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Drake's Rakes #4
It Begins with a Kiss
Fiona Ferguson wants nothing more than to flee Miss Lavinia Chase's Finishing School in this short story by Eileen Dreyer, author of the Drake's Rakes series. Rather than the safe haven the girls' families presume it to be, the school is intent on making its charges conform to the rules-by any means necessary. For Fiona, the only thing worse than staying at the dreaded "Last Chance Academy" would be abandoning the friends she's made there. But when she receives word from home that her sister is in trouble, Fiona plots her escape . . .
A devoted spy in service to the Crown, Alex Knight takes his duties very seriously. His latest assignment--to ensure that the incorrigible Fiona remain safely at school--turns out to be far more of a challenge than he expected. After matching wits with the fiery Scottish beauty, he learns that the greatest danger of all . . . begins with a kiss.
A devoted spy in service to the Crown, Alex Knight takes his duties very seriously. His latest assignment--to ensure that the incorrigible Fiona remain safely at school--turns out to be far more of a challenge than he expected. After matching wits with the fiery Scottish beauty, he learns that the greatest danger of all . . . begins with a kiss.
136 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
60 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Dreyer
74 books767 followersNew York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 28 romance novels, 8 medico-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.
2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. After publication of the first trilogy in the series, she has just signed for the next trilogy, following the graduates of the aptly named Last Chance Academy, who each finds herself crossing swords with Drake's Rakes. Eileen spent time not only in England and Italy, but India to research the series (it's a filthy job, but somebody has to do it).
A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.
Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by RT Bookclub. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from RT, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination.
A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses.
Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.
Get in touch: eileendreyer@eileendreyer.com
2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. After publication of the first trilogy in the series, she has just signed for the next trilogy, following the graduates of the aptly named Last Chance Academy, who each finds herself crossing swords with Drake's Rakes. Eileen spent time not only in England and Italy, but India to research the series (it's a filthy job, but somebody has to do it).
A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.
Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by RT Bookclub. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from RT, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination.
A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses.
Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.
Get in touch: eileendreyer@eileendreyer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 25, 2012
Meh. I'm not certain about this trend of having little prologue novellas for upcoming series. While I enjoyed the characters and the setup, the fact that there is no HEA or any real resolution to any problem presented in this short made me wish that it had simply been included in the beggining of the first book in the series rather than being made into a completely separate work.
I really enjoyed not only Fiona's character, but those of the other girls at the Last Chance Academy, and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to seeing them all get their Happily Ever Afters.
However, that said, I was very disappointed that there was not only no Happily Ever After in this tale, but no real resolution to, well, anything.
I got this from netgalley for free, and at the time of this review, Amazon says that it will be available for $1.99. I can honestly say that I personally would have been VERY unhappy had I paid that much for this story, as it truly felt like an 89-page prologue, and not a complete short story or novella.
To be fair, as with all of Eileen Dreyer's works, it had interesting characters, a wonderful premise, immaculate writing and delicious chemistry. Unfortunately, that couldn't really make up for the fact that I was left feeling quite unsatisfied when I was finished with it.
3/5 stars.
I really enjoyed not only Fiona's character, but those of the other girls at the Last Chance Academy, and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to seeing them all get their Happily Ever Afters.
However, that said, I was very disappointed that there was not only no Happily Ever After in this tale, but no real resolution to, well, anything.
I got this from netgalley for free, and at the time of this review, Amazon says that it will be available for $1.99. I can honestly say that I personally would have been VERY unhappy had I paid that much for this story, as it truly felt like an 89-page prologue, and not a complete short story or novella.
To be fair, as with all of Eileen Dreyer's works, it had interesting characters, a wonderful premise, immaculate writing and delicious chemistry. Unfortunately, that couldn't really make up for the fact that I was left feeling quite unsatisfied when I was finished with it.
3/5 stars.
October 22, 2012
Short and sweet - sort of. I hadn't realised when I added this to my TBR list that it was another of those "trailers" we're starting to get more and more of. It's not a short story or a novella, because it ends on a cliffhanger and so the story isn't complete.
