later in the story. Clio is sick of waiting. She has endured her mother’s constant priming and now that she has inherited a castle from her uncle, she is read to take her life into her own hands. The obvious problem is that Clio can’t find Piers to “annul” their engagement. The only other option is Rafe Brandon- Pier’s brother.

Rafe can’t be any more unlike his brother! He is not accepted in polite society since he makes a living prize fighting. Unlike his older brother he is not able to manage the estates as effectively and unlike his older brother, he is madly in love with Clio. Rafe is a little rough around the edges, but he is also comically sweet and intensely loyal.

When Clio asks Rafe to let her out of her engagement, he refuses. Not only does he refuse but their first meeting is so funny I could not help laughing. They had instant chemistry from their first meeting and it continued throughout. Rafe was so incredibly sweet and vulnerable. He sets off to see Clio in her castle and asks that he give her a week to change her mind about marrying his brother. He is determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Clio agrees but she has already made of her mind about the wedding and she has her life planned.

When Clio receives Rafe’s unexpected visit she is a little taken aback, but she welcomes him and his very funny promoter who is masquerading as a wedding planner. I loved Rafe and Clio so much. There was a sweetness to them both that made my heartache. Rafe went out of his way to not ruin Clio’s engagement. They shared many funny and sweet scenes as they learn about each other. The author really did an amazing job with Clio and Rafe. Aside from the meddling family members, this was also about Clio finding her voice. I loved them both and understood them. I also loved the secondary characters, they were fun and added to the story. Most importantly, I loved that Rafe and Piers had a chance to really get to know each other as brothers. I read this book in one sitting. I put toothpicks under my eyelids so they would not close and so I could see how Clio and Rafe ended up together. Hilarious and heartwarming! Loved!

I've been in a slump when it comes to historical romance lately, so I was pleased enough to like this, even if it didn't knock my socks off. Say Yes to the Marquess is a solid effort by Tessa Dare, significantly better than Romancing the Duke (the first book in the Castles Ever After series). Clio Whitmore has spent eight years waiting for her betrothed, Piers Brandon, the Marquess of Something, to return from helling around on the continent and make an honest woman of her. Their marriage has been delayed so long that Clio has become a laughing stock within the ton, earning the nickname "Miss Wait-More." Speculation runs rampant that Piers no longer desires the union, and the truth is that Clio herself has had second thoughts.

Eight years of training to be the perfect wife to a lord has given Clio the skills to be independent, and when she inherits a castle, she has the means as well. She visits Piers' brother Rafe, the Marquess' agent in England during his absence, in hopes that Rafe will sign paperwork to dissolve the betrothal. Although Rafe has desired Clio since childhood and would personally love for her to be a free woman, his loyalty to his brother prevents him from signing the papers and stealing his brother's bride. He is already wracked with guilt over the death of their father, who never approved of Rafe and his rebellious ways (most notably boxing, which at that time was not only disreputable but actually illegal). Rafe doesn't intend to be responsible for the loss of Piers' bride as well, so he sets off to Clio's castle to try to plan the perfect wedding, thinking that if he tempts her with all the luxuries of a society wedding, she'll be so caught up in the fantasy that she'll forget her desire to cancel the betrothal.

The best part of this story is how funny it is: Clio and Rafe have terrific chemistry, witty banter, and Rafe's trainer, Bruiser, is posing as a posh wedding planner to great comic effect. There is a scene involving tasting wedding cakes which is laugh out loud funny. Balanced with the humor is just the right amount of angst: Clio and Rafe have in common the fact that they've been rejected by those who should have loved them best -- Clio by her mother (and her would-be husband), Rafe by his father. Additionally, the tension between Rafe's sincere loyalty to his absent brother and his increasingly-inescapable attraction to Clio provides a satisfying and believable emotional conflict.

The parts of this book that annoyed me were actually supposed to: Clio's sister, in the guise of helping her have the perfect wedding day, fat-shames Clio relentlessly. Clio stood up for herself (and Rafe as well), and the sister got an appropriately satisfying set-down, but still these scenes set my teeth on edge. I found the conclusion a little too convenient, but not so much so that I couldn't willingly suspend disbelief for the sake of the story.

I read my first Tessa Dare!! Yall! I'd been SO nervous! Everyone loves her and I was all panicky that I'd be the odd girl out. lol I needn't have worried. Say Yes to the Marquess was delightful!

The Gist? Clio's fiance has strung her along for 8 long years while he travels the world. She's damn tired of waiting and ready to take matters into her own hands. Namely...breaking their engagement. She just needs is his brother--who's managing things-- to sign some papers. Blast the man. He thinks she should plan the wedding instead and jumps in to help do just that.

Clio was a wonderful heroine. I loved that she was going after the life she wanted-- managing her own land, starting a brewery. She's smart, kind, determined, and has a strength about her. On the outside she may seem the proper polite society miss but inside she's got fire burning.

And Rafe. He's Clio's exact opposite. He spurned polite society years ago to become a champion prizefighter. He's rough around the edges and a bit of a brute but dotes on elderly bulldogs and is a good man with a good heart.

I really had fun watching the two of them as he tries to convince her to go through with the wedding to his brother. Cake tastings, scandalous wedding dresses, dealing with relatives. Watching their attraction grow as they get to know one another as adults-- they'd grown up together. They were really rather perfect together. Lots of sexual tension with just a bit of heat towards the end.

Overall, Say Yes to the Marquess was charming and lovely little adventure.

?She is tired of waiting for her fiance. Change of plans, she wants to be independent and single. He is a prizefighter, a rake, could never have her. But he can plan his brother's wedding and see her marrying the kind of men she deserves. They should not, definitely, fall in love with each other.

?Clio is so kind, hopeful and smart.

?Rafe is all grumpy face but he is a big softie, who adores the floor Clio walks on.

?Funny and adorable interactions.

?Clio talks about wanting to be independent and free, about how much she has learned to be the perfect wife and that knowledge belongs to her as her body does. Seeing Clio confidence grow is heartwarming.

?The ending is super cute. Although at the beginning I wasn't very sure about the couple, I ended up completely in love with them.

Ah, the age old problem of being engaged to a Marquess, while secretly having feelings for his brother. Truthfully, I don’t blame her. The Marquess has been MIA for eight years! Talk about a long engagement. Rafe, brother to the missing Marquess, has a problem. Clio wants out of the engagement, and he has to sign the papers. Rafe refuses, because while he does lust after his brother’s fiancée, he doesn’t want to be the person who tears them apart, even if it’s just with a signature on paper.

Clio, with the death of a relative, has been left a castle in the countryside, and sees a glimpse of freedom. She doesn’t need a husband! She can use all of the training she’s received over the last eight years to be the wife of a Marquess and apply it to running that castle and create an enterprise that will bring in money to help pay for the castle and her own needs. She will start a brewery! Rafe, sensing she’s serious, starts a campaign to make her see how much she desires a big wedding. He brings his trainer, did I mention Rafe is a boxer? Yep! Our Rafe is a pugilist! Training to box the heavyweight champion, so, anyways, he brings his trainer to the castle to help him woo her into wanting a wedding. So she’ll say Yes to the Dress, and while lusting after dresses, cake and flowers, in essence saying Yes to the Marquess. Ha! Our reluctant bride is not so shallow that a dress will change her mind. After all, she wants to brew ale, but Rafe, through his efforts, ends up wooing her for himself. In a moment of passion he kisses her, and the rest is history.

She becomes his! Ta-Da!

I love these historical romances, they are such a fun departure from my usual reading choices. Tessa Dare has a fun style of writing and Clio, our reluctant bride, was charming and real. Rafe, was a big, handsome lug. He has desired Clio since he was a young lad, and was determined that he wasn’t good enough for her, which means we, the reader, knew he was perfect for her! Read this book if you love historicals, it won’t disappoint!

Where do I start? This is one of those books so delicious, so romantic, so incredible, well, you feel the need to wax poetic about it. In fact, I’ll write a poem right here and right now. *ahem

“This book is so romantic and steamy, Rafe Brandon is hunky and dreamy…

He’s a hot, rough, and randy prize fighter and his buckskins can’t fit any tighter!

