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How to Catch a Wild Viscount
This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B00MQ0PJ9E
She's on the hunt for a hero...
Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, returned from war a changed man. Battle stripped away his civility and brought out his inner beast. There is no charm or tenderness in him now; only dark passions and a hardened soul. He has nothing to offer the starry-eyed, innocent girl who pledged her heart to him four years ago.
But Cecily Hale isn't a girl any longer. She's grown into a woman--one who won't be pushed away. She and Luke are guests at a house party when a local legend captures their friends' imaginations. While the others plunge into the forest on a wild goose...er, stag chase, Cecily's on the hunt for a man. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke...the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body...or she could lose him to the darkness forever.
This is a novella of approximately 20,000 words, or 80 pages. It was originally published under the title The Legend of the Werestag.
She's on the hunt for a hero...
Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, returned from war a changed man. Battle stripped away his civility and brought out his inner beast. There is no charm or tenderness in him now; only dark passions and a hardened soul. He has nothing to offer the starry-eyed, innocent girl who pledged her heart to him four years ago.
But Cecily Hale isn't a girl any longer. She's grown into a woman--one who won't be pushed away. She and Luke are guests at a house party when a local legend captures their friends' imaginations. While the others plunge into the forest on a wild goose...er, stag chase, Cecily's on the hunt for a man. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke...the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body...or she could lose him to the darkness forever.
This is a novella of approximately 20,000 words, or 80 pages. It was originally published under the title The Legend of the Werestag.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2009
About the author
Tessa Dare
49 books14.5k followersSign up for Tessa's newsletter and be the first to hear about new books and hot deals! http://tessadare.com/newsletter-signup/
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
Tessa Dare is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice!) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance," and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages.
A librarian by training and a booklover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a trio of cosmic kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
June 20, 2021
First of all, this is free on Amazon Kindle.
As it should be. Because this is really NOT a good example of Tessa Dare's writing ability.
Also, this is not a paranormal story about a girl who falls in love with a shape-shifting deer.
Thank god. Because that really would have sunk the story even lower.
I don't even really know what to say about this. It's not terrible. But it's so far below anything else I've read of her's, that I would only recommend it to her fans because they already know she's a good writer. This, unfortunately, is just some middle of the road blah novella.
As it should be. Because this is really NOT a good example of Tessa Dare's writing ability.
Also, this is not a paranormal story about a girl who falls in love with a shape-shifting deer.
Thank god. Because that really would have sunk the story even lower.
I don't even really know what to say about this. It's not terrible. But it's so far below anything else I've read of her's, that I would only recommend it to her fans because they already know she's a good writer. This, unfortunately, is just some middle of the road blah novella.
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August 21, 2014
I've re-released my very first novella as a free e-book! At the moment, it's available free from Amazon (US, UK, CA), BN, Kobo, iBooks, Scribd, and GooglePlay. If it's not free at your favorite retailer, you can also download a free pdf from my website.
Order links, excerpt, and pdf are at this link.
This novella was originally published in 2009 as The Legend of the Werestag.
June 13, 2016
2.5 Stars
I have read a lot of positive things about Tessa Dare’s Historical Romances, so when I saw that her novella How to Catch a Wild Viscount was currently free on Kindle I snapped it up. Now, I have to be honest, there are a couple factors outside of this story itself that weigh into why I am three starring this.
1) While I am not a complete virgin to historical romance, I have had limited experiences with them.
2) I had just finished reading what may well be my least favourite romance of all time. And after reading something that atrocious, pretty much anything is bound to be better.
I enjoyed this novella, in a mild way, but it is nothing to rave about. The characters are interesting but underdeveloped. The writing is quite lovely but there isn’t really much of a story here. Cecily has been in love with the Viscount for years, since the summer before he went off to war. Now he is back, but things are strained and different. The Viscount has changed.
There are far too many characters vying for attention in such a short story and, for me, that failed. I didn’t feel like I got to know any of the characters with any sort of depth. I also found the romance….. strange; likely this is because I didn’t understand the motivations very well. Cecily and Luke seemed very hot and cold, and because I didn’t get to know their characters and motivation in any major way their romance felt forced and off.
