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Medieval Heroes #3
Once Upon a Kiss
At her calculating brother's request, Dominique agrees to wed the Dragon Earl of Drakewood to end a family feud. But the Earl, who has secretly taken a vow of celibacy, tries to pair Dominique with his twin brother, Blaec. And, as Dominique's feelings for Blaec begin to blossom, she discovers her brother's real reason for the match—a plan of betrayal and murder.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1995
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635 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Anne Crosby
152 books1,148 followersTanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 5, 2021
3.5 stars rounding up. I love how Crosby creates the story and romance ever so slowly. I also love that I don't find myself hating any of the characters including the antagonist who I felt a bit sorry for even.
But! On the same note, she could have pushed for more emotional impact on the reader by turning up the conflict a notch or two.
The writing was excellent, no time gaps, no lulls, sweet slow romantic build up, and characters that have depth.
It was a nice relaxing romance. Not massive emotional turmoil that leaves me wanting throw the Kindle across the room.
So if you are in the mood for a nice romantic read with little conflict or emotional angst.. this is a good one.
But! On the same note, she could have pushed for more emotional impact on the reader by turning up the conflict a notch or two.
The writing was excellent, no time gaps, no lulls, sweet slow romantic build up, and characters that have depth.
It was a nice relaxing romance. Not massive emotional turmoil that leaves me wanting throw the Kindle across the room.
So if you are in the mood for a nice romantic read with little conflict or emotional angst.. this is a good one.
July 27, 2015
I probably should give up on this author entirely. I liked one of her early books and have read a few more, all of which are huge disappointments. Ms. Crosby writes well. I like reading her stories. But characters lack depth and plots are thin. Characters in her books often are together just because they are hot for each other. And I am not even convinced of the passion.
This book has an interesting premise, the hero is the older twin but for some reason was cast aside as the younger son. His younger brother held the title and properties. The heroine is the sister of an enemy. They met, attraction flaired but of course thou shall not lust after your brother's bride.
It is all good. Except the lead characters are just fighting and insulting each other. He insults her because he is attracted but couldn't act on his attractions. Plus she is the enemy's sister. Gotta hate her, you know. She insults him back because he is rude and what a brute and oh so very scary. Plus she is a loyal little sister so she must hate him for family honor and her brother. (yawning) So we just read about how they "resist" each other by hating each other.
The villain didn't do much in this book. I found the 2 pages where the younger brother lost his virginty much more interesting than all the encounters between the lead characters. The attraction was not there. Even Bella and Edward in Twillight had more chemistry than these two.
I skim-read the book and finish it in less than 2 hours.
This book has an interesting premise, the hero is the older twin but for some reason was cast aside as the younger son. His younger brother held the title and properties. The heroine is the sister of an enemy. They met, attraction flaired but of course thou shall not lust after your brother's bride.
It is all good. Except the lead characters are just fighting and insulting each other. He insults her because he is attracted but couldn't act on his attractions. Plus she is the enemy's sister. Gotta hate her, you know. She insults him back because he is rude and what a brute and oh so very scary. Plus she is a loyal little sister so she must hate him for family honor and her brother. (yawning) So we just read about how they "resist" each other by hating each other.
The villain didn't do much in this book. I found the 2 pages where the younger brother lost his virginty much more interesting than all the encounters between the lead characters. The attraction was not there. Even Bella and Edward in Twillight had more chemistry than these two.
I skim-read the book and finish it in less than 2 hours.
October 24, 2020
Downgraded from a 3 star rating to two upon reread.
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September 24, 2018
Mais uma autora prejudicada pela tradução e revisão malfeitas.
O enredo é fantástico, delicioso, mas é terrível você ler arrumando as frases mentalmente.
Conseguimos ter uma ideia pelos erros na sinopse. Mas vamos em frente e falar do livro em si.
No reinado de Stephen duas famílias inimigas e vizinhas, viviam em guerra disputando e almejando as terras uns dos outros.
Os d’Lucy eram gêmeos totalmente diferentes um do outro, mas o mais velho deles, o lindo, enorme e amedrontador, Blaec d’Lucy, o Dragão Negro, fora deserdado e ignorado por seu pai por ser moreno e muito diferente de todos na família. Na época, quando acontecia isso, consideravam que a mulher havia traído o marido e engravidado dele e do amante ao mesmo tempo.
Mas os irmãos se amavam muito e Blaec, apesar de tudo, jurou lealdade a Graeham, seu irmão mais novo e lorde de Drakewich, e daria sua vida por ele.
Essa fidelidade foi a razão do seu calvário assim que pôs os olhos na prometida de seu irmão.
Pensando na paz, linda Lady Dominique Beauchamp aceita a imposição de ser irmão, William, para que se case com Graeham d’Lucy.
Ela é levada pelo irmão a Drakewich para conhecer seu noivo e morar até o casamento.
Ao chegar só consegue enxergar uma pessoa, O Dragão Negro.
Uma trama deliciosa... repleta de mistério, traições, sensualidade, conflitos internos, drama e romance.
Os personagens são intrigantes, e a trama se desenvolve de forma fluida... mas a tradução e revisão realmente deixa muito a desejar.
É uma pena, mas por essa razão não posso dar mais de 4 estrelas e só dou 4 porque gostei muito do enredo, senão seria menos pela tradução.
O enredo é fantástico, delicioso, mas é terrível você ler arrumando as frases mentalmente.
Conseguimos ter uma ideia pelos erros na sinopse. Mas vamos em frente e falar do livro em si.
No reinado de Stephen duas famílias inimigas e vizinhas, viviam em guerra disputando e almejando as terras uns dos outros.
Os d’Lucy eram gêmeos totalmente diferentes um do outro, mas o mais velho deles, o lindo, enorme e amedrontador, Blaec d’Lucy, o Dragão Negro, fora deserdado e ignorado por seu pai por ser moreno e muito diferente de todos na família. Na época, quando acontecia isso, consideravam que a mulher havia traído o marido e engravidado dele e do amante ao mesmo tempo.
Mas os irmãos se amavam muito e Blaec, apesar de tudo, jurou lealdade a Graeham, seu irmão mais novo e lorde de Drakewich, e daria sua vida por ele.
Essa fidelidade foi a razão do seu calvário assim que pôs os olhos na prometida de seu irmão.
Pensando na paz, linda Lady Dominique Beauchamp aceita a imposição de ser irmão, William, para que se case com Graeham d’Lucy.
Ela é levada pelo irmão a Drakewich para conhecer seu noivo e morar até o casamento.
Ao chegar só consegue enxergar uma pessoa, O Dragão Negro.
Uma trama deliciosa... repleta de mistério, traições, sensualidade, conflitos internos, drama e romance.
Os personagens são intrigantes, e a trama se desenvolve de forma fluida... mas a tradução e revisão realmente deixa muito a desejar.
É uma pena, mas por essa razão não posso dar mais de 4 estrelas e só dou 4 porque gostei muito do enredo, senão seria menos pela tradução.
November 6, 2013
This book was brought to life by the swoon-worthy, sultry, masculine voice of Braden Wright. OMG! I could listen to him read from an almanac! The narrator did an amazing job in bringing the masculine characters to life. He did ok with the female voices, but that's not a big deal…I could totally overlook that part. :-)
This book is for sure about an intriguing forbidden love, but it's also steeped heavily in FAMILY & most importantly sibling relationships. I became interested in the plot right away because I was so anxious, to see how this love story would unfold when you have very complicated feelings between the siblings.
SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS:
Dominique Beauchamp is a total innocent and merely a pawn in the clutches of her brother, William Beauchamp. The problem is that she is unaware of how evil her brother is. She is also unaware of secret plans he has in store for her. She looks up to her brother and always gives him the benefit of the doubt, until it's a lost cause and all of his true intentions are brought to light.
The story of the upbringing of the d'Lucy brothers is rather tragic because both men are heavily impacted by how one brother, "the Dragon" was mistreated by their father. And, really it was just due to the fact that the society they lived in was ignorant and stupid in terms of their knowledge of fraternal twins. At the birth of the d'Lucy boys, they had different coloring and features (Blaec is dark-haired and Graeham is light-haired and blonde). So, the father believed that his wife had an affair and Blaec is another man's son. For this reason, Blaec was despised by his father and his birthright taken away. That mistreatment does not go unnoticed by the favored son, who is Graeham.
So….fast forward to adulthood and you have two brothers who love each other and will do anything to care for each other's welfare. So, imagine the internal conflict that tortures Blaec when he falls helplessly in love with Dominique, who is Graeham's betrothed!!! It was an arranged marriage to help bring peace and stability between the two waring families.
LOVE STORY:
OK, regarding the Hero, let me say he is just delicious, smoldering, gorgeous and a real man! LOL…yes, Blaec d'Lucy, the Black Dragon of Drakewich is a warrior, he is sharp and never let's his guard down. He is also a shrewd business man. Overall, Blaec is definitely a strong, virile, masculine figure (my favorite). The part I love best is how he is drawn to Dominique and cannot fight his own will. I mean the man WANTS her, from the moment he lays eyes on her. I felt bad for the man because he is really tortured by his love for her. (of course, he doesn't know he's in love…he just feels this earth shattering force that pulls him to her like a giant magnet). And, I love it when the hero falls for the heroine first, as Blaec does for Dominique. Yet, Dominique definitely feels the attraction to Blaec, but being the innocent she is, she's just not as aware of the shear carnality and how inevitable their love is.
