What do you think?
Rate this book
Bluestockings Defying Rogues #2.5
One Wicked Kiss
Some beginnings are bittersweet In 1814 Lucas Carter, the Earl of Darcy rescues Miss Natalia Benson during a snowstorm, and experiences love at first sight. But she's running from an arranged marriage to an evil man and doesn't want to inflict her problems on to him. Can they overcome the danger or will their fledgling love unravel before it has a chance to take root.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2019
23 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Brower
270 books421 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 13, 2019
One Wicked Kiss by Dawn Brower is a Regency romance which declares itself from the very first moments to be of my favourite kind, with its series subtitle 'Bluestockings defying Rogues'. There's little I like more from a historical romance than for a woman - whose intellect and personality are a little too robust for polite society - to get the better of a man who thinks he can best her, so I had high hopes for this audiobook.
Miss Natalia Benson, the illegitimate child of Vicount Atherton, is indeed well-educated but seems a little timid compared to most 'bluestocking' heroines, and lacks the feisty wit that defines the type. She is not without courage, however, and Lia begins the tale by running away from an unfavourable marriage to a wicked French count. The group she meets on the road stand to change the course of her destiny; and she theirs.
As it is merely a brief prequel many of the characters and plotlines are left unresolved, but there's a lot of promise in both the primary and secondary relationships. The set-up for the next book certainly establishes both with enough depth to pique one's curiosity regarding their ultimate fates. It is the start of an adventure, but one which I feel ought to be a free 'teaser' for the series (such as Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's prequel, The Very First Damned Thing).
Megan Green's narration is earnest and has a sweet, gentle charm, but is hindered a little in places by a slight lisp and awkward rhythm, which eases as she settles into the story and the language begins to feel more natural. Green delivers the various characters' voices admirably, switching easily from one accent to another without hesitation, despite there being quite an array!
It was unfortunate that there was so little subtlety to the protagonists' first meeting. Simply having the Earl think, inexplicably, that "she seemed special" before they had exchanged a word was a rather cheap observation with which to register his interest in the lady. Perhaps because this audiobook is only intended to be a short prequel novella it does not possess the lightness of touch at such a significant moment as would be expected in a novel.
It also borrows a few too many well-known names from Austen - Darcy and Western for example - which at times makes it feel a bit like Regency fanfiction. Whilst both surnames are common, I think one will always encounter a little difficulty in trying to establish a unique hero in any regency romance when he is a wealthy, well-bred, gentleman by the name of Darcy.
Overall I felt that this story was a little too much of a whirlwind, and rather lacking in the level of detail necessary to make the romance feel sincere. There was little of the formality which was of such great import to the era, and the author told us that the protagonists fell instantly in love without really spending the time on making either appear worthy of the other's affection. It meant that the 'love at first sight' sentiment around which the story centered was not especially convincing. Anachronistic language (such as use of the word "wanker" as a pejorative) as well as uncustomarily-informal behaviour meant that it never really felt embedded into Regency culture.
I wish this hadn't been my first experience of a book by Dawn Brower, whose other work appears to be well regarded within the genre. I like the look of many of her other books, and think that this one suffers more from the restricted length than anything else, and would have been better if more time had been devoted to building the sense of peril that would have made Lia's abandonment of Lucas feel more necessary.
I'd like to listen to other books by this author before passing judgement on her work, as I do not think that this piece is probably very representative of such an established writer's usual novels. I really wanted to like it but it was rather disappointing.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
Miss Natalia Benson, the illegitimate child of Vicount Atherton, is indeed well-educated but seems a little timid compared to most 'bluestocking' heroines, and lacks the feisty wit that defines the type. She is not without courage, however, and Lia begins the tale by running away from an unfavourable marriage to a wicked French count. The group she meets on the road stand to change the course of her destiny; and she theirs.
