20th out of 152 books
—
477 voters
One Dance with a Duke (Stud Club #1)
by
Tessa Dare (Goodreads Author)
In One Dance with a Duke—the first novel in Tessa Dare’s delightful new trilogy—secrets and scandals tempt the irresistible rogues of the Stud Club to gamble everything for love.
A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is att...more
A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is att...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
May 25th 2010
by Ballantine Books
(first published May 13th 2010)
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Jul 21, 2010
UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Historical Romance Lovers
Recommended to UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish by:
Cheryl Robbins
Spoilers are marked
It seems that lately I’ve been doing a lot of “first reads” of an author and in keeping with that trend, this is my first by Tessa Dare and overall I was quite pleased.
I’ll start out by saying that I’ve seen reviews and comments by people who thought the Stud Club idea for a plot was dumb, boring, and lacking believability, but I actually thought it was a great jumping off point and foundation for the trilogy. After all, when you think about it, it’s not too hard to believe t...more
It seems that lately I’ve been doing a lot of “first reads” of an author and in keeping with that trend, this is my first by Tessa Dare and overall I was quite pleased.
I’ll start out by saying that I’ve seen reviews and comments by people who thought the Stud Club idea for a plot was dumb, boring, and lacking believability, but I actually thought it was a great jumping off point and foundation for the trilogy. After all, when you think about it, it’s not too hard to believe t...more
I thought this was great. I read a few reviews where Amelia's affection for her brother Jack was overdone,but I thought it worked with the way her relationship and self-martyring personality was. And to be fair, the self-martyring wasn't really all that bad...that was more Spencer's take on Amelia, not mine.
Amelia and Spencer meet at a ball, minus any romantic impulses. They are married just days later, as a business arrangement, and fall into friendship and love. I loved how Spencer was able to...more
Amelia and Spencer meet at a ball, minus any romantic impulses. They are married just days later, as a business arrangement, and fall into friendship and love. I loved how Spencer was able to...more
Arousing. That's the first word that comes to mind. Handsome, debonair, sensual, passionate, romantic.(although he won't admit it) These are just a few of the many qualities of Spencer, The Duke of Moreland. Arousing on the dance floor, riding a purebred horse and most important riding a woman to ecstasy!
This was the first Tessa Dare read for me and I have to say it won't be my last. My goodness, Ms. Dare can bring the romance and sensuality to the reader! Just her description of a kiss will me...more
Jun 24, 2010
Shawna
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of steamy regency historical romance
Shelves:
historical-romance,
tessa-dare,
rt-book-reviews-top-pick,
historical-romance-regency,
heroine-odd-spinster-wallflower,
heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin,
heroine-curvy-plump-not-stick-thin,
hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame,
hero-alpha,
married-couples-married-convenience,
2010-reads,
enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract,
humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun,
i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped,
pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama,
hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous,
hero-mix-of-alpha-beta,
animals-matter,
hero-gambler,
wager,
4-stars,
hero-duke-heir-to-dukedom,
hr-regency-napoleonic-era-wars
4 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
This is my first read by Tessa Dare, and I enjoyed the writing, humorous dialogue, witty banter, rather unique plot, and steamy romance. The main reason it didn't get a 5-star rating is that I just didn't quite connect fully with the characters, and I never really became emotionally invested in their relationship. I liked curvy, spirited, strong-willed spinster Amelia and arrogant, alpha with a hidden, tender, romantic side Spencer, Duke of Morland and enjoye...more
This is my first read by Tessa Dare, and I enjoyed the writing, humorous dialogue, witty banter, rather unique plot, and steamy romance. The main reason it didn't get a 5-star rating is that I just didn't quite connect fully with the characters, and I never really became emotionally invested in their relationship. I liked curvy, spirited, strong-willed spinster Amelia and arrogant, alpha with a hidden, tender, romantic side Spencer, Duke of Morland and enjoye...more
3 1/2 stars. Although I was disappointed that this didn't have the freshness or originality of some of Dare's previous books, it was an engaging read that often made me laugh at lines like these: "Spencer stared at the words so fiercely, Amelia would not have been surprised to see the scrawled letters roust themselves from the paper and rearrange to spell different words, just to escape his displeasure." I keep wanting to compare it to Julia Quinn, except I've developed such an intense Quinn all...more
I have such mixed feeling for this romance. The beginning just didn't work at all for me and I had a really hard time getting into the story.
It did have elements that I typically love strong demanding hero, forced (sort of) marriage. But when it comes down to it I just didn't like more than I liked.
I did read it fairly quickly but feel that it was a bit wordy. The editor would have been correct in cutting about 50 pages or so.
In the end the h/h grew on me. While I really liked Amelia the Duke...more
It did have elements that I typically love strong demanding hero, forced (sort of) marriage. But when it comes down to it I just didn't like more than I liked.
I did read it fairly quickly but feel that it was a bit wordy. The editor would have been correct in cutting about 50 pages or so.
In the end the h/h grew on me. While I really liked Amelia the Duke...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
"My virtue? You were--" Oh, there was no use in mincing words now. "You were able to divine my virginity, by fondling my leg."
"Yes."
She covered her eyes with one hand, then traced her left eyebrow with a fingertip. "Forgive me, Your Grace. Are you suggesting a woman is some sort of ... piece of fruit to you? One squeeze, and you know if she's ripe?"
2.5 Stars
Hmmm what to say about One Dance With a Duke, this book was mediocre. I enjoyed it but it didn't have me racing through the pages trying t...more
"Yes."
She covered her eyes with one hand, then traced her left eyebrow with a fingertip. "Forgive me, Your Grace. Are you suggesting a woman is some sort of ... piece of fruit to you? One squeeze, and you know if she's ripe?"
2.5 Stars
Hmmm what to say about One Dance With a Duke, this book was mediocre. I enjoyed it but it didn't have me racing through the pages trying t...more
I am beginning to think it is literally impossible to read One Dance With A Duke by Tessa Dare without a silly grin. Now, this book was my first foray into romance, a genre which I sort of had this tendancy to ridicule. I know, I know, not nice to make fun of heaving bosoms and what not. However, I guess that's what happens when I read one Danielle Steele book and judge a whole genre based off of it. Guys, I would never do that to the YA category -- read one book and judge all YA based off that...more
This is the first book by Tessa Dare that I've read. Based on the reviews I read of her first trilogy, I wasn't sure they were for me. This one, however, sounded right up my alley.
While I loved most if it, I'm really struggling to come to terms with the actions of the heroine at the end of the book. But protagonists made mistakes throughout, but I don't understand why the heroine made the choice she did.
Otherwise I really loved it. The story itself was wonderfully told and the characters were...more
While I loved most if it, I'm really struggling to come to terms with the actions of the heroine at the end of the book. But protagonists made mistakes throughout, but I don't understand why the heroine made the choice she did.
Otherwise I really loved it. The story itself was wonderfully told and the characters were...more
ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES! There are not words for how much I enjoyed this book! It had everything I like in a romance novel...an awesome hero, a likeable sassy heroine, a little intrigue, a little comedy, not too much angst, a little (HOT) spice, and a tight plot with easy readability and great dialogue!
This was such an enjoyable read! I clearly wasn't expecting much from a book in the "Stud Club" series, but I got it at the library for free and it had great reviews, which is unusual for a...more
This was such an enjoyable read! I clearly wasn't expecting much from a book in the "Stud Club" series, but I got it at the library for free and it had great reviews, which is unusual for a...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I liked this so much more than I expected!
I want to write a lot, but Kiss of Snow just arrived, and I'm barely holding on to my excitement. I'm lucky that Magic Slays hasn't arrived yet, or I wouldn't know what to do with myself faced with the impossible choice what to read first.
Anyway, I wanted to read this series, the moment I saw the most excellent trailer Tessa Dare created for it. Even if you're not a fan of historical romance, I recommend you watch it.
However, I postponed reading them, ev...more
I want to write a lot, but Kiss of Snow just arrived, and I'm barely holding on to my excitement. I'm lucky that Magic Slays hasn't arrived yet, or I wouldn't know what to do with myself faced with the impossible choice what to read first.
Anyway, I wanted to read this series, the moment I saw the most excellent trailer Tessa Dare created for it. Even if you're not a fan of historical romance, I recommend you watch it.
However, I postponed reading them, ev...more
I absolutely loved this book. So many amazing quotes from it. It was breathtaking more than once.
This was such a sweet story. In it, you will find a lovely, shy and extremely caring wallflower. She would have never been noticed by the duke in any normal circumstance, but that's what is so nice about books, isn't it? He did. So we see how this couple -one very different from the other- struggle and try to move on every problem they go through. As the story goes on, we see how they were meant to...more
This was such a sweet story. In it, you will find a lovely, shy and extremely caring wallflower. She would have never been noticed by the duke in any normal circumstance, but that's what is so nice about books, isn't it? He did. So we see how this couple -one very different from the other- struggle and try to move on every problem they go through. As the story goes on, we see how they were meant to...more
This book started off slow for me. I did not feel like there was any spark between the leads and wasn't particularly interested in either character. A third of the way into the story I started to see a change in them. They had already married and were on their way to the country estate and started to actually spend time together talking and getting to know one another. I could see a friendship forming and their personalities started to become clear. Their relationship developed slowly but realis...more
Review @ Under the Covers
3.5 Stars
Amelia isn't impressed with the Duke of Midnight. He descends upon a ball at midnight dances a set with one of the young and the brainless before leaving again, the ladies sighs of both desire and fear follow in his wake. However, her wastrel brother owes him money so when he next makes his melodramatic entrance she commendeers his hand; however, little does she know that that one action will cause her life to change drastically.
I know 3.5 stars doesn't seem lik...more
3.5 Stars
Amelia isn't impressed with the Duke of Midnight. He descends upon a ball at midnight dances a set with one of the young and the brainless before leaving again, the ladies sighs of both desire and fear follow in his wake. However, her wastrel brother owes him money so when he next makes his melodramatic entrance she commendeers his hand; however, little does she know that that one action will cause her life to change drastically.
I know 3.5 stars doesn't seem lik...more
This probably isn't the best book I've ever given 5*s to but I realized after I read it that I kept going back to re-read passages that made me smile or made me sigh. It's great fun for the reader to watch Spencer and Amelia fall into friendship and then love in fits and starts. Other reviewers seem to have a problem with Amelia but I really didn't. Being blind to her bother's faults is part of who she is and it's established pretty early on. Dare is often compared to Julia Quinn and while I thi...more
Superior to most things I've read by TD, with the exception of Surrender of a Siren. It doesn't really come close to that kind of brilliance, and it's a tad wallpapery, but I greatly enjoyed it. The writing is witty and engaging, and what it lacks in unique setting & storyline, it compensates well for by being just an all-around enjoyable read.
I gave it an A-
I gave it an A-
I made the solemnest of vows to myself that I would review every book I shelved on Goodreads, and so here I am, here you are, here we are, standing alone together as the music softly plays, &c.
My girlf told me this book was delightful, but I was not prepared for the degree of delight contained within!!!!!!! Like wow, what the frick, way not to get me ready for this, Rawles. Or maybe she tried to and I just didn't take her seriously, but why don't we just put away all these pointing fingers a...more
My girlf told me this book was delightful, but I was not prepared for the degree of delight contained within!!!!!!! Like wow, what the frick, way not to get me ready for this, Rawles. Or maybe she tried to and I just didn't take her seriously, but why don't we just put away all these pointing fingers a...more
This is one of Tessa's best book by far. I just finished the book and already I miss the characters.
I wished all historical romances would be like this, hilarious, witty, sexy, shocking, and engaging. I couldn't put this book down until it was finished. I love the chemistry between Spencer and Amelia. I love the funny snide comments by Spencer and even by some of this buddies. I love the fact that even though Amelia was a people pleaser (to the extreme) she was not weak and easily taken advanta...more
I wished all historical romances would be like this, hilarious, witty, sexy, shocking, and engaging. I couldn't put this book down until it was finished. I love the chemistry between Spencer and Amelia. I love the funny snide comments by Spencer and even by some of this buddies. I love the fact that even though Amelia was a people pleaser (to the extreme) she was not weak and easily taken advanta...more
I started this one because of a quote,
But I kept reading because Amelia was a fantastic heroine, and Spencer not so bad himself. There were several times where I just wanted to slap him. He's a c...more
I'm infatuated with you, I cannot deny it. Physically speaking, you're a very attractive man. But I don't like you, the vast majority of the time. So far as I can gather, you behave abominably in public and are only marginally better in private. I only find you remotely tolerable when you're kissing me.
But I kept reading because Amelia was a fantastic heroine, and Spencer not so bad himself. There were several times where I just wanted to slap him. He's a c...more
This is book one of the Stud Club. The club is a small group of men who own exclusive breeding rights to a famous retired racehorse. Each owner has a token.
This story is about Spencer, a confirmed bachelor, who wants to collect all the tokens and become the sole owner of the stallion at the heart of the club. His single minded pursuit of that at the gaming tables at times results in young men losing not their club token but large sums of money.
Spencer is also "The Duke of Midnight" who shows up...more
This story is about Spencer, a confirmed bachelor, who wants to collect all the tokens and become the sole owner of the stallion at the heart of the club. His single minded pursuit of that at the gaming tables at times results in young men losing not their club token but large sums of money.
Spencer is also "The Duke of Midnight" who shows up...more
Ok, stop snickering. A well written romance is just as good as a well written mystery. Genres are like the forms of poetry. Authors choose them because what they have to say can best be said in that format. Just as you would probably not write a haiku if you needed to create an ode, so you would probably not write a science fiction novel if you were trying to show the advantages of learning to know a person before you married them. I'm just saying. I don't like all romances, but I do like those...more
terlalu banyak istilah kuda!! ampun deh... males banget gw hahaha........
*mo kasih 2 bintang kaga tega* fyuh...
Spenser si Duke, ah entahlah... dia sangat tidak suka mengungkapkan kasih sayang kepada orang lain, bahkan ke anak walinya sendiri pun kaga bisa nunjukin kl dia sayang. padahal dia mau bergelut dgn para Ton padahal dia menderita Ochlophobia (kata gugel : Takut pada kerumunan atau gerombolan orang banyak) dia menjadi sesak setiap kali melihat banyak orang, makanya dia sll muncul pada t...more
*mo kasih 2 bintang kaga tega* fyuh...
Spenser si Duke, ah entahlah... dia sangat tidak suka mengungkapkan kasih sayang kepada orang lain, bahkan ke anak walinya sendiri pun kaga bisa nunjukin kl dia sayang. padahal dia mau bergelut dgn para Ton padahal dia menderita Ochlophobia (kata gugel : Takut pada kerumunan atau gerombolan orang banyak) dia menjadi sesak setiap kali melihat banyak orang, makanya dia sll muncul pada t...more
Mar 18, 2012
Silver
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of historical romances, plain and normal heroines
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is my first Tessa Dare book. While I probably wouldn't remember the plot after years, it was a great read nevertheless.
What I liked:
* Amelia and Spencer's characterisation.
* Their dialogue exchanges(I couldn't get enough of their witty conversations)
* Amelia's love for family and home.
* I like plain, healthy-sized heroines. I would have liked Amelia just because of it. I fell in love with her personality soon.
What I didn't like:
* Amelia's unconditional l...more
What I liked:
* Amelia and Spencer's characterisation.
* Their dialogue exchanges(I couldn't get enough of their witty conversations)
* Amelia's love for family and home.
* I like plain, healthy-sized heroines. I would have liked Amelia just because of it. I fell in love with her personality soon.
What I didn't like:
* Amelia's unconditional l...more
Horses feature prominently in the narrative, so perhaps it's not too inappropriate to say the story came flying out of the gates, settled down to a steady trot, then faded disastrously in the home straight.
Once the usual lines had been drawn between the arrogant, attractive and aristocratic male and his quick-witted, sharp-tongued female adversary, the two of them seemed to circle round each other, exchanging sparkling, witty and sometimes hurtful dialogues but basically getting nowhere, not eve...more
Once the usual lines had been drawn between the arrogant, attractive and aristocratic male and his quick-witted, sharp-tongued female adversary, the two of them seemed to circle round each other, exchanging sparkling, witty and sometimes hurtful dialogues but basically getting nowhere, not eve...more
Hero loving and admirable. Heroine TSTL. She enabled and coddled her addicted-to-gambling brother. This was no fun.
STORY BRIEF:
Amelia has been a wallflower at the balls and believes she will be a spinster. Her parents are dead. She and her brothers are surviving but don’t have a lot of money. Her brother Jack is addicted to gambling and frequently comes to Amelia for money. During a ball, Jack tells her he had to rent the family’s summer cottage to Spenser to cover gambling debts. She is furious...more
STORY BRIEF:
Amelia has been a wallflower at the balls and believes she will be a spinster. Her parents are dead. She and her brothers are surviving but don’t have a lot of money. Her brother Jack is addicted to gambling and frequently comes to Amelia for money. During a ball, Jack tells her he had to rent the family’s summer cottage to Spenser to cover gambling debts. She is furious...more
I enjoyed this far more than I had expected to. Apparently, you can do Regencies that are fun but have substance, and at many turns, I found myself enjoyably surprised by the characters and their depths. I liked both Amelia and Spencer, and I appreciated the depth (and consistency) of character that was developed throughout the book. Amelia's character arc, particularly, was painfully earned and realistic; I can guess other readers were annoyed by her flaws and her initial choices, but I found h...more
Summary: A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing Duke of Midnight. Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobod...more
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Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nine historical romance novels and three novellas.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she shares a cozy, cluttered bungalow with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog.
More about Tessa Dare...
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nine historical romance novels and three novellas.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she shares a cozy, cluttered bungalow with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog.
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“I'm infatuated with you, I cannot deny it. Physically speaking, you're a very attractive man. But I don't like you, the vast majority of the time. So far as I can gather, you behave abominably in public and are only marginally better in private. I only find you remotely tolerable when you're kissing me.”
—
72 people liked it
“He kissed her. Without warning, without permission. Without even deciding to do it, but simply because he couldn't have done anything else. He needed that breath she was holding. It belonged to him, and he wanted it back.”
—
66 people liked it
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Jul 23, 2010 09:07am
Jul 28, 2010 07:41pm