But his love and his heart is misguided, how could he leave his only brother blindsided?

He falls desperately in love with the forbidden…he can’t have her, oh but who is he kiddin’?

Now the lovely Clio Whitmore has chosen her mate and forever has sealed her fate.

But when Piers returns, will she surely spurn

the one man who always considered himself mere second rate?

But how could she set her love for Rafe aside with his muscles and rock hard backside?

Will she finally find independence and shed duty, all for her fighter’s ripped and tanned, er, booty?”

Wow – I got a little side tracked there…and I really don’t think that poem is going to win me any writer’s awards, but seriously, this book was over the top HOT, HOT, HOT! I loved the depth of the characters Clio and Rafe. For once, we find a female lead who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. Rafe knows what he wants too, but how can he let his true love settle…for the likes of him…and take his brother’s betrothed? He’s the strongest and toughest fighter in England, but is he tough enough to betray his own brother and take a chance on his dreams? Talk about a sucker punch! But an eight year betrothal doesn’t really speak to his brother’s devotion and Clio has always desired the street smart, hard knocks brother of her fiancé and she’s ready to do anything to prove that Rafe isn’t just enough for her – he’s her “meant to be.” And why wouldn’t he be when he says delicious things like,

“…Every man has one woman who was his first proper fantasy. The first he thought about, day and night. The first he woke from dreams of hard and aching. You are that woman for me.”

Swoon…clearly he’s more poetic than I am. Get ready to blush with this one, ladies!

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I really did enjoy parts of this book but I also did not love it to the point I felt the need to read the rest of the book int he series. I thought that the author was a high-handed with trying to make the Hero into something that was just a little to predictable we all know he is suppose to be this bad boy with a heart of gold but really he did not do one bad thing, the other brother, however, annoyed me and he was only in the book for the last few chapters. The Female lead was a bit too why washing goes with what others want for me also, really all these years and he never marries you and you are just like I will wait I could not believe it even for the time it is set in.

I really thought that the brothers were both slow to uptake in their relationship, the Male lead took care of his brothers everything without so much a thank you or it seems a paycheck, I would like to understand how the Male lead is handling all his brothers estates and finances and yet has to do fights to afford to live when he is managing this vast lordship and why the author felt the need to make the male lead seem uneducated yes he had issues learning and was sent down for it but the author did a disservice to all those who has learning disability's with the way he was made to seem simple.

I liked the supporting characters outside the elder sister and her husband they really had not point in the story, the younger sister I loved and I think the author did well with her and the fact that she was on the specter. The fight manager slash friend was also a fun add I know some people thought it was a little over done but I really did like him. It was not a bad read it was not as finished as I would have liked and the characters did not have a lot of development and that was sad because there was a lot of potential for it.

The Castles Ever After series continues with another delightful and independent heroine inheriting a castle from her uncle and taking charge of her future, while a rakish hero is turning the table on the typical marriage scheme.

Clio Whitmore has been betrothed for eight long years while her fiance, Piers Brandon, has been on the continent serving as a diplomat. She has been mockingly dubbed "Miss Waitmore" by those snobs around the Ton. But when she inherits her very own castle with income potential, Clio decides she is done waiting and will run the castle along with her own brewery. Dare did a good job establishing an emotional connection with Clio, particularly when discussing the ridicule she suffered in society and from her own family. I think I would have killed Clio's married sister... but I absolutely loved the youngest, who seems to have a touch of Aspergers or high-functioning autism.

Rafe Brandon, prize pugilist and renowned rake is younger brother to Piers Brandon, Marquess of Something or Other. Always being envious of his elder brother, when Clio comes to Rafe requesting to break the betrothal to his brother, Rafe is determined to ignore his attraction to Clio and convince her go through with the marriage. This begins a period of courtship, only Rafe is courting Clio on behalf of his brother. This was definitely an interesting take on a historical where we usually have the marriage-minded mamas scheming for their daughters. Rafe was a great hero. Despite trying not to covet his future sister-in-law, his feelings for her shone through with his efforts to court her (for Piers). I loved that he worked to build up her self-esteem which had been so damaged by her mother, sister and the Ton. While he could have had a huge ego due to his success as a pugilist, it was tempered by the shame he felt for never pleasing his father.

The romance between Clio and Rafe unfolded nicely. Because he was determined that she would marry Piers, it slowed things down so that we didn't have an insta-love situation. With each step they take toward Clio's unwanted wedding, the two move closer together until things come to a head toward the end. I loved the push-pull of Rafe's attraction to Clio, and her sweet longing for the younger brother. I liked the way things played out with the brothers in the end, and the wedding scenario was spectacular.

I listened to this one in audio as well, and the narrator, Carmen Rose, did a great job of keeping me entertained and engaged in the story. 4 stars / 3 flames.

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

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare
Book Two of the Castles Ever After series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: December 30, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

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

Summary (from Goodreads):

Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?
● He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

● He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn't kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

What I Liked:

Holy moley, I loved this book. Five stars? Do I want more? Yes. Yes yes yes. Tessa Dare is definitely a favorite, auto-buy historical romance author. I LOVED Romancing the Duke (book one of this companion series), and I loved this one even more. Dare's writing is beautiful, her storytelling lovely, the romance superbly crafted!

Just a disclaimer - this book is in no way related to book one (Romancing the Duke). There are no crossover characters (that I can recall). The books are related/are in the same series because each book is set in some sort of castle. So you can read whichever book in whatever order or not at all... though I highly recommend that if you had to read one, read this one!

Clio has been engaged to Piers Brandon, a marquess, for eight years. Well, she will wait no longer. When she goes to find his brother, Rafe, to break off the engagement (since Piers is away for business, Rafe is the next person with the power to break it off), Rafe refuses. Instead, he comes to her newly inherited castle and tries to convince her to go through with the wedding... all the while, falling in love with her, and she with him.

One of the things that really stuck out to me, that is unique to Dare, that I really loved in this book, was the HUMOR. It's hard to describe, but the banter between Rafe and Clio, their individual dialogue, their inner monologue, the way things are presented... it's just so HILARIOUS. It's not like this is supposed to be a "Humor" novel - no, it's clearly historical romance, but the way Dare writes, things are so, so funny. And it's great. Her writing is sort of modern, for a historical time, but it doesn't seem anachronistic.

Like I said, this book had a lot humor. It was very lighthearted, with Rafe finishing Clio's sentences, Rafe constantly trying to make Clio blush, Clio trying to by the perfect Englishwoman, Clio desperate to have Rafe sign the papers. Watching them fall for each other was so nice, because their relationship was so tension-free and carefree and playful.

I like Clio a lot - she is very sweet. She's the oldest of three sisters, but her middle sister is already married, and is a serious pain. Clio has a lot of patience, which is perfect for dealing with her sister... or someone like Rafe. I really like Rafe. He used to be a prizefighter, and he still trains for underground fights. Imagine, a lord, the second son of a marquess, fighting like a common man. But I so like him! He wants nothing to do with the title (which is good, because Piers is first in line).

It's adorable to watch watch as the story progresses. Clio and Rafe get under each other's skin, in a surprising, lovely way. Their banter is wonderful and cute and a breath of fresh air. There isn't too much angst and woe is me and all that - Clio doesn't want to marry Piers, Rafe loves Clio, Clio loves Rafe. It just makes sense!

This one is kind of heavily romance-driven, which is fine by me! Rafe is trying to convince Clio to go forth with the marriage, because of his loyalty to his brother. But eventually, neither Rafe nor Clio want that, so it becomes a matter of Clio telling Piers the truth, whenever that may be.

I could re-read this book again and again. Seriously, it was that great! Definitely a favorite historical romance novel of the year - and in general!

What I Did Not Like:

I HATED Daphne (Clio's sister - the middle one). I mean, I think that was the point, but dang, I wanted to punch her (and her idiot husband) from the moment we meet them.

Would I Recommend It:

To all the historical romance lovers out there, you MUST give this book a shot. If I'm calling it a favorite, then at least add it to your TBR list. Just look at it. But seriously, this book is one of my favorite historical romance novels in general! And it's out in a month!

Rating:

5 stars. So well-earned. I want to go re-read this one right now!