As it is merely a brief prequel many of the characters and plotlines are left unresolved, but there's a lot of promise in both the primary and secondary relationships. The set-up for the next book certainly establishes both with enough depth to pique one's curiosity regarding their ultimate fates. It is the start of an adventure, but one which I feel ought to be a free 'teaser' for the series (such as Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's prequel, The Very First Damned Thing).
Megan Green's narration is earnest and has a sweet, gentle charm, but is hindered a little in places by a slight lisp and awkward rhythm, which eases as she settles into the story and the language begins to feel more natural. Green delivers the various characters' voices admirably, switching easily from one accent to another without hesitation, despite there being quite an array!
It was unfortunate that there was so little subtlety to the protagonists' first meeting. Simply having the Earl think, inexplicably, that "she seemed special" before they had exchanged a word was a rather cheap observation with which to register his interest in the lady. Perhaps because this audiobook is only intended to be a short prequel novella it does not possess the lightness of touch at such a significant moment as would be expected in a novel.
It also borrows a few too many well-known names from Austen - Darcy and Western for example - which at times makes it feel a bit like Regency fanfiction. Whilst both surnames are common, I think one will always encounter a little difficulty in trying to establish a unique hero in any regency romance when he is a wealthy, well-bred, gentleman by the name of Darcy.
Overall I felt that this story was a little too much of a whirlwind, and rather lacking in the level of detail necessary to make the romance feel sincere. There was little of the formality which was of such great import to the era, and the author told us that the protagonists fell instantly in love without really spending the time on making either appear worthy of the other's affection. It meant that the 'love at first sight' sentiment around which the story centered was not especially convincing. Anachronistic language (such as use of the word "wanker" as a pejorative) as well as uncustomarily-informal behaviour meant that it never really felt embedded into Regency culture.
I wish this hadn't been my first experience of a book by Dawn Brower, whose other work appears to be well regarded within the genre. I like the look of many of her other books, and think that this one suffers more from the restricted length than anything else, and would have been better if more time had been devoted to building the sense of peril that would have made Lia's abandonment of Lucas feel more necessary.
I'd like to listen to other books by this author before passing judgement on her work, as I do not think that this piece is probably very representative of such an established writer's usual novels. I really wanted to like it but it was rather disappointing.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
January 10, 2019
For The Love💘 Of A Girl💃
England 1814. A Regency Era Romance
Natalia💃💋 is the illegitimate daughter of Viscount Atherton. He claimed her because her mother died at her birth, but she was raised by nannies and was not sent to finishing school. He basically ignores her. At eighteen now, does she even have a dowry?
Her father is essentially going to trade her to a selfish Comte. He doesn't care if the Comte marries her or not.
Natalia overhears their conversation and runs away. Her mother was french, and she decides to go to France. Surely there are some relatives there!
She flees during a snowstorm, meeting Earl Darcy🐺🍆🌋, a notorious rake, when her coach slides off the road and overturns. He rescues her from freezing to death. It's 💘love at first sight!
ARC Received by from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book from Amazon for $.99
This is a short story novella and is very fast paced. It ends in a cliffhanger. A full book📕 and continuation of Natalia and Lucas ' story will be published in early 2019, titled Earl In Trouble.
England 1814. A Regency Era Romance
Natalia💃💋 is the illegitimate daughter of Viscount Atherton. He claimed her because her mother died at her birth, but she was raised by nannies and was not sent to finishing school. He basically ignores her. At eighteen now, does she even have a dowry?
Her father is essentially going to trade her to a selfish Comte. He doesn't care if the Comte marries her or not.
Natalia overhears their conversation and runs away. Her mother was french, and she decides to go to France. Surely there are some relatives there!
She flees during a snowstorm, meeting Earl Darcy🐺🍆🌋, a notorious rake, when her coach slides off the road and overturns. He rescues her from freezing to death. It's 💘love at first sight!
ARC Received by from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book from Amazon for $.99
This is a short story novella and is very fast paced. It ends in a cliffhanger. A full book📕 and continuation of Natalia and Lucas ' story will be published in early 2019, titled Earl In Trouble.
May 6, 2019
A good short story with a cliffhanger ending. 3☆
August 25, 2019
One Wicked Kiss by Dawn Brower is a historic romance about a young man who rescues a woman during a snowstorm and falls in love at first sight. I listened to this book on audio narrated by Megan Green. Megan Green did a great job narrating. I love her accent with the historic romances. This is the first book of Dawn Brower's that I have read and look forward to reading more of her books in the future. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes historical romances. However, it does on a cliff hanger so be prepared to have the next book in your possession.
February 1, 2021
One Wiched Kiss (che in italiano è stato tradotto con Un bacio audace) è una novella della serie historical romance Bluestockings Defying Rogues.
Sinceramente ho un serio problema con le novelle, perché se vengono utilizzate per conoscere meglio un personaggio, raccontare qualche evento particolare o l'aspetto di una storia già trattata in un romanzo allora le adoro ma quando vengono utilizzate per raccontare una storia totalmente nuova resto quasi sempre delusa perché non tutte le autrici sono capaci di creare qualcosa di veramente bello in poche pagine. Questo perché a causa della brevità si rischia di scrivere una storia senza i giusti approfondimenti.
In questo caso specifico tutto avviene troppo velocemente, colpo di fulmine tra i due protagonisti, credibilità zero e come se non bastasse lascia il finale aperto nell'attesa di leggere l'ebook successivo.
La storia poteva essere davvero interessante. Siamo nel 1814, la nostra protagonista è Natalia, figlia illegittima di un nobile che sta per essere ceduta dal padre a un lascivo nobile francese. Natalia, che non desidera affatto questo matrimonio scappa di casa. Prende una diligenza ma ha un incidente, unica superstite, viene salvata da Lucas, Conte di Darcy che ne resta subito attratto senza nemmeno averle parlato. Natalia incontra poi una parente (guarda caso...) che l'aiuta.
L'alchimia tra i due protagonisti è mal sviluppata e si sente poco o nulla l'epoca regency (per esempio la cugina che manda Natalia nella stanza dei due gentiluomini a chiedere al suo amante (un duca) di raggiungerla in camera da letto????).
Leggerò qualche altro titolo di quest'autrice per scoprire se può fare di meglio.
Sinceramente ho un serio problema con le novelle, perché se vengono utilizzate per conoscere meglio un personaggio, raccontare qualche evento particolare o l'aspetto di una storia già trattata in un romanzo allora le adoro ma quando vengono utilizzate per raccontare una storia totalmente nuova resto quasi sempre delusa perché non tutte le autrici sono capaci di creare qualcosa di veramente bello in poche pagine. Questo perché a causa della brevità si rischia di scrivere una storia senza i giusti approfondimenti.
In questo caso specifico tutto avviene troppo velocemente, colpo di fulmine tra i due protagonisti, credibilità zero e come se non bastasse lascia il finale aperto nell'attesa di leggere l'ebook successivo.
La storia poteva essere davvero interessante. Siamo nel 1814, la nostra protagonista è Natalia, figlia illegittima di un nobile che sta per essere ceduta dal padre a un lascivo nobile francese. Natalia, che non desidera affatto questo matrimonio scappa di casa. Prende una diligenza ma ha un incidente, unica superstite, viene salvata da Lucas, Conte di Darcy che ne resta subito attratto senza nemmeno averle parlato. Natalia incontra poi una parente (guarda caso...) che l'aiuta.
L'alchimia tra i due protagonisti è mal sviluppata e si sente poco o nulla l'epoca regency (per esempio la cugina che manda Natalia nella stanza dei due gentiluomini a chiedere al suo amante (un duca) di raggiungerla in camera da letto????).
Leggerò qualche altro titolo di quest'autrice per scoprire se può fare di meglio.
