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Sweet Deception Regency #1
The Five Kisses
A Christmas NOVELLA If you love Downton Abbey and Jane Austen you’ll love The Five Kisses! Can the daughter of a professor with a very small estate interest the heir to an Earl in not just love but marriage? When 13 year old Chad stands up to a bully and rescues a kitten, Gillian saves him from a beating. A thank you kiss surprises them both. If she was older than 9, she might have fallen in love with him right there. But then…" The journey from friendship to love in this traditional Regency will warm the heart of any reader.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2012
79 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Karla Darcy
8 books185 followersKarla Darcy lives with her husband, several tame geckos and an occasional friendly snake on the Treasure Coast on the east side of Florida. She has always felt she lived in the Regency period in a past life. Her early writings were musical comedies and humor columns so it was an easy transition to the romantic and humorous style of Regencies. Lovely dresses, masked balls and witty conversations, which contained saucy double entendres, were the perfect cup of tea for this author.
Karla discovered years ago that you don't have to be a bitch to write a Regency but it helps. Tone is everything in the era of witty repartee. Dialogue has to have that snap that makes Regency conversations sparkle.
Karla discovered years ago that you don't have to be a bitch to write a Regency but it helps. Tone is everything in the era of witty repartee. Dialogue has to have that snap that makes Regency conversations sparkle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 24, 2013
I really enjoyed 95% of the book. Everything was so good, then the author had to go and ruin it in the last few pages.
Gillian and Chad have been friends since kids. It tells about the 5 different kisses they share. Very sweet. UNTIL the last one, where Chad has gone off to war and then after Gillian has heard rumors that he is a womanizer and a gambler, etc. Gillian chooses not to listen to the rumors, and then Chad comes home for another kiss at Christmas and after giving her a very passionate kiss she pushes him away a little and he says, "I did not mean to fighten or offend you. My experience has been with women of a different bred. You are an innocent and will need time to adjust to my loving you."
And Gillian is supposed to turn a blind eye to his wandering one, and hands, and whatver and they get married and live happily ever after. WHATEVER! Ms. Darcy didn't need to put that in there, she ruined the whole novella. It would have been a 5 stars from me. Oh well.
Moral Note: Very brief talk of Chad's rakish ways. Otherwise clean.
Gillian and Chad have been friends since kids. It tells about the 5 different kisses they share. Very sweet. UNTIL the last one, where Chad has gone off to war and then after Gillian has heard rumors that he is a womanizer and a gambler, etc. Gillian chooses not to listen to the rumors, and then Chad comes home for another kiss at Christmas and after giving her a very passionate kiss she pushes him away a little and he says, "I did not mean to fighten or offend you. My experience has been with women of a different bred. You are an innocent and will need time to adjust to my loving you."
And Gillian is supposed to turn a blind eye to his wandering one, and hands, and whatver and they get married and live happily ever after. WHATEVER! Ms. Darcy didn't need to put that in there, she ruined the whole novella. It would have been a 5 stars from me. Oh well.
Moral Note: Very brief talk of Chad's rakish ways. Otherwise clean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2013
This was an okay weekend read. I liked how it was clean but not cheesy. However, I wasn't crazy about the last two "chapters" where all of a sudden he's this intense, almost date rapist-like individual who all of sudden plans this surprise wedding for her the next day. You don't just almost force a girl one night, and then get up and leave with this perfectly eloquent explanation, warning her that "you'll be back," and then expect her to respect you the next day when you storm her house with a bunch of picnic baskets and a more chipper attitude. For real, I seriously thought he was going to tie her up and lock her in her house in that last part like those stalker men on Criminal Minds, but instead, he proposes, and everyone is happy. This is not normal!
But... Good for them, I guess.
But... Good for them, I guess.
February 9, 2023
A montage of holiday-time scenes from childhood to adulthood for this tender coming of age friends to lovers sweet Regency romance.