Originally posted on the blog: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2016/09/review-say-yes-to-marquess-by-tessa-dare.html?platform=hootsuite

I think the opening scene pretty much set up the tone of this book as classic Tessa Dare. She is very good at "dare" I say, romantic comedy, but in a historical setting so to speak. Even though I must use the term Historical as say, more of and idea, than actuality within the premise of this book.

The opening scene has us seeing Clio as she walks in on Rafe, thinking he's ready to give up and hang himself when in fact, he's only setting up his boxing punching bag for training. The shenanigans don't stop there, they pretty much continue throughout the book, including a scene involving the dog, a ruby ring, and Rafe's trainer, Bruiser. Yeah it was really gross.

Miss Clio Whitmore, AKA Miss "Waitmore" as she has been dubbed, and Rafe have have been friends since childhood, in their youth Rafe always teased her and pulled mischievous tricks on her. Now he is wanting to "play" with Clio in a different manner all together. Yet he is at odds because she is his brother's fiance. Rafe pretty much spends the entire book trying to convince Clio that she does in fact want to be married to Piers, and fighting the attraction that he has carried for her since his youth and yes the love he has for her.

Clio and Rafe had really good chemistry together, but Clio herself did not have much of a backbone. I blame that on her overly critical mother and her less than supportive family. Cleo's older sister Daphne is a witch, with a Capital B, a social climber and more than a bit annoying. Daphne's soft in the middle husband Teddy is no better, with their crude remarks constantly about Clio's weight. Her younger sister Phoebe was a nice break to watch although she was a bit quirky, with a touch of "Rain Man" about her, but I look forward to reading her story.

Recommended for fans of Tessa Dare, and anyone wanting a nice Romance, with a little bit of comedic flair thrown in, plenty of sexual heat that does not go unanswered, and if Historical accuracy is of no concern, well this book is for you.

I did enjoy the book, I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Rafe and Clio very much. It was a quick read and certainly not one that's going to have your heart tugging and pulling at strings just to see the H/H get together, but it was pleasant. Even though the historical accuracy was really a joke, which usually does drive me insane, for some reason didn't really bother me that much. A nice afternoon read overall.

You will enjoy this fantastic story by Ms Dare. She is a wonderful writer that doesn't disappoint. I like the setting, atmosphere and of course lots of romance. The characters are not stilted or even perfect. That is what I love about romance novels. You can read them, discard or keep them in your heart. This one is in a keeper because you will root for the hero to become the champion in a young woman's heart.
It has been eight long years in the coming for one particular lady to be her own person. Clio Whitmore is through waiting for her betrothed to come back from where ever he is and marry her. Now she is living in a castle she's inherited and wants to live her life on her own terms. Now she just has to break her engagement to Piers Brandon, the Marquess of Granville.
When Clio finally gets a hold of her fiancee's brother Rafe, she tells him she wants to end the betrothal. Rafe wanting nothing but to keep the engagement going, tries to pacify her until she can overcome her bridal jitters. Of course, Clio has lots of plans in the works and it doesn't include marring Piers.
When Rafe arrives at Clio's castle, he will try anything even if he has to plan the wedding himself. But along the way, he sees Clio in a different light. She isn't a young girl anymore, but a fascinating woman who makes him feel. Even when his feelings get in all worked up, with lots of lust and desire. Can this be love he never thought to achieve with Clio? Yes, you will delight in finding that sometimes things are better when you wait. Because love is really the only way to go.

Clio Whitmore is the laughingstock of the ton; they call her “Miss Wait-more” because her absent fiancé, Piers, a marquess, has kept her waiting for eight years. Though he has visited in the intervening years, he has yet to marry her, something Clio is now determined to change.
“Twill Castle was her chance at…well, at everything. Independence. Freedom. Security.”
Tessa Dare writes heartfelt and sexy historical romances that feature strong and courageous heroines and I read everything she writes, but this story feels a little contrived. I think there are too many convenient and obvious opportunities for Rafe and Clio to be alone together, despite the fact that Clio’s oh-so-proper older sister, Daphne, is visiting. So I feel some of their romantic moments are a bit forced; staged, if you will.
Also, when Rafe visits Twill Castle in Kent, it seems kind of extreme just to ensure Clio doesn’t call off her wedding to his older brother, Piers. Of course, the real reason is that Rafe wants to be with Clio as much as possible, a feeling he denies and tries to push away at every opportunity. And he fails. Miserably.
Clio and Rafe make a bargain that, if Rafe cannot convince Clio to marry Piers in one week, he’ll sign the papers releasing her from that agreement. Rafe wants Clio to marry Piers because he wants to relinquish care of the marquessate which he has been overseeing since Piers’ left the country on diplomatic missions. And he does his darndest to try to convince her, from showering her with beautiful gowns, rooms filled with fragrant and flashy flowers and luscious cakes, and talented musicians from London. But none of it sways her.
And, along the way, they grow closer, their attraction burning low between them, flaring up here and there in bursts of passion.
Rafe is a former champion prizefighter, the one thing he feels he’s good at. He had no love from his late father and always felt he was never good enough. Fighting is also how he controls his anger and boundless, restless energy. Rafe also doesn’t think he’s smart enough for Clio as Piers is, as far as book learning. He prefers to be active and the idle life of a gentleman drives him mad with boredom.
Through the years, Clio had always reached out to Rafe, penning him notes, inviting him to parties and balls. He ignored them all, thinking she was simply being polite. But she was just being Clio; kind, loving Clio. And Clio has long held a torch for Rafe. Little did she know he also held a tendre for her. The ways these two discover their past feelings have not changed make for some sweet and happy moments.
Clio’s brave decision to make something of her life instead of waiting around for her Piers is admirable and inspiring. That moment when she’s asked if there is anyone else (as the reason for breaking her engagement) she declares, “yes! Me!,” I cheered.
“Women are allowed to do one-tenth of what men may do, and yet we are scrutinized for it ten times as closely.”
Both Clio and Rafe know what it feels like to feel unwanted; she by Piers and he by his own father. And, toward the end of the book, Rafe comes to see he seeks a familial connection and closeness. And Clio is the one who makes him see that.
Secondary characters lend lots of humor to this story, especially Clio’s sisters, Daphne, and Phoebe. Phoebe, Clio’s younger, bluestocking, mathematical whiz sister, is a touching portrait of teenage angst; I hope Dare writes Phoebe’s story in a future book or novella. I also like Rafe’s trainer/assistant, Bruiser, and his hilarious alter ego Montague (complete with quizzing glass!).
“Teddy and Daphne were one of those things best taken in small amounts. Like ground cloves. Or smallpox.”
Dare, a librarian, shows off her research and brings the history of the beer industry in Kent to the forefront as Clio hopes to grow hops and brew beer to support herself at Twill Castle, which she inherited upon an uncle’s death.
A well-written and cute story, if a little far-fetched. This is the second book in Dare’s Castles Ever After series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed this a great deal. Not quite as much as I did the first book in the series, but I wasn’t as disappointed with it as some other reviewers. Forcing the planning of a wedding on a reluctant bride made room for lots of silliness and it was all quite amusing. I liked watching Rafe and Clio come to terms with their feelings for one another. I could understand their motivations and see where they were coming from. I just wish this book had a little extra… something. It needed an extra spark or some more dramatic conflict to take it to the next level and make me love it the way I did the first book.

Say Yes to the Marquess began so very promisingly. Clio's untenable situation and her tenuous connection with Rafe immediately secured my emotions. But as the events of the story progressed, things began to run downhill alarmingly quickly. The entire plotline with the dog was ridiculous from start to finish. I found the characters' actions highly implausible in the second half of the book given the genuine feelings they had expressed for one another. It felt as though the heartfelt beginning descended into a bit of a farce, and the change was too jarring for me. I still remain so enchanted by the first book, however, that I plan on picking up the next one and hoping for the best despite this disappointment.

I'm reading all of these 5 star reviews and wondering what was it i just didn't get. I feel almost terrible writing this, but as a huge Tessa Dare Fan,this was a big miss for me. It started with Bruiser (the bisexual trainer, tup either a "fresh faced housemaid or well turned footman") and his looking glass, funny at first, but ended up like a joke that ran too long, and then it went down hill from there. While Ms Dare writes quick witted dialogue, this was verging on the side of silly. Romancing the Duke was amazingly refreshing, this was like lukewarm water. The silliness got old very quickly and was eventually drowned out by so many modern day references I ended up Googling to see if i could figure out what year this was supposed to be to make this all plausible in a Historical Romance. The phrases were subtle but enough to distract, in my opinion, and I'm not a stickler for accuracy. Oh and the BLUSHING...she blushes allllllll the time, like, when he talks...or moves. And then we move on to the prize fighter aspects. The training, the eggs, blah blah blah...i swear Eye of the Tiger was playing in the background. While many found this all entertaining, a lot of what i enjoy about a historical romance was tarnished by too many modern familiarities. If you don't mind that, then i think this would be a win, but for those of us that like more of a traditional feel while still maintaining interesting dialogue and subtle sexual appeal, then i think it's a loss or a last resort during a dry spell. I gave up about 40 percent through the book. when you cant seem to read more than a few pages at a time, and after a few eye rolls, it's time to call it quits. I will be looking forward to the next book, however, because that's how much i loved the first book in this series.

I absolutely loved this book! I got it at the library, but am buying it for my collection. It was sweet, tender, funny, and really hot! Very touching story, great hero and heroine, with two other characters who will probably get their own books in the future. I've read thousands of historical romances, and this one was special. Unusual characters, unexpected plot, great story of "forbidden" attraction. As another reviewer pointed out, the hero appears to have ADHD, the sister probably has Asperger's, and the trainer is bi-sexual. This isn't a Barbara Cartland novel! But I loved the diversity, and also the silliness. There is even a food fight that is hilarious. What fun, will read this one again.

I read romances because they are always about the healing power of love and forgiveness. And about how we all need to feel loved and appreciated - just the way we are.

I fell in love with Rafe the minute he said that he found Clio to be his personal distraction. I just loved the fact that he’s wanted her since forever. Clio was an interesting heroine, spunky, fun and full of life. I also loved her sister Phoebe. I would enjoy a story about her, as she would make a unique heroine. Also, I can’t forget Bruiser. He cracked me up! This story had a great cast of characters. Rafe was a bit too hard on himself and at times I wanted to smack him for not giving himself more credit.. however, that part played well into his character so I could forgive it.

This is the second book in the “Castles Ever After” series, but you do not need to read them in order as they are only connected by the fact that both heroines were given a castle from the Earl of Lynforth. However, I do recommend the first book as well.

Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogspot.ca/

This is the second book in the Castles Ever After. The first book was awesome. This one is even better. I have never laughed so hard while reading a book before. Between cake fights, an engagement ring that winds up in a place you wouldn't believe and a 14 year old bulldog who has to be carried around there is a beautiful love story. Clio has been waiting over eight years for her fiance to come home and marry her. She is tired of waiting and being the butt of jokes by the gossips in London. She decides to go to the brother of her fiance with papers to dissolve their engagement. The only problem is that since she was young she has been in love with the brother. Lord Rafe has never fit in Society. He is a Champion Prize Fighter training for his next fight and running his brother's estates while he is out of the country. He refuses to sign Clio's papers and goes to her home to convince her to marry his brother and he wants to help plan the wedding, no expense spared. Clio wants nothing to do with getting married anymore and Rafe has to try to convince her. Tessa knows how to write an amazing story with wit, sensual love scenes, gut wrenching emotions and amazing characters that you love. Do not miss this one!!!

I enjoyed reading this story, there were a few spots it took too long to move on but overall a very good book. The story is about a lady who has been waiting eight years for her fiancé to come home and marry her. It has been a rough eight years as she has become the butt of many jokes as well as the betting book at White's. Everyone thinks he is reluctant to marry her. The brother of her fiancé, Rafe, goes to her castle (which she has inherited) to convince her to marry his brother although it becomes clear he is in love with her himself. He and his trainer (masquerading as a gentleman) do their best to change her mind by planning the wedding. She refuses and the challenge is on. The book has a few surprising twists but is yet another example of Ms. Dare's talent. I so enjoy her books.

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare is a 2014 Avon Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful, well rounded, entertaining historical romance from Tessa Dare.

Clio is tired of waiting for her fiance to return and go through with their arranged marriage. She has been fortunate enough to inherit a castle and wishes to have her freedom. This involved having papers signed that will officially break the engagement and set her free. So, Clio searches out her fiance's brother, Rafe. She will have him sign the dissolution papers and be on her way. But, Rafe refuses to sign the papers. Instead, he insist on helping Clio plan her wedding.

Rafe, is the second son and mostly left to his own devices by his family. He is a boxer and has other business plans as well, which is why he needs his brother to follow through with this wedding. So, he sets out to convince Clio that she will be very happy and have everything she ever wanted if she goes forth with the wedding.

Clio is more than skeptical and has already made up her mind against a loveless marriage. So, Rafe pulls out every trick in the book to no avail. In the meantime, he is finding himself beginning to understand Clio's point of view more and more, but he still can not sign those papers... even though he is falling love with his brother's fiance.

Tessa Dare has a voice that is unique and speaks to her readers in a special way. I thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing historical that left out all the pomp and circumstance of regency romance. Instead, the characters were real, sincere, human and each had an almost palpable loneliness about them which will make you root for them all the more. The pace is excruciating at times because the tension between Clio and Rafe was so thick I couldn't stand the suspense. Humor, true love, hot love scenes, and sweet, heart tugging moments makes this one a 5 star read.

Tessa Dare is an auto-buy for me. I've read her entire back list, as far as I know, and I've liked every single book. This one does not disappoint, either. Clio, the heroine, is not the typical lady of her time. She's been betrothed since the time she turned 17 to a childhood friend, Piers. Piers is a diplomat. At the time of this story, Clio is 25 and has been waiting for Piers to return from his travels and marry her for eight years. She's just inherited a castle and now wants to call off the betrothal agreement. She's tired of waiting and has plans for herself and her castle. She visits Rafe, Piers' younger brother, to have the necessary papers signed. Rafe is acting in Piers' interests while his brother his away. Rafe is the "black sheep" of his family. He was disowned by his father, who has since died, and makes his living as a prize fighter. He's a very sweet man and Clio is a strong woman. It's a sweet story.

I adored this book! Rafe was such a sweetheart. While his actions may seem selfish at first, there is so much more to Rafe than meets the eye. Underneath all that sexy, tough guy, fighterness is a heart of pure gold. I also liked Clio, she was such a sweetie, always thinking of others before herself. I did not like Daphne or her husband, but I don't think we were supposed to. I especially liked the scene with Rafe and Teddy at the ball, yeah when you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. =) . I adored Phoebe, her very awkwardness was absolutely adorable. Bruiser was hilarious with his dang monocle. And although Piers was only actually present for a short time in the book, I really liked him. I can't wait to read more books by Tessa Dare. I very highly recommend this book! <3

Tessa Dare brings a romantic story of Clio and Rafe. Clio is engaged to Rafe's older brother, Piers for 8 years but is finally tired of waiting and wants to end the engagement. Rafe wants to convince Clio that Piers is the right groom for her but in the process of giving her a hothouse full of flowers, cakes in every possible flavor that you can think of and the wedding dress of her dreams, he himself falls in love with her. And what a journey it is! Rafe is so romantic, handsome and absolute softie at heart! Love his character! Clio is strong, smart and tired of waiting for the world to come to her and is willing to fight to make a place for herself. Tessa Dare has written beautiful characters and an even more beautiful love story.

Tessa Dare is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance writers. Her writing is simply a pleasure to read. I love how she takes characters who are seemingly imperfect and proves just how much more superior they are to what society considers perfection. From the romance to the clever battle of wits between the hero and heroine and the amusingly entertaining puns and other humorous situations interspersed throughout, Say Yes to the Marquess is a top notch Historical Romance that readers of this romance sub genre will not want to miss.

