Orphaned at a tender age, Miss Louise Grant spent her life in servitude to care for her younger siblings. Now, no longer needed as a duchess’ companion, Louise has procured employment in York. But on her last night in London, her reputation is shattered when the drunk and disorderly Marquess mistakes Louise’s room for his lover’s.Luke, the Marquess Graham is determined to never torment himself … himself again by daring to love. Stumbling into Miss Louise Grant’s room destroys his days of bachelorhood when he is pressured into marrying her. However, the cold and distant Marquess knows they’ll never have a happy marriage; his new and fetching wife will never crack the protective barrier around his heart.
Trying to make the best of a bad marriage Louise attempts to break through the icy visage of the Marquess. But when misfortune strikes and Luke reverts to his cold, distant former self, Louise is not willing to give up on the possibility of love. After all, ice will melt when surrounded by warmth.
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A Midsummer Kiss By Tamara Gill is book One in the Kiss the Wallflower Series. This is the story of Louise Grant and Luke, the Marquess Graham. Louise was a orphan who became a companion to her friend but now in their present day that friend is marrying so Louise has set to start a new adventure.
But one wrong door has lead Louise into a different path. Luke walks into the wrong room and that room is Louise’s. Under pressure because he just ruin her reputation he has to marry her but nothing is going to melt his cold heart. Louise wanted a simple life and to have love in it but now that seems to be gone unless she can melt Luke’s harden heart.
I am such a fan of Ms. Gill’s writing loved it and this book. Great start to a new series.
It’s well written. The storyline grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I loved how she doesn’t feel sorry for herself long and does something. Very entertaining.
Orphaned as a child, Louise Grant spent her life since age 8 as a servant to earn money to care for her two younger siblings. The young woman to whom she’s always been a companion has gotten married and no longer needs Louise as a companion, Louise has arranged for employment elsewhere, but her reputation is ruined when a drunken nobleman mistakes her room for that of a widow he is supposed to hook up with. Luke, Marquess Graham, is a man committed to being a bachelor, determined to never have any type of relationship based on love. Still, he is pressured to marry the woman whose employability has been wrecked by his damage to her reputation. Now he is not only stuck getting married, he is marrying a servant. They are complete strangers to one another. He dumps her in the country and goes right back to living his life as if he was still single. I have to say he was very unlikable –you really want to smack him.
Louise tries to make the best of things and is able to have her twin siblings come live with her in the country. They push hard to go to London and take her rightful place. She and Luke end up making progress together, then he pulls back, then they make progress … you get the picture. It is wonderful to see Louise transform herself into a woman with some self-confidence. By the very end, my opinion of Luke was much improved, which was no small feat because for so much of the book he was a real jerk. You may actually need a tissue or 2 at the end of this story. Once they cross the line into a physical relationship, there is some serious chemistry between Louise and Luke.
A very enjoyable read, although there were some characters in the story that seemed like they should have a bigger role and didn’t, such as the relative who was promised to inherit the title from Luke one day because Luke was never going to get married. Still a really good story, and a solid HEA.
Orphaned at a tender age, Miss Louise Grant spent her life in servitude to care for her younger siblings. Now, no longer needed as a duchess’ companion, Louise has procured employment in York. But on her last night in London, her reputation is shattered when the drunk and disorderly Marquess mistakes Louise’s room for his lover’s.
Luke, the Marquess Graham is determined to never torment himself again by daring to love. Stumbling into Miss Louise Grant’s room destroys his days of bachelorhood when he is pressured into marrying her. However, the cold and distant Marquess knows they’ll never have a happy marriage; his new and fetching wife will never crack the protective barrier around his heart.
Trying to make the best of a bad marriage Louise attempts to break through the icy visage of the Marquess. But when misfortune strikes and Luke reverts to his cold, distant former self, Louise is not willing to give up on the possibility of love. After all, ice will melt when surrounded by warmth.
