Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After Series #2)

Say Yes to the Marquess is warm, funny love story about patience and loyalty. This is the story of Clio Whitmore who has waited 8 years for her fiancé to return and marry her. She has finally decided to end the engagement and make her own life. Rafe Brandon is the brother of her intended and is trying everything to get Clio to proceed with the wedding while trying to hide his true feelings for her.

Second book, both stand alone stories, so much fun! Very witty conversations, clever characters! Cant wait for more!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog*** Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare Book Two of the Castles Ever After series Publisher: Avon Publication Date: December 30, 2014 Rating: 5 stars Source: eARC from Edelweiss ***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers*** Summary (from Goodreads): 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. What I Liked: Holy moley, I loved this book. Five stars? Do I want more? Yes. Yes yes yes. Tessa Dare is definitely a favorite, auto-buy historical romance author. I LOVED Romancing the Duke (book one of this companion series), and I loved this one even more. Dare's writing is beautiful, her storytelling lovely, the romance superbly crafted! Just a disclaimer - this book is in no way related to book one (Romancing the Duke). There are no crossover characters (that I can recall). The books are related/are in the same series because each book is set in some sort of castle. So you can read whichever book in whatever order or not at all... though I highly recommend that if you had to read one, read this one! Clio has been engaged to Piers Brandon, a marquess, for eight years. Well, she will wait no longer. When she goes to find his brother, Rafe, to break off the engagement (since Piers is away for business, Rafe is the next person with the power to break it off), Rafe refuses. Instead, he comes to her newly inherited castle and tries to convince her to go through with the wedding... all the while, falling in love with her, and she with him.  One of the things that really stuck out to me, that is unique to Dare, that I really loved in this book, was the HUMOR. It's hard to describe, but the banter between Rafe and Clio, their individual dialogue, their inner monologue, the way things are presented... it's just so HILARIOUS. It's not like this is supposed to be a "Humor" novel - no, it's clearly historical romance, but the way Dare writes, things are so, so funny. And it's great. Her writing is sort of modern, for a historical time, but it doesn't seem anachronistic. Like I said, this book had a lot humor. It was very lighthearted, with Rafe finishing Clio's sentences, Rafe constantly trying to make Clio blush, Clio trying to by the perfect Englishwoman, Clio desperate to have Rafe sign the papers. Watching them fall for each other was so nice, because their relationship was so tension-free and carefree and playful.  I like Clio a lot - she is very sweet. She's the oldest of three sisters, but her middle sister is already married, and is a serious pain. Clio has a lot of patience, which is perfect for dealing with her sister... or someone like Rafe. I really like Rafe. He used to be a prizefighter, and he still trains for underground fights. Imagine, a lord, the second son of a marquess, fighting like a common man. But I so like him! He wants nothing to do with the title (which is good, because Piers is first in line). It's adorable to watch watch as the story progresses. Clio and Rafe get under each other's skin, in a surprising, lovely way. Their banter is wonderful and cute and a breath of fresh air. There isn't too much angst and woe is me and all that - Clio doesn't want to marry Piers, Rafe loves Clio, Clio loves Rafe. It just makes sense! This one is kind of heavily romance-driven, which is fine by me! Rafe is trying to convince Clio to go forth with the marriage, because of his loyalty to his brother. But eventually, neither Rafe nor Clio want that, so it becomes a matter of Clio telling Piers the truth, whenever that may be. I could re-read this book again and again. Seriously, it was that great! Definitely a favorite historical romance novel of the year - and in general! What I Did Not Like: I HATED Daphne (Clio's sister - the middle one). I mean, I think that was the point, but dang, I wanted to punch her (and her idiot husband) from the moment we meet them. Would I Recommend It: To all the historical romance lovers out there, you MUST give this book a shot. If I'm calling it a favorite, then at least add it to your TBR list. Just look at it. But seriously, this book is one of my favorite historical romance novels in general! And it's out in a month! Rating: 5 stars. So well-earned. I want to go re-read this one right now!

It has been a great reading winter, and since I only leave the house for work and supplies during this period, I’m grateful. So about this book, can we just admit that everybody loves a hero named Rafe? I don’t know what it is, but if I see a book and the guy’s name is Rafe, I’m into it. Good job, romance writers, you understand names that are inexplicably hot. Even without the hot name, I liked this guy a lot. Maybe I’m shallow, but I really dug that he was a fighter. I don’t know, I think Sons of Anarchy has warped my idea of what’s hot. One minute tall, skinny, cerebral guys with glasses were really it for me, and then all of a sudden slightly dirty, buff dudes just took over. Anyway, that’s not interesting, what’s interesting is this book. I loved it more than I thought I would. From the very first page, it drew me in and I gobbled it up like leftover Christmas cookies you have to eat all at once because they’ll get stale. Probably. Cookies don’t have a chance to go stale in my life, so I don’t actually know how long it takes for one to become stale. Nevertheless, if this book were a cookie, I’d say it would be a chocolate chocolate chunk - classic, but decadent with a twist. The basic story is that Clio Whitmore has been engaged to Piers Brandon for eight years, and for those eight years, he’s been out of the country on diplomatic business. Well, guess what, Rafe has been in love with Clio since they were kids. What a bummer, right? Turns out, Rafe is a black sheep, who was more or less disowned, so he’s been a boxer for quite some years. And he’s good at it. He’s like, the champion of England or something. Since he’s in charge of the family estate while his brother is out of the country, Clio needs him to sign the papers that would get her out of the engagement. Because Clio is totally done waiting for her stupid fiance to actually wed her. And good for her. Seriously. Eight years is too long. The bulk of the story is that Rafe ends up trying to convince Clio to marry his brother, so they have to do all sorts of wedding-type things, like look at flowers and try on dresses and so on. This culminates in the single greatest scene involving food in a book that I’ve ever read. At one point, Rafe brings her a lot of cakes. A lot. From the description it literally sounded like an entire room just filled with cake. This author gets me. I think there was an almond orange cake or something, I don’t know, they all sounded extremely delicious. And then they threw cake at other. Amazing. I love it when characters are playful and immature. Maybe that’s not a popular opinion, but can’t they just have some silly fun every once and a while? I was trying to think of something I didn’t like about this book, but let’s face it, it had lots of cake, a buff dude, a chick who started footraces, heart-tugging romance, and a dog who literally just slept and drooled the entire time. Loved it! The romance and interaction between the two characters was natural and fun and sweet. The pacing was perfect, the climax was emotionally satisfying, the dialogue sharp and smart. You just can’t ask for more, sign me up for the next one!

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This was an incredible read:) Well, for my last read of 2014, the year ended on a fantastic note! This book is my second favorite of Tessa Dare's books. Three Nights with a Scoundrel is very hard to beat though. Miss Clio has been engaged for about eight years. Eight Years?! That's long even for today's customs. Unfortunately her fiance has been traveling, leaving Clio to all the ridicule of the ton on her own. Until her uncle gives her a castle upon his death. Now with a way to support herself and a plan, she decides to claim her independence and break off the never ending engagement. (Whoot whoot!) This puts Rafe (the fiance's brother) in a bad situation. He has been taking care of his brother's affairs while he travels, and he does not want this to prevent his brother's return. So he tries to convince Clio to marry his brother anyway. Clio was incredible and reminded me so much of me! She loved her castle with it's hidden passageways. She slid around the floor in her stockings. She was very polite and sweet, but she had a fun side, too. Rafe honestly reminded me a lot of my husband who has A.D.D. He struggles sitting still and just relaxing. He always needs to be doing something. School learning was a bit difficult for him. Anyways, I really connected to the characters because it seemed close to home.  I'm excited for the next Castles Ever After installment already!

4.5 Stars Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog The Castles Ever After is turning into a favorite historical romance series of mine. There’s something about the style that is fun and sexy, the characters are always memorable and there is never a dull moment. SAY YES TO THE MARQUESS was very much like that. As much as I loved the first one, this comes in as a close second for awesoness! Clio Whitmore has been engaged to Piers Brandon for years. Too many years to count. And has become the joke of society by waiting until her diplomat fiance decides to come back to town and marry her. Now that she’s inherited a castle, she’s decided to Wait-No-More and end her engagement. But with Piers not being there, she’s resorted to drafting the document to end the engagement and ask his brother Rafe to sign for him, as head of their household. Rafe, who has always rejected everything about society and his position in it, can’t do that to his brother and forces her to continue with her wedding plans. Even if he’s been in love with her since they were kids. *Sigh* Is there really anything better to read than the story of a couple who have been the best friends since childhood? I LOVE those! And Clio and Rafe were honestly one of the best I’ve read in a long time. They are both less than the perfect examples of good members of society. Which makes them so much fun to read about. Their chemistry is undeniable, making you want to turn those pages as fast as you can to devour everything that’s happening. You definitely don’t want to miss out on Tessa Dare’s unique style, and get lost in the ride she makes sure to take you on. This story was so much fun, packed with passion, a hot alpha male and a strong-willed heroine. Couldn’t ask for more perfection than this and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment of this series. Now if we can only get Tessa Dare to write faster!

I enjoy Tessa Dare stories because they're prim historical romance settings, interesting timelines with locations, and include steamy sexual situations. SAY YES TO THE MARQUESS isn't my favorite book by this author but, still an enjoyable read. S.A.K.

I struggled to finish this story. The characters were good but parts of the plot and even dialogue seemed implausible.

Her characters are always so human you can't help but be drawn in... this one took a little longer to get great... but it was good from the start and held my attention from page 1.

Ah, the age old problem of being engaged to a Marquess, while secretly having feelings for his brother. Truthfully, I don’t blame her. The Marquess has been MIA for eight years! Talk about a long engagement. Rafe, brother to the missing Marquess, has a problem. Clio wants out of the engagement, and he has to sign the papers. Rafe refuses, because while he does lust after his brother’s fiancée, he doesn’t want to be the person who tears them apart, even if it’s just with a signature on paper. Clio, with the death of a relative, has been left a castle in the countryside, and sees a glimpse of freedom. She doesn’t need a husband! She can use all of the training she’s received over the last eight years to be the wife of a Marquess and apply it to running that castle and create an enterprise that will bring in money to help pay for the castle and her own needs. She will start a brewery! Rafe, sensing she’s serious, starts a campaign to make her see how much she desires a big wedding. He brings his trainer, did I mention Rafe is a boxer? Yep! Our Rafe is a pugilist! Training to box the heavyweight champion, so, anyways, he brings his trainer to the castle to help him woo her into wanting a wedding. So she’ll say Yes to the Dress, and while lusting after dresses, cake and flowers, in essence saying Yes to the Marquess. Ha! Our reluctant bride is not so shallow that a dress will change her mind. After all, she wants to brew ale, but Rafe, through his efforts, ends up wooing her for himself. In a moment of passion he kisses her, and the rest is history. She becomes his! Ta-Da! I love these historical romances, they are such a fun departure from my usual reading choices. Tessa Dare has a fun style of writing and Clio, our reluctant bride, was charming and real. Rafe, was a big, handsome lug. He has desired Clio since he was a young lad, and was determined that he wasn’t good enough for her, which means we, the reader, knew he was perfect for her! Read this book if you love historicals, it won’t disappoint!

I loved this book so much. It was awesome.

Love Tessa Dare's writing and this Castle series has been so great. Love Clio and Rafe's story and love the complexity of Rafe's character.

After reading the first book in this series, Romancing the Duke, I was excited to start this one, yet a little nervous that it wouldn't be as fantastic as I found the first one. I shouldn't have doubted. I read this in a day because I was so enthralled I couldn't put my Nook down. The two main characters are beautifully written. I love Tessa Dare's take on the characters and how she brings them together. I hope she continues to write more like this in the Castles Ever After series. The descriptions were vivid, the chemistry worked, and the plot was well developed. Overall, I loved it and would highly recommend it!

I really liked the first book in this series but this second one is just to tedious to read. The plot... the planning of a wedding in which the bride does not want to be married. 266 pages? Seriously?

Another delightful romp through history by Tessa Dare. Fun dialogue, romance, and tasteful passion too, who could ask for more?

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This book has it all; a great plot, humor, friendship, a strong woman and great passion! Well done!

I absolutely love a strong heroine! When people discount romance novels I truly don’t think they actually read them. The women are extremely strong characters. And yes you can be strong and feminine at the same time. One does not exclude the other. That being said, I enjoyed the first in the series (Romancing the Duke) scads more than this one. It was Beauty and the Beast, to this novel’s Sleeping Beauty. I’m looking forward to When The Scot Ties The Knot and it’s read-a-long on Sept 1st. And I’m curious as to what story was it’s inspiration. Say Yes is the second in the Castles Ever After series. I was really pleased when Clio actually realized that she had to take responsibility for herself, doing instead of just saying. One of my favorite characters was her younger sister, oh how I would LOVE to read her story! I want the Earl of Lynforth to bequeath me a castle too!!

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I love Rafe Brandon! He's such a damaged hero, he doesn't think he deserves anyone's love. He's a prizefighter, a profession unheard of among the privileged classes, and he thinks he's a complete disappointment to his family. Clio Whitmore thinks he deserves her love, even though she is betrothed to his brother. She's always felt closer to Rafe, since Piers was always gone on a diplomatic assignment. She's waited eight years for her fiancé to come back from his diplomatic posts and marry her. Having inherited a castle and possessing a sound business plan, she has decided to break her engagement to Piers and strike out on her own. She never counted on Rafe trying so hard to keep her engaged until Piers can return. Rafe and his boxing trainer Bruiser decide to treat this wedding business like a boxing match. They just need to get Clio excited about planning the wedding, get her head in the game, and make sure she's a knockout when Piers comes home. But being this close to Clio may not be the wisest course if Rafe really wants her to marry his brother. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but also a good deal of heart wrenching, as Rafe and Clio each reveal how they have felt mistreated and underappreciated by their families.