I really liked Dominique Beauchamp because she is a beautiful person, inside and out. She always wants to do the right thing and she is also caught up into this forbidden attraction to the "Black Dragon" that she tries to fight at first. When she gives in to the love, she is as smitten with "the Dragon" as he is with her.
I loved it when the two came together and stopped fighting the attraction for one another. Their love story was so good, that it left me wanting more for them. I wanted to see more scenes in which there is relief in their relationship. But, don't get me wrong, when "The Dragon" and Dominique are together, it's just beautiful and for a moment all of the stars line up for them as they bask in their realization of love.
The events that lead to the HEA are great! The resolution of the story lies in how a brother will sacrifice everything to see his twin happy and duly honored. In contrast, the evil brother gets his just reward. I have already re-read this book a few times….just wanted more….
WISHLIST (Quite frankly these are the things I found lacking….)
1) Even though I was happy for Graeham d'Lucy HEA in the end as he found a passionate love for himself, as a reader I would have preferred to have more scenes between the Hero & Heroine. I supposed I loved The BLACK DRAGON & Dominique so much that I just wanted more….
2) OK, the fact that there was no epilogue is almost unforgivable!!! Yes, the story ends with Dominique securely settled in the embrace of her gorgeous Hero, Blaec, but my goodness!!!--Couldn't the author have been a little more thoughtful of the readers??? :-(
I would have loved to have gotten a glimpse into their future…ugh!-Such a missed opportunity.
3) Also, there was a bit too much of the internal conversation going on whenever the Hero and Heroine faced each other. They thought too much….lol. At first I thought OMG, they must look so weird with all of this "thinking" and very little action going on each time they face each other. Also, I wish the author would have used better descriptors for Dominique instead of always saying "she cried out." It seemed like the poor girl was always "crying out" for something. I thought that was reflective of a writing issue, instead of a character flaw.
If it weren't for these three "wish list" items, I would have given the book 5 STARS.
This book is for sure about an intriguing forbidden love, but it's also steeped heavily in FAMILY & most importantly sibling relationships. I became interested in the plot right away because I was so anxious, to see how this love story would unfold when you have very complicated feelings between the siblings.
SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS:
Dominique Beauchamp is a total innocent and merely a pawn in the clutches of her brother, William Beauchamp. The problem is that she is unaware of how evil her brother is. She is also unaware of secret plans he has in store for her. She looks up to her brother and always gives him the benefit of the doubt, until it's a lost cause and all of his true intentions are brought to light.
The story of the upbringing of the d'Lucy brothers is rather tragic because both men are heavily impacted by how one brother, "the Dragon" was mistreated by their father. And, really it was just due to the fact that the society they lived in was ignorant and stupid in terms of their knowledge of fraternal twins. At the birth of the d'Lucy boys, they had different coloring and features (Blaec is dark-haired and Graeham is light-haired and blonde). So, the father believed that his wife had an affair and Blaec is another man's son. For this reason, Blaec was despised by his father and his birthright taken away. That mistreatment does not go unnoticed by the favored son, who is Graeham.
So….fast forward to adulthood and you have two brothers who love each other and will do anything to care for each other's welfare. So, imagine the internal conflict that tortures Blaec when he falls helplessly in love with Dominique, who is Graeham's betrothed!!! It was an arranged marriage to help bring peace and stability between the two waring families.
LOVE STORY:
OK, regarding the Hero, let me say he is just delicious, smoldering, gorgeous and a real man! LOL…yes, Blaec d'Lucy, the Black Dragon of Drakewich is a warrior, he is sharp and never let's his guard down. He is also a shrewd business man. Overall, Blaec is definitely a strong, virile, masculine figure (my favorite). The part I love best is how he is drawn to Dominique and cannot fight his own will. I mean the man WANTS her, from the moment he lays eyes on her. I felt bad for the man because he is really tortured by his love for her. (of course, he doesn't know he's in love…he just feels this earth shattering force that pulls him to her like a giant magnet). And, I love it when the hero falls for the heroine first, as Blaec does for Dominique. Yet, Dominique definitely feels the attraction to Blaec, but being the innocent she is, she's just not as aware of the shear carnality and how inevitable their love is.
I really liked Dominique Beauchamp because she is a beautiful person, inside and out. She always wants to do the right thing and she is also caught up into this forbidden attraction to the "Black Dragon" that she tries to fight at first. When she gives in to the love, she is as smitten with "the Dragon" as he is with her.
I loved it when the two came together and stopped fighting the attraction for one another. Their love story was so good, that it left me wanting more for them. I wanted to see more scenes in which there is relief in their relationship. But, don't get me wrong, when "The Dragon" and Dominique are together, it's just beautiful and for a moment all of the stars line up for them as they bask in their realization of love.
