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The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright
(Originally appeared in the e-book anthology Three Weddings and a Murder.)
Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.
Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.
The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.
Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.
Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.
The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.
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First published December 11, 2012
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About the author
Tessa Dare
51 books15k 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 692 reviews
June 10, 2022
Alright, first off, this is a novella. Which means you're not going to get a story that feels in-depth or fully complete.
But.
For what it was, it was ok.
The story plays out over the course of years, so when you first meet Eliza she's only 18, and Harry is in his late 20s.
He's a bit of a douche, and she's a bit silly, so they naturally love each other right off the bat!
Ok, no. Not at first anyway.
They meet again and again over the next few years, and each time they fall for each other just a little bit more. Finally, after some nookie & a bittersweet parting, it culminates in the Big I Love You scene at the end.
Yeah, it's kinda cliche, but it was nice.
There was also a teeny bit of a Pride and Prejudice kind of vibe to this one.
So... that's always a bonus.
sighs
Cute, short, & sweet! If you're gonna waste a few hours of your day, this isn't a bad choice.
But.
For what it was, it was ok.
The story plays out over the course of years, so when you first meet Eliza she's only 18, and Harry is in his late 20s.
He's a bit of a douche, and she's a bit silly, so they naturally love each other right off the bat!
Ok, no. Not at first anyway.
They meet again and again over the next few years, and each time they fall for each other just a little bit more. Finally, after some nookie & a bittersweet parting, it culminates in the Big I Love You scene at the end.
Yeah, it's kinda cliche, but it was nice.
There was also a teeny bit of a Pride and Prejudice kind of vibe to this one.
So... that's always a bonus.
sighs
Cute, short, & sweet! If you're gonna waste a few hours of your day, this isn't a bad choice.
August 4, 2016
Am I the only one who HATED this book? Judging from all the rave reviews, I seem to have an unpopular opinion about this novel. Seriously. Don't get me wrong though, I love Tessa Dare and I'm a big fan of her novels, but this was just so awful that I had to stop between readings and vent out my frustrations to my sister. Gah.
First, the hero: The "scandalous, dissolute, no-good Mr. Wight" may not entirely be worthless, but he's manipulative, arrogant, selfish, and dishonourable. It frustrated the hell out of me how, during the first few chapters of the novel, he would always act as though he knew everything about the heroine.
For example, at the beginning, when they were locked in a room together, Eliza wanted to go out but he wouldn't budge:
Uuuuuuuh. Wtf? I understand that he HAD to stop Eliza from coming out of the room to prevent her from getting ruined (apparently he was about to meet with his ladylove, and the said ladylove would have spotted Eliza), but couldn't he have acted, oh, I dunno, less of an ass while he was at it? Seriously! His answer was so arrogant that I literally paused and re-read the lines, just to make sure that I didn't make it all up. But this was just the beginning, so I was thinking, "Okay, maybe things'll get better and maybe he won't be such an ass in the future." Ugh. Whatever hope I had for him quickly diminished with every passing chapter, especially when she strolled the ruins with Philippa and Brentley, and when she gave her virginity to him.
Let me explain. Eliza and her sister, Philippa, meets Mr. Wright and his best friend, Mr. Brentley while in the country. Philippa and Brentley take a liking to each other, but Wright is convinced that Philippa was making a mistake (at this time, Brentley had tons of debts). Eliza, of course, would not know about Brentley's financial problems until later on in the story, so she was baffled when Wright seemed to have prevented anything from blossoming between the two. Thus, Eliza, while touring the ruins with the three, pretended to hurt her ankle just so she could waylay Wright and trick him into giving the two some privacy. Of course, being the omniscient demigod that he is, Wright immediately knew that this was Eliza's way of getting the two together. *rolls eyes*
HUUH. WHAT. THE. FUCK. HE COULD HAVE AT LEAST APOLOGIZED OR SOMETHING. And such display of concern would have been okay had it been genuine, but it was so damn obvious that he knew what Eliza was up to that it was just cruel doing that to her. SERIOUSLY. WHAT THE FUCK.
And then he goes all:
Oh, hail the all knowing Mr. Wright! God. I've had my share of overly confident heroes, but there's a line between tolerable and intolerable arrogance. Please. Oh, I get the fact that he may have just been pointing out the obvious SINCE THE HEROINE'S SUCH A WEAK CHARACTER (I'll get to this later) but must he have said this in such an arrogant way? What was he proving anyway? I get that he wanted to put out a facade, but really, I never saw the point of it all--the point of this charade. What was its relevance anyway? I get the fact that he was protecting Brentley, but wasn't he going too far with the convincing? Because damn he really convinced ME that he was an arrogant ass. He was already a blackguard in the eyes of society, did he really have to prove that to everyone he met? Did he have to act like that to EVERYONE?
God. And okay, so after his "honourable" and "unselfish" reasons were made clear to Eliza, they fall in love. Wright decides to be a better man and enlists in the army. Eliza, before he goes off to his regiment, decides to give her virginity to him. And this is what he did after doing the deed with her:
DID I JUST READ THAT, BITCH?
DID YOU JUST TAKE HER VIRGINITY WITHOUT PROPOSING TO HER?!?!??! WITH THAT WEAKASS ARGUMENT???? Don't you even understand that assuming she gets married to some bloke, she would be disgraced for having given her virginity to you? She would have been scorned by her future husband for not being a virgin! That is, IF she fails to tell him before the marriage. But if somehow news of her loss of virginity breaks out, she would be ruined. She would be a pariah. WHAT THE FUCK!!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!?!??!?!???!
AND AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER HE HAD THE BALLS TO CHASTISE HER WHEN HE THOUGHT SHE WAS MARRYING ANOTHER MAN:
THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY TO HER???? REALLY???? AFTER LEADING HER TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULDN'T MARRY HER, THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY TO HER??? And oh, it didn't matter that you were the asshole who paired her sister Philippa up with Peter (whom Eliza liked before) just so he could get Peter out of the way as a rival. Nope, it didn't matter at all that Philippa was knocked up by Peter. Meh. It didn't matter, right, since they got married in the end? WHAT THE FUCK. THAT'S SO FUCKING SELFISH.
And oh, the heroine was just so weakminded that it's a shock that she didn't need anyone to chew her food for her. Seriously, have some spine woman!!! Whenever Wright said something about her, she believed him and went all "Hey maybe I AM like that." DEAR GOD WOMAN CANT YOU FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS ABOUT YOURSELF???? Oh, yes, of course I she tried to tell him that there were some things about her that he was wrong about, that she wasn't as selfish as he claimed, but she eventually believed his opinion of her anyway! "Maybe I AM that woman" and "Maybe he's right about me." UGH. I've always been a firm believer that if you're not mature enough to know yourself, then you're not mature enough to flirt and get married. PLEASE, GIRL, DEVELOP YOURSELF FIRST. AND GROW A SPINE WHILE YOURE AT IT. And maybe a bit of intellect. Because I simply can't believe she said something like "Oh you can touch me if you just dont meddle with Brentley and Philippa", when they were in the ruins. SERIOUSLY??? GIRL HAVE SOME SELF RESPECT. And immediately after she promised herself that she would never be alone with Wright again, she deliberately talked to him behind the bushes, in the gardens, alone. ALONE. WHEN SHE JUST SAID THAT SHE WOULDN'T BE ALONE WITH HIM AGAIN.
Ugh. The characterisation in this book is just horrible and inconsistent. Philippa was supposed to be the CLEVER one, but she went on and got herself knocked up and had to elope. And Wright and Eliza were later on presented as UNselfish, but their actions even by the end of the book suggest otherwise. I'm also not entirely convinced that Wright fell in love with her, because it seemed out of the blue; he never gave any indication that he felt something deeper than lust for her until the moment he asked her if she could love him. I can forgive that, though, since it's just a novella, but I can damn sure not forgive the book's other faults.
If you're insulted or hurt by this review, then I'm sorry, but all I can feel right now is this:
First, the hero: The "scandalous, dissolute, no-good Mr. Wight" may not entirely be worthless, but he's manipulative, arrogant, selfish, and dishonourable. It frustrated the hell out of me how, during the first few chapters of the novel, he would always act as though he knew everything about the heroine.
For example, at the beginning, when they were locked in a room together, Eliza wanted to go out but he wouldn't budge:
She fumbled for the door latch and wrenched it open. A strong masculine hand covered hers, pushing the door closed.
"You don't want to leave," he said calmly. "Not yet."
Eliza stared up at him, horrified. "I assure you I do."
...
She cast a beseeching look at the door latch. "Mr. Wright, please. Won't you let me out?"
He didn't answer. Not with words. He simply turned the key in the door lock, removed it, and stashed it away in his waistcoat pocket.
She was trapped.
"Why would you do that?" she asked, staring up at the locked door.
"Because you don't want to go." His voice was darkly sweet and so forbidden, like rum. "You want to stay here with me a little longer."
Uuuuuuuh. Wtf? I understand that he HAD to stop Eliza from coming out of the room to prevent her from getting ruined (apparently he was about to meet with his ladylove, and the said ladylove would have spotted Eliza), but couldn't he have acted, oh, I dunno, less of an ass while he was at it? Seriously! His answer was so arrogant that I literally paused and re-read the lines, just to make sure that I didn't make it all up. But this was just the beginning, so I was thinking, "Okay, maybe things'll get better and maybe he won't be such an ass in the future." Ugh. Whatever hope I had for him quickly diminished with every passing chapter, especially when she strolled the ruins with Philippa and Brentley, and when she gave her virginity to him.
Let me explain. Eliza and her sister, Philippa, meets Mr. Wright and his best friend, Mr. Brentley while in the country. Philippa and Brentley take a liking to each other, but Wright is convinced that Philippa was making a mistake (at this time, Brentley had tons of debts). Eliza, of course, would not know about Brentley's financial problems until later on in the story, so she was baffled when Wright seemed to have prevented anything from blossoming between the two. Thus, Eliza, while touring the ruins with the three, pretended to hurt her ankle just so she could waylay Wright and trick him into giving the two some privacy. Of course, being the omniscient demigod that he is, Wright immediately knew that this was Eliza's way of getting the two together. *rolls eyes*
"Now then. Let's have a look."
Eliza jerked the muslin from his grasp. "Absolutely not."
"But you're injured."
"I'm not dead," she whispered. "Which is what I'd have to be, to permit you to lift my skirts."
His hand slid beneath the frail fabric, grazing her stockinged ankle. A caress as shocking in its familiarity as in its boldness. He touched her easily, without excuse or apology. As though she were his for the touching.
HUUH. WHAT. THE. FUCK. HE COULD HAVE AT LEAST APOLOGIZED OR SOMETHING. And such display of concern would have been okay had it been genuine, but it was so damn obvious that he knew what Eliza was up to that it was just cruel doing that to her. SERIOUSLY. WHAT THE FUCK.
And then he goes all:
He came to stand before her. "I want you to know that there's someone who sees you. The real you. The girl who can't bring herself to plait her hair at night, because it pains her vanity... The girl who's clever enough to recognize a dangerous man when she sees one--but desperately wants him to kiss her anyway."
Oh, hail the all knowing Mr. Wright! God. I've had my share of overly confident heroes, but there's a line between tolerable and intolerable arrogance. Please. Oh, I get the fact that he may have just been pointing out the obvious SINCE THE HEROINE'S SUCH A WEAK CHARACTER (I'll get to this later) but must he have said this in such an arrogant way? What was he proving anyway? I get that he wanted to put out a facade, but really, I never saw the point of it all--the point of this charade. What was its relevance anyway? I get the fact that he was protecting Brentley, but wasn't he going too far with the convincing? Because damn he really convinced ME that he was an arrogant ass. He was already a blackguard in the eyes of society, did he really have to prove that to everyone he met? Did he have to act like that to EVERYONE?
God. And okay, so after his "honourable" and "unselfish" reasons were made clear to Eliza, they fall in love. Wright decides to be a better man and enlists in the army. Eliza, before he goes off to his regiment, decides to give her virginity to him. And this is what he did after doing the deed with her:
She lifted her eyes to his and placed a hand to his cheek. "And you must stay alive, Harry. I don't care if you come back changed or wounded, just so long as you come back. I'll wait for you."
He shook his head sternly. "Don't say that. Don't wait for me, Eliza. You're young and lively and beautiful, and once this house emerges from mourning, every unmarried buck in your youth will be vying for your attention. I want you to have your youth, even if you never have that debut. When I'm cold and shivering a thousand miles away, it would kill me to think of you waiting. I want to think of you dancing. Laughing. Driving wild and fast through the park."
DID I JUST READ THAT, BITCH?
DID YOU JUST TAKE HER VIRGINITY WITHOUT PROPOSING TO HER?!?!??! WITH THAT WEAKASS ARGUMENT???? Don't you even understand that assuming she gets married to some bloke, she would be disgraced for having given her virginity to you? She would have been scorned by her future husband for not being a virgin! That is, IF she fails to tell him before the marriage. But if somehow news of her loss of virginity breaks out, she would be ruined. She would be a pariah. WHAT THE FUCK!!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!?!??!?!???!
AND AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER HE HAD THE BALLS TO CHASTISE HER WHEN HE THOUGHT SHE WAS MARRYING ANOTHER MAN:
"What happened to 'I'll wait for you, Harry.'"
"What happened to, 'Don't wait for me Eliza?'" She stared at him, wide eyed with amusement. "You told me you'd never marry me. You told me we had no future."
"Yes but you weren't supposed to believe me..."
THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY TO HER???? REALLY???? AFTER LEADING HER TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULDN'T MARRY HER, THAT'S WHAT YOU SAY TO HER??? And oh, it didn't matter that you were the asshole who paired her sister Philippa up with Peter (whom Eliza liked before) just so he could get Peter out of the way as a rival. Nope, it didn't matter at all that Philippa was knocked up by Peter. Meh. It didn't matter, right, since they got married in the end? WHAT THE FUCK. THAT'S SO FUCKING SELFISH.
And oh, the heroine was just so weakminded that it's a shock that she didn't need anyone to chew her food for her. Seriously, have some spine woman!!! Whenever Wright said something about her, she believed him and went all "Hey maybe I AM like that." DEAR GOD WOMAN CANT YOU FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS ABOUT YOURSELF???? Oh, yes, of course I she tried to tell him that there were some things about her that he was wrong about, that she wasn't as selfish as he claimed, but she eventually believed his opinion of her anyway! "Maybe I AM that woman" and "Maybe he's right about me." UGH. I've always been a firm believer that if you're not mature enough to know yourself, then you're not mature enough to flirt and get married. PLEASE, GIRL, DEVELOP YOURSELF FIRST. AND GROW A SPINE WHILE YOURE AT IT. And maybe a bit of intellect. Because I simply can't believe she said something like "Oh you can touch me if you just dont meddle with Brentley and Philippa", when they were in the ruins. SERIOUSLY??? GIRL HAVE SOME SELF RESPECT. And immediately after she promised herself that she would never be alone with Wright again, she deliberately talked to him behind the bushes, in the gardens, alone. ALONE. WHEN SHE JUST SAID THAT SHE WOULDN'T BE ALONE WITH HIM AGAIN.
Ugh. The characterisation in this book is just horrible and inconsistent. Philippa was supposed to be the CLEVER one, but she went on and got herself knocked up and had to elope. And Wright and Eliza were later on presented as UNselfish, but their actions even by the end of the book suggest otherwise. I'm also not entirely convinced that Wright fell in love with her, because it seemed out of the blue; he never gave any indication that he felt something deeper than lust for her until the moment he asked her if she could love him. I can forgive that, though, since it's just a novella, but I can damn sure not forgive the book's other faults.
If you're insulted or hurt by this review, then I'm sorry, but all I can feel right now is this:
February 23, 2025
3.5⭐️ Loved the clever title (Mr Wright!) and the chapter headings (invitations to events like a ball, a wedding, a christening, etc). The rest, well… I didn’t care for the time jumps and the slow reveal of Harry’s true character. Still, Tessa Dare books are always a pleasant distraction.
June 11, 2022
Short, sweet, sensual, surprisingly romantic and laugh-out-loud funny, with an H who was such a mischievous scoundrel he had me swooning and biting my lip 😈 ❤️
And the “dissolute, no-good” in the title? Don’t believe it 😉 The “Mr Wright,” though? Oh yes.
Highly recommended!
“Oh, I know all about you. For instance, I know that you were once a twirler.” “A twirler? What does that even mean?” “It means that you loved to twirl. In your girlhood, of course, when you were permitted to do such things. […] Find a sunny patch of grass and stand in the middle of it, arms flung to the sides”—he paused to calmly turn the page of her music—“and twirl. Spin round and round, until your heart and stomach floated, and your brain went to cotton wool.”
“And now you’re too old to twirl,” he continued. “But you haven’t outgrown the desire for it. That’s why you need a man.” “I beg your pardon?” She couldn’t let that pass unremarked. “A man to waltz you around a ballroom. Spin you round and round, until you’re breathless and giddy. That’s the sort of girl you are, Miss Eliza. A twirler.”
She promptly forgot how to breathe. “It’s like this,” he repeated in a low voice, just for her. “I don’t wait for the things I want.” And without permission . . . without any music . . . Mr. Wright spun her into a waltz. After two turns of the room, a devilish gleam stole into his eye. “Let’s try it a bit faster, shall we?” Then they were off, circling the room at a comic pace. He twirled her faster and faster, until she was dizzy. When they broke apart a minute later, she was surprised to find that they were both laughing. The scoundrel.
Eliza didn’t like the way he ate that nectarine. There was something so uncivilized and so . . . shameless . . . about the way he devoured the fruit in large, wolfish bites, allowing the juice to trickle down his hand and fingers. He caught her staring as he licked a drop of nectar from the side of his hand. He smiled. “Care for a taste?”
And the “dissolute, no-good” in the title? Don’t believe it 😉 The “Mr Wright,” though? Oh yes.
Highly recommended!
“Oh, I know all about you. For instance, I know that you were once a twirler.” “A twirler? What does that even mean?” “It means that you loved to twirl. In your girlhood, of course, when you were permitted to do such things. […] Find a sunny patch of grass and stand in the middle of it, arms flung to the sides”—he paused to calmly turn the page of her music—“and twirl. Spin round and round, until your heart and stomach floated, and your brain went to cotton wool.”
“And now you’re too old to twirl,” he continued. “But you haven’t outgrown the desire for it. That’s why you need a man.” “I beg your pardon?” She couldn’t let that pass unremarked. “A man to waltz you around a ballroom. Spin you round and round, until you’re breathless and giddy. That’s the sort of girl you are, Miss Eliza. A twirler.”
She promptly forgot how to breathe. “It’s like this,” he repeated in a low voice, just for her. “I don’t wait for the things I want.” And without permission . . . without any music . . . Mr. Wright spun her into a waltz. After two turns of the room, a devilish gleam stole into his eye. “Let’s try it a bit faster, shall we?” Then they were off, circling the room at a comic pace. He twirled her faster and faster, until she was dizzy. When they broke apart a minute later, she was surprised to find that they were both laughing. The scoundrel.
Eliza didn’t like the way he ate that nectarine. There was something so uncivilized and so . . . shameless . . . about the way he devoured the fruit in large, wolfish bites, allowing the juice to trickle down his hand and fingers. He caught her staring as he licked a drop of nectar from the side of his hand. He smiled. “Care for a taste?”
March 23, 2020
2019 REREAD
I needed something short and sweet while I’m out on vacation and this was perfect. Love these two so much! And o actually wish it were longer.
ORIGINAL REVIEW(???..lol)
love!
I needed something short and sweet while I’m out on vacation and this was perfect. Love these two so much! And o actually wish it were longer.
ORIGINAL REVIEW(???..lol)
love!
August 6, 2022
4.5
Highly enjoyable and sexy novella from an author I've read numerous times but never quite found to be my cup of tea. Maybe I like Tessa Dare's writings better in shorter format, or maybe this is just her best one. Structurally, it's nearly perfect with a "same-time-next-year" vibe to it. Two wildly attractive, non-conformists can't stay away from each other, but, for reasons, also feel that they can't be together.
Each chapter features a single and brief encounter that deepens their attraction and develops the ways in which they come to appreciate each other and then slowly realize living apart is a painful fate. I loved the start of each chapter with its declaration in bold text of a new event on Eliza's and Harry's timeline. Dare makes prodigious use of external circumstances that naturally bring them together since they are both aristocrats living in the hermetic world of London high society. However, both characters are intrepid risk takers who exploit their time together and live life to the fullest, or as much as possible in such a restrictive world. It's so fun to see them throw their entire selves into each encounter, and it's bittersweet knowing when they part it will be for a prolonged period. The novella covers about a half dozen years, which feels necessary to allow them both to grow up a bit and to realize that life without the other is quite dull. I'm not ultimately sure if their happy ever after promises realism given how spontaneously they both live. This is a twinsies kind of tale. I'm not sure I care though. This story is sheer fun and both characters are so charming and likeable, realism played little role in my enjoyment.
I did wish for more development at some points in the story, but that would force me to rate this more akin to how I rate a novel. For a novella, it's one of the best I've read.
4 ⭐️ for a novel / 5 ⭐️ for novella!
Highly enjoyable and sexy novella from an author I've read numerous times but never quite found to be my cup of tea. Maybe I like Tessa Dare's writings better in shorter format, or maybe this is just her best one. Structurally, it's nearly perfect with a "same-time-next-year" vibe to it. Two wildly attractive, non-conformists can't stay away from each other, but, for reasons, also feel that they can't be together.
Each chapter features a single and brief encounter that deepens their attraction and develops the ways in which they come to appreciate each other and then slowly realize living apart is a painful fate. I loved the start of each chapter with its declaration in bold text of a new event on Eliza's and Harry's timeline. Dare makes prodigious use of external circumstances that naturally bring them together since they are both aristocrats living in the hermetic world of London high society. However, both characters are intrepid risk takers who exploit their time together and live life to the fullest, or as much as possible in such a restrictive world. It's so fun to see them throw their entire selves into each encounter, and it's bittersweet knowing when they part it will be for a prolonged period. The novella covers about a half dozen years, which feels necessary to allow them both to grow up a bit and to realize that life without the other is quite dull. I'm not ultimately sure if their happy ever after promises realism given how spontaneously they both live. This is a twinsies kind of tale. I'm not sure I care though. This story is sheer fun and both characters are so charming and likeable, realism played little role in my enjoyment.
I did wish for more development at some points in the story, but that would force me to rate this more akin to how I rate a novel. For a novella, it's one of the best I've read.
4 ⭐️ for a novel / 5 ⭐️ for novella!
July 5, 2019
I love Tessa Dare. Just adore her, the dialogue, her style of writing in general is amazing, and this novella was simply lovely and so much fun <3
But... I know this might sound ridiculous, but I wish there weren't any sex scenes here XD yeah I know what you're thinking, Blacky you must be crazy, and maybe I am, but this is rather short, and the romance between them was a slow burn and so lovely and different, I really didn't feel the need for sexy times haha it felt rushed? Maybe cause it's a novella, dunno. Anyway, it's just me and my crazy brain.
But... I know this might sound ridiculous, but I wish there weren't any sex scenes here XD yeah I know what you're thinking, Blacky you must be crazy, and maybe I am, but this is rather short, and the romance between them was a slow burn and so lovely and different, I really didn't feel the need for sexy times haha it felt rushed? Maybe cause it's a novella, dunno. Anyway, it's just me and my crazy brain.
November 30, 2012
Read review on DemonLover's Books & More
What struck me the most about this story was the emotion. I think I went through every single emotion possible. This story takes place over several years. That’s right, years. Eliza did something rash as a 14 year old, and consequently was ruined. Her parents forbid her to have a Season until each of her sisters was married, so she wouldn’t have a chance to ruin their prospects.
When she meets Mr. Wright for the first time, she immediately discovers he is Mr. All-Wrong. But for some reason they can’t leave each other alone, and Eliza isn't "out." What is so sad about this one, is that once they realize they are in love, it isn’t possible for them to be together. The ending made me cry.
I think this is without a doubt Tessa Dare’s best work yet.Beautiful, emotional, and so wonderful, I recommend this book to any and everyone.
I am so sad because I’ve read all of her books. But what makes that so wonderful, is that now I can re-read them!
*****
This is the same novella as in Three Weddings and a Murder (which I don't believe you can buy anymore) and this is an amazing story.
read my review of Three Weddings and a Murder here
***ARC received courtesy of Edelweiss and Avon
What struck me the most about this story was the emotion. I think I went through every single emotion possible. This story takes place over several years. That’s right, years. Eliza did something rash as a 14 year old, and consequently was ruined. Her parents forbid her to have a Season until each of her sisters was married, so she wouldn’t have a chance to ruin their prospects.
When she meets Mr. Wright for the first time, she immediately discovers he is Mr. All-Wrong. But for some reason they can’t leave each other alone, and Eliza isn't "out." What is so sad about this one, is that once they realize they are in love, it isn’t possible for them to be together. The ending made me cry.
I think this is without a doubt Tessa Dare’s best work yet.Beautiful, emotional, and so wonderful, I recommend this book to any and everyone.
I am so sad because I’ve read all of her books. But what makes that so wonderful, is that now I can re-read them!
*****
This is the same novella as in Three Weddings and a Murder (which I don't believe you can buy anymore) and this is an amazing story.
read my review of Three Weddings and a Murder here
***ARC received courtesy of Edelweiss and Avon
July 23, 2020
i love them your honor 🥺
book 3 of the reading rush: read a book that starts with the word “The”.
book 3 of the reading rush: read a book that starts with the word “The”.
October 24, 2023
This was a fun novella. Usually, I prefer my heroes grumpy and tortured, but this rake was quite entertaining.
March 26, 2024
I've given this a B for both content and narration at AudioGals.
I remembered enjoying this novella – which rounds out Tessa Dare’s Spindle Cove series – when it came out in print what I thought was just a few years ago. Imagine my surprise when I checked Goodreads and discovered I’d read it in 2012! Where did those eight years go?!
Anyway. I enjoyed it and was pleased to see it finally making it into audio with Carolyn Morris at the microphone; her performance of what I think is the author’s best book (A Week to Be Wicked) is one of my favourites.
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is a novella so it’s a short listen, and it’s really a series of vignettes that span a period of around four years, detailing several meetings between the titular Mr. Wright and a young lady named Eliza Cade who made a silly mistake made when she was just fourteen (and no, it wasn’t that sort of mistake!), and because of it, her father decided to delay her society début until all her sisters were ‘out’ so as not to spoil their chances on the marriage mart.
