A Chance to Kiss the Marquess

by Maggie Dallen

Is it Ann's imagination, or is the terrifying Marquess...flirting with her?

Miss Ann Truesdale must make a match this season, but how can she expect any man to view her as a wife when they all see her as their friend's pitiful younger sister? Worse yet, all her life she's had trouble speaking to others—particularly handsome young men. It's only by pouring her thoughts into her diary that she's managed to overcome the issue. And now that diary is missing...

Unbeknownst to Ann, that diary has landed in the hands of the man she fears the most—the formidable Marquess of Kalvin. A man who makes her tremble with a glare and renders her speechless when he towers over her.

But like it or not, the quiet wallflower has caught the eye of the most sought after lord in London...

Ann's story is the third novella in the Charmed by Chance series, a School of Charm spinoff, which is best read in order.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Historical Romance

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Ann Truesdale must make a match this season, but all her life she's had trouble speaking to others—particularly handsome young men. It's only by pouring her thoughts into her diary that she's managed to overcome the issue. And now that diary is missing. Unbeknownst to Ann, that diary has landed in the hands of the man she fears the most, the formidable Marquess of Kalvin. A man who makes her tremble with a glare and renders her speechless when he towers over her.
I loved Ann who was so shy & also Kal who was formidable & I loved their journey to a HEA. Kal was a surprise when he realised Ann could talk to him if she couldn’t see him, so talking whilst hidden by plants or bookshelves helped her. There were misunderstandings & they almost lost each other. A delightful & charming romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender romance develops between the most unlikely couple in this delightful novel. Ann Truesdale suffers from excruciating shyness and an embarrassing stutter, and when the man she is most intimidated by finds the diary in which she writes down phrases to practice her speech, she is mortified. Marquess of Kalvin is a man who took on the responsibilities of his title at a very young age, making him somewhat severe and self-contained. He certainly knows very little about relationships but when he finds Ann's diary and gets a glimpse into the struggles she endures, his heart goes out to her and he tries to find a way to help her communicate more easily. Unfortunately, misunderstandings abound and Kal almost loses the best thing that has ever happened to him, before he comes to his senses and stakes his claim. The plot ends on a lovely note, with both Ann and Kal finding the missing part in their lives. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ann does not have a positive perception of herself more pragmatic and does not believe Lord Kalvins words of compliment or love during their informal coourtship. However Lord Kalvin becomes more aware of Ann after her discovers her notebook. Ann has been protected by her family due to her speech impediment and Lord Kalvin respects Ann's request for no eye contact during their interactions allowing her to be more relaxed with her speech and not stutter as much. Ann ends up in a love triangle where one offers her a friendship relationship for her future spouse what she has wanted all along whereas the other offers love and acceptance, respect for who she is in her future marriage that confuses her as which is the better option. But with the help of this pairs friends and family assisting with moments of interaction between Ann and Lord Kalvin and Lord Albright, hopefully Ann make a choice that is best for her future self.

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean story. Third book in this series. I would recommend they are read in order, but it is not strictly necessary.
I enjoyed this story of a wallflower and a glowering Marquess. Maybe it doesn’t have the depth of some books, but it is a novella ( harder in a short space to build on things) a pleasant story, ideal to fill in a short space of time.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another sweet romance. Although it is part of the series which makes reading more enjoyable, you can read this as a stand alone. These books are always beautifully written, with real characters and warm loving romance and relationships. They are just a great feel good read. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Historical Romance

Ann and Kal are an unlikely couple, or are they? She loses her diary; he finds it. That brings her to his attention, and the two form a friendship. Ann has her eye on another lord, but is she looking in the wrong place? She captures Kal’s heart; will he convince her he is the one she needs? I enjoyed this charming historical romance novella.

[Tina Price · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perfectly charming, zero heat beyond closed door romance. We, the reader barely get three kisses exchanged but we are to believe he is ravished by passion for her?

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was too much misunderstanding in this book for my taste.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous two books in this series, I think it went on a bit in the second half of the book. The writer trampled Ann's speech impediment and Kal's attitude to death.

[Kortnie]

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