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Rogues Rush In
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell come together in this smart, sexy, not-to-be-missed Regency Duet!
Two scandalous brides...
Two rogues who won’t be denied...
His Bride for the Taking by New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Dare
It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.
His Duchess for a Day by USA Today Bestseller Christi Caldwell
It was never meant to be…
That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.
It was time to right a wrong…
Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.
Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?
Two scandalous brides...
Two rogues who won’t be denied...
His Bride for the Taking by New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Dare
It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.
His Duchess for a Day by USA Today Bestseller Christi Caldwell
It was never meant to be…
That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.
It was time to right a wrong…
Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.
Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
370 people are currently reading
1661 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Dare
51 books15.1k followersSign 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 Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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 Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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May 22, 2018Available now!
Two all-new Regency-romance romances in one book! Mine is a novella; Christi’s is a short novel.
It’s in ebook at major retailers and available to order in print from Amazon.
Hope it gives you heart-eyes 😍😍😍
April 5, 2019
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare was a 4.5 star.
I love it when a female gets her man by any means necessary. These two were lovely!
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell was a 2.5 star
This one had too much angst for my taste. Especially when a simple conversation could have prevented years of torment.
I love it when a female gets her man by any means necessary. These two were lovely!
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell was a 2.5 star
This one had too much angst for my taste. Especially when a simple conversation could have prevented years of torment.
April 1, 2019
4 ++ Stars
I love Tessa Dare 🖤🖤 *inserts a thousand heart-eyed emojis*
I love Tessa Dare 🖤🖤 *inserts a thousand heart-eyed emojis*
October 22, 2018
Although I enjoyed this duet - it is Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell, after all - petty is as petty does and I have to complain about the cover. Both heroines have reddish (described as auburn and crimson) hair. Yet I spy...a blonde?
Not sure if there is a lack of stock photos for red-headed historical heroines, but if cover artists need the inspiration, I have just the lady in mind...
*wipes drool from chin*
ANYWAY, one of my monthly challenge tasks is: "read a book that makes you feel warm and cozy." Naturally, I gravitated toward Tessa Dare. Few historical novels feature gems like this:
"Well, I don’t know how you propose to complete this bed without joining pieces together. Did you find a leaflet in the attic with instructions? In Swedish?"
🤣
If some readers find those quips "out of place", that is their prerogative. I don't care. You will pry my Tessa Dare books from my cold dead hands. I adore that they make me feel warm and cozy. I adore that they make me laugh.
His Bride for the Taking did all of the above. It features a marriage ofrescue convenience between a man and his best friend's older (YES!) sister. There is a twist to keep readers on their toes, but it is an otherwise simple, easy and utterly lovely story.
Christi Caldwell's His Duchess for a Day follows the reunion of an estranged married couple. While not overly angsty, it provides just enough to squeeze your heart before making it sing. Although I found certain aspects too repetitious and the initial misunderstanding frustrating, I appreciated that the lack of communication did not persist throughout the entire story. Overall, it was a sweet and charming second chance romance.
I have read two Caldwell books, and I find her style fresh and enjoyable. But it was clear that her series are connected, and I was confused by the proper reading order and unable to find a definitive answer. If any fellow readers have figured it out, let me know!
Read for SBTB October - December 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book that makes you feel warm and cozy.
Not sure if there is a lack of stock photos for red-headed historical heroines, but if cover artists need the inspiration, I have just the lady in mind...
*wipes drool from chin*
ANYWAY, one of my monthly challenge tasks is: "read a book that makes you feel warm and cozy." Naturally, I gravitated toward Tessa Dare. Few historical novels feature gems like this:
"Well, I don’t know how you propose to complete this bed without joining pieces together. Did you find a leaflet in the attic with instructions? In Swedish?"
🤣
If some readers find those quips "out of place", that is their prerogative. I don't care. You will pry my Tessa Dare books from my cold dead hands. I adore that they make me feel warm and cozy. I adore that they make me laugh.
His Bride for the Taking did all of the above. It features a marriage of
Christi Caldwell's His Duchess for a Day follows the reunion of an estranged married couple. While not overly angsty, it provides just enough to squeeze your heart before making it sing. Although I found certain aspects too repetitious and the initial misunderstanding frustrating, I appreciated that the lack of communication did not persist throughout the entire story. Overall, it was a sweet and charming second chance romance.
I have read two Caldwell books, and I find her style fresh and enjoyable. But it was clear that her series are connected, and I was confused by the proper reading order and unable to find a definitive answer. If any fellow readers have figured it out, let me know!
Read for SBTB October - December 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book that makes you feel warm and cozy.
June 19, 2018
4 'Loved you forever' Stars!
Rating for the story written by Tessa Dare called His Bride for the Taking. Since I absolutely adored The Duchess Deal, I decided I wanted to read more by this author and this novella was the perfect quick romance treat. Loved the the theme of "I loved you for years" but "you are forbidden because you are my best friend's sister". It was sweet, sexy, we even got a surprise and it had such an adorable ending!
Rating for the story written by Tessa Dare called His Bride for the Taking. Since I absolutely adored The Duchess Deal, I decided I wanted to read more by this author and this novella was the perfect quick romance treat. Loved the the theme of "I loved you for years" but "you are forbidden because you are my best friend's sister". It was sweet, sexy, we even got a surprise and it had such an adorable ending!
February 27, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Tessa Dare is one of my favorite Historical Romance writers. Her stories are always fun and Marriage of Convenience to lovers is a favorite trope of mine, so I was excited to get my hands on the Rogues Rush In: A Regency Duet. I’d never read Christi Caldwell before but see her books everywhere; this seemed like a good time to try a new to me author as well.
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare – 4.5 Hearts
Mary has been left at the alter and will be ruined. Sebastian has loved Mary from afar for years but she was the sister of his best friend and even after the death of Mary’s brother, he can’t break the pact they made as children that she would be hands off to him. But, he also can’t let her be ruined; Sebastian decides he will save Mary and marry her, it is the least he can do for his dead friend when there is no one else to take care of her.