However, as an introduction to Dreyer's next novel, it's certainly done its job, as I really want to read it. The three heroines are all clearly delineated and our first hero, Alex Knight certainly seems as though he's going to be one to sigh over.
BUT. I really wish this had been printed as a prologue to the actual novel rather than put out in advance of it. I've not been able to find a publication date for this (so far) so it's possible that I'll have forgotten all about it by the time it comes out!
This isn't available on Amazon UK, but on .com, it sells for .99 cents. I'd certainly feel short-changed at that price, given it's not even a complete story.
And that's why it's 2 stars, despite being well written and having engaging characters. Publishers have got to stop doing this - it's bloody frustrating!
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley.
However, as an introduction to Dreyer's next novel, it's certainly done its job, as I really want to read it. The three heroines are all clearly delineated and our first hero, Alex Knight certainly seems as though he's going to be one to sigh over.
BUT. I really wish this had been printed as a prologue to the actual novel rather than put out in advance of it. I've not been able to find a publication date for this (so far) so it's possible that I'll have forgotten all about it by the time it comes out!
This isn't available on Amazon UK, but on .com, it sells for .99 cents. I'd certainly feel short-changed at that price, given it's not even a complete story.
And that's why it's 2 stars, despite being well written and having engaging characters. Publishers have got to stop doing this - it's bloody frustrating!
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley.
August 30, 2015
Oh, now I can see why everyone is pooey. That was VERY short. Okay, I loved it, but geez to have to pay for it, just no. That should have been free, then everyone would have been grateful and rushed out to buy the next part of the book for sure. It was great for a lead in...but to charge, that was a bit mean. It is only about 30 pages long.
Okay, the actual story, well, now I can't wait for the first book. It did have a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, and I'm assuming since the h is only 16 and the H is 25 in this novella, that the first book will skip forward quite a few years into the future.
I really like this author, and am looking forward to the first book when it comes out. I will definitely be buying it.
Okay, the actual story, well, now I can't wait for the first book. It did have a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, and I'm assuming since the h is only 16 and the H is 25 in this novella, that the first book will skip forward quite a few years into the future.
I really like this author, and am looking forward to the first book when it comes out. I will definitely be buying it.
January 17, 2016
It Begins With A Kiss is a 23 pages long novella that serves as a prequel to the second trilogy part of The Drake’s Rakes series, the Last Chance Academy.
It occurs before Barely A Lady and introduces new heroines that study in the same school, but they don’t know that what binds them together is the secret behind the institution.
I enjoyed the characters and I’m excited to see what will happen to them. I adore series that focus on the friendship between the main characters. If you haven’t read the first trilogy you can read this book and won’t be lost. It feels more like an insight, introduction and preview to what’s next since It Begins With a Kiss leaves a very open ending without any closure to any of the possible plots presented.
I suggest you wait until next year for the The Drake’s Rakes fourth installment before diving into this book cause it ends with an incredible and surprising cliffhanger!
It occurs before Barely A Lady and introduces new heroines that study in the same school, but they don’t know that what binds them together is the secret behind the institution.
I enjoyed the characters and I’m excited to see what will happen to them. I adore series that focus on the friendship between the main characters. If you haven’t read the first trilogy you can read this book and won’t be lost. It feels more like an insight, introduction and preview to what’s next since It Begins With a Kiss leaves a very open ending without any closure to any of the possible plots presented.
I suggest you wait until next year for the The Drake’s Rakes fourth installment before diving into this book cause it ends with an incredible and surprising cliffhanger!
August 27, 2012
As a prologue it's not bad, but as a stand alone story it has no end and this is something that really bothers me, even if I received this as an ARC by Netgalley.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR THE PREVIW
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING FOR THE PREVIW
July 2, 2012
Okay so I keep hearing about NetGalley and finally had a look. I signed up and requested this book. Imagine my surprise and utter amazement when I got accepted. Now double that. But seriously I couldn't stop grinning like an idiot for hours.
Onto the actual book.
