Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5; Castles Ever After, #4)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

more photos (1)

Do You Want to Start a Scandal

(Spindle Cove #5)

Tessa Dare (Goodreads Author)

4.07 · Rating details · 14,669 ratings · 1,816 reviews

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.
• Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
• Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
• Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to m ...more

Get A Copy

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published September 27th 2016 by Avon

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Do You Want to Start a Scandal, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

2016 Historical Romance

302 books — 611 voters

Most Anticipated Romances of 2016

1,084 books — 4,322 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.07 ·

Rating details

· 14,669 ratings · 1,816 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5; Castles Ever After, #4)

Sep 16, 2020 chan ☆ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020, historical-romance

okay so i have very little of value to say

and by that i mean i only want to have a brief commentary on the use of nippage in this book (nippage, nipplization, whatever). i get that boob play is probably easiest in the regency era cause covered ankles and whatnot. but not every sex scene needs to start with the hero playing old school DJ on this chick's mammaries.

i am regretting my decision to read all of tessa dare's backlist in fairly rapid succession bc this is a recurring issue. not just a l ...more

flag 235 likes · Like · see review

Jul 01, 2016 Tessa Dare added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: i-wrote-this

Hooray! It's finally book birthday for Charlotte and Piers!

As you might have gathered from the blurb, this book's plot is rather like a game of Regency-era Clue. Except, instead of "Who killed whom with the wrench?" the question that must be answered is "Who tupped whom in the library?" That is, until Charlotte discovers that Piers Brandon, Lord Granville is a more intriguing mystery by far.

Order links and excerpt are posted at my site.

Sign up for my email list, and you'll get a reminder whene ...more

flag 175 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2017 Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: trashy-romance-novel, read-in-2017

Ok, this was such a cute little mystery/romance.

And, best of all, it stars the brother of the hero from Say Yes to the Marquess! Remember him? Piers,the fiancee that got jilted because he spent 8 years wandering around the world as an ambassador for England? Only not really, because he was actually a freakin SECRET AGENT!
So, you know, he was really out there doing all that cool spy stuff....

description

Anyway. He's at this house party to snoop around and make sure the man throwing the party is trustworthy ...more

flag 102 likes · Like · see review

Nov 05, 2016 Stacey is Sassy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites-2016, intrigue, is-that-a-gun-in-your-pocket, historical-series, steamy, funny-crack-up, quirky-heroine

I’d take the scandal too.

I can honestly say there are not too many times that I find myself equally fond of the heroine as much as the hero. I admit, I pick and choose my reads based solely on the hero. He has to appeal to me in some way or form. So, I was excited to find that Do You Want to Start a Scandal has one of the best historical romance heroines I’ve read. Charlotte is quirky in a good way, smart and inquisitive, loyal and friendly and not overly vain. Don’t get me wrong, Piers is great ...more

flag 98 likes · Like · see review

Feb 12, 2021 EmBibliophile rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars

3.75 stars

I can’t believe I almost skipped this one!! The synopsis didn’t sound as good and interesting as the previous ones, so I was just going to skip reading it. Surprisingly, it ended up being my favorite in the series??? It was so good and so enjoyable to read!!

Maybe because of all the espionage and the mystery hunting element which I really enjoyed. It was so predictable, but yet so fun. Or maybe because of the characters who I absolutely adored. Charlotte was such a charming quirky chara ...more

flag 72 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2016 UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish rated it it was amazing

Shelves: author-tessa-dare, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible, historical-romance, must-read-author, own-have-read, avon-addict-reads, 5-stars, must-read-series, mystery, 2016-reads

Full review now posted...

I don't often squee when I hear about a new book release, but I always do when it's a book by Tessa Dare who makes historical romance fun, exciting, and passionate!

Blurb:

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.

~Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
~Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
~Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unle

...more

flag 64 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2016 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it really liked it

Shelves: price-was-right-2-99-or-less, romance, made-me-laugh, favorites-2018, great-chemistry, m-f, loved-it, losing-the-v-card, historical

*4.5 stars*

I adored, ADORED, Do You Want to Start a Scandal by one of my all-time favorite historical romance authors, Tessa Dare. It was EXACTLY what I needed.

It's been SO long since I've read a paperback, but it was worth having to read in my kitchen instead of my bed at 2 am just to have this book on my shelf forever.

I'm a big fan of funny, and Tessa Dare always knows how to write these romances that combine hot and sweet with just incredibly witty humor. I actually laughed out loud a numb ...more

flag 58 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2019 Sophia Triad rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5historical-lovestories-oldtimes

Charlotte Highwood does not want to get married. She wants to travel. Unfortunately her mother wants to see her married to a wealthy important man. Marquess Piers Brandon aka Lord Granville is an excellent candidate according to her mother, so Charlotte will try to warn him to stay away from her. A misunderstanding will result in the engagement of Charlotte and Piers.

Piers does not mind. He thinks that she is perfect for the heirs that he needs. He does not believe in love anyway. When he gets t Charlotte Highwood does not want to get married. She wants to travel. Unfortunately her mother wants to see her married to a wealthy important man. Marquess Piers Brandon aka Lord Granville is an excellent candidate according to her mother, so Charlotte will try to warn him to stay away from her. A misunderstanding will result in the engagement of Charlotte and Piers.

Piers does not mind. He thinks that she is perfect for the heirs that he needs. He does not believe in love anyway. When he gets the heirs, she can do whatever she wants with her life.

“I would like to fall in love.”
He paused, considering. “I suppose that might be open to negotiation. After you’ve given me an heir, of course, and only if you can promise to be discreet.”
She was incredulous. “You’ve mistaken me, my lord. I would like to fall in love with the man I marry. And what’s more, I would like to be loved by him in return. Don’t you want the same when you wed?”
“Quite honestly, no. I don’t.”

Charlotte is furious. She wants freedom. She is still too young. Of course she realises that older men have a certain appeal. It is just Lord Granville is the wrong man.

In her youth, she’d longed for a steady, male presence in her life. An older brother, an uncle . . . even a cousin would do. Just a man who could sweep into the room, with wisdom and command and only her best interests at heart, and say—
Go upstairs and rest, Charlotte. I’ll take care of everything.
“Go upstairs and rest, Charlotte.” Lord Granville rose and crossed the room. “I’ll take care of everything.”
No, no, no.
That was the wrong man.

Oh I loved the way these two are falling in love and are changing the way they see their lives.

What to make of this man? He was proper. He was passionate. He had the public demeanor of an iceberg, but he kissed her as if she were his oasis in a vast, arid desert.
What are you doing to me? he’d whispered.
Charlotte had no idea.
But whatever it was, he was doing it back.

What Charlotte does not know is that lord Granville is not just a simple Marquess. He has many secrets. Special missions. Lethal skills. A hidden second life.

Well, I did not particularly liked Piers when we met him in “Say Yes to the Marquess”. He has left poor Clio alone for so many years to complete his spy missions and she was devoured alive by the ruthless busybodies.
In this book he is somehow redeemed and he even becomes (dare to say) kind of charming.

Charlotte is an excellent female character. Strong willed, funny, clever, sweet, determined, lovable, ready to fight with a love for mysteries. She will be perfect for cold hearted agent Piers.

There are also some cameo appearances by certain characters from “Say Yes to the Marquess” which I enjoyed. It is nice to know what nice things the future brings to the characters of my favourite books. ...more

flag 50 likes · Like · see review

May 30, 2016 Jennifer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, favorites, lol

5 “Oliveview” Stars!!!!

This book is a combination of James Bond and the game of Clue, and I enjoyed every second of it. It’s witty. It’s sexy. It’s everything “Tessa Dare.” When I think of Tessa Dare, this is the perfect amount of all that she is, wrapped up in one book. Can you tell that I love her?

She unsettled him; he anchored her. Together, they could be more than they were apart.

à la Mode St. » fashion

This book is…..ONE…..GIANT……SWOON. And if you don’t like this book, then you can suck my aubergine (see below ...more

flag 48 likes · Like · see review

Apr 30, 2018 Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018-reads, third-pov, historical-romance, regency-era

Review at Of Pens and Pages.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal is a fun historical romance read filled with intrigue, espionage, and so much sexual tension between a mysterious Marquess and a quirky woman on the brink of ruin.

Charlotte Highwood's plan to warn Piers Brandon, Lord Granville of her scheming mama's matchmaking goes wrong when they accidentally witness a scandalous tryst in the library and is accused of being the couple in said tryst. The odds are against them—Charlotte and Piers were al ...more

flag 48 likes · Like · see review

May 07, 2018 Sam (AMNReader) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2018, favorite-romance, hrbc-mad-about-series, best-heroine, read-in-2019, heroes-to-lick, read-in-2020, great-heroine

5/8/2020
“Don’t be alarmed,” she said, closing the door behind her. “I’ve come to save you.”
When you can't keep straight the names of Dare's books, an essay. (Ok not really)

So I knew I read this once, that I've read it twice makes so much sense on why I remembered so much. I literally just grabbed one off the library hoping it was what I needed, it turns out it's probably very close to one of my favorites, and never ever have I appreciated it more than I do when it's really one of the only things ...more

flag 44 likes · Like · see review

Nov 17, 2016 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-happiness, cotton-candy, chocolate-pms-day-reads, 4-5-stars, sexy

Kindle Limited Time Deal: 29Nov19 Amazon $1.99

4 Fluff Filled Stars

Tessa Dare is one of my go-tos for a story that is going to be fun, light and thoroughly entertaining. I start her books and before I know it I’m done. This is no exception. There is always something exceptionally cute about the story she is telling and there are usually quite a few laughs along the way. This was no exception.

If you have read any of the Spindle cove novels then you will remember Minerva and Diana’s mother who is q Kindle Limited Time Deal: 29Nov19 Amazon $1.99

4 Fluff Filled Stars

Tessa Dare is one of my go-tos for a story that is going to be fun, light and thoroughly entertaining. I start her books and before I know it I’m done. This is no exception. There is always something exceptionally cute about the story she is telling and there are usually quite a few laughs along the way. This was no exception.

If you have read any of the Spindle cove novels then you will remember Minerva and Diana’s mother who is quite set on getting her daughters married off and is willing to employ some devious methods to do it. Charlotte is the next on her list to marry off and so she feels compelled to warn the poor man of her mother’s plot.

We’re both here in this house as guests for the next fortnight. My mother will do everything she can to encourage a connection. That means you and I must plan to avoid each other.” She smiled, attempting levity. “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a titled man in possession of a fortune should steer far clear of me.”
He didn’t laugh. Or even smile.
“That last bit . . . It was a joke, my lord. There’s a line from a novel—”
“Pride and Prejudice. Yes, I’ve read it.”

But it seems that as Charlotte tries to dissuade any interest that Piers Brandon might have in her he becomes more taken with her. She is nothing like the other women he has met in his life and her brand of honesty calls to him since his life is one that is full of nothing but secrets. Plus she is adorable to tease.

“No matter what my mother implies, I don’t share her hopes. We’d be a terrible match. I’m far too young for you.”
“So you’ve made clear.”
“You’re the model of propriety.”
“And you’re . . . here. Alone.”
“Exactly. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and yours is clearly—”
“Kept in the usual place.” Charlotte was going to guess, buried somewhere in the Arctic Circle.
“The point is, my lord, we have nothing in common. We’d be little more than two strangers inhabiting one house.”
“I’m a marquess. I have five houses.”
“But you know what I mean,” she said. “It would be disaster, through and through.”
“An existence marked by tedium and punctuated by misery.”
“Undoubtedly.”
“We’d be forced to base our entire relationship on sexual congress.”
“Er . . . what?”
“I’m speaking of bedsport, Miss Highwood. That much, at least, would be tolerable.”

I really enjoy Tessa Dare’s writing style and the banter and situational comedy between characters. There is almost always a few laugh out loud moments for me and this book had a few. I will definitely never look at a peach or an aubergine (I had to look it up it is like a eggplant purple cucumber again. Just imagine the worst mother daughter talk about “marital duties” and multiply it by five lols.

She came to a bargain with herself. If Mama was going to subject her to this, Mama was going to pay for it. And there was only one way to exact revenge for this farce of a lesson. To take it seriously. She lifted her head and composed her expression into one of solemn, wide-eyed innocence.
Reaching forward, she laid a single finger on the aubergine. “Is this the actual size?”
“Not every gentleman’s is quite that size. Some are smaller. Some may, in fact, be larger.”
“But most are not quite so purple, I hope.” She picked up the two items and pushed them against one another, frowning with confusion. “How does the aubergine fit inside the peach?

This was one of the funniest scenes I’ve read in a long time and much needed.

There isn’t a ton going on plot wise. Piers is trying to investigate the lord they are staying with for a possible position and keeps getting distracted by Charlotte. She is trying to figure out who had a trist on the desk in the study while they were hiding and having a fantastic time trying to be a sleuth. She is actually pretty good at it and ferreted out some of Piers’s secrets too.

Like most of Tessa Dares books it is just a good time. I wouldn’t say it was more memorable than a lot of Historical Romance I’ve read but if all you are looking for is just a light regency romance then it is perfect. ...more

flag 39 likes · Like · see review

Sep 07, 2017 Ⓐlleskelle - teamSøren♗ ⊲I like big b00ks⊳ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LOVED. THIS. BOOK. HARD.

Tessa Dare quickly became my happy place when I'm in the mood for Historical Romance. It all started with the Duchess Deal. A couple weeks ago.
So far the Spindle Cove series have been light hearted, sweet, steamy and hilarious. All this at the same time. All I know is that they make me feel good.

Kissing her was all in the line of duty. But work had never tasted so much like pleasure.

I can't define really what makes me "click" with these boo ...more

flag 39 likes · Like · see review

Nov 02, 2016 Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I adore Tessa Dare’s books! They are always enchanting, romantic, sexy and funny!

I love the crossover of characters from the two series. The heroine, Charlotte, is the youngest of the Highwood sisters who feature in the Spindle Cove series and the hero, Piers Brandon, Marquess of Granville, appears in the second book of the Castles Ever After series.

Clever, witty, vivacious, good-natured and forthright, Charlotte is like a breath of fresh air. Despite her mother’s ill-conceived attempts t ...more

flag 38 likes · Like · see review

Nov 23, 2015 WhiskeyintheJar rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, historical, regency

4.3 stars

What are you doing to me? He'd whispered.
Charlotte had no idea. But whatever it was, he was doing it back.

Spoiler Alert: I like wallflowers and broody dudes. :) So, of course I liked this one. The way our hero was bamboozled by the heroine gets me every time. I would have liked to feel a bit closer to Piers, for some reason his background felt a bit underdeveloped, rushed or not delved into enough.
Charlotte was so open, honest, and willing to get her man; I quite delighted in her. ...more

flag 39 likes · Like · see review

Jul 19, 2020 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance, damaged-hero, audiobook

Tessa Dare just knows how to write a good, fun historical romance. I can gobble up her books and know I'll be entertained the entire time.

From the start of this book, I really loved Charlotte's character and how she really isn't like your typical historical romance heroine. First, her mom wants her to be ruined so that she can marry the man who ruins her. Then, she's so determined NOT to marry and she's just so witty and intelligent. I loved how observant she is and how she really tests Piers. ...more

flag 80 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2016 Caz rated it really liked it

Shelves: aar, romance-1800-1850, arc, 4-stars

I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars.

It feels like I’m committing the ultimate Romancelandia faux-pas when I say that Tessa Dare’s last couple of books haven’t really worked for me. So much so, in fact, that I couldn’t rate When a Scot Ties the Knot above a C+; the characterisation was inconsistent, the humour felt forced and it seemed to me that Ms Dare had crossed the line into self-parody with her frequent, knowing winks to the audience.

So I’m over the moon to be able to say that wit ...more

flag 35 likes · Like · see review

Mar 09, 2019 Addie H rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: zl-marriage-of-convenience, zq-unstarched, h-rom-regency, za-wallflower-spinster, 6-kindle, zh-fake-relationship, 5-audiobooks

On Kindle sale for USD 1.99 Nov 16th 2019

**

(Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Spinster/Wallflower, Fake Relationship, Unstarched (hero)

description

Another solid Tessa Dare book with two very likeable characters.

**
- He prided himself on control. Restraint. Careful management of both internal emotions and outward reactions. Lives had depended on it, and Piers had never let them down. And then along came Miss Charlotte Highwood. Announcing her own entrance into his life with the most absurd of declarations. I ...more

flag 35 likes · Like · see review

Sep 04, 2016 Alyssa rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016-releases

4.5 stars. This was lovely!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
Book Five of the Spindle Cove series/Book Four of the Castles Ever After series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.
•Was it Lord Canby, with the ma ...more

flag 34 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2016 Zoe rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This book could have gotten 3 stars from me, which in my book, is not bad at all.

But I have decided to give it 2 stars. I loathe the ninny heroine Charlotte.

Maybe ninny isn't the right word. She just isn't a real character. And ditzy, yeah, ditzy sounds right. Charlotte is a fictional character whose "pretend" naivety really annoys me. The blend of "intelligence and innocence", I get it. I know where Tessa Dare was going with this. There are different ways of creating such a character. But Tes This book could have gotten 3 stars from me, which in my book, is not bad at all.

But I have decided to give it 2 stars. I loathe the ninny heroine Charlotte.

Maybe ninny isn't the right word. She just isn't a real character. And ditzy, yeah, ditzy sounds right. Charlotte is a fictional character whose "pretend" naivety really annoys me. The blend of "intelligence and innocence", I get it. I know where Tessa Dare was going with this. There are different ways of creating such a character. But Tessa Dare's approach is one that does not appeal to me. I mean come on, there is innocent and intelligent and there is pretentious and being a smart ass. Charlotte falls into the latter category for me. She has an air about her, the kind of "I am the heroine of this book and I think I am fantastic but I cannot think that because that would not be virtuous. The writer wants me to be this innocent, smart, sweet, darling but perceptive and intelligent mature woman all at the same time, but you know, I cannot appear to be conscious of it because boasting about it makes me less attractive" heroine.

Alright that was one hell of a long sentence to describe Charlotte. But you catch my drift here. Charlotte is so obviously a fake character, someone Tessa Dare conjured up to entice female readers.

The plots are thin and unbelievable as they are already, coupled with Charlotte's antics, now that is just downright ridiculous. This is a regency comedy, nothing romantic about it other than the hero Piers uttering sentences like "I want you" here and there in the heat of the moment.

At around 50% Lord Rafe Brandon appeared and Piers introduced him as his brother. Then it hit me: oh my God Piers is the jilted bridegroom in this other ridiculous book by Tessa Dare, where the pudgy heroine Clio couldn't keep her hands off cakes and slept with the brother of Piers, the boxer. I pushed myself to get to 50% and after I realized that I couldn't hold it anymore. I quickly went through the book just wanting to be done with it. I recall thinking that Piers was the only interesting character in Rafe and Clio's story. And now Piers' story is ruined too.

Please do not get me wrong. I do not mean to say that this is a horrible book. Don't take it seriously. Don't expect a soul-searching romance. Expect, instead, a comedy show where people act outrageously inappropriately for a laugh. Expect a heroine who is so funny, so innocent, but mind you, also so smart that you just want to snort your disbelief. And of course an accomplished man like Piers, a cold-blooded spy no less, can only fall in love with a impertinent fresh young lady who is too smart for her own good (aka doesn't know boundaries and doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut and dreams of falling in love, etc. etc. etc.)

I never expect a real romance when I read Tessa Dare. I never expect historical accuracy or a hand-on-my-heart kind of reading experience. That consistently put Tessa Dare in the 2-3 stars rating range for me. And this book is no exception. ...more

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Mar 11, 2016 Esther rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, arc-edelweiss, angst, excellent-plot, action-packed, emotion-grabber, excellent-epilogue, family, funny, great-humor

ARC from Avon and Edelweiss for honest review.

This was a fantastic read!!!! In EVERY WAY!! A six star rating if I could.

I am still processing this wonderful read and am not even sure how I begin this review.

We have two characters, Charolette and Piers who are caught in the library with a scenario that implicates them as "lovers". But in reality Charolette has come to warn Piers of her mothers schemes in trying to marry her off, but as she is warning Piers someone is approaching the Library. The ARC from Avon and Edelweiss for honest review.

This was a fantastic read!!!! In EVERY WAY!! A six star rating if I could.

I am still processing this wonderful read and am not even sure how I begin this review.

We have two characters, Charolette and Piers who are caught in the library with a scenario that implicates them as "lovers". But in reality Charolette has come to warn Piers of her mothers schemes in trying to marry her off, but as she is warning Piers someone is approaching the Library. The two hide and "overhear" a couple having sex. The couple leaves and as Charolette and Piers come out of hiding they are discovered and thought to be the said "couple" (the host's son who is eight over hears all the "noise" that the lovers made and thinks someone is being murdered so comes to investigate but catches C & P instead and begins yelling that someone was murdered, which draws everyone to the library. Thats how the two are "found out").

Piers, our hero is perceived as a perfect and proper gentlemen, but also considered cold. He's Marquess of Granville and a diploma, but also a spy for the crown. Charlotte, our heroine is delightful. She has been dubbed "The Desperate Debutante" as her mother is doing anything/everything to have her married off, preferably to an Earl but would be happy with a Marquess too. Charlotte has a gift of understanding and reading people. She is kindhearted, smart and sassy (I love my sassy heroines).

"“What’s your plan, Agent Brandon?” she whispered. “Do you mean to kiss me so long and so hard that I’ll forget your identity?” “No.” His hand slid to the back of her head, tangling in her hair—so tightly she gasped. “I mean to kiss you so long and so hard that you’ll forget yours.”

This romance was absolutely wonderful. The two characters had such depth and were so likable that I didn't want this book to end. I loved them individually and together. The build up of there romance was perfection. Yes, there was instant attraction but the lust and love was built in such a perfect pace that made it so much richer to witness. Piers was alpha and sweet, what a perfect combination in his care and dialogue with Charolette. Charolette was kind but determined, strong but endearing. And watching her fall in love with Piers was the sweetest thing. She found something in him that she knew was worthy of love, and was determined to uncover it for herself to keep forever. Pier's found his peace and ability to love again in Charlotte. She "knew" him as no one else did and brought out a side of him that he thought was lost forever. Her effort and heart to stick with him was sigh worthy and so endearing. The two had such wonderful conversations and dialogue. Intelligent, funny, sassy and hot, these two have become on of my favorite couples.

She slid to the edge of her chair, leaning forward until her knees touched his. “Piers,” she whispered. “I said that I, Charlotte . . . with this beating organ in my chest commonly called a heart . . . love you. Most dearly. Does that make more sense?”"

“It wouldn’t change a thing. Those walls, as you call them . . . They’re part of me now, and they are iron strong.” He lifted a hand to her face, skimming his thumb over her lower lip. “Even if I wished to, I wouldn’t know how to dismantle them.” “I know,” she said quietly. “I know.” She wreathed her arms around his neck. “That’s why you need me. I’m going to burn them to the ground.”"

The plot was good, finding the real would be lovers. We had a bit of everything that I like: some angst, laughter, wonderful dialogue, sexual tension (and hotness for sure) and a bit of mystery too. The pacing was perfect. The secondary characters very enjoyable. The story line had great depth and layers to it. But best of all are these two, Charlotte and Piers, who give a us a wonderful romance that has everything you wish for in a love story. One of the best Historical romances I've read in a long, long time. Perfect!!!! ...more

flag 31 likes · Like · see review

Oct 21, 2015 Grace Cieleen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Finished this book in one day and I have highlighted way too many favorite quotes. I guess that is what happens when it has been way too long since Tessa released a new book. I hope and pray and pray and fervently pray we get more where all this..this wonderful, splendid magic is coming from. THIS COUPLE IS MY SHIP. THIS STORY IS MY SHIP. TESSA IS MY SHIP.

I am going to keep it simple, I mean - this is an overall feel-good, light, (super) sexy, funny, witty book from my fave author. But bias asid ...more

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

Sep 28, 2016 Jo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: book-boyfriend, gr2016, heroines-i-love, mine, books-i-love, 4-5-stars, feel-good-read

I’m here to save you.

Charlotte Highwood is tired of her mother's matchmaking schemes, so she goes to the library to warn Lord Ganville, Piers Brandon, of her mother’s plans hoping to avoid another scandal. Not knowing that a scandalous tryst will soon force her to hide behind the library curtains in Pierce’s arms. And unfortunate circumstances will paint them as the mystery couple.

“We’d be a terrible match. I’m far too young for you.”
“So you’ve made clear.”
“You’re the model of proprie

I’m here to save you.

“We’d be a terrible match. I’m far too young for you.”
“So you’ve made clear.”
“You’re the model of propriety.”
“And you’re . . . here. Alone.”
“Exactly. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and yours is clearly—”
“Kept in the usual place.”

Charlotte is determined to find out the identity of the mystery lovers, otherwise she’ll be forced to marry the cold and arrogant Pierce. It would never work between them, they couldn’t be more opposite. But as they try to piece together the clues, Charlotte learns that Pierce is more than just the cold and very proper marquess everyone sees. He can pick locks, unhand a knife-wielding thug, tease her with wicked wit, and kisses like a unrepentant rake. And he’s turning out to be the most fascinating puzzle of Charlotte’s life.

But Charlotte has always dreamed of marrying for love. Can she risk her heart on a man determined to never love?

What to make of this man? He was proper. He was passionate. He had the public demeanor of an iceberg, but he kissed her as if she were his oasis in a vast, arid desert.

I love unconventional heroines, and Charlotte was amazing. She’s outspoken, unorganised and so open about her feelings. I just loved her and how she understood Pierce, how she saw behind his unfeeling façade, and knew that there was a heart hidden beneath that icy personality.

“You,” he said, “are the most unsettling creature I have ever met in my life. I have not felt settled since the moment we met.”

I absolutely loved the broody and cold Pierce. Pierce has had years of learning how to hide his feelings, until Charlotte came along and threw his world of its axis. Suddenly he couldn’t concentrate on anything but her, he couldn’t keep his calm, his control around her, and I loved that!

“It wasn’t enough for you to invade my thoughts, was it? Oh, no. You had to get under my skin, as well. Sometimes I think you’ve found a way into my blood.”

I loved the immediate attraction between these two, and how the intensity between them grew with every moment spent together. They are so different from each other, she’s so optimistic and he’s so jaded, and they were perfect for each other. Their romance was so romantic, sexy and just wonderful. The sexy times were very hot, starting with that delicious and scorching first kiss, and I loved that the guarded Pierce was so passionate when it came to Charlotte.

The mystery regarding who the unknown lovers were, the reason for why Pierce was there and all his secrets, and Charlotte trying to find out the identity of the lovers were all excellent. I also loved all the humor in this book, and the funniest was the sex talk Charlotte’s mother had with her, she even had fruit for props :-D It was hilarious! Also I loved seeing Colin and Minerva again.

Tessa Dare is one of my favorite HR authors. Her books are always funny, light-hearted and so romantic. And I loved this book! It had all my favorite things: a fantastic heroine, a broody and secretive hero, a passionate romance and lots of humor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Dec 19, 2015 Avid Booker rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: People Who Like Young But Daring(And a bit Naive) Heroines

3.5 stars I was stuck between a three or four stars. Honestly this story leans more towards three, BUT I bumped it to four for the small part that Colin was in, and because the whole first 2 chapters or so are laugh out loud funny to me. And because even after that parts were HILARIOUS.

This is one of those books where, you either like it or you don't. There are no inbetweens. And I liked it.

It's not as great as A Week to Be Wicked or When a Scot Ties the Knot and that's only because I like thos ...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2016 ♥ℳelody rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-hero, hero-too-delicious-for-words, annoying-secondary-characters, author-tessa-dare, brooding-dark-quiet-hero, tortured-hero, contrived-plot, gorgeous-eyes-hero, genre-historical-romance, sweetheart-heroine

3.75 stars

Really sweet charming couple. The plot? Meh. Not so great or exciting. But Piers and Charlotte are adorable so I would recommend this just for them. It's just not a very suspenseful or angsty story. If you are looking for a light fluffy predictable funny romance then give this a go.

But once again, I must say Dare really needs to be more careful and aware of her world building. It's a little too thin in some areas. There were some glaring contradictions, physical body movements during i ...more

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2018 Warda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

[3.5 ⭐️]

I just have the best time with these books.

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Apr 18, 2020 preoccupiedbybooks rated it really liked it

A hilarious and fun historical romance which plays on Cluedo, one of my favourite games!

Charlotte Highwood just meant to warn Piers Brandon (The Marquess of Granville) about her scheming mother's matchmaking plans, but it all goes wrong when they accidentally overhear a couple having a secret tryst in the library! Unfortunately, everyone thinks they were the ones having the secret rendezvous! Will Charlotte now be forced into marry a cold, arrogant man who doesn't love her, or will she solve the ...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2019 Somia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, tessa-dare, 5-sparkling-stars, historical-romance

Charlotte Highwood has no desire to catch herself a lord much to the despair of her mother, rather she wishes to travel through the continent with her best-friend. Unfortunately, Charlotte knows her mother’s desire to see her wed to a distinguished lord won’t simply stop, and in attempt to ensure her mother doesn’t get her way, she decides to warn the man her mother has an eye on - Lord Granville aka Marquess Piers Brandon. However, a misunderstanding and an over-imaginative little lord result i ...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Oct 03, 2016 Desi rated it it was ok

Inane plot, ditzy heroine, vacillating hero who never solidified into a character worth knowing ... and wayyy too much sex that served No Purpose in terms of plot advancement.

Don't even get me started on the ridiculous resolution to the mystery aspect! It became an utter rubbish gimmick the characters wasted their time running after.

And more irritatingly, one the long-suffering readers wasted their time and head-space attempting to solve.

This would have irritated me less had the 'mystery' not ...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Sep 28, 2016 Bubu rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, hr

Edit Sept 29th

After rereading my review, I feel like adding this concerning my remarks about the plot:
I can easily compare this book to The Hating Game. I know it's a little tricky to compare a Historical to a Contemporary, but in terms of plot both books stand on thin ice. However, they describe the hilarious story of two people falling in love. They are simply feel-good books.

4.5 stars - Read this with a pinch of salt

"Those walls, as you call them . . . They’re part of me now, and they are
...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Romance Novel Boo...: SOLVED - hero and heroine get caught in library/study?	4	48	Jul 23, 2018 01:03PM
Historical Romanc...: BR - Do you want to start a scandal	111	40	Mar 09, 2017 09:36AM
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	1	4	Apr 05, 2016 08:45AM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance

1,226 users

Romance > Historical Romance

1,121 users

Historical

514 users

Historical > Historical Fiction

266 users

Historical > Regency

130 users

Adult

114 users

Fiction

107 users

Historical Romance > Regency Romance

73 users

Mystery

58 users

Humor

52 users

See top shelves…

About Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare

9,996 followers

Sign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/

Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellen ...more

Other books in the series

Spindle Cove (5 books)

Books by Tessa Dare

Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After, #1)

When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After, #3)

More…

Contemporary Romance Rewrites 'Pride and Prejudice' with an Astrological Twist

When two complete opposites meet—one who believes in soul mates and one who doesn’t—will they fall in love despite their differences? A nod...

Trivia About Do You Want to St...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Do You Want to St...

“I can’t agree to a convenient arrangement, my lord. Your devotion to duty may be admirable, but ‘lie back and think of England’ simply isn’t for me.” His voice became low and dark. “I cannot promise you everything you might wish, but I promise you this: When I take you to bed, you will not be thinking of England.” “Oh.” — 14 likes

“I hadn’t simply taken a fancy to you.” “No?” He shook his head slowly. His thumb traced the shape of her lips. “Fancy doesn’t begin to describe it. This is closer to . . . an obsession. An enchantment, or perhaps a curse. You’re like a little fair-haired witch who cast a spell on me, and I can’t concentrate. I can’t sleep. I can’t think of anything but hearing you laugh and holding you close and imagining what you’ll look like naked in my bed.” — 11 likes

More quotes…