A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove, #1)

Oct 24, 2011 Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: unsuspecting friends and enemies

Shelves: ebook, historical-romance, wallpaper-historical, regency-england, buddy-readz-r-social, double-dog-dares, heroine-spinster, soothing-avocado-mask, 1-stars, author-is-not-for-me, boring-as-batshite, cliche-cliche-cliche, retarded-jellyfish-could-wr8-better, read-it-for-the-lolz, hero-heroine-meet-in-chapter-1, heroine-annoying-and-way-annoying, heroine-extreme-mary-sue, i-must-be-crazy, my-iq-just-barfed-100-points, overrated, peeves-wanky-wangst, when-the-genre-sucks-it-sucks-hard, wtf-was-this, going-ranty-on-ur-ass, the-avon-shelf-of-shame, brain-cell-diarrhea, the-bottomless-pit-of-leonidas, zomg-another-fucking-leg-wound, because-i-am-an-asshole, modern-medicine, sherry-and-tessa-dare-equals-std

I thought I was being so cute when I took a GR buddy up on a dare to read this one if she would read Led Astray by a Rake by Sara Bennett. We're not exactly sure who got the short end of the stick in this affair. I think the Bennett book probably has bigger font, so I got shafted this go-round. When we meet next time, GR Buddy, it will be YOU at a disadvantage.

As I read this, I thought it was a lot like a Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedy, except in costumes and with little of the wit and charm and a...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-european, 2011-4-5-5-stars

4.5 stars

From the opening paragraphs the tone is set for this wonderful, funny, completely delightful story -

Bram stared into a pair of wide, dark eyes. Eyes that reflected a surprising glimmer of intelligence. This might be the rare female a man could reason with.

"Now, then," he said. "We can do this the easy way, or we can make things difficult."

With a soft snort, she turned her head. It was as if he'd ceased to exist.

"Listen sharp, now." He gave her ear a rough tweak and sank his voice to a l...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical, series, bad-childhood, england, excellent, read-2011

"We have to get out of here, Bram. Before they take our bollocks and use them for pincushions."

Bram made his way to the nearest wall and propped one shoulder against it, resting his knee. Damn, that climb had been steep. "Let me understand this," he said, discreetly rubbing his aching thigh under the guise of brushing off loose dirt. "You're suggesting we leave because the village is full of spinsters? Since when do you complain about an excess of women?"

"These are not your normal spinsters. The

...more

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Mar 03, 2013 edzkie♥§*.*§♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-love-so-so-much, books-series, crazily-hilarious-books, historical-romance

“I’ve never met a woman like you. You’re so much like me. It’s as though we’re two examples of some rare, exotic breed. Only I’m the male specimen, and you’re the female. Clever as you are, you must know what that means.”
“Enlighten me.”
“It means we should mate. We have a responsibility to Nature.”

5++++++ FUN-FUN-FUNTASTIC STAR!! I've read a week to be wicked before this. I love Minerva and my "amnesia boy" Colin, but I now love Bram and Susanna more. I was swooning,grinning lol-ing, "awwww'-ing...more “I’ve never met a woman like you. You’re so much like me. It’s as though we’re two examples of some rare, exotic breed. Only I’m the male specimen, and you’re the female. Clever as you are, you must know what that means.”
“Enlighten me.”
“It means we should mate. We have a responsibility to Nature.”

5++++++ FUN-FUN-FUNTASTIC STAR!! I've read a week to be wicked before this. I love Minerva and my "amnesia boy" Colin, but I now love Bram and Susanna more. I was swooning,grinning lol-ing, "awwww'-ing, on the brink of tears, then all of sudden giggling again. I love all the witty banters, the green jokes, the humor, and all the people in the Spindle/ Spinter Cove.

“We have to get out of here, Bram. Before they take our bollocks and use them for pincushions.”
“Let me understand this. You’re suggesting we leave because the village is full of spinsters? Since when do you complain about an excess of women?”
“These are not your normal spinsters. They’re . . . they’re unbiddable. And excessively educated.”

Bram is a wounded hero. He suffered an accident that wounded his right leg as much as his pride. His sole intent at visiting Spindle Cove is to talk Susana's dad into putting a word for him, so he can get back in the field. There he meet Mr. Lewis only daughter, Susanna. Susanna Finch suffered a great depression when she was a child. So she take it as her responsibility that no one she cared will suffer the way she does. When both of them meet its like a battle. Who will win and who will submit. I enjoy it so much that I didn't even feel I was nearing the end of the story. The writing is fantastic,I love the dialogue, the romance is sweet, and all of it comes down to the connection between the characters. They are so good together and you find yourself rooting for their Happily Ever After.I commend Ms. Dare for such a wonderful book!☺

“Bram,do you think you could love me, just a little?”
“No, Susanna,” he said. “I cannot love you just a little. If that’s what you want, you must find a different man.” His green eyes were breathtaking in their intensity. His thumb brushed her bottom lip. “Because I can only love you entirely. With everything I am, and everything I ever will be. Body, mind, heart, soul....You’re my home, Susanna. My home, my heart, my dearest love. Wherever you are, that’s where I belong. Always.”

Fave lines:

▬“It’s but a momentary interruption. Just this once.”
“Just this once?” He made a dismissive noise, rifling through papers. “What about just now in the church?”
“Very well, twice.”
“Try again.” He stacked his papers and looked up, devouring her with his intent green gaze. “You invaded my dreams at least a half-dozen times last night. When I’m awake, you keep traipsing through my thoughts. Sometimes you’re barely clothed. What excuse can you make for that?”