This is an adorable tale of two people who have circled each other their whole lives but never come together until Sebastian gets a little shove. I thought this was a clever and cute story with a smidge of a twist at the end that endeared Mary to me immensely. Because the two have known each other most of their lives, it was so easy to buy into the love story and we get a few hot scenes in a short time to round out the story.
As a short story, it is very strong, enjoyable and if you haven’t tried Tessa Dare before a good way to see if you like her writing style.
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell – 3.5 Hearts
Again, this has the marriage of convenience trope to it but also adds in the couple being separated for almost ten years post marriage. Elizabeth is in hiding and has just been found by The Duke of Huntington, the man she married almost ten years before. Crispin has become the Duke just recently and needs his wife to make an appearance to get all of the meddling mothers of the ton off his back as they try to marry off daughters to the newly appointed Duke.
Elizabeth never wanted to be in society, but this is the least she can do for Crispin as his wife. She will go and make an appearance in society for one night and then she will return to the life she has trudged in for the last decade.
This is a sad tale of a misunderstanding gone horribly wrong with lasting years of anguish. Crispin and Elizabeth were the best of friends growing up. They were two peas in a pod and she was not of his social standing but he didn’t care at all. She understood him and he her so when both of Elizabeth’s parents died, he offered to marry her. They ran off and were married in secret before returning to tell his family the news. That did not go well and sent Elizabeth into a hiding of sorts.
Now Crispin wants to discover why she left and convince Elizabeth she should remain by his side for more than just the one night because he doesn’t plan on loosing her again.
I enjoyed most of this story, there are a few lines that get repeated through the tale a little much as Elizabeth tries to hold onto her hurt instead of just telling Crispin why she left. Crispin himself is a very likable hero, this is a new role for him and he is determined to woo the wife he wanted but never got to keep. Elizabeth took a little time for me to warm up to because she is holding on to the hurt so tightly but eventually, she thawed and when she did it was worth it.
Narration:
Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators for HR books. There is just something very dated about her performance that makes me feel like I’m in that time with the characters. She did another great performance in Rogues Rush In and added to my enjoyment of the stories. I listened to this at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Tessa Dare is one of my favorite Historical Romance writers. Her stories are always fun and Marriage of Convenience to lovers is a favorite trope of mine, so I was excited to get my hands on the Rogues Rush In: A Regency Duet. I’d never read Christi Caldwell before but see her books everywhere; this seemed like a good time to try a new to me author as well.
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare – 4.5 Hearts
Mary has been left at the alter and will be ruined. Sebastian has loved Mary from afar for years but she was the sister of his best friend and even after the death of Mary’s brother, he can’t break the pact they made as children that she would be hands off to him. But, he also can’t let her be ruined; Sebastian decides he will save Mary and marry her, it is the least he can do for his dead friend when there is no one else to take care of her.
This is an adorable tale of two people who have circled each other their whole lives but never come together until Sebastian gets a little shove. I thought this was a clever and cute story with a smidge of a twist at the end that endeared Mary to me immensely. Because the two have known each other most of their lives, it was so easy to buy into the love story and we get a few hot scenes in a short time to round out the story.
As a short story, it is very strong, enjoyable and if you haven’t tried Tessa Dare before a good way to see if you like her writing style.
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell – 3.5 Hearts
Again, this has the marriage of convenience trope to it but also adds in the couple being separated for almost ten years post marriage. Elizabeth is in hiding and has just been found by The Duke of Huntington, the man she married almost ten years before. Crispin has become the Duke just recently and needs his wife to make an appearance to get all of the meddling mothers of the ton off his back as they try to marry off daughters to the newly appointed Duke.
Elizabeth never wanted to be in society, but this is the least she can do for Crispin as his wife. She will go and make an appearance in society for one night and then she will return to the life she has trudged in for the last decade.
This is a sad tale of a misunderstanding gone horribly wrong with lasting years of anguish. Crispin and Elizabeth were the best of friends growing up. They were two peas in a pod and she was not of his social standing but he didn’t care at all. She understood him and he her so when both of Elizabeth’s parents died, he offered to marry her. They ran off and were married in secret before returning to tell his family the news. That did not go well and sent Elizabeth into a hiding of sorts.
Now Crispin wants to discover why she left and convince Elizabeth she should remain by his side for more than just the one night because he doesn’t plan on loosing her again.
I enjoyed most of this story, there are a few lines that get repeated through the tale a little much as Elizabeth tries to hold onto her hurt instead of just telling Crispin why she left. Crispin himself is a very likable hero, this is a new role for him and he is determined to woo the wife he wanted but never got to keep. Elizabeth took a little time for me to warm up to because she is holding on to the hurt so tightly but eventually, she thawed and when she did it was worth it.
Narration:
Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators for HR books. There is just something very dated about her performance that makes me feel like I’m in that time with the characters. She did another great performance in Rogues Rush In and added to my enjoyment of the stories. I listened to this at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 26, 2018
I found the part from Tessa Dare was a bit better than the part from Christy Caldwell. Tessa Dare even made an reference to Ikea.
June 8, 2018
This anthology contains two novellas:
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare (3 stars)
I've read almost every book that Ms. Dare has written so far and I know what to expect from her: fun, lighthearted stories featuring a historical setting but written in a contemporary style. Sometimes the story is so good that I let that idiosyncrasy slide, but sometimes I can't get past it. As a novella, His Bride for the Taking was too short to have enough of a story to make me forget the hero calling the heroine's no-show bridegroom a jackass for jilting her. That word, in the sense it was used, didn't sound right coming from a Regency nobleman - and my instinct was proved right when I researched the etimology of the word. That just shows how much the story failed to grab me, as I wouldn't have "wasted time" doing any research if I was fully engrossed in the book.
So... I've said it before and I'm going to say it again: Please, Ms. Dare, would you consider moving from historicals to contemporaries? The setting of the books would me more fitting to your writing.