I will very likely give Dare another chance, as the writing itself is good. I think she will likely be more impressive in a full length novel.
I have read a lot of positive things about Tessa Dare’s Historical Romances, so when I saw that her novella How to Catch a Wild Viscount was currently free on Kindle I snapped it up. Now, I have to be honest, there are a couple factors outside of this story itself that weigh into why I am three starring this.
1) While I am not a complete virgin to historical romance, I have had limited experiences with them.
2) I had just finished reading what may well be my least favourite romance of all time. And after reading something that atrocious, pretty much anything is bound to be better.
I enjoyed this novella, in a mild way, but it is nothing to rave about. The characters are interesting but underdeveloped. The writing is quite lovely but there isn’t really much of a story here. Cecily has been in love with the Viscount for years, since the summer before he went off to war. Now he is back, but things are strained and different. The Viscount has changed.
There are far too many characters vying for attention in such a short story and, for me, that failed. I didn’t feel like I got to know any of the characters with any sort of depth. I also found the romance….. strange; likely this is because I didn’t understand the motivations very well. Cecily and Luke seemed very hot and cold, and because I didn’t get to know their characters and motivation in any major way their romance felt forced and off.
I will very likely give Dare another chance, as the writing itself is good. I think she will likely be more impressive in a full length novel.
August 13, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this novella. It's a fun fast paced story that takes place over the course of two days, with the two love interests sharing a past but not having seen each other in four years. It definitely hit that Tessa Dare historical romance spot that I've developed ever since being introduced to her work aha.
I would not, however, suggest starting with this novella. It showcases the author's characteristic wit but feels a little rushed. Compared to the other novellas I've read by her I felt this one could have done with more room to grow, potentially even being written as a novel. I enjoyed the story but didn't fall for the heroin and hero in the space I was given to read about them so that's why I'd suggest going elsewhere if you want to find your first Tessa Dare (and develop a lasting relationship with her writing) e.g. the spindle cove series.
I would not, however, suggest starting with this novella. It showcases the author's characteristic wit but feels a little rushed. Compared to the other novellas I've read by her I felt this one could have done with more room to grow, potentially even being written as a novel. I enjoyed the story but didn't fall for the heroin and hero in the space I was given to read about them so that's why I'd suggest going elsewhere if you want to find your first Tessa Dare (and develop a lasting relationship with her writing) e.g. the spindle cove series.
May 31, 2017
This was nice, short, funny, pleasant, and FREE. No complaints here, really. 3 stars
August 6, 2019
***2.5 Stars***
Since finally starting to read historical romance a few months ago, and seriously falling in love with Tessa Dare's writing, I've slowly been making my way through her backlist. This little novella is one of her very early books.....and it really shows.
The humor we've come to expect is here, but the story development and richness in characters is lacking.
There wasn't enough information here about Cecily and Luke's history for me to feel attached to their story. This novella starts off like you walked in mid-conversation and doesn't do much to help catch you up.
How did Luke and Cecily meet? How long did they initially court? How deep were their feelings for each other? What was their understanding when Luke left for war? What happened when they were first reunited?
Also, Luke was waaaaaay too alphahole in the beginning, with not much of an apology later on, for me to be able to warm up to him. And Cecily let him trample all over her feelings...even mocking her because of them. It was frustrating.
But, you do see glimmers of what's to come in Tessa Dare's writing. The right blend of secondary characters that help round out a story, the humor mixed in with heavier moments, and just the right sprinkle of heat to add some sizzle.
I may not have enjoyed this book as much as her others, but it showed me how an author can grow, evolve and hone their craft over time. If I'm seriously in love with Tessa Dare's books now....oh man, how much more awesome is this love affair going to be in the future!
January 27, 2019
Meh. Took me forever to finish. Not terribly interesting, in other words. I just read it and don't recall what it's about. Something to put you to sleep before bed.
June 16, 2022
Some of this novella was great, but the rest of it didn't make much sense. It was a fun read though.
September 17, 2014
3.5 stars
Cecily waited for Luke but war had changed the man she loved. Luke wasn't the same carefree man Cecily had promised herself to years before, so tried to push Cecily away believing that she deserves so much more.
