Lady Mary Dalton fills her time with anything she pleases–and she pleases to do as she likes. With no interest in a husband, Lady Mary is perfectly content to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of her days. However, Mary’s parents have other ideas.For the Christmas festivities at Bran Manor, Mary’s brother brings home the Duke of Carlton, an infamous man known for his many improprieties, as well … improprieties, as well as for his distaste in matrimony. Despite his rakish ways, Mary is drawn to him in the most vexing and exasperating way.
But when Mary stumbles into the Duke of Carlton’s arms one snowy eve, an undeniable attraction is set into motion. Suddenly, marriage no longer seems so horrific–for either of them.
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This book was simply a joy to read !
Tamara Gill ‘s clever characters and interactions have you laughing , cheering, grimacing and just out n out enjoying the read and turning the pages to see who does what next!
This is a story about a spirited , spectacle wearing wallflower who loves fishing , swimming , hiking , rock climbing and all sorts of ” unladylike” behavior for society standards and the peer who fights to not fall for the young woman at all…and he soon realizes that’s just what he’s done!
Read Dale and Mary’s story as only Tamara Gill’ s capable mind can put together for all we Regency Era book lovers can enjoy!
Loved it and my thanks to Miss Gill !
Can’t wait to read more of your books !
***This was a gifted arc book to me and this is my review freely given***Tamara Gill
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella
An Absolutely Wonderful Story which I enjoyed reading.
It may have been a tad to short for my liking, although it didn’t take away from the Story.
A tomboy Earl’s daughter with several unsuccessful seasons behind her, whose mother dresses her in outdated fashions, takes the bit between her teeth to reinvent herself when it finally sinks in that her family will not allow her to remain unwed. In doing so she captures the interest of her brother’s best friend, the rakish Duke of Carlton. But even should he be serious, will he want to cage her?
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book 2 in this series takes place chronologically before book 1, but since both are standalones it doesn’t really matter that much. Lady Mary, the heroine, is truly an original. She loves the outdoors, and physical pursuits that society young ladies just don’t take part in. She’s perfectly happy to be unmarried and live her life in the country. Her loving parents are set on her finding a husband at last. Her family hosts an annual Ball, and it is decided that will be her re-introduction to the marriage mart before the start of the next social season in London. Mary is decidedly unfashionable, and her mother outfits her like a woman more than twice her age, which definitely doesn’t help. There is a bit of the ‘My Fair Lady’ enchantment in this story when Mary put some effort into her appearance and shocks everybody around her.
Mary’s brother brings his friend Dale, the Duke of Carlton, home with him for the holiday. Dale has been enjoying his life and the indulgent pursuits afforded him as a wealthy young aristocrat. He is a good guy but he has no intention of getting married anytime soon. He is fascinated by Mary though, even though he can’t quite figure out why. She is his best friend’s little sister, which should automatically make him stay far away from her – but the chemistry between them keeps pulling them closer together.
I thought this story was fast-paced and very engaging. Mary and Dale had creative interactions and both were likable characters. When they ended up getting together, they respected one another enough that neither expected the other to fundamentally change. I really liked that he accepted her for all that made her special. The HEA is well-done, and the book definitely left me in a good mood,
4.5 STARS
I purchased this as part of a 3 book bundle the author offered called KISS THE WALLFLOWER: Books 1-3.
I enjoyed the h being a spitfire and liking things a lady of the Ton should not. She has had 5 Seasons and sees no reason for her to give up her life. She loves to fish, hunt and climb rocks. When she realizes her parents will be making her find a husband the next Season, she changes her tactics. Instead of looking dorky, she changes her clothes and hair style and suddenly becomes a hit at her parents holiday party. She wants to be the one to choose a husband, even though she prefers to remain a spinster.
There really isn’t much on Christmas spirit in this story, other than Mistletoe being hung around the house.
The H is a Duke, loves his life and doesn’t want to marry for sometime down the road. The honesty of the h takes him by surprise and so the romance builds slowly without either of them realizing it. He feels protective of her and at first only wants to keep a certain Rake from her.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage and a few other things, heat level 4 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple so it was filled with passion.
I do agree with others, that the actions and speech seemed more modern to me, but I still enjoyed the story line.