This is a continuation of Dreyer's Drake's Rakes series and it's just a little e-novella teaser for the next trilogy of the series, which will be the Last Chance trilogy and begin with Once a Rogue next year.
I really liked Pip, Fiona and Sarah. I would like to know a little more a Lizzy who is not actually in the story in person. Fi, Pip and Sarah are great characters and despite their youth (they are only 16 and still at finishing school) they're the kind of girls that you would be friends with at a boarding school.
Fi and Alex, I like that they aren't going to be a couple, (on Dreyer's website book five, Two Times a Lady will be about Alex and another person) because a novella about them younger is annoying as you get excited for their story and then have to wait. On the other hand I am left with the knowledge that Fi is going to be as devastated as a 16-year old can be.
Also I don't like that Alex is
Between these three girls and the information from Eileen Dreyer's website, there will be three books in the Last Chance trilogy of the Drake's Rakes series and we have three, maybe four girls from the Academy and three "Rakes" and another heroine, who isn't from the Academy. So I wonder how this will turn out as the Last Chance trilogy.
I am looking forward to Once a Rogue, even more so after this novella (Pip and Ian please!!) but I will have to pencil in a re-read of the first three books so I remember all the rakes (that and I liked them so a re-read is always fun!)
**I received this book as an ARC from Hachette via NetGalley**
Onto the actual book.
This is a continuation of Dreyer's Drake's Rakes series and it's just a little e-novella teaser for the next trilogy of the series, which will be the Last Chance trilogy and begin with Once a Rogue next year.
I really liked Pip, Fiona and Sarah. I would like to know a little more a Lizzy who is not actually in the story in person. Fi, Pip and Sarah are great characters and despite their youth (they are only 16 and still at finishing school) they're the kind of girls that you would be friends with at a boarding school.
Fi and Alex, I like that they aren't going to be a couple, (on Dreyer's website book five, Two Times a Lady will be about Alex and another person) because a novella about them younger is annoying as you get excited for their story and then have to wait. On the other hand I am left with the knowledge that Fi is going to be as devastated as a 16-year old can be.
Also I don't like that Alex is
Between these three girls and the information from Eileen Dreyer's website, there will be three books in the Last Chance trilogy of the Drake's Rakes series and we have three, maybe four girls from the Academy and three "Rakes" and another heroine, who isn't from the Academy. So I wonder how this will turn out as the Last Chance trilogy.
I am looking forward to Once a Rogue, even more so after this novella (Pip and Ian please!!) but I will have to pencil in a re-read of the first three books so I remember all the rakes (that and I liked them so a re-read is always fun!)
**I received this book as an ARC from Hachette via NetGalley**
June 27, 2012
I’m not sure about you, but I love, LOVE Prologues, and this novelette fills this category to a tee in regards to the upcoming new series from Ms. Dreyer.
She cleverly introduces her next three heroines, and the hero of her upcoming full length novel here, and gives me a cliffhanger that made my mouth form an “OH” and “MY’ and “GOD”!
Let me back up a bit and tell you that the characters of all the girls introduced will peak your interest; the setup, of all of them having resided at the Last Chance Academy for some time, and the abuse they endured that bonded them for a life time, was a great teaser for me. No way will I pass up on finding out more about that bond; about that friendship which will be as much of a story as the HEA’s from each girl.
I loved where this story left off, ....
and for the rest of my review, please visit me at...http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley *
She cleverly introduces her next three heroines, and the hero of her upcoming full length novel here, and gives me a cliffhanger that made my mouth form an “OH” and “MY’ and “GOD”!
Let me back up a bit and tell you that the characters of all the girls introduced will peak your interest; the setup, of all of them having resided at the Last Chance Academy for some time, and the abuse they endured that bonded them for a life time, was a great teaser for me. No way will I pass up on finding out more about that bond; about that friendship which will be as much of a story as the HEA’s from each girl.
I loved where this story left off, ....
and for the rest of my review, please visit me at...http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley *
July 5, 2012
A very short story that ends with a cliffhanger, It Begins with a Kiss, is the midpoint between the ending of the first trilogy featuring Drake's Rakes and the beginning of the second (Once a Rogue will release in 2013).
For all the issues with It Begins with a Kiss -- a short story, cliffhanger -- I thought it was a great taste of what's to come, specifically for Alex Knight, Fiona Ferguson, her sister, Mairead, and Alex's sister, Pippin. This e-novella has everything I've come to expect from this series: fast-paced action and romance. It's a little book, but it packs a punch and definitely whets my appetite for more Drake's Rakes.
For all the issues with It Begins with a Kiss -- a short story, cliffhanger -- I thought it was a great taste of what's to come, specifically for Alex Knight, Fiona Ferguson, her sister, Mairead, and Alex's sister, Pippin. This e-novella has everything I've come to expect from this series: fast-paced action and romance. It's a little book, but it packs a punch and definitely whets my appetite for more Drake's Rakes.
December 28, 2014
Alex certainly didn't endear himself to me here. And I'm not sure what the story is. It just read like one big introduction.
October 6, 2021
This is a short preview, or long prologue, to the second half of the series. This was a great introduction to the four heroines who are friends. We also meet one hero.
And the ending, wow, it’s a big cliffhanger! 😯
And the ending, wow, it’s a big cliffhanger! 😯
June 21, 2018
Too short for a novella, too long for a short story, but necessary to understand the characters in the next books. I am not a fan of short literature.
October 26, 2019
Te book is way too short and leaves you hanging with no ending.
October 30, 2022
Possible spoiler: Just a short story in preparation of the next in the series. The age difference had me a bit squeamish, but suspend reality for a minute and it was cute. Just a kiss!! Nothing more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
worst book ending…Ever
If I had known this was a snippet of an idea of a book I wouldn’t have wasted the time to read it. Don’t bother with this if you value your time
If I had known this was a snippet of an idea of a book I wouldn’t have wasted the time to read it. Don’t bother with this if you value your time
September 26, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
January 17, 2023
Rather than just writing a simple, easy-to-read romance, the author addresses unfair situations of societal norms AND delivers an ending with a twist that is both unexpected and sensible.
I received a free copy of this book as part of a promotion, but my views are mine alone and not influenced by the promo.
I received a free copy of this book as part of a promotion, but my views are mine alone and not influenced by the promo.
July 2, 2012
Fiona Ferguson is ready to flee her school when she receives word that her sister is missing but she gets caught and is struck with yet another punishment. Her two closest friends help her flee again, this time with a better plan in place. Fionas friend is certain her brother will help Fiona in her search if she would just wait but Fiona can't believe that anyone that recommended this school, a place of disappointment and punishment, would agree to help her--even if her brother did save his life. All Fiona knows is that she must find her sister and nothing, and no one, will stand in her way.
Alex Knight arrives to late to talk to his latest mission--Fiona. He has just received some information that will alter her life forever but first he must find the girl and make her listen to him. Having his nosy sister along adds a bit of humor but Alex finds himself drawn to the Scottish beauty. But what will Fiona do when she learns the truth about herself and also Alex, especially after they share a romantic kiss?
Well, I really enjoyed this and then it ended. It ends with a cliffhanger and I don't believe the next book is out until next year! This seemed like a long prologue. It introduces us to a couple I can't wait to read more about--studious, feisty Fiona and dashing Alex. We also meet the other young ladies that I believe will have their own stories told in the future. We get just a taste of what is to come and then it ends, which frustrated me and detracted a bit from the story as a result for me. This was well written and I could feel the attraction between Fiona and Alex and I look forward to reading their full story! I also can't wait to see more of the friendship between the ladies and what becomes of the school they attend. Overall, a very nice teaser introduction of what is looking to be a wonderful new set of books from Eileen Dreyer and I am very, very anxious to read more! 4 stars
--I personally think this would have been better released around a month or so before the full length book is to be out instead of months in advance.--
Review copy provided by Forever via netgalley.com
Alex Knight arrives to late to talk to his latest mission--Fiona. He has just received some information that will alter her life forever but first he must find the girl and make her listen to him. Having his nosy sister along adds a bit of humor but Alex finds himself drawn to the Scottish beauty. But what will Fiona do when she learns the truth about herself and also Alex, especially after they share a romantic kiss?
Well, I really enjoyed this and then it ended. It ends with a cliffhanger and I don't believe the next book is out until next year! This seemed like a long prologue. It introduces us to a couple I can't wait to read more about--studious, feisty Fiona and dashing Alex. We also meet the other young ladies that I believe will have their own stories told in the future. We get just a taste of what is to come and then it ends, which frustrated me and detracted a bit from the story as a result for me. This was well written and I could feel the attraction between Fiona and Alex and I look forward to reading their full story! I also can't wait to see more of the friendship between the ladies and what becomes of the school they attend. Overall, a very nice teaser introduction of what is looking to be a wonderful new set of books from Eileen Dreyer and I am very, very anxious to read more! 4 stars
--I personally think this would have been better released around a month or so before the full length book is to be out instead of months in advance.--
Review copy provided by Forever via netgalley.com
July 5, 2012
New York Times bestseller Eileen Dreyer has done it again, this time with a sparkling but smaller entry in her popular Regency offerings.
In IT BEGINS WITH A KISS, Dreyer slips us a bon bon of a novella which introduces Fiona Ferguson and her three friends, all students at Miss Chase’s Finishing School in Bath. Or, as the girls dub the cruelly strict place, the Last Chance Academy. But the school is more than it seems; its real purpose is closely guarded, even from the students.
Fiona, labeled ‘incorrigible’ by the headmistress, has received a letter bearing frightening news. Her twin sister has been spirited away by a suspicious man claiming to have been sent by their brother. Fee knows that’s impossible. Their brother, an officer fighting with the Highland Brigade on the Peninsula, has gone missing in the war. She must find a way home to Scotland, for only she can save her sister.
But Fiona faces a dilemma. She’s under lockdown in the school’s attic for attempting to slip away on that journey. Her closest friend, Pippin, urges her to wait. Pip’s elder brother Alex is on his way and Pip insists he will help in the search. For in her heart, Pip’s certain he works for the government.
But Fee can’t wait. Her sister’s life depends on it. With the help of Pip and another friend, she escapes to set out on her mission, only to be tracked down by the intriguing, all-too-appealing Alex Knight. And when he finds her, the shocking secret he discloses will change Fiona’s life forever.
Dreyer’s wit and humor crackle with energy, and her characters are wonderfully drawn, as usual. It’s apparent why Dreyer is currently nominated for a RITA®, the Romance Writers of America’s top award for published authors.
If you haven’t read Eileen Dreyer’s stories, IT BEGINS WITH A KISS is an excellent place to start. But a warning: like bon bons, they can be habit-forming.
November 16, 2013
Fiona Ferguson, who happens to be Ian's little sister, is away at a special finishing school. It's a place for the women who could be used against the Rake men, or other higher up gentlemen in the military, to safely be away from the enemy. However, the women don't know this for quite some time.
Fiona gets a distressing letter that her twin was taken away from her home and she is in desperate need to go fetch her. Pip Knight is also at this school and she is Alex Knight's sister. She believes Alex can help Fiona and sends him a letter to do so. Little do they know that he was on his way already to check in on Fiona for other reasons.
Fiona runs away from the school with another friend, Lizzie. By the time Alex shows up, he and Pip set out to intercept her and bring her back. Alex will also learn about the bad treatment the girls receive at the school and he will also deliver news to Fiona. However, neither one of them are prepared for the feelings they will experience in the short time they are in each others company.
Too bad that can't ever pan out....
This is a very short story and leaves you on a: WHAT THE HECK ! NO! HOW CAN THAT JUST HAPPEN? moment.
I can't wait to read Alex Knight & Chuffy Wilde's story: Twice Tempted. I'm pretty sure this story will be about these two men becoming involved with Fiona and her twin, Mairead. That's my hope at least.
Fiona gets a distressing letter that her twin was taken away from her home and she is in desperate need to go fetch her. Pip Knight is also at this school and she is Alex Knight's sister. She believes Alex can help Fiona and sends him a letter to do so. Little do they know that he was on his way already to check in on Fiona for other reasons.
Fiona runs away from the school with another friend, Lizzie. By the time Alex shows up, he and Pip set out to intercept her and bring her back. Alex will also learn about the bad treatment the girls receive at the school and he will also deliver news to Fiona. However, neither one of them are prepared for the feelings they will experience in the short time they are in each others company.
Too bad that can't ever pan out....
This is a very short story and leaves you on a: WHAT THE HECK ! NO! HOW CAN THAT JUST HAPPEN? moment.
I can't wait to read Alex Knight & Chuffy Wilde's story: Twice Tempted. I'm pretty sure this story will be about these two men becoming involved with Fiona and her twin, Mairead. That's my hope at least.
November 20, 2012
IT BEGINS WITH A KISS by Eileen Dryer is a quick,fun historical romance. Book 3.5 in the "Drake's Rakes"series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Barely A Lady","Never A Gentleman",and "Always A Temptress".
It gives a bit of information into the other characters at the "Last Chance Academy". Sparks fly when Alex Knight,spy to the Crown and Fiona Ferguson,a Scottish beauty,who is nothing but trouble. Alex soon findsw passion in the arms of Fiona along with a passionate kiss. "It Begins With A Kiss" is a fast paced,quick read. I look forward to the next installment in this series. "It Begins With A Kiss" features the next three heroines in the Drake's Rakes saga"."Three heroines,who not only survived "The Last Chance Academy" but thrived. And three heroes who are master spies masquerading as Drake's Rakes". What is next for the Drake's Rakes and their ladies? I can hardly wait to find out.A must read historical romance. While a quick read it is enjoyable,although you are left with a cliffhanger. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website, Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
It gives a bit of information into the other characters at the "Last Chance Academy". Sparks fly when Alex Knight,spy to the Crown and Fiona Ferguson,a Scottish beauty,who is nothing but trouble. Alex soon findsw passion in the arms of Fiona along with a passionate kiss. "It Begins With A Kiss" is a fast paced,quick read. I look forward to the next installment in this series. "It Begins With A Kiss" features the next three heroines in the Drake's Rakes saga"."Three heroines,who not only survived "The Last Chance Academy" but thrived. And three heroes who are master spies masquerading as Drake's Rakes". What is next for the Drake's Rakes and their ladies? I can hardly wait to find out.A must read historical romance. While a quick read it is enjoyable,although you are left with a cliffhanger. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website, Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
July 2, 2021
This just over 30-page short story is more of a series prologue that closes the door on the initial three heroines of the Drake’s Rakes series, and introduces four young women who will figure as major characters in the next two novels in the series, particularly Twice Tempted. It also gives a subtle hint that even as early as 1811 a certain baron was the chess master behind the traitorous Lions who make their move to take power in the latter months of 1815 after Waterloo. What seems strange is that Dreyer chooses a member of Drake’s Rakes mentioned but never developed even as a secondary character in the first three novels, Alex Knight. The interlude between 16-year-old Fiona and 25-year-old Alex is not entirely believable, and the naivety of the Rakes concerning the assumed safety of their loved ones boggles the mind considering how much the defense of the country depends on them. The kicker of an ending, however, saves the story. The only problem is it makes me want to skip the fourth book of the series and go straight to the fifth, when Alex and Fiona meet again four plus years later.
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July 5, 2012Well.. I read it and I was Like .... WHAT!?! How?!
the ending, or must I say the begining was weird a bit , especially that I liked-no Loved the characters, Pip, Fee, even Alex.
Let's just say that some writers waste pages and pages trying to explain a situation or emotions or even delima, but! in this novella everything was..THERE!!!
So I really really REALLY am irritated that this was just an intro to a series, I want to know there stories and I want to know them NOW!!!!
ok so I'm overreacting a bit, but it was everything I could ask for for a good entertaining story, the friendship, pranks, mischeif, sadness..and Laughter..
Soooo at the end all I'm Saying is that I'm waiting for this series not-so-patiently , So Please Eileen don't disappoint!!
the ending, or must I say the begining was weird a bit , especially that I liked-no Loved the characters, Pip, Fee, even Alex.
Let's just say that some writers waste pages and pages trying to explain a situation or emotions or even delima, but! in this novella everything was..THERE!!!
So I really really REALLY am irritated that this was just an intro to a series, I want to know there stories and I want to know them NOW!!!!
ok so I'm overreacting a bit, but it was everything I could ask for for a good entertaining story, the friendship, pranks, mischeif, sadness..and Laughter..
Soooo at the end all I'm Saying is that I'm waiting for this series not-so-patiently , So Please Eileen don't disappoint!!
June 24, 2012
I loved where this story was going but to end so abruptly the way it did was extremely frustrating. A 16 year old Fiona experiences her first kiss with the older 25 year old brother of her best friend school mate. hummmmm yup still frustrated with this very short, only 32 pages of a 73 page novella but I can't wait to find out what will become of Fiona. She was written with the very promise of becoming a very strong willful young woman and I can't wait to see what havoc she will reap with her newly discovered position.
July 19, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Okay, I'm going to keep this short, since this is a short story.
It Begins with a Kiss was very good. The story was interesting and the ending left me itching with curiosity about what will happen next. Despite the length of the book, the author managed to fit in a surprising amount. I got a full view of each character and even some character growth withing the short story.
Excellent! Now where is the next book...?
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Okay, I'm going to keep this short, since this is a short story.
It Begins with a Kiss was very good. The story was interesting and the ending left me itching with curiosity about what will happen next. Despite the length of the book, the author managed to fit in a surprising amount. I got a full view of each character and even some character growth withing the short story.
Excellent! Now where is the next book...?
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
November 21, 2022
A nice start. A bit rocky and far too short and incomplete. The heroine is obviously still too young, so as a prequel, OK. Too much explaining of the school and no show of how they're going to make the school safe now. But I'm ready for the series!
Just a note about prequel novellas: it needs to be a bit meatier. I think there was more page space devoted to an excerpt from an older book than to this novella.
Just a note about prequel novellas: it needs to be a bit meatier. I think there was more page space devoted to an excerpt from an older book than to this novella.
March 17, 2016
I read this as an introduction to this series.
Disappointed that it wasn't a complete story, instead it just stops.
Frustrated that I had to pay for it (99p), when it isn't even half of the book, or even the first story in the series.
The rest of the ebook is the beginning chapters for the first book and I found myself lost as to who they were when I hadn't been introduced to them in this novella.
That being said I did enjoy the writing.
Disappointed that it wasn't a complete story, instead it just stops.
Frustrated that I had to pay for it (99p), when it isn't even half of the book, or even the first story in the series.
The rest of the ebook is the beginning chapters for the first book and I found myself lost as to who they were when I hadn't been introduced to them in this novella.
That being said I did enjoy the writing.
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March 12, 2023Well it's Eileen Dreyer, snd it's a nifty little thing. With the emphasis on the word little. Not even a short story, really, so for $1.99 for something that short and a teaser for another book, I am not happy. For a lot of authors I'd have given one star just because I was annoyed, but she does a lot to make me go "Ok, ok, when's the next book!"
January 20, 2013
It was such a tease! Now, I know that was the whole point of the very very short story, but i wish i had known going in. Plus, the story is only 35 pages long and the rest is excerpts from books I've already read. But it intrigued me enough that I can't wait for their actual book to come out, so i guess it fulfilled it's purpose.
July 26, 2012
Fiona Ferguson is desperate to rescue her sister, the timing is right and she enlists her three friends all of which are being treated unfairly at Miss Chase’s Finishing School."
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7532
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7532
September 3, 2014
As far as trailer novella prequels go, this one worked. It introduced the characters, set the background story, and piqued my interest. Sure, there wasn't much there... but one wouldn't expect there to be. 3 stars overall - but 4 for the genre
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