Professor's daughter, Gillian, and heir to an earldom, Chad, become friends when nine year old Gillian pitches an apple with accuracy at the head of a bully and rescues thirteen year old Chad and a kitten. As the years go by, Gillian's innocent childhood friendship with Chad blossoms into deeper feelings on her part. As her hoydenish ways give over to womanly graces, Chad is becoming a seasoned and polished member of the aristocracy leaving behind his sweet country friend. But, for all that, they are there for each other through the hard times both encounter and connected across the years. In the end, will a professor's daughter be enough for a worldly-wise young earl?
The Five Kisses doesn't go much beyond those tender kisses, but there are some more sultry notes in the tone of the story as the pair come of age. Gillian is the primary narrator, but the story briefly hops into the heads of her father and Chad, too. It has a saucy and light feel because Gillian employs Regency Cant (slang) and her absent-minded father and generous-hearted governess give her more freedom as she is in the country and not being primed for a brilliant match. Yet, Chad was so his presence is not innocent and sweet. There is one brief jarring moment before the end, but all in all this quickly read holiday novella was satisfying and charming.
Professor's daughter, Gillian, and heir to an earldom, Chad, become friends when nine year old Gillian pitches an apple with accuracy at the head of a bully and rescues thirteen year old Chad and a kitten. As the years go by, Gillian's innocent childhood friendship with Chad blossoms into deeper feelings on her part. As her hoydenish ways give over to womanly graces, Chad is becoming a seasoned and polished member of the aristocracy leaving behind his sweet country friend. But, for all that, they are there for each other through the hard times both encounter and connected across the years. In the end, will a professor's daughter be enough for a worldly-wise young earl?
The Five Kisses doesn't go much beyond those tender kisses, but there are some more sultry notes in the tone of the story as the pair come of age. Gillian is the primary narrator, but the story briefly hops into the heads of her father and Chad, too. It has a saucy and light feel because Gillian employs Regency Cant (slang) and her absent-minded father and generous-hearted governess give her more freedom as she is in the country and not being primed for a brilliant match. Yet, Chad was so his presence is not innocent and sweet. There is one brief jarring moment before the end, but all in all this quickly read holiday novella was satisfying and charming.
April 15, 2014
A sweet novel about a young girl GIlian, that meets a boy in a hilarious way, climbed on a roof, while she was trying to save a cat's life, by two boys whom were playing with a cat in a harmful way, one of them Chad. Gilian caught the boys, specifically Lester, the one who was more violent toward the cat; at that moment Gilian started to attack Lester with apples so he could stop the harm toward the little cat. Chad did not want to hurt the cat, so suddenly Lester receives the apple he got angry and knocked Chad's eyes.
After Gilian the girl, saves the cat from Lester, and helps Chad inviting him to her house to cure him; suddenly they get a thankful kiss without they even realizing it, and start a friendship that will last from long time till adulthood.
Both Gillian and Chad’s life goes through time in five stages and five kisses. While they become teenagers they get their first kiss and so one during they get five kisses. The first kiss stars the journey of both lives.
After Gilian the girl, saves the cat from Lester, and helps Chad inviting him to her house to cure him; suddenly they get a thankful kiss without they even realizing it, and start a friendship that will last from long time till adulthood.
Both Gillian and Chad’s life goes through time in five stages and five kisses. While they become teenagers they get their first kiss and so one during they get five kisses. The first kiss stars the journey of both lives.
July 26, 2015
The story was alright, nothing new here.
I couldn't help but notice some of the author's choices in word. Sadly, I'm not that smart so I had to keep stopping to look up different words. It's strange because I've read plenty of historical romance type stories and there were of stops in this short story for me. Ex: evincing, pantomiming, , hoydenish, 'bamming', dishabille, abigail.
Several phrases that I was lost on:
1. 'touch of bronze'
2. 'topping good'
3. 'he struck a Lucifer'
4. "I can bloody well see that. Wizard!" What's the 'wizard' for?
5. "Fustian!"
6. "Give over, do."
Why is Gillian's father referred to as 'Ethan'? Not a
'Mr....'?
I didn't get Gillian and Chad's relationship. It stops by for a few minutes to kiss her then leaves and doesn't come back for years?
I didn't like the ending, it didn't really feel complete. Like the author had to hurry up and finish or something.
I couldn't help but notice some of the author's choices in word. Sadly, I'm not that smart so I had to keep stopping to look up different words. It's strange because I've read plenty of historical romance type stories and there were of stops in this short story for me. Ex: evincing, pantomiming, , hoydenish, 'bamming', dishabille, abigail.
Several phrases that I was lost on:
1. 'touch of bronze'
2. 'topping good'
3. 'he struck a Lucifer'
4. "I can bloody well see that. Wizard!" What's the 'wizard' for?
5. "Fustian!"
6. "Give over, do."
Why is Gillian's father referred to as 'Ethan'? Not a
'Mr....'?
I didn't get Gillian and Chad's relationship. It stops by for a few minutes to kiss her then leaves and doesn't come back for years?
I didn't like the ending, it didn't really feel complete. Like the author had to hurry up and finish or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2013
Yay, a clean Regency with not-in-your-face references to God! This was a short Kindle freebie. I also got the first full book in this series by this author, as I have high hopes it will also be well written, clean and with religious tones.
The only thing keeping this from being a five star and not a four star review is that I REALLY don't like the double standard of, the man is thwarted in love, so he boozes it up and becomes a womanizer, but she is still as pure as driven snow when he realizes the error of his ways. Really? Is that necessary? Granted, his poor decisions happen " off-screen" as it were and I know this is a fantasy, but if he had done that in real life, he would have brought at least one disease home to his loving, faithful, pure woman when he was finally ready to marry her. Other than that issue, it was a cute story and I am looking forward to reading her next book.
The only thing keeping this from being a five star and not a four star review is that I REALLY don't like the double standard of, the man is thwarted in love, so he boozes it up and becomes a womanizer, but she is still as pure as driven snow when he realizes the error of his ways. Really? Is that necessary? Granted, his poor decisions happen " off-screen" as it were and I know this is a fantasy, but if he had done that in real life, he would have brought at least one disease home to his loving, faithful, pure woman when he was finally ready to marry her. Other than that issue, it was a cute story and I am looking forward to reading her next book.
August 29, 2012
I cannot say enough about The Five Kisses. Karla Darcy transported me to England with the opening sentence. This is a sweet regency romance that follows the life up Gillian and Chad from childhood to adulthood. For a short story, the author did an amazing job of drawing me into the characters lives. Each was well developed and their stories told to completion. I fell in love with all of them, especially Gillian’s father, who made me long to be Gillian. If you want a sweet, lovely read, don’t miss The Five Kisses. It will not disappoint.
March 13, 2016
Lacked excitement, no umph to the story
January 11, 2020
The story is actually not bad and rather interesting. It was a bit rushed and Chad did a 180 at the end. It would have been nice to have some clue to Chad's feelings before the last chapter. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so much like "Well if you liked her so much why did you stay so far away? Granted you might have thought she married that guy but there was also that time before when you could have hinted at your feelings". So just a bit more to the length would have helped the story a lot.
January 20, 2021
Dressed up as a Regency, but ugh - the modesty and propriety was absent. Gillian is lewd and Chad ends up sleeping around and then groping her.
There was one particularly disturbing scene between a 13 year old Gillian and an 18 year old Chad where they discuss their anatomy and inappropriate books. She met Chad when she was 9. At 9 years old and up, you know better than to discuss your body with the opposite sex. Her father's response was equally gross. Yikes.
There was one particularly disturbing scene between a 13 year old Gillian and an 18 year old Chad where they discuss their anatomy and inappropriate books. She met Chad when she was 9. At 9 years old and up, you know better than to discuss your body with the opposite sex. Her father's response was equally gross. Yikes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2017
Lovely Regency love story
Well written and very smooth reading. A sweet story based on a loving friendship and five kisses that mark their path.
Well written and very smooth reading. A sweet story based on a loving friendship and five kisses that mark their path.
December 5, 2017
I really have enjoyed this book. I want to read more of this author's writing.
November 21, 2019
Cute, fast, believable for the most part. Chad's growth feels a bit sudden but, as he is not the point of view character and he is off-screen a good bit, it makes sense. Gillian is pretty adorable.
July 1, 2020
Adorable quick little read.
January 21, 2022
It was cute and short.
September 24, 2017
Just OK
As most of the reviewers say, the last chapter seems rushed, and inconsistent with the whole book. The events happening in the last chapter ruin the whole story.
As most of the reviewers say, the last chapter seems rushed, and inconsistent with the whole book. The events happening in the last chapter ruin the whole story.
April 6, 2020
3.5 stars
October 2, 2013
Un petit e book fort sympathique... Rien de renversant, l'histoire est assez convenue ( une amitié d'enfance devient une histoire d'amour) mais c'est raconté avec originalité (certains diront, fainéantise). On suit donc Chad et Gillian depuis leur rencontre jusqu'à la concrétisation en cinq baisers... Le premier baiser lorsqu'elle a 8/9 ans, le dernier lorsqu'elle en a 21. Entre les deux, on ne sait pas grand chose de ce qu'ils pensent, ce qu'ils ressentent... On apprend les aventures de Chad uniquement par ses confidences à Gillian et on découvre les sentiments de cette dernière uniquement à ce moment. J'ai eu un peu l'impression de lire une "romance en accéléré" . Ils se rencontrent, deviennent amis, puis il part, premier retour après une éllipse de cinq ans troisième baiser, puis encore trois ans d'éllipse et les deux autres baisers. On ne sait rien d'autre sur leur vie que ce qui est dit lors de ces épisodes ... Donc on apprend qu'il se fiance, puis rompt (je ne dis pas pourquoi) on la découvre jeune femme alors qu'elle réalise ses sentiments pour lui. De l'entourage de Chad on ne sait rien ou presque, en revanche on rencontre la famille de Gillian, orpheline de mère, et ses amis. Le tout peut avoir un gout d'inachevé mais en définitive sur le principe d'une romance historique courte, j'ai trouvé que c'était bien fait même si il n'y a pas de grosses surprises sur le scénario. Pour un e-book gratuit sur amazon, c'est plutot une bonne surprise et je pense même que je lirais les autres romances de cette auteure si j'en ai l'occasion.
Ce que j'ai aimé : L'idée très originale de raconter une romance qui s'étale sur plusieurs années en cinq baisers. La présence de chats dans l'histoire (non mais sérieusement ils sont importants), les descriptions de Chad assez bien faites et plutôt attirantes
Ce que j'ai moins aimé : Le revers de la médaille c'est que du coup, on ne va jamais profondément dans les sentiments des personnages, ni dans leur psychologie. On est principalement dans l'instant T et comme j'aime bien me prendre la tête ça m'a dérangée. Les événements sont prévisibles (les codes de la romance sont respectés à mort ^^)
En bref : Une belle histoire, originale qui se déguste comme un bonbon et s'oublie rapidement... C'est bien fait, mais de là à dire que c'est un croisement entre Downton Abbey et Jane Austen comme l'éditeur le promet.... A lire pour passer un bon moment, idéal dans les transports en commun
Ma note : 6,5/10
Ce que j'ai aimé : L'idée très originale de raconter une romance qui s'étale sur plusieurs années en cinq baisers. La présence de chats dans l'histoire (non mais sérieusement ils sont importants), les descriptions de Chad assez bien faites et plutôt attirantes
Ce que j'ai moins aimé : Le revers de la médaille c'est que du coup, on ne va jamais profondément dans les sentiments des personnages, ni dans leur psychologie. On est principalement dans l'instant T et comme j'aime bien me prendre la tête ça m'a dérangée. Les événements sont prévisibles (les codes de la romance sont respectés à mort ^^)
En bref : Une belle histoire, originale qui se déguste comme un bonbon et s'oublie rapidement... C'est bien fait, mais de là à dire que c'est un croisement entre Downton Abbey et Jane Austen comme l'éditeur le promet.... A lire pour passer un bon moment, idéal dans les transports en commun
Ma note : 6,5/10
August 1, 2013
Quick enjoyable read, each chapter presenting the story of one of the kisses as our MCs move through childhood to adulthood... I loved the descriptive and emotionally moving Christmas celebration, language and phrases of the era, individual personalities well expressed.