Eighteen-year-old Eliza first meets Mr. J. Harrison Wright on the day of her eldest sister’s wedding. Because she’s not out and therefore can’t attend the nuptials, she’s taking a peek at the gathering from behind the door of the morning room, and is surprised to find the room isn’t empty as she’d supposed. She’s even more surprised to realise the identity of her companion, the sort of man a young lady should never ever find herself alone with. But the scandalous Mr. Wright is also handsome, funny, clever and flirtatious, and she can’t bring herself to leave (and Mr. Wright – Harry – detains her on purpose, to – as we discover at the end of the chapter – prevent her being discovered with him and her reputation ruined). Right from the get-go it’s clear that these two are kindred spirits; Harry recognises the latent passion and zest for life struggling to escape from behind Eliza’s very proper exterior and also seems to know she’s not ready to admit it or face up to it yet. The chemistry between them burns bright and their conversation sparkles with the sort of wit and insight that characterises Ms. Dare’s best work.
Harry and Eliza encounter each other at intervals over the following years, at parties, dinners, outings and the like, and these scenes are both memorable and wonderfully effective. The way Harry rushes to Eliza’s side when a family tragedy postpones her début yet again is really touching, and his reactions in the final chapter are simply adorable. The characters are sharply defined, their connection is utterly convincing, and as their attraction grows, so does their deeper understanding of and affection for each other and with those things, comes the discovery they are more alike than they would ever have suspected.
I was really glad to see Carolyn Morris returning to narrate this and the other new-to-audio novella, Beauty and the Blacksmith to complete the Spindle Cove series. I generally enjoy her work and this was no exception; her pacing is good, she differentiates effectively between the cast of characters (for a novella there are a fair number of secondary characters given that each vignette takes place at a different location), and she has a way with deadpan humour that works really well. I also enjoy her ‘hero’ voice; a slight drop in pitch, a more deliberate manner of speech and an amused drawl all serve to present the scandalous Harry as an attractive rascal, who is a lot more perspicacious than he lets on. Eliza is equally well rendered, exuding warmth, good-humour and intelligence – and more than able to hold her own in the bantering department with the rascally Harry.
Although I’m not normally the biggest fan of novellas, The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is one of my favourites, and one of Tessa Dare’s best books. There’s no superfluity here; the length of this book calls for a fast paced, streamlined plot, but nothing ever feels rushed or incomplete. The humour is spot on, and the whole story just thrums with energy and vivacity; the chemistry between the two leads is electric, and although it’s a short listen (coming in at less than three hours), it’s a wonderfully romantic story and an entertaining way to pass an evening.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
I remembered enjoying this novella – which rounds out Tessa Dare’s Spindle Cove series – when it came out in print what I thought was just a few years ago. Imagine my surprise when I checked Goodreads and discovered I’d read it in 2012! Where did those eight years go?!
Anyway. I enjoyed it and was pleased to see it finally making it into audio with Carolyn Morris at the microphone; her performance of what I think is the author’s best book (A Week to Be Wicked) is one of my favourites.
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is a novella so it’s a short listen, and it’s really a series of vignettes that span a period of around four years, detailing several meetings between the titular Mr. Wright and a young lady named Eliza Cade who made a silly mistake made when she was just fourteen (and no, it wasn’t that sort of mistake!), and because of it, her father decided to delay her society début until all her sisters were ‘out’ so as not to spoil their chances on the marriage mart.
Eighteen-year-old Eliza first meets Mr. J. Harrison Wright on the day of her eldest sister’s wedding. Because she’s not out and therefore can’t attend the nuptials, she’s taking a peek at the gathering from behind the door of the morning room, and is surprised to find the room isn’t empty as she’d supposed. She’s even more surprised to realise the identity of her companion, the sort of man a young lady should never ever find herself alone with. But the scandalous Mr. Wright is also handsome, funny, clever and flirtatious, and she can’t bring herself to leave (and Mr. Wright – Harry – detains her on purpose, to – as we discover at the end of the chapter – prevent her being discovered with him and her reputation ruined). Right from the get-go it’s clear that these two are kindred spirits; Harry recognises the latent passion and zest for life struggling to escape from behind Eliza’s very proper exterior and also seems to know she’s not ready to admit it or face up to it yet. The chemistry between them burns bright and their conversation sparkles with the sort of wit and insight that characterises Ms. Dare’s best work.
Harry and Eliza encounter each other at intervals over the following years, at parties, dinners, outings and the like, and these scenes are both memorable and wonderfully effective. The way Harry rushes to Eliza’s side when a family tragedy postpones her début yet again is really touching, and his reactions in the final chapter are simply adorable. The characters are sharply defined, their connection is utterly convincing, and as their attraction grows, so does their deeper understanding of and affection for each other and with those things, comes the discovery they are more alike than they would ever have suspected.
I was really glad to see Carolyn Morris returning to narrate this and the other new-to-audio novella, Beauty and the Blacksmith to complete the Spindle Cove series. I generally enjoy her work and this was no exception; her pacing is good, she differentiates effectively between the cast of characters (for a novella there are a fair number of secondary characters given that each vignette takes place at a different location), and she has a way with deadpan humour that works really well. I also enjoy her ‘hero’ voice; a slight drop in pitch, a more deliberate manner of speech and an amused drawl all serve to present the scandalous Harry as an attractive rascal, who is a lot more perspicacious than he lets on. Eliza is equally well rendered, exuding warmth, good-humour and intelligence – and more than able to hold her own in the bantering department with the rascally Harry.
Although I’m not normally the biggest fan of novellas, The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is one of my favourites, and one of Tessa Dare’s best books. There’s no superfluity here; the length of this book calls for a fast paced, streamlined plot, but nothing ever feels rushed or incomplete. The humour is spot on, and the whole story just thrums with energy and vivacity; the chemistry between the two leads is electric, and although it’s a short listen (coming in at less than three hours), it’s a wonderfully romantic story and an entertaining way to pass an evening.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
December 10, 2012
Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting and the youngest of four sisters. She's fierce, outspoken, and may be a tad impulsive. Because of her impulsive behavior, she made a foolish mistake that could have ruined her if not for her father taking measures to protect her. Because of this silly mistake, she's not allowed to come “out” in Society until all three of her older sisters are wed.
One night during a ball, Eliza is caught spying on the guests by the scandalous, dissolute, no-good Mr. Wright. Being alone with this man could ruin her reputation before all of her sisters are properly married. Which means Eliza needs to get out of there as soon as possible. But if she leaves too soon, she could get caught. Forced to stay in the room with Harry, they have a very interesting conversation. Not happy with her company by the time it's clear to leave the room, Eliza leaves in a huff hoping to never see the notorious rake again.
Eliza has not seen the last of Harry. For many years after their first encounter, these two continuously run into each other. Each and every time they see each other, it brings them closer together until a friendship is formed. It's not until many years later, Eliza finally sees Harry for who he truly is. Behind the bad reputation as a penniless rake, he is a man of honor and loyalty. He's also a man who is straight forward with Eliza. He sees exactly who she is and knows no other man can tame her wild heart but him. Not only does Harry truly see Eliza for the woman she is, but he stirs up emotions and passion inside her that she's never felt before. Only with Harry has she ever felt such things.
