"Say Yes to the Marquess" Review

"Say Yes to the Marquess"
by Tessa Dare
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: Dec 30, 2014
Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?

After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She's inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.

Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.

So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride's cold feet?

● He starts with flowers. A wedding can't have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.

● He lets her know she'll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.

● He doesn't kiss her.

● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn't kiss her again.

● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.

● And no matter what—he doesn't fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.

My Review:

This is definitely one of the best historical romances that I have read for a really long time! I'm sad to say this was my first book by Tessa Dare. What took me so long?? Now I know that all the rave reviews are 100% deserved. The main characters are so lovable, and add to that an engaging plot, a well-rounded supporting cast, and fantastic writing, and you have the perfect romance novel!

Clio is a wonderful heroine. She has just the right amount of vulnerability along with an independent side. She has inherited a castle, and she no longer wants to bother with a husband. Definitely not the husband she has been waiting on for 8 years. Rafe is the complete opposite of his straight-laced brother, also known as Clio's perfect-on-paper fiance. He rejects any societal norms and wants to make his own way as a prizefighter. Clio and Rafe were inseparable as children, and now they are realizing that their feelings are deeper than friendship.

I loved the secondary cast of characters as well. Rafe's friend, Bruiser, was hilarious in his disguise as a 'gentleman'. He had it all figured out down to the monocle.  Clio's sister and her somewhat bumbling husband fit their roles to a tee, not quite mean-spirited, but always saying the wrong thing and hurting Clio.

This is just the perfect romance, historical romance fans are bound to be swept into Tessa Dare's story and the historical world of these characters. The characters will probably find a way into your heart like they did mine.

Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5

Bottom Line: A wonderful historical romance, sure to satisfy fans of the genre.

Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.