Goddess of the Hunt

I LOVED Goddess of the Hunt. I find Tessa Dare's style to have an easy flow with witty dialogue. I read, on average, 5 historical novels a week. It's so refreshing when a book stands apart as intelligent. I just started Surrender of a Siren and am enjoying how Ms. Dare's female characters are "real" and not trussed with a little bow! Goddess is a fun and romantic page turner with some sizzle. I like a HOT romance (think "Passion"). This isn't that steamy but for those looking for some action , I think you'll enjoy!

Dang! Why aren't there more stars? This book hit me right where I wanted it to right when I needed it. Funny, heart-wrenching, and incredibly romantic, I had a very hard time getting this story out of my head when I had to put it down to go do those tedious things that other humans expect of me. Tessa Dare does all those things I've been wanting authors to do. Yes, there's angst and some separation and misunderstanding, but neither of the characters had to be struck TSTL in order to achieve these plot points. Their misunderstanding was the most organic I've seen in a long, long time. I couldn't fault either of them for believing what they did, even though I knew they were dead wrong. It wasn't a frustration because it wasn't manipulated by the author to fulfill a template. It's always exciting to discover a new author. I'm thrilled that other readers' reviews have led me to Dare. She's got something very special and I'm looking forward to seeing her develop as a potential bestseller.

Beautiful, witty prose -- Ms. Dare is skilled at the craft of writing! A thoroughly enjoyable read! I also recommend Sherry Thomas as a similarly talented romance author.

Who in the world is Tessa Dare and where has she been all my life?! "Goddess of The Hunt" had me hooked from page one. I cringed every time I knew I had to put this one down, and I hated the fact that my eyes betrayed me at night when I'd fall asleep trying to read it. I don't see a "Best-Seller" on the cover yet, but I promise if this lady keeps writing books like this she's going to be the next Julia Quinn (the old, not the new one). Pages 115-128 holds the most intense, steam building, mouth hanging open loves scenes I think I've EVER read. Just do me favor...when your at the bookstore and your not sure about buying this book, flip to these pages...you will not put this one back down. Just a taste of what I'm talking about...this scene takes place in a wardrobe, after Jeremy finds her during a game of hide-and-seek. The only light inside is just few rays of sunshine pushing their way through the cracks... "...He kissed his way back up her neck and brought his hands to the neckline of her dress, gathering the facbric of muslin until it threatened to tear. Then her tongue flicked a silent plea against his ear, so lightly he might have imagined it, once. Twice, he could not mistake. ...Then her hands slid around the his back, and she leaned against his chest. She brushed her lips over the base of his throat. Again. Again. Her kisses felt like rain drops in a desert, sizzling on his scorched flesh. He bent his head and his mouth found hers. And then the storm broke..." I am not kidding ladies...you will/could not read this and not think "Oh good Lord!". This novel has the right balance of everything and you will absolutely love every character...My "All-Time Favorites" list has just gained a book!

Every year there seems to be one debut author who bursts upon the scene and absolutely knocks my socks off with her superb writing skill. This year, that author is Tessa Dare. In her debut book, GODDESS OF THE HUNT, Dare showcases her command of the English language with exquisite prose that sings across the pages with a lyrical quality that is a joy to read. Her characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap from the pages and her story unerringly hits all the right notes. Irrepressible Lucy Waltham has fancied herself in love with Sir Toby since the tender age of eleven, when her older brother's friend dubbed her his "Diana, Goddess of the Hunt". She has bided her time, knowing in her heart that one day Toby would awaken to his real feelings for her, but now, eight years later, her brother's friends have arrived for their annual gathering and, for the first time, Toby is exhibiting a serious interest in someone. Lucy has no choice but to seduce him and show him that she is the woman of his dreams and the one he is meant to marry, not Miss Sophia Hathaway. Unfortunately for Lucy, she has never even been kissed but she has a book that explains everything. All she needs now is someone with whom to practice. Jeremy Trescott has always treasured his visits to Waltham Manor, the home of his good friend, Henry Waltham. It's the only place where he has ever been able to relax and be himself. Growing up with parents who showed neither love nor appreciation for their son, Jeremy learned to close off his emotions years ago. In truth, the only person who has ever been able to get a rise out of him is Lucy, his friend's exasperating younger sister and in Jeremy's own words, his "personal version of a biblical plague." Now she shows up at his bedroom door in the middle of the night with the crazy idea that she is going to seduce Toby...after honing her skills with him! If only she wasn't proving to be such a fast learner. I have always enjoyed the "brother's best friend" storyline and I was intrigued by Dare's unique spin on the concept. Lucy does indeed fall for her brother's friend, just not the one that she, and everyone else, expected. But the self admission of her feelings isn't the end of this story but, rather, the beginning of the second half of the book for her greatest challenge, winning Jeremy's love, is still to be achieved and this is one hero who doesn't make it easy. That perhaps is Dare's greatest talent as a writer. Aside from the scintillating banter, the lovely, lyrical prose, the humor and angst of young and unrequited love, this is an author who made me care about her characters - all of her characters. I highly recommend GODDESS OF THE HUNT. The next two books in this trilogy, SURRENDER OF A SIREN and A LADY OF PERSUASION will be released August 25th and September 29th, respectively. I'll be counting the days!