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When this book started, oh boy, I really did not care for Luke. What a terrible hero for our story. He infuriated me by his actions both before and after his marriage.
Louise was quite passive at the beginning, despite showing some strength when preparing for her departure from her childhood friend for new employment and again when she initially refused to marry him. But after speaking her vows she really shrank back and sat by passively through all his poor treatment of her and her reputation amoung the ton as his marchioness.
With some prompting from both her sibllings and Mary she did begin a compaign to call him to account and stand up for herself. Putting him in his place, setting ultimatums, and giving him the cold shoulder when needed to make him realize what an arse he was being; I was really starting to like her character.
But in the end he does begin to see the fault in his ways and becomes a better husband, someone she can like and admire. I just feel like he hadn’t fully redeemed himself though. It bothers me when the male lead character is able to act abominably because of emotional immaturity and an inability to grieve and the female character just forgives him with almost no effort on his part. Sigh.
A few detailed sex scenes, which seemed to be the main driving force of the plot. As sex was seemlingly the only reason they could contemplate being in one another’s life. ‘Just ignore the person and have sex’ seemed to be the name of the game here.
Overall, the book was pretty okay, even though Luke disappointed me. It is very short, less than 200 pages and I was kind of invested in the story. I will be giving the next book in the series a try to see if it improves because there is the chance that Luke just got in the way of this one for me.
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I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
At the evil machinations of a vicious woman, Louise Grant finds herself being accosted in her bed in the middle of the night. Luke, Marquess of Graham, quickly realises what has happened and when his best friend demands that he act honourably, he reluctantly marries Louise. Whilst she has few expectations from the handsome Marquess, Louise determines to make the best of the situation. However, when he thinks he can sideline her, Louise stands up for herself and makes sure that he understands that he has no choice but to treat her with the respect due to her. Luke is a wounded hero, in that he is still suffering from the crushing losses of his childhood, not realising that Louise in fact suffered every bit as much as he has. This novelette touches the heart as one feels for the pain being experienced by the characters and one can only cheer them on as they find their happiness. I received a copy of this standalone novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A Midsummer Kiss is one of those love stories that you have a difficult time putting down! It is a must read! Tamara Gill story is interesting and allows a reader to imagine themselves as one of the characters or just part of the story.
After Luke enters the wrong room with the wrong woman what’s a rogue to say with people in the room and out in the hall all staring? “So sorry wrong room” or “maybe it was the room on the left not the right”? But No, neither will work once you compromise a young lady. Only thing would fix this is marriage and there is no way Luke will agree to that…or so he thinks! Miss Louise is not happy at all finding a half dressed member of the ton in bed with her! After a haisty marriage it’s off to his country estate to drop off unwanted wife then back to London to finish the Season! Great plan…nope! With so many emotions that bombard them as take journey to admitting their love for one another. It’s a romance full of emotion, spicy passion, uncertainty, drama, suspense, insecurities, trials and tribulations and while the suspense builds, tensions escalate and all twist and turns abound that makes for one outstanding story!
An Enjoyable Regency Romance.
Louise, a respectable lady from an undistinguished family, is compromised by a marquess. Lord Graham would probably not have done the honourable thing and offered marriage if it had not have been for the Duke and Duchess of Carlton who insisted on it. Not a good start for a marriage, particularly when Luke dumps Louise at his country estate and returns to his bachelor life in Town but Louise decides she is not going to be ignored; at the very least she wants a family of her own to love. So begins her campaign to make a future where she can have a happy and fulfilled life. I admired Louise, she was a strong woman who had been ignored by the ton whilst she was a Lady’s companion and it took a lot of guts both to take her place in Society as a Marchioness and to try an attract the attention of indifferent husband who she only knew as a drunk rake.
Note: Some readers have complained about the sex scenes but there are only three and the first not until Chapter 9; all are within a marriage situation and didn’t seem particularly excessive to me.