The ending could have been a creative and delightful turn for the future. I have to agree with 2 previous reviews [Jen and Ren] in their perspectives that reflect my own-
The ending could have been a creative and delightful turn for the future. I have to agree with 2 previous reviews [Jen and Ren] in their perspectives that reflect my own-
June 9, 2015
Great apples and cats but needs some fluff
I liked the plot and the story line, I just would've liked to know more about what happened in between each kiss. Also, I want to see what happened in the following week with the wedding and all. Maybe an epilogue showing if she helped with Penny's school or how she adjusted to being a Countess.
The one thing that bothered me the most though was how the father's death was introduced. It seemed unnecessary for him to die (just a hug? It could've happened from her being excited to see him) and it made it extremely sad to hear of that and not have any time to basically get over it before all the sudden he is in love. Telling his story or life between kisses may have helped, make him seem haggard and not like a jerk at the end.
Still would recommend this just a lot of unanswered questions.
I liked the plot and the story line, I just would've liked to know more about what happened in between each kiss. Also, I want to see what happened in the following week with the wedding and all. Maybe an epilogue showing if she helped with Penny's school or how she adjusted to being a Countess.
The one thing that bothered me the most though was how the father's death was introduced. It seemed unnecessary for him to die (just a hug? It could've happened from her being excited to see him) and it made it extremely sad to hear of that and not have any time to basically get over it before all the sudden he is in love. Telling his story or life between kisses may have helped, make him seem haggard and not like a jerk at the end.
Still would recommend this just a lot of unanswered questions.
June 9, 2017
A short, sweet story and a lovely premise. I think Darcy chose excellent scenes to tell the story. I have two complaints: first, that we got backstory for things that were less relevant to the relationship. I would have liked to see more about how their friendship developed. Second, I don't like how rakish Chad got as an adult. Again, if we had more backstory about how he got there, I might be more forgiving.
I liked how Chad loved her when they were children and young adults. I felt the progression of their relationship was natural and believable. I thought Gillian was a good character, too. She wasn't too much of any one trait so that she felt like a well rounded character. I just wish both were a smidge more developed.
I liked how Chad loved her when they were children and young adults. I felt the progression of their relationship was natural and believable. I thought Gillian was a good character, too. She wasn't too much of any one trait so that she felt like a well rounded character. I just wish both were a smidge more developed.
April 6, 2013
Gillian grew up with Chad next door but then he inherits his father’s title and becomes an Earl. Spurned by his fiancé, he buys a commission and goes off to war. Meanwhile, Gillian matures into a lovely young lady. She makes the rounds of ballrooms and soirees while hunting for a husband. One man in particular is attracted to her, but Gillian’s best friend likes him more, and so she encourages their relationship. When Chad comes home for the holidays, Gillian realizes he’s always had her heart. How can she get his lordship to recognize she’s not only the girl next door but also a woman he can love? A Sweet Deception novella, this captivating story will transport you to another era where manners and marriage are what matter, but love will triumph over all.
April 8, 2013
This is the story of 2 children who are neighbors and best friends. And as things normally do, things change and the children become adults.
It is a love story of Gillian and Chad, and of the Christmas seasons they have shared.
This is a very short story, and a very enjoyable one. Ms Darcy writes well and develops her characters beautifully. The people who populate her books are very human.
I would recommend this book to any romantic who believes in Christmas wishes and love and kisses.
It is a love story of Gillian and Chad, and of the Christmas seasons they have shared.