This was a short one but still a satisfying read. I would have loved to read more because Luke and Cecily are scorching hot together.
Cecily waited for Luke but war had changed the man she loved. Luke wasn't the same carefree man Cecily had promised herself to years before, so tried to push Cecily away believing that she deserves so much more.
This was a short one but still a satisfying read. I would have loved to read more because Luke and Cecily are scorching hot together.
March 11, 2017
I mean, it's not a good sign when the introduction to the hero makes you go, "Ugh, I hope I'm wrong and he's NOT the hero." He did get better towards the end, but it still didn't really work. It sounded like he wasn't really that into her back then? And then I don't get why he changed.
The secondary romance was fun, though! I wanted more of that!
The secondary romance was fun, though! I wanted more of that!
October 28, 2009
Very good for a short story! And it was fun to see the Earl of Kendall, the hero in Goddess of the Hunt, briefly mentioned.
July 18, 2011
3.5 stars
This is NOT a Paranormal Romance-it's a very sweet Regency Romance.
I have wanted to read this for a while as I enjoy Tessa Dare's writing. I grabbed it last time I was on fictionwise and forgot I couldn't use my flippin' code for Samhain titles (grrr at Samhain!) but it was still a sweet story. I didn't care for the hero very much at first, but he grew on me. In fact I think there are some things in this story that would normally turn me off, yet I liked it-Go fig.
We have Luke just returned from war and is scarred inside and out. We have Cecily who shared a sweet kiss with him 4 years ago and had hoped he'd return to her. Well, he does return to her, but not with words of love. He is cold, distant and kind of an ass.
But after humiliating herself by admitting her love for him, he tells her she will never let him out of her heart. Even once married to another, he will live in her heart forever, since she is his. He wants her to remember him as the only man for her, but he won't marry her-he doesn't want her to live with the beast he feels he's become.
She actually does try to ignore him from that point on. Cecily suggests that she and her friends go off in search of the man-beast who supposedly haunts the lands around her friend Denny's home. And she is attacked by a wild boar. A strange man saves her, but she never gets a good look at his face, and he leaves once she is rescued. She is instantly teased that the "werestag" (as her friend dubbed the man-beast) is the man who saved her.
From that point on we see a new side of both Cecily and Luke. And while I normally hate when the woman chases the man down to the point of embarrassing herself until he caves, once I found out what Cecily knew I rather liked the story. (she knew something that I hadn't picked up on about Luke).
So all in all, a cute little story with a sexy scene and a great cast of side characters-which can be hard to do in a 50 page novella.
This is NOT a Paranormal Romance-it's a very sweet Regency Romance.
I have wanted to read this for a while as I enjoy Tessa Dare's writing. I grabbed it last time I was on fictionwise and forgot I couldn't use my flippin' code for Samhain titles (grrr at Samhain!) but it was still a sweet story. I didn't care for the hero very much at first, but he grew on me. In fact I think there are some things in this story that would normally turn me off, yet I liked it-Go fig.
We have Luke just returned from war and is scarred inside and out. We have Cecily who shared a sweet kiss with him 4 years ago and had hoped he'd return to her. Well, he does return to her, but not with words of love. He is cold, distant and kind of an ass.
But after humiliating herself by admitting her love for him, he tells her she will never let him out of her heart. Even once married to another, he will live in her heart forever, since she is his. He wants her to remember him as the only man for her, but he won't marry her-he doesn't want her to live with the beast he feels he's become.
She actually does try to ignore him from that point on. Cecily suggests that she and her friends go off in search of the man-beast who supposedly haunts the lands around her friend Denny's home. And she is attacked by a wild boar. A strange man saves her, but she never gets a good look at his face, and he leaves once she is rescued. She is instantly teased that the "werestag" (as her friend dubbed the man-beast) is the man who saved her.
From that point on we see a new side of both Cecily and Luke. And while I normally hate when the woman chases the man down to the point of embarrassing herself until he caves, once I found out what Cecily knew I rather liked the story. (she knew something that I hadn't picked up on about Luke).
So all in all, a cute little story with a sexy scene and a great cast of side characters-which can be hard to do in a 50 page novella.