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell (5 stars)
I loved this story! It all started with a Big Misunderstanding, something I really dislike, but everything else was perfect. Crispin, Elizabeth, their unique friendship, their loyalty... even the Big Mis was okay once it was cleared, which was a great feat to me. And the end, when I thought I knew what was going to happen? Tricky, tricky! Loved it!
This was my first read by this author and I find myself wondering where she's been all my life. Gotta get her backlist ASAP!
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare (3 stars)
I've read almost every book that Ms. Dare has written so far and I know what to expect from her: fun, lighthearted stories featuring a historical setting but written in a contemporary style. Sometimes the story is so good that I let that idiosyncrasy slide, but sometimes I can't get past it. As a novella, His Bride for the Taking was too short to have enough of a story to make me forget the hero calling the heroine's no-show bridegroom a jackass for jilting her. That word, in the sense it was used, didn't sound right coming from a Regency nobleman - and my instinct was proved right when I researched the etimology of the word. That just shows how much the story failed to grab me, as I wouldn't have "wasted time" doing any research if I was fully engrossed in the book.
So... I've said it before and I'm going to say it again: Please, Ms. Dare, would you consider moving from historicals to contemporaries? The setting of the books would me more fitting to your writing.
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell (5 stars)
I loved this story! It all started with a Big Misunderstanding, something I really dislike, but everything else was perfect. Crispin, Elizabeth, their unique friendship, their loyalty... even the Big Mis was okay once it was cleared, which was a great feat to me. And the end, when I thought I knew what was going to happen? Tricky, tricky! Loved it!
This was my first read by this author and I find myself wondering where she's been all my life. Gotta get her backlist ASAP!
May 23, 2018
A Double Dose of Rogues
I anxiously awaited the release of this duet and it did not disappoint! What a joy to devour the works of two of my favorite authors in one sitting. Truly a scrumptious delight.
I recently attended an RWA local chapter meeting where Tessa Dare spoke on writing a sizzling first kiss scene. Let me tell you, the first kiss scene in this duet was smoking hot!
Sebastian is such a swoon-worthy hero. I loved the premise of an impetuous proposal and wedding. The cottage caretakers reminded me of Prudie and Judd in the opening episode of Poldark. The romantic dinner scene was to die for, literally. You must read this. They were hilarious. Mary was ingenious in her machinations and I smiled and giggled at her plotting. Methinks someone has tried to put together some IKEA furniture with her spouse at some point.
Christi Caldwell takes us back to our "favorite" finishing school for young ladies in her delicious offering. Mrs. Belden's Finishing School where the young ladies and instructors alike go to have their souls and spirits crushed in a misguided attempt to make them suitable for society. This time, poor Elizabeth Brightly has fled a fledgling marriage and taken up a post under a fictitious identity. Of course, she is discovered by her husband.
We get to explore what went wrong and witness the couple sort themselves out to a satisfactory ending.
It is always a good time when I read these two ladies' offerings and I certainly recommend this duet to others. Enjoy!📚❤️️📚
I anxiously awaited the release of this duet and it did not disappoint! What a joy to devour the works of two of my favorite authors in one sitting. Truly a scrumptious delight.
I recently attended an RWA local chapter meeting where Tessa Dare spoke on writing a sizzling first kiss scene. Let me tell you, the first kiss scene in this duet was smoking hot!
Sebastian is such a swoon-worthy hero. I loved the premise of an impetuous proposal and wedding. The cottage caretakers reminded me of Prudie and Judd in the opening episode of Poldark. The romantic dinner scene was to die for, literally. You must read this. They were hilarious. Mary was ingenious in her machinations and I smiled and giggled at her plotting. Methinks someone has tried to put together some IKEA furniture with her spouse at some point.
Christi Caldwell takes us back to our "favorite" finishing school for young ladies in her delicious offering. Mrs. Belden's Finishing School where the young ladies and instructors alike go to have their souls and spirits crushed in a misguided attempt to make them suitable for society. This time, poor Elizabeth Brightly has fled a fledgling marriage and taken up a post under a fictitious identity. Of course, she is discovered by her husband.
We get to explore what went wrong and witness the couple sort themselves out to a satisfactory ending.
It is always a good time when I read these two ladies' offerings and I certainly recommend this duet to others. Enjoy!📚❤️️📚
April 3, 2019
4 stars - Historical Romance
June 27, 2018
Dare's contribution to the ROGUES RUSH IN duet is a three star bit of novella fun and silliness, which had two supporting characters that brought to mind a certain serving pair from Poldark that I loved, had a hilarious Ikea-inspired scene, but unfortunately I rather disliked the overall orchestrated/set-up element of an otherwise sweet story.
But the longer of the two, by unknown-to-me Caldwell, was a two star read. Nothing particularly wrong with the second chance romance between a Duke and the childhood friend much below his station, but nothing stood out, either. There was a fairly typical parental disapproval trope that forces the new bride to run off, which is followed by a ten year separation. I was annoyed by the repetition of 'rogue-like/but you're a rogue/such a rogue thing to do'. Find a synonym please. Again, it was okay, but not my brand of good or noteworthy and has not inspired me to invest interest in discovering more of a new-to-me author.
But the longer of the two, by unknown-to-me Caldwell, was a two star read. Nothing particularly wrong with the second chance romance between a Duke and the childhood friend much below his station, but nothing stood out, either. There was a fairly typical parental disapproval trope that forces the new bride to run off, which is followed by a ten year separation. I was annoyed by the repetition of 'rogue-like/but you're a rogue/such a rogue thing to do'. Find a synonym please. Again, it was okay, but not my brand of good or noteworthy and has not inspired me to invest interest in discovering more of a new-to-me author.
March 9, 2023
Tessa Dare's story was a light, enjoyable read. In fact, the 3 stars are for her novella.
Tropes: jilted bride, brother's best friend, older heroine (by 2 years), marriage of convenience?