The events that lead to the HEA are great! The resolution of the story lies in how a brother will sacrifice everything to see his twin happy and duly honored. In contrast, the evil brother gets his just reward. I have already re-read this book a few times….just wanted more….
WISHLIST (Quite frankly these are the things I found lacking….)
1) Even though I was happy for Graeham d'Lucy HEA in the end as he found a passionate love for himself, as a reader I would have preferred to have more scenes between the Hero & Heroine. I supposed I loved The BLACK DRAGON & Dominique so much that I just wanted more….
2) OK, the fact that there was no epilogue is almost unforgivable!!! Yes, the story ends with Dominique securely settled in the embrace of her gorgeous Hero, Blaec, but my goodness!!!--Couldn't the author have been a little more thoughtful of the readers??? :-(
I would have loved to have gotten a glimpse into their future…ugh!-Such a missed opportunity.
3) Also, there was a bit too much of the internal conversation going on whenever the Hero and Heroine faced each other. They thought too much….lol. At first I thought OMG, they must look so weird with all of this "thinking" and very little action going on each time they face each other. Also, I wish the author would have used better descriptors for Dominique instead of always saying "she cried out." It seemed like the poor girl was always "crying out" for something. I thought that was reflective of a writing issue, instead of a character flaw.
If it weren't for these three "wish list" items, I would have given the book 5 STARS.
March 6, 2017
It took me almost a whole day to read this because I found myself putting it down to do other things subconsciously. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either, it was just mediocre at best. I tried to like it, I wanted to like it, but the characters more than anything made it difficult. I did like the storyline and that's probably what kept me going in trying to finish the story. The small twist with the antagonist was something I haven't come across before and that made it a little more interesting to see how that played out.
While I did like the idea of seeing two characters fighting feelings growing for someone they couldn't have because of circumstances, I wasn't a fan of how the author executed the concept of their relationship. It didn't feel justified or real, it seemed more like they were thrown together and took what was there simply because it looked nice...and it was there. I don't see how Dominique could start having feelings for someone who clearly made his contempt and hatred for her visible. If someone despises you, you do anything to avoid them period, not sneaking glances at them, blatantly staring at them for minutes before finding your voice again.
Blaec treated her like crap from the minute he saw her, so I don't see how she could ever look at him and not be insecure or hesitant in his advances. All I ever felt from him was lust. If he truly had feelings for her, he would have at least treated her with some sort of respect. I think he did everything he could to make sure she never felt anything for him out of respect for his brother by pushing her away and making her loathe him. But he didn't need to goad and insult her at every turn, she was intimidated by him but she never would have came onto him when she was betrothed to his brother. All he had to do was keep their relationship strictly platonic and familial. I would have liked to see them fighting attraction on an even, respectful, playing field much more than the one we got. I didn't like his mentality or his behavior. I didn't like anything about his character at all. I despised him and felt that he took out all of his anger and hurt of being rejected by his father and dumped it all on her before she could ever hurt him and that's not fair. She didn't deserve that.
Dominique was a character that I felt sympathy for but I didn't have any respect for her because of how she allowed Blaec's cruel treatment. She was weak and never showed any backbone. She allowed him to humiliate, degrade, and confuse her with his actions and words. She never stood up for herself or knocked him down a peg when he was punishing her for making him feel things he didn't want. Even after he hurt her or looked at her in disgust, she disregarded his behavior and still waited for him to come to her, hoped he'd come to her, after he'd had his little hissy fit. She was pathetic and an embarrassment to female readers who have pride and dignity intact.
Graeham was another bad example of the men in this book. Instead of just coming clean and telling his brother he was free to pursue Dominique he wasted time playing games with them. Instead of going years ago after their father died and asking the king to grant turning over the leadership to the rightful heir as it should be, since he had no interest in leading, and because his brother was already seen as their leader anyway, he still played the part of leader when he should have stepped down years ago because he knew his brother could protect their land so much better than him. He wasted time playing juvenile games rather than handling things like an adult would do and getting things done. He made a hasty decision and accepted a truce with an enemy without thinking it all the way through. He regretted it when he discovered he has no feelings for Dominique and couldn't go through with it, so his resolution? Simple, pass her off to his brother, of course! She's just a piece of meat anyway. Besides, his brother showed interest in her the first time he saw her, so he must see her as a potential wife right? Let the matchmaking begin. Which is when he confuses the heck out of Dominique by avoiding her, ordering his betrothed to bathe his brother, and throwing them together at every chance. He was another weak character and couldn't just come clean on what he thought and wanted.
I didn't like anyone in this book and it made that much harder to get through. I'm just happy it's over with and its nothing personal against the author's writing because I did like the storyline outside of the romance and the dialogue was done well. It took a chapter or two for me to get the feel for it again because I haven't read a historical in a while but after that I could understand what was going on and wasn't left feeling out of my element. It's just these particular characters I couldn't get on board with. To put it nicely, it was a good experience but I won't read this again. I've read worse and read better.
While I did like the idea of seeing two characters fighting feelings growing for someone they couldn't have because of circumstances, I wasn't a fan of how the author executed the concept of their relationship. It didn't feel justified or real, it seemed more like they were thrown together and took what was there simply because it looked nice...and it was there. I don't see how Dominique could start having feelings for someone who clearly made his contempt and hatred for her visible. If someone despises you, you do anything to avoid them period, not sneaking glances at them, blatantly staring at them for minutes before finding your voice again.
Blaec treated her like crap from the minute he saw her, so I don't see how she could ever look at him and not be insecure or hesitant in his advances. All I ever felt from him was lust. If he truly had feelings for her, he would have at least treated her with some sort of respect. I think he did everything he could to make sure she never felt anything for him out of respect for his brother by pushing her away and making her loathe him. But he didn't need to goad and insult her at every turn, she was intimidated by him but she never would have came onto him when she was betrothed to his brother. All he had to do was keep their relationship strictly platonic and familial. I would have liked to see them fighting attraction on an even, respectful, playing field much more than the one we got. I didn't like his mentality or his behavior. I didn't like anything about his character at all. I despised him and felt that he took out all of his anger and hurt of being rejected by his father and dumped it all on her before she could ever hurt him and that's not fair. She didn't deserve that.
Dominique was a character that I felt sympathy for but I didn't have any respect for her because of how she allowed Blaec's cruel treatment. She was weak and never showed any backbone. She allowed him to humiliate, degrade, and confuse her with his actions and words. She never stood up for herself or knocked him down a peg when he was punishing her for making him feel things he didn't want. Even after he hurt her or looked at her in disgust, she disregarded his behavior and still waited for him to come to her, hoped he'd come to her, after he'd had his little hissy fit. She was pathetic and an embarrassment to female readers who have pride and dignity intact.
Graeham was another bad example of the men in this book. Instead of just coming clean and telling his brother he was free to pursue Dominique he wasted time playing games with them. Instead of going years ago after their father died and asking the king to grant turning over the leadership to the rightful heir as it should be, since he had no interest in leading, and because his brother was already seen as their leader anyway, he still played the part of leader when he should have stepped down years ago because he knew his brother could protect their land so much better than him. He wasted time playing juvenile games rather than handling things like an adult would do and getting things done. He made a hasty decision and accepted a truce with an enemy without thinking it all the way through. He regretted it when he discovered he has no feelings for Dominique and couldn't go through with it, so his resolution? Simple, pass her off to his brother, of course! She's just a piece of meat anyway. Besides, his brother showed interest in her the first time he saw her, so he must see her as a potential wife right? Let the matchmaking begin. Which is when he confuses the heck out of Dominique by avoiding her, ordering his betrothed to bathe his brother, and throwing them together at every chance. He was another weak character and couldn't just come clean on what he thought and wanted.
I didn't like anyone in this book and it made that much harder to get through. I'm just happy it's over with and its nothing personal against the author's writing because I did like the storyline outside of the romance and the dialogue was done well. It took a chapter or two for me to get the feel for it again because I haven't read a historical in a while but after that I could understand what was going on and wasn't left feeling out of my element. It's just these particular characters I couldn't get on board with. To put it nicely, it was a good experience but I won't read this again. I've read worse and read better.
June 4, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this medieval romance between the dark, brooding Blaec d'Lucy and the spirited, feisty Dominique Beauchamp.
Slow burn romance, steamy scenes, impossible love, betrayal, redemption--this novel has it all!
Highly recommended!
Slow burn romance, steamy scenes, impossible love, betrayal, redemption--this novel has it all!
Highly recommended!
July 29, 2014
3 stars
To be honest, I wanted to read the book just because of the cover. I mean, c'mon. Look at this cover. *swoon*
I wasn't really wild about this book but it still was a nice read. Dominique Beauchamp was a decent heroine. She has the stubbornness that some heroines possess.
I liked the banter between her and the hero in this story. For much of the story, they absolutely loathe each other and I found myself smiling at some of the stuff they would say to each other.
He was the cause of her discontent.
He was the bane of her existence.
Blaec d'Lucy is a good character. He's the typical tall, dark, and handsome hero we all seem to love and appreciate.
Once they finally give in to temptation is where I start to enjoy the story more.
Slowly, his eyes closing, he bent to kiss her mouth, his lips quivering, his fingers digging into her shoulders. The look she saw upon his face made her heart fly into her throat, made her want to cry out in sheer pleasure, for it seemed as through he relished the very thought of kissing her, hungered for it, even. As did she.
His tongue slid seductively along the curve of her lips, his breath trembling as he lapped her, embraced her. Feeling the pounding of his heart against her breast, she opened to him readily, sighing with the joy it brought her. Dear God, she loved this man. She wanted to tell him so.
There's humor, action, betrayal, and love in this book by Ms. Crosby. I wish I could've enjoyed it more than I did. I just felt like something was missing throughout the whole story. Not sure what.... just something.
The secondary characters are very enjoyable. I enjoyed reading about Alyss and Graeham's budding romance toward the end.
Would I recommend this to anyone? Of course! While I found it somewhat lacking in some parts, I still think it's a nice read.
To be honest, I wanted to read the book just because of the cover. I mean, c'mon. Look at this cover. *swoon*
I wasn't really wild about this book but it still was a nice read. Dominique Beauchamp was a decent heroine. She has the stubbornness that some heroines possess.
I liked the banter between her and the hero in this story. For much of the story, they absolutely loathe each other and I found myself smiling at some of the stuff they would say to each other.
He was the cause of her discontent.
He was the bane of her existence.
Blaec d'Lucy is a good character. He's the typical tall, dark, and handsome hero we all seem to love and appreciate.
Once they finally give in to temptation is where I start to enjoy the story more.
Slowly, his eyes closing, he bent to kiss her mouth, his lips quivering, his fingers digging into her shoulders. The look she saw upon his face made her heart fly into her throat, made her want to cry out in sheer pleasure, for it seemed as through he relished the very thought of kissing her, hungered for it, even. As did she.
His tongue slid seductively along the curve of her lips, his breath trembling as he lapped her, embraced her. Feeling the pounding of his heart against her breast, she opened to him readily, sighing with the joy it brought her. Dear God, she loved this man. She wanted to tell him so.
There's humor, action, betrayal, and love in this book by Ms. Crosby. I wish I could've enjoyed it more than I did. I just felt like something was missing throughout the whole story. Not sure what.... just something.
The secondary characters are very enjoyable. I enjoyed reading about Alyss and Graeham's budding romance toward the end.
Would I recommend this to anyone? Of course! While I found it somewhat lacking in some parts, I still think it's a nice read.
March 28, 2022
The reviews on this book led me to download it from Kindle Unlimited.
It was rubbish. I stayed up all night to power through this book and get it over with.
There was lust, Dominique was bland and Blaec was driven by lust. Nothing in these two characters stood out to make me want to savour this book.
Highly doubt I'll be reading another book by Tanya
It was rubbish. I stayed up all night to power through this book and get it over with.
There was lust, Dominique was bland and Blaec was driven by lust. Nothing in these two characters stood out to make me want to savour this book.
Highly doubt I'll be reading another book by Tanya
April 24, 2018
YUM! I'M RATING THIS 4 STARS MAINLY FOR THE INSANE ATTRACTION AND CHEMISTRY NOT TO MENTION PALPABLE ANGST BETWEEN THE H/h it bordered on animalistic...and no its nothing close to rough sex.
OUR HERO is the oldest twin, but because of his dark coloring so unlike his fair family, his father casted him as a bastard and proclaims his second twin as the heir. All of life Blaec longs to win his father's approval but sadly never achieved it until the old lord died. So he remains as the stronghold for his brother, the ruthless warrior who protects his own like a shadow but never to be seen...not in the literal sense. I liked Blaec. He's those kind of brooding heroes who seem so untouchable, its a wonder to watch him fall in love with a beautiful and headstrong heroine. The attraction he had for Dominique was carnal and I loved every second of it, I held my breath through it all.
OUR HEROINE is a pawn of her brother's warfare and she has absolutely no idea that her brother has incestuous thoughts about her. Like a blind fool, she follows him like a meek lamb, even agreeing to the marriage he is forcing upon her to their enemy. Yet it wasn't her bethrothed who captured her attention but his darker twin, the one who antagonises her but also stirs her womanly passion!
OVERALL truly the chemistry itself was worth the entire story even if the were always at loggerheads before succumbing to the long awaited passion.
OUR HERO is the oldest twin, but because of his dark coloring so unlike his fair family, his father casted him as a bastard and proclaims his second twin as the heir. All of life Blaec longs to win his father's approval but sadly never achieved it until the old lord died. So he remains as the stronghold for his brother, the ruthless warrior who protects his own like a shadow but never to be seen...not in the literal sense. I liked Blaec. He's those kind of brooding heroes who seem so untouchable, its a wonder to watch him fall in love with a beautiful and headstrong heroine. The attraction he had for Dominique was carnal and I loved every second of it, I held my breath through it all.
OUR HEROINE is a pawn of her brother's warfare and she has absolutely no idea that her brother has incestuous thoughts about her. Like a blind fool, she follows him like a meek lamb, even agreeing to the marriage he is forcing upon her to their enemy. Yet it wasn't her bethrothed who captured her attention but his darker twin, the one who antagonises her but also stirs her womanly passion!