I loved this story of a marriage of convenience turned into something more. Louise, lady’s companion, is sleeping in her bed when a very drunk Marquess stumbles into her room and bed. To save her reputation, the Marquess offers to marry her. Can these two people with damaged hearts learn to trust and open their hearts to love again? The answer is to read this to find out. The characters were well developed and loveable. The secondary characters were as well. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more by this author. Five plus stars! Thank you Tamara Gill.
Luke is a rake like all the others. But under it all he is just a lost orphan. It takes Louise and a scandal to make him see his empty life for what it really is. Sophie and Stephen are also nice additions to their small family being Louises 15 year old siblings.
A Midsummer Kiss is the first in the Kiss the Wallflower series by Tamara Gill, and I found it to be a wonderful start to the series. Marrying after Luke mistakenly enters Louise’s room and they marry, he tries to keep out of sight out of mind. But Miss Louise resolve to have a family for her brother and sister proves to be what brings Luke out, and see the love that is right in front of him. I loved following their story and look forward to book two.
The power of love.
Stumbling drunk one evening into the wrong bedroom, Luke, the Marquess Graham and Louise are forced to marry. Expecting nothing from the marriage, Louise sees much unhappiness.
Breaking down her husband’s barrier isn’t easy. Her determination and her siblings help, but the distance doesn’t change until they consummate the marriage. But an accident brings back his indifference and Louise is losing hope. What will it take to bring him back to her arms? Excellent series. Short reads with a lot of impact in the story.
Tamara Gill has done it again with this wonderful book & its endearing characters.
Miss Louise Grant has been a lady’s companion since her parents died & her aunt sent her to London at age 8. She has grown up with Lady Mary & now her lady has married the Duke of Carlton & she will no longer need a companion. Louise has obtained a position in York tutoring 6 children & she needs to get there as soon as possible to start earning money to send to her aunt who is caring for her younger twin siblings, Stephen & Sophie. However, her last night in London would not go as she planned.
Luke Ashby, Marquess Graham, has sworn to never love or marry after experiencing the death of his parents & little sister in a carriage accident. He will never forget the love lost, being alone & thrust on his Grandmother who taught him to be a duke at the age of 8 but that was all. He will never forget having to look at his family’s bodies & the emptiness he felt. He now has a reputation of quite a womanizer in society & is never associated with one woman. He is at a ball for his friend the Duke of Carlton, who will be introducing his new countess to the Ton. Luke proceeds to get drunk & arrange a tryst with a widow. Following the widow’s directions, he enters the wrong bedroom & after Louise wakes up with Luke looming over her in her bed she screams, alerting the Duke & Duchess & several ball attendees to the Marquess caught with his pants down. Even though nothing happened, it is the way of the Ton & they were forced to marry for honor sake. This would be a marriage in name only.
Luke is on again, leave her, on again, leave her & it only makes Louise’s will to have a real marriage & family come true. Luke had to go through a lot of changes to let go of the past & he brought me to tears a couple of times after he finally came to his senses. Also, the epilogue & wonderful & heartwarming (more tears but happy ones). I highly recommend this book to all historical romance lovers – you won’t be disappointed with the story or the characters.
What a great read. Some fab steamy scenes.
Lovely Read
Haven’t read this author for awhile, but oh so glad I picked up this one. Beautiful Will definitely be reading more.
Sometimes, you just opened the wrong door and got more than you thought. Such was the fate of Luke, the Marquess of Graham while he was on a midnight rendevous with a widow and went into the wrong room. Imagine is surprise when it was Miss Louise Grant, who had been the companion to the host!
Louise had been working since she was eight and lost her parents. Her siblings had gone to live with their aunt and she had taken the roll as a companian to a young lady who was now a duchess. She had been ready to leave for her new position before a man landed on her in the night, mistaking her for another!
So the journey begins! They marry and he takes Louise to his estate outside London, drops her off and goes back to town and takes back up where he left off! The Cad! But Louise, with the encouragment of her siblings, who she now has living with her, encourages her to go to London and knock his socks off!
This is such a delightful story, but it does deal with a lot of suppressed emotions, with Luke having lost him family young and is really scared to love or get close to anyone. Can she break through to him and they find a happy life?
Tamara Gill at her best (of course I say that about everyone of her books!) will surround you with the characters and their emotions, making you want to reach through the pages and cheer Louise on and pop Luke, the more handsome than sin Marquess!! Cannot wait for the next book and I know who I hope it is about!!
When Luke, Marquess Graham, mistakenly finds his way to Louise Grant’s room and bed on the night of their friends’ ball, they are forced to marry. Not a good beginning. Luke doesn’t want to marry or care for anyone, and while Louise is willing to make the best of their situation, but Luke tries to run from it. It will take a lot to find love and happiness in their relationship.
A Midsummer Kiss is the first book in Tamara Gill’s new series Kiss the Wallflower. Louise and Luke have a wonderful story full of emotion and hope. Although they suffered similar tragedies as children, their approaches to life are different. Luke has insulated himself from the possibility of love and family. Louise does what she can to make life full and happy for herself, and her brother and sister. Louise reaches out; Luke must find the courage to accept what they can have together. Luke and Louise, Sophie, and Stephen are characters you can love. Watching their slow journey to acceptance, love, and family is a real delight. There’s a big smile and a sigh at the end of the story. I recommend this one and look forward to the rest of the series.
Miss Louise Grant had been a companion to Lady Mary Dalton for years, but upon Mary’s wedding to the duke of Carlton, Louise must leave her post. She will be a governess to a family in York, as her brother Stephen, her sister Sophie, and their aunt need the money. But Louise never reached York.
At a ball in London, Luke Ashby, Marquess Graham, derailed all her plans. Luke was drunk, expecting to find the willing Lady Scarboro in a room, instead he stumbled upon Louise. He has ruined her, and so they were promptly married. Much to their chagrin. Louise is determined to make the most out of the situation, but Luke is not. He never wanted to marry, and wants them to lead separate lives, and Louise disagrees.
How I loved Louise! What a positive attitude she had! I loved that there was a mild attraction to begin with, but nothing more. It’s a lovely slow burn, they do get to know each other better before Luke’s icy façade begins to momentarily crumble. He is not always nice, he’s a twit at times, but he doesn’t mean any harm, and I think Tamara Gill navigated those treacherous waters most skilfully. I never hated him, although I would have slapped him once when he sided with an insufferable witch. And that’s also when I fell a little in love with the marvellous Stephen! I hope he gets his book sometime in the future. There are a few steamy scenes, very apropos, and they propelled the story forward. But what a wonderful moment when Luke came to his senses! I was a little teary-eyed; it’s very touching and I felt his honesty and his remorse for his callousness. Although short, A MIDSUMMER KISS is a complete story, with fully fleshed-out characters, no plot holes, and concludes with a lovely epilogue.
I give 4.5 stars
Louise has a common background as she has just finished being a lady’s companion. Luke, Marquess of Graham, is a ton playboy and plans on never giving up his bachelor ways.
But then he drunkenly stumbles into her room by mistake, compromising her with no more than a kiss. This mistake leads to a forced marriage. One that he does not need or wish for, so he decides to simply keep to his bachelor way of life. He doesn’t plan for his new wife to come to town and take on her new role as marchioness with such command and elegance. She is his wife and he will not drop her in the country while he cavorts around London. He wants to distance himself from her, from feelings, from love….because he has a fear of losing people. It comes from the loss of his parents and sister at a young age. Louise also lost her parents early in life.