October 18, 2021
Gothic feel to this novella, and I didn't like the setting. The H returns traumatised from war experiences, believes he has lost his humanity. He believes the h deserves more than he can offer. She's lonely and is being courted by another man. But she wants the H and he underestimates her. It was silly with adults playing a sort of game, for cheap thrills. But the outcome was sweet.
September 30, 2017
It was a lovely, quick little read. In this story there are 5 main characters. In the end there are 2 couples so I felt sorry for the one person that did not find love.
September 4, 2018
super short and sweet. totally adorable. i want more.
August 1, 2021
A sweet short story
November 19, 2021
I enjoy Tessa Dare's novels and this short novella was cutesy and enjoyable.
November 12, 2019
He thinks war stole his humanity but she will not give up on him
3,5 rounded to 4
Cute short story about a soldier that believed he lost his humanity and the girl that waited anxiously for his return for four years.
3,5 rounded to 4
Cute short story about a soldier that believed he lost his humanity and the girl that waited anxiously for his return for four years.
December 27, 2017
I disliked the vast majority of this book. Largely due to the angsty whimpery asshole main male character that the main female character 'loved'.
Right, so, two people met while young. They talked, rode horses, etc. etc., kissed. Then the man went off to war. While the woman waited for him. For four years. They meet again at a relative of the woman's house (some type of cousin) during some kind of group gathering.
The man alternates giving the silent treatment with being a condescending evil bastard. One of the good things about the book is that the woman doesn't swoon in joy at this treatment, nor find it in any way acceptable. She still finds herself attracted to him, ‘in love’ with him, but, bah, no one’s perfect.
I’m quite tired of reading books with moody moody evil bastards which might include a dose of misogynism as well in their personality. But, alas, that character seems popular in romance books.
Right, so, this is my third Dare book. I appear to be going rapidly backwards. 5 stars for the first book I read by Dare, then 3.88, and now a 2.50 rating for this book here. I’m also going the wrong direction, in a way, in that the first book I had read was Dare’s most recently published book, while this third book here is the first thing Dare published. I’m obviously not done with Dare yet, but I’ll need to be more careful about what I pick up to read. I’d say the next one I read would be the next published, but that seems to be coming out in August 2018, so maybe I’ll next read that second book in that 2nd series I’d started, the one I gave the first book a rating of 3.88.
I'd like to note again: I'm super tired of angsty he-man asshole male characters.
Rating: 2.50
December 27 2017
Right, so, two people met while young. They talked, rode horses, etc. etc., kissed. Then the man went off to war. While the woman waited for him. For four years. They meet again at a relative of the woman's house (some type of cousin) during some kind of group gathering.
The man alternates giving the silent treatment with being a condescending evil bastard. One of the good things about the book is that the woman doesn't swoon in joy at this treatment, nor find it in any way acceptable. She still finds herself attracted to him, ‘in love’ with him, but, bah, no one’s perfect.
I’m quite tired of reading books with moody moody evil bastards which might include a dose of misogynism as well in their personality. But, alas, that character seems popular in romance books.
Right, so, this is my third Dare book. I appear to be going rapidly backwards. 5 stars for the first book I read by Dare, then 3.88, and now a 2.50 rating for this book here. I’m also going the wrong direction, in a way, in that the first book I had read was Dare’s most recently published book, while this third book here is the first thing Dare published. I’m obviously not done with Dare yet, but I’ll need to be more careful about what I pick up to read. I’d say the next one I read would be the next published, but that seems to be coming out in August 2018, so maybe I’ll next read that second book in that 2nd series I’d started, the one I gave the first book a rating of 3.88.
I'd like to note again: I'm super tired of angsty he-man asshole male characters.
Rating: 2.50
December 27 2017
February 8, 2021
'Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, returned from war a changed man. Battle stripped away his civility and brought out his inner beast. There is no charm or tenderness in him now; only dark passions and a hardened soul. He has nothing to offer the starry-eyed, innocent girl who pledged her heart to him four years ago.
But Cecily Hale isn't a girl any longer. She's grown into a woman--one who won't be pushed away. She and Luke are guests at a house party when a local legend captures their friends' imaginations. While the others plunge into the forest on a wild goose...er, stag chase, Cecily's on the hunt for a man. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke...the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body...or she could lose him to the darkness forever.'