OVERALL truly the chemistry itself was worth the entire story even if the were always at loggerheads before succumbing to the long awaited passion.
May 16, 2021
I liked this story. The sexual tension between the main characters is undeniable and entertaining mostly.
What it surprised me the most about this book is that it has the best written sex scenes I've read in a book. Usually these scenes are a mess, quite badly written with limbs and weird positions that make anyone impossible to know what it's going on and who is doing what. But the few scenes in this book are wonderfully written. They're sexy, hot, erotic, clear, enticing and meaningful. Artistically written and well developed.
I had to skip some paragraphs because there's no much action. The scenes are slow and the dialogues full of descrpitions but still the love story is poweful.
What it surprised me the most about this book is that it has the best written sex scenes I've read in a book. Usually these scenes are a mess, quite badly written with limbs and weird positions that make anyone impossible to know what it's going on and who is doing what. But the few scenes in this book are wonderfully written. They're sexy, hot, erotic, clear, enticing and meaningful. Artistically written and well developed.
I had to skip some paragraphs because there's no much action. The scenes are slow and the dialogues full of descrpitions but still the love story is poweful.
November 26, 2017
A wonderful story!
Once Upon a Kiss is a wonderful story rich in history, in loyalty and in love. Crosby is very talented in transporting the reader back in time to live vicariously through these characters. It is a story of betrayal, of misperceived hurt and power hungry tirades, yet it is resplendent with honor, with family ties and most of all love. Love of family, love and care of community but most of all romantic love.
Once Upon a Kiss is a wonderful story rich in history, in loyalty and in love. Crosby is very talented in transporting the reader back in time to live vicariously through these characters. It is a story of betrayal, of misperceived hurt and power hungry tirades, yet it is resplendent with honor, with family ties and most of all love. Love of family, love and care of community but most of all romantic love.
September 22, 2020
Not my cup of tea
The book started off good but for my taste it felt short, too much cursing and profanity when taking the name of God in vain at that time was considered a sacrilege and specially when the brother was supposed to have a calling for the church. The female lead was too stupid and ignorant for my taste. I think it also felt short in the romance as well, too much lust and not much romance
The book started off good but for my taste it felt short, too much cursing and profanity when taking the name of God in vain at that time was considered a sacrilege and specially when the brother was supposed to have a calling for the church. The female lead was too stupid and ignorant for my taste. I think it also felt short in the romance as well, too much lust and not much romance
May 7, 2021
Rich and witty!
Tanya Anne Crosby weaved a tale from the threads of brilliance, and sealed it with such artfully wicked ardor. "' tis God's truth", indeed.
I enjoyed the novel, from the first line to the last. So much so, I found myself reluctant to turn to the final page, yet unable to stop myself.
Blaec and Dominique's story was an exhilarating experience that certainly leaves one craving for much more...
Tanya Anne Crosby weaved a tale from the threads of brilliance, and sealed it with such artfully wicked ardor. "' tis God's truth", indeed.
I enjoyed the novel, from the first line to the last. So much so, I found myself reluctant to turn to the final page, yet unable to stop myself.
Blaec and Dominique's story was an exhilarating experience that certainly leaves one craving for much more...
February 9, 2022
Just loved this story!
It is so sad that Blaec’s father was such a bad person, bad father. But on the outside Blaec did not show it. He gave all his love then to his brother. During the soon to be wedding, Dominique took Blaec breath away, now not only did he love his brother, but a new kind of love entered his life. Read about what they both went through until they were together.
It is so sad that Blaec’s father was such a bad person, bad father. But on the outside Blaec did not show it. He gave all his love then to his brother. During the soon to be wedding, Dominique took Blaec breath away, now not only did he love his brother, but a new kind of love entered his life. Read about what they both went through until they were together.
September 27, 2023
A must read
I've always wanted to have the talent to paint the illustrious pictures Tanya does! Her books have been the reason I have the ability to live in a different world, time and place. I yearn to someday reach the level of talent she has. Thank you Tanya for engaging me once again and creating hope that not only true love is possible but giving me the courage to someday reach the level of talent you have!
I've always wanted to have the talent to paint the illustrious pictures Tanya does! Her books have been the reason I have the ability to live in a different world, time and place. I yearn to someday reach the level of talent she has. Thank you Tanya for engaging me once again and creating hope that not only true love is possible but giving me the courage to someday reach the level of talent you have!
January 7, 2024
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Great plot, great characters and the dialogue fit all of the situations. Description of the scenes kept me reading.
However, some of the words were incorrect...A furlong is one eighth of a mile, not a good word to describe distance ridden between the castles.
Also, a demoiselle is young lady, NOT a small ocean fish as the definition stated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Great plot, great characters and the dialogue fit all of the situations. Description of the scenes kept me reading.
