A Night to Surrender

I'd hoped to like it more

Read from January 30 to February 12, 2014

Story: 3 stars
Narrator: 4 stars

The reason Tessa Dare's books are on my To Sample list is because I've read tons of favorable reviews of her books and, most compellingly, a few of the reviews I've read compare her to Julia Quinn, who happens to be my favorite historical romance author.

So maybe I went into this book with expectations that were too high. I was expecting a solid plot; fun, witty, and charming characters; and fantastic relationship development.

What I found in the book was a serviceable plot, stock characters (though the main characters had their moments of individuality), and Insta-Lust in the place of genuine relationship development.

It was that third part that had me the most disappointed in this book. Instead of building genuine rapport and romantic tension between Susanna and Bram, it was hard-this and pulsating-that from the moment they met. I'm surprised Bram was able to remain standing for as often as he had physiological reactions to just seeing her across a room. And for an inexperienced woman who's (supposed) primary concern was for the reputation of Spindle Cove as a place young women could come and recuperate from illnesses or just be themselves when they couldn't in Society, she sure did "surrender" to the Insta-Lust early---and OFTEN.

And when I say often . . . once they consummate the first time (on the town green!!!!) they're going at it like rabbits whenever and wherever they can. One morning, in the hour it takes me to get ready to go to work, as I was listening to the audio, there were two (explicit) sex scenes and it seemed like a third one was starting. In just an hour of narration (the entire audiobook is around 11.5 hours long). I lost count of the times they'd "coupled" before we got to the end of the book and their epiphanies/declarations of love for each other.

As far as the plot goes, if Dare had made the storyline and the (expansive) cast of minor characters more of the focus of the book, it might have fared better. Instead, because of the way things resolved, it all seemed pointless and unnecessary. There were a few bright moments: Minerva and her reticule full of rocks; Miss Taylor cutting off her hair so she could fill in as drummer boy for the review; the poignancy of Bram's reaction to Finn's (or was it Rufus's?) accident. But other incidents (and viewpoints in the story) were too obvious a setup for the next book, and did nothing to serve the plot/main characters of this story, so came across as distractions.

Now, I will say that I didn't hate this book. Dare has a fun, breezy writing style that I enjoy. And while I'm not champing at the bit to read another one of her books right now, I'm not taking them off my list either. I was intrigued by several of the minor characters and I hope that some of them get their own stories.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

A Fun and Exciting Listen!

Where does A Night to Surrender rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A Night to Surrender is among one of my top 5 listens for this year. I had stopped listening to audiobooks because I wasn't able to concentrate on the story but this audioble has made me love listening to stories.

Have you listened to any of Carolyn Morris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time that I have heard her narrate but her delivery enhanced Tessa Dare’s book. I love the different voices that she used in her narration most especially the interaction between Bram and Susanna. I was never bored and for once, my mind did not wander while listening and I was able to follow through the whole reading.

I also love that I was brought to tears at all the right moments and at times, I was unable to stop my laughter. The story in itself is a really fun read and Carolyn Morris’ British accent really helped the story along. I will definitely listen to more books narrated by her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was a part where Susanna taught Bram to exercise in the water with a shackle on his injured leg.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Clever writing, great narration

What a superbly clever written book. It had some great lines that truly made me laugh out loud. The storyline was also well thought of and characters well developed. As much as I try not to read books in a series I’ll have to make an exception in this case. If the next two books are as filled with clever one-liners, then I can’t wait. Can’t believe I got this book on sale for $4.99 but once the sale is gone, it will still be worth the credit for those who are looking for not just a good story, but light humor.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Good narration, witty, but not captivating

This is a well written book in terms of characters, scenery, and witty dialog. However, I found myself drifting off during many parts that didn't keep my attention. I love historical romance and this is worth a credit, but the plot is not a great suspensful page turner. It is a light, romantic fair and a funny story about "spinster cove". I think I will give the second book a chance however.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Super!

Excellent hero and heroine. I will read more Spindle Cove! Eminently believable characters and plot but refreshing in its simplicity and very original story. If you are tired of same old same old you will enjoy this!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Sweet Fun Romance

A Night to Surrender is the second book that I read from Tessa Dare. I have found to be a geat author and will listen to more of her books.

A Night to Surrender is the first book in Tessa Dare’s Spindle Cove series which takes place outside London in a seaside retreat for young ladies called Spindle Cove (or Spinster Cove as Lord Payne would say). The story centers around Susanna Finch, a retired war hero’s daughter, and the leader of the ladies at Spindle Cove. Apparently, Spindle Cove is “marketed” as a retreat for young ladies that are “painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men.” She meets Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff who is there on a mission to get reinstated in the military and sparks MOST DEFINITELY fly.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book! The hero and heroine Bram and Susanna are two very likable characters, both with an “affliction.” I also enjoyed meeting all the other ladies and interesting characters of Spindle Cove. I know this is a series so it was such fun to “meet” the future characters first. I was actually more interested with Miranda (because she loves to read, and let’s face it, we love this type of heroine).

The story revolves around the formation of a militia to safeguard Spindle Cove from the impending threat of the French (?) for which Bram is set to make happen so that Sir Lewis (Susanna’s father) would use his power in the War Office to reinstate Bram (let us note that Bram was injured from a bullet to the hip). The formation of the militia was the condition. Susanna abhors war and doesn’t want her quaint little village to be overrun by males vehemently disagrees with this plan. Naturally, sparks fly as the two battle each other for the control of the village.

The story is funny and witty and I could not help but laugh out loud at some really humorous parts. The romance was believable and I could not help but fall for Bram myself! Again, Dare is able to incorporate steamy scenes in her stories that enhance the romance between the two characters (read scene were they do it under the willow tree – yowza!).


This book is narrated by Carolyn Morris and I love her! This is the first time that I have heard her narrate but her delivery enhanced Tessa Dare’s book. I love the different voices that she used in her narration most especially the interaction between Bram and Susanna. I was never bored and for once, my mind did not wander while listening and I was able to follow through the whole reading.

I also love that I was brought to tears at all the right moments and at times, I was unable to stop my laughter. The story in itself is a really fun read and Carolyn Morris’ British accent really helped the story along. I will definitely listen to more books narrated by her.

15 of 20 people found this review helpful

Great fun read with great narration!

Loved the start of this new story - keep writing Tessa!
Love the mix of humor, romance and characters
Thanks

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tessa Dare makes me happy

Tessa Dare I think is pretty well known for her feel-good books. This is no different. Yah yah, it's often historical inaccurate. Yah yah it's fluffy. Who the hell cares! I love fluffy and I love feel good. So if you want to be tortured and angsty look elsewhere. Ok?

Ok. So I love that this story makes fun of the tortured hero trope. At one point the heroine lists all the possible reasons that the hero is being a stubborn jerk (pretty mild stubborn jerk honestly) and NOPE he's not really tortured... or no more so than any other wounded warrior and probably less than most. Actually, SHE is kinda tortured: neglectful father, history of abusive relations, etc. etc.

I also loved that they were attracted to and wanted each other from the beginning... so not too angsty! Yay! And the laugh out loud moments were precious. I think I had a goofy smile on my mouth listening to this story because my co-workers may have been giving me funny looks for the last day and a half.

Anyway! I loved this book and the narrator was not terrible. The male voices could have been more masculine but it's not a deterrent. However there was a moment when I cringed every time she said "again" and then "a-GAIN" and "a-GAIN" and "A-GAIN"! That's all 😁

Awesome book, worth the credit!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nothing a little kiss can't mend!

I admit that I am a hopper. 😂 That’s why although this book is the first in the series, I listened to the fourth book, “Any Duchess Will Do” first. And needless to say, I’m sure that is my favorite book in the series. 😌 That being said, although this book isn’t that heavy on humor as the fourth one, I loved the story of Bram and Suzanna just as fiercely. 😍 No wonder Tessa Dare’s books sell well because she really has that particular and unique sense of witty humor and the ability to make her readers hot and bothered. 😉


True to her writing, the way Bram and Suzanna met was just hilarious and unfortunate. 😁 And they are both alphas in their own way, Bram being the head of a militia and Suzanna being the motherhen of Spindle Cove spinsters. They are both obstinate, determined and strong-willed so it isn’t a wonder that they end up in a lot of headlock situations. But love always happen in the strangest and most unexpected places and they fell in love irrevocably, madly and passionately soon. 😌 But things are not just as they seem to be and Bram and Suzanna might have to move mountains before they can find their happily ever after. Or blow up the sheeps! 😂


Loved it, sexy, sweet, erotic and laced with a healthy amount of that bittersweet angst.☺️ I cried for one of the Bright twins and hated Suzanna’s genius but overly ambitious father. 😭 I loved learning the quirky, adorable and capable ladies of Spindle Cove and fell in love with the quaint, beautiful seaside village. 💜 Although I loved The narration of Eva Kaminsky who narrated the fourth book more, I admit Carolyn Morris did an equally wonderful job of narrating the hell out of this book. 👍 I loved her soothing voice. 😍 Enjoyed it, loved it and can’t wait to listen the rest of the series. A book well done, Miss Dare! A book well done! 👏


5 nothing a little kiss can’t mend stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great His/Hers dialogue

Where does A Night to Surrender rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A Night to Surrender actually ranks among my "re-listen" audiobooks. Dare fashions great his and hers dialogue that reveals aspects of character, provides humor, and ultimately sucks the reader into participating in the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Night to Surrender?

Without giving too much away, there's a great scene when Bram and Susanna first meet that involves black powder charges and sheep. It'll make you smile and also make you look forward to watching the relationship unfold.

Have you listened to any of Carolyn Morris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Carolyn Morris is a nice, neutral narrator who blends into the story in such a way so as not to ruin the narration.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Both Bram and Susanna have medically scarring experiences in their past and while handled lightly, Dare does a nice job showcasing the historical accuracy of how malpractice due to lack of information/resources in that age.I also think people will identify with Susanna's loneliness (as showcased in flashbacks, etc).