▬“You are horrid.”
“And you love it. That’s the worst of the matter. You want me every bit as badly as I want you. Because I’m exactly what you need. There’s no one else in this village strong enough to take you on. You need a real man, to show you what to do with all that passion seething beneath your surface. You need to be challenged, mastered.”

▬“Of course you are. You’re human. We’re all scared, every last one of us. Afraid of life, of love, of dying. Maybe marching in neat rows all day distracts you from the truth of it. But when the sun goes down? We’re all just stumbling through the darkness, trying to outlast another night. Excellent vintage. Makes me sound almost intelligent.”▬Colin

▬“Tonight...is the night we take back that village. And we’re not going to do it by marching in lines or committing acts of brave idiocy. We’re going to do it by being men. Manly men. The kind of men a woman wants to take control.”
“But . . .” The blacksmith looked around the group. “We are men. Last I checked, anyhow.”
“It’s not just a matter of having the proper equipment. It’s using the equipment properly.” Leaping up on a crate, Colin spread his arms wide. “Look at me. Now look at yourselves. Now look back at me. I am the man you want to be like.”
Dawes crossed his arms. “Why is that, precisely?”
“Do you know how many women I’ve bedded?” When Rufus and Finn perked, he waved at them. “Have a guess, boys.”
“Seventeen,” offered Finn.
“More.”
“Eighteen.”
“Still more.”
“Er . . . nineteen?”
“Oh, for the love of God,” he muttered. “We’ll be here all day. Let’s just call the number more than you can imagine. Because clearly, that is the case.” Under his breath, he added, “Perhaps higher than you know how to count.”

▬“Please.” Colin waved the wine bottle at him. “You’re rich, and now titled as well. Granted, there’s that stiff knee to contend with, but you do have all your own teeth.” He raised an impish brow. “And assuming handsomely sized male equipment runs in our family line . . .”
Bram shook his head.
“Oh,” Colin said pityingly. “It doesn’t?”
“It does”—Bram made a fist—“not matter.”
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Sep 22, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: european-historical, romance, historical, 5-stars, favorites, regency-era, tormented-heroines, reviewed-on-blog, autobuy-authors, books-i-own

A Night to Surrender is Ms. Dare's seventh historical romance and the beginning of her third series. I have liked every single one of her books so I was excited to read her newest and let me say that this is my favorite Tessa Dare book so far! I loved everything about it: the characters, the setting, the plot. It completely drew me in and left me scrambling for more. Okay...enough rambling...on to the actual review!

Much of this book contains both Bram's effort to find and train volunteers for h...more A Night to Surrender is Ms. Dare's seventh historical romance and the beginning of her third series. I have liked every single one of her books so I was excited to read her newest and let me say that this is my favorite Tessa Dare book so far! I loved everything about it: the characters, the setting, the plot. It completely drew me in and left me scrambling for more. Okay...enough rambling...on to the actual review!

Much of this book contains both Bram's effort to find and train volunteers for his militia and Susanna's efforts to keep her seaside paradise as a safe haven for young ladies. This brings forward a variety of humorous moments. Some of my particular favorites include Bram's search for men in Spindle Cove and Susanna's demonstration of her ladies' weapon training.

Spindle Cove is a setting that almost seems like a character. Readers get many details of the layout of the village, its location on the sea, and how it has transformed with the arrival of Susanna's charges. There also seems to be a type of spell that Spindle Cove puts upon people when they arrive. Bram and his companions are not immune to this atmosphere though it does seem to take a little bit of time for the full effects to be realized.

But, what sets apart A Night to Surrender from other historical romances, for me, is the main characters. Bram and Susanna are fabulously thought out and unique in their own way. They have some stereotypical attributes, but Dare does a nice job of making sure that both of them were realistic.

Together Bram and Susanna realize their weaknesses and figure out how to deal with them. They are immediately attracted to each other and face quite a few obstacles to finding their happily-ever-after. But, it was obvious that they made each other better people and were destined to be together.

There are many secondary characters that keep the plot moving forward as well as providing some funny scenes like the Bright twins and the Highwood family. But, my personal favorites are Bram's companions to Spindle Cove, Corporal Thorne and Bram's cousin Colin, Lord Payne. Colin's story is next in this series and I can't wait to see more of him and his heroine's (whom we meet in this book) interactions. I also have a soft spot for Thorne and I think I have an idea of his future lady...

In conclusion, A Night to Surrender is a book full of humor, drama, and, of course, romance. The characters are well-drawn and fully fleshed out while the plot keeps going at a rapid pace until the unconventional ending. It is a great beginning to what I hope will be a great series!

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Sep 27, 2012 Nadine rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Wow, with this book I went from: (1) I don't expect much from this book, to (2) wow this actually isn't bad! I think I'll like it!, to (3) OMG I can't believe the suckage here, but maybe it gets better, to (4) I must stop reading, I can't stand it any longer.

*

At the start, I enjoyed this book FAR more than I expected. It made it to my list by a recommendation (can't remember from where ... Julia Quinn maybe?) but I didn't expect much. I'll be honest, the author's name sounds so made up and over-...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Madame X rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

A NIGHT TO SURRENDER combines gorgeous, gorgeous writing with a very silly plot. When I say silly, I don’t just mean that I, personally, find it silly – I mean it’s self-consciously ridiculous. This is a book, after all, that starts off with the hero and his boon companions setting off a small explosion to clear a herd of sheep away from a small country road – a sheep-bombing, as the incident is later titled.

The sheep-bombing leads to a host of similarly absurd events. Our hero, Bram, is given...more A NIGHT TO SURRENDER combines gorgeous, gorgeous writing with a very silly plot. When I say silly, I don’t just mean that I, personally, find it silly – I mean it’s self-consciously ridiculous. This is a book, after all, that starts off with the hero and his boon companions setting off a small explosion to clear a herd of sheep away from a small country road – a sheep-bombing, as the incident is later titled.

The sheep-bombing leads to a host of similarly absurd events. Our hero, Bram, is given the task of whipping Spindle Cove’s small handful of civilian men into a reserve militia. Our heroine, Susanna, protests Bram’s military incursions with a host of uppity spinsters. Cue the inevitable cross-dressing escapades and pratfalls. Almost every single turn of the plot here is more joke than story.

Well. Jokes with a point. Bram and Susanna start off at loggerheads. They’re both likable, competent, virtuous, utterly commendable people. But Susanna is devoted to her retreat, and she isn’t sure it will survive Bram’s interference. Bram doesn’t care; he has a job to do and if that means injecting a little testosterone into Spindle Cove, so much the better. But through all their silly clashes they learn to like and respect one another, and eventually they work together and find out they’re stronger together than they were individually.

It’s a nice message. It’s a charming, whimsical book. And, like I said at the beginning, the writing is gorgeous. At one point Dare describes Susanna as a “temptress in a teapot” and her sensual scenes are amazing – like when Susanna lies chest to chest with Bram and enthuses about their “dueling heartbeats pounding both sides of the same drum.” Gorgeous, right? It’s an unforgettable image.

I think someone who likes their historical romances fluffy would love this book. Someone who likes their heroes and heroines to be relatable rather than dramatic, nice rather than intense, pleasantly compatible. Personally, I find nice, likable, relatable Susanna and Bram boring. I like my historicals with more angst and intensity. But that’s personal taste; A NIGHT TO SURRENDER is beautifully executed.
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Oct 13, 2011 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesome-ensemble, banterbanterbanter, awesomely-awesome-reads, conversations-are-love, e-books, favorite-couples, favorite-heroines, declaration-of-love, fiction, favorite-heroes, first-kiss, romances-historical, happy-endings, funny, hidden-depths, moments-it-s-the-moments, palpable-ust, part-of-series, real-deal, romance, heroine-stalwart-strong-steadfast, to-be-read-over-and-over-again, so-much-love, sigh-inducing, overcoming-the-past, 2011-reads, all-time-faves, driving-force, catalyst-for-change, favorites, falling-in-love, hero-career-military, gasp-worthy, hero-damaged-hurt, hero-passionate, hero-strong-willed-stubborn, hero-sexy-as-hell, hero-protective, hero-scarred-disfigured-hurt, heartaches-and-heartbreaks, heroes-in-pursuit, hero-with-great-sense-of-humor, heroine-not-ave-damsel-in-distress, hero-responsible-dutybound, hero-very-smart, heroine-independent, hero-titled-earl, heroine-very-smart, heroine-damaged-hurt, heroine-very-creative, heroine-bluestocking, love-yourself, heroine-strong-willed-stubborn, laughed-my-arse-off, hero-very-charming, polar-opposites, how-do-you-not-love-the-hero, heroine-passionate, patience-is-a-virtue, opposites-attract, heroine-cutesy-quirks, heroine-scarred-disfigured-hurt, heroine-very-tall, second-chances, small-town-love, loyalty-and-love, tears-and-all, hopeless-romantic, made-me-cry-a-lot, unforgettable-kiss, tender-moments-that-tug-at-your-hea, undeniable-attraction, salvation-and-redemption, recommended-to-everyone, unconventional-heroines, the-ties-that-bind, spreading-the-love, so-many-quotable-quotes, steamy-reads, sacrifice

How is it there's only five stars available? I'd pluck some more from the night skies if I could because this is just made of so much win. The kind that really awesome romances are made of. The kind that would engage your mind and not just yor heart. You know the one. Yup, that's the kind that would make you laugh out loud, swoon and sigh and grin goofily because your heart is just so, so full of love. I still have so much to say but I'm feeling indescribably happy and I'm just bursting with joy...more How is it there's only five stars available? I'd pluck some more from the night skies if I could because this is just made of so much win. The kind that really awesome romances are made of. The kind that would engage your mind and not just yor heart. You know the one. Yup, that's the kind that would make you laugh out loud, swoon and sigh and grin goofily because your heart is just so, so full of love. I still have so much to say but I'm feeling indescribably happy and I'm just bursting with joy that review will just have to wait. Hehehe.

ETA

A Night To Surrender is a gem of a read. It will take you to dizzying heights of happiness, laughter, and love (and likely even some tears -- oh, Bram!). I found ANTS to be a brilliantly written story set in a charming little seaside village, teeming with distinctive characters bound to capture your heart with their humor, tenacity, passion, and spirit.

I have a profound love for Susanna and Bram, two amazingly beautiful survivors: damaged and vulnerable, stalwart and duty-bound. From the moment they meet, each has shaken up the others' world, challenging each other in every clever way possible. Their attraction is undeniable, genuine. Their connection is substantive, vital. It's very clear that their lives will never be the same again, simply as their encounter has brought a change in them. The journey they had to take for them to be able to let love in, is not to be missed. What an adventure it was, to go from being able to recognize their own weaknesses, break down solidly built defenses, overcome their fears and let go of their insecurities, to knowing the truth that one doesn't have to be perfect to be exactly what they need, and being able to trust unequivocally, and meet in the middle without sacrificing who they are at the core. I absolutely love the flirtatious banter and the witty repartee between the two (I can't pick favorites because there's just so many, but a laugh-out-loud moment that comes to mind would be when Susanna and Bram have a conversation with Sir Lewis, The One With The 'Proposal'. Heehee.) To tell the truth, these two didn't just make me laugh, they made me cry too. Look out for that moment when Bram confronts Sir Lewis, and tell me that your heart didn't just swell even just a little, that you didn't feel even just a bit of ache, a bit of sympathy, and a lot of respect. And love. Love, that goes without saying.

The secondary characters are an awesome bunch, truly. Some had me hooting with laughter, some were very appealing and charming, some I found to be very intriguing, and some were even deceiving; vexing and disappointing and not at all perfect or how we thought they'd be. Just like in life, we have those people we love who are maybe blinded by their own passion, or perhaps who simply cannot understand us. Those are the people that force us to adapt and change, and help us be better and stronger. And oh, to have all of these people reside in a place such as Spindle Cove ... I found myself pausing at certain moments in the book, wishing SC was an actual place I could visit, real and inviting as it is. If only.

I have already recommended this to everyone I know, and I even went out to buy it for some of my closest friends, because I just couldn't contain my excitement for this book and I couldn't wait for my friends to experience the satisfaction for themselves. What an excellent way to start the series, and I cannot wait to read about Colin and Minerva's story. :D

Favorite quotes, and there are so many to choose from:
(view spoiler)[

* ... with everything ...

"No, Susanna," he said. "I cannot love you just a little. If that's what you want, you must find a different man." His green eyes were breathtaking in their intensity. His thumb brushed her bottom lip. "Because I can only love you entirely. With everything I am, and everything I will be. Body, mind, heart, soul."

* ... at last ...

"A beast is just what you want. A big, dark medieval brute to throw you to the ground, tear the clothes from your body, and have his wicked way with you. I know I’m right. I haven’t forgotten how excited you were in the aftermath of that blast."
The nerve of him!
How could he tell?
She lifted her chin. "Well, I haven't forgotten the sound you made when I first touched your brow. It wasn't even a moan, it was more like . . . like a whimper."
He made a dismissive sound. "Oh yes. A plaintive, yearning whimper. Because you want an angel. A sweet, tender virgin to hold you and stroke you and whisper precious promises and make you feel human."
"That's absurd," he scoffed. "You're just begging to be taught a hard, fast lesson in what it means to please a man."
"You're just longing to put your head in my lap and feel my fingers in your hair.
He backed her up against a rock. "You need a good ravaging."
"You," she breathed, "need a hug."
They stared at each other for long, tense moments. At first, looking each other in the eye. Then looking each other in the lips. "You know what I think?" he said, coming closer. So close she could feel his breath wash warm against her cheek. "I think we’re having one of those vexing arguments again."
"The kind where both sides are right?"
"Hell, yes."
And this time, when they kissed, they both made that sound. That deep, moaning, yearning, whimpering sound.
That sound that said yes.
And at last.
And you are exactly what I need."

* ... have a guess ...

"Tonight," he announced, "is the night we take back that village. And we're not going to do it by marching in lines or committing acts of brave idiocy. We're going to do it by being men. Manly men. The kind of men a woman wants to take control."
Brows wrinkled in confusion.
"But . . ." The blacksmith looked around the group. "We are men. Last I checked, anyhow."
"It's not just a matter of having the proper equipment. It's using the equipment properly." Leaping up on a crate, Colin spread his arms wide. "Look at me. Now look at yourselves. Now look back at me. I am the man you want to be like."
Dawes crossed his arms. "Why is that, precisely?"
"Do you know how many women I've bedded?" When Rufus and Finn perked, he waved at them. "Have a guess, boys."
"Seventeen," offered Finn.
"More."
"Eighteen."
"Still more."
"Er . . . nineteen?"
"Oh, for the love of God," he muttered. "We'll be here all day. Let's just call the number more than you can imagine. Because clearly, that is the case." Under his breath, he added, "Perhaps higher than you know how to count."

* ... not wounded ...

"My pride's not wounded, for God's sake. And no, I'm not disappointed. Nor haunted, nor embittered, nor threatened. Stop trying to pin all these emotions on me like frilly pink ribbons. I'm not one of your delicate spinsters, Miss Finch. This isn't about my tender feelings. I have things to accomplish, and you"--he poked a single finger into her shoulder--"are hindering me."

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Aug 20, 2012 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More

I’ve wanted to read this one for a while, and the other night I was flipping through to see if it was what I wanted to read before bed. *sigh* I should have known you can’t just “flip through” one of Tessa Dare’s books. I was up til 1 am where I had to stop because my eyes literally wouldn’t focus any longer. In fact, I think the same could be said of all 3 books in this series, since I read them all in the same week.

Susanna is the only daughter of...more

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Aug 31, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, for-review, historical-romance, vine

Are you looking for spinsters gone wild? Read A Night To Surrender by Tessa Dare and take a trip to Spindle Cove. Spindle Cove is the hot spot for well-bred women who don’t fit society’s expectations perfectly – the shy ones, the ones who realize marriage isn’t what it’s cracked up to be and those who keep getting their hearts broken by rakes. Susanna has worked long and hard to make Spindle Cove a haven and it’ll be over her dead body that Victor Bramwell, Earl of Rycliff invade her sanctuary w...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Emily Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I've been reading a blog for a while that is written by a feminist woman who reviews romance books (http://scatxreads.wordpress.com/). I think she makes a great case for why they shouldn't be written off as somehow trashy or unworthy of time/attention. Enter: my first romance book! She loves the Spindle Cove series and they were (are?) only $1 on Kindle, so I bought them.

[potentially mild spoilers]

So while there was definitely some expected gender essentializing and major hetero-normativity, I...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I started reading this series out of order. I started with A Week to Be Wicked. I'm glad that I read that book first. I liked that heroine and hero better. But, I really like the Spindle Cove series, so far.

The women of Spindle Cove are those who do not fit into society. This means the town is filled with women who are bluestockings, wallflowers, or just headstrong. Fine, the whole premise is unbelievable, but this is a fun, fluffy, historical romance.

Susanna is the leader, nurturer, and activi...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had this book for a while, but for the life of me I can’t imagine what caused me to put it off for so long. I adored everything about it. The hero was big and strong, appropriately manly, and firmly against marriage…and of course handsome. The heroine was smart and beautiful and not even a bit annoying. Many authors can’t quite get the hang of giving the heroine’s issues to make them real and human, but not making them annoying! Tessa Dare does it perfect. Both Susanna and Bram have their own...more I had this book for a while, but for the life of me I can’t imagine what caused me to put it off for so long. I adored everything about it. The hero was big and strong, appropriately manly, and firmly against marriage…and of course handsome. The heroine was smart and beautiful and not even a bit annoying. Many authors can’t quite get the hang of giving the heroine’s issues to make them real and human, but not making them annoying! Tessa Dare does it perfect. Both Susanna and Bram have their own hang ups that prevent them from fully enjoying each other. I loved the banter between the two of them. This author has no trouble eliciting a chuckle from me while I read her works.

Bram is coming to Spindle Cove to plead his case to Sir Finch to attempt to get back into the infantry after taking a bullet to the knee some months ago. He does not realize that Spindle Cove is actually a haven for society’s cast off ladies. Here they are free to be their “best and truest selves.” Susanna Finch (yes, the same Finch), is the leader of this group of misfits and proud of it. She will defend their haven even while Bram attempts to build his local militia, drawing men from town and beyond.

I have already started the next installment in the Spindle Cove series and can’t wait to read about Colin and Thorne’s own stories. I would also like to read Aaron Dawson’s story. And the scene with Minerva and Colin bodes well for their story. Prior to that scene, neither Colin nor Minerva were even likeable.

(One of my) favorite quotes: Susanna is asking for a moment with Bram after they have agreed to stay far away from each other…

“It’s but a momentary interruption. Just this once.”

“Just this once?” He made a dismissive noise, rifling through papers. “What about just now in the church?”

“Very well, twice.”

“Try again.” He stacked his papers and looked up, devouring her with his intent green gaze. “You invaded my dreams at least a half-dozen times last night. When I’m awake, you keep traipsing through my thoughts. Sometimes you’re barely clothed. What excuse can you make for that?”

For book suggestions or other book reviews, visit my blog at http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/
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Oct 17, 2012 Rosario (http://rosario.blogspot.com/) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Victor 'Bram' Bramwell is a military man through and through. As far as he's concerned, if he's not leading men on the battlefield, he's not a proper man. Unfortunately, his leg was badly injured in battle, and he's now having trouble getting a new command post. His quest to return to active duty takes him to the small town of Spindle Cove, where he seeks to convince influential military inventor Sir Lewis Finch to support him. He's in for a surprise: Sir Lewis requests he put together and train...more Victor 'Bram' Bramwell is a military man through and through. As far as he's concerned, if he's not leading men on the battlefield, he's not a proper man. Unfortunately, his leg was badly injured in battle, and he's now having trouble getting a new command post. His quest to return to active duty takes him to the small town of Spindle Cove, where he seeks to convince influential military inventor Sir Lewis Finch to support him. He's in for a surprise: Sir Lewis requests he put together and train a militia to protect the town in case of invasion, with the implication that his recommendation will hang on the successful completion of that mission.

It should be a straightforward enough thing to do, but it turns out that men are thin on the ground in Spindle Cove. Through the years, and thanks to Sir Lewis' daughter, Susanna, the town has become a refuge -temporary and otherwise- for women who for whom regular society is not a good place.

Bram and his men (including his supposedly charming, ne'er-do-well cousin, Colin) are outraged by this place where the pub has been turned into a tea shop and the smithy makes lockets instead of horseshoes. They'll get their militia any way they can, and make this a town fit for men again. But to do this, they will face the opposition of Susanna, a woman Bram finds strangely irresistible.

I started this series with the second book, A Week To Be Wicked, and found it adorable and charming. The storyline was kind of preposterous, but it worked anyway, since I happily suspended disbelief and went with the flow. On the surface, A Night To Surrender had the same elements going on. The difference was, in this book, they just didn't work.

The first few pages irritated me, and this annoyance didn't really fade as the book went on. It's tough to do a "battle of the sexes" plot that won't drive me mad, granted, but this one shouldn't have annoyed me as much as it did. I started out resenting Bram and Colin: their first thought when they come to Spindle Cove is that it's so horrible that the men there are "reduced" to unmanly things, like the tea shop's landlord doing delicate pastries, or the smithy I mentioned earlier, with his lockets. They'll do something about it, which includes that disgusting idiot Colin invading the tea room and turning it into a tavern, sporting a new sign: "The Rutting Bull". It's supposed to be funny, but I'm not laughing. I'm just thinking of the thousands of taverns all over the country where women are not allowed. These entitled idiots find one place in the whole world that is for women and they immediately want to make that one for men as well.

Now, Bram comes to realise this soon enough, so obviously, Dare is not oblivious to the issue. It still didn't make it feel any less irritated. The message seems to be that women need men, just like men need women. Fine, I wholeheartedly agree with that in general. I just object to extrapolating from this that therefore, a tiny little place in the whole male-dominated world, like Spindle Cove, which acts as a refuge (temporary, in many cases) for women who are somehow wounded or unsuitable for that world, needs men as well. Sorry, but no.

It wasn't just my feminist hackles being raised that was an issue with the book, though. I was also quite bored by the insta-lust. Bram's immediate and overpowering obsession with Susanna is another case of something I've often liked just fine, but which didn't work in this particular case. It just felt wrong, completely at odds with who Bram was otherwise shown to be. I think what Dare might have been trying to do was something that Loretta Chase does beautifully: the rigid hero completely discombobulated by the heroine. I love that, but in this book, it felt wrong. There was way too much sex, as well, and it ended up being boring.

I also thought the humour felt somehow off. It seemed to rely on people being blithering idiots, and I was supposed to think this was oh-so-funny. Take the militia's early preparations, for instance. Tee-hee, they can't walk in a straight line! Oh, come on, that's just cartoonish. And I really resented what Dare with Colin and Minerva here. I'm so glad I read their book first, because if I'd met them here, I would very definitely not have wanted to read one more word about them. They both come across as mindless twits.

I could go on listing little niggles, but that's probably enough. A big disappointment.

MY GRADE: A C.(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Ryann Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This recently won the Romance Writers of America RITA award in the Regency Historical category and I can see why! I had read another of her titles from the Stud Club Trilogy and had been impressed by the quirky humor, appealing characters and surprising story lines and this title did not disappoint.

A Night to Surrender is the first in the Spindle Cove series. Susanna Fitch is a take-charge woman who transformed Spindle Cove into a welcome retreat for woman who don't fit in any where else in soci...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Carolinareader rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book because I had read a review of the newest book in the series (A Lady by Midnight) and really liked the sound of it. I thought I might check out the series before that book came out and since this is the first Spindle Cove book that is what I started with. This was a wonderful book. One of the best historical romances I have read in a long while.

Susanna Finch is a strong women who has tried to create a village, Spindle Cove, were women who don't quite fit into society have a pla...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Adria (Romance Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-and-reviewed

Originally posted on Breath of Life Reviews

The first book in a new series by Tessa Dare, A Night to Surrender doesn't disappoint at all. Susanna Finch is awkward, lonely and disappointed with her life, she just doesn't like to dwell on it. She's also smart, strong willed and incredibly caring. She's the type of character you'd love to have in your corner, Susanna fights for those she considers under her care, even going so far as to sacrifice her own happiness, but therein lies one of her flaws....more

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Jun 20, 2012 Booklover, Indianapolis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, u-k-historicals-1700s-1800s

(June) This was a nice book. A good book. But I was disappointed because it was not a great book. I read the second Spindle Cove book - A Week To Be Wicked - first (I hate reading out of order!) by accident - and I'm glad I did! I loved that book. I loved both the hero and heroine. I loved the story. I loved the growth and humor. This book was - just less-than. I felt like I'd read this before - not this exact book, but it read like every other historical romance - while there was some humor and...more

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May 16, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-reads

Having read book #2 (A Week to Be Wicked), and liked it, I backed up to read book #1.

This helped quite a bit in explaining who does what in the seaside village of Spindle Cove - the characters are so intertwinted that in book #2, when the action moved away from Minerva and Colin, I was a bit lost in who Kate was, or Thorne, or Diana, or Susanna...definitely a series that benefits from reading in book order.

Very well-constructed, good backstories for everyone, not just the hero/heroine couple. Su...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love this new series by Tessa Dare! Spindle Cove is a delightful place to visit, inhabited by young ladies of gentle birth who do not fit in to society for one reason or the other.

When a new militia is formed, romances abound. The banter between the characters is great--reminds me of Julia Quinn! Which is great since I have read all of JQ's books and just have to wait for her to publish more.

This book is about Miss Susanna Finch, who is the daughter of an absent minded scientist/inventor, and w...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Jessi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge, appealing-characteristic-character, historical, part-of-a-series, romance, 2012

Spindle Cove (also known as "Spinster Cove") is a haven for ladies who might not... "take"... in the ton. Ladies who are bookish or bluestockings, ladies with health issues, etc. It has been set up as such and is run by Suzanna Finch. She's ruled with an velvet fist. But into her well-ordered existence comes Victor Bramwell. He's a military man who just wants to get back into it but is hampered by a knee that was blown apart, nearly amputated, and only now just beginning to heal. All he has to d...more

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Dec 18, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun book where the heroine has founded a place for women to grow and be smart, adventurous and themselves. This is important because at that time women were to appear simpering and pretty and do what men told them to do. When our hero arrives wanting only her father's influence in order to return to the war with France, he is kept there to raise an army of men. The two are quickly thrown together and sparks fly. It is a nicely done battle of wills and they form more of a partnership th...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Rachel (BAVR) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-century-disease, anachronistic-heroine, attack-of-the-mary-sues, boring, did-not-finish, historical-romance, regency-romance, spinsters-and-bluestockings-unite

This book has been taking up room on my eReader for a couple months now because I just ... can't ... finish ... it. Reading about these characters just made me want to pull my hair out, which is sad because I enjoy Tessa Dare's prose.

SUMMARY:
Miss Susanna Finch is an unlikely spinster heroine who pretty much runs an unlikely little towned (nicknamed Spinsters Cove) with a group of unlikely spinster girls who like to live away from men as spinsters and be merry (and unlikely). It's explained that...more This book has been taking up room on my eReader for a couple months now because I just ... can't ... finish ... it. Reading about these characters just made me want to pull my hair out, which is sad because I enjoy Tessa Dare's prose.

SUMMARY:
Miss Susanna Finch is an unlikely spinster heroine who pretty much runs an unlikely little towned (nicknamed Spinsters Cove) with a group of unlikely spinster girls who like to live away from men as spinsters and be merry (and unlikely). It's explained that the girls move to Spindle Cove because they can't fit in anywhere else. In order to do this, Miss Finch has turned the town into one big girl's paradise to keep out all those rascally men and their rascally man parts. Enter: Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Something-or-Other (because: of course), who is ordered to set up a militia or some such in this little nowhere of a town. Battle of the Sexes, take your place!

YE OLDE DELIGHTS:
Tessa has a talent for prose, and she can write a good love scene.

YE OLDE GARBAGE:
It's hard for me to put a finger on what bothers me about this book. The women - I think it's the women. No, wait, the men. It has to be the men. No ...

Perhaps it's the whole lot of them. Even though Susanna and her girls are supposed to be free-thinkers (Regency feminists to the rescue!), they read like strange cardboard cut-outs of stereotypical females. They go swimming, but the whole point of that scene has to do with the men ogling their womanly bits. They don't need men, but when the men come to town, it's like the end of the world. And then the men take it upon themselves to take over the town, get rid of the girly stuff, and all but mount a giant penis in the town square. These people don't seem to understand how to be people. It's insulting to any gender. I don't feel like I could sit down and snack and talk with the women in this book, nor do I feel like I could have a less-than-hostile conversation with the men. I just had to give up.

Bram and Susanna seem well suited for each other. They're both uber-perfect leaders and beautiful. They want to fondle each other and hug. Match made in heaven, I suppose. Granted, I'm only assuming they ended up together. I quit reading after the main couple got in a silly fight about their silly hang-ups. Susanna was the worst, though. Just the worst. Little Miss Perfect was good at just about everything: healing, leading a small town, guiding young women into adulthood, sexing up Bram, target practice, probably midwifery and inventing an early-model computer. I just couldn't get myself in the mood for more shenanigans. I tried to finish it out of respect for Tessa Dare; I really did! Alas, Susanna was just too perfect for me.
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Oct 01, 2011 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I smiled all the way through "A Night to Surrender" by Tessa Dare. The humor and banter and romantic sparks were just right. There were also moments of exquisite tenderness as well as evocatively erotic interludes. The appreciation between the hero and heroine of each other as individuals was as profound as it was passionate. Neither of them knew that they had spent a lifetime searching for each other until they actually met. Susanna Finch, daughter of Sir Lewis Finch, is a healer and a champion...more

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Sep 22, 2011 SidneyKay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-regency

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Welcome to the island of misfit women...

Well, it's not really an island but the women are misfits and they have isolated themselves far away from the pain that society has created. Yes, they have found a safe haven. Which is about to be disrupted by - you guessed it - men! Men who blow up sheep. Well, they don't actually blow up sheep, because then we wouldn't want them for heroes. These manly men just want the sheep to move, and because blowing something up makes noise and men like to blow thin...more Welcome to the island of misfit women...

Well, it's not really an island but the women are misfits and they have isolated themselves far away from the pain that society has created. Yes, they have found a safe haven. Which is about to be disrupted by - you guessed it - men! Men who blow up sheep. Well, they don't actually blow up sheep, because then we wouldn't want them for heroes. These manly men just want the sheep to move, and because blowing something up makes noise and men like to blow things up - well, it just seems logical. So, bang! And so the story begins with the invasion of peaceful Spindle Cove.

A Night to Surrender is the first in Tessa Dare's newest series, and welcome to the lovely safe haven of Spindle Cove. Oh, by the way, it is a battle of the sexes story. Depending on the story, I'm not always a big fan of this battle, because usually one side has to give up too much to win. However, there was plenty of humor, so some of the losing/winning was a little easier to swallow. I did have a small problem with the men not being able to see just how really nice Spindle Cove was. After all, what's wrong with a blacksmith making jewelry if he wants to; besides, Rosey Grier says "It's all right to feel things, Though the feelings may be strange, Feelings are such real things."

Now, on to the lovely characters of Spindle Cove. There were some pretty interesting people in this book, and I'm looking forward to the rest in the series to see how all of them fit. One of my favorite was the rock-wielding geologist Minerva and her nemesis Colin. I can hardly wait for her story, (which is next.) Also very likable was the heroine, Susanna Finch. She's a very strong woman, she's smart and it is because of her that the women in this story have sanctuary. She has made little Spindle Cove quite a community. I liked her a lot. The one problem I had with her was she's one of those heroines who have a neglectful parent, in her case her father. Now, because she is such a strong person, I was a little disappointed that she didn't shake some sense into her father - that is left for the hero to do. I did find Susanna's past to be really interesting. Blood-letting. I think it's interesting how Ms. Dare used this awful practice as a main plot-line in determining what makes Susanna tick. I know that we've all read about it in romance books, and if you're like me I get a squeamish reaction but I really don't think too much about it. However, in this book the archaic practice is brought to the forefront and we really get to see what kind of damage it can or could have done to not only a person's physical body, but their psyche as well. And this is why Ms. Dare is such a good writer - who'd have thunk that such a gruesome topic could be turned into something so poignant.

Now, on to Bram, our hero. And Alan Alda he's not! Bram is all male, and not only is he pure manly male, he is a pure-stubborn-manly-male-alpha-with-blinders-on kinda guy. Just the kind that one would love to konk over the head with a loose, hard object. Even though the character of Bram was the more simply drawn, his character had the farthest to go to change or have that epiphany all heroes must have to be heroes. And, I found myself being mad at him a number of times when he couldn't see how really nice a place Spindle Cove was. Pass that hard object.

Susanna and Bram are a cute (yipes) couple and they are sexually attracted to each other immediately. Once they act upon that attraction, there's no stopping them. All over the place humping - pumping - thumping. I did find my eyebrows going up at how often and how indiscreet this couple from the early 1800's were. I confess, I did get a little bored with the abundance and variety of places, and positions they found to do the whankey-woo in. Get a room already - and please don't tell me about it!

This book has a little bit of everything: a strong couple, great secondary characters, humor, some poignant moments, and a pet lamb. And they all go together to make a delightful story with some nice writing. The next in the series, A Week to be Wicked, doesn't come out till March of 2012 - aakkkk!

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Sep 08, 2011 Handyhunter rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think Tessa Dare's books are ones I want to like more than I actually do, but she never seems to go quite far enough in her subversion of romance tropes for that to happen. I pretty much agree with this review at DearAuthor about the "battles of the sexes" stuff and wondering why, in a time/place that is so male privileged, this one place that basically functions as a safe space (for white ladies of a certain class) HAS to learn to be more "balanced" by letting the men take over some stuff. Pl...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Sparkling with humor and sizzling with sex, A Night To Surrender pulsates with the wants and needs of females and males—needs not the same and on a collision course. A hodgepodge of men assembled to form a militia in a quiet seaside village wreck havoc on Spindle Cove that has a motto of “Tranquility is the soul of our community” and where young, gently-bred ladies come to get themselves sorted out.

When black powder explosions, a she...more Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Sparkling with humor and sizzling with sex, A Night To Surrender pulsates with the wants and needs of females and males—needs not the same and on a collision course. A hodgepodge of men assembled to form a militia in a quiet seaside village wreck havoc on Spindle Cove that has a motto of “Tranquility is the soul of our community” and where young, gently-bred ladies come to get themselves sorted out.

When black powder explosions, a sheep “stampede”, and wagons loaded with army supplies show up along with Lieutenant Colonel Victor Bramwell, his wastrel cousin Colin, and Thorne, Susanna Finch rallies all her considerable abilities to keep the ladies’ retreat intact and on schedule. The village depends on the money the ladies bring into Spindle Cove.

The Queen’s Ruby Inn is a temporary home for the ladies, whether sickly, scandalous, shy, disenchanted with marriage, too enchanted with the wrong men, or just misfits in the rules-ridden society of early nineteenth century England. Twenty-five-year-old Susanna, the daughter of the only gentleman in area, nurtures the ladies and helps them to realize their self-worth and take pride in their accomplishments. Her organizational skills, healer abilities, business sense, and abundance of energy are instrumental in keeping the village economically healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Her inner hurts, needs, and woes stay locked away until Bramwell invades her territory. Theirs is a romance not to be missed.

Lt. Col. Victor Bramwell, seriously wounded in battle eight months ago, is healing and wants his command back. But his superiors ignore his requests. His last hope is his father’s old friend Sir Lewis Finch, an eccentric inventor of weaponry who is a Royal Advisor to the Prince Regent who could get Bramwell back to his command.

Sir Lewis has his own agenda and gets Bramwell elevated, not back to his command, but gets him a title. By royal decree Bramwell is now an Earl—Lord Rycliff—and owner of a dilapidated castle high on a ridge overlooking the village in one direction and overlooking the channel on the other side where the northern coast of France is only fifty miles away. He is supposed to raise a militia of twenty-four men to defend this area of the coast—NOT Bramwell’s ‘cup-of-tea’.

Colin, Bramwell’s ne’er-do-well cousin, is horrified. A pretty village with no taverns and overrun with unbiddable, educated, man-eater ladies is just too much. While his irresponsible mischief propels the plot along at top speed, it often brings about distressing outcomes, but sometimes there is humor that tickles the funny bone.

The secondary characters are a diverse lot that add a wealth of emotions to the conflicts. The lamb named “Dinner” is not to be overlooked. He does his part to make this a delightful story.

Tessa Dare enchants with her skillful use of humor and her breathtaking love scenes. The awakening of Susanna’s passion and Bramwell’s deep-seated needs is beautifully revealed by Ms. Dare. She does a super job of showing how love reaches beyond weaknesses and flaws to bring out the best of people. She blends differences like Bramwell saying, “You’re mine” and Susanna saying, “I claim sole possession of my body, my heart, and my soul. And, tonight I choose to share them all with you”, in unique fashion. She melds these attitudes together to create a strong, delicious mixture that proves to be just what is needed for a happy-ever-after.

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Aug 15, 2011 Jo (Mixed Book Bag) rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitution come for the sea air and men in their prime are …nowhere to be found. Or are they?”

Spindle Cove is the location for A Night to Surrender; the first book in Tessa Dare’s new series. If the next books are anything like A Night to Surrender she has a hit series on her hands.

A Night to Surrender is another book where I was laughing so hard I could not continue reading. The scene where they scare the sheep and Susanna meets Victor...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Veronica added it · review of another edition

When reading the back cover of this book, I was worried about reading about a high strung female and a brute of a man with no sensitivites at all. I am glad to say it was not the case, and it had completely taken me in to this series.

The male lead was interesting, multi-faceted, with sensitivities, as well as being enough of an alpha to make little miss high strung swallow her words. I think he gave in at just the right juncture on every point, although there were times when I wanted him to figh...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Cyndi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-addiction

This book was the perfect definition of "okay." It wasn't the worst romance I've read but unless the other books in the series are better, I will probably get rid of it.

Bram, the hero, was kind of an overbearing jerk at times. He was a "Man's man" and that, apparently, means walking all over the heroine whenever he wanted. By walking all over, I mean dismissing her worries and concerns because they weren't as important as his. Ms. Dare created a rather one dimensional character in Bram. He had...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Q&A with Tess...: Congratulations on the RITA AWARD for ANTS, Tessa!	12	21	Sep 03, 2012 05:43pm
Q&A with Tess...: A Night To Surrender Discussion Thread	2	16	Aug 28, 2012 11:07am
Thanks	1	48	Aug 30, 2011 07:10am

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A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove #1)

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