Say Yes to the Marquess

My second romance title from Tessa Dare but I remain impressed by them, despite their sleazy covers. I can't say it's entirely free of tropes and genre cliches, but she side-steps most of them and turns the typical romance expectations around on its head, which I'm very much down for. True, some of the plot elements may be a little anachronistic as Dare evidently writes with a modern point of view, but I'd rather be reading this than badly handled gender stereotypes.

I've really liked all of Tessa Dare's heroines so far. From the bushy-haired and plain-looking Izzy Goodnight in the first title of the Castles Ever After series, to the non-svelte and fiercely self-reliant Clio Whitmore in this one. They don't fit into the marble statue standard of beauty that typically describes what most romance heroines are, but I like them all the more for it.

Some side characters that I also really liked in this novel are Clio's sister, Phoebe, with all her eccentricities and genius, Ellingworth the bulldog, and Montague/Bruiser with his ridiculous quizzing glass. They all added little quirks and touches of humour that actually worked. I love how Dare's works don't take themselves too seriously and that makes them such a fun, light-hearted read. I'll certainly be reading more from her, and from this series!

Super cute!! Pulled me out of my book rage after that terrible pretend post apocalyptic book.

Anyways, my favorite part of this book, cake sounds. ::giggle:: Please, we all make them. I thought it was hilarious the heroine wanted to open a brewery, my husband and I have been talking of doing the same, but I do not have her taste repertoire. I just know if I think it tastes good or not. But anyways, fun times, cute book in typical Dare fashion.