When Eliza finally has a chance to come “out”, will she choose to settle down with a gentleman, or succumb to her desire to be with Harry?
She promptly forgot how to breathe. “It’s like this,” he repeated in a low voice, just for her. “I’m not that sort of man. I don’t wait for the things I want.”
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright a short and sweet, clever, funny, romantic story. I have come to the point that I believe Ms. Dare can write no wrong! I always know I'm going to have a fabulous time reading one of her delightful stories. Ms. Dare has a special way with weaving in humor, family, passion and romance that always has me coming back for more more more!
Rating: B+
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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June 24, 2021
This was a fun one. I wish I had 50 more novellas to love besides this one.
Harry and Eliza are adorable and I love how their story plays out. Of course I always want more, but I do love it.
Harry and Eliza are adorable and I love how their story plays out. Of course I always want more, but I do love it.
February 19, 2025
Summary:
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright was a very cute read, and I’m giving it 4 stars. It only loses one star because I found myself wanting minor tweaks throughout, but overall, this was such a satisfying novella. I loved that our hero, Harry, was a little older than our leading lady Eliza, and I really liked how the story unfolded over several years. That’s such a smart way to structure a novella—it allows the reader to assume a deeper relationship is developing off the page, and in this case, it worked beautifully. A classic Tessa Dare story through and through, and I’d absolutely recommend it to any fan of her books.
Characters:
Harry: Harry is your classic reformed rake, but with a little extra something. Watching him slowly but surely prove himself worthy of Eliza was so satisfying. His character arc felt natural and well-paced, which is impressive given the shorter format.
Eliza: She’s spent years dismissing him as a no-good rogue, and seeing her slowly realize there’s more to him was such a fun journey. Their push-and-pull dynamic kept things engaging the whole way through.
Overall Thoughts:
This novella had everything I love about Tessa Dare—charming characters, great chemistry, and sharp, entertaining dialogue. The slow burn over several years made the romance feel natural and believable, even in such a short book. While I had a few minor things I would have adjusted, it was still a fantastic read. If you love Tessa Dare, this is an easy recommendation.
Rating:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright was a very cute read, and I’m giving it 4 stars. It only loses one star because I found myself wanting minor tweaks throughout, but overall, this was such a satisfying novella. I loved that our hero, Harry, was a little older than our leading lady Eliza, and I really liked how the story unfolded over several years. That’s such a smart way to structure a novella—it allows the reader to assume a deeper relationship is developing off the page, and in this case, it worked beautifully. A classic Tessa Dare story through and through, and I’d absolutely recommend it to any fan of her books.
Characters:
Harry: Harry is your classic reformed rake, but with a little extra something. Watching him slowly but surely prove himself worthy of Eliza was so satisfying. His character arc felt natural and well-paced, which is impressive given the shorter format.
Eliza: She’s spent years dismissing him as a no-good rogue, and seeing her slowly realize there’s more to him was such a fun journey. Their push-and-pull dynamic kept things engaging the whole way through.
Overall Thoughts:
This novella had everything I love about Tessa Dare—charming characters, great chemistry, and sharp, entertaining dialogue. The slow burn over several years made the romance feel natural and believable, even in such a short book. While I had a few minor things I would have adjusted, it was still a fantastic read. If you love Tessa Dare, this is an easy recommendation.
Rating:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
June 3, 2022
GAH this was so freaking charming, funny, and sweet with some of the best banter I’ve ever read from Tessa Dare. So good!! 😍😍😍
July 11, 2015
A couple of weekends ago some friends and I had a girl's weekend at a hotel and I spent the morning reading at the pool. My friends all made fun of me when I busted this out, but I don't even care. It was really cute. (None of them read romance novels, so I'm really not sure what they thought when they saw this sucker. Probably lots of things that were mostly wrong.)*
*Oh my God. I just had the weirdest urge to interview all my friends about their preconceptions about romance novels and then write about it. Why does this sound like so much fun.
Also, I followed this up with Bad Feminist, so, you know. I'm awesome.
This is a short and sweet little novella about a young girl named Eliza Cade who has been forced by her parents to delay her coming out due to some indiscretion or another that she had as a young girl. Basically, they don't want her fucking up her other three sister's chances of catching good husbands with her out of the box behavior, so she has to wait until they are all married.
Eliza is of course very bothered by this arrangement, particularly because the longer she has to wait, the more it feels like she's being kept in a cage.
She meets the titular Mr. Wright at eldest sister's engagement party. They meet-cute with lots of banter. She is annoyed by him immediately, and he is drawn to her lively spirit. The novella follows them over the course of five years, jumping forward in time every thirty pages or so to show us the next evolution of their relationship. It's pretty much adorable, and there is a pretty great sex scene as well.
It pretty much had everything you could possibly want in a romance: banter, three-dimensional characters, sexiness, fun, humor. It even had historical verisimilitude. I don't think I've ever read a romance novel before where you actually realize all the men folk being soldiers means they're at war. Those uniforms aren't just set dressing!
I read a library copy, but I will definitely be downloading my own copy sometime in the future so I have a short little pick-me up handy when I want it.
*Oh my God. I just had the weirdest urge to interview all my friends about their preconceptions about romance novels and then write about it. Why does this sound like so much fun.
Also, I followed this up with Bad Feminist, so, you know. I'm awesome.
This is a short and sweet little novella about a young girl named Eliza Cade who has been forced by her parents to delay her coming out due to some indiscretion or another that she had as a young girl. Basically, they don't want her fucking up her other three sister's chances of catching good husbands with her out of the box behavior, so she has to wait until they are all married.
Eliza is of course very bothered by this arrangement, particularly because the longer she has to wait, the more it feels like she's being kept in a cage.
She meets the titular Mr. Wright at eldest sister's engagement party. They meet-cute with lots of banter. She is annoyed by him immediately, and he is drawn to her lively spirit. The novella follows them over the course of five years, jumping forward in time every thirty pages or so to show us the next evolution of their relationship. It's pretty much adorable, and there is a pretty great sex scene as well.
It pretty much had everything you could possibly want in a romance: banter, three-dimensional characters, sexiness, fun, humor. It even had historical verisimilitude. I don't think I've ever read a romance novel before where you actually realize all the men folk being soldiers means they're at war. Those uniforms aren't just set dressing!
I read a library copy, but I will definitely be downloading my own copy sometime in the future so I have a short little pick-me up handy when I want it.
January 20, 2023
4.5 stars
Reread on January 19, 2023: Read via audio (narrated by Carolyn Morris).
Note: HarperCollins union employees are currently on strike. They deserve a fair contract, living wages, and an inclusive workplace. Donate to the Strike Fund here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/...
Reread on February 26, 2022: One of my favorite historical romance novellas.
Reread on January 19, 2023: Read via audio (narrated by Carolyn Morris).
Note: HarperCollins union employees are currently on strike. They deserve a fair contract, living wages, and an inclusive workplace. Donate to the Strike Fund here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/...
