Hotspur & Taffeta

by Claudette Williams

Lord Thurston Tarrant, known as Hotspur on the London social scene, thinks Lady Taffeta Grantham is too young and idealistic. Experience has taught him that love is found only in fairy tales and that very few women can be trusted—especially young and attractive ones.

As for Taffy, she finds the rakehell cynical and arrogant—definitely not the hero, the man of principles and romance, her heart longs for. Besides, as one of the Rogues Three, she is more concerned with social injustice than a man who could use his influence to right wrongs but shows no interest in doing so.

So why does Tarrant find himself enchanted by the beautiful and high-spirited Taffy? Why does Taffy’s sporadic gift of sight insist on showing her visions of Tarrant as a bold and passionate lover—her lover?

When the prince of flirts catches the princess of thieves in a ‘Robin Hood’ encounter gone wrong, a secret is discovered, a promise is given, and two lives will be changed in ways neither could have dreamed.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Paranormal, Regency Romance

Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

About the author

Author now writes (and has re-issued some of her older books) as Claudy Conn.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up surrounded by these ridiculous regency romances. My mother read them constantly, and I just found a huge bag in the garage. I know exactly what's going to happen every step of the way and I still giggle and squeal and clap my hands. I'm the perfect target audience for this stuff!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taffeta and Hotspur by Claudy Conn
Lady Taffeta "Taffy" doesn't want to go to London for the marriage mart. She enjoys her freedom of riding astride and behaving as she wishes with her fun loving brother Seth, the Duke of Grantham, and her young uncle, Nigel. She doesn't want to be paraded like horseflesh to be bought and she wants a man who will love her. Definitely not a rakehell like Thurstan Tarrant “Hotspur”.

Thurstan Tarrant had been young once and believed in love. He was burned by that emotion and now lives life on his terms. And love and attachments are not part of that. When he meets the little vixen Taffy and catches her in a position that prompts her to promise she will pay a debt to him….he knows he’ll collect it. He’s just unsure if she’s as wild as she seems or as innocent.

Another fun regency by Claudy Conn. Full of characters who come to life and pull you into the story. And as always the evil villain lurking about ready for his chance to wreak havoc. From the forests of Nottingham to the streets of London there is plenty of excitement and page turning adventures from beginning to end.
**Sexual situations
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is Lady Taffeta Grantham who is an adorable minx who goes her own way and doesn't give a hoot about being a proper Lady! She lives with her brother Seth, The Duke of Grantham who is waiting to turn 21 and they are very close to their Uncle Nigel who isn't much older than them and has grown up with them. They share everything including political ideas which get them into trouble. They are aiding the "Luddites"-people who work in the mills in terrible conditions and horrible pay. They become Robin Hoods-stealing from the rich and giving to the mill people. Then comes along Lord Thurston Tarrant Hotspur who is a rake and a connoisseur of women and is known as Hotspur. The trio try robbing him by mistake and he realizes who they are. He lets them go under the condition that Taffeta is in his debt and he can collect anytime.

Seth turns 21, so he, Taffeta and Uncle Nigel go to London where Seth can sit in Parliament and Taffeta can have her season in London. Here is where Hotspur comes back into their lives and still with the debt hanging over Taffeta's head. Needless to say she gets upset with him and wants the debt to be paid. Sparks start to fly with these two. Add into the mix Lady Watson who wants Hotspur for herself and The Lord James Fenmore who wants Taffeta! These two collaborate to help each other. Throw into the mix someone acting like the trio not only robbing but also killing which our trio did not do. Life gets very complicated in London!

You'll have to read the book yourself to find out the outcome and believe me you'll love it just as I did. Claudy's books grab you into the stories from the beginning to the end. You have passion, mystery, evil intentions and a good romp!!

