Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Blog Tour Review, Giveaway & Excerpt: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare


Publication Date: August 25th  2015 by Avon

About the book:

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

My Thoughts:
Madeline Gracechurch is an introvert and freezes up into a panic when confronted with large crowds. So at the age of sixteen before she came into her first season Maddie invents a fiancé, Captain Logan MacKenzie.  His creation saves her from all the awkward social gatherings her well-meaning family would’ve forced on her. Captain McKenzie is conveniently in the army and she continues to send him letters not dreaming for a minute that there might be a real life Captain actually receiving them, until he shows up at Lannair Castle ready to marry his betrothed.

Logan has been receiving Maddie’s letters for years wondering what she looked like.  He received sketches of snails, and moths, in addition to her letters, but never of Maddie herself.  Doesn’t matter what she looks like, though, her letters have provided a the perfect opportunity to give the small band of men in his command a chance at their dreams after years at war left them without land or sweethearts to come home to. With Lannair Castle and the surrounding land they can make a home. Logan was fine on his own, but willing to sacrifice for the good of the men who had become his family through the tough years of war.  Maddie took him by surprise, with her beauty and big heart.

Maddie invented Logan just so she could avoid the situation Logan has thrust upon her.  She never wanted to be forced into a convenient, loveless marriage, even if it is to the dashing real Captain Logan MacKenzie.  Maddie has her own hopes, dreams and goals.  Observing and sketching life has long been her passion and now she’s has the opportunity to make that dream profitable as an illustrator for gentlemen who want to catalog, and share their world explorations. This sham of a marriage threatens to ruin everything, but Logan threatens to ruin Maddie’s reputation if she doesn’t go a long.

Maddie had a perfectly satisfying life without Logan, maybe a bit lonely at times, but this is no tale where the helpless female must be rescued by a strong man.  Instead Maddie and Logan come to respect each other and enrich each other’s lives with attraction, sensuality, and finally love!

And despite all her best attempts not to, she’d come to care for him—the real, imperfect Logan. The man who set her body aflame with incendiary kisses and infuriated her with his arrogant presumptions and pushed her to emerge from her icy, frozen cocoon.

One of the things I love most about this series is the clever banter, and witty humor Tessa Dare infused into each story. The many names of Captain Logan (assigned by Maddie according to mood) cracked me up! Jealous: Captain MacEnvy, tired: Captain Mac Sleepy, while addressing Logan in her letters it was Captain MacWhimsy, MacFantasy, or Imaginary Captain MacFigment. Haha!

The Castles Ever After Series is historical romance at its finest! Tessa Dare combines clever humor, a strong, independent heroine, and a worthy hero, even if he is a bit of a rake and ravager. Come on, who wouldn’t want to be ravaged by a gorgeous Highlander in a sexy kilt?!  All three romances in this series were deliciously sensual, and beautifully written.  I don’t think I can pick a favorite because I’ve loved each and every installment!

 5 Suns




Excerpt:






Quotes
“Dare’s marvelous third Castles Ever After Regency romance (after Say Yes to the Marquess) builds a gradual, intense romance between two people who are determined to avoid love and commitment….Dare’s swiftly moving plot is enhanced by the seamlessly developed romance, and the sensuality is heightened by the slow awakening of the pair’s mutual attraction.”Publishers Weekly, **STARRED**

“With sharp, clever banter, breathtaking sensuality, colorful descriptions, and solid cultural detail, this compelling, often hilarious escapade puts a refreshing spin on the [‘imaginary lover’ theme and adds another winner to Dare’s riveting ‘Castles’ series.” Library Journal, **STARRED**
                                                                                                                     
“Dare’s latest begins with a fairy-tale twist of fate, then leads readers on a mesmerizing and intense emotional journey that explores love in many forms and the powerful pull of dreams.” Kirkus, **STARRED**


“Dare delights with another marvelously romantic story that delivers a deep sigh, a tear and a smile. With her painfully shy heroine and vulnerable hero, readers are immediately captivated and will savor the joy of this imaginary-sweetheart plotline. You’ll stay up all night to reach the unforgettable ending.” RT Book Reviews, **4.5 Stars, Top Pick!**



About TESSA DARE
Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen historical romances. A librarian by training and a book-lover at heart, Tessa lives in Southern California with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog.

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As part of this tour Avon has generously provided a $25 Gift Card to the winner's e-book retailer of choice! Awesome, right?  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.


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