Reread on February 26, 2022: One of my favorite historical romance novellas.
December 30, 2018
I dawdled on this one. Just couldn't keep my interest to read at the pace I usually read. Maybe the h is just selfish and immature and I didn't have the patience to watch her grow up. Maybe the H is just too hard to get, what with all the years they kept meeting each other and going away again, and then he had to cap it off by going off to war. Honestly!
So... no, not my fav by far.
So... no, not my fav by far.
November 23, 2020
I'm very pleased that the audio book was finally released and even more so that Carolyn Morris was the Narrator. For a novella the chemistry between Eliza and Harry was dynamic. Ms. Morris is one of my favorite narrators and she did not disappoint. My only negative is that I wish it was longer.
September 7, 2022
3.75 🌟🌟🌟
My second historical romance book. It was alright I just felt that it’s a bit too rushed. I can’t comprehend how the h fell for the H though. I felt like she fell in ‘love’ him because she stopped being prejudiced against him and finding out that he was actually ‘decent’. The toe sucking part was a bit weird though but ohwell.
“I will leave no inch of you unclaimed.” With his other hand, he swept a touch down her leg. “I’ll be damned if I’ll lie dying on some battlefield, staring up at the cruel stars and thinking to myself, ‘Devil take it, now some other cur will be the first to suckle Eliza Cade’s toes.’ ”
“Suckle my toes?” She struggled up on one elbow, laughing. “Why ever would a man want to suckle a lady’s—Oh. Oh, Harry.”
She fell back against the chaise, wriggling and gasping as he pulled her tiny, delicious middle toe into his mouth, working his tongue around it and teasing the sensitive webs between her toes.
My second historical romance book. It was alright I just felt that it’s a bit too rushed. I can’t comprehend how the h fell for the H though. I felt like she fell in ‘love’ him because she stopped being prejudiced against him and finding out that he was actually ‘decent’. The toe sucking part was a bit weird though but ohwell.
“I will leave no inch of you unclaimed.” With his other hand, he swept a touch down her leg. “I’ll be damned if I’ll lie dying on some battlefield, staring up at the cruel stars and thinking to myself, ‘Devil take it, now some other cur will be the first to suckle Eliza Cade’s toes.’ ”
“Suckle my toes?” She struggled up on one elbow, laughing. “Why ever would a man want to suckle a lady’s—Oh. Oh, Harry.”
She fell back against the chaise, wriggling and gasping as he pulled her tiny, delicious middle toe into his mouth, working his tongue around it and teasing the sensitive webs between her toes.
January 27, 2013
You guys, my first reaction upon reading The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare was “whoa.” Actually, that was my reaction over and over again while reading this novella. I loved Tessa Dare already, her Spindle Cove series is wonderful and she is one of the only historical romance authors I make a point to follow. But still: whoa.
Basically, everything about The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is absolutely brilliant. The characters, the story, the writing. Oh man, THE WRITING. I want to quote the devil out of this book, you guys don’t even know. The number of passages I highlighted in this novella – considering there are only 100 pages – is crazy. Check out some of this awesome:
The devil must be very handsome, her nursemaid had once told her. Else no one would follow him into perdition.
Too true, too true. She saw it for herself now. The devil had a strong, squared jaw, a straight nose, and full lips with a dangerous, sensual quirk. Dark, wavy hair, as untamable as his spirit. Laughing eyes, green as a Cornish summer. Oh, yes. The devil was handsome indeed.
But it wasn’t just that.
The devil also looked weary. Fatigued by the world— and strangely vulnerable, this close. The devil put silver threads in his sin-black hair. Just a few, so a girl could only see them if she happened to draw imprudently near. He wore his cravat mussed, tempting feminine hands to put it straight.
Eliza’s nursemaid had it all wrong. The devil didn’t entice with perfection. He seduced with flaws.
His green, hungry gaze didn’t say, Follow me into perdition.
It said, Only you can save me from it.
It’s pretty funny that I picked this story up basically because it costs a buck and because I knew it wouldn’t take long to read. That’ll teach me, right? I ended up reading at turtle speed because I wanted to absorb every single word and every single feeling. Sigh. I sound like a 14 year old picking up her first romance novel and going all starry-eyed over it, right? I feel like it too!
What starts out as a chance, embarrassing meeting between a jaded rake and an immature young girl turns into several meetings over the course of years – each meeting revealing more and more about the characters and who they really are. You might think that stand-out incredible character development can’t really happen over the course of 100 pages, but you’d be wrong. Mr. Wright starts out as just another rake in just another romance novel, but let me tell you, that changes. HE BRINGS THE SWOONS.
To Sum it Up:
-Tessa Dare basically blew the top off my already high expectations of her writing abilities. Seriously. Even if you love her already, you have no idea!
-Some of the best character development I’ve come across in a long time packed neatly into novella form.
-THIS EBOOK ONLY COSTS ONE DOLLAR. YOU MUST BUY IT IMMEDIATELY. I’m not kidding. Right now. Gogogogo. (And, if you prefer, the paper copy is only $4!)
Basically, everything about The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright is absolutely brilliant. The characters, the story, the writing. Oh man, THE WRITING. I want to quote the devil out of this book, you guys don’t even know. The number of passages I highlighted in this novella – considering there are only 100 pages – is crazy. Check out some of this awesome:
The devil must be very handsome, her nursemaid had once told her. Else no one would follow him into perdition.
Too true, too true. She saw it for herself now. The devil had a strong, squared jaw, a straight nose, and full lips with a dangerous, sensual quirk. Dark, wavy hair, as untamable as his spirit. Laughing eyes, green as a Cornish summer. Oh, yes. The devil was handsome indeed.
But it wasn’t just that.
The devil also looked weary. Fatigued by the world— and strangely vulnerable, this close. The devil put silver threads in his sin-black hair. Just a few, so a girl could only see them if she happened to draw imprudently near. He wore his cravat mussed, tempting feminine hands to put it straight.
Eliza’s nursemaid had it all wrong. The devil didn’t entice with perfection. He seduced with flaws.
His green, hungry gaze didn’t say, Follow me into perdition.
It said, Only you can save me from it.
It’s pretty funny that I picked this story up basically because it costs a buck and because I knew it wouldn’t take long to read. That’ll teach me, right? I ended up reading at turtle speed because I wanted to absorb every single word and every single feeling. Sigh. I sound like a 14 year old picking up her first romance novel and going all starry-eyed over it, right? I feel like it too!
What starts out as a chance, embarrassing meeting between a jaded rake and an immature young girl turns into several meetings over the course of years – each meeting revealing more and more about the characters and who they really are. You might think that stand-out incredible character development can’t really happen over the course of 100 pages, but you’d be wrong. Mr. Wright starts out as just another rake in just another romance novel, but let me tell you, that changes. HE BRINGS THE SWOONS.
To Sum it Up:
-Tessa Dare basically blew the top off my already high expectations of her writing abilities. Seriously. Even if you love her already, you have no idea!
