Lulia Vasile is the daughter of a Romany princess and an Earl’s second son. She grew up playing roles in a traveling theater, performing at county fairs, and has dabbled in fortune telling. She makes no apologies for who she is, and lives life as she pleases.Finley Prescott, the Duke of Clare, doesn’t leave his townhouse unless it’s necessary. He has responsibilities and people who depend on him. … depend on him. All he wants is to disappear from the world. He doesn’t do well in large gatherings and lacks social graces.
Fin and Lulia have a history. One that neither one has forgotten. When they meet again they are drawn together. After that chance meeting they share a magical kiss. Along the way they discover that sometimes the one thing a person needs isn’t what they would expect.
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Such a sweet and interesting short story! Having met once before 12 years ago, in which a fortune was told and a kiss exchanged, Fin and Lulia meet up again and discover their attraction to each other is still very much alive.
Lulia, the part Gypsy lass with a secret, has never forgotten Fin and when they finally meet up again, she’s determined to convince him they have a future together. Fin, who has always blamed himself for his father’s death, has spent the years convinced he doesn’t deserve love or happiness. It’s up to Lulia to convince him otherwise:)
Well written and a perfect read in between Christmas preparations!!
A GYPSY’S CHRISTMAS KISS is the sixth book in the Connected by a Kiss series and the sixth book in the Scandal Meets Love series. IMHO this should have been book 3.5, since their relationship is mentioned in book four. If you haven’t started the series or haven’t yet read that far into the series, I would suggest reading this one before book four.
That said, I adored Lulia’s and Fin’s story. This is a second-chance romance with an interesting twist, starting with their meet-cute in her father’s store when she was about 16 years old and he was a new duke of 20 years old. They didn’t see each other again for 12 years, but each recognized the other, had never forgotten the other, were drawn to, infatuated with, and curious about each other.
I liked that Lulia was proud of heritage during a time when being Romani was looked down upon. Even more so, I liked that Fin didn’t care a fig about her Romani roots. He loved the woman, not her family tree.
Christmas is a hard time for Fin. He assumed his title during the Christmastide when his father broke his neck on a horse that Fin gave him as a Christmas gift. Losing a parent a Christmas is hard enough, but he is dealing with guilt as well. Isn’t it wonderful when the right woman can come along to help a man to heal? I was rooting for them both from word one.
This is the kind of story that never makes me sad, but adds to my happiness by the end. Right now (during this unprecedentedly depressing time in history), contentment is an especially desirable commodity.
Since this book is a cross-over between two series, I will be looking for more in each of the series.
Narration: Megan Green has a beautiful British-accented voice that is the perfect sound for this Regency romance. She did a wonderful job of differentiating between the different characters and it was a joy to listen to her.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via Audiobooks Unleashed, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A GYPSY’S CHRISTMAS KISS
Series: Scandal Meets Love #7; Connected by a Kiss #6
Category /Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Dawn Brower (as an Audible gifted copy)
I listened to this as an audio book. At first I was not a big fan of the narrator’s voice and it did distract from my enjoyment of the book itself. I felt the narrator over emoted, was too dramatic in her presentation and trying to distinguish different characters for each persona.
Once she settled into the book this did improve, but I was already a bit distracted from the story.
Lulia Vasile is proud of her gypsy heritage yet she has secrets to keep, even from her closest friend.
Finley Prescott, the Duke of Clare, was not responsible for his father’s death, but feels responsible. Afraid to get close to anyone else, he limits his relationships and prefers to spend time alone.
When, as a young man, he happens across a young gypsy girl and has his fortune told, he can’t get her or her message out of his mind and heart. They meet again many years later. The initial attraction is still there.
I found him to be cold and distant, with nothing attractive about him. It was difficult to be sympathetic to his situation. I knew they would get together eventually but hoped he would show more depth and growth.
Finley, the Duke of Clare, isn’t the warm and fuzzy type. The Battle of Waterloo and a few personal tragedy hasn’t exactly made him open to love and everything that goes with it. But while out feeling sorry for himself, he comes upon a shop and meets a mysterious young woman.
Lulia is the daughter of a Romany princess and a disgraced English nobleman’s son. Her mixed heritage means she doesn’t fit anywhere, and when she’s left orphaned, she relies on her few friends to keep her company. Teaching fencing lessons pays her bills, as does telling fortunes. When a sad young man with a chip on his shoulder comes into her shop, she might see more than she plans.
Years later, Lulia has slipped into English high society, spending time with her pupil turned friend, Diana. But she carries many secrets, even from those closest to her. One secret is the strange bond she felt with the young man she met so many years ago. And when the same young man steps back into her life, will her hidden past ruin everything or will the pieces fall into place just in time for Christmas?
This instalove story is what I like to call “Grammy Safe.” I can listen to it with my grandmother in the car on my way to drop her off at mass with no worries. I can also listen to it on my way to drop my daughter at ballet class. The sweet story is driven mainly by emotions and unexplainable ties that draw Finley and Lulia together. Of course they’re both very attractive, but a few chaste kisses are all this late Georgian era couple share on their way to happily ever after.
I do wish this book was longer and a little deeper where the story was concerned. When I say it was instalove, I mean they were completely fixed on each other after ten minutes to the point where even after ten years, they were still mad for each other. I would have liked to see why they loved each other without the vague “he’s perfect” and “she’s strong.” Lulia is such a vivid character with such different parents and Finley has such an interesting past that I’m sure has many stories, that I’m left wanting more.
But the story was short and sweet and great for a little feel-good diversion that makes audiobooks so special. It certainly helped that while listening, it was snowing in my area, mimicking the flurries Lulia and Finley saw in England.
This is my first listen to a piece Megan Green lends her voice to. She has a certain inflection to her tone that really gave an exotic feel to the book. Lulia’s accent was distinct, making it clear who was speaking when she was sharing a moment with Diana. Even the men had a slightly different tone and everyone’s voice was consistent throughout the work. While consistency doesn’t sound like something to be applauded, I have listened to some audiobooks where a character loses their accent midway through!
Overall, I enjoyed the story and wished that the rest of the series delved into it more, particularly where Lulia is concerned. How did her parents meet and fall in love? What’s it like being a Romany princess? Did she have to give up fencing? Will she try for the Romany throne? Dawn Brower, if you read this, I would like more Lulia, please and thank you.
3.5 star review:
I love regency romances. This is a well written one of them. It has a nice storyline and plot. The characters are likeable and they have a nice chemistry.
They are both hunted by their past. He has a been hurt because of the death of his father and how he died. She is a romany princess with a noblely father. They have a short meeting and their ways passes each other again several years later. Their instant attraction is not easy to forget for them.
I would have liked the story to not be that rushed and have more depth both in characters and story. It lacked some placed because it was too rushed.
I normally like fast paced stories but especially the ending in this was very forced.
It is an easy and entertaining read because of the chemistry and passion.
The narrator did a great job at covering the cast of characters all by herself. Always enjoy hearing an English accent. The story was a little confusing in the beginning when they first met and how they meet again but the main character was unique. She read people’s future and believes fully in that fortune. Very different story line from the usual historical romance. Fun to have something unique.
A short sweet historical romance. When two people, from different backgrounds, are brought back together, there’s a chance that those long lost feelings can resurface. Will Fin and Lucia get their happily ever after?
An enjoyable listen with a great narration.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
His family died leaving him alone and filled with guilt. They met and she tried to tell him his future/fortune. He ran for 12 years, but they still meet again. Will this sweet couple find their HEA after all. Read this sweet clean romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intriguing clean and sweet holiday romance story. Amazing charming characters. It is written well. I liked reading the book and a pleasure to review it.
Her mother was a gypsy princess and an earl. She lives her life as she sees fit and she enjoys life. He only goes out when he must as he prefers to hide away. They met once before and they meet again sharing a kiss. Can they be made for each other? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve read several books written by Dawn Brower; she has written another excellent book. She is becoming one of my favorite authors.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella is a clean and sweet romance between Finley Prescott, the Duke of Clare and Lulia Vasile. Their paths crossed in 1803. It was brief but unforgettable. Years later in 1815 they ran into each other at a soiree given by Lady Diana Northesk. Lady Diana is Lulia closest and dearest friend. Fin was enraptured seeing Lulia again and was determined to get to know her better. Lulia felt the attraction to Fin as well. However, Lulia had a secret that no one knew about. When her parents died, she had a choice to live with her father’s family or her mother’s family. She chose her mother’s family. Her paternal Grandfather disowned her. Lulia has been safely on her own since. Meeting Fin after all these years made her want to spend more time together. Eventually Lulia would have to come clean to her friend Diana and to Fin. I really enjoyed reading this. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely second-chance regency romance. Clean and sweet, this is a quick read. I really loved the characters and their story to their happily ever after. I just wish the story was a little longer…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss by Dawn Brower in the series Scandal Meets Love. This story is warm and sweet about a chance meeting, an unexpected connection, and a unique romance that survives time until they meet again.
My free opinion. Thanks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is intriguing, romantic and sweet. They met when she was 16 and he was instantly drawn to her, until she read his fortune, and he couldn’t get away fast enough. Year later they meet again, and things move quickly from there. The characters are sweet and likable and the storyline is fun and intriguing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
” A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss: Scandal Meets Love- Connected by a Kiss Book 6” by Dawn Brower is a tale of a Romany performer Lulia Vasile and the Duke of Clare one Finley Prescott who share a magical kiss…a smooch that leads to an fated romance once foretold by Lulia herself. And both of them find out..as predicted …that they needed each other giving them their very own HEA! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this short second chance Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. Lulia was half gypsy and half nobility. He just became a duke at age 20 when the horse he gave his father threw him and he died. He went into a store and met a young gypsy girl that attracted him immediately and told his fortune. He felt so guilty about his father that he fled to !London and stayed there. Twelve years later, he met Lilia at a party at her cousins home and they were immediately attracted to each other again ( they never had stopped dreaming about each other) and agreed to go to His estate for Christmas. Howev, good things happened and the ending was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fin never expected to inherit the dukedom until his brother and nephew die. There are so many rules of the ton he must adhere to and responsibilities that come with the title. Meeting the enchanting gypsy Miss Lulia, their relationship can never become more than just friends. And yet Lulia holds a secret that would make a huge impact on the hoity toity ton society, if ever it was revealed. Yes. This is definitely a sweet and charming romance that deserves to be read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really super enjoyed this story. The characters were so well developed that it seamlessly weave its tale with great detail and depth kept me totally engaged throughout the entire book.
Fin’s father has just died at age 40 and he blames himself because he bought the horse that killed him so he is in no hurry to go home and so he goes to the town and goes to the shop for a deter from going home and he meets a beautiful woman. Lulia goes to live with her Romney family and does not like it and then she meets her cousin Diana and they get along well but then she meets Fin again and she wants him to go home and be with his people that he needs to take care of as the Duke of Clare and then they kiss for the second time and its magical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.