January 8, 2019
Even though this was a very short read it was an extremely satisfying read. It is full of emotion and feelings. It really hit all my expectations in a good story. The overall story of Miss Natalia Benson running from a cruel father that arranged a marriage for her with a creepy licentious comte. Running away on a mail coach during a blizzard the coach crashes killing the driver and causes her to become unconscious. Lucas, the Earl of Darcy and his companions came across the coach. Lucas checked to see if he could be of any help. He found the driver dead and a passenger alive but unconscious in the coach. He rescues her. One of Lucas’ traveling companions is Callista, the Countess of Marin. She was abrupt and stared at Natalia as if she knew her. This is the beginning of four people whose lives would forever be entwined. An excellent read and I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2019
This is a sweet prequel novella for Dawn Brower's Earl in Trouble. Natalia's father is perfectly awful - she is illegitimate and he has only barely supported her. She eavesdrops and learns he is going to marry her to a cruel man. She runs away, suffers an accident and meets Lucas.
Lucas is running from his own problems - his father, too. He isn't ready to settle down and wants to maintain his freedom until he meets a hurt young lady, Natalia.
There is insta-love and insta-chemistry in this story. Would be rated PG, no sex, no HEA - but a great introduction to the characters. I'm now interested in reading Earl in Trouble.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucas is running from his own problems - his father, too. He isn't ready to settle down and wants to maintain his freedom until he meets a hurt young lady, Natalia.
There is insta-love and insta-chemistry in this story. Would be rated PG, no sex, no HEA - but a great introduction to the characters. I'm now interested in reading Earl in Trouble.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2020
Having listened to 3 other audiobooks in this series as well as some others by Dawn Brower, in my honest opinion, this is not up to scratch.
Firstly, it is just too short and by this I mean that just as the story begins to go somewhere, it ends! Just like a 'Teaser' and that is a great pity as there is so much potential for a really good story.
Then, the choice of Narrator was not of the best. Granted, Megan Green's character speeches are good but the telling of the story is very sing-song and 'full stops' do not end the sentences but seem rather like a pause for breath.
I really hate writing this type of review but there it is. I apologize if anyone is offended by my honest opinion.
I listened to the audiobook version and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
Firstly, it is just too short and by this I mean that just as the story begins to go somewhere, it ends! Just like a 'Teaser' and that is a great pity as there is so much potential for a really good story.
Then, the choice of Narrator was not of the best. Granted, Megan Green's character speeches are good but the telling of the story is very sing-song and 'full stops' do not end the sentences but seem rather like a pause for breath.
I really hate writing this type of review but there it is. I apologize if anyone is offended by my honest opinion.
I listened to the audiobook version and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
January 6, 2019
I was really enjoying this story when at 64%, it finished on a cliffhanger. The rest of the story will be told in a new book later on. I know the author apologised for the cliff hanger but unfortunately this doesn’t help the reader who has paid for this book. Most of this story is also in The Christmas Brothel stories, which I had purchased. I don’t like giving a low star rating but I was so disappointed with the length and I dislike cliffhangers. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2019
I loved this short Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. She was the bastard daughter of a viscount who ignored her and treated her terribly. She overheard him plotting to marry her to a terrible man and ran away. There were complications, but she was rescued by a.man wh she instantly fell for. However, she needed to run far away and left. There is a next book coming soon that I can't wait for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2023
Not Enough “There” There
I have read or listened to other books in this series, and after seeing the hero of this book in the others, I was very much looking forward to his romance. Unfortunately, this book was so incredibly short—under 1 1/2 hours—that there wasn't much to enjoy. I was hoping for so much more, as I found him an intriguing character. While I certainly recommend other books in this series and by this author, this one doesn't have enough to it for me to feel like I can recommend it.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
I have read or listened to other books in this series, and after seeing the hero of this book in the others, I was very much looking forward to his romance. Unfortunately, this book was so incredibly short—under 1 1/2 hours—that there wasn't much to enjoy. I was hoping for so much more, as I found him an intriguing character. While I certainly recommend other books in this series and by this author, this one doesn't have enough to it for me to feel like I can recommend it.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
