annestef1a's review against another edition
4.0
This is how you do an age gap troupe! First, don't mention their ages, or at least one of the MC's age. Second, make the younger one–in this case, the heroine–have an on-level or even greater maturity. I LOVED how emotionally intelligent and people-smart the heroine is! which is perfect for the hero who lacks just that. When she makes a mistake, she instantly recognizes it and doesn't sit by to prolong the problem. She was very chill and her quick wit makes her really cool.
alexisamburgey's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookobsessed_emily's review against another edition
5.0
Easily in the top three of my favorite historical romance novels. I think I smiled the entire time, there was a plot twist I was not expecting that genuinely had me SHOOK. Piers was ‼️‼️‼️‼️ everything. And Charlotte was the loveliest heroine. She was absolutely adorable. I loved this story.
roseybot's review against another edition
3.0
Tess Dare: kind of missed the mark for me on this one
Sigh. I think I need to take breaks between Dare novels. I found the last one charming. This one was... meh.
Charlotte read so young and Piers so much older than her that it got kinda creepy. That and I found their chemistry lacking.
But honestly, this series (spindle cove) just doesn’t... oh well maybe I just don’t like the Highwood girls. They’re so very... something that I don’t like.
Ah well, I’ll take a break and maybe return to read about Rafe. I think that’s the only Tessa Dare book left for me!
Sigh. I think I need to take breaks between Dare novels. I found the last one charming. This one was... meh.
Charlotte read so young and Piers so much older than her that it got kinda creepy. That and I found their chemistry lacking.
But honestly, this series (spindle cove) just doesn’t... oh well maybe I just don’t like the Highwood girls. They’re so very... something that I don’t like.
Ah well, I’ll take a break and maybe return to read about Rafe. I think that’s the only Tessa Dare book left for me!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Do You Want to Start a Scandal
4.5 Stars
Charlotte Highwood, undeservedly dubbed the desperate debutant, cannot take any more damage to her reputation. But when she and Lord Piers Brandon are mistaken for an unknown pair of lovers, Charlotte is determined to unmask the real culprits before she is forced to marry a man with a dark past and a cold heart, even if he does make her knees melt.
Series note:For those who prefer reading in order, this is a crossover book between two series, Spindle Cove (the heroine is the youngest Highwood sister) and Castles Ever After (the hero is the elder Brandon brother). Nevertheless, the book can be read as a standalone although the various siblings do put in an appearance.
An absolutely delightful read from the initial setup until the final scene. The romance is light with very little angst, some laugh out loud moments and a lot of lust.
Charlotte and Piers are a classic case of opposites attract. He is dark, brooding and stoic; a man dedicated to duty and responsibility. In contrast, Charlotte is vivacious, forthright and leads with her heart. Despite their claims to the contrary, they are each exactly what the other needs. Charlotte forces Piers to open himself up to emotion while Piers brings some much needed calm to Charlotte's more exuberant nature. Their verbal sparring is engaging and their physical interactions are sizzling hot.
The only problem is the mystery, which has such excellent build up of tension and suspense, but ends up being rather unsatisfying. It could have so much better if one particularly obnoxious and annoying character had turned out to be the villain.
All in all, a sweet and funny story with charming characters. However, it is not recommended for anyone interested in some heavier and more serious historical fare.
4.5 Stars
Charlotte Highwood, undeservedly dubbed the desperate debutant, cannot take any more damage to her reputation. But when she and Lord Piers Brandon are mistaken for an unknown pair of lovers, Charlotte is determined to unmask the real culprits before she is forced to marry a man with a dark past and a cold heart, even if he does make her knees melt.
Series note:For those who prefer reading in order, this is a crossover book between two series, Spindle Cove (the heroine is the youngest Highwood sister) and Castles Ever After (the hero is the elder Brandon brother). Nevertheless, the book can be read as a standalone although the various siblings do put in an appearance.
An absolutely delightful read from the initial setup until the final scene. The romance is light with very little angst, some laugh out loud moments and a lot of lust.
Charlotte and Piers are a classic case of opposites attract. He is dark, brooding and stoic; a man dedicated to duty and responsibility. In contrast, Charlotte is vivacious, forthright and leads with her heart. Despite their claims to the contrary, they are each exactly what the other needs. Charlotte forces Piers to open himself up to emotion while Piers brings some much needed calm to Charlotte's more exuberant nature. Their verbal sparring is engaging and their physical interactions are sizzling hot.
The only problem is the mystery, which has such excellent build up of tension and suspense, but ends up being rather unsatisfying. It could have so much better if one particularly obnoxious and annoying character had turned out to be the villain.
All in all, a sweet and funny story with charming characters. However, it is not recommended for anyone interested in some heavier and more serious historical fare.
uzaii's review against another edition
5.0
I've fallen down the rabbit hole of steamy regency romances and I have no regrets.
Really liked the mystery aspect of this one.
Really liked the mystery aspect of this one.
camilacadibe's review against another edition
4.0
YAAAY. I'm done with Spindle Cove, finally!! Well, at least with the novels. There's still Diana's novella... Shit.
I don't know what is it about these books, or this author, but I'm 100% hooked.
I think DYWTSAS is one of my favorites!! It's right up there with A Week To Be Wicked (seeing Minerva and Colin here made me want to re-read their story so much! Maybe I will? Ugh.). Charlotte was absolutely wonderful -Tessa Dare's female characters ara always so lovable!- and Pier was just... Dreamy. They were so good together, I loved them from the start!
I REALLY want to read other books now. I have tons of Fantasy and YA on my TBR pile. TONS. I can feel them judging me for not reading them every single time I pick another of Tessa Dare's books. I feel awful for it, but I just can't help myself, I'm having so much fun!!!!
So I decided I will not give a damn. I'll read Tessa Dare until I'm sick of it and my other books can judge me all they want.
...... God, I sound crazy, don't I? Well, fuck it. I am.
I blame "Spinster" Cove and all the amazing stories it has to tell.
I don't know what is it about these books, or this author, but I'm 100% hooked.
I think DYWTSAS is one of my favorites!! It's right up there with A Week To Be Wicked (seeing Minerva and Colin here made me want to re-read their story so much! Maybe I will? Ugh.). Charlotte was absolutely wonderful -Tessa Dare's female characters ara always so lovable!- and Pier was just... Dreamy. They were so good together, I loved them from the start!
I REALLY want to read other books now. I have tons of Fantasy and YA on my TBR pile. TONS. I can feel them judging me for not reading them every single time I pick another of Tessa Dare's books. I feel awful for it, but I just can't help myself, I'm having so much fun!!!!
So I decided I will not give a damn. I'll read Tessa Dare until I'm sick of it and my other books can judge me all they want.
...... God, I sound crazy, don't I? Well, fuck it. I am.
I blame "Spinster" Cove and all the amazing stories it has to tell.
ashcashtrash's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Been waiting for Charlottes story.
I love piers 🫶
I love piers 🫶
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
5.0
I so much enjoyed this book. Excellent writing by Tessa Dare. This is a book worth reading. Don’t worry, this book will not put you to sleep.