Carole´s Wednesday: Rogues rush in

 

Author: Tessa Dare & Christi Caldwell

Narrator: Justine Eyre
Title: Rogues Rush In

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthology, Novella, Short Stories
Published: May 22, 2018

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s 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 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 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?

Review:

2-in-1! Always fun. 

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

Sebastian, Mary, and Mary's brother have been friends for years. After Mary's brother died tragically in the war and Mary's father gone too, Sebastian stepped in to be Mary's rock. And that involves fixing what has happened after Mary is left at the alter. In order to save Mary's reputation, he decides to marry Mary himself. 

This one was good. Friends to lovers. Always a blast. 

That twist, though, I didn't like. I won't spoil anything, but I'm glad that last-minute drama didn't ruin everything. I'm glad they could move one decently quick. Still annoyed me though. Kinda unnecessary story-wise....and to be frank....it seemed odd for the character who did it. 

Awwwwwww that epilogue made me giggle. So freakin' sweet!!!!!

The narrator is fantastic as per normal. 

Still a nice fun one overall. 3 stars though. 

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

Second chances!!! Another fun trope IF done well. 

Elizabeth and Crispin have been friends since they were kids. They got married very very young. Elizabeth ran off after hearing a certain conversation and a misunderstanding took place...for 10 years. Crispin needs his wife back in order to keep away the match-making mamas and desperate young ladies. He happens to find her making a living as a teacher. After striking a deal for her to come back for one ball, they two find themselves finally getting the talk they need. And of course, love will flood back in. 

I liked this one. However, I was annoyed at the 10 years of separation (10??????? too many years) and how Crispin was acting like a rogue, but he really wasn't a rogue (what?). And then the end twist? Eh. Not needed. Glad it was a quick fix, but still......

But I liked Elizabeth and Crispin. They are so fit for each other and they def should've waited to marry. They were young and dumb. I think the 10 years apart did them well overall. They were able to find themselves and grow up so they COULD talk. 

Fun narrator. She is always awesome. Good pick to read both of these. 

In the end, it was still fun and lovely to see these two TALK and find love again. Somethings seemed messy and not needed, but thus is life, eh? 3 stars.

Overall

I enjoyed both. These authors are always a blast. Some minor complaints, but I loved the stories. One was a friends-to-lover trope which has a key to my heart. The second is a second chance and it worked (second chances are always rocky for me). Great narration. Def recommend it if you like this genre or any of these authors. 3 stars overall. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #40 for Audiobook challenge