January 7, 2019
This book is just a teaser! It shows how Natalia and Lucas meet, but in the end, it is a cliffhanger. Where from what I read I enjoyed the story I feel kind of let down. This is nothing against the author, but if I were you I would wait for “Earl in Trouble” before picking this one up then you will have the complete story. Per info in the arc, the complete story comes out in February. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 9, 2019
This is short, sweet and suspenseful. Lucas is charming, friendly and sweet. Lia is brave, vulnerable and strong. Lia is in an accident while fleeing from her father, Lucas rescues her and is captivated by her. She really likes Lucas too, so she does what her concience tells her to. Then you get a cliihanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2019
This is a sweet historical romance set at Christmas time. The characters are strong and likable and the author does a good job describing the times and events as well as moving the story quickly and smoothly. Warning: it does end in a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 7, 2019
This novella length read was enjoyable. The plot was engaging and I liked the characters. The book itself offers a nice blend of romance, sweetness, mystery and drama all set in a Christmassy setting. This is a short read and it does end very abruptly on a cliffhanger. This is my candid, freely posted review.
January 21, 2019
Love at first sight doesn’t always happen at the most opportune moment. This short novella left me wanting more...
Megan Green‘s narration was perfect for this story. I look forward to listening to more of her performances.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Megan Green‘s narration was perfect for this story. I look forward to listening to more of her performances.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
January 24, 2019
One Wicked Kiss by Dawn Brower is a delightful part of the Bluestockings Defying Rogues. I found this short story to capture my interest with its vivid imagery and alluring characters. Megan Green brings the characters to life with her narration. She gives distinguishable voices and inflects the right emotions. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.
January 6, 2019
Lady Natalia is on the run from her father and her fate.
Lucas, the Earl of Darcy rescues her.
There’s a mystery over Natalia’s mother and her past. And a new relation in Callista.
Ends in a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucas, the Earl of Darcy rescues her.
There’s a mystery over Natalia’s mother and her past. And a new relation in Callista.
Ends in a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2019
This is book three in the Bluestockings Defying Rogues series I will warn this book ends on a cliff-hanger. A well written story looking to reading the next book so I know the end of their story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2019
This was a great short read that is interesting enough to get you looking forward to what is to follow in the next book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2019
This book is a great beginning to what I assume will be a great story. The way these two click with each other immediately isn’t something often found so I hope that they will have their own HEA in the future.
January 31, 2019
She is running from an arranged marriage to an evil man when she meets him. He wants to help her and a kiss helps them bond. Can they keep.safe from them? Can they have a great future? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2019
The narrator fit this story perfectly. She had a soft and lovely voice that coincides with the story. It was a good clean romance that fit the time period very well. I would have loved a more resolved ending but I still knew it was going to be a happy one.
January 8, 2019
This was an intensely stunning story. I loved every single moment. This was definitely a keeper. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
January 20, 2019
This is a short book to get you started. Good start with likeable characters. I definitely want to see where this storyline is going. Great chemistry already.
January 29, 2019
Captivating sweet Regency historical drama filled romance story. Engaging characters. It is well-written, I liked reading. It was a pleasure to review.
June 6, 2020
A very short story which ended abruptly.
January 14, 2021
this is the story of an illegitimate daughter that the father hardly cares for. in fact he nearly gives her away if she wouldn't have run away... Great narration. I got this book from the narrator and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Read
December 23, 2022the narrator was too bad for me to finish this one. if I have time i may give it another go but read it myself instead
January 27, 2019
A nice christmas time historical tale with very likeable characters and you rooted for the heroine and the hero. It was a nice story and a short read. So when you get a chance you should check it out and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews