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le3713's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was my first Tessa Dare romance and it did not disappoint. This book is FUNNY. The scene where Emma and Ash first meet is amazing and their dialogue throughout the book is very entertaining. The supporting characters in the form of Breeches the cat, the household staff, and Emma's newfound friends added much to my enjoyment as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
coacklebee's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another silly and light romance novel that I quite enjoyed, even if it reads more like a contemporary than a historical romance. Having already read the third in this series (oops), I knew more about what to expect from Tessa Dare's style and was more willing to put aside my complaints about the characters very un-Regency actions. If you're looking for a true historical romance, this is definitely not it. But I did enjoy my time reading it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Classism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Vomit, and War
mcmizzie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A classic beauty-and-the-beast forced proximity/marriage of convenience trope — but done very, very well, with wry wit and actually laugh-aloud humor. Spice level 4.4/5
I also really really appreciated that the heroine has had precious sexual experiences; I find the Virgin-rake trope overdone in historical romance. There were also several cheeky references to 2016 politics I enjoyed — a nevertheless she persisted line and a line about “false news,” which was clever and felt like a little feminist wink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
emfass's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
My first Tessa Dare and I am blissfully in love. What a treat. The dialogue especially was *chef's kiss.* I just adored Emma and Ash and their story.
I zoomed through this audiobook because it was so damn delightful. Mary Jane Wells is SUPERB.
I zoomed through this audiobook because it was so damn delightful. Mary Jane Wells is SUPERB.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Body shaming, and Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Vomit
anth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was funny, self indulgent and satisfying. I love the Duke. The humour is amazing and the banter is A grade. I want to read more from Tessa Dare!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical trauma and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent
sydneys_neverendingtbr's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
First historical romance, has made me a Tessa Dare lover for life. Found this book not only sweet but hilarious. The banter between Emma and the Duke is so natural and effortlessly fun. The slow burn between them and their undeniable love for each other was simply perfect. I wished the whole “I love you, but I can’t tell you,” trope didn’t last as long as it did. But still, I read all of it in about a day and a half! And I’m usually a very slow reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
lexa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
4.0
I judged this book by its cover and I was (mostly) wrong. While it was just as steamy as I expected, it was also funny and charming and heartfelt. Definitely not boring and cringe-worthy. This was both my first historical romance and my first Tessa Dare, and it won't be my last of either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body shaming, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
distilledreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A very enjoyable regency romance! It delivers on everything put out in the description: a seamstress appears in the Duke of Ashbury’s library wearing a wedding gown and he proposes with the intent of procuring an heir; Emma agrees before implementing a few terms of her own. What ensues in their marriage is lighthearted fun that touches ever-so-slightly on the disproportionate values surrounding virtue and the subsequent consequences. I’ve read the third book in this “series” previously, The Wallflower Wager, but really they’re more companion novels involving tangential characters, rather than a linear series. While this did mean the two felt very similar in plot and narrative, I enjoyed the tropes used and Tessa Dare’s writing style with its witty banter between the couples. Regency romances tend to be formulaic in nature, and that’s why they’re so well-loved. I had intended just to read a few chapters before bed, and then proceeded to finish the novel in four hours, so it’s truly a fast-paced, fun read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, and Sexual content
teignmouth's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Religious bigotry
wanderingtales's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Medical trauma
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