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unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.5
I just really cannot get enough of Tessa Dare’s soft hearted curmudgeonly heroes, brave, stubborn, smart heroines and ultimate silliness in service of love. The banter in Dare’s books always delivers, and the spice is spicy! I laugh at least once while reading every Tessa Dare and the swoon factor is *high.*
In this book, we have another grumpy recluse of a hero in the Duke of Ashbury. Physically injured in the Napoleonic Wars and emotionally injured upon his return, he is in desperate need of a wife so that he can make and heir to pass his substantial fortune on to. He is sarcastic and mean, but ultimately more wounded than anything. Fun moment: similar to our favorite contemporary hero, Ren Bergman, all of his swears are Shakespearean. He’s a walking “who hurt you?” with a big gooey cinnamon roll middle.
Our heroine is Emma Gladstone, a talented seamstress who appears at the Duke’s residence in time of both of their greatest needs. She is strong and witty, and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt - maybe too much benefit.
The two embark upon a marriage of convenience that ends up being so much more. Tessa can write a grump like no other and the Duke of Ashbury is no exception.
👍🏻Recommended! This was exactly what I needed to bust up my reading slump. If you are considering historical romance but don’t know where to start, I cannot recommend Tessa Dare enough. There are many tongue-in-cheek references and a very modern point of view in these although they are set in the early 1800s. If you like Downton Abbey? You will like Tessa Dare.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment
Moderate: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pregnancy
martamae77'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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, and Pregnancy
Minor: War, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Addiction
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
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
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