Imagine waiting eight years for your betrothed. Well that's exactly what Miss Clio Witmore has done, and she is done waiting for diplomat, Marquess Piers Brandon to conquer the world before owning up to the promise he made at his family's behest many years ago. After all, he has never so much as kissed her, in all those eight years, so how highly can she factor into his future plans? Besides, if she ever marries, she is determined that it be for love love. So, she resolves to take care of her own needs, both financially, by starting a brewery on the land she fortuitously inherited, and emotionally, by ending her laughing stock engagement which has only brought her shame and pity.

With the Marquess of Granville gone, however, she is forced to seek resolution with his notorious, younger brother, and once Champion prize fighter, Rafe Brandon. In the Marquess' absence, Rafe holds the Marquess power of attorney over all matters and she is determined that he sign the papers dissolving her engagement.

Rafe Brandon, however, is equally determined to see Clio and Piers married albeit for his own personal reasons, so he challenges Clio to what he believes will be an easy wager. If after a week of no expense barred, wedding planning, that he himself will oversee, Clio still wishes to end the engagement, then he will sign the papers. After all, how hard can it be to charm a lady into wedding fever? Well, Rafe is soon to find out that Clio is no ordinary lady.

As Clio and Rafe, and a whole cast of other eccentric family members and friends, explore flowers, cakes, music and gowns, however, the one thing that becomes painfully clear is the undeniable attraction between Clio and Rafe. What will Rafe do now, when the one woman that is definitely off limits, is the only one he could never live without?

I loved so many things about this book. For one, this book had me in stitches. From the very beginning, I found myself chuckling at the interactions between Clio and Rafe which so frequently contained double meanings. Moreover, the sexual tension between the two, and the attention to each others' troubled past, and linked emotional needs, was incredibly well done. It is this complexity of the characters, and attention to how it affects their interactions with others and self definition of happiness, that makes Ms. Dare's works so special. I can't wait to read more of both Tessa Dare's back list and future works!

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From the blurb this book promised to be both great fun and a sweet romance and it did not disappoint me. I found myself chuckle out loud besides my sleeping husband while reading until late. The writing style is excellent and you will feel for both the main characters and their friends, whom I hope the author will dedicate a book to in soe future novel, Piers and Phoebe especially would deserve a happy ending of their own, possibly together?... Keep up with the good job Ms Dare.

This is a fun romp of a book. It has everything you want in a great romance--A bad-boy, emotionally damaged hero (the renegade second son of a Marquess), a heroine who is unfashionably self-reliant, and a first-rate story. The heroine is engaged to the wrong brother (reminds me of the classic Cary Grant film Holiday, where he's engaged to the wrong sister.)

It's also funny: Tessa-Dare-funny, and that''s very funny, indeed. I don't want to give anything away, but wait for the cake scene--it's a scream.

But the book's not all laughs; the characters grow and reveal themselves is surprising ways. I was sorry when it was over. The characters are real to me--so real that I found myself wanting Tessa to give Phoebe (the heroine's blue-stocking younger sister) her own book. And I'd like to see a story where the stand-offish and mysterious Piers find his true love.

Regardless, these are characters I enjoyed spending time with, and a love story with a very satisfying ending.

Tessa Dare's Castles Ever After series is just so much fun! She's given historical romance a refreshing twist while staying true to what we love most about the genre.

About the story...

Say Yes to the Marquess is the second book in the series, and tells the story of two of society's less...acceptable...peers - Clio Whitmore who has been given the nick name Miss Wait-More thanks to her eight year engagement to Piers Brandon who seems in no hurry to tie the knot, and Rafe Brandon, Piers' black-sheep brother who prefers the title of Champion Pugilist to any he'd carry due to his bloodline.

But eight years have given Clio enough time to realize that she wants more from life than to be the property of a man who doesn't care for her. She wants to be independent, to make her own choices. And if she ever does decide to marry it'll be to someone like Rafe, a man she loves.

Rafe knows he's been a constant disappointment to his family, so when it comes to watching over Clio until his brother returns from his wanderings to claim his bride, he's not going to let anything, not even Clio's decision not to marry Piers, stand in the way of holy matrimony.

My thoughts...

There are only a handful of authors who can pen a tale guaranteed to sweep me off my feet, and Tessa Dare is one of them. Rafe and Clio are proof that opposites attract, and attract with a chemistry that burns up the pages. The supporting cast is made up of great characters, but Phoebe, Clio's sister...that is a girl I adore and want to see her find her happily ever after with a man who will love her for all her...quirks.

The bottom line...

This is a book that can be read alone, so if you're thinking about beginning this series but aren't quite sure, think no more. I love the way this story unfolds and, like all of Tessa Dare's stories, it's an entertaining, passionate, and fun read. I can't wait for more!!!!!

I really liked this book! It was one of the best Tessa Dare books I've read. I thought the characters were great and really liked their progression to lovers and their backstory. I especially like that there was no big misunderstanding that had to be resolved. She made it clear that they were together and that was that. I also liked that there was no villain. The hero didn't do anything, she didn't, and even her missing fiancé, his brother, was solved amicably. They actually handled things like adults instead of romance-novel adults -- a huge difference in many books!!

I LOVED this book! The dialogue was witty and funny, the secondary characters were fleshed out just well enough, and the sparks between Clio and Rafe were thrilling from the very first page. I started reading this one evening and couldn't put it down until well after I should have gone to sleep. A fantastic novel and I'm off to procure the rest of the Castles Ever After books!

An enjoyable read where two people who don't fit the societal mould struggle to find each other.
I have enjoyed Tessa Dares Spindle Cove series but was delighted to find this other series 'Castles Ever After' every bit as good. Iv you like English historical romance, give it a go.

It begs the question on why most if the five star reviewers are not the store verified buyers? The positive aspect was at least this one was an attempt to a h romance compared to the disaster of the first book in the series. When I accidentally first read Ms Dare's Seven ..... I was left reeling at how amazingly she wrote sensually visually I kindled most of her books and sat reading continuously , unfortunately i do not understand what has happened since then ? This book was lackluster with an H and h that left me quite unmoved almost slightly depressed between his self loathing and her belief that she is unlovable it slowly paced on and on in this gloom format !
Spoilers....
I felt sorry for his brother Piers he sounded genuinely nice and I cannot wait for his story if there is ever one but it just did not feel ok to be off fighting for your land while your brother steals your girl even if they did fall in love . It was also slightly unbelievable that they fancied each other for ever yet suddenly after 8 years decided to act on it , just not quite there?! Phoebe the sis sounds very promising too I just hope the Rain Man aspect is not overly done , it seems lately that to grab a concept and run repeatedly with it is the order of things , to fill pages.
The modern aspects killed it too , drinking eggs as boxer , her obtaining interest in brewery and pubs him training like Rocky Balboa and wanting a wedding planner and best man and a toast for the wedding , plucking chin hairs yuck, these in my opinion kill a historical romance.
Repetition that dragged on throughout , her blushing overly done it felt like the fact that he did not deserve her was drilled to us again and again as a page filler , a little tiring as was the fact that continuous surprises separated them ,quite repetitive and mostly unrealistic ,there are other ways to stop them from getting it on rather than interruptions ,too predictable there , you knew what was coming also prizefighter concept and words and everything about being champion overly used to death. Champion of England repeated to death mostly from him , ok we get it already we got it from the start of the book he almost sounded boastful as he mentioned it most of the time and immature wanting to run off and punch things.
Did not like the plump factor no problem in real life but this is my escape time , we all get it people fall in love despite appearances but calling her a heavyweight, granted by idiot brother in law , and overly rounded is a mood killer in my escape i mean I do not care for stunningly gorgeous but I do not appreciate overweight issues in sensuality either! And if it is ok then why is there not a nice plump lady on the cover? Slightly hypocritical one would think! Because the book would not sell , would it? That is our cover when reading !Go on put a , what did they call her rounded belly ? heavyweight on the cover , I can choose to honestly read about her , get my point! It is ok to hide her in the pages behind the hero's adoration , who by the way is never fat , but put her on the cover is a no no to the offending eye!
No excuse for his self loathing either or why anyone would not accept him ?! Fist cuffs were a hobby of the ton.
Riddled with editing errors eg. " staring her in straight the face " come on you have to laugh at this error ,there were many others, unfortunately, this one was during a sex scene which sadly turned laugh out loud comical for me .
Other elements that were uninspiring and tiring and repeated , her blushing overly done ! First kiss was a disappointment though other scenes yummy , Silly humor , the name Teddy too American , irrational fear about dog dying as was the reaction with the vigil. Her being an expert in beer just did not stick , she did not know she would inherit the castle to be so well informed , trainer jumping on his back and running it felt like an attempt at funny but fell flat right on to silly! Final peeve Epilogue immature and the name Clio I kept reading Cloy.
I still hold out hope that Ms Dare will deliver the old wow factor this one left me on a downer at least it was an h romance albeit bland , hence 3 stars and I believe its generous.

I did enjoy this book. It was a different take on a historical romance. I liked that the hero was not some foppish hero. He seemed more real and genuine to me. I felt bad for the heroine and her terribly long wait to get married. I also liked how she got her independence and wanted to keep it. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Tessa Dare continues her "Castles Ever After" with the refreshing and delectable 4 1/2 tale. While compassionately portraying unusual characters with social challenges--Phoebe is a particular delight she crafts an exciting tale that will keep reader interest throughout.
Heather Nordahl Files at adcmagazine.com

Absolutely fell in love with the hero in this fun historical romance. I enjoyed reading it so much I didn't want it to end and wish I could give it a thousand stars. Romance, sexy hero, and humor. I think I'll go back and re-read the first book in the series, then this one again while I wait for the third. Love Tessa Dare's writing!

Tessa Dare brings a romantic story of Clio and Rafe. Clio is engaged to Rafe's older brother, Piers for 8 years but is finally tired of waiting and wants to end the engagement. Rafe wants to convince Clio that Piers is the right groom for her but in the process of giving her a hothouse full of flowers, cakes in every possible flavor that you can think of and the wedding dress of her dreams, he himself falls in love with her. And what a journey it is! Rafe is so romantic, handsome and absolute softie at heart! Love his character! Clio is strong, smart and tired of waiting for the world to come to her and is willing to fight to make a place for herself. Tessa Dare has written beautiful characters and an even more beautiful love story.

Tessa Dare is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance writers. Her writing is simply a pleasure to read. I love how she takes characters who are seemingly imperfect and proves just how much more superior they are to what society considers perfection. From the romance to the clever battle of wits between the hero and heroine and the amusingly entertaining puns and other humorous situations interspersed throughout, Say Yes to the Marquess is a top notch Historical Romance that readers of this romance sub genre will not want to miss.

Imagine waiting eight years for your betrothed. Well that's exactly what Miss Clio Witmore has done, and she is done waiting for diplomat, Marquess Piers Brandon to conquer the world before owning up to the promise he made at his family's behest many years ago. After all, he has never so much as kissed her, in all those eight years, so how highly can she factor into his future plans? Besides, if she ever marries, she is determined that it be for love love. So, she resolves to take care of her own needs, both financially, by starting a brewery on the land she fortuitously inherited, and emotionally, by ending her laughing stock engagement which has only brought her shame and pity.

With the Marquess of Granville gone, however, she is forced to seek resolution with his notorious, younger brother, and once Champion prize fighter, Rafe Brandon. In the Marquess' absence, Rafe holds the Marquess power of attorney over all matters and she is determined that he sign the papers dissolving her engagement.

Rafe Brandon, however, is equally determined to see Clio and Piers married albeit for his own personal reasons, so he challenges Clio to what he believes will be an easy wager. If after a week of no expense barred, wedding planning, that he himself will oversee, Clio still wishes to end the engagement, then he will sign the papers. After all, how hard can it be to charm a lady into wedding fever? Well, Rafe is soon to find out that Clio is no ordinary lady.

As Clio and Rafe, and a whole cast of other eccentric family members and friends, explore flowers, cakes, music and gowns, however, the one thing that becomes painfully clear is the undeniable attraction between Clio and Rafe. What will Rafe do now, when the one woman that is definitely off limits, is the only one he could never live without?

I loved so many things about this book. For one, this book had me in stitches. From the very beginning, I found myself chuckling at the interactions between Clio and Rafe which so frequently contained double meanings. Moreover, the sexual tension between the two, and the attention to each others' troubled past, and linked emotional needs, was incredibly well done. It is this complexity of the characters, and attention to how it affects their interactions with others and self definition of happiness, that makes Ms. Dare's works so special. I can't wait to read more of both Tessa Dare's back list and future works!

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

From the blurb this book promised to be both great fun and a sweet romance and it did not disappoint me. I found myself chuckle out loud besides my sleeping husband while reading until late. The writing style is excellent and you will feel for both the main characters and their friends, whom I hope the author will dedicate a book to in soe future novel, Piers and Phoebe especially would deserve a happy ending of their own, possibly together?... Keep up with the good job Ms Dare.

This is a fun romp of a book. It has everything you want in a great romance--A bad-boy, emotionally damaged hero (the renegade second son of a Marquess), a heroine who is unfashionably self-reliant, and a first-rate story. The heroine is engaged to the wrong brother (reminds me of the classic Cary Grant film Holiday, where he's engaged to the wrong sister.)

It's also funny: Tessa-Dare-funny, and that''s very funny, indeed. I don't want to give anything away, but wait for the cake scene--it's a scream.

But the book's not all laughs; the characters grow and reveal themselves is surprising ways. I was sorry when it was over. The characters are real to me--so real that I found myself wanting Tessa to give Phoebe (the heroine's blue-stocking younger sister) her own book. And I'd like to see a story where the stand-offish and mysterious Piers find his true love.

Regardless, these are characters I enjoyed spending time with, and a love story with a very satisfying ending.

Tessa Dare's Castles Ever After series is just so much fun! She's given historical romance a refreshing twist while staying true to what we love most about the genre.

About the story...

Say Yes to the Marquess is the second book in the series, and tells the story of two of society's less...acceptable...peers - Clio Whitmore who has been given the nick name Miss Wait-More thanks to her eight year engagement to Piers Brandon who seems in no hurry to tie the knot, and Rafe Brandon, Piers' black-sheep brother who prefers the title of Champion Pugilist to any he'd carry due to his bloodline.

But eight years have given Clio enough time to realize that she wants more from life than to be the property of a man who doesn't care for her. She wants to be independent, to make her own choices. And if she ever does decide to marry it'll be to someone like Rafe, a man she loves.

Rafe knows he's been a constant disappointment to his family, so when it comes to watching over Clio until his brother returns from his wanderings to claim his bride, he's not going to let anything, not even Clio's decision not to marry Piers, stand in the way of holy matrimony.

My thoughts...

There are only a handful of authors who can pen a tale guaranteed to sweep me off my feet, and Tessa Dare is one of them. Rafe and Clio are proof that opposites attract, and attract with a chemistry that burns up the pages. The supporting cast is made up of great characters, but Phoebe, Clio's sister...that is a girl I adore and want to see her find her happily ever after with a man who will love her for all her...quirks.

The bottom line...

This is a book that can be read alone, so if you're thinking about beginning this series but aren't quite sure, think no more. I love the way this story unfolds and, like all of Tessa Dare's stories, it's an entertaining, passionate, and fun read. I can't wait for more!!!!!

I really liked this book! It was one of the best Tessa Dare books I've read. I thought the characters were great and really liked their progression to lovers and their backstory. I especially like that there was no big misunderstanding that had to be resolved. She made it clear that they were together and that was that. I also liked that there was no villain. The hero didn't do anything, she didn't, and even her missing fiancé, his brother, was solved amicably. They actually handled things like adults instead of romance-novel adults -- a huge difference in many books!!

I LOVED this book! The dialogue was witty and funny, the secondary characters were fleshed out just well enough, and the sparks between Clio and Rafe were thrilling from the very first page. I started reading this one evening and couldn't put it down until well after I should have gone to sleep. A fantastic novel and I'm off to procure the rest of the Castles Ever After books!

An enjoyable read where two people who don't fit the societal mould struggle to find each other.
I have enjoyed Tessa Dares Spindle Cove series but was delighted to find this other series 'Castles Ever After' every bit as good. Iv you like English historical romance, give it a go.