This is a very short story, and a very enjoyable one. Ms Darcy writes well and develops her characters beautifully. The people who populate her books are very human.
I would recommend this book to any romantic who believes in Christmas wishes and love and kisses.
April 15, 2013
A little short, but a sweet book. I really like Karla Darcy's writing and her stories are clean but intriguing. This book is about childhood friends, the male is titled, she is not, but is from a good family. Her father was his tutor. Cute idea tracking their kisses throughout their lives. The characters actually live true to their honor (which is rare in historical romances). This one wasn't as good as the 2nd one I read by Ms. Darcy, but it was still a good short read. I highly recommend this author to Austen fans.
June 23, 2013
I received this as a free ebook and read it in one sitting. It's pretty quick.
Cute. It almost reads like a collection of short stories - a quick story about each of Gillian's five kisses which span a number of years. This means we don't get a lot of information about what happens 'between kisses'. It works alright.
SPOILER:
It was disappointing that she is able to just overlook all of his 'indiscretions' in the end. Rather than dealing with it and working it out, she just accepts and ignores anything negative about his actions. What kind of marriage will that be?
Cute. It almost reads like a collection of short stories - a quick story about each of Gillian's five kisses which span a number of years. This means we don't get a lot of information about what happens 'between kisses'. It works alright.
SPOILER:
It was disappointing that she is able to just overlook all of his 'indiscretions' in the end. Rather than dealing with it and working it out, she just accepts and ignores anything negative about his actions. What kind of marriage will that be?
July 6, 2013
This was over in the blink of an eye ... no sooner started than it was gone .... which actually, was a real shame as it was an absolute delight.
Sometimes a piece of writing acts as an amuse bouche for the Author's other pieces of work, and this is the case here.
Karla Darcy provided me with a sweet and refreshing and happy piece of literature, and left me wanting more, much, much more of her work.
Check it out.
Rating
As short as it was, it could earn no less than:
5 Stars
Errors/Bug Bears:
Not a single one. Kudos to Karla for delivering a great quality product.
Sometimes a piece of writing acts as an amuse bouche for the Author's other pieces of work, and this is the case here.
Karla Darcy provided me with a sweet and refreshing and happy piece of literature, and left me wanting more, much, much more of her work.
Check it out.
Rating
As short as it was, it could earn no less than:
5 Stars
Errors/Bug Bears:
Not a single one. Kudos to Karla for delivering a great quality product.
July 31, 2014
What does a woman do when she has finished her books and she still has over 12 hours left on her cross country train trip? She looks at the Kindle App on her phone to see what she can find. This novella saved me from several hours of boredom on my recent vacation (here's a train travel tip: take a LOT of books or a couple of really long books. Also, bring some dramamine in case you get train sick. . . .).
Five Kisses tells a very sweet love story. I really enjoyed the relationship building around each of the kisses. I recommend this to anyone who likes sweet regency romance.
Five Kisses tells a very sweet love story. I really enjoyed the relationship building around each of the kisses. I recommend this to anyone who likes sweet regency romance.
September 15, 2012
Short and sweet, these are the words that I think best describe Karla Darcy’s latest Regency Romance, The Five Kisses. I found this story highly entertaining, a great way to spend an afternoon. Regency Romance is not one of my fav sub-genres, but Ms. Darcy snagged my interest with her opening lines and kept me captivated straight through to the very end. I look forward to the next book from this wonderful author.
November 28, 2012
Christmas traditions vary with each family. Gillian's family always put up a kissing bough during their holiday celebrations.
Darcy's novella highlights Gillian's life with five kisses from the neighbor boy. It's not five kisses in a row, but five kisses every few years. Life changes, but something remain the same, included friends and neighbors. It's a sweet, short holiday read.
Reviewed from a Kindle copy.
Darcy's novella highlights Gillian's life with five kisses from the neighbor boy. It's not five kisses in a row, but five kisses every few years. Life changes, but something remain the same, included friends and neighbors. It's a sweet, short holiday read.
Reviewed from a Kindle copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews