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Stud Club #1
One Dance with a Duke
In One Dance with a Duke--the first novel in Tessa Dare's delightful new trilogy--secrets and scandals tempt the irresistible rogues of the Stud Club to gamble everything for love.
A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke--until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.
In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?
A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke--until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.
In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
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About the author
Tessa Dare
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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,428 reviews
October 16, 2020
horse girl? no, horse guy
i liked this! both of the characters were sort of idiots, but the heroine amelia was also pretty fun and sweet with a big heart. and the sex scenes? early tessa dare really went there. of all of the tessa dare books this probably has the second best sex scenes, ya know for reference ;)
i also did mildly swoon at times. not sure this is gonna be for everyone bc it's not super traditional and the hero is an ass but i enjoyed it.
i liked this! both of the characters were sort of idiots, but the heroine amelia was also pretty fun and sweet with a big heart. and the sex scenes? early tessa dare really went there. of all of the tessa dare books this probably has the second best sex scenes, ya know for reference ;)
i also did mildly swoon at times. not sure this is gonna be for everyone bc it's not super traditional and the hero is an ass but i enjoyed it.
July 11, 2010
This book started off well, but by the time I finished it I was pissed! If I could have reached through the pages of the book and throat punched the heroine, Amelia, I would have.
Spencer and Amelia have really great chemistry in the beginning. I really liked them both. Watching Amelia push beyond her wallflower image to claim that dance...it was great. I loved that he was so flummoxed by her. His little love affair with her embroidery was cute.
Spencer was a great character. All the mystique created by the ton meant nothing to him. I loved how the author turned the mysterious male trope on its head. He didn't mean to cause gossip, he was just trying to do his duty and escape. He was so amused when he found out what they were saying about him. I loved that he was a secret romantic. I liked that when we found out why he wanted the horse it was a simple reason. There's was no terribly complicated plot for him. It was a nice change.
I liked getting to know Bellamy and Ashworth. I thought they were really interesting. Bellamy is so steeped in roles that I wonder if he even remembers who he is anymore. I felt so bad for him when he kept insisting everyone but him marry Lily. He thought she deserved better than him. Ashworth seems a little less complex, but still intriguing. I wonder why he thinks his life would be better if he ended it. I think the men from the Stud Club made the book for me.
Speaking of the Stud Club, thank God Amelia and Lily didn't accept the club name with a straight face. I'm glad someone mocked it. With them poking fun at the name it made me feel the author was inviting us to share the joke with her. It was nice.
Well, now we're down to what ruined the book for me...Amelia. I had such high hopes for her. I really liked her in the beginning! I loved that she married Spencer for practical reasons. Watching her weigh the pros and cons really made me respect her. She seemed very mature and levelheaded. Unfortunately, she didn't stay that way.
All of a sudden they're married and she wants to have a chaste marriage until he convinces her he didn't kill anyone. If you really thought he killed someone, you idiot, why did you go through with the marriage? You made a deal when you married him. Why should he have to go through with his end of the bargain when you clearly won't go through with yours? While denying him sex she still finds time to gloat to herself about the new households she has. That takes a lot of brass right there. You haven't even consummated the marriage, it can still be annulled if you don't stop acting like a twit.
So, Amelia decides she's only denying him sex because she's really afraid to fall in love with him. May I take a second to stop and point out how irritating I find this belief? Sex and love don't always go hand in hand. Why do these women persist in believing (and practicing) that? Irritating! Moving on... So, she decides she'll finally give it up. I felt we were going to get back to the Amelia I enjoyed. The one that had a clue. She goes to tell him, but the when he becomes the aggressor, because she won't spit it out, she freaks and literally runs from him. What is wrong with you???
That's not my only problem with her though! Spencer says this to her:
That really summarizes my opinion of her. I don't know what reality she was in, but it sure wasn't the one I was reading. Spencer tries to buy her family home that she loves to help her brother cover his debts. He won't give him the money freely, but he'll help him out and give Amelia something she'll love. She decides he's "stripping" her family's pride. Later she's okay with someone else buying it and bulldozing it. Why was it not okay for him to buy it?
Amelia's worst flaw is that she puts her brother ahead of everyone else. She coddles him while he bankrupts the family and lashes out at anyone who doesn't want to enable him. A situation develops at the end that was all her fault. Even when she admitted she was to blame she still didn't see the reality of her brother. It was aggravating!
The biggest thing that pissed me off was the end. Amelia was the one in the wrong, but Spencer was the one who had to come to her and prove his worth. What??? She left him, not the other way around. She chose her brother over him. Why the hell did he have to make the effort to get her back? Arghhh!!!!
Even though I really disliked this book I think I'll read the next one. I liked the author's writing, and I liked the story she was telling, I just hated Amelia. Let's hope the next book won't have another of her ilk.
Spencer and Amelia have really great chemistry in the beginning. I really liked them both. Watching Amelia push beyond her wallflower image to claim that dance...it was great. I loved that he was so flummoxed by her. His little love affair with her embroidery was cute.
Spencer was a great character. All the mystique created by the ton meant nothing to him. I loved how the author turned the mysterious male trope on its head. He didn't mean to cause gossip, he was just trying to do his duty and escape. He was so amused when he found out what they were saying about him. I loved that he was a secret romantic. I liked that when we found out why he wanted the horse it was a simple reason. There's was no terribly complicated plot for him. It was a nice change.
I liked getting to know Bellamy and Ashworth. I thought they were really interesting. Bellamy is so steeped in roles that I wonder if he even remembers who he is anymore. I felt so bad for him when he kept insisting everyone but him marry Lily. He thought she deserved better than him. Ashworth seems a little less complex, but still intriguing. I wonder why he thinks his life would be better if he ended it. I think the men from the Stud Club made the book for me.
Speaking of the Stud Club, thank God Amelia and Lily didn't accept the club name with a straight face. I'm glad someone mocked it. With them poking fun at the name it made me feel the author was inviting us to share the joke with her. It was nice.
Well, now we're down to what ruined the book for me...Amelia. I had such high hopes for her. I really liked her in the beginning! I loved that she married Spencer for practical reasons. Watching her weigh the pros and cons really made me respect her. She seemed very mature and levelheaded. Unfortunately, she didn't stay that way.
All of a sudden they're married and she wants to have a chaste marriage until he convinces her he didn't kill anyone. If you really thought he killed someone, you idiot, why did you go through with the marriage? You made a deal when you married him. Why should he have to go through with his end of the bargain when you clearly won't go through with yours? While denying him sex she still finds time to gloat to herself about the new households she has. That takes a lot of brass right there. You haven't even consummated the marriage, it can still be annulled if you don't stop acting like a twit.
So, Amelia decides she's only denying him sex because she's really afraid to fall in love with him. May I take a second to stop and point out how irritating I find this belief? Sex and love don't always go hand in hand. Why do these women persist in believing (and practicing) that? Irritating! Moving on... So, she decides she'll finally give it up. I felt we were going to get back to the Amelia I enjoyed. The one that had a clue. She goes to tell him, but the when he becomes the aggressor, because she won't spit it out, she freaks and literally runs from him. What is wrong with you???
That's not my only problem with her though! Spencer says this to her:
"Amelia," he whispered, "at this moment, I don't think you'd recognize the truth if it pinched you on the bottom."
That really summarizes my opinion of her. I don't know what reality she was in, but it sure wasn't the one I was reading. Spencer tries to buy her family home that she loves to help her brother cover his debts. He won't give him the money freely, but he'll help him out and give Amelia something she'll love. She decides he's "stripping" her family's pride. Later she's okay with someone else buying it and bulldozing it. Why was it not okay for him to buy it?
Amelia's worst flaw is that she puts her brother ahead of everyone else. She coddles him while he bankrupts the family and lashes out at anyone who doesn't want to enable him. A situation develops at the end that was all her fault. Even when she admitted she was to blame she still didn't see the reality of her brother. It was aggravating!
The biggest thing that pissed me off was the end. Amelia was the one in the wrong, but Spencer was the one who had to come to her and prove his worth. What??? She left him, not the other way around. She chose her brother over him. Why the hell did he have to make the effort to get her back? Arghhh!!!!
Even though I really disliked this book I think I'll read the next one. I liked the author's writing, and I liked the story she was telling, I just hated Amelia. Let's hope the next book won't have another of her ilk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2022
sometimes picking up a random book in a used bookstore for 25 cents pays off. after buying it from a library bookstore just because i recognized tesss dare's name, i grabbed this book off my tbr shelf at random because it was the most summer-looking romance i owned, and it is now easily one of my favorite books of the year.
i recently rewatched briderton, so this whole book read in my head like a movie. but it was also aided by how gorgeous Tessa Dare's writing style is. there were SO many lines that i marveled at the word choice and how the sentences flowed so well and provided such lush descriptions. the characters' dialogue felt so real, i could definitely imagine this being pulled word for word and being transformed into a show or movie. this is embarrassing to admit but sometimes i was reading the dialogue out loud to my cats and my friends because it was just so damn punchy and realistic. for a book published in 2010, i can't believe it holds up to time so well and was so beautiful.
mainly, the storyline in this is what connected with me so deeply. it's hard to find books that i can relate to that don't feel like the spitting image of ninety thousand other similar books, but this book hit a sweet spot. the main character is weird and chatty but also deeply self-conscious about not being desirable, which hits so close to home that i couldn't help but love her. the love interest is perfectly grumpy without being an unredeemable asshole, and it certainly helped my enjoyment of this book that he is a horse girl through and through. (plus, he has panic attacks and deals with social anxiety!!) put these two characters together with a handful of my favorite tropes? man, i was FEASTING.
this book has everything. everything. smut, emotion, relatable...ness. my only critique is that the ending felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book, but i knew within 50 pages this was going to be a favorite of the year. i mean, for christ's sake, i have like 100 sticky tabs in this book, and it's a mass market paperback with a hideous cover (that also misrepresents that the main charater is PLUS SIZED!!).
i could go on and on. this book made me cry just because it had a hugging scene. like, come get yall juice. don't keep sleeping on tessa dare. i will now read the rest of this series and pray and hope that it hits the same, because WOW. reading this in three sittings while listening to the pride & prejudice soundtrack may just be the highlight of my summer.
i recently rewatched briderton, so this whole book read in my head like a movie. but it was also aided by how gorgeous Tessa Dare's writing style is. there were SO many lines that i marveled at the word choice and how the sentences flowed so well and provided such lush descriptions. the characters' dialogue felt so real, i could definitely imagine this being pulled word for word and being transformed into a show or movie. this is embarrassing to admit but sometimes i was reading the dialogue out loud to my cats and my friends because it was just so damn punchy and realistic. for a book published in 2010, i can't believe it holds up to time so well and was so beautiful.
mainly, the storyline in this is what connected with me so deeply. it's hard to find books that i can relate to that don't feel like the spitting image of ninety thousand other similar books, but this book hit a sweet spot. the main character is weird and chatty but also deeply self-conscious about not being desirable, which hits so close to home that i couldn't help but love her. the love interest is perfectly grumpy without being an unredeemable asshole, and it certainly helped my enjoyment of this book that he is a horse girl through and through. (plus, he has panic attacks and deals with social anxiety!!) put these two characters together with a handful of my favorite tropes? man, i was FEASTING.
this book has everything. everything. smut, emotion, relatable...ness. my only critique is that the ending felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book, but i knew within 50 pages this was going to be a favorite of the year. i mean, for christ's sake, i have like 100 sticky tabs in this book, and it's a mass market paperback with a hideous cover (that also misrepresents that the main charater is PLUS SIZED!!).
i could go on and on. this book made me cry just because it had a hugging scene. like, come get yall juice. don't keep sleeping on tessa dare. i will now read the rest of this series and pray and hope that it hits the same, because WOW. reading this in three sittings while listening to the pride & prejudice soundtrack may just be the highlight of my summer.
July 26, 2021
Not my favorite Dare book.
I like Tessa Dare because her books are humorous and have likable characters. There's just this spirit of fun to them.
This was one of her earlier books, and it just reads like a regular romance.
The hero, Spencer, is a bit of an emotionally retarded asshole who said a few things that made me cringe. Plus, he's a horse lover and those people are always a bit crazy.
No offense to my horse-loving friends. <--but y'all know I'm right!
The heroine is just too nice for her own good. By the end of it, I was ready to smack her for the way she kept letting her gambling crackhead of a brother walk all over her. You can't give someone like that money!
What are you doing?!
Anyway. This was a decent romance, but not what I think of when I think of a Tessa Dare romance.
I like Tessa Dare because her books are humorous and have likable characters. There's just this spirit of fun to them.
This was one of her earlier books, and it just reads like a regular romance.
The hero, Spencer, is a bit of an emotionally retarded asshole who said a few things that made me cringe. Plus, he's a horse lover and those people are always a bit crazy.
No offense to my horse-loving friends. <--but y'all know I'm right!
The heroine is just too nice for her own good. By the end of it, I was ready to smack her for the way she kept letting her gambling crackhead of a brother walk all over her. You can't give someone like that money!
What are you doing?!
Anyway. This was a decent romance, but not what I think of when I think of a Tessa Dare romance.
December 18, 2015
Spoilers are marked
It seems that lately I’ve been doing a lot of “first reads” of an author and in keeping with that trend, this is my first by Tessa Dare and overall I was quite pleased.
I’ll start out by saying that I’ve seen reviews and comments by people who thought the Stud Club idea for a plot was dumb, boring, and lacking believability, but I actually thought it was a great jumping off point and foundation for the trilogy. After all, when you think about it, it’s not too hard to believe that there would be the need or desire for a men’s club in which membership was not based on which side of the tracks, or in this case, which side of the ton you were born on. And, while we never meet him, it made me respect and care for the late Leo Chatwick, the Marquess of Harcliffe, whose idea it was to start the club, because even though he was one of the wealthy ones, he knew that money didn’t make the man, and valuable and lasting friendships could be formed between people of all classes. As Julian Bellamy, one of the three remaining members of the Stud Club so passionately and eloquently tells us when speaking to one of the others, “It’s naught but luck. Simple, dumb, blue-blooded luck is all that separates a man like you from a man like me. Leo understood it. He never thought himself the better of anyone. That’s why he created this Club, made its membership contingent on the kind of good fortune that comes after one’s birth, not before it.” What a great, unique idea for a storyline!
I enjoyed Spencer Dumarque, Duke of Morland well enough even before he deserved it. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there was something about him that reminded me of Clayton Westmoreland from Whitney, My Love. Spencer Morland is a very intense, demanding man. He wants things his way and doesn’t mind using his ducal status to get it. He demands respect and does only what he wishes and has a difficult time fathoming it when someone isn’t intimidated by him—likely because it doesn’t happen that often! He’s aloof, mysterious, brooding and all the other things that a man must be if he expects to be worth his weight in whatever it is a Duke’s weight is worth. Whew! Say that 20 times fast without taking a breath! He isn’t necessarily my favorite kind of hero, one who suffers some physical scars as well as emotional ones, but yet, there was just something about him that captured my heart and my imagination and I knew from the start that I’d end up falling in love with him. I was right. *sigh*
As far as heroines go, Amelia d’Orsay was ok. A 26 year old spinster, she’s strong, resourceful, stubborn, capable, and intelligent and with a list like that, you’d think I would have adored her. But sadly, I wasn’t drawn to her and never felt a real connection or attachment. I can only guess that it’s because she seemed to lack much compassion towards the people who really deserved it, except Lily, and she is quite gullible where her brother, Jack, is concerned which made for some frustrating times. It somehow just didn’t fit that this incredibly smart woman, so, so insightful and full of common sense, just couldn’t see beyond her love and devotion for him to see what a sniveling, whiny little miscreant he is. Instead, she kept making excuses for him, constantly bailing him out of trouble, never even considering that she wasn’t helping him at all. I wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but finally, very near the end we get our answer:
Slight Spoiler: This takes place when Amelia, finally “gets it” about her brother, when Jack fails to offer his coat to a shivering, pregnant young woman: Strangely enough, Amelia was glad of it. That small example of thoughtlessness might be inconsequential compared to his other misdeeds—but it was this final ounce of selfishness that tipped the scales. For many months, she’d believed she could save her brother if only she loved him hard enough. But she saw her error clearly now. She’d accused Spencer of being insular, but Jack was the one incapable of seeing beyond his own grief. Other men lost brothers, friends, even children and wives—and still avoided abject dissolution. Why Jack had stumbled into the chasm when others managed to skirt it, she would never know. But she finally understood it was beyond her power to pull him out. This epiphany of hers was so totally believable to me, because I’ve had those sudden, painful moments of clarity where family is concerned myself. Anyway, this is where Amelia redeemed herself and ceased being TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) and became someone I could cheer for, someone I could respect and someone deserving of a happily ever after with Spencer, a man I adore.End Spoiler
The supporting cast of characters, Lily Chatwick—Leo’s sister, Claudia, Lord Ashworth, and Julian Bellamy, I found to all be people with compelling enough backgrounds to warrant their own stories. I know that Ashworth and Bellamy (with Lily as his happily ever after) will have books of their own, but I’m hoping that we’ll see enough of the Morland clan to learn what ultimately happens with Claudia, Spencer’s ward. Then of course there’s Jack d’Orsay, and frankly, I’d be perfectly fine never hearing his name again.
I have to say that what I suspect was the main storyline – the murder mystery – was secondary to me. I was more interested in what I saw as a tale of the classes. About those who “belong” in proper society and those who don’t. I really like the way Tessa Dare approached it, because let’s be honest here, it’s a theme that’s been quite written to death, but by using the idea of the Stud Club, she gives us a unique, interesting and funny twist to a “done to death” plot in historical romance novels. I enjoyed Ms. Dare’s writing style, her unique turn of phrases and her ability to take situations which might normally seem like just more of the same old, same old, and made them fun, interesting and burn up the pages hot! Can anyone say “piquet?” LOL
A couple of my favorite scenes and quotes -
Spencer, seeming baffled by Amelia’s lack of… awe of him, states “You’re not intimidated by me.” Amelia realizes that before Leo’s death, she would have been, but now she sees life differently. “Today, I know we are merely humans. Two flawed, imperfect, mortal beings, whose bones will one day crumble to dust. Just a man and a woman.”
***
And this little exchange between Amelia and Spencer: “My virtue? You were--“Oh, there was no use in mincing words now. “You were able to divine my virginity by fondling my leg.”
“Yes.”
She covered her eyes with one hand, then traced her left eyebrow with a fingertip. “Forgive me, Your Grace. Are you suggesting a woman is some sort of…piece of fruit to you? One squeeze and you know if she’s ripe?”
***
Overall, I enjoyed One Dance with a Duke and Spencer is the latest addition to my All Time Favorite Top 10 Heroes list. And even though I’ve heard a couple of less than appealing things about Twice Tempted by a Rogue, the second book in the Stud Club Trilogy, I’ll keep reading because I want to know what happens with Ashworth, Bellamy, Lily and Claudia, I want to find out who killed Leo and ultimately, what becomes of the Stud Club.
It seems that lately I’ve been doing a lot of “first reads” of an author and in keeping with that trend, this is my first by Tessa Dare and overall I was quite pleased.
I’ll start out by saying that I’ve seen reviews and comments by people who thought the Stud Club idea for a plot was dumb, boring, and lacking believability, but I actually thought it was a great jumping off point and foundation for the trilogy. After all, when you think about it, it’s not too hard to believe that there would be the need or desire for a men’s club in which membership was not based on which side of the tracks, or in this case, which side of the ton you were born on. And, while we never meet him, it made me respect and care for the late Leo Chatwick, the Marquess of Harcliffe, whose idea it was to start the club, because even though he was one of the wealthy ones, he knew that money didn’t make the man, and valuable and lasting friendships could be formed between people of all classes. As Julian Bellamy, one of the three remaining members of the Stud Club so passionately and eloquently tells us when speaking to one of the others, “It’s naught but luck. Simple, dumb, blue-blooded luck is all that separates a man like you from a man like me. Leo understood it. He never thought himself the better of anyone. That’s why he created this Club, made its membership contingent on the kind of good fortune that comes after one’s birth, not before it.” What a great, unique idea for a storyline!
I enjoyed Spencer Dumarque, Duke of Morland well enough even before he deserved it. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there was something about him that reminded me of Clayton Westmoreland from Whitney, My Love. Spencer Morland is a very intense, demanding man. He wants things his way and doesn’t mind using his ducal status to get it. He demands respect and does only what he wishes and has a difficult time fathoming it when someone isn’t intimidated by him—likely because it doesn’t happen that often! He’s aloof, mysterious, brooding and all the other things that a man must be if he expects to be worth his weight in whatever it is a Duke’s weight is worth. Whew! Say that 20 times fast without taking a breath! He isn’t necessarily my favorite kind of hero, one who suffers some physical scars as well as emotional ones, but yet, there was just something about him that captured my heart and my imagination and I knew from the start that I’d end up falling in love with him. I was right. *sigh*
As far as heroines go, Amelia d’Orsay was ok. A 26 year old spinster, she’s strong, resourceful, stubborn, capable, and intelligent and with a list like that, you’d think I would have adored her. But sadly, I wasn’t drawn to her and never felt a real connection or attachment. I can only guess that it’s because she seemed to lack much compassion towards the people who really deserved it, except Lily, and she is quite gullible where her brother, Jack, is concerned which made for some frustrating times. It somehow just didn’t fit that this incredibly smart woman, so, so insightful and full of common sense, just couldn’t see beyond her love and devotion for him to see what a sniveling, whiny little miscreant he is. Instead, she kept making excuses for him, constantly bailing him out of trouble, never even considering that she wasn’t helping him at all. I wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but finally, very near the end we get our answer:
Slight Spoiler: This takes place when Amelia, finally “gets it” about her brother, when Jack fails to offer his coat to a shivering, pregnant young woman: Strangely enough, Amelia was glad of it. That small example of thoughtlessness might be inconsequential compared to his other misdeeds—but it was this final ounce of selfishness that tipped the scales. For many months, she’d believed she could save her brother if only she loved him hard enough. But she saw her error clearly now. She’d accused Spencer of being insular, but Jack was the one incapable of seeing beyond his own grief. Other men lost brothers, friends, even children and wives—and still avoided abject dissolution. Why Jack had stumbled into the chasm when others managed to skirt it, she would never know. But she finally understood it was beyond her power to pull him out. This epiphany of hers was so totally believable to me, because I’ve had those sudden, painful moments of clarity where family is concerned myself. Anyway, this is where Amelia redeemed herself and ceased being TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) and became someone I could cheer for, someone I could respect and someone deserving of a happily ever after with Spencer, a man I adore.End Spoiler
The supporting cast of characters, Lily Chatwick—Leo’s sister, Claudia, Lord Ashworth, and Julian Bellamy, I found to all be people with compelling enough backgrounds to warrant their own stories. I know that Ashworth and Bellamy (with Lily as his happily ever after) will have books of their own, but I’m hoping that we’ll see enough of the Morland clan to learn what ultimately happens with Claudia, Spencer’s ward. Then of course there’s Jack d’Orsay, and frankly, I’d be perfectly fine never hearing his name again.
I have to say that what I suspect was the main storyline – the murder mystery – was secondary to me. I was more interested in what I saw as a tale of the classes. About those who “belong” in proper society and those who don’t. I really like the way Tessa Dare approached it, because let’s be honest here, it’s a theme that’s been quite written to death, but by using the idea of the Stud Club, she gives us a unique, interesting and funny twist to a “done to death” plot in historical romance novels. I enjoyed Ms. Dare’s writing style, her unique turn of phrases and her ability to take situations which might normally seem like just more of the same old, same old, and made them fun, interesting and burn up the pages hot! Can anyone say “piquet?” LOL
A couple of my favorite scenes and quotes -
Spencer, seeming baffled by Amelia’s lack of… awe of him, states “You’re not intimidated by me.” Amelia realizes that before Leo’s death, she would have been, but now she sees life differently. “Today, I know we are merely humans. Two flawed, imperfect, mortal beings, whose bones will one day crumble to dust. Just a man and a woman.”
***
And this little exchange between Amelia and Spencer: “My virtue? You were--“Oh, there was no use in mincing words now. “You were able to divine my virginity by fondling my leg.”
“Yes.”
She covered her eyes with one hand, then traced her left eyebrow with a fingertip. “Forgive me, Your Grace. Are you suggesting a woman is some sort of…piece of fruit to you? One squeeze and you know if she’s ripe?”
***
Overall, I enjoyed One Dance with a Duke and Spencer is the latest addition to my All Time Favorite Top 10 Heroes list. And even though I’ve heard a couple of less than appealing things about Twice Tempted by a Rogue, the second book in the Stud Club Trilogy, I’ll keep reading because I want to know what happens with Ashworth, Bellamy, Lily and Claudia, I want to find out who killed Leo and ultimately, what becomes of the Stud Club.
December 9, 2012
I'm sorry, but an annoying heroine can ruin any book. Wanting to hit her with a shovel over and over isn't conducive to a pleasant read.
July 21, 2015
I rage quit this book by Chapter 6. GOD I COULDN'T STAND IT. THE HERO, SPENCER, WAS SUCH AN ASSHOLE. I just couldn't finish it. I'd rather do somersaults over a vat of molten lava than finish it.
Yes, he was that bad.
How? Ha. Well let me count the ways. First and foremost, he was an arrogant son of a bitch who kept saying to himself "Oh, I'm the Duke of Morland, I'm not required to explain myself". WILL YOU JUST GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE FOR A SECOND AND BE HUMAN, YOU ASS?
And oh, since we're on the subject of horses, apparently Spencer was an avid horse breeder/fan. So when his friend dies, the first thing he says to the bereaved sister is "Oh, I'd like to buy your brother's prized horse from you."WHAT THE FUCK??????? THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY TO THE WOMAN???????
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!??!?
I guess the last straw was when he proposed to the heroine in a way that made me feel like shit. That was probably the worst proposal ever! I positively seethed when he said things like "Oh, I'll be faithful to you until we have a son, after that we won't even have to meet" and etc. I WANTED TO WRING HIS ARISTOCRATIC NECK AND KICK HIM IN THE BALLS.
Only a madwoman with no self respect would accept his fuckery of a proposal.
The heroine accepted.
And that's when I knew I was done. Totally done with this shit. The hero was beyond redemption for me, and I didn't want to torture myself anymore. Blech.
June 25, 2010
4 stars – Historical/Regency Romance
This is my first read by Tessa Dare, and I enjoyed the writing, humorous dialogue, witty banter, rather unique plot, and steamy romance. The main reason it didn't get a 5-star rating is that I just didn't quite connect fully with the characters, and I never really became emotionally invested in their relationship. I liked curvy, spirited, strong-willed spinster Amelia and arrogant, alpha with a hidden, tender, romantic side Spencer, Duke of Morland and enjoyed them together, especially the love scenes...yowza! I just wouldn't necessarily consider them favorite characters or even that memorable of a romance couple, and I can't quite say that I loved this. Still, I can definitely understand all the rave reviews for author Tessa Dare, and I'll definitely read more of her books. Oh, and it definitely deserves at least a ½ star for the amusing, brazen series name Stud Club...*snicker, snort*!
This is my first read by Tessa Dare, and I enjoyed the writing, humorous dialogue, witty banter, rather unique plot, and steamy romance. The main reason it didn't get a 5-star rating is that I just didn't quite connect fully with the characters, and I never really became emotionally invested in their relationship. I liked curvy, spirited, strong-willed spinster Amelia and arrogant, alpha with a hidden, tender, romantic side Spencer, Duke of Morland and enjoyed them together, especially the love scenes...yowza! I just wouldn't necessarily consider them favorite characters or even that memorable of a romance couple, and I can't quite say that I loved this. Still, I can definitely understand all the rave reviews for author Tessa Dare, and I'll definitely read more of her books. Oh, and it definitely deserves at least a ½ star for the amusing, brazen series name Stud Club...*snicker, snort*!
January 17, 2014
● MURDER ● MYSTERY ● MARRIAGE ● MIDNIGHT ● MAYHEM ●
The STUD CLUB trilogy is a fun historical romance series.
Leo has created an exclusive gentleman's club that only allows 10 members to own a retired stud. The only way you may obtain a coin (membership) is by a game of chance (coins must never be sold). When Leo is murdered his coin has gone missing. The remaining members of this gentleman's club begin a search to find answers.
Spencer is a wealthy duke. He doesn't like to be around large groups of people because he suffers from panic attacks. Because of this condition he only shows up to balls at midnight which earns him the name the Duke of Midnight. He dances one dance and then disappears.
Amelia has an undying devotion to her family members which includes five brothers. Her brother, Jack, puts the family into debt with his gambling. He owes Spencer a lot of money and Amelia makes it her mission to right his debt.
Spencer and Amelia come to an agreement: he'll marry her and give her security and she'll produce an heir to inherit his fortune.
A fun book video made by the author: The Stud Club Trilogy
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Spencer Dumarque (a duke) | Book 2 - Rhys St. Maur (a war hero) | Book 3 - Julian Bellamy (a scoundrel)
The STUD CLUB trilogy is a fun historical romance series.
Leo has created an exclusive gentleman's club that only allows 10 members to own a retired stud. The only way you may obtain a coin (membership) is by a game of chance (coins must never be sold). When Leo is murdered his coin has gone missing. The remaining members of this gentleman's club begin a search to find answers.
Spencer is a wealthy duke. He doesn't like to be around large groups of people because he suffers from panic attacks. Because of this condition he only shows up to balls at midnight which earns him the name the Duke of Midnight. He dances one dance and then disappears.
Amelia has an undying devotion to her family members which includes five brothers. Her brother, Jack, puts the family into debt with his gambling. He owes Spencer a lot of money and Amelia makes it her mission to right his debt.
Spencer and Amelia come to an agreement: he'll marry her and give her security and she'll produce an heir to inherit his fortune.
A fun book video made by the author: The Stud Club Trilogy
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Spencer Dumarque (a duke) | Book 2 - Rhys St. Maur (a war hero) | Book 3 - Julian Bellamy (a scoundrel)
July 3, 2012
I thought this was great. I read a few reviews where Amelia's affection for her brother Jack was overdone,but I thought it worked with the way her relationship and self-martyring personality was. And to be fair, the self-martyring wasn't really all that bad...that was more Spencer's take on Amelia, not mine.
Amelia and Spencer meet at a ball, minus any romantic impulses. They are married just days later, as a business arrangement, and fall into friendship and love. I loved how Spencer was able to admit that he loved Amelia from the second she pressed her handkerchief into his palm.
One of my favorite parts of this book is an impromptu ball given to the newly married Spencer and Amelia. Amelia is just absolutely shining in her new role as duchess, and Spencer notices it, and so does every single other male in the room. I loved how Spencer later made her watch herself in the mirror to show her what face others see when they look at her, but how the faces she makes in passion are only for him. In fact that was in general just a great scene.
This story is well done, and the writing is easy to follow without being simplistic. I loved it, and definitely want to read the next book in the series.
book trailer (and soo worth the 3 minutes! hysterical!)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DzoN...
Amelia and Spencer meet at a ball, minus any romantic impulses. They are married just days later, as a business arrangement, and fall into friendship and love. I loved how Spencer was able to admit that he loved Amelia from the second she pressed her handkerchief into his palm.
One of my favorite parts of this book is an impromptu ball given to the newly married Spencer and Amelia. Amelia is just absolutely shining in her new role as duchess, and Spencer notices it, and so does every single other male in the room. I loved how Spencer later made her watch herself in the mirror to show her what face others see when they look at her, but how the faces she makes in passion are only for him. In fact that was in general just a great scene.
This story is well done, and the writing is easy to follow without being simplistic. I loved it, and definitely want to read the next book in the series.
book trailer (and soo worth the 3 minutes! hysterical!)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DzoN...
March 29, 2022
I really tried to read this book but I got to a point where I just can't with the heroine anymore. I don't mind when there's family problems, when they take a while to adjust and are mean to each other or arrogant, or cold. I don't mind when there's stubbornness and so on, as long as there's a learning curve. And the heroine's blindness to her brother is so extreme that I am feeling a bit disgusted at how she acts towards him...
And after she had an intimate moment with the hero and asked for money right afterwards to help her good for nothing brother, as the hero will not help him himself, it was the last straw for me. Maybe it gets better afterwards, but I am so stressed with the heroine that it makes no sense to force myself to finish this.
Not that the hero is a cinnamon roll himself.
So, it is a DFN in 80%
And after she had an intimate moment with the hero and asked for money right afterwards to help her good for nothing brother, as the hero will not help him himself, it was the last straw for me. Maybe it gets better afterwards, but I am so stressed with the heroine that it makes no sense to force myself to finish this.
Not that the hero is a cinnamon roll himself.
So, it is a DFN in 80%
November 21, 2018
I adored this, of course. I never really know how to review Tessa Dare’s books. Only to say that they make me damn happy. And swoon, good lord. 😍
March 9, 2019
(Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Spinster/Wallflower, Unstarched (hero)
-And for the first time all season, Spencer found himself partnered with a lady not of his choosing. She had selected him. How very surprising. How very unpleasant.
I shouldered through the whole book, but for 97.5% of the time Spencer was such a d**k.
- Despite his fine looks and obvious intelligence—or perhaps because of them—he, more than any man of her acquaintance, had the power to make her feel so vulnerable, lacking, and most decidedly unwanted.
- “I’m infatuated with you, I cannot deny it. Physically speaking, you’re a very attractive man. But I don’t like you, the vast majority of the time. So far as I can gather, you behave abominably in public and are only marginally better in private. I only find you remotely tolerable when you’re kissing me.”
The Stud Club made no sense and the characters set up to headline book 2 and 3 left nothing to be desired.
Come to think of it, everyone in this book except Amelia were d**ks.
-And for the first time all season, Spencer found himself partnered with a lady not of his choosing. She had selected him. How very surprising. How very unpleasant.
I shouldered through the whole book, but for 97.5% of the time Spencer was such a d**k.
- Despite his fine looks and obvious intelligence—or perhaps because of them—he, more than any man of her acquaintance, had the power to make her feel so vulnerable, lacking, and most decidedly unwanted.
- “I’m infatuated with you, I cannot deny it. Physically speaking, you’re a very attractive man. But I don’t like you, the vast majority of the time. So far as I can gather, you behave abominably in public and are only marginally better in private. I only find you remotely tolerable when you’re kissing me.”
The Stud Club made no sense and the characters set up to headline book 2 and 3 left nothing to be desired.
Come to think of it, everyone in this book except Amelia were d**ks.
November 7, 2011
Arousing. That's the first word that comes to mind. Handsome, debonair, sensual, passionate, romantic.(although he won't admit it) These are just a few of the many qualities of Spencer, The Duke of Moreland. Arousing on the dance floor, riding a purebred horse and most important riding a woman to ecstasy!
This was the first Tessa Dare read for me and I have to say it won't be my last. My goodness, Ms. Dare can bring the romance and sensuality to the reader! Just her description of a kiss will melt you into madness. The anticipation, the delivery, the reaction. I was glued to Spencer and Amelia's story from the go.
Spencer and Amelia are both strong, robust characters who pull you into the pages as if you are in the room watching Amelia put Spencer in his place or watching Spencer put Amelia in his lap for some lovin! I love a strong heroine, honest and true, especially in a historical read. Amelia, while having some self esteem issues, given her age and lack of a husband, still could hold her own with any man that crossed her path. Spencer hid several secrets in the beginning which led you to believe he was all self centered but throughout the story showed his true, caring nature and eventually gave in to love and loyalty of the richest kind. Their interaction together is both passionate and intense which provides a lush, rich read leaving me wanting more!
Favorite Quotes:
"She hadn't known kissing could be like this: not a conquest, but a trade. She'd never known the corner of her mouth to be so exquisitely sensitive, until he touched the spot with his tongue."
"He kissed her. Without warning, without permission. Without even deciding to do it, but simply because he couldn’t have done anything else. He needed that breath she was holding. It belonged to him, and he wanted it back."
"Watch yourself, he commanded her. Watch yourself as you come. Every other man can see you as you were downstairs. Witty. Desirable. Charming. Elegant. But this is when you're goddamned beautiful, and this beauty is mine. It's for me, and me alone. Now and forever. Do you understand?"
May 28, 2010
This was a really enjoyable premiere of Tessa Dare's new trilogy, The Stud Club.
Of course, The Stud Club refers to breeding horses, but we know what it reeeeeeeealllly means. Vavoom.
In any case, I had a few problems that cost Dare a star, but overall the romance was nice and the evolution of their attraction and devotion made sense to me. Their love scenes were well written and sensual and I didn't feel there were so many that I needed to skim.
Both characters had irritating quirks. Sometimes those quirks went way too far. In fact, Spencer's whole motivation for his obsession with gaining all the Stud Club tokens was not all that believable to me. I understood the emotion, but he's a pretty logical guy and it seemed he was throwing a lot of money away on something that might be helpful to him for a year or two at most. Didn't move me.
Amelia's motivation was more realistic, but also, perhaps, more annoying for it's realism and familiarity. There's also the fact that many books have contained this particular element -- the ne're do well brother who takes everyone else down with him -- and I've lost patience with lead characters' patience. Does that make sense to anyone besides me?
In any case, the romance is lovely. Dare has a real flair for putting people together and showing them falling into a love they never dreamed possible. So even the moments that made me growl at the book were minor in comparison.
Could have used an epilogue, though. The way romance books are ending these days, epilogues seem necessary in most of them. But the next book is coming out in about a month, so I suppose we'll have to be happy with that.
I'm happy to see Dare is achieving success and notice in the genre. She's an excellent addition.
Of course, The Stud Club refers to breeding horses, but we know what it reeeeeeeealllly means. Vavoom.
In any case, I had a few problems that cost Dare a star, but overall the romance was nice and the evolution of their attraction and devotion made sense to me. Their love scenes were well written and sensual and I didn't feel there were so many that I needed to skim.
Both characters had irritating quirks. Sometimes those quirks went way too far. In fact, Spencer's whole motivation for his obsession with gaining all the Stud Club tokens was not all that believable to me. I understood the emotion, but he's a pretty logical guy and it seemed he was throwing a lot of money away on something that might be helpful to him for a year or two at most. Didn't move me.
Amelia's motivation was more realistic, but also, perhaps, more annoying for it's realism and familiarity. There's also the fact that many books have contained this particular element -- the ne're do well brother who takes everyone else down with him -- and I've lost patience with lead characters' patience. Does that make sense to anyone besides me?
In any case, the romance is lovely. Dare has a real flair for putting people together and showing them falling into a love they never dreamed possible. So even the moments that made me growl at the book were minor in comparison.
Could have used an epilogue, though. The way romance books are ending these days, epilogues seem necessary in most of them. But the next book is coming out in about a month, so I suppose we'll have to be happy with that.
I'm happy to see Dare is achieving success and notice in the genre. She's an excellent addition.
December 1, 2019
Amelia: “Are you insane?”
Spencer: “No,” he answered swiftly. “No, I am in possession of my mental faculties, and in excellent physical health. If you wish further assurances prior to the wedding, I can refer you to my personal physician.”
Amelia: Good Lord, was he serious?
The comparisons between Spencer & Sheldon are hilariously wonderful 😍
***(Re-read December 2019)***
Spencer: “No,” he answered swiftly. “No, I am in possession of my mental faculties, and in excellent physical health. If you wish further assurances prior to the wedding, I can refer you to my personal physician.”
Amelia: Good Lord, was he serious?
The comparisons between Spencer & Sheldon are hilariously wonderful 😍
***(Re-read December 2019)***
November 15, 2017
This is so sweet and adorable. <3
I think the first 60% is pretty much perfect. The next 25% is also great, but it does begin to get a little angsty/conflicting. The last bit of the book gets surprisingly somber and fast-paced. Usually, I would find the H to be lacking, wanting him to prove himself more by the end of this book. For this book, that is actually how I feel about the h this time.
Don’t get me wrong. I find Amelia to be great. She is amusing and passionate about her family and her interests. I like that she is not afraid to take initiative, talk back, and enjoy life. Overall, a great heroine. However, she does get on my nerves a bit towards the end because she keeps on blaming Spencer and never being on his side. He does not deserve it though because he always compromises or does everything to make her happy. She is so blinded by her family loyalty. Family loyalty is usually great, but here, it’s almost nonsensical because she needs solid plans to make her brother grow and be good, not appease him as he wishes while he spirals downward. Anyway, at least she learns her lesson. And I do appreciate how she loves and cares of her brother. I just wish she groveled a bit more at the end because she wasn’t fair to Spencer.
On the other hand, Spencer’s dedication and determination are everything. He is a solid H and I love how he cares for Amelia. He can be rude and he is not good at expressing his thoughts/feelings, but he really does try to be better.
Anyway, I am giving this 3.5 stars (maybe 4). It is a sweet story with cute bantering, some character developments, and bits of humorous moments.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Humor?
Tears-worthy?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
------------
Yep, with this book, I'm officially 100 books behind on my reading challenge. #get it together #goodbye victory #i'll continue to enjoy my books though
I think the first 60% is pretty much perfect. The next 25% is also great, but it does begin to get a little angsty/conflicting. The last bit of the book gets surprisingly somber and fast-paced. Usually, I would find the H to be lacking, wanting him to prove himself more by the end of this book. For this book, that is actually how I feel about the h this time.
Don’t get me wrong. I find Amelia to be great. She is amusing and passionate about her family and her interests. I like that she is not afraid to take initiative, talk back, and enjoy life. Overall, a great heroine. However, she does get on my nerves a bit towards the end because she keeps on blaming Spencer and never being on his side. He does not deserve it though because he always compromises or does everything to make her happy. She is so blinded by her family loyalty. Family loyalty is usually great, but here, it’s almost nonsensical because she needs solid plans to make her brother grow and be good, not appease him as he wishes while he spirals downward. Anyway, at least she learns her lesson. And I do appreciate how she loves and cares of her brother. I just wish she groveled a bit more at the end because she wasn’t fair to Spencer.
On the other hand, Spencer’s dedication and determination are everything. He is a solid H and I love how he cares for Amelia. He can be rude and he is not good at expressing his thoughts/feelings, but he really does try to be better.
Anyway, I am giving this 3.5 stars (maybe 4). It is a sweet story with cute bantering, some character developments, and bits of humorous moments.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Humor?
Tears-worthy?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
------------
Yep, with this book, I'm officially 100 books behind on my reading challenge. #get it together #goodbye victory #i'll continue to enjoy my books though
July 4, 2010
I really loved this book and I think I maybe enjoyed it a little bit more than even some of my goodreads friends did. Amelia was such a sweet heroine and I almost cried at times for her in the story. Spencer reminded me a bit of St. Vincent from "A Devil in Winter" and I thought they made a wonderful combination. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance book to read!!! Tessa Dare is definitely an author that is on auto buy for me.
January 14, 2022
4 1/2 interesting stars
First of all, it is worth stating that the description of this book is not very accurate. Yes, the H dances only one set at midnight when attending balls in London, and yes it is with unattached ladies, but the actual plot is revealed pretty early in the book. I put off reading this, even though I am a huge fan of Tessa Dare's work, because the blurb turned me off as I expected an arrogant jerk as the H. While Spencer is certainly a horse of a different color, and he can seem a little full of himself, that is not the direction this story really takes.
That said, I don't want to go into too much detail because there are many moving parts to this story that begins with the murder of one of the members of the Stud Club --- a group conceived by the man who is killed that is allowed breeding rights to one of the most prized stallions in all of England. Spencer has his motives for wanting to possess the horse and has gone to great lengths to put himself in position to acquire him, but we are not made aware of the specific reasons until about 2/3's of the way through the book as the Duke of Midnight is a very private, introverted sort who is not used to nor feels the need to explain himself to anyone. He also does not express his feelings, especially those of the romantic variety.
Enter Amelia --- pretty much the exact opposite in that she is a friend to all and has a deep and abiding love for her family (4 brothers). She is also described as plump, plain, and unfashionable at the start of the book (though the cover model is none of those things --- annoying), though as the story unfolds, she comes into her own and begins to shine.
What I liked:
--- The H was a very unusual hero --- not much of a spoiler since it happens within the first couple of chapters, but he seems to have some form of panic attack/claustrophobia issue which is not something I have seen before in HRs, and it made it more interesting and his character more complex
--- Amelia is feisty, loyal, and principled
--- Steamy goodness is marvelous once it kicks in
What I didn't like as much:
--- A little too much angst in some places where talking about it would have resolved whatever issues there were
--- Probably on purpose as more unfolds in subsequent books of the series, but there were a lot of things left open/not sewn up so it felt a little incomplete and more of a lead in to the next book would have been appreciated
Overall, a recommended read if you enjoy an HR with some mystery, steam, and (of course!) HEA.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- not graphic
Language --- nothing egregious
POV --- 3rd
(*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all)
First of all, it is worth stating that the description of this book is not very accurate. Yes, the H dances only one set at midnight when attending balls in London, and yes it is with unattached ladies, but the actual plot is revealed pretty early in the book. I put off reading this, even though I am a huge fan of Tessa Dare's work, because the blurb turned me off as I expected an arrogant jerk as the H. While Spencer is certainly a horse of a different color, and he can seem a little full of himself, that is not the direction this story really takes.
That said, I don't want to go into too much detail because there are many moving parts to this story that begins with the murder of one of the members of the Stud Club --- a group conceived by the man who is killed that is allowed breeding rights to one of the most prized stallions in all of England. Spencer has his motives for wanting to possess the horse and has gone to great lengths to put himself in position to acquire him, but we are not made aware of the specific reasons until about 2/3's of the way through the book as the Duke of Midnight is a very private, introverted sort who is not used to nor feels the need to explain himself to anyone. He also does not express his feelings, especially those of the romantic variety.
Enter Amelia --- pretty much the exact opposite in that she is a friend to all and has a deep and abiding love for her family (4 brothers). She is also described as plump, plain, and unfashionable at the start of the book (though the cover model is none of those things --- annoying), though as the story unfolds, she comes into her own and begins to shine.
What I liked:
--- The H was a very unusual hero --- not much of a spoiler since it happens within the first couple of chapters, but he seems to have some form of panic attack/claustrophobia issue which is not something I have seen before in HRs, and it made it more interesting and his character more complex
--- Amelia is feisty, loyal, and principled
--- Steamy goodness is marvelous once it kicks in
What I didn't like as much:
--- A little too much angst in some places where talking about it would have resolved whatever issues there were
--- Probably on purpose as more unfolds in subsequent books of the series, but there were a lot of things left open/not sewn up so it felt a little incomplete and more of a lead in to the next book would have been appreciated
Overall, a recommended read if you enjoy an HR with some mystery, steam, and (of course!) HEA.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- not graphic
Language --- nothing egregious
POV --- 3rd
(*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all)
October 21, 2017
3.5 stars!
The characters got better as the book went along. I wasn’t invested in them in the beginning and thought about doing a DNF. Then the writing got better and I really liked Spencer. Tessa Dare's characterization was great for him. I couldn't stand him in the beginning and then I absolutely loved his character by the end.
Now to Amelia. I liked her in the beginning but then 1/2 through, I really started disliking her. Her absolute "blind love" for her brother drove me nuts and I hated her martyr attitude. She's suppose to be a smart woman but why did she not see that her brother was a mess and using her?! Good grief...
I’ll continue with the series and hope for better characterization in the next book!
The characters got better as the book went along. I wasn’t invested in them in the beginning and thought about doing a DNF. Then the writing got better and I really liked Spencer. Tessa Dare's characterization was great for him. I couldn't stand him in the beginning and then I absolutely loved his character by the end.
Now to Amelia. I liked her in the beginning but then 1/2 through, I really started disliking her. Her absolute "blind love" for her brother drove me nuts and I hated her martyr attitude. She's suppose to be a smart woman but why did she not see that her brother was a mess and using her?! Good grief...
I’ll continue with the series and hope for better characterization in the next book!
July 22, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to this one. What a wonderful narrator!
Spencer was fabulous as was Amelia. ❤️ They were surrounded by strong secondary characters and their quest for love and a HEA was a joy to listen to.
I appreciated that the road that Tessa Dare took them down wasn’t a smooth one. I loved seeing both Spencer and Amelia reaching that point of awakening. 💕
Looking forward to more for TD!
Spencer was fabulous as was Amelia. ❤️ They were surrounded by strong secondary characters and their quest for love and a HEA was a joy to listen to.
I appreciated that the road that Tessa Dare took them down wasn’t a smooth one. I loved seeing both Spencer and Amelia reaching that point of awakening. 💕
Looking forward to more for TD!
November 27, 2020
Finally I'm done with this....it took me 3-4 days to finish this book (due to some personal reasons).
The only thing I would say is everything else was perfect in Tessa Dare's book except the stupid characters. Hero , heroine, supporting roles every one was stupid, that's why I'm not even encouraged to read the next book in the series as Ashworth and Bellamy are shown so strong headed and (more than once) witless, that I can't bear them anymore now.
About the main characters, Spencer is so arrogant, self obsessed being a duke but emotional also he's challenged. Whereas Amelia don't know when to stop being nice. I understand one can't stop loving their families especially siblings after getting married but Amelia was really too much of a mother hen and that irritated me the most, she didn't let her brother live ir decide for himself.
But Spencer was also a fool to make a married woman choose between her husband and brother....sheer stupidity. But thankfully till the worse could happen Amelia had come to her senses.
⚫Writing style was good. Really engaging.
⚫ Plotting was interesting (even I have started to care for the blasted horses now!!)
The only thing I would say is everything else was perfect in Tessa Dare's book except the stupid characters. Hero , heroine, supporting roles every one was stupid, that's why I'm not even encouraged to read the next book in the series as Ashworth and Bellamy are shown so strong headed and (more than once) witless, that I can't bear them anymore now.
About the main characters, Spencer is so arrogant, self obsessed being a duke but emotional also he's challenged. Whereas Amelia don't know when to stop being nice. I understand one can't stop loving their families especially siblings after getting married but Amelia was really too much of a mother hen and that irritated me the most, she didn't let her brother live ir decide for himself.
But Spencer was also a fool to make a married woman choose between her husband and brother....sheer stupidity. But thankfully till the worse could happen Amelia had come to her senses.
⚫Writing style was good. Really engaging.
⚫ Plotting was interesting (even I have started to care for the blasted horses now!!)
October 12, 2018
I'm sad to report that despite my obsession with nearly everything Tessa Dare's ever written, I really didn't love this one. There's a charm, energy and wit in her later books that's largely missing here.
I often end up ambivalent about this author's heroes, who are generally of the all too typical HR "acts like a raging jerk for 90% of the time but is loving enough for the remaining 10% that you almost forgive him" variety. In Tessa Dare's case, they're usually so witty and entertaining even at their worst that you're inclined to go easy on them even as I roll my eyes and wish such a talented writer could create more decent and likable fictional men. The thing is, the hero of this one ISN'T especially witty and entertaining along the way- just an ass. Yes, he has his reasons, and yes, we're supposed to get that he's an inherently a good man despite the fact that he rarely acts like it, but I found him really rude, arrogant and irritating for far too much of the novel.
And while I usually LOVE Tessa's heroines (I nearly always think these women are far too good for their "heroes", in fact!), Amelia isn't an especially distinctive or appealing character to me.
Three stars because Tessa's dialogue and prose are always so well-crafted, even in a book like this one where she's clearly not yet at the height of her powers.
I often end up ambivalent about this author's heroes, who are generally of the all too typical HR "acts like a raging jerk for 90% of the time but is loving enough for the remaining 10% that you almost forgive him" variety. In Tessa Dare's case, they're usually so witty and entertaining even at their worst that you're inclined to go easy on them even as I roll my eyes and wish such a talented writer could create more decent and likable fictional men. The thing is, the hero of this one ISN'T especially witty and entertaining along the way- just an ass. Yes, he has his reasons, and yes, we're supposed to get that he's an inherently a good man despite the fact that he rarely acts like it, but I found him really rude, arrogant and irritating for far too much of the novel.
And while I usually LOVE Tessa's heroines (I nearly always think these women are far too good for their "heroes", in fact!), Amelia isn't an especially distinctive or appealing character to me.
Three stars because Tessa's dialogue and prose are always so well-crafted, even in a book like this one where she's clearly not yet at the height of her powers.
September 14, 2010
I absolutely loved this book. So many amazing quotes from it. It was breathtaking more than once.
This was such a sweet story. In it, you will find a lovely, shy and extremely caring wallflower. She would have never been noticed by the duke in any normal circumstance, but that's what is so nice about books, isn't it? He did. So we see how this couple -one very different from the other- struggle and try to move on every problem they go through. As the story goes on, we see how they were meant to be together from the start and how they fiercely need one another so much more than they want to admit. Although sometimes they were too stubborn. Both of them: Him with his horses and she with her brother; which was kinda annoying as hell more than once. But apart from that I adored the book.
I strongly recommend this book if you haven't read it yet. It will not go to my favs because I really got too annoyed with their stubbornness. Also it lacked something that the bests LK books have, and that would be to be able to make me weep like a baby at some parts and laugh uncontrollably at others, but a terrific read nevertheless.
This was such a sweet story. In it, you will find a lovely, shy and extremely caring wallflower. She would have never been noticed by the duke in any normal circumstance, but that's what is so nice about books, isn't it? He did. So we see how this couple -one very different from the other- struggle and try to move on every problem they go through. As the story goes on, we see how they were meant to be together from the start and how they fiercely need one another so much more than they want to admit. Although sometimes they were too stubborn. Both of them: Him with his horses and she with her brother; which was kinda annoying as hell more than once. But apart from that I adored the book.
I strongly recommend this book if you haven't read it yet. It will not go to my favs because I really got too annoyed with their stubbornness. Also it lacked something that the bests LK books have, and that would be to be able to make me weep like a baby at some parts and laugh uncontrollably at others, but a terrific read nevertheless.
August 27, 2020
5 STARS
Loved this book. Tessa Dare hit it out of the park with Spencer Dumarque. Our heroine, Amelia also had a good bit of pluck. Overall a great read. Would have read it straight through had I had the time. I'm sure there are many who might be affronted by the hero's dominant nature, but that would not be me. While he was a little rough around the edges, he had a vulnerable side that sucked you in like a black hole. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
My wife, my lover... my dearest friend."
Loved this book. Tessa Dare hit it out of the park with Spencer Dumarque. Our heroine, Amelia also had a good bit of pluck. Overall a great read. Would have read it straight through had I had the time. I'm sure there are many who might be affronted by the hero's dominant nature, but that would not be me. While he was a little rough around the edges, he had a vulnerable side that sucked you in like a black hole. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Read
June 25, 2025Dnf 30% I cannot accept the complete character assassination of the FMC. I did enjoy the beginning of this book, despite her being referred to as ugly, at any given opportunity, something I do not understand authors do. The handsome man and plain, ugly, plump woman! Why? In what world does that spark joy?
Anyway back to the story, the fact that she was supposed to be bright and yet just listens to Bellamy’s crazy accusations based on thin air made me loose respect and patience with her. I am out.
Anyway back to the story, the fact that she was supposed to be bright and yet just listens to Bellamy’s crazy accusations based on thin air made me loose respect and patience with her. I am out.
October 28, 2021
Ms Tessa Dare you’ve done it again! Well done 🎉
October 7, 2022
Years from now when I am 80, barely able to move with my memories betraying me, I would still be clutching my kindle with wrinkled hands reading historical romances.
I have such a soft corner for this genre, but that doesn't mean I don't critique it. It's just the genre I fall back to on a rainy day when I need to forget all my worldly problems and dream about a fantasy world where something magical happens often and happiness is always guaranteed. I am a sucker for well done historical romances.
Well, coming to this book, I really enjoyed Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series and the Girls with Castles one too. This book is among her earlier works and I was skeptical cause please wtf is Stud Club? It sounded foolish and I am a judgmental bitch. But, hey like I said on a rainy day to Tessa Dare I go.
The book was clearly written with the thought of eschewing conventional tropes and trying to bring some new conflicts into the story. And it worked. You see the conflicts were not the typical ones you find in an HR, or for that matter, even in any romance. It wasn't about the MCs struggling to accept their feelings, because Spencer and Amelia realize pretty early that they have some strong feelings for each other and they don't deny or run from it. The conflict came in form of external sources, family, society and such.
It was... refreshing. I got something new to read, something conceived solely for this book that doesn't follow any set pattern. Despite enjoying this novelty, what it said more about me was that I did miss the same tested and tried tropes of the yore. The obstinance, the angst, the separation anxiety, the nonsensical scenarios... I missed them all. The old repeated storylines, the same wine in a new bottle, they do provide a sense of comfort which I found lacking here. But I could barely complain when I was served novelty, could I? I did enjoy the first half of the book, but I found the second half untethered, stretched and unwarranted at places. The author could have easily shaved off 30-40 pages.
Another thing that pestered me was the over-enthusiastic portrayal of sexualism. Look I get that 'Passion' is a big thing in romance novels but this was just plain weird. Spencer and Amelia will be arguing about her brother and suddenly Amelia will start fantasizing about him mid-argument. The Duke just comes home after searching for his missing cousin and he takes one look at Amelia and goes bonkers? Like... control people, place and time please. It was just uncomfortable to read it.
Despite the few misgivings I would still suggest you pick this if you are fan of Tessa Dare or love HR like me. It does offer something different.
I have such a soft corner for this genre, but that doesn't mean I don't critique it. It's just the genre I fall back to on a rainy day when I need to forget all my worldly problems and dream about a fantasy world where something magical happens often and happiness is always guaranteed. I am a sucker for well done historical romances.
Well, coming to this book, I really enjoyed Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series and the Girls with Castles one too. This book is among her earlier works and I was skeptical cause please wtf is Stud Club? It sounded foolish and I am a judgmental bitch. But, hey like I said on a rainy day to Tessa Dare I go.
The book was clearly written with the thought of eschewing conventional tropes and trying to bring some new conflicts into the story. And it worked. You see the conflicts were not the typical ones you find in an HR, or for that matter, even in any romance. It wasn't about the MCs struggling to accept their feelings, because Spencer and Amelia realize pretty early that they have some strong feelings for each other and they don't deny or run from it. The conflict came in form of external sources, family, society and such.
It was... refreshing. I got something new to read, something conceived solely for this book that doesn't follow any set pattern. Despite enjoying this novelty, what it said more about me was that I did miss the same tested and tried tropes of the yore. The obstinance, the angst, the separation anxiety, the nonsensical scenarios... I missed them all. The old repeated storylines, the same wine in a new bottle, they do provide a sense of comfort which I found lacking here. But I could barely complain when I was served novelty, could I? I did enjoy the first half of the book, but I found the second half untethered, stretched and unwarranted at places. The author could have easily shaved off 30-40 pages.
Another thing that pestered me was the over-enthusiastic portrayal of sexualism. Look I get that 'Passion' is a big thing in romance novels but this was just plain weird. Spencer and Amelia will be arguing about her brother and suddenly Amelia will start fantasizing about him mid-argument. The Duke just comes home after searching for his missing cousin and he takes one look at Amelia and goes bonkers? Like... control people, place and time please. It was just uncomfortable to read it.
Despite the few misgivings I would still suggest you pick this if you are fan of Tessa Dare or love HR like me. It does offer something different.
March 15, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ I love spirited, sassy heroines. Amelia is a strong character who sees deeply into people and doesn’t mince words on how she feels. Spencer is a typical arrogant, entitled aristocrat who uses these characteristics as a defense to keep his secrets hidden. Amelia and Spencer both grow in their relationship. Things are very black and white with Spencer and that is very hard for Amelia who is controlled by her emotions. They have very strong chemistry that fights its way through their bickering. I liked how Spencer matured but Amelia just had such a blind eye to her brother’s dangerous mischief that it became infuriating. It took a long time for her to come to reality with him. I really liked both characters and their journey but she wore on me the last 1/4 of the book.
July 22, 2010
Amelia was a very sensible, very caring, very pragmatic, intelligent young woman who agreed to marry an arrogant, antisocial, very rich duke so she could help her younger brother Jack, who owed a gambling debt to the duke. All sympathies should be with Amelia, right?! Yet with every detail that was disclosed, my sympathies turned more and more to Spencer and away from Amelia, who focused everything around her blind devotion to Jack, and repeatedly blamed her husband for not caring. And for all that we were told how caring and sympathetic she was, I didn't feel that she tried very hard to help and understand Spencer's niece Claudia until after the big revelation - which is also when she finally had her eyes opened to Jack's true character. And I was extremely disappointed in the ending - if we're going to have a strong-willed heroine, she has to be strong enough to admit that she was at fault, and be the one to mend fences, instead of waiting impatiently for the hero to come to her.
With all that I didn't like, why such a strong rating? Simply, I loved everything else, and look forward to more Tessa Dare!
With all that I didn't like, why such a strong rating? Simply, I loved everything else, and look forward to more Tessa Dare!
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