Review: Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare
SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
I listened to this audiobook over the past several days and I have to confess, it was an absolute delight! It was filled with so much laugh-out-loud hilarity that was balanced perfectly with tender moments and harsh truths. I am smiling just typing this review but don’t let that fool you, this book was also filled with all the blush-worthy moments too!
I have to say I adored Clio and Rafe who are in a battle of stubborn wits. They had me in an endless fit of giggles as they bantered back and forth while trying to fight and deny their growing chemistry. While Clio is all soft curves, Rafe is all hardened fighter. And their personalities don’t stray far from this. Clio is all heart, with her boundless determination, fierce passion, and tenderness, she had me cheering her on early in the story. Rafe was the brute I want to hate but can’t help falling for. His charisma and charm leaked out and try as he might, his actions spoke so much more than his words.
The secondary characters and enchanting setting made the story just that much more enjoyable. I found myself sinking into the beauty and mystery of Twill Castle. I loved all the hidden nooks and hallways for stealing kisses or hiding men who shouldn’t be in your room. Clio’s sisters bring and extra layer of complexity to the story as you explore their dysfunctional familial relationship. With Daphne being the horrid, rude sister and Phoebe being the blunt, quirky sister, there were some conversations that left my jaw hanging. Lets not forget Piers, who when he returns I had to pause the book because I was shook.
I just enjoyed every minute of this audiobook. The setting and pace of the story was fantastic and flowed effortlessly. I could have done without some of the drama but I understand why it was in the story because the drama led to Clio or Rafe revealing another layer of their personality. I already have the next book downloaded and ready to go! Needless to say, all aboard the historical romance binge train.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