Loved the epilogue a few months down the road and we discover they really do love each other and have settled into a comfortable life. One of my favorite parts was before the wedding, she wants him to know she will not tolerate him having affairs. I dislike when an h just accepts things or holds them in her heart without discussing what she would or would not tolerate.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. (ljb)
Lady Mary Dalton definitely marches to her own drumbeat! She doesn’t care about prevailing conventions and prefers instead to follow outdoor pursuits that make her family despair of her. Faced with the news that she will be attending the upcoming season, Mary sets out demands of her own, which her father agrees to. However, there is still the Mistletoe Ball to get through, to which her ever hopeful mother has invited a number of eligible bachelors. Dale Ramsay, the Duke of Carlton has no intention of finding a bride for some time yet and when he does, he has vowed that she will be a quiet and biddable young miss, not one to stir up arguments or state her own opinion. His first sight of Mary appalls him, but then he gets to know her and realises that under her unfashionable gowns and behind her spectacles, there is an intelligent and intriguing young woman. As Mary turns to Dale more and more for advice on selecting a suitable groom, he discovers that he really does not like the idea of her marrying any one of the prospects and instead becomes very protective of her. This is an enjoyable Regency romance with lovable characters that had me rooting for them. The story is well written and although fairly short, it does have all the elements of a lighthearted romance. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A DELICIOUSLY INTRIGUING DELIGHT!!!
Skin deep! Tamara displays such fervor and delight, showcasing this arresting storyline and engaging plot, with such ingenuity, imagination, style and insight for detail, fusing this gem together sleek, shiny and tight. A tightly spinning vortex of fervent events and unexpected circumstances, thrusts those churning emotions into play front and center. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a swirling tempest, blasting it into a frenzy with a mind-blowing culmination. A surging vortex of fervent events and stunning circumstances, pull every emotion running rampant, bursting it into play fabulously. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a slew of astonishing twists and stunning turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Heating up the chemistry, elevating the attraction, witnessing the sizzle flowing through the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, until you feel the electrifying hum through your veins. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, tension, distress, turmoil, underlying currents, mounting suspense and perplexing situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow smoothly. Remarkable job Tamara, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Enjoy reading books by this author, she never fails to give me a good read.
What a perfectly fun & pleasurable book this was to read – the story kept you turning pages with constant happenings & never a dull or drawn out moment & the captivating characters kept you engaged & turning pages.
Lady Mary Dalton hates everything about London’s season activities. She finds the ladies needlework, painting & such to be a waste of time – she would much rather be outside fishing, riding, climbing rocks. However; after three seasons & no husband (which was just how she liked it), her parents have decided that she is twenty & three & this year will choose a husband. Her parents have decided to invite eligible suitors to their annual Mistletoe Ball.
Mary’s brother, Peter had invited his best friend, Dale Ramsey, Duke of Carlton to join his family for the House Party festivities. Dale was well known in London as a “man about town” & every eligible lady & their mamas had set their cap on wedding the handsome Duke. He is happy in his footloose lifestyle & everyone knows his distaste for marriage.
The wild times begin when Mary literally stumbles in to the dukes arms. Whether the sensation is lust or love; Mary is everything he doesn’t want & Dale is everything she shouldn’t want. Tamara has created such a great couple with a story to back them up – I highly recommend this book & all the ones in the series – you will no be disappointed!
You know it was a good book when you read the last lines and give a huge sigh with a stupid grin on your face:) I loved everything about this book and Tamara Gill did an excellent job of writing Mary and Dale’s story.
Mary is the type of heroine I love, stubborn, not afraid of being honest and is true to herself no matter what others think. She has no intention of changing who she is!! Dale is the handsome Duke who is looking for a demure wife but when he meets Mary, all his plans go out the window, much to his dismay:) The chemistry between them is hot, hot, hot!!! Having it all taking place at Christmas time makes it, in my eyes, perfect!
I absolutely recommend this book!!
I am loving this series more and more! Tamara Gill’s independently minded Lady Mary I found to be a wonderful character. I loved reading and following her and Dale, the Duke of Carlton’s story and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
4.5 Stars
Lady Mary Lancaster fills her time with anything she pleases and she loves spending time outside, fishing, riding & even rock climbing. Lady Mary is perfectly content to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of her days. However, Mary’s parents have other ideas.
For the Christmas festivities at Bran Manor, Mary’s brother brings home Dale the Duke of Carlton, an infamous man known for his many improprieties, as well as for his distaste in matrimony.
Another engrossing well written read from the author, which I read in a sitting. I loved how Mary transformed from the ugly duckling dressed as a young girl complete with flounces & ribbons to a stunning lady who realised she needn’t be a wallflower. Carlton didn’t have a happy childhood & eventually wants a docile biddable wife! Mary is anything but biddable, however the attraction between the pair grows & grows & they can’t seem to keep away from each other. A lovely romance that I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This story is so very charming. A Kiss at Mistletoe by Tamara Gill is book 2 in the Kiss the Wallflower series. Tamara is such an amazing author and she never seems to disappoint. Her characters are lovable and the story is creative and original. I am truly enjoying this series. This story has an house party, misunderstanding, a brother’s protectiveness, a scandal, ice fishing, parents forcing a marriage, ugly dresses, jealousy and a forbidden love. I highly recommend this book.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Lady Mary Dalton is happiest in the country. She prefers riding, fishing, and adventures such as rock climbing to balls and parties. She does not wish to marry, but if she must have a husband, she would like one who would let her continue to do the things she enjoys.
Dale Ramsay, Duke of Carlton, is a rake with no desire to marry. If he must (and he does eventually), he wants a quiet, biddable wife. He certainly doesn’t intend to marry an independent, rambunctious bluestocking.
I enjoyed this story. It is heartwarming and funny. Although Mary and Dale seem to be the world’s worst match, cupid, Christmas spirit, and mistletoe don’t seem to agree. These two are fantastic together. The chemistry between them sizzles. The secondary characters-the Earl and his gentle nudge toward marriage, her mother’s over-the-top advice on fashion (one of my favorite parts is the reaction to Mary’s solution to ruffles and bows) and husband hunting, Peter’s protective-brother posture-were most entertaining. A wonderful story, another wallflower blooms.
A Kiss at Mistletoe is the second book in the Kiss the Wallflower Book series. This series has been so fun to read and the characters so sweet. Lady Mary Dalton was a wallflower and spinster and was happy to do as she pleases. Unfortunately, her parents are ready for her to marry and settle down. During the Christmas festivities at her family home, her brother brought his friend Dale Ramsay, the Duke of Carlton. Dale is not looking to get married any time soon, but he wants a nice quiet society wife. He doesn’t want an opinionated female in his life. Their plans for their future changes after they run into each other and Dale gives Mary advice on how to win a gentleman’s attention. Little did he realize that he would be the one who’s attention she would gain! Even though they both have definite ideas of what their future would be, their ideas change as they come to know one another. I loved the witty interactions between Mary and Dale when she was teasing him. It was a fun novella that was easy to read and moved at a fast pace. It held your attention throughout the book. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just when you think you know exactly what you don’t want, fate seems to step him and blow a surprise your way!
At least for Lady Mary, she had decided she did not want to marry because it would put strictures on her behavior. Not being able to do exactly as she wanted, like being outdoors fishing when it was freezing and just not be in the house, but enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Her mother’s motto seemed to be “Women should be wives, should have husbands, should have children, she should be married by now….” paraphrased but you get the picture. She really did not want to go to London for another season.
But meanwhile at their home in Derbyshire, her brother Peter brought home Dale, the Duke of Carlton. When he met Mary he could not believe how bold she was in her speech and could not seem to take his eyes off her.
So the fun begins… Mary decides there is a man perfect for her and after a small mishap and a talk with Dale, of all people, gives her advice, she sets out to win him.
Dale was bemused by Mary and after he had gave her advice he set back to watch. But wait… The new and improved who adjusted her clothing and hair makes an appearance, she has every gentleman’s eyes on her.. Dale just may have to pursue her himself!
Loved this story and as usual I smiled and sighed as I turned the pages and could not wait to find out what happened!! Absolutely perfect and cannot wait for the next in this series!!
Lady Mary Dalton is not a normal lady of the nobility she’s blue stocking she enjoys a life of hunting and fishing in the country, but her parents have decided it time she marry and her future settled. She encounters her brothers best friend, Dale Ramsay, Duke of Carlton during the holidays. He finds her totally uninspiring but intriguing when she starts to transform herself. He knows he wants a timid wife and Mary is very opinionated and straightforward in her opinions, but he soon realizes he enjoys being around her. Dale tries to help Mary find the perfect mate during the holidays, man she can love only to discover she is perfect for him after all. A truly captivating novella story over the holidays I voluntarily read this enjoyable book wrote a revie
Mary has no desire to marry. She loves the country and anything to do with being outdoors. She believes that if she marries, he husband will make her give it all up. Up to this point, she has made a point to not encourage anyone to offer for her. But her father is determined to see her settled, so she has agreed to participate in the next season, under certain conditions. But first, she must get through the house party her parents are having. Soon after it starts, she meets her brother’s best friend, the Duke of Carlton. While she is instantly attracted to him, she knows that he would never be the type of husband to allow her to continue to live in the country and keep up her favorite past times. But he could be useful in other ways…to help her attract the attention of a neighbor, who she thinks would allow her to stay in the country.
Dale knows that he must marry sometime in the future, but it won’t be anytime soon. He also knows that he wants a biddable wife who won’t fight him of every issue. When he finds himself attracted to his best friend’s little sister, he knows that she is wrong for him for many reasons. But as he gets to know her over the holiday season, he can’t seem to stop thinking about her.
When will these two realize that their HEA is with the other??
I loved Mary and Dale story!! Both of them just knew that the other was not for them, yet neither could seem to stop thinking about the other. I loved watching them come to know each other and the bantering between the two. Such fun!! I’ve throughly enjoyed the first two books in the series and I can’t wait to see what Gill had in store for us next!
Our heroine, Mary, is not like other young ladies. She is a semi-wallflower, hoydenish, semi-bluestocking and love pursuing hobbies normally associated to men. She will only marry if she finds someone to accept her as she is and not restrict her in anyway. I like Mary’s character. She is not only intelligent, but she is honest, charming, forthright and loving. She is also very curious that sometimes may cause a problem or two for her. Nothing very serious though. The only drawback she had was her mother who insisted on deciding how to dress her and style her hair. Not a good thing. When her father told her that this was the final season to make a match she wanted to revolt. Her past seasons were failures. But for her father she would try. Her family hosted a house party for the end of the year. It included a ball, Christmas and New Years. Her brother Peter brought home with him this year his dear friend Dale, the Duke of Carlton. Dale is a renowned rake and he and Peter had many a night having their fun. Dale was put off on marriage because of his parents. Theirs was an arranged marriage that was sour, full of loud arguments and fierce disdain. Dale wanted a peaceful marriage. One without harsh strong opinions. Dale knew when he found the “one” he would be faithful. Despite his reputation. He wanted a demure woman who knew her place and would be a gracious Duchess. He was in no hurry to marry and Peter knew this better than anyone. When Dale first laid eyes on Mary he practically choked on his drink. The way that she was dressed, the style of her hair was very matronly. No wonder she was not married. Peter introduced Mary to him and that was when he could not decide if he was intrigued or not. She was to the point; she did not beat around the bush or pull any punches. Dale was not sure how to take her. As the house party continued, he and Mary got to know each other better and sort of became friends. She confided in him and he gave her his advice. During this period, she found she was cautious around the duke. She was feeling things she did not understand. He was turning out not to be as bad as she thought. When Mary finally decided to take charge, she went full steam ahead. Her transformation was stunning. It was difficult for any single man not to see her allure. Dale was suffering and was not sure why. Every time he saw Mary with another gentleman, he became grumpy. Both he and Mary were dealing with strange emotions they did not know what to do about. One thing was for sure. Dale wanted to be around and near to Mary. One evening he finally kissed her and that was the beginning of a confusing time for Mary. This is a quick and enjoyable read. I loved the characters. They were mature but thoughtful, curious and yet kind and they were independent thinkers. I think that was what I loved most about them. They were unafraid to be themselves. A very good read.
An entertaining romance for the holidays.
A house party in the country affords a lot of kissing under the mistletoe. Lady Mary is intrigued by her brother’s friend the Duke of Carlton. After five seasons with no offers of marriage, Mary is happy to stay in the country and pursue the activities she loves. She doesn’t want to conform to what a husband wants. One kiss from Carlton has Mary wanting more and she’s not the only one. Carlton has a reputation as a rake and finds he doesn’t want it anymore. An indiscretion changes the game and Mary is afraid she will be unhappy. Can the Duke of Carlton convince her otherwise?
Very entertaining novella that moves at a quick pace and will keep you reading to find out what happens next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.