New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell come together in this smart, sexy, not-to-be-missed Regency Duet! Two scandalous brides…Two rogues who won’t be denied…His Bride for the Taking by NYT Bestselling author Tessa DareIt’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord … sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting at the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.
In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold…and to love.
His Duchess for a Day by USA Today Bestseller Christi Caldwell
It was never meant to be…
That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married–her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.
It was time to right a wrong…
Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.
Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart…this time, forever?
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Sometimes, the best things come in smaller packages, though both of these stories are full of great romance. Tessa Dare always charms with her snappy repartee and inventive premises. Christi Caldwell knows how to pluck the heartstrings leave me sighing for more. The combination is a great one-two punch of all the qualities I enjoy most in my romance reading, and makes for perfect beach bag stuffer.
I’ve been lucky enough to preview an advance copy – don’t miss this one!
This is a two novella duet, although the stories do not overlap. I loved both stories and Christi Caldwell is new to me, so I was thrilled to find an awesome new historical romance author!
Rogues Rush In: A Regency Duet by Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell, narrated by Justine Eyre
His Bride for the Taking: When Sebastian, Lord Byrne begins distancing himself from his childhood friend’s sister, Mary Clayton takes matters into her own hands. After being left at the altar, Mary has no choice but to marry her brother’s best friend. This friends-to-lovers story has a lot of twists and turns. I loved it and found Mary to be a strong and capable female who knows how to manipulate life’s events to make the most of it. She is the type of woman who works to make the world fit her needs. A smart woman is a force of nature.
His Duchess for a Day: Some mistakes are worth repeating. Though Elizabeth Terry isn’t so sure she agrees when her husband finds her at a finishing school for young ladies. When he convinces her to return for a day to put marriage-minded mamas in their place, they are faced with the past and have to decide if they can keep from making the same mistakes twice.
I always enjoy Christi Caldwell’s books. This one with Tessa Dare is just icing on the cake. There is a bit of steam and a lot of great characters. This once kept me up past my bedtime.
My favorite kind of book/ Flawed heroes, not so perfect heroines and a happy ending
Rogues Rush In is a Regency Duet by Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell. I only read, His Duchess For a Day by Christi Caldwell, for now, so this review is for her book.
I love Ms. Caldwell’s stories. Her characters. And His Duchess For a Day was no different. Another winner!
What I really liked is that the hero, Crispin Ferguson, Duke of Huntington was just a genuinely nice guy. Not a rogue. Such a sweetheart. I adored him. He’s my new Regency book boyfriend. I also really liked Elizabeth.
I loved the fact that they were childhood friend’s. There for each other as kids. I love those kinds of stories. And the fact that they were already married when we meet them at the beginning of the story was original. I liked that. And the fact that through misunderstandings, although still married, spent 10 years apart and had to find their way back to each other.
I absolutely loved, loved the butterfly house, and Elizabeth’s dress for the ball, and the meaning behind it.
Another couldn’t put down.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Good balance between the two novellas – laughter elicited by one, tears by the other. Both tales of childhood friends turned married couple, they’re told differently, proving once again the myriad ways authors can tell the same storyline.
Tessa’s His Bride for the Taking was sweet and funny with a wily heroine in Mary and an adorably responsible hero in Sebastian. The bed assembly and the dinner scenes were memorably hilarious.
Christi’s His Duchess for a Day made me cry. The painful event that caused Elizabeth to flee felt so real, my heart ached for her and Crispin. The love of books, the defense of the weak endeared both characters to me.
When I sit down with a story by Tessa Dare, I already know two things. 1. I am going to laugh. There is no HisRom author that makes me laugh more than Tessa Dare, her sense of humor is perfection. 2. I am going to be surprised. I am always shocked by a twist.
Though short, this story was no different. It contained everything necessary for a fantastic story. The story took me about 20 minutes to read. The story was engaging and well executed. I loved everything about it. Just the thing for a quick read.
His Duchess For a Day
This is a story full of angst and intrigue, Christi brings an awesome twist on the married but estranged trope. I love a bluestocking heroine, and this bookish couple is everything. Crispin is just as fantastic as all Christie’s heroes are, and I loved catching up with one of Rowena’s chums. Cannot wait to see what the rest of the girls are getting up to.
When you combine stories from two amazing authors, what do you get? Wonderful stories not to be missed by two of my favorite historical romance writers. Two stories of friends to lovers that will only leave you longing for more from these great storytellers!
His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare was such a delightful story of childhood friends who end up together by chance. Or was it really? Sebastian has loved Mary since childhood but has never acted on that feeling. She’s his best friend’s sister after all!! But when Mary is left at the alter, the only solution was to marry her himself! Full of great humor and a beautiful romance, I was left smiling as I turned the last page.
Christi Caldwell’s His Duchess for a Day is another story of friends who were young when they married, but the bride Elizabeth, ran away before they truly became man and wife. After years apart, Crispin ( Yes, this is finally his story!), now a Duke, finds her and his request is that she come back for a day to show they are married, thus the title. Can old wounds and misunderstandings be healed? They had loved each other once and that feeling still existed. In typical Christi Caldwell style, the characters come alive and you cannot help but fall in love with them and cheer them on to happiness!
I loved these stories and they both deserve more than 5 stars, but don’t take my word. Read for yourself and prepare for your heart to smile!!
His for the Taking by Tessa Dare
A code of honor – never, ever make a move on your best friend’s sister. Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has lived by that code from the moment he met Mary Clayton. Even with the death of her brother the most Sebastian has done is make sure she is protected. Now with Mary alone at the altar he offers marriage in name only to protect her from ruin and a life of spinsterhood.
Mary Clayton has now been left at the altar twice; though she cannot be sad about it. When her deceased brother’s friend, who she has known since childhood, offers her his name to keep her from being ruined she must decide between a spinster’s life, a marriage in name only, or fighting for a true marriage.
Can Sebastian keep his vow of a marriage in name only or will Mary’s temptation bring her what she really wants?
A sense of honor, a woman who knows what she wants, a little subterfuge and a happily ever after tale from the talented Tessa Dare.
His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell
Elizabeth Terry has spent 10 years trying to convince herself that she’s better off without Crispin Ferguson. While being an instructor at a finishing school is not what she envisioned her life to be she knows she’s better off there than tied to a man who thinks of her as a mistake.
Crispin Ferguson, Duke of Huntington, has spent 10 years looking for the wife who broke his heart. A chance encounter soon leads Crispin to his runaway bride and he requests she briefly join him to prove to the ton that she exists; then she can go back to the life she has.
As the two get to know each other again certain facts come to light; facts that are the crux of their separation. Can these two regain what they had or will outside forces continue to keep them apart.
I absolutely adore Crispin and Elizabeth! As always Christi Caldwell writes a tale full of heartbreak and happiness rolled together with characters you root for and others you want to slap.
Reading books are my passion I love to read books that can take me away to another time, another place. When reading books I look for authors that can take characters and make them come alive, to make them feel that that they are real even though they are not. authors have so much to do just in their own lives that for them to take the time and write such wonderful books, to take us(the readers, the fans) to these places, meet characters that are going through situations that we may or may not go through ourselves relaxes us gives us a chance to cheer them on, cry when they are going through tough times, and even laughing till we cry.
Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell are two pf the most talented authors that I love to read and bringing them together in Rogues Rush In, was a wonderful surprise.
In Tessa Dare’s book, “His Bride for the Taking” You have a rogue Sebastian, that is best friend to the brother of the woman, Mary that he shouldn’t love but does, a woman that he knows that cares for him as a “brother” but is engaged to another. Of course when there is a problem Sebastian rushes in to save Mary and the fun begins. Tessa has you from the beginning wanting them together but there are twists and turns that will surprise you and the end will really surprise you. I loved it.
In Christi Caldwell’s you meet Crispin and Elizabeth in “His Duchess for the Day”. Sebastian asks Mary to come home, to London to help him but you have misunderstandings, a mother who meddles, friends that try to help and a love that can’t stay hidden, Couldn’t put down
In both books you have two rogues who love their ladies and will always rush in to save them and with Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell you have two books that will be a favorite…
Rogues Rush In Review:
Two fantastic stories in one book. I had never read any of Tessa’s books before so this was a great q to her work. It tells the story of Sebastian & Mary, who have secretly longed for each other for many years but unable to act on their feeling. Finally Mary takes the bull by the horns & forces Sebastian into a situation where eventually he faces his feelings and love wins out. Loved it
The second story is from the brilliant Christi Caldwell, I am a huge fan of her stories. This tells the story of Elizabeth, one of Mrs Beldon’s infamous dragons who we met briefly in Schooling the Duke and her husband Crispin, who she has hidden from for 9 years. Again scheming parents fought to keep them apart. Elizabeth reluctantly accompanies Crispin back to London to help him for one night but ultimatley love finds a way with some twists and turns along the way. Another great story.
I really enjoyed both stories and through my love of one author I got the chance to experience another. If you are looking for regency romance this is a great book and you get 2 for the price of one.
I loved both books in this duet. Tessa Dare’s Sebastian and Mary’s story was highly entertaining. Christi Caldwell’s Crispin and Elizabeth’s story was wonderful. Both roads to a HEA had a surprising twist that I enjoyed immensely. I was gifted with an arc but have pre ordered as well. I highly recommend it!
Rogues Rush In
So, here I am all giddy because two of my favorite authors put out a title together. It’s like a Reese’s – two great tastes that taste great together! Rogues Rush In is the compilation of two novellas, one from Tessa Dare and the other from Christi Caldwell. It’s not an even split – just to let you know. Christi’s portion is almost double that of Tessa’s, if it matters to you. Now, normally I am not a fan of novellas because just as I get into them, they’re finished but for my two favorites I’ll make an exception and I’m glad I did. Loved this book.
His Bride For the Taking – Tessa Dare.
Our strapping, Viking-esq hero – Sebastian Ives, Lord Byrne has been quite hard up for his best friend’s sister for eleven years (4,000+ days!), Mary Clayton – she who is our inventive heroine. Mary, Mary quite contrary, as her brother Henry called her, has been left at the alter by her milquetoast, absentee bridegroom – Giles Perry.
Sebastian is furious. Mary is not. To be frank, she knew she was settling but now doesn’t mind being a “ruined” spinster. This is all settled quite quickly as Sebastian decides instantaneously that he must protect and save her from derision and scorn – so he demands she marry him, instead. Mary does her best to dissuade his impetuous decision. She doesn’t need saving, a very good theme. But Sebastian is stubborn and knows she deserves much more than she’s been handed. If he can’t hand her a HEA with Perry, he’ll provide her the life of a Lady of means. Off they go to Canterbury for one of the fastest weddings I’ve ever read, then to his cottage by the sea for a honeymoon.
Hijinks ensue, and we have a fun ride with a grouchy bridegroom, a resourceful bride, and the caretakers of the foul cottage who reminded me of Jud & Prudie from the BBC’s Poldark – Dick & Fanny Cross. Snort! I love Tessa Dare’s sense of humor. Dick and Fanny (Dick and Fanny!!) literally serve up “pain and poison” one night in an scene that still has my inner 12-year-old laughing.
The newlyweds are at odds on where to sleep, where to stay, how to build a Swedish bed, and there are some tender moments of Sebastian recalling his childhood times at the Clayton home, where he finally found a family, friendship and a budding desire for Mary. There’s plenty of sexual tension between them… If only Sebastian wouldn’t keep trying to be so … honorable. Men! But I’m a sucker for a hero torturing himself with wanting. This was a lovely, albeit short, romp with a twist at the end. I’m still deciding if I liked that part or if it was necessary, as I enjoyed the novella as I thought the plot was going, anyway. A Happily Ever After is had by all. Well, maybe not by Giles Perry.
His Duchess for A Day – Christi Caldwell
This heartbreakingly beautiful tale is about Elizabeth Terry, who is now a dragon at Mrs. Belen’s Finishing school… though technically she is the Duchess of Huntington. Years ago, after she was orphaned, her best friend – Crispin Ferguson proposed to her to help keep her safe. Insert misunderstanding. Elizabeth bolted the day after, abandoning him and he’s been hurting and betrayed every since. Well, he’s finally tracked her down and demands she come back to Mayfair to act the duchess for one night to quell the rumors that he’s not truly married, in exchange he’ll let her return to her life as an instructor. Though she’s leery to listen to him after reading all about his romantic exploits in the gossip rags – obviously he’s lived quite the full life without her – a bargain is reached between the two.
The reader can tell early on that the electricity between them is phenomenal. Elizabeth agrees to their bargain and they travel together back to his home. Sparks fly and these two are incredibly passionate together. WOW. Both are hurting and feel betrayed and as much as I love the strong blue-stocking woman that Elizabeth is – it’s Crispin who breaks my heart. If ever two people deserved some happiness it’s Crispin and Elizabeth. They’ve been longing for each other since they were kids, unbeknownst to the other.
As they reach Mayfair, Elizabeth notices that her friend/husband hasn’t really changed from the young man who loved to read and learn – just like she did. The one that was bullied at Eton. He hasn’t really become a rogue. She tried to forget him but never did. Truly, they made me cry it was so sweetly beautiful. Christi always manages to kick the empathy factor up to 11 with her characters and her HEA’s are truly cathartic. Elizabeth realizes she’s still in love with Crispin.
Crispin, frankly, has been hurt but has never stopped loving her and the revelation of what actually caused her departure startles him and sets him to action. Both hurts were caused by noble action on the part of the other. You will totally fall in love with Crispin reading this novella. Once they arrive at his townhouse, Crispin seeks out his friend the Earl of Fielding at the Forbidden Pleasures club as he needs advice on how to proceed. He wants his wife back. Though Fielding’s a cynic about the whole love thing, he tells him to seduce his wife.
They both confess eventually and share a night outside the townhouse in the greenhouse area… and there’s a whole butterfly theme that’s just beautiful. There’s a few twists, as there always are, appearances can be deceiving, and eventually you will have a very satisfying Happily Ever After for two people who are truly meant to be.
In sum, the double novellas were both amazing. Tessa’s books always make me laugh and Christi’s always make me cry – so this book definitely met my expectations in that way. I hope to see more books with these two authors working together. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this title for an honest review.
I’m delighted to be reading this beautiful regency duet from two of my favorite authors Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell. Now, these books are not linked in any way, but they both are heartwarming rogue tales, that are sure to leave you smiling.
His Bride for the Taking
In Tessa Dare’s His Bride for the Taking is a bit of a modern concept in the Regency world! What am I talking about? The Bro Code! And more importantly, thou shalt not covert my best mates sister! And that is the basis for the Sebastian and Mary’s story!
Now there could have been so many pitfalls in this story, but the author has managed to tie it quite nicely into the time period, and she also managed to give it a refreshing spin! You cannot help but like Mary and Sebastian, but in my opinion, Sebastian was very quick to forgive, but the epilogue sure made up for it.
I give His Bride for the Taking 5 stars.
His Duchess for the Day
Christi Caldwell part of this duet is called His Duchess for the Day, and I have to admit, I was really excited to read this part. For me, the author manages to take a story that has been told time and time again, and spin it in such a way, it makes you feel like you have discovered something new!
The story of Elizabeth and Crispin is such a great story, with twists and turns, and has an ending that just perfection! Now it is the story of love and parental interference, but it’s one like no other, and it also underlines that fact that nothing is quite as it seems.
Now, on to the characters, I absolutely loved Elizabeth’s character, she is feisty and strong, but recognizes love, and proves that she will do anything for the one she loves. Then there is Crispin, who is the man who has managed to weave a reputation while keeping the truth to himself!
Again such a perfect story from Christi Caldwell! This is why I give His Duchess for a Day 5 stars
This historical duet by Tessa and Christi is a winner!
His Bride for the Taking
Tessa’s story is about Sebastian and Mary. Sebastian has been attracted to Mary for a very long time, but she is his best friend’s sister and so he has done nothing about his feelings. Nothing until Mary is abandoned at the altar. Will Sebastian finally make his move? Would Mary be receptive? Read this very entertaining and very well-written story and find out if they get their HEA.
His Duchess for a Day
Christi’s story is about Elizabeth and Crispin. After hearing a private conversation Elizabeth flees her marriage and goes into hiding. After 10 years Crispin finds her and needs her to be his duchess for one day. Will she agree? If she does will they become enlightened about what happened all those years ago? Can they start anew or will they part forever with no HEA? This is a wonderfully written story with drama, humor and emotion that you will love.
I highly recommend both of these books!
What’s better than a great story by one of my favorite authors? A book containing great stories by 2 of my favorite authors. Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell write a winning combination of lost love found again. Both stories are delightful, delicious tidbits of romance.
In His Bride for the Taking, Tessa Dare tells the story of Sebastian. He knows there is only one rule – don’t touch your best friends sister. So, even though he had loved Mary since they were children, he has kept his distance. Ms Dare manages to turn the tables on poor Sebastian to create one of the most beautiful Happily Ever Afters to be had.
Christi Caldwell’s His Duchess for a Day is the story of two young people who had been friends and married but Elizabeth ran away before they consumated the marriage. Ten years later, Crispin (now a Duke) finds her and asks her to come back for a day to prove that he is married. Their time on the road help them both heal old misunderstanding and allows each of them to realize that they still loved each other. Just when his mother threatens to ruin everything, they find their Happily Ever After in an unexpected way.
If you have ever read either of these authors, you will want to get this book. If you’ve never read either – you MUST read this book. I received a free advanced copy of this book.
Fabulous! Rogues Rush In is a Regency Duet by Tessa Dare and Christi Caldwell, both are amazing authors. I love this duet as I feel both author compliment each other in style and story. If you have not read either of these lady’s wonderful books, you are truly missing out.
This book starts out with Tessa Dare’s Story His Bride for the Taking. This was truly a charming feel good story of marriage of convince or was it? So many misunderstandings and heart break. Tessa has a way of making her characters come to life and she can write an awesome picture as well. This story has a great twist in the end and there is nothing I like better than a good twist. Left at the alter, Miss Mary Clayton is bond for ruination and scandal until her brother’s best friend and guardian, Sebastian Ives, Lord Byrnes comes to the rescue.
His Duchess for a Day is Christi Caldwell’s story and what a story it is! This story was also a story of convince. Christi has an amazing way of describing her character and this story truly comes alive for me. The deception in this story was caused by someone else and misunderstandings is an understatement. This story starts out with Mrs Elizabeth Terry (not really her name) seeing her former best friend and husband, Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington after 10 long years.
How I loved both stories in this book and I highly recommend you take the time to read both wonderful stories.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I loved Mary and Sebastian’s story! It was unusual in the way it played out with her being a little older than the hero. Sebastian was a great hero who see’s himself as taking care of everyone. Mary was the prefect “discarded” heroine. The twist in the story at the end is going down as one of my favorite endings!
Elizabeth and Crispin’s story was different in that the heroine ran away after the wedding instead of the hero! Elizabeth ran to protect Crispin without telling him why. Crispin searched for years and after finally finding her, they learn things about each other that changes their minds about their choice of paths in life. The ending in this had me cheering! (I do love the name Crispin!) The only thing I missed in this story was I wished it had an epilogue!
Thank you ladies for the ARC, I was blessed to be able to read this ahead of time and fall in love with your stories!