A Week to Be Wicked
Written by Tessa Dare
Narrated by Carolyn Morris
4/5
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About this audiobook
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
When a devilish lord and a bluestocking set off on the road to ruin . . . time is not on their side.
Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove's confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.
Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be . . . anywhere but Spindle Cove.
These unlikely partners have one week:
to fake an elopementto convince family and friends they're ""in love""
to outrun armed robbers
to survive their worst nightmares
to travel four hundred miles without killing each other
All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.
What they don't have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.
Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble. And maybe . . . just maybe . . . everlasting love.
Tessa Dare
Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen historical romances. A librarian by training and a book-lover at heart, Tessa makes her home in Southern California, where she shares a cozy, cluttered bungalow with her husband, their two children, and a pair of cosmic kittens.
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Related to A Week to Be Wicked
Titles in the series (4)
A Night to Surrender Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Week to Be Wicked Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Lady by Midnight Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Any Duchess Will Do Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for A Week to Be Wicked
527 ratings35 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Well done!!! Looking forward to the next one in the series!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So cute! I love they way the characters talk to each other :)
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This specific HR made me laugh so hard - stunning book if you looking for a HR that makes you giggle like a school girl look no further
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Very good! I liked the characters. It was very entertaining!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5What made this story good was their journey they embarked together. The narrator did a good job of bringing the characters to life. I’m not mad at it
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I read this one years ago and loved it so decided to try the audio. This review covers both the book and audio.
Audio-book: Narrator – Carolyn Morris
I read this book years ago and loved it. When I stumbled across the audio version I knew I had to give it a try. So glad I did! This narrator did a freaking amazing job of bringing these characters to life. I never struggled with her interpretation of the various character’s voices and actually loved the voice she gave to both the hero and heroine. I am definitely a new fan and will be searching further books out by not only by Ms. Morris, but more by Ms. Dare.
This is a wonderful, fun and hilarious historical romance filled with all the things I love most about the genre.
I loved the shy, spinstery, and bookish Minerva. Her character is the type that I adore reading about – politically correct or not. However, behind that bit of shy is actually a raging fire of passion for her studies and that is what begins all the crazy that soon follows her. Oh wait, that crazy…that would be Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne. And what a pain he is indeed. The man has more poppycock than any other hero I’ve ever read. Quick to come up with an action, but slow to plan, he leads Minerva through some of the most outrageous situations. But behind his easy going ways, he’s got a dark past that torments him and we are slowly given the opportunity to see the real side of Colin.
This couple were so perfect together and I absolutely loved it when I first read it and loved it even more this time in audio-book form. Either way you want to enjoy this story will be a winner. I can’t recommend it enough! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5(Book 2 in series) Good story line with a blue-stocking heroine. I like that she isn't flakey or stupid. Listed to audio book straight through and finished in a day, thought about the story when not listening, so musta been good!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The latest in the Spindle Cove series this novel is one of the best romances I read in a while. Minerva Highwood is determined that Lord Payne does not marry her sister. In an attempt to deter the apparently pending proposal, she proposes they travel to Scotland to present her latest geological findings to the scientific community so that Payne can keep the prize money. They seem like an unlikely match, Payne a handsome womanizer, Minerva a bespectacled bluestocking with a love of rocks. Yet in the author’s hands it is believable that opposites attract. The dialogue is great and even better is Minerva’s character. You’ve got to love a heroine who embroiders extinct sea creatures onto her wedding trousseau.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Loved every second of the story. It was sweet and really funny. Colin was so funny, but a bit childish at times. But I loved him. Unfortunately the narrator made him sound like a 12yo child, either a girl or a boy. He didn't sound like the masculine handsome man he was described to be. Sometimes I couldn't tell who was speaking Minerva or him. That's why I gave it 4 stars and not 5, because his voice was awful and very annoying and distracting.
I know he was supposed to be childish but it didnt mean that his voice had to be childish also. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Some good moments but too long and unrealistic for the time in which it is set.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5**happy sigh…. The joy of finding historical romance that ticks all the boxes…
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/53.5
The fun of these books doesn't seem to be historical accuracy, the true depiction of life in nineteenth century. All the fun comes from the characters. I knew I'd like Minerva from the previous book. Plain Jane stories are usually fun to read. What I loved is how her awakening is explained. She did not become a beautiful swan all of a sudden. Everyone, no matter the appearance, has a few things he or she excels at. Even while they were constantly arguing, Colin saw Minerva's loyalty to her family and friends. The rest he could only see when they did not have the Spindle Cove audience.
Minerva is determined to get to Edinburgh to present her findings to the Royal Geological Society and she offers money to Colin to get her there. She is aware she will be ruined after that, but she has decided it is a good trade. After he realizes she won't be dissuaded, they take off. Colin craned his neck, looking up at the rocky bluffs. And he knew, right then, that so long as he lived, he would never understand what made a man—or woman—look at a stone wall and think, I believe I’d enjoy attending a symposium on these. This is not an easy journey in more ways than one. Real and dangerous adventures await on the road to Edinburgh (and off the road). It gave them the opportunity to see each other more clearly, for even Colin is not just a rake.
In the end you don't get to see the reactions of all the people you wanted to see, but the part of the book with their adventures makes up for most of the things I didn't get to see. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5really 2 1/2 stars. some annoying male chauvinist and stupid girl moments.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A great fun light read. As a girl who reads while walking, I loved this heroine.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Really enjoyed this book. Only reason it’s not a 5 star read for me is that I found the ending rushed, especially compared to the pacing of the rest of the book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This was adorable. I definitely enjoyed this book even more than the first, Minerva was so witty and great and Colin was super lovable and charming. I can't wait to read about Kate and the enigmatic Thorne :0
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I was in the mood for a regency romance and Tessa Dare aLways fits. great characters as expected.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I adored the main characters and their witty banter. I am not certain why I was not more immersed in this. An enjoyable read for sure but without that lovely tingly feeling I get with my very favorite romances where I can't stand to stop reading. I cannot identify a single thing about this I did not enjoy, 100% a worthy read. Still I found myself not really connecting with the speed at which Minerva found her inner power, sexual curiosity, and general confidence and with which Colin was utterly reformed. A high 3 star, closing in on a 4 but for me not quite getting there.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5BRB, I ran off with Colin.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was a fun, rip-roaring adventure romance. I loved reading it and want to see more of Minerva and Colin. I loved Minerva's intelligence and I loved Colin for loving her because if it. This was my first book of Tessa Dare's but I shall definitely be reading more.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Minerva Highwood is desperate to get to Scotland to present her earth-shattering geological findings to the Royal Geological Society. Even if she has to convince rake Viscount Colin Payne to pretend to elope with her so that she can make the trip. Of course, Colin isn't particularly keen on the idea of ruining the reputation of a young woman, even in the name of science. And their growing attraction isn't helping him keep to his own rules about the trip.Another enjoyable historical romance from Tessa Dare. The book is a solid read, the romance is well-crafted, and my only complaint is that the book isn't as funny as I know Dare is capable of. Of course, Colin has some dark shadows lurking from his past which keeps the humour from getting too high-flying. I also appreciated that Dare was realistic about how Minerva would have been treated by the scientific establishment of the period, which made the book feel rooted. Enjoyable for those who have dipped their toes into Dare's bibliography but not a recommended starting point to sample.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Great angst, fun plot, funny dialogue, played into some favored tropes... Good read!
Reread in December 2016 - still stands up! A nice afternoon with a glass of wine book
March 2018 - This is one of the most downright romantic romance books I've ever read. The relationship development is well-paced and beautiful, and the growing love is sweet without being saccharine. I adore the heroine's insecurity and how the hero accidentally reinforces it in the beginning. I love that he helps her see herself as he comes to and break out of her shell. And the hero's own story and journey is excellent, too. Two incredible characters! If only other books in this series catered to my favorite tropes.
(4.5 stars) - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5*happy sigh and giggling...*
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Week to Be Wicked
4.5 Stars
Light and fluffy but the dynamic between Colin and Minerva is what makes this book simply spectacular.
Both are able to see beyond surface appearances to the truth beneath each others' facades. Colin sees the spunky, feisty and passionate woman under Minerva's nerdy and awkward mannerisms while Minerva understands that underneath Colin's charming and rakish ways is a scarred and traumatized man in need of love. Their scenes together range from sweet to sultry to scorching hot and every moment is scintillating.
The plot is predictable but the "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong" adventures are entertaining nonetheless (although Colin's exaggerated storytelling is over-the-top and, not surprisingly, comes back to bite him).
The reactions of the townspeople to the "elopement" are a little out of character in some cases and I was expecting more of a fuss to be made. Moreover, while the resolution is very satisfying, it would have been even better if Colin and Minerva had returned to Spindle Cove to face the music.
Kate and Thorne's book is set up nicely and I look forward to reading it soon. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Here comes the second Tessa Dare installment of her Spindle Cove series and this time around we’re following Colin (Lord Payne), Lord Rycliff’s ward, who we met in the first book, ‘A Night to Surrender’ and in which I thought him to be a real pain at times. Well, Ms. Dare did pretty good job redeeming the guy in my eyes, and she even made me like him!
Minerva Highwood is the bluest of bluestockings. She wasn’t easy to like at the beginning but slowly I warmed up to her. Plot wise, this was once again on the light side and a bit predictable, but Ms. Dare’s writing is good, so I overlooked it. I enjoyed the read for its humor and well written sensual scenes. By now I know what to expect from this author and so far she has not disappointed, but I would love it if she’d surprise me in the next installment of this series ‘A Lady by Midnight’, which will be Kate and Thorne’s story and he seems to be a bit on the dark side. In the end, if you’re into ‘road trip’ stories, you’ll have much fun reading this one.
Mel
*Copy provided by AVON publisher through Edelweiss* - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A fun historical romance with its share of interesting adventures but there was quite a bit of intermittent silly chatter and I didn't particularly care for the haphazard ending. Geologist Minerva suggests to rake Colin that they take a fake elopement trip to Scotland so he won't marry her sister.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As a woman of science, this book is going to probably be one of my favourites. I think I'll long remember the story line of the young woman who got herself into a scientific society and had her findings published in a time when women were frivolous and decorative (at least in upper class society). And Colin's story is just so gut-wrenching that you cannot help but feel for him. What an wonderful pair.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I'm confused. I had high hopes with this book. The story of Minerva and Colin seemed so fascinating. But I was disappointed. I’ve lost my interest in the middle of the book. It was too strange and I really hated Colin’s fake stories.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved the creativity and the characters in this book. Definitely looking forward to reading more by Tessa Dare!
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/53.5 StarsThis is a blue stocking/ rake pairing that works well. The romance and passion builds perfectly. The plot is a fine adventure. Colin and Minerva become likeable and believable as they spend more time together. When they are alone it's hotly written. Tessa Dare never fails to deliver all sorts of fantastic steamy moments. The ending is filled with love and genuine feeling.Side Note:*Blue Stocking/Scientist Minerva is very similar to Blue Stocking/Scientist Pippa in One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2) by Sarah MacLean Only Minerva is much better. Where Pippa is annoyingly naive and disconnected from reality, Minerva is earthier and bolder. Naive yes, but she matures quickly in one week.*