However, some of the words were incorrect...A furlong is one eighth of a mile, not a good word to describe distance ridden between the castles.
Also, a demoiselle is young lady, NOT a small ocean fish as the definition stated.
December 8, 2020
This was a interesting read for it involved twins. Graeham d'Lucy was to marry her but he set her up with his twin Blaec. This is a real interesting story to read. For there is a mystery going on and there is also action going on. There I'd also good old fashion romance going on with a little steam as well. I like the history that is in the story. Its a great story & worth reading. J
February 2, 2022
Once Upon a Kiss
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author had an intriguing imagination in coming up with this unusual storyline. The two warring families had decided to call a truce by a daughter from one family would marry a son from the opposing family, which led to all kinds of conflicts.
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author had an intriguing imagination in coming up with this unusual storyline. The two warring families had decided to call a truce by a daughter from one family would marry a son from the opposing family, which led to all kinds of conflicts.
March 5, 2018
Amazing story
Do not read if you plan to get anything done! I started reading and couldn’t put down. Stayed up to late reading and now I’m sad. Just wanted the story to continue. I hate when the happiness starts the book ends. Give us a little more please.
Do not read if you plan to get anything done! I started reading and couldn’t put down. Stayed up to late reading and now I’m sad. Just wanted the story to continue. I hate when the happiness starts the book ends. Give us a little more please.
July 24, 2018
A good medieval romance. I enjoyed it. Blaec and Dominique were interesting characters. The dynamic between these two was great. There was an almost insta-love type feel to it. There was a lot of predictably within this book but it was still enjoyable.
August 14, 2019
Once upon a Kiss
Beauty and the beast. Although the beast was her own brother and not the man she was betrothed to or even his brother. She was but a pawn to her brother and he was more than mad.
Beauty and the beast. Although the beast was her own brother and not the man she was betrothed to or even his brother. She was but a pawn to her brother and he was more than mad.
March 8, 2020
Charming
The dangerous black knight and the naive innocent with instant chemistry .. both born into complicated unhappy families .. living lonely lives until they come together .. the characters were delightful and personalities consistent .. with a fairy tale ending.
The dangerous black knight and the naive innocent with instant chemistry .. both born into complicated unhappy families .. living lonely lives until they come together .. the characters were delightful and personalities consistent .. with a fairy tale ending.
May 7, 2020
Spellbinding
Tanya Anne Crosby writes an amazing tail about assumption and deceit. How true the scenes sound and how often the unspoken is wrong.
The story is wonderful and I look forward to finding out how if these two couples have other adventures.
Tanya Anne Crosby writes an amazing tail about assumption and deceit. How true the scenes sound and how often the unspoken is wrong.
The story is wonderful and I look forward to finding out how if these two couples have other adventures.
May 7, 2021
Not what I was expecting
This book and the audiobook companion were a total impulse buy and I don’t regret it. The story was different and just what I was looking for while taking a break from the young adult genre.
This book and the audiobook companion were a total impulse buy and I don’t regret it. The story was different and just what I was looking for while taking a break from the young adult genre.
May 10, 2021
Disappointing
Not a favorite, I felt I rushed to finish it and get it over with, when I was tempted to just give up. Story just didn't flow smoothly or have anything to hold my interest. Didn't love the characters at all, weak females.
Not a favorite, I felt I rushed to finish it and get it over with, when I was tempted to just give up. Story just didn't flow smoothly or have anything to hold my interest. Didn't love the characters at all, weak females.
May 18, 2021
Once upon A Kiss
I really enjoyed this Medieval tale of love, revenge, and knights fighting for their lands and ladies. It is a thrilling book about twin brothers: one fair and blonde and the other dark and the lady Dominique.Tanya Crosby won me over with this story!
I really enjoyed this Medieval tale of love, revenge, and knights fighting for their lands and ladies. It is a thrilling book about twin brothers: one fair and blonde and the other dark and the lady Dominique.Tanya Crosby won me over with this story!
May 25, 2021
After a few more pages...
This author keeps the reader riveted, eager to learn what happens next. The characters are intelligent and reasonable, easy to relate to their actions and reactions. Anticipation created by Crosby's stories keeps supper waiting and bedtime late.
This author keeps the reader riveted, eager to learn what happens next. The characters are intelligent and reasonable, easy to relate to their actions and reactions. Anticipation created by Crosby's stories keeps supper waiting and bedtime late.
July 13, 2021
Oh my!
I love how the tension between Dominique and Blade builds to twist around until you can feel like you can't tell up from down. It makes you wonder how the story will end.
It kept me thralled to the very end.
I love how the tension between Dominique and Blade builds to twist around until you can feel like you can't tell up from down. It makes you wonder how the story will end.
It kept me thralled to the very end.
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