[Nicole Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, Romantic, Hot Regency!!!!
This is the second regency romance I have read by Claudy Conn, and I have to say I am totally hooked. I really wasn't one for reading this genre, but I can now say this fabulous author has changed my mind. She gives new meaning to romance. I love her strong willed female leads and how they bring so much life to the story. Claudy's descriptive details make you feel like you are actually there in the story. Her eloquent style of writing and vivid pictures she instills will have you sighing to yourself. Also, what makes Claudy's regency's special is that they are to the tee accurate for the time period. So far this is my favorite book by this author.
Hotspur, kind of a playboy, to say the least is brought to his knees by Taffeta. A beautiful independent woman. Their attraction for each other is something they both don't want but something they really need. The desire they share is smokin' hot, but what make the story even better is knowing how much they really love each other. I will forever love these characters and will most likely read this book again. I am never disappointed with any of Claudy's books, and I guarantee you won't be either.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

too short i would have loved for it to go into more detail.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

169 pages according to my kindle.

****Spoilery***

Highly sought after cynical rakehell Lord Thurston Tarrant has deftly managed to evade the jaws of matrimonial bliss and matrimonial bliss is the farthest thing from his mind when he claps eyes on the outspoken stunningly beautiful Lady Taffeta Grantham.

During the suspense part of the plot when Taffy, her brother and her guardian foolishly hold up Tarrant’s coach he’s onto them quick smart and extracts a whispered debt promise from Taffy. Taffy though an innocent knows his reputation and is under no illusions as to what that debt will involve and Tarrant scoundrel that he is has every intention of calling it in. Having been burned once before in his youth a lesson he remembers well Tarrant is above the fripperies of such an unstable emotion as love. Yet on the way to his ‘awakening’ the reader learns more about the man, the loneliness, the restlessness and the fight against his imminent fall. Like most male thinking in that era so I won’t hold it against him, it was okay to brush up extensively on his boudoir skills to then turn around and question Taffy’s virtue. Contradiction much.

A reader of historical romance for more years than I can count the plot is definitely not new yet I still like to read how an author handles the subtle and not so subtle nuances as a couple flirt round each other toward the inevitable.

The wonder of a short story is there is no room for massive misunderstandings, waffle or padding. At least the proof reading was much better than others I’ve read recently and it’s not necessary to use big words, simplified is better. The one sex scene felt like a bit of an anti-climax and on the floor in her Aunt’s house no less.

Still I liked Taffeta and Hotspur, theirs was an enjoyable read.

[Veronica-Lynn Pit Bull · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received Taffeta & Hotspur free for kindle and thought "why not". I'm typically not overly enamored of traditional regency style romances; and that is the reason for the middle of the road rating. If I really enjoyed this genre then I would probably have rated it a little higher as it seemed to be fairly well written.

I liked that the story was straight forward and that we were not tortured with any angsty "big misunderstandings". I did not understand the appeal of Tarrant and thought his character could have been better developed. It's not that I found him unappealing, I just didn't get what was so special about him. I don't understand the moniker "hotspur" in reference to him, and for some reason I also found it a little annoying. The Bing dictionary reference tells me that a "hotspur" is a rash or impetuous person - which sounds more like Taffy not Tarrant. And speaking of Taffeta, I had no major complaints with her although I did think the whole love scene was a little...odd...and the only thing I kept thinking was...wow, I guess no one's concerned about pregnancy.

Other than that T&H had the obligatory quirky family side kicks, the sweet secondary character romance and the odious villain. If you like this sort of genre then it isn't half bad.

[Dawn Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudy Conn's regency tales are always refreshing reads. You can always expect your needs fulfilled.

This one was very enjoyable. I love regency-historical romances with a paranormal twist to them.

Claudy always manages to capture the time period so well you get transported back in time. The clothes, events, details and manners always amaze me. I find it all very exciting. Its one of my all time favorite genres and that is why I enjoy Claudy's books with a passion.

This storyline was so realistic. The mystery and suspense really keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.

I can't get enough of Claudy's characters. The are unforgettable and stay with me. This story line flowed perfectly.

Taffata and Tarrant suited each other. The emotion and passion they shared makes this love story a keeper. Its a must read!

[Cyndi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I keep throwing this phrase around, but this might be the worst book I've ever read. Between the truly horrendous dialogue and the blatant historical inaccuracies, I found myself wanting to tear out my eyeballs. The only reason I finished it was a perverse desire to see how the completely asinine plot ended. This book should not only be free, Ms. Conn should pay people to read it because her poor audience needs to get something from the awful experience. I only wish I had a paper copy so I could burn it.

[Melanie Tikalsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Taffeta and Hotspur. This was an amazing book and one that I could not put done once I started reading it. The story flowed so well. Well written and loveable characters. This book was fast paced and kept you wondering what was going to happen next. I will be checking out more from this author. She just may be my new favorite.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to explore a story written cleverly in Old English?
And fall in love with all the characters and their charms?
Mmm, yes, then pick up this gem.
It's not an easy read, but it's truly delightful xx

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Well written, amazingly good characters, and a good mystery. What more do you want?!

Happy Reading!! :D

[Stephanie Lambeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. Loved the plot and action. Loved Taffy and Thurstan (Hotspur). Their personalities were so much fun. I highly recommend this book.

[Teshai · Rating 3 out of 5]

So is she not going to tell the man she has visions? What happened to the three rogues? Who were they? What became of the stance she was fighting for with her brother and uncle. So bag the man and forget all that, just go to Italy and screw it..lol.

These are quick easy reads but they lack completion to me.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished Reading May 4, 2014

1.75 Stars
Had potential. Loved the beginning. Fell Flat quickly. Took forever to get anywhere and No Sex scenes. Just a lot of build up.

Book Rejected

Prch May 2, 2014 Amz

[Mary Stockwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but average

This was a very pleasant and entertaining romance. Although it is somewhat average. It is still a nice way to spend a short time reading.

[Sophie Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a adorable story. It pulls you in from the very beginning and you are so happy for it to do so!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Taffeta is one of the members of Rogue’s Three with the other two being her old brother and her not much older uncle. They are playing at a bit of Robin Hood and end up holding up the wrong carriage. Their aim is the tyrannical mill owners, but end up holding up the infamous rakehell Hotspur who is the nephew of one of their neighbors. Lady Taffy must strike a deal with Hotspur (aka Lord Thurston Tarrant) to keep his silence about the Rogue’s Three.

Lady Taffy ends up in the capable hands of her aunt who is determined to provide a successful season for Lady Taffy. Hotspur is the hottest catch of every season as he has not one interest in debutantes. There is something about Taffy that intrigues him and so he unwittingly draws the haute ton’s attention to her by dancing the waltz with her at her first dance. But of course although he is intrigued he still does not like her and he is definitely not the kind of man that Taffy is hoping to attract.

There were a lot of similarities between this book and Runaway Heart by the same author, but I loved both of them. Again the heroine is strong and capable of saving herself. The love isn’t instant for anyone. I loved it. It was a super quick read and delightful.

Favorite quote: (at the beginning, this is Hotspur to Taffeta after discussing that she would not pursue him as a husband and he would not attempt to seduce her)

“Then I think not,” he said brightly. “War it is, my lady, and to the victor go the spoils.”

If you would like to read more book reviews or get some book suggestions, visit my blog at: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/

[Silverana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Good historical romance. Hotspur, the male lead, did not appear to be as cynical and rakish as some HR authors make their male leads and the type it seemed like he would be from the blurb. He actually smiled and laughed frequently. The reason that I think this is a 4.5 not 5, is that although Hotspur’s character is well written, it made it seem like the author couldn’t decide on exactly what type of traits to give him. More of the laughter or the cynicism? I loved when he realized his feelings for Taffeta and decides to make her his own as soon as possible.

Taffeta does not want to go husband hunting for the season in London, thinking that she will not like the ways of the ton. However, she ends up liking the atmosphere. She is strong and quick thinking. There was one thing about her that did not seem important to the story. She has visions of the future but they are not really a major part of the story as I had thought they would be. By the end, they didn’t make a difference and we weren’t given a scene where Taffeta tells Hotspur about them in detail.

The story frequently changes points of view so that we are given the thoughts of some of the secondary characters. It was nicely done. A couple of the words didn’t seem from that time period, giving it a contemporary feel while at the same time, it was written really well for the historical setting.

Hotspur’s punishment for the villain at the end was very generous, one that I don’t think I would have been able to choose.

[S.R. Roddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first story by this author. It was a sweet story. At 150 pgs I hesitate to call it short, it’s more of a mid–range read. I do admit to having difficulty with the lower class, old English dialect. I found myself reading those sections more than once to figure out what was being said. The way the author just kind of threw the dialect in there from time to time made it feel disjointed. Not necessarily anything wrong with the scene itself, just the new dialect distracted the flow.

I liked Taffy and her relationship with her brother and uncle. The author did a great job describing the awkwardness involved for three people who were always more like partners in crime. For one to all of a sudden become the guardian over the other two would indeed be a difficult adjustment. Her bold straight forward attitude made her fun and entertaining.

Hotspur was a little more difficult. I felt the author lost out on a few opportunities to flesh out his character better. I had no trouble reading between the lines, but I can’t help but feel I would have enjoyed the story better if certain things were explained in more detail. For instance, the references to politics. From that I got that he obviously worked for the government in some type of undercover aspect, but we were left mostly guessing there. He just kind of disappeared for days at a time with no real explanation.

Overall I liked the story, it was cute and engaging. I wouldn’t mind reading other books by this author.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great historical romance with a very light touch of paranormal, well a seer or psychic is more like it, but it added to the story making it an even more engrossing read. I like historical romance, but do not love it. Claudy wrote us a short, exciting and fun read that held on to my interest until the very end, which says a lot for me. I believe even readers that are not fans of the genre will have a great time reading Taffeta & Hotspur.

Taffy is a free spirited intelligent young woman that’s been raised by her uncle and brother a majority of her life. They are a very close family unit and a lot of fun! When Taffy comes of age to receive, she meets the man she’s dreamed about for a long while. But is it meant to be?

Thurston is known as a rake, a player in other words. He’s not one settle down or stay with any one woman for long. Many desire him for his good looks and money, but he wants nothing to do with them. The day he meets Taffy, he’s immediately taken by her, her charm, beauty and originality. But it is not his way and he’ll do anything to avoid her. But for how long can he keep up this charade?

Both characters grew and matured throughout the story and became much…more. All of the characters are fantastic! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all that leads up to who I now know as the dynamic duo :)

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical English romance about a jaded lord that finds his innocent fresh lady in this romance story. Lord Thurston Tarrant, known as Hotspur is our jaded hero that no longer believes in love for his class of superficial society. Lady Taffeta Grantham is high born with lots of connections, so of course the fact that she is also very beautiful guarantees her choice of husband in the marriage market in London, but even before she arrives she has already met the best match of the season, the Lord Tarrant who happens to live in the area where she grew up on her Duke brother's land. She decides to not try to seduce him so that of course makes her even more interesting to him. This is a cute story about equally rich, titled and smart people so it makes a lot of sense that this is going to work out. There is a secondary plot about the 'Rogues Three' who are young folks trying to be like Robin Hoods in Nottinghamshire, but then they are mimicked by real thieves and spies against the English thrown. Which was a little boring, but there had to be something into the story to push it along. There is an evil doer, Burton and a kidnapping, all in all the usual historical fluff, but at least this is well written and edited fluff!
169 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in the Regency period, in England, and centres around Lady Taffeta, her brother and her uncle. They are all roughly of age (the boys 21 ish) and Taffy is just about to hit 18 and make her debut in London for her first season.

She is introduced to Hotspur during a visit to a friend nearby her home in Grantham and is attracted but thinks he's a bit of a boor. At 28 and cynical, Hotspur keeps telling himself that Taffeta is not for him.

Claudy Conn writes some fantastic heroines and heroes but I'm afraid in this book, the brother and the uncle are just a bit too naive and wet behind the ears to really do much to the story. There are other supporting characters which are of interest though.

On the whole, this is a very enjoyable, light read and as some of the loose ends haven't yet been tied up, it could quite easily be part of a series (I'm not sure if it actually already is or not).

* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 16, 2013

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about Claudy Conn's work, I always feel that I don't (or shouldn't) like it, but then go on to have a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I think it may be that sometimes they feel a little research light, and it's sometimes possible to find etiquette errors, or little details that just a little uncomfortable, but can be overlooked in the context of the whole work.

It was the same with the offering - which I confess I'd read before on my Mother's Kindle.

Taffeta came across as a perky, full of the right stuff and game for a laugh heroine. Although her brother and uncle felt a little wet for my taste.

The Hotspur created the impression of being just that hot and dark .... just the way I like them.

Giving it a bit of consideration I think this particular guilty pleasure should be rated 4 stars.

On my blog post (#367) I've added a list of errors/bugbears, but didn't think it was appropriate on here.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Taffeta and Hotspur
Author: Claudy Conn
Publication Date: 7/6/2012
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars

REVIEW
Claudy Conn does it again for me. She can take a Historical Romance and turn it into something Sexy and Oh So Hot .
I am not big on the Regency or Historical genre but I truly look forward to reading them when written by Claudy Conn.

Every single word is well written. The characters grab your soul as your reading and the suspense and even some comical are just the right amounts to give a life to the story.
And the book cover is gorgeous.

And I have yet another book boyfriend to add to my ever growing list so move over
Lady Taffeta Grantham because I am going to come take Lord Thurston Tarrant Hotspur although he is a Rake.

Claudy Conn

[R.C. Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boy...I really have mixed feelings about this book. After about the 30% mark I started to enjoy it more and I did end up reading it through to the end. But I'll admit I almost put it into the DNF pile at around the 20% mark. I struggled with the author's writing style and word choices in the first quarter of the book. It was downright awkward sometimes. But it got better as it went along.

I really loved the hero, Thurston Tarrant, though I wanted to scream if the word "Hotspur" was used one more time. It should have been used sparingly if you ask me. The heroine was also likeable. The two together were wonderful. Which is why I really wanted to like this book more.

However, considering it almost landed in the DNF pile and it is not a book I would read again, I landed on a 2 star rating. If you have a few hours to burn and can get past the first quarter of the book, its a quick little read that gave me a few laughs.

[Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm... On the one hand, I disapprove of sex in period novels. Call me a prude, but it just seems extremely unlikely and out of place. The story was a bit cliché and I didn't quite believe the sudden leap from must-try-and-get-over-her/I'm-not-the-marrying-kind to OMG-I-<3-you-marry-me-and-have-my-babies. I mean... I know it was bound to happen, given the genre, but still. More of an explanation would've been nice. Plus the author misspelled Jane Austen several times and that is, like, sacrilege don't you know? Especially for a romance writer. Get it together woman!

But then on the other hand, I did like the two main characters and despite everything, I enjoyed it. I've pondered the right rating for quite a while, whether to go with my gut "I enjoyed it" or whether the flaws are more significant... probably a 2.5 Stars really.

[Voirrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a feeling that there is something of a hit formula here... in many ways this was not all that different to the previous novel I read by this author.

Girl attracts previously un-catchable male; to protect someone she flirts with a rather unpleasant male; there is a female friend or relative the same age (20ish) to the heroine who will end up with the Mr Bingley figure to the heroine's Mr Darcy. The hero will have sex with our heroine - and be shocked at a crucial point to realise she was a virgin. There will be an attempt to abduct and marry the heroine by the unpleasant person she had led along - he may well be after her money, or just out to annoy the hero. The hero will rescue her and they will marry in the epilogue.

Having said that, it was fairly enjoyably predictable - but I think I might give this genre (especially by this writer) a rest for a while :)

[Pam H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this 3 times - just because it is a cute little story, doesn't take much time but is well written and delves into English society and all that it entails.

Taffetta is just coming out in London and has caught the eye of Thurston Tarrant who is also known as Hotspur for his love 'em and leave 'em attitude. Taffy is beautiful and full of fun, unlike any of the other women he has met. It doesn't take long for Hotspur to pursue her and for her to get under his skin.

Taffy along with her brother, Seth and their uncle Nigel, who is only 2 years older, cause mischief and form a lively little group with Catherine, Taffy's school friend, and James Fenmore who is Hotspur's best friend.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of a silly book. The dialogue was full of cant, which was annoying. The heroine was too much of everything, visions, adorableness, full hardiness, and the hero fell to fast for this silly girl. Also his justification for it being OK to bed her is that she seemed to "fast" to be a virgin and hot sex followed her deflowering. I don't think so. Only interesting thing was Home Secretary Sidmouth made an appearance in the last regency I read. This was a free bookbub I read on my phone, so wasn't expecting much. The history part was interesting about the Luddites and how Parliament reacted to it.