-Some of the best character development I’ve come across in a long time packed neatly into novella form.
-THIS EBOOK ONLY COSTS ONE DOLLAR. YOU MUST BUY IT IMMEDIATELY. I’m not kidding. Right now. Gogogogo. (And, if you prefer, the paper copy is only $4!)
June 3, 2019
Oh, this is lovely! I loved that even if this was novella length, it actually took Harry and Eliza several years before they got together. AND, we got stories about Eliza's sisters as well!! Yes, Harry and Eliza only met several times over the years before the "fall in love" moment. However, I enjoyed each and every one of them.
Read
November 25, 2023Novellas - for when you're behind on your reading challenge because you're also in grad school.
December 22, 2023
Trigger warnings: blood, death, mentions of war.
19/12/2023
Utterly ridiculous and yet somehow extremely charming. Although the early years when she's still a teenager and he's in his late 20s/early 30s were...not for me, the way this ultimately played out was delightful.
31/12/2017
I was super dubious about this one, based on the title. Buuuuuut it was Tessa Dare and I was trying to cram in a bunch more books before the end of 2017, so I read it anyway.
And it turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. It's essentially a series of little vignettes as Eliza and the roguish Mr. Wright are thrown together time and again over the course of several years. I'm a big fan of the slow burn, so the fact that this was 144 pages but took place over about 5 years? SOLD.
In short, it was entertaining and fun and fluffy. What more do you need on New Year's Eve?
19/12/2023
Utterly ridiculous and yet somehow extremely charming. Although the early years when she's still a teenager and he's in his late 20s/early 30s were...not for me, the way this ultimately played out was delightful.
31/12/2017
I was super dubious about this one, based on the title. Buuuuuut it was Tessa Dare and I was trying to cram in a bunch more books before the end of 2017, so I read it anyway.
And it turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. It's essentially a series of little vignettes as Eliza and the roguish Mr. Wright are thrown together time and again over the course of several years. I'm a big fan of the slow burn, so the fact that this was 144 pages but took place over about 5 years? SOLD.
In short, it was entertaining and fun and fluffy. What more do you need on New Year's Eve?
September 9, 2020
I just love this short novella. Dare has once again successfully created a broken "rake", who I can't help but love, and a heroine, who is as strong and selfless as she is beautiful and naive (in the beginning). I also loved how the hero and heroine's relationship/courtship spanned a couple of years instead of simply one season. It made their relationship seem more real and that much more lovely to read. Tessa Dare, you are a master at your craft. You still have my undivided and absolute devotion ♡
My Harry, the charming rake who cannot help but be charmed by Eliza's zest for life...
My Harry, the charming rake who cannot help but be charmed by Eliza's zest for life...
October 31, 2015
This novella is a lot fun with a sweet heat. The hero and heroine and heroine both grow and fall in love. The banter is delicious.
March 16, 2022
A really cute story. This being written by Tessa Dare, so 'nuff said.
December 1, 2012
Rating: A ... Heat: Warm
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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Eliza Cade is a passionate and, slightly, reckless young miss. And, because of one tiny bad decision, her father has declared that she can’t debut until all three of her older sisters have. Miss Eliza is the wildcard of the family and her papa doesn’t want her to ruin her siblings marriage prospects.
Which probably means she should stay far, far away from Harry Wright. Because Mr. Wright is a rogue and a spendthrift. To be caught alone with him is tantamount to utter ruin. So, naturally, Eliza finds herself alone with him... quite often.
But there is not a thing wrong about that Mr. Wright. Except, maybe, that he is deliciously naughty and always says exactly what's on his mind. And has made me fall for him head over slippers. I’m telling you, I’d give my left arm for Harry Wright!
All puns aside, I very much enjoyed the passage of time woven into this novella. The different circumstances that Eliza and Harry continue to meet under. And how he riles her up as much as he heats her up... and then leaves her wanting. But don’t worry, Miz Eliza returns the favor in spades!
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright (say that three times fast!) may not be a part of the Spindle Cove world, but it has definitely helped tide me over until Any Duchess Will Do. I love historical romance—and Miz Dare always delivers greatness!
Favorite Quote:
The devil also looked weary. Fatigued by the world—and strangely vulnerable, this close. The devil put silver threads in his sin-black hair. Just a few, so a girl could only see them if she happened to draw imprudently near. He wore his cravat mussed, tempting feminine hands to put it straight.
Eliza’s nursemaid had it all wrong. The devil didn’t entice with perfection. He seduced with flaws.
His green, hungry gaze didn’t say, Follow me into perdition.
It said, Only you can save me from it.
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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December 9, 2012
This was a short, charming and above all, emotionally engaging read. Eliza Cade is the youngest of four sisters, and because of a silly mistake she made when she was just fourteen, her father decrees that she cannot make her come-out until her sisters are all married, lest she do something to disgrace them.
At the wedding of her eldest sister, she meets Mr J. Harrison Wright, who immediately recognises in her a kindred spirit. Their verbal exchanges sparkle and are charged with attraction from the get-go, and Harry is just dreamy. Not only is he handsome, he’s clever and insightful, amusing and tender; and although Eliza is drawn to him, his reputation is such that association with him could further damage her chances of making her début.
The story follows their meetings across the four years of their acquaintance, and shows their relationship progressing through fun and tragedy into a deep and abiding love. It’s warm, sexy and touching - a perfect way to spend a few hours on a cold, grey afternoon.
At the wedding of her eldest sister, she meets Mr J. Harrison Wright, who immediately recognises in her a kindred spirit. Their verbal exchanges sparkle and are charged with attraction from the get-go, and Harry is just dreamy. Not only is he handsome, he’s clever and insightful, amusing and tender; and although Eliza is drawn to him, his reputation is such that association with him could further damage her chances of making her début.
The story follows their meetings across the four years of their acquaintance, and shows their relationship progressing through fun and tragedy into a deep and abiding love. It’s warm, sexy and touching - a perfect way to spend a few hours on a cold, grey afternoon.
October 11, 2018
I do loved this cute and funny novella.
It was a different read too, the story was sliced in time slot, each chapter headline set with an invitation to an event, each event separated by different spans of time.
I loved its purpose, enlightening each of Harry and Eliza encounters.
They both were misjudged persons because of decisions they made, but whatever their faults were, they stayed true to themselves.
Their wild side had them paying the prize but it gave them time to get to know another, to find who is behind the mask they wears.
A sweet fast paced story.
It was a different read too, the story was sliced in time slot, each chapter headline set with an invitation to an event, each event separated by different spans of time.
I loved its purpose, enlightening each of Harry and Eliza encounters.
They both were misjudged persons because of decisions they made, but whatever their faults were, they stayed true to themselves.
Their wild side had them paying the prize but it gave them time to get to know another, to find who is behind the mask they wears.
A sweet fast paced story.
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