____________________________
How to Catch a Wild Viscount is Tessa Dare's debut novella and is on the shorter side at about 75 pages.
I'm a little late to reading her debut novella, but I've recently started reading her books so I wanted to give this novella a read. I love a good gothic spin, plus the pretty cover caught my eye so here I am. And I really enjoyed it. As a novella, it's obviously short and as a result some of the supporting characters were a bit flat and the main characters a bit obvious. But for a debut novella, it's really good! I'm glad the original name of this novella, The Legend of the Werestag was changed for this reprint because I find that original title to be a bit misleading.
But Cecily Hale isn't a girl any longer. She's grown into a woman--one who won't be pushed away. She and Luke are guests at a house party when a local legend captures their friends' imaginations. While the others plunge into the forest on a wild goose...er, stag chase, Cecily's on the hunt for a man. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke...the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body...or she could lose him to the darkness forever.'
____________________________
How to Catch a Wild Viscount is Tessa Dare's debut novella and is on the shorter side at about 75 pages.
I'm a little late to reading her debut novella, but I've recently started reading her books so I wanted to give this novella a read. I love a good gothic spin, plus the pretty cover caught my eye so here I am. And I really enjoyed it. As a novella, it's obviously short and as a result some of the supporting characters were a bit flat and the main characters a bit obvious. But for a debut novella, it's really good! I'm glad the original name of this novella, The Legend of the Werestag was changed for this reprint because I find that original title to be a bit misleading.
October 1, 2016
So my feelings are aptly summed up in this conversation:
He said smugly, “My dear Mrs. Yardley, you have assembled a lovely collection of words.”
Portia eyed him with skepticism. “I don’t suppose that’s a compliment.”
“No, it isn’t,” he answered. “Pretty words, all, but there are too many of them. With so many extravagant ornaments, one cannot make out the story beneath.”
This book has all the Tessa Dare hallmarks: witty banter; a forward, self-aware heroine; good friends, and questionable expeditions at night. The thing that really drags it down is the aforementioned verbosity. There's way too much dramatic description that we could have done without (possibly a symptom of its Gothic vibes). That and I wasn't much a fan of the hero, since he's the stereotypical cynical jerk. Whereas Cecily is everything that is good about a main character.
The best and the worst bits of the story in one quote:
He clucked his tongue. “Ah, Cecy. Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with the werestag? I fear he will make you a prickly husband.”
“Don’t be absurd. And stop deriding me for my honesty, while you hide behind that ironic smirk.”
That said, it is far better than many debuts, and I thought it was interesting to see how much the author has polished her writing while staying true to herself. Do it give it a try.
He said smugly, “My dear Mrs. Yardley, you have assembled a lovely collection of words.”
Portia eyed him with skepticism. “I don’t suppose that’s a compliment.”
“No, it isn’t,” he answered. “Pretty words, all, but there are too many of them. With so many extravagant ornaments, one cannot make out the story beneath.”
This book has all the Tessa Dare hallmarks: witty banter; a forward, self-aware heroine; good friends, and questionable expeditions at night. The thing that really drags it down is the aforementioned verbosity. There's way too much dramatic description that we could have done without (possibly a symptom of its Gothic vibes). That and I wasn't much a fan of the hero, since he's the stereotypical cynical jerk. Whereas Cecily is everything that is good about a main character.
The best and the worst bits of the story in one quote:
He clucked his tongue. “Ah, Cecy. Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with the werestag? I fear he will make you a prickly husband.”
“Don’t be absurd. And stop deriding me for my honesty, while you hide behind that ironic smirk.”
That said, it is far better than many debuts, and I thought it was interesting to see how much the author has polished her writing while staying true to herself. Do it give it a try.
August 29, 2015
Meh. This definitely reads like Tessa Dare's first published work. It has all the hallmarks of her writing--the witty banter, the metaness, silliness, characters with complex emotions--but in rough form. Also, it just didn't hit me in my swooners.
April 10, 2019
2.5 stars
October 19, 2019
This was short and sweet. Since it was so short it felt rushed and there were so many characters it was hard to keep track of at first! But overall, if you’re looking for a super short historical, this is a fun one to pick up. Although it’s my least favorite novella that I’ve read, it’s Tessa Dare so of course it’s still cute!
September 11, 2021
I'd buy Portia's gothic novels.
December 29, 2021
Rating: 2.5 stars
This was a bit of a disappointment. I've read - and adored - three of Tessa Dare's books, but this little novella was lacking the brilliant banter and laugh-out-loud moments I was hoping for. As this is one of her earliest works I can really see her growth as a writer.
This was a bit of a disappointment. I've read - and adored - three of Tessa Dare's books, but this little novella was lacking the brilliant banter and laugh-out-loud moments I was hoping for. As this is one of her earliest works I can really see her growth as a writer.
July 9, 2010
Cecily Hale has been in love with Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, for 4 years. Luke went to join the Army and left Cecily with some unfinished business between them and pining for him. Now he's back and trying hard to ignore Cecily because war has changed him and not for the better. A midnight hunt for a spooky legend opens both Luke's and Cecily's eyes to things that were clear to everyone but the two of them.
Cecily is a character I immediately connected with. She is direct, tenacious and caring but also realistic and down to earth. She doesn't whine when things don't go her way. No she takes the bull, or in this case, the Werestag, by the horns and deals with it. I like that in heroines. If Cecily was the bright element in this novella, Luke was definitely the dark force of it. The darkness and torment just poured out of him. He is tainted by war and feels unworthy of Cecily's love and admiration. Yet, he is unable to resist the powerful attraction he has for her.
There are a few secondary characters that all fulfill their roles perfectly. There was even room for a very nice secondary romance between two great secondary characters who had some fierce chemistry going.
This was one of the best historical novellas I've read to date. It's a tale of emotional and physical battles, love, change and strength of character. All bundled into a short story that felt like a full-length novel. The love scenes are arousing yet done in a classy way, fitting the story perfectly. The story of the Werestag had a surprising wrap-up, at least to me because I didn't see that one coming. Love it when an author surprises me, so another winning point for Tessa Dare. I was really sorry to leave Cecily and Luke and for me the novella could easily have continued for another 60 or 100 pages but I was glad to see them have their HEA.
In a mere 64 pages Tessa Dare penned down a lovely, rounded and excellent novella. She managed to create a cast of wonderful characters and an alluring romantic story that was far from cliché. She is truly a gifted storyteller and if this short story is any indication, I am really looking forward to her full-length work.
Quotes:
When he did not answer, she took three paces in his direction. “I know how proud you must be of those enigmatic silences, but I believe I deserve an answer.” She stood between his icy silence and the heated aura of the fire. Scorched on one side, bitterly cold on the other—like a slice of toast someone had forgotten to turn.
He wanted to possess her mouth, her body, her mind and heart. To touch every deep, soft and secret part of her: the tender arch of her palate, the vulnerable curve beneath each breast, the snug corner of her heart where his memory lived.
Cecily is a character I immediately connected with. She is direct, tenacious and caring but also realistic and down to earth. She doesn't whine when things don't go her way. No she takes the bull, or in this case, the Werestag, by the horns and deals with it. I like that in heroines. If Cecily was the bright element in this novella, Luke was definitely the dark force of it. The darkness and torment just poured out of him. He is tainted by war and feels unworthy of Cecily's love and admiration. Yet, he is unable to resist the powerful attraction he has for her.
There are a few secondary characters that all fulfill their roles perfectly. There was even room for a very nice secondary romance between two great secondary characters who had some fierce chemistry going.
This was one of the best historical novellas I've read to date. It's a tale of emotional and physical battles, love, change and strength of character. All bundled into a short story that felt like a full-length novel. The love scenes are arousing yet done in a classy way, fitting the story perfectly. The story of the Werestag had a surprising wrap-up, at least to me because I didn't see that one coming. Love it when an author surprises me, so another winning point for Tessa Dare. I was really sorry to leave Cecily and Luke and for me the novella could easily have continued for another 60 or 100 pages but I was glad to see them have their HEA.
In a mere 64 pages Tessa Dare penned down a lovely, rounded and excellent novella. She managed to create a cast of wonderful characters and an alluring romantic story that was far from cliché. She is truly a gifted storyteller and if this short story is any indication, I am really looking forward to her full-length work.
Quotes:
When he did not answer, she took three paces in his direction. “I know how proud you must be of those enigmatic silences, but I believe I deserve an answer.” She stood between his icy silence and the heated aura of the fire. Scorched on one side, bitterly cold on the other—like a slice of toast someone had forgotten to turn.
He wanted to possess her mouth, her body, her mind and heart. To touch every deep, soft and secret part of her: the tender arch of her palate, the vulnerable curve beneath each breast, the snug corner of her heart where his memory lived.
January 6, 2020
For a debut novella,
How to Catch a Wild Viscount
is really good!
Obviously, it's a little rough around the edges; there are some silliness and plot twists visible miles away, or sometimes too over the top character’s behavior. But it’s still a good, fun and charming story. I had a lot of fun reading this one.
I especially liked the sort of gothic novel-ish elements Tessa Dare used in her story: the gloomy and quite spooky atmosphere, supernatural being as a center piece to the story; and to top that, a cute friends to lovers trope (which seems to follow me around during this “farewell to summer” reading stint I‘m doing : ) ). All the characters were fine; again Tessa Dare’s unquestionable talent for witty banter gave their interactions a lot of charm. I liked Luke and Cecily’s chemistry, but what really caught my attention was one of the background couples: Brook and recently widowed Mrs. Yardley. I know their story was basically concluded, but I would honestly love to read even short story about them.
How to Catch a Wild Viscount , or as it was previously known: The Legend of the Werestag (which, let’s be honest here, is such a misleading title, as this novella is certainly not about shapeshifter, but I understand why the author choose to use it) is a one of the best debut novels I’ve read. It’s a perfect preview of the best qualities in Tessa Dare’s books: good storytelling, likeable characters, and a lot of charm and romance (…and great sex scenes~).
4/5 stars
Obviously, it's a little rough around the edges; there are some silliness and plot twists visible miles away, or sometimes too over the top character’s behavior. But it’s still a good, fun and charming story. I had a lot of fun reading this one.
I especially liked the sort of gothic novel-ish elements Tessa Dare used in her story: the gloomy and quite spooky atmosphere, supernatural being as a center piece to the story; and to top that, a cute friends to lovers trope (which seems to follow me around during this “farewell to summer” reading stint I‘m doing : ) ). All the characters were fine; again Tessa Dare’s unquestionable talent for witty banter gave their interactions a lot of charm. I liked Luke and Cecily’s chemistry, but what really caught my attention was one of the background couples: Brook and recently widowed Mrs. Yardley. I know their story was basically concluded, but I would honestly love to read even short story about them.
How to Catch a Wild Viscount , or as it was previously known: The Legend of the Werestag (which, let’s be honest here, is such a misleading title, as this novella is certainly not about shapeshifter, but I understand why the author choose to use it) is a one of the best debut novels I’ve read. It’s a perfect preview of the best qualities in Tessa Dare’s books: good storytelling, likeable characters, and a lot of charm and romance (…and great sex scenes~).
4/5 stars
August 26, 2014
Four years ago, Cecily and Luke were sweethearts. Then he went off to war, became a Hard Man, and returned to terrorize Cecily. Seriously, he's kind of an asshole. But then the mysterious werestag saves Cecily's life! WHAT WILL HAPPEN.
Luke's mood switches, man! He's basically like the biggest douche on the planet until he suddenly...isn't? It's very sudden and disconcerting and not very believable.
The secondary romance was cute, however!
Luke's mood switches, man! He's basically like the biggest douche on the planet until he suddenly...isn't? It's very sudden and disconcerting and not very believable.
The secondary romance was cute, however!
Read
January 15, 2021Short, tender, witty. I enjoyed this as I always enjoy Tessa Dare but as is usually the nature with novellas and me, I wanted a whole book! Dare builds such compelling characters and worlds, novellas feel like you miss the meat in her storytelling a bit. Still, a well spent hour or so reading her words.
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