I did enjoy this book. It was a different take on a historical romance. I liked that the hero was not some foppish hero. He seemed more real and genuine to me. I felt bad for the heroine and her terribly long wait to get married. I also liked how she got her independence and wanted to keep it. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Tessa Dare continues her "Castles Ever After" with the refreshing and delectable 4 1/2 tale. While compassionately portraying unusual characters with social challenges--Phoebe is a particular delight she crafts an exciting tale that will keep reader interest throughout.
Heather Nordahl Files at adcmagazine.com

Absolutely fell in love with the hero in this fun historical romance. I enjoyed reading it so much I didn't want it to end and wish I could give it a thousand stars. Romance, sexy hero, and humor. I think I'll go back and re-read the first book in the series, then this one again while I wait for the third. Love Tessa Dare's writing!

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked it better than the first one of this series. The hero was so cute trying to make everything right for the heroine while not listening to what she really wants. It kept me interested.

I feel if I could give this 0 stars, I would. Despite all the time and effort any author puts into writing a book, I truly feel this was a large disappointment. The course language, the crudity with which sexual references are made, the graphic, distasteful sex scenes and pitiful storyline are just the beginning of where this book flops. The "hero," is just so flawed and so animalistic as to be off-putting. And the heroine is only slightly better than 'blah.'

I found nothing compelling about anything in this story and only finished the book out of respect for the author as well as not to waste my money. The author tried too hard to be cute or humorous and put far too much detail into the mundane. The evolution of feelings between the 2 main characters never truly occurred. It was merely lust the entire time. There were a few gems said by our hero, but they made no sense coming from this brute of a character and were so transparent as a means to evoke emotion in the reader.

I could go on, but suffice it to say if you enjoy a book with a bit of intelligence, depth and polish, then pass on this and find another.

“A dream with one snag. Piers had a new but promising career in foreign diplomacy, and Clio was rather young to assume the duties of managing a household. They had all the time in the world, he pointed out. She didn’t mind a long engagement, did she?
“Of course not,” she’d said.
Looking back, perhaps she should have given a different answer. Such as “Define ‘long’.”

It all seemed like something out of a fairytale. Acting upon the wishes of their respective families, at the tender age of seventeen Miss Clio Whitmore became affianced to the heir to the Granville fortune, Lord Piers Brandon. After an eight year engagement with no foreseeable end in sight, however, Clio’s proposal is beginning to seem less like a dream and more like an interminable nightmare. In the ensuing years, Clio has become an object of public ridicule and dubbed ‘Miss Wait-More’ by her peers, who take delight in making wagers as to when, or more precisely if, her long-awaited nuptials will occur. Determined to salvage her good name and wait no longer, Clio seeks a dissolution of the engagement. There’s only one problem. While the death of her uncle and the castle that was bequeathed to her provide Clio with the sense of purpose and independence she has always sought, Clio will need the support of Piers’ younger brother, Rafe, to dissolve the marriage. Known more simply as ‘The Devil’s Own’, Lord Rafe Brandon’s talent in the boxing ring is rivalled only by that in the bedroom. Scheduled for a re-match against his greatest opponent, Jack Dubose. upon which both his reputation and England’s largest purse are at stake, Rafe will need the proper rest, nourishment and focus in order to succeed. What he doesn’t need, however, are distractions and, for Rafe, there is no greater distraction than Miss Clio Whitmore herself. The perfect embodiment of sweetness, decorum and gentility, Clio represents everything Rafe detests about the polite society he has always eschewed and has fought to dismantle since the age of twenty-one. So, when Clio arrives and informs Rafe that she intends to break off her engagement to his brother and requires his signature and permission to do so, Rafe is understandably shocked and upset. After all, without the marriage to entice him home, Piers will have no reason to return to England, and Rafe will be left to act as Marquess in his brother’s stead, a prospect he absolutely can’t abide. Rafe vows to salvage Clio and Piers’ relationship, even if it means planning the wedding himself, and will use everything at his disposal to do so, including exquisite displays of flowers, instrumentalists, cake, and even an elderly bulldog, to do so. As their week together draws to a close, however, which two will be the ones saying “I do”?

“Oh, she’d tried to laugh away the rumours and smile at the jokes, but inside…
Inside, she was hurting. And utterly alone.
Well, that all ended today. Starting this moment, she was Miss Wait-No-Longer.”

Pop! Goes The Reader is a blog that focuses predominantly on middle grade and young adult fiction and as such I rarely have the opportunity to touch upon another of my passions, historical romance. From the work of Sarah MacLean to Manda Collins, Courtney Milan to Zoe Archer, I have long adored this genre but was never sure what, if any, place it had on the blog. Quite fittingly, the last time I reviewed one such book on Pop! Goes The Reader was this time last year, when I reviewed the first in Tessa Dare’s new Castles Ever After series, Romancing The Duke. Today, much to my equal pleasure and delight, I will once again be revieiwng another work of Ms. Dare’s and the second novel in the aforementioned series, Say Yes To The Marquess. There’s something to be said for a book that simply make you feel good. A book that will make you smile until your cheeks ache. A book that will make you laugh aloud unashamedly, even in the most crowded of rooms. A book that you seek out after a long day at work or when curled up in bed, nursing a cold that just won’t go away. No-one – and I mean absolutely no-one – writes these sort of books better than Tessa Dare. While I didn’t adore the second instalment in this series quite as much as its predecessor, Dare remains one of my favourite authors in this or any genre, whose work I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to those familiar with the historical romance genre or those looking to dip their toes into its unfamiliar waters for the first time. With her now-trademark combination of wit, humour, sensuality and female empowerment, Tessa Dare proves that you can, in fact, have your cake and eat it too in this new, irresistible friends-to-lovers romance that readers won’t be able to resist devouring in a single sitting.

“As usual, his thoughts were three paces ahead of his judgement. The image erupted in his mind’s eye, as unbidden as it was vivid. Clio, breathless. Naked. Under him. Stripped of all her good manners and inhibitions. Begging him to learn her every secret shade of pink.
Rafe blinked hard. Then he took that mental image and filed it away under Pleasant-Sounding Impossibilities. Right between ‘flying carriage’ and ‘beer fountain’.”

The eldest of three daughters, Clio Whitmore was born to a good, solid, dependable family and was impeccably bred from birth to make an advantageous marriage, one prosperous enough to compensate for her two younger sisters’ assortment of shortcomings and oddities. All that changes, however, when her prolonged engagement and separation from Piers allow her the opportunity to reevaluate her life. Unbeknownst to anyone, Clio wishes to use her extensive education for far more than idle drawing room conversation. Her inheritance of Twill Castle, left to her by her uncle, allows Clio a measure of financial security and independence previously unknown to her. Most importantly of all, it provides her with a long sought-after sense of purpose. Prior to this inheritance, Clio was merely waiting for her life to begin, biding her time until Piers returned from his diplomatic duties overseas. In the present, however, Clio has devised a scheme to convert portions of the castle into a brewery, utilizing the local resources to establish a financially-stable future for herself. Lord Rafe Brandon is the son of a marquess who long ago turned his back on the pretensions and pomposity of the aristocracy and polite society. More interested in the intricacies of fisticuffs than finances, Rafe’s chosen occupation of prizefighting is a point of contention in his family and has had him labeled a disgrace and a disappointment by his father, whose approval he often sought, but never truly achieved. When Clio makes a sudden reappearance back in his life, Rafe is in the process of preparing for his return to prizefighting after a devastating and much-publicized loss. Suddenly, Rafe can feel everything that he has worked so hard for, and that has given his life meaning, slipping through his fingers. If Piers does not return to England to marry Clio, Rafe will be left in charge of the Granville estate in his stead and forced to continue to shoulder the mantle of Marquess. Despite outward appearances, the two have a great deal more in common than initially meets the eye. Both are plagued by insecurities and have their fair share of obstacles to overcome before either can achieve their happily ever after, as individuals or as a couple.

“Then there’s my secret weapon.” With a glance in either direction, he pulled out a small brass object from his pocket. “Picked up this little beauty in a pawnbroker’s.”
Rafe looked at it. “A quizzing glass. Really.”
“I’m telling you, these things scream upper crust. You should get one, Rafe. No, I mean it. Someone talks over your head? Quizzing glass. Someone asks a question you can’t answer? Quizzing glass.”
“You honestly think a stupid monocle is all you need to blend in with the aristocracy?”
Bruiser raised the quizzing glass and peered at Rafe through the lens. Solemnly.
The idiot might be onto something.

As was the case with the prior book in the series, Romancing The Duke, I was faced with an overwhelming abundance of choice when it came time to choose a few select quotations to include in my review. Dare’s prose positively sparkles and never fails to delight with a bewitching combination of humour and eroticism that is all the author’s own. The dialogue is sharp and clever and moves the pace along at such a fast clip as to almost ensure that you will devour this novel in a single sitting. The secondary characters are equally delightful. From Piers’ portly, aged bulldog, Ellingworth, to Rafe’s enterprising friend and prizefight organizer, ‘Bruno Aberforth Montague Esquire’, née Bruiser, Dare’s supporting cast are just as charming as ever and threaten to steal every scene they are in, no more so than Clio’s youngest sister, Phoebe. While it’s unclear whether or not the author intended for Phoebe’s behaviour to be indicative of her placement on the autism spectrum, Phoebe’s strict adherence to rationality, her genius, ingenuity and generosity of spirit made her a thoroughly loveable character and one whose own story I would love to delve more deeply into, given the opportunity. One can only hope that Tessa Dare intends to dedicate an entire novel to this character who is sure to steal the hearts and minds of many. Best of all, while Say Yes To The Marquess is the second installation in Dare’s Castles Ever After series, the two books can be read independently of each other and in whichever order you prefer. To the best of my recollection there is no cross-over between the two books or anything else which might otherwise dissuade a reader from reading Say Yes To The Marquess first, should they so desire.

“They kissed tenderly. They kissed deeply.
They kissed as though it were right.
As though it made perfect sense. As if all the talking and not-talking and arguing and ignoring they’d done over the past eight years – no, so much longer than that – had all been entries on one long list of “Things We Do To Avoid Kissing”. And now that they’d reached the end of it, they had a great deal of lost time to make up.”

There’s always a palpable, bittersweet ache when I close the final page on a Tessa Dare novel. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the hero and heroine achieve their hard-won happily ever after but it’s immensely difficult to bid goodbye to the enchanting worlds this author creates and the pure, unadulterated joy that she infuses into each and every word. With each new release, the author reminds me why her novels are consistently among my favourites in this or any genre. Her effervescent wit, her searing sensuality, and her charming, three-dimensional characters never fail to nestle themselves firmly inside my heart and Say Yes To The Marquess is no exception. An irresistible combination of heart, heat, and hilarity, Dare’s latest is a solid second instalment in the Castles Ever After series and a must-read for those familiar with or entirely new to this genre and/or this series.

This was an enjoyable read. Clio was a wonderful character. I liked her wit and her tenacity. Rafe was also a wonderful character. And I thought the two blended well together. The sex scenes were very spicy, but enjoyable.

This book is definitely on the "lighter" side of historical romance. I really enjoyed both the heroine and the hero. There are some unexplained events that move the story along, but this is historical romance after all...

Some of the questions that irritated me were answered unsatisfactorily in the 2nd half of the book. The heroine wants her fiancee's brother to sign the papers dissolving the betrothal (why didn't she write to her fiancee?). Rafe is eager to hand back the estate responsibilities to his brother (why does he think his brother, who has been out of the country for years, would change once married?).

The supporting characters were cartoonish. I did enjoy Clio's knowledge and plans about the brewery. But the story bordered on being too cute.

Say Yes to the Marquess is a dazzling and delightful historical romance. Tessa Dare's books are witty, charming, funny and romantic.
Rafe and Clio's story is so funny and romantic, with lovable characters that from the first page I didn't want to put it down.
I really enjoyed reading this fabulous book. Thank you Tessa Dare for writing great books.

I like that the 2 main characters have liked each other for so long but never realized until they were thrown together to plan the wedding that they loved each other.
I would recommend this to anyone that needs a light, fun, romantic read.
When I have to finish a book from start to end in 1 day, it deserves 5 stars

I love this series (this is the second) by Tessa Dare - I love the idea of women inheriting castles and the author creates charming, witty, and lovely stories around that concept. I will definitely be looking for the next!

I absolutely loved the first book in this series: Romancing the Duke. It had humor, romance, passion. Ever since I learned that the second book will be coming out, I have been beyond exited. I like very few romance authors, and Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas are pretty much the only two I read. Anyways, I read the excerpt and everything and was looking forward to the book, but it just seemed a little flat to me. I didn't really like the hero, although he was okay. I didn't completely dislike the book though. Clio is a well-rounded and likable heroine. I think it's just because I'm picky about books, a terrible thing to be since I like to read so much. However, I remain a Tessa Dare fan. I have enjoyed all of the books she has written, only two or three fell short of my expectations, including this one, but they didn't fall so short that I hated the book. I'm looking forward to the next book! Hopefully I will like the plot better.

Clio and Rafe are one of my favourite couples from under Tessa Dare's pen. They had so much chemistry sparkling between them one could almost see it in front of one's eyes. I'm not sure why would anyone be offended by the sex scenes, like one reviewer suggested? It was nothing bit steamy, passionate love. Plus, the doggo was adorable. It couldn't be better.

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked it better than the first one of this series. The hero was so cute trying to make everything right for the heroine while not listening to what she really wants. It kept me interested.

She's back with this one, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately, I feel like I have read quite a few disappointments by this author recently. Although I didn't care for Romancing the Duke, I thought it was more than a bit silly, this book by contrast, was so much better. It was like the old Ms. Dare was back! The only reason why I did not give it a full five stars is because for some reason the author made us wait until the end of the book for the love scene. Not sure why. I understand wanting to build up tension but that was a bit too much. I loved the hero. Amazing. The dialogue was just done so well. I couldn't put it down. The heroine was likable. (The autistic sister was a bit obvious and sorry, annoying. Everyone seems to be trying to touch on autism now). I did not read the first book which I think was a novella and I don't like novellas. Not sure why this author throws in so many novellas. The only other thing I could pick on with this story, was the drawn out appearance of the brother. Where was he? It was a bit far fetched that he was not coming home. I see some other reviewers remarked on that as well and when he does come back it falls a bit flat.

I'm not totally sure, with this one. I didn't anticipate reading a contemporary rom-com style HR novel, but there you have it. It was meant to be funny and heartwarming, but I found it neither. The chemistry between Rafe and Clio in the first 1/4 of the book seemed decent enough, and kept me reading more (desperately searching for that connection again), but, for me, any believable connection between them (aside from their obvious lust) was gone. And to add to that note, the lust, itself, was a bit of a dud. The author genuinely tried to string me a long, eagerly waiting for the H&H to finally do the deed, but in order for that to be impactful, "the deed" has to be a momentous moment for the characters, and this just didn't read that way to me.

As for the plot, itself, I found it not just unbelievable, but a bit vexing, as well. Rafe's motivation throughout the entirety of the novel is weak: forcing the woman that you've been mad for since you were youths to marry your basically estranged brother (for stupid, weak spoiler reasons) is absolutely ludicrous, most particularly when he knows that Clio doesn't want to get married. Now Clio, while vowing to be stronger and more independent, cowardly attempts to force Rafe to cancel her engagement to his brother before his brother comes home from the continent, while also meekly accepting her family's bullying because they "mean well". If this was supposed to be part of her character development, then having her make the decision to be more independent at the beginning of the novel was a mistake, because she showed absolutely no inclination to be more independent while she was relying on others and hiding behind politeness. Also, after that whole discussion on how her mother used to starve her, you'd think that she would have more sense than to let her sister do the same thing.

So, while I would absolutely love to give this at least 3.5 or 4 * just for the pleasant beginning, the parts of this novel that vexed me are taking over. I'll definitely read more Tessa Dare, but I truly hope that she doesn't keep up the contemporary style of writing, as I really enjoy HR novels.

I’m not a stickler for historical romances being too historicaly accurate. But this one was too much of a completely modern story, that felt as if it was set in the 19th century for marketing purposes alone.
The characters’ attraction to each other also wasn’t too believable, and I found the emotional chemistry between them quite lacking.
I like many of Dare’s books, but this one was overall disappointing.