The hero is a son of a barrister. I don't think the heroine is a lady of the ton.
Funny moments:
1) The couple attempting to put a Swedish bed together without instructions. You can imagine their frustration.
2) The cottage care takers mispronouncing some of the food names they were serving the H/h.
- poison vs. poisson
- chocolate mouse vs. chocolate mousse
Christi Caldwell's story was okay. Nothing I haven't read before. Two lovers are separated by a misunderstanding caused by hero's parents. 😒 Then it started to drag. How can a novella drag?
Tropes: estranged married couple, second chance romance, friends to lovers, class difference.
Tropes: jilted bride, brother's best friend, older heroine (by 2 years), marriage of convenience?
The hero is a son of a barrister. I don't think the heroine is a lady of the ton.
Funny moments:
1) The couple attempting to put a Swedish bed together without instructions. You can imagine their frustration.
2) The cottage care takers mispronouncing some of the food names they were serving the H/h.
- poison vs. poisson
- chocolate mouse vs. chocolate mousse
Christi Caldwell's story was okay. Nothing I haven't read before. Two lovers are separated by a misunderstanding caused by hero's parents. 😒 Then it started to drag. How can a novella drag?
Tropes: estranged married couple, second chance romance, friends to lovers, class difference.
October 22, 2018
"His Bride for the Taking" by Tessa Dare
4.5 STARS
I wish this had been a little longer, but mostly just because I wanted to see more of these two. I also completely loved that twist!
"His Duchess for a Day" by Christi Caldwell
4 STARS
I'm starting to like this whole separated lovers thing ngl. Just wish they had communicated with each other. It could've prevented so much and stopped some things from getting a little bit repetitive, but I still very much enjoyed it!
4.5 STARS
I wish this had been a little longer, but mostly just because I wanted to see more of these two. I also completely loved that twist!
"His Duchess for a Day" by Christi Caldwell
4 STARS
I'm starting to like this whole separated lovers thing ngl. Just wish they had communicated with each other. It could've prevented so much and stopped some things from getting a little bit repetitive, but I still very much enjoyed it!
May 23, 2018
Review posted on Got Fiction?
You guys don’t think I’d ever pass up a Tessa Dare novella, do you?
This story begins with a wedding, sort of. Mary has been left at the altar and Sebastian is there to rescue her. He’s always been there to rescue her. He’s her younger brother’s best friend, and spent a lot of time with them when they were younger. When her brother was killed in the war, Sebastian couldn’t rescue Henry, so his protective instincts intensified.
Sebastian’s form of rescuing her is to marry her himself so her reputation wouldn’t suffer as much as if she stayed a jilted spinster. It doesn’t take much to convince her, although Mary does argue against the idea at first. He isn’t above forcing her hand a bit, and she seems relieved to not have to deal with the groom not showing up.
This chance to rescue her isn’t entirely selfless, though. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend’s older sister since he met her as a lad. But he’s always known that you don’t touch your best friend’s sister. Once they’re married, he starts to think that maybe marrying a woman who was supposed to marry someone else that day wasn’t the best idea. She might tell him that she never loved the fiance, however he thinks maybe she’s still conflicted about the whirlwind jilting/wedding.
They ride all night to a small cottage he owns and there’s a scene, the best scene in any book ever. Guys. They have to assemble a bed, a Swedish bed, with no directions, and it goes about like any couple who has ever gone to Ikea and tried to assemble a piece of furniture would think. Tessa Dare, I see what you did there. 🙂
This story could have easily veered into the old He doesn’t love me, he’s just honorable/She doesn’t love me, she’s just out of choices territory, but I’m so glad it didn’t. There’s no Big Misunderstanding, but there is a big twist I didn’t see coming. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. I wanted more! I hope we see these characters in future books, because it’s a fun and happy story, with enjoyable characters who you just love. With her trademark wit and light hand, Tessa Dare tells a delightful tale.
***ARC courtesy of the author
You guys don’t think I’d ever pass up a Tessa Dare novella, do you?
This story begins with a wedding, sort of. Mary has been left at the altar and Sebastian is there to rescue her. He’s always been there to rescue her. He’s her younger brother’s best friend, and spent a lot of time with them when they were younger. When her brother was killed in the war, Sebastian couldn’t rescue Henry, so his protective instincts intensified.
Sebastian’s form of rescuing her is to marry her himself so her reputation wouldn’t suffer as much as if she stayed a jilted spinster. It doesn’t take much to convince her, although Mary does argue against the idea at first. He isn’t above forcing her hand a bit, and she seems relieved to not have to deal with the groom not showing up.
This chance to rescue her isn’t entirely selfless, though. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend’s older sister since he met her as a lad. But he’s always known that you don’t touch your best friend’s sister. Once they’re married, he starts to think that maybe marrying a woman who was supposed to marry someone else that day wasn’t the best idea. She might tell him that she never loved the fiance, however he thinks maybe she’s still conflicted about the whirlwind jilting/wedding.
They ride all night to a small cottage he owns and there’s a scene, the best scene in any book ever. Guys. They have to assemble a bed, a Swedish bed, with no directions, and it goes about like any couple who has ever gone to Ikea and tried to assemble a piece of furniture would think. Tessa Dare, I see what you did there. 🙂
This story could have easily veered into the old He doesn’t love me, he’s just honorable/She doesn’t love me, she’s just out of choices territory, but I’m so glad it didn’t. There’s no Big Misunderstanding, but there is a big twist I didn’t see coming. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. I wanted more! I hope we see these characters in future books, because it’s a fun and happy story, with enjoyable characters who you just love. With her trademark wit and light hand, Tessa Dare tells a delightful tale.
***ARC courtesy of the author
Want to read
December 7, 2018Thank you for the gift, Mischievous ElfMinx!
May 24, 2018
His bride for the taking - Tessa Dare 4 star
Sebastian Ives, Lord Byrne, doesn't usually follow the rules, but he value friendship above all and the most important principle of it is don't touch your best friend's sister. For eleven years he kept his promise to himself but when Mary's reputation is at stake, the honorable Sebastian will do whatever it take, even if it means take the place of the no-show groom at the altar.
Tessa Dare is one of my favorite author so when I saw she wrote a new novella, of course I wanted to read it. It suffer a bit from the short story syndrome (not enough pages for a complete characters development for the reader to fully feel invested in their story and form a connection with them), but it's not to say I didn't have a great time reading it. That's the reason why I appreciate this author's work so much; you can always count on her to entertain you with a dose of originality and quirky elements. I found it odd that Mary was so calm when she realized she's been jilted by her fiancé but I liked how she saw her and Sebastian as equal when it come to taking care of the other. The hero was touching with his longing for a family. There's also the annoying but funny (sort of) servants, a surprising twist and a very sweet epilogue.
His duchess for a day- Christi Caldwell 4 star
"Formely a friend. Briefly a husband."
Nine years have passed since Elizabeth married Crispin, Duke of Huntington, her childhood friend. It's also been nine years since they last saw one another, when she ran away from him, after hearing him voice his regret for marrying her. Now that he finally found her, teaching young girls at Mrs. Belden's Finishing School on how to catch a husband, Crispin is determined to convince her to return with him to London, so he can prove to the ton she's not a fragment of his imagination. And he want to know why she left him when they were about to beginning a new life together. When he learn the reasons for his wife's desertion, it's up to him to persuade her that the reputation he gain as a rogue the years they've been apart won't be an other obstacle to their HEA.
It was my first time reading this author and it's a good first impression. I liked both Elizabeth and Crispin and I especially enjoyed their unusual topics of conversation.
Sebastian Ives, Lord Byrne, doesn't usually follow the rules, but he value friendship above all and the most important principle of it is don't touch your best friend's sister. For eleven years he kept his promise to himself but when Mary's reputation is at stake, the honorable Sebastian will do whatever it take, even if it means take the place of the no-show groom at the altar.
Tessa Dare is one of my favorite author so when I saw she wrote a new novella, of course I wanted to read it. It suffer a bit from the short story syndrome (not enough pages for a complete characters development for the reader to fully feel invested in their story and form a connection with them), but it's not to say I didn't have a great time reading it. That's the reason why I appreciate this author's work so much; you can always count on her to entertain you with a dose of originality and quirky elements. I found it odd that Mary was so calm when she realized she's been jilted by her fiancé but I liked how she saw her and Sebastian as equal when it come to taking care of the other. The hero was touching with his longing for a family. There's also the annoying but funny (sort of) servants, a surprising twist and a very sweet epilogue.
His duchess for a day- Christi Caldwell 4 star
"Formely a friend. Briefly a husband."
Nine years have passed since Elizabeth married Crispin, Duke of Huntington, her childhood friend. It's also been nine years since they last saw one another, when she ran away from him, after hearing him voice his regret for marrying her. Now that he finally found her, teaching young girls at Mrs. Belden's Finishing School on how to catch a husband, Crispin is determined to convince her to return with him to London, so he can prove to the ton she's not a fragment of his imagination. And he want to know why she left him when they were about to beginning a new life together. When he learn the reasons for his wife's desertion, it's up to him to persuade her that the reputation he gain as a rogue the years they've been apart won't be an other obstacle to their HEA.
It was my first time reading this author and it's a good first impression. I liked both Elizabeth and Crispin and I especially enjoyed their unusual topics of conversation.
May 18, 2018
I may be one the few who enjoy reading ‘Novellas’ and this one was no different. Short, sweet and a perfect filler / mood lifter / feel gooder that ever was.
Christi has been my favourite (read ‘obsessive’ favourite) for the longest I can recall. My love for historical romance doubled manifold with her stories. While Tessa Dare has been a recent recommendation, that I have also lapped up, because her books just make me laugh. It is her witty prose that took me by surprise and had me hooked. So no surprise there either when I read book 1 in this anthology, His Bride for the Taking, I simply just fell in love with Mary Clayton. She was a perfect heroine in all ways. She wanted something and she went about it systematically to get it. A love story that had an embarrassed hero and a spunky heroine, is a refreshing change and the twist at the end turned out to be the icing on the cake. Made a perfect story even more perfect.
Book 2, His Duchess for a Day had Christi Caldwell’s inimitable touch - the addition of intriguing characters to her existing universe (read Earl of Fielding); back stories of intriguing characters from previous books and of course a revisit of some of our much loved past characters. Also, she has a knack of leaving you wanting more and more, long after the story has finished; and then giving you a glimpse of that more in a later book when you least expect it. Was I rambling? Christi’s stories and characters have that effect on me! Crispin, as all her hero’s are, was perfect and more than him it was Elizabeth, who I fell in love with completely in the final chapter. The ‘childhood friends, marriage of convenience, misunderstandings and separations, to final declaration of love’ theme was complete with no loose ends or rushed words. It started smoothly, built up smoothly and ended perfectly. In a matter of 16 chapters, she had me hooked and appeased all at once!
A 10/10 to Christi for His Duchess for a Day. Thank you for telling us Crispin’s story … I do love the way you close the loops.
Christi has been my favourite (read ‘obsessive’ favourite) for the longest I can recall. My love for historical romance doubled manifold with her stories. While Tessa Dare has been a recent recommendation, that I have also lapped up, because her books just make me laugh. It is her witty prose that took me by surprise and had me hooked. So no surprise there either when I read book 1 in this anthology, His Bride for the Taking, I simply just fell in love with Mary Clayton. She was a perfect heroine in all ways. She wanted something and she went about it systematically to get it. A love story that had an embarrassed hero and a spunky heroine, is a refreshing change and the twist at the end turned out to be the icing on the cake. Made a perfect story even more perfect.
Book 2, His Duchess for a Day had Christi Caldwell’s inimitable touch - the addition of intriguing characters to her existing universe (read Earl of Fielding); back stories of intriguing characters from previous books and of course a revisit of some of our much loved past characters. Also, she has a knack of leaving you wanting more and more, long after the story has finished; and then giving you a glimpse of that more in a later book when you least expect it. Was I rambling? Christi’s stories and characters have that effect on me! Crispin, as all her hero’s are, was perfect and more than him it was Elizabeth, who I fell in love with completely in the final chapter. The ‘childhood friends, marriage of convenience, misunderstandings and separations, to final declaration of love’ theme was complete with no loose ends or rushed words. It started smoothly, built up smoothly and ended perfectly. In a matter of 16 chapters, she had me hooked and appeased all at once!
A 10/10 to Christi for His Duchess for a Day. Thank you for telling us Crispin’s story … I do love the way you close the loops.
November 19, 2019
(...)Um livro dividido em duas histórias, de noivas. Uma abandonada pelo noivo no alter e outra que abandonou o casamento por motivos de força maior.
O primeiro conto, de Tessa Dare, foi o que me fez comprar este livro, justamente por ser da autora que é. Talvez, por isso, estivesse à espera de algo mais sólido e não um conto tão pequeno, que se lê em menos de duas horas.(...)
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
O primeiro conto, de Tessa Dare, foi o que me fez comprar este livro, justamente por ser da autora que é. Talvez, por isso, estivesse à espera de algo mais sólido e não um conto tão pequeno, que se lê em menos de duas horas.(...)
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
February 22, 2021
These stories were too short to make an impact for me.
July 20, 2018
His Bride for the Taking Tessa Dare Review 5 I Could Die of Happiness Stars
Loved, loved, loved this short little story by Tessa Dare. It was a sweet romance with romantic gestures, beautiful setting (eventually ;) ), endearing couple, and lovers of a lifetime.
Sebastian had always sworn to keep his hands off of his best friends sister, Mary but circumstances arise where he has to save her from scandal and marries her after he fiance leaves her at the altar. What ensues is a romantic story between two people who have a powerful love for one another and are finally able to have the one they've always loved and desired. There is even a surprising twist at the end and I loved it. The epilogue was perfection!!!
⚛ Shelf note - the "first read by author" shelf is for Christi Caldwell. I've not read anything by her before.
I'll finish my review after finishing her story.
Duchess for a Day Review 3 - It left me frustrated and bored at times - stars
This was my first read by Ms. Caldwell. I did enjoy the story but for a short one it did drag in places. Though at times I really enjoyed it and the pain the H and h felt as they recounted the past memories and hurts with each other was a nice bit of angst. Still, I was left wanting, not sure why.
Tessa Dare's story was by far the best of the two.
Loved, loved, loved this short little story by Tessa Dare. It was a sweet romance with romantic gestures, beautiful setting (eventually ;) ), endearing couple, and lovers of a lifetime.
Sebastian had always sworn to keep his hands off of his best friends sister, Mary but circumstances arise where he has to save her from scandal and marries her after he fiance leaves her at the altar. What ensues is a romantic story between two people who have a powerful love for one another and are finally able to have the one they've always loved and desired. There is even a surprising twist at the end and I loved it. The epilogue was perfection!!!
⚛ Shelf note - the "first read by author" shelf is for Christi Caldwell. I've not read anything by her before.
I'll finish my review after finishing her story.
Duchess for a Day Review 3 - It left me frustrated and bored at times - stars
This was my first read by Ms. Caldwell. I did enjoy the story but for a short one it did drag in places. Though at times I really enjoyed it and the pain the H and h felt as they recounted the past memories and hurts with each other was a nice bit of angst. Still, I was left wanting, not sure why.
Tessa Dare's story was by far the best of the two.
May 16, 2018
What's better than a great story by one of my favorite authors? A book containing great stories by 2 of my favorite authors. Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell write a winning combination of lost love found again. Both stories are delightful, delicious tidbits of romance.
In His Bride for the Taking, Tessa Dare tells the story of Sebastian. He knows there is only one rule - don't touch your best friends sister. So, even though he had loved Mary since they were children, he has kept his distance. Ms Dare manages to turn the tables on poor Sebastian to create one of the most beautiful Happily Ever Afters to be had.
Christi Caldwell's His Duchess for a Day is the story of two young people who had been friends and married but Elizabeth ran away before they consumated the marriage. Ten years later, Crispin (now a Duke) finds her and asks her to come back for a day to prove that he is married. Their time on the road help them both heal old misunderstanding and allows each of them to realize that they still loved each other. Just when his mother threatens to ruin everything, they find their Happily Ever After in an unexpected way.
If you have ever read either of these authors, you will want to get this book. If you've never read either - you MUST read this book. I received a free advanced copy of this book.
In His Bride for the Taking, Tessa Dare tells the story of Sebastian. He knows there is only one rule - don't touch your best friends sister. So, even though he had loved Mary since they were children, he has kept his distance. Ms Dare manages to turn the tables on poor Sebastian to create one of the most beautiful Happily Ever Afters to be had.
Christi Caldwell's His Duchess for a Day is the story of two young people who had been friends and married but Elizabeth ran away before they consumated the marriage. Ten years later, Crispin (now a Duke) finds her and asks her to come back for a day to prove that he is married. Their time on the road help them both heal old misunderstanding and allows each of them to realize that they still loved each other. Just when his mother threatens to ruin everything, they find their Happily Ever After in an unexpected way.
If you have ever read either of these authors, you will want to get this book. If you've never read either - you MUST read this book. I received a free advanced copy of this book.
June 28, 2018
This rating is only for the Tessa Dare story -3.5 stars
This was a light and funny novella, a story that hadn’t the potential to be a full novel. I liked both the main characters and the story was fun. The highlight was an IKEA-ish scene (I know this won’t make sense being HR) but I know this is inspired from just such a real life incident.
I didn’t read the second novella, as I started and couldn’t get into it.
This was a light and funny novella, a story that hadn’t the potential to be a full novel. I liked both the main characters and the story was fun. The highlight was an IKEA-ish scene (I know this won’t make sense being HR) but I know this is inspired from just such a real life incident.
I didn’t read the second novella, as I started and couldn’t get into it.
July 22, 2022
Hmm not bad I really wanted to read for Tessa bc any Tessa I haven’t read is a crime but hers seemed SO fast and I swear I can’t recall it. I recall the Christ one more and it was cute but she was really gonna leave again which was like…girl. But it obviously all worked out.
Each had one full sex scene!
Each had one full sex scene!
December 21, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
Wow this packed a punch! Had so much heart and personality and really took me out of my romance reading slump. I wished it had been 100 pages longer because the ending came way too fast.
Wow this packed a punch! Had so much heart and personality and really took me out of my romance reading slump. I wished it had been 100 pages longer because the ending came way too fast.
May 16, 2018
I loved both books in this duet. Tessa Dare’s Sebastian and Mary’s story was highly entertaining. Christi Caldwell’s Crispin and Elizabeth’s story was wonderful. Both roads to a HEA had a surprising twist that I enjoyed immensely. I was gifted with an arc but have pre ordered as well. I highly recommend it!
June 17, 2018
His Bride For The Taking - Tessa Dare
2 stars.
The story didn't grab me at all, and that (inane) plot twist right at the end added insult to injury.
His Duchess For A Day - Christi Caldwell
4 stars.
A pair of estranged friends and their wonderfully crafted journey towards seeking understanding and a lifetime of happiness
2 stars.
The story didn't grab me at all, and that (inane) plot twist right at the end added insult to injury.
His Duchess For A Day - Christi Caldwell
4 stars.
A pair of estranged friends and their wonderfully crafted journey towards seeking understanding and a lifetime of happiness
October 4, 2019
I just finished the re-edited version of His Duchess for A Day by Christi Caldwell and I do loved it.
Mrs Christi Caldwell has become an auto-but author for me, why having missed this novella published with an other author I do admire, this new release was a perfect octopus read it, and worth with its added prologue and epilogue.
Now what to say, this tale moved me a lot, in the short span of time it was set and the reduced count of pages, I was upset, angry, sorry, weeping, happy, smiling.
It was such a sad and heartbreaking story about two people who assumed too much and hurt the other in process, the one they should have cheered and protected.
I had my stomach in knock while their story unfolded, each making assumptions of the other’s answer or gestures, I so wanted to shake them and shout to them to speak and clear the past and their guilt.
And even when they wiped the slate clean, they had still issues to overcome.
Mrs Caldwell gifted us a wondrous tale of forgiveness and acceptance.
Definitively a must-read if only for the range of emotions it offered me and the so sweet epilogue.
HIS BRIDE FOR THE TAKING
Tessa Dare
Can he go against everything he fought all these years to fulfill his own dreams...
What a delightful read it was.
Mrs Tessa Dare in this short read compiled much of her talent to deliver a swoon worthy novella with two charming characters.
Sebastian appointed himself as Mary’s knight. He and only he can protect her. So he does, even if it means marrying her himself, which is no penance when he has longed for her for over a decade.
Mary is opinionated and strong willed, she knows what she wants and at time goes for it.
I liked she was older then Sebastian, even if it is a short year’s difference, it shows them under a new light.
I devoured this novella in one sitting and can only recommend to any one who is looking for a spirited tale with an unconventional Miss and the man who worships her path. Embark in this rollercoaster of emotions.
5 stars
I was granted a free copy by the author, then purchased mine.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Mrs Christi Caldwell has become an auto-but author for me, why having missed this novella published with an other author I do admire, this new release was a perfect octopus read it, and worth with its added prologue and epilogue.
Now what to say, this tale moved me a lot, in the short span of time it was set and the reduced count of pages, I was upset, angry, sorry, weeping, happy, smiling.
It was such a sad and heartbreaking story about two people who assumed too much and hurt the other in process, the one they should have cheered and protected.
I had my stomach in knock while their story unfolded, each making assumptions of the other’s answer or gestures, I so wanted to shake them and shout to them to speak and clear the past and their guilt.
And even when they wiped the slate clean, they had still issues to overcome.
Mrs Caldwell gifted us a wondrous tale of forgiveness and acceptance.
Definitively a must-read if only for the range of emotions it offered me and the so sweet epilogue.
HIS BRIDE FOR THE TAKING
Tessa Dare
Can he go against everything he fought all these years to fulfill his own dreams...
What a delightful read it was.
Mrs Tessa Dare in this short read compiled much of her talent to deliver a swoon worthy novella with two charming characters.
Sebastian appointed himself as Mary’s knight. He and only he can protect her. So he does, even if it means marrying her himself, which is no penance when he has longed for her for over a decade.
Mary is opinionated and strong willed, she knows what she wants and at time goes for it.
I liked she was older then Sebastian, even if it is a short year’s difference, it shows them under a new light.
I devoured this novella in one sitting and can only recommend to any one who is looking for a spirited tale with an unconventional Miss and the man who worships her path. Embark in this rollercoaster of emotions.
5 stars
I was granted a free copy by the author, then purchased mine.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
February 10, 2019
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare
I liked this one. It was very sweet. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend's sister forever and she who was older never noticed him. And then when she is left at the altar he marries her instead to save her reputation. I mean what a wonderful guy! Also what horrible times when it means being left at the altar ruins her rep cos people will think they did things before.
Most of the book takes place in a little cottage. Oh one part at the beginning made me snort. It was so funny. But they will get to know each other more and more *wink wink* They will have some hurdles to get over and some truths will be had. But it is a funny one.
Oh I almost forgot...Ikea. That is all I am saying *snorts*
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell
I had a harder time with this heroine. She left her new husband and stayed away for 10 years. Was he an ogre you ask? No, he was her best friend. And then when he shows up she has the nerve to think ill of him cos she has seen his name in the scandal sheets. You left him, for 10 years! He did not know whether you were dead or alive!
Of course we do learn things further in that makes me forgive her a tiny bit, a tiny bit. He is still a great guy all way through. All men should be that steadfast. He loves her and he wants her back.
All in all:
Great Dukes!
Narration
The ever awesome Justine Eyre narrates and you might have notice that I do like her style. She can not do anythign wrong
I liked this one. It was very sweet. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend's sister forever and she who was older never noticed him. And then when she is left at the altar he marries her instead to save her reputation. I mean what a wonderful guy! Also what horrible times when it means being left at the altar ruins her rep cos people will think they did things before.
Most of the book takes place in a little cottage. Oh one part at the beginning made me snort. It was so funny. But they will get to know each other more and more *wink wink* They will have some hurdles to get over and some truths will be had. But it is a funny one.
Oh I almost forgot...Ikea. That is all I am saying *snorts*
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell
I had a harder time with this heroine. She left her new husband and stayed away for 10 years. Was he an ogre you ask? No, he was her best friend. And then when he shows up she has the nerve to think ill of him cos she has seen his name in the scandal sheets. You left him, for 10 years! He did not know whether you were dead or alive!
Of course we do learn things further in that makes me forgive her a tiny bit, a tiny bit. He is still a great guy all way through. All men should be that steadfast. He loves her and he wants her back.
All in all:
Great Dukes!
Narration
The ever awesome Justine Eyre narrates and you might have notice that I do like her style. She can not do anythign wrong
October 5, 2019
3,5 ⭐
Conto da Tessa Dare - 3*
Conto da Christi Caldwell - 4*
Conto da Tessa Dare - 3*
Conto da Christi Caldwell - 4*
September 4, 2019
I’m a huge fan of Tessa Dare, so obviously
Rogues Rush In
interested me. I’ve never read anything by Christi Caldwell, but as some of her books found their way onto my ‘to-read’ list some time ago, this book was a great opportunity to finally familiar myself with her writing.
This Regency duet took me by surprise. I had a blast reading it. I think it was a very smart move to put Tessa Dare’s His Bride for the Taking as a first story in the book, because it’s a dash better in terms of pacing. It’s a fun, sweet and romantic mix of “friends to lovers” and “marriage of convenience” tropes. The dialogs were superb. Witt banter supported by a smooth, well written prose. Characters were likeable and their chemistry obvious from the very beginning. What added a lot of charm to the story was what Tessa Dare does so well: giving references to very modern pop culture elements, characters or – as in here – to mundane real life situation, assembling Ikea furniture. I admit I was grinning like a loony through all the scenes, where the main couple tried to build a bed made by “some Swedish craftsman centuries ago”. Not everyone is a fan of too much modern elements in their historical romances, but I generally don’t mind. However, if the author just beats one over the head with them over and over again, without much of cleverness or charm, it gets tedious very quickly. Writing a book that’s almost a copy of a modern, very popular romance novel, including a immediately recognizable diary entries with calorie intakes, is not really clever and charm way to incorporate modern references. Fortunately, Tessa Dare always does it so well, I’m not annoyed spotting them, but enjoy every scene.
His Duchess for a Day is a weaker story in the book, but still a solid well written one. The pacing is a lot slower than in the previous one, and at times the more condensed and descriptive narration by Christi Caldwell, might become a little boring. But, I really liked the premise of the plot, a sort of “second chance romance” with “friends to lovers” added to the mix. Both main characters were – again – likable, and it was fun to read their interactions. From the duo, Crispin stood out much more, tho. He was a scholary type, stoic but with a wild streak. Not one’s typical roguish male lead. It was a nice short novella, and I’m sure I’m going to read more books by the author.
I’m always wary of anthologies of any type (or novellas in general), as they usually leave me a little disappointed by how quickly the plots are concluded. But, stories in Rogues Rush In didn’t feel rushed (ha!) or sloppily put together. I enjoyed this book very much.
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare 4/5
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell 3,5/5
~4/5 Stars
This Regency duet took me by surprise. I had a blast reading it. I think it was a very smart move to put Tessa Dare’s His Bride for the Taking as a first story in the book, because it’s a dash better in terms of pacing. It’s a fun, sweet and romantic mix of “friends to lovers” and “marriage of convenience” tropes. The dialogs were superb. Witt banter supported by a smooth, well written prose. Characters were likeable and their chemistry obvious from the very beginning. What added a lot of charm to the story was what Tessa Dare does so well: giving references to very modern pop culture elements, characters or – as in here – to mundane real life situation, assembling Ikea furniture. I admit I was grinning like a loony through all the scenes, where the main couple tried to build a bed made by “some Swedish craftsman centuries ago”. Not everyone is a fan of too much modern elements in their historical romances, but I generally don’t mind. However, if the author just beats one over the head with them over and over again, without much of cleverness or charm, it gets tedious very quickly. Writing a book that’s almost a copy of a modern, very popular romance novel, including a immediately recognizable diary entries with calorie intakes, is not really clever and charm way to incorporate modern references. Fortunately, Tessa Dare always does it so well, I’m not annoyed spotting them, but enjoy every scene.
His Duchess for a Day is a weaker story in the book, but still a solid well written one. The pacing is a lot slower than in the previous one, and at times the more condensed and descriptive narration by Christi Caldwell, might become a little boring. But, I really liked the premise of the plot, a sort of “second chance romance” with “friends to lovers” added to the mix. Both main characters were – again – likable, and it was fun to read their interactions. From the duo, Crispin stood out much more, tho. He was a scholary type, stoic but with a wild streak. Not one’s typical roguish male lead. It was a nice short novella, and I’m sure I’m going to read more books by the author.
I’m always wary of anthologies of any type (or novellas in general), as they usually leave me a little disappointed by how quickly the plots are concluded. But, stories in Rogues Rush In didn’t feel rushed (ha!) or sloppily put together. I enjoyed this book very much.
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare 4/5
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell 3,5/5
~4/5 Stars
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