C2’s review of A Week to be Wicked (Spindle Cove, Book 2) by Tessa Dare
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 Mar 12

What do an insomniac viscount, a bluestocking geologist, and a dinosaur named Francine all have in common?  In Tessa Dare’s newest Spindle Cove book, we find out.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, is not a good sleeper.  Ever since a childhood trauma, he has been plagued by nightmares.  The only thing that helps him get a good night’s sleep is company in bed – a practice he has embraced with vigor.  Heh.  Colin is in Spindle Cove to assist his cousin, the commander of the local militia, while he waits for his inheritance.  The funds won’t release until his next birthday OR until he marries – so he is living in the country.  Waiting.

Miss Minerva Highwood is a bluestocking.  She is much more interested in science than in flirting with the locals in Spindle Cove.  She and her family came to the area because her sister Diana’s health needed improving and taking in the sea air was recommended.  Diana, it seems, caught the eye of the dashing Lord Payne, but Minerva does not approve of him – especially for her sister.  He is a flirt and a rake and a scoundrel – and he can’t even be bothered to remember Minerva’s name!  But Minerva needs his help…

Minerva is a geologist.  Since she came to Spindle Cove, she has been studying the fossils along the coast.  When she found an exceptionally well-preserved footprint of a very large lizard (in a hidden cave, no less), she knew it could change the way science looked at the past.  So she needs to get to a symposium in Edinburgh to present her findings.  However, she realizes she would never actually be able to speak before the attendees, because she’s a woman.  But the most important thing to Minerva is getting the information out to the people who need to know, so she needs someone to help her get to Scotland and present her paper for her.  Since she knows Colin is short of funds, she figures she can bribe him.  Colin proves less bribe-able than Minerva thinks, but, after he sees she is going to Edinburgh with or without him, he agrees to accompany her.  His one condition – she has to share his bed.

I tend to enjoy on-the-road books and this one is not an exception. All the forced intimacies and close quarters – no chaperones! – lead to all sorts of interesting developments.  Poor Colin and Minerva had the road trip from hell – pretty much everything that could go wrong did, but they keep trying.  Long after most people would have given up and gone home, Colin wants to Get Minerva to Edinburgh.  So sweet! (And he finally remembers her name, too.)

I haven’t read the first Spindle Cove book, yet (darn it).  I plan to, because I have so enjoyed those I have read.  So, yes, this book stands alone pretty well, I think.  I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing out on subtext because I didn’t know the backstory.  If you are looking for a sweet, fun read filled with on-the-road adventures (and science!), I urge you to check out A Week to be Wicked.  I’ve never read a Tessa Dare book I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.  If you haven’t tried her books, this is an excellent one to test out and get a flavor of her writing. Like I said about Colin, it’s so sweet. 🙂

Grade: A

Summary:

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 elopement
to 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…love.

Read an excerpt (scroll down).

Other books in the series: