Step into the enchanting world of Tessa Dare’s Castles Ever After, where crumbling castles, spirited heroines, and swoon-worthy romance collide in a Regency-era whirlwind! This historical romance series, brimming with humor and heart, follows independent women who inherit grand fortresses and find love in the most unexpected places. Perfect for fans of witty banter and fairy-tale vibes, it’s a delightful escape into a world of passion and pluck.
Dare’s signature blend of emotional depth and laugh-out-loud moments makes Castles Ever After a standout in historical romance. Each book is a standalone tale, loosely connected by the whimsical premise of castles as catalysts for love, offering readers a chance to dive in anywhere and fall head over heels.
How Castles Ever After Began
Tessa Dare, a New York Times bestselling author and librarian by training, launched Castles Ever After in 2014 with Romancing the Duke. Inspired by her love for Regency romance and strong, unconventional heroines, Dare crafted a series where castles—often dilapidated and full of secrets—set the stage for transformative love stories. Her knack for blending historical settings with modern sensibilities, honed through earlier series like Spindle Cove, gave Castles Ever After its fresh, irresistible charm.
Dare’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to celebrate women who defy societal norms, paired with her fascination for romantic tropes like enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity. The result? A series that feels both timeless and refreshingly bold, earning accolades like the 2015 RITA Award for Romancing the Duke.
The Heart of Castles Ever After
The series spans four books, each a gem of Regency romance. Romancing the Duke (2014) introduces Izzy Goodnight, a penniless dreamer who inherits a castle occupied by the brooding, blind Duke of Rothbury. Their enemies-to-lovers spark, laced with Beauty and the Beast vibes, sets the tone for the series’ wit and warmth. Say Yes to the Marquess (2014) follows Clio Whitmore, who plans to jilt her absentee fiancé, only to face his rakish brother Rafe, who’s determined to save the engagement—and steals her heart instead.
When a Scot Ties the Knot (2015) is a fan favorite, featuring Maddie Gracechurch, who invents a fake Scottish suitor through letters, only to discover he’s real—and now her husband. The series closes with Do You Want to Start a Scandal (2016), a crossover with Dare’s Spindle Cove series, where a scandalous encounter in a library ignites a fiery romance. Themes of independence, self-discovery, and defying expectations weave through each story, set against lush castle backdrops that feel like characters themselves.
Dare’s style is light yet poignant, balancing steamy romance with humor and heartfelt moments. Her heroines are smart, resilient, and unafraid to challenge convention, while her heroes—gruff dukes, rugged Scots, or charming rogues—melt hearts with their hidden vulnerabilities. The Regency setting, with its balls and banter, grounds the series in historical allure, but its modern wit makes it accessible to new readers.
Why Castles Ever After Resonates
Castles Ever After has carved a special place in historical romance, praised for its empowering heroines and addictive storytelling. Fans on platforms like Goodreads rave about its humor and emotional depth, with Romancing the Duke earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for its “lyrical writing” and “intense character development.” The series’ blend of fairy-tale romance and feminist undertones resonates with readers seeking both escapism and inspiration.
Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—finding love, claiming one’s power, and building a home, whether in a castle or a heart. By centering women who rewrite their own stories, Dare has influenced the genre to embrace bolder, more diverse heroines, making Castles Ever After a beloved touchstone for romance fans.
- Publication Years: 2014–2016
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: 2015 RITA Award for Romancing the Duke, 2015 RT Reviewers Choice Award for Say Yes to the Marquess
- Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Grab Romancing the Duke and dive into Castles Ever After’s world of witty heroines, dashing heroes, and castles brimming with love! Whether you’re a romance veteran or a curious newbie, Tessa Dare’s sparkling series promises a heart-fluttering adventure.