This HEA was satisfyingly frustrating and heart wrenching at times they way he pushed her away. Just as they are finding their way together he would put distance between them. I’ve always enjoyed this pull and push kind of plot so I really loved reading it. Some steamy scenes!! I was given an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the storyline offered a entertaining blend of emotional turmoil, drama, tension and romance. Louise was such likable character. She was loving, strong and capable. I found her easy to connect with and to root for. I also loved her siblings. The affection and bond between them all was easy to see and feel. As for Luke, he was cold, emotionally stunted and came across as an entitled jerk. Of course, eventually he wakes up and thaws out but how he treated Louise and even worse, let others treat her, really left a bad taste in my mouth and I never could let go of all my resentment over it. I think one of the most interesting things about this book was the stark difference between how each of these characters handled diversity. She chose to rise like a phoenix, while he built walls and encased his heart in ice. This is a very good book that left me eager to read more from this series.
A love that is as poignant today as it was yesteryear. Our hero, the Marquess Luke Graham, is sociable, delightful and entertaining on the outside. However, no one knew how he encased his heart in iron so he could never feel love and be hurt by it again. He was determined to remain a bachelor for life and pass the title to his cousin’s eldest son. He suffered a great loss when his parents and little sister were killed in a carriage accident that he ought to have been in. He had refused to go so he could play with his toys. Their loss and his guilt were something he hid deep in his heart where no one could touch it. He was raised by his grandmother who taught him to be a Marquess but she did not show any affection or love to him. He decided early on that he could only rely on himself. He was a flirt and a bit of a rake. Which leads us to the rest of the story. Miss Louise Grant has been a companion to Lady Mary Dalton the daughter of an Earl since she was eight years old. Her story was just as tragic as the Marquess but her heart lead her in another direction. Mary was to be married to the Duke of Carlton and Louise needed to procure a new situation. With what she earned she supported her younger brother and sister whom their aunt was caring for. When she was young, her parents were so poor they could no longer afford the rent and were tossed out into the street. Shamefully they moved into their mother’s sister’s home. Soon after her father committed suicide and her mother followed. At the age of eight her aunt found her a position as friend and companion to the Earl of Lancaster’s daughter Mary. Now that Mary was the Duchess of Carlton, Louise was packed and ready to leave the next day to her new position. That evening Mary and her husband Dale were giving a ball. Luke was a close personal friend of Dale’s and was there flirting with a debutante. During the ball Louise thought how lucky she would be to find love like Mary and Dale. She looked at Luke and admired his handsome looks and thought she just wanted to marry and be loved or at least have an affectionate and kind marriage. She retired early from the ball and went to bed. Luke on the other hand had been drinking and had an assignation planned and was looking for the right bedroom. He stumbled into Louise’s bedroom. She was sleeping. He began to undress and started to speak to his amore and became physical with her in the bed. When Louise stirred and realized he was there she screamed. In rushed the Duke and Duchess along with look-i-loos of the ton. Luke did not mean to compromise Louise but he did. Against everything he believed in he did not want to marry her but his hand was forced. They married and Luke settled Louise in his country estate and promptly left back to London to finish the season. Louise remembered she had told him not to expect anything from her and he said the same back to her. She sent for her twin brother and sister, Stephen and Sophie. They were fifteen almost sixteen. Although she was not there to see them grow up, she wrote to them weekly and visited as often as she could so they would not forget her. Stephen and Sophie adored and loved Louise. They grew up kind, intelligent, polite with manners and had strong morals. They knew how much Louise had sacrificed for them and they were very proud and protective of her. They were appalled at the way the Marquess had dumped her there in the country. Louise received a letter from Mary that Luke was flitting about London as if he never married. Stephen and Sophie talked Louise into going to London and showing him a thing or two about how not to disrespect a Grant. This was the beginning of the complicated emotional road that Louise and Luke had to traverse. This is an exceptional read. It is a journey of the soul. There is confusion, pleasure, aloofness, detached, distanced, cold, indifferent, dispassionate and impersonal feelings surrounding Luke. Whereas Louise had made up her mind that she was going to try to make the marriage the best that it can be. But how to break through Luke’s defenses she did not know. All she knew was that warmth melted ice. Even though this is a quick read it fully satisfies the imagination. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.