Review: A NIGHT TO SURRENDER by Tessa Dare

Title: A Night to Surrender
Author: Tessa Dare
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Spindle Cove, #1

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pub. Date: August 30, 2011
Received By: Publisher for Review
Rating: 4.5/5
Heat: 3.5/5

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men. It is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong here. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this place but spinsters…and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram’s makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle…but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

No need to visualize the ton of London while reading! Tessa Dare whisks us away to a new location: Spinster Cove. Nestled away from prying eyes of London on the east coast of England, lies a small village, ruined castle, and a place dominated by woman seeking solace to be themselves, away from the judgmental ton and ... well, men. 

Yes, as many people have already pointed out, this is a story about the battle of the sexes, which does seem a little odd given the time period. However, there is more than that in the context of concept and plot. From the characters personal flaws and conflicts, the characters grow over the course of the story by the way of learning to listen to the other "sex", as well as discovering that there is such a thing as compromise and the ability to desire things that were not part of the original plan.

Heroine, Susanna Finch, is the so-called head lady of Spinster Cove. It's her mission to provide a safe place for woman to be who they want to be, embrace their unique abilities, or simply find a reprieve from being seduced by the wrong men. She herself is a gun-wielding, intelligent, independent woman who has come to the conclusion that Spinster Cove will always be her home -- while she, herself, remains a spinster.

Hero, Victor Bramwell (Bram), the new Earl of Rycliff, has ventured to Spinster Cove not in search of a woman, but rather a man who he's certain can help him get reinstated to his rightful position in the army, despite his leg injury that put him out of duty. Much to his dismay, the man holding his ability to get back into the war, not only has a proposition of his own, but is also the father of the beautiful and desirable Susanna. Someone Bram can't help but be highly attracted to, and at the same time be the one obstacle that could hold him back from regaining his military status, as well as altar his future in ways he never imagined possible.

When Bram and his merriment of men are made to take up residence and create a make shift militia at Spinster Cove, the battle of the sexes ensues. But just as with all heated battles, not only do frustrations rise, but so do desires. And Bram and Susanna are just what one another needs to heal from past pain, no matter that each one my think otherwise. 

A Night to Surrender is a completely different kind of historical romance read. Be ready to laugh and be seduced all at once. Humor abounds creating some fantastic balance to serious moments, allowing for a myriad of emotions throughout the book.

I really enjoyed the feisty, intelligent heroine and the stubborn, sexy and compassionate, alpha hero. They complimented each other as well as provided for some comedic moments, compassionate character growth, and fabulously sexy scenes! I seriously wish I had a willow tree and left over ruined castle to call my own! :)

While a battle of the sexes definitely exists, the conflict between the hero and heroine provides a means of making the two deal with the issues that both face personally. Essentially, internal conflicts are resolved when the external conflict of the differences -- and fears of -- the sexes is rectified. Although, not all battle of the sexes are resolved, which will lead into the next installment of the Spinster Cove stories -- with a quirky female geologist and a very immature Lord. I'm sure there will be some series sparks between these two!!

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness of the setting, plot, and characters in Tessa Dare's new series. It may be quirky and fall outside of the Regency norm, but isn't that part of the adventure in shaky things up in the literary sense?! 

As I had previously stated on the blog, what you'll find in A Night to Surrender is: 

1) Unique setting, plot, and characters
2) Fabulous characters
3) Witty dialogue and very humorous, laugh-out-loud moments
4) Very sexy, alpha hero
5) Secondary characters whom I can't wait to find out their stories ... and romantic fall! LOL!
6) Intelligent woman that don't fit the "norm" of the Ton.
7) An intelligent heroine who knows how to handle a gun.
8) A lamb with a very unique name who also falls in love with the hero! :)
9) And, oh yes, sexy, sexy, sexiness!! Enjoy!! :P

A Night to Surrender was a promising start to a new series, in which I'm an instant fan and am looking forward to where it goes from here!