Book Shelf: Just A Kiss (It's In His Kiss #0.5) by Ally Broadfield

Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she'll be forced to marry her guardian's loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn't have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can't refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

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Review:

Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield is a spectacular historical romance novella that is perfectly written and features two beguiling characters whose chemistry sky-rockets off the pages. This story was breathtaking!

Can I just say how much I loved this novella? Seriously. I don't think I've ever rated a novella five stars before, but I'd be kidding myself if I didn't give Just a Kiss that perfect rating--it thoroughly deserves it! The amount of wit, humor and sass Ally Broadfield manages to pack into this 80 pages of romance is incredible.

Though I'd be honest and admit I wished this story was longer--simply because I was in love the the characters and their story and wasn't ready for it to end--I feel like Broadfield did a tremendous job making this story feel real, authentic and yet not rushed. The setting of this story is lush, vivid and perfectly depicts life of those in high society during 19th Century London. Glorious balls and debutantes mingle and help whisk you into a addictive story.

Told in dual POV, Just a Kiss follows Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley and a charismatic young man born into high society and Charlotte Lightwood, a simple but stubborn and striking young woman whose lives are about to intertwine. With his grandmothers health deteriorating, Sebastian needs to find a bride and he's hoping to find one this season. Ideally she'll be someone of sophistication and high class who will compliment his status. Charlotte, who has one season to find a husband or who must otherwise marry her sister-in-law's horrid brother in law unexpectedly catches Sebastian's eye and with her small stature but sharp tongue and opinions, he knows that though she appeals to him, he can't have her. And yet he can't get her off his mind, so proposes a bargain to her....he'll help find someone to court her if she helps him find a suitable bride.

The story moves in an obviously expected direction with the two slowly realizing over time that the person they truly want is the other, but I was in no was daunted by how Ally Broadfield wrote their story. The two main characters in Just a Kiss took my breath away! Both as individuals and together. Charlotte is smart, witty and quick thinking. She stands up for herself and has her own opinions and though she is a 19th century lady she is in no way unable to handle herself! Sebastian on the other hand is a real charmer and is charismatic, but he wasn't overly cocky and I appreciated that.

As soon as Charlotte and Sebastian meet these two ooze chemistry, and the witty banter shared between them was exciting to read. They were perfectly matched in their personalities and complimented each other very well. Due to the fact this is a novella, Ally Broadfield builds their relationship fast, but given the time and setting, this didn't seem like it was forced. Charlotte and Sebastian were tantalizing to read about together and the sensuality to their relationship was enjoyable in this historical romance.

A sharp and witty historical romance, Just a Kiss is a perfectly paced and sensual historic read! Short, but oh so sweet, Just a Kiss is perfect for YA/NA readers looking for a historical romance that isn't over the top. I'm very much looking to see what Ally Broadfield does next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Entangled Publishing (Thanks guys!)
Format: Ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Recommendation: Historical and NA fans will love this!
Cover: The cover is STUNNING!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I look forward to reading more from Ally Broadfield and potentially this series.