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With This Kiss #1
With This Kiss: Part One
Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace's sparkling, gorgeous sister?
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81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2013
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2098 people want to read
About the author
Eloisa James
123 books9,537 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 12, 2013
With This Kiss: Part One is...well... part one of Eloisa James' three part story, and it's. So. GOOD! I was up until wayyyyy too early this morning reading this installment, but I couldn't put it down!
From the cover:So you probably get that I loved this, but you have to know, there were times it tore me up! I leaked more than a few sad tears, but I also spent a lot of time smiling. I LOVED revisiting the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook and their children, and Sir Griffin and Lady Barry and their brood. It was great to learn that the families stayed close, and the glimpses we get as the years pass and the kids grow up was a delight. Such a delight... when I wasn't crying, that is. ;)
Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace's sparkling, gorgeous sister?
Author's Note: Lady Grace is the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, from The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Sir Griffin Barry, from Seduced by a Pirate.
Those who know me know I'm not a fan of this new trend in installment series, but these three parts are being released just a week a part, so you won't have a torturously long wait between books.
My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of With This Kiss: Part One, Two, and Three, in return for an honest review.
Ms. James created some lovely greeting cards to go along with the books, and here they are:
March 14, 2013
I am soooo anti serial. I have been disappointed nearly every time. They are too expensive. And usually not well written. Even a couple of favorite authors have disappointed me with novellas. But this is Eloisa James. I have read so many of hers. I wont say every single on is a blow out 5 star. But they are always wonderful.
And now, having read part one of With This Kiss....I will say this....
1) Authors, take note. This is how to write part one of a 3 part serial. Perfect.
It is Eloisas style. She did not change her writing style to fit into the 60 something pages. She wrote the story to fit. It does not read like 60 something pages. It reads much longer. With detail and emotion. Had me crying at one point....
2) Whoever decides prices, take note. I believe this will end up being a little more than 200 pages. For less than $3. Most any reader will love that and find it hard to resist.
3) The idea of a serial can be great fun for the readers. Breaking a story up into 3, 4, 5...parts. But speaking for myself as a reader, state clearly and up front, each one is part of a serial. How many pages minimum will be in each part and finally. How much each part will be. Even though, right now, I am kind of wish I would have waited for all 3 parts before reading because I WANT TO KNOW!! LOL But it really is fun. The suspense.
4) Eloisa has for years gone above and beyond for her readers. She often posts extra chapters to her books. For free. Just for fun for the readers. She sometimes adds a little something something at the end of her books. Just for the readers. With this serial, at the end, you will be able to buy all 3 parts of With This Kiss plus a novella for $3.52.
I find all of this pricing, chapters, parts.....etc to be very reasonably priced and fair for all.
And of course, part one is fabulous.
And now, having read part one of With This Kiss....I will say this....
1) Authors, take note. This is how to write part one of a 3 part serial. Perfect.
It is Eloisas style. She did not change her writing style to fit into the 60 something pages. She wrote the story to fit. It does not read like 60 something pages. It reads much longer. With detail and emotion. Had me crying at one point....
2) Whoever decides prices, take note. I believe this will end up being a little more than 200 pages. For less than $3. Most any reader will love that and find it hard to resist.
3) The idea of a serial can be great fun for the readers. Breaking a story up into 3, 4, 5...parts. But speaking for myself as a reader, state clearly and up front, each one is part of a serial. How many pages minimum will be in each part and finally. How much each part will be. Even though, right now, I am kind of wish I would have waited for all 3 parts before reading because I WANT TO KNOW!! LOL But it really is fun. The suspense.
4) Eloisa has for years gone above and beyond for her readers. She often posts extra chapters to her books. For free. Just for fun for the readers. She sometimes adds a little something something at the end of her books. Just for the readers. With this serial, at the end, you will be able to buy all 3 parts of With This Kiss plus a novella for $3.52.
I find all of this pricing, chapters, parts.....etc to be very reasonably priced and fair for all.
And of course, part one is fabulous.
March 2, 2025
My Review:
With This Kiss is a three part novella that this author delivered that is connected to the "Fairy Tale" series that she has done. This features the children of Griffin and James and their love story. We do have a bit of a love triangle kinda in sorts. Its not a straight out love triangle, you know who the main couple is but there are other interests that come into play with the story.
In the first part, we see Grace and Colin as children and teens. We see their friendship that builds, we see the longing that starts with our heroine, who starts writing letters to Colin as he serves in the military and on the seas fighting off slavers and pirates. Even though he appears to have more romantic interest in her sister, she is determined to show her love to him. But Colin doesn't know what he has until he loses it. Grace has another love interest, and while she doesn't love him, he is a man that is willing to marry her so she doesn't live alone.
Overall I had a blast with this first part into Colin and Grace's story.
With This Kiss is a three part novella that this author delivered that is connected to the "Fairy Tale" series that she has done. This features the children of Griffin and James and their love story. We do have a bit of a love triangle kinda in sorts. Its not a straight out love triangle, you know who the main couple is but there are other interests that come into play with the story.
In the first part, we see Grace and Colin as children and teens. We see their friendship that builds, we see the longing that starts with our heroine, who starts writing letters to Colin as he serves in the military and on the seas fighting off slavers and pirates. Even though he appears to have more romantic interest in her sister, she is determined to show her love to him. But Colin doesn't know what he has until he loses it. Grace has another love interest, and while she doesn't love him, he is a man that is willing to marry her so she doesn't live alone.
Overall I had a blast with this first part into Colin and Grace's story.
March 19, 2013
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please read The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 12, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: http://eloisajames.com/
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, With This Kiss Serial, Spinoff of The Ugly Duchess & Seduced By A Pirate
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Chaste
Pet Peeves: Love Triangle, No HEA
Favorite Tropes: Unrequited Love, Love Through Letters
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a double-length novella split up into a digital serial before, so the entire concept of this story’s publication intrigued me as much as the story itself when I first heard of it.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on all three parts at once, and though I was perhaps a bit spoiled by the fact that I didn’t have to wait between finishing this installment and beginning the next, I can’t help but think that the week-long wait would be just right to temper any frustration in having to wait with a bite of sweetness from being denied something you want for just a moment.
That said, I would recommend going ahead and pre-ordering all three if you’re reading this review before they’re all out, as none of them would work very well in my opinion as a self-contained story.
As for this installment individually, I was very pleasantly surprised by what an emotional punch it packed in such a relatively low word count. The characters were all well developed, and even though the span of many years are covered in this section of the story, it never felt rushed, or as though important events had been glossed over.
Instead, the focus is exactly where it belongs — on Colin and on Grace and their development both as individuals and as possible romantic interests — and the other characters adding on when needed.
Overall, even with the cliff-hanger ending, it was fantastic.
Recommended for fans of childhood crushes that turn to unrequited love, of good men who are darkened by the realities of war, and of wanting what is best for someone you love, even when it hurts.
4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: March 12, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: http://eloisajames.com/
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, With This Kiss Serial, Spinoff of The Ugly Duchess & Seduced By A Pirate
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Chaste
Pet Peeves: Love Triangle, No HEA
Favorite Tropes: Unrequited Love, Love Through Letters
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a double-length novella split up into a digital serial before, so the entire concept of this story’s publication intrigued me as much as the story itself when I first heard of it.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on all three parts at once, and though I was perhaps a bit spoiled by the fact that I didn’t have to wait between finishing this installment and beginning the next, I can’t help but think that the week-long wait would be just right to temper any frustration in having to wait with a bite of sweetness from being denied something you want for just a moment.
That said, I would recommend going ahead and pre-ordering all three if you’re reading this review before they’re all out, as none of them would work very well in my opinion as a self-contained story.
As for this installment individually, I was very pleasantly surprised by what an emotional punch it packed in such a relatively low word count. The characters were all well developed, and even though the span of many years are covered in this section of the story, it never felt rushed, or as though important events had been glossed over.
Instead, the focus is exactly where it belongs — on Colin and on Grace and their development both as individuals and as possible romantic interests — and the other characters adding on when needed.
Overall, even with the cliff-hanger ending, it was fantastic.
Recommended for fans of childhood crushes that turn to unrequited love, of good men who are darkened by the realities of war, and of wanting what is best for someone you love, even when it hurts.
4.5/5 Stars
October 27, 2013
4 1/2 stars (rounded down to 4 stars, because I wanted to strangle Colin for his "blindness")
February 15, 2013
You know you are a book nerd when you delay your plans to read a book, especially on Valentines Day! So here and now I confess, I'm obsessed. It was such a pleasant surprise to see this short story available for download today. Of course once I started I couldn't put it down. Ah Grace, she was such a special character! So sweet and giving, but she knew how to fight for herself. During the first third of the story I was very mad at Colin but he redeemed himself in the second and third part. Thank God because I didn't want to be sad today. I just feel sorry for the poor suckers that have to wait to read this entire story, I'm not sure I would have been able to wait. Also I think it's a bit devious that the publisher is asking a dollar for thirty pages each!
November 17, 2015
I realize I have rated Eloisa James’s With This Kiss: Part One well below other reviewers, not that I didn’t like it. Who would not enjoy EJ’s skillfully written story of Grace and Colin, but by the end I felt let down.
Colin was miserable with his life, Grace ended also unhappy with his rejection. Maybe I was not on a good day, I have those as imagine does everyone, and I needed it to have ended in a more upward tone.
Maybe the problem, for me, was that it was only the beginning. If it had continued on beyond this book, with the rest of the story as one, I wouldn’t have felt disheartened. My problem, you will say, and you are probably right.
One of these days I will read the other two volumes. Then I could probably decide to reevaluate my opinion. Let’s wait and see.
Colin was miserable with his life, Grace ended also unhappy with his rejection. Maybe I was not on a good day, I have those as imagine does everyone, and I needed it to have ended in a more upward tone.
Maybe the problem, for me, was that it was only the beginning. If it had continued on beyond this book, with the rest of the story as one, I wouldn’t have felt disheartened. My problem, you will say, and you are probably right.
One of these days I will read the other two volumes. Then I could probably decide to reevaluate my opinion. Let’s wait and see.
March 12, 2013
Favorite quote:
And that was how Lady Grace Ryburn began writing to Colin Barry, Lieutenant. Her first letter was quite short, and included a frank truth: “I hate Lily. Last night she cut off the fingers of my favorite pair of gloves because she thought it was funny.”
Colin wrote a note back, saying that he’d had a rotten week, and her letter about the gloves made him laugh.
So Grace started trying to find stories that might make him laugh in the midst of the worst days.
And that was how Lady Grace Ryburn began writing to Colin Barry, Lieutenant. Her first letter was quite short, and included a frank truth: “I hate Lily. Last night she cut off the fingers of my favorite pair of gloves because she thought it was funny.”
Colin wrote a note back, saying that he’d had a rotten week, and her letter about the gloves made him laugh.
So Grace started trying to find stories that might make him laugh in the midst of the worst days.
October 26, 2014
The experiences of Grace, the heroine, in this portion of the story hit a little close to home when it came to when I was 19 years old. So, I have to confess that this portion of the story made me cry. I'm guessing most people wouldn't have that reaction, but it hit me personally...
March 19, 2013
I cried my way through this story. Colin and Grace broke my heart. I was so disappointed when it ended.
March 1, 2013
ORIGINAL POST:
FANGS, WANDS and FAIRY DUST
WITH THIS KISS Parts 1, 2, & 3
A First-Class Trip to Happily Ever After from Eloisa James
WITH THIS KISS Parts One, Two and Three
by Eloisa James
Avon/Harper Collins March 2013
With This Kiss: Part One (3/12/2013)
Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace's sparkling, gorgeous sister?
Author's Note: Lady Grace is the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, from The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Sir Griffin Barry, from Seduced by a Pirate. In its entirety, With This Kiss is a 200-page double-length novella.
With This Kiss: Part Two (3/19/2013)
Lady Grace Ryburn has accepted another man's proposal after the love of her life, Lieutenant Colin Barry, asked for her own sister's hand in marriage.
But when Colin returns home from the wars, injured in body and spirit, will she be able to turn her back and marry another? Or will she throw away every rule her mother taught her and try to seduce a man who has shown no interest in her kisses?
Author's Note: Be sure to read Part One first! You need to know the story of how Grace fell in love with Colin . . .
With This Kiss: Part Three (3/26/2013)
Lieutenant Colin Barry returns from the wars injured in body and spirit, knowing that he has no right to steal Grace from the arms of her fiancé. Yet the same warrior's spirit that won so many battles at sea is prompting him to throw propriety to the winds, imitate his pirate father, and simply take what he most desires!
Author's Note: Don't forget to read Parts One and Two! Reading this installment first would be like eating the icing before you even get it onto a cupcake.
www.harpercollins.com
PLEASE ALLOW ME TO GUSH
I originally intended to read and review these one at a time but they were so short and each piece ended in such a way that I simply had to know immediately what would happen next. Like a box of the most addictive bob-bons, I read them all over a period of three hours and realized I really couldn't stretch out my post on the stories over three days.
This series of novellas is a riff off Eloisa's THE UGLY DUCHESS which was part of her fairy tale inspired series. It's a continuation of the story from SEDUCED BY A PIRATE. On Eloisa's website, this collection of shorts is called AS YOU WISH.
Eloisa is one of my go-to authors when I am feeling a little bored or jaded from the simple fact of reading as much as I do in one book genre. Her romance is like the finest dining in the all you can eat buffet of modern publishing. It always incites my interest and makes me hungry for more.
Eloisa combines often quirky, always different female characters with exciting male characters few straight women would kick out of bed. The secret is that they are rarely able to combine with ease; it seems there is always an obstacle of some sort. Such is the stuff of the romance genre.
But where the use of an an inspiration such as a fairy tale often feels trite or contrived, Eloisa manages to build a wonderful book each time. And, I think it is because she can fully create the entire world originally inspired by the fairy tale. The fairy tale is not the story, it's the skeleton of a more hybrid creation. A series within a series, With This Kiss comes full circle from THE UGLY DUCHESS. The characters from THE UGLY DUCHESS, Theodora and James, have two daughters, one of whom, Lily, is sparkly like champagne and the other, Grace, is rich like a delicious sauterne. The son of the characters in SEDUCED BY A PIRATE have sons the oldest of whom, Colin returns from sea as a war weary hero on leave and is instantly infatuated with the wrong daughter.
Of course, it's entirely possible he'll realize his stupidity far too late. It's not as simple to understand the complexity of a sauterne, but there are few who dislike champagne. Both have their strengths and neither is prettier than the other. But champagne is more universally and readily consumed.
Like most romance novels WITH THIS KISS is not unpredictable in its outcome, but Eloisa is such a great story teller that the ending is not what drives you through the story. Reading Eloisa's books is all about the journey and not the destination. And this trip is in first-class all the way! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Stands alone, but even better with at least SEDUCED BY A PIRATE and at its best with THE UGLY DUCHESS.
This is really a serialized novella which has me wishing wholeheartedly that the book this is no doubt releasing to entice us to, ONCE UPON A TOWER, most cruelly not due out until the end of May (Argh)!
May 29, 2018
As a girl, Lady Grace Ryburn fell in love with Colin Barry. Since their families have always been extremely close, Grace was able to write Colin once he joined the Royal Navy. The connection forged by her letters only served to make her fall more deeply in love with him. Now that she’s out in society (however much a wallflower), Grace hopes that Colin will notice her when he comes to London on leave. But will her dreams of romance be dashed when it’s not Grace, but her beautiful sister who catches Colin’s eye?
With This Kiss: Part One is heartbreakingly beautiful. In this first installment of Colin and Grace’s love story, author Eloisa James brought tears to my eyes even as she captivated me with this gorgeously woven tale.
Grace is the biggest reason I fell in love with With This Kiss: Part One. She's smart, kind, relatable, and she endeared herself to me immediately. What broke my heart is that Grace — an ordinary-looking wallflower — is almost always overshadowed by her vibrant, stunning younger sister, Lily. Everyone falls in love with Lily…including Colin. To her credit, Ms. James doesn’t make Lily a vain or unlikeable character. It’s actually easy to see why Colin, haunted by the battles he has to face at sea, is drawn to someone as convivial as Lily. In With This Kiss: Part One, it’s Colin himself who is the biggest obstacle when it comes to his and Grace’s romance. While Colin is everything that’s appealing in a hero, he’s too blind to see that he’s in love with Grace until it’s almost too late. Yet even though I shook my head at him for his overlooking Grace, Ms. James made me understand Colin and why he makes the mistakes he does.
Ms. James packs a lot of action into With This Kiss: Part One. I can guarantee that you’ll want to make enough time to read the story in one sitting, because it’s impossible to put it down. While With This Kiss: Part One can easily be read as a standalone, fans of Ms. James’s work are in for a treat. Grace is the eldest daughter of James and Theodora of The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Griffin and Phoebe of Seduced by a Pirate. The Ryburn and Barry families are as close as ever in With This Kiss: Part One, so if you enjoyed The Ugly Duchess and Seduced by a Pirate you’ll surely be delighted to revisit some of your favorite characters.
With This Kiss: Part One is a fantastic story that I loved from beginning to end. I Joyfully Recommend it! Just be warned, the cliffhanger ending will have you on the edge of your seat for parts two and three of With This Kiss.
Recommended Read. Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
With This Kiss: Part One is heartbreakingly beautiful. In this first installment of Colin and Grace’s love story, author Eloisa James brought tears to my eyes even as she captivated me with this gorgeously woven tale.
Grace is the biggest reason I fell in love with With This Kiss: Part One. She's smart, kind, relatable, and she endeared herself to me immediately. What broke my heart is that Grace — an ordinary-looking wallflower — is almost always overshadowed by her vibrant, stunning younger sister, Lily. Everyone falls in love with Lily…including Colin. To her credit, Ms. James doesn’t make Lily a vain or unlikeable character. It’s actually easy to see why Colin, haunted by the battles he has to face at sea, is drawn to someone as convivial as Lily. In With This Kiss: Part One, it’s Colin himself who is the biggest obstacle when it comes to his and Grace’s romance. While Colin is everything that’s appealing in a hero, he’s too blind to see that he’s in love with Grace until it’s almost too late. Yet even though I shook my head at him for his overlooking Grace, Ms. James made me understand Colin and why he makes the mistakes he does.
Ms. James packs a lot of action into With This Kiss: Part One. I can guarantee that you’ll want to make enough time to read the story in one sitting, because it’s impossible to put it down. While With This Kiss: Part One can easily be read as a standalone, fans of Ms. James’s work are in for a treat. Grace is the eldest daughter of James and Theodora of The Ugly Duchess, and Colin is the eldest adopted son of Griffin and Phoebe of Seduced by a Pirate. The Ryburn and Barry families are as close as ever in With This Kiss: Part One, so if you enjoyed The Ugly Duchess and Seduced by a Pirate you’ll surely be delighted to revisit some of your favorite characters.
With This Kiss: Part One is a fantastic story that I loved from beginning to end. I Joyfully Recommend it! Just be warned, the cliffhanger ending will have you on the edge of your seat for parts two and three of With This Kiss.
Recommended Read. Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
March 6, 2013
Eloisa James gives us a delightful story of about the children of two pirate best friends and how history seems destined to repeat itself.
In Part One, we're introduced to Lady Grace Ryburn, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Ashbrook and Colin Barry, Sir Griffin Barry's eldest adopted son. They've grown up together and have always been friendly, but feelings start changing when Colin enters the Navy. Grace takes to writing to Colin while he's away, telling him what's happening with both of their families, what she's experiencing in her education and her debut and sometimes sending him paintings of his parents or siblings so he won't feel so lonely at sea. She understands Colin has a hard time dealing with the things he's seen and done and she hopes her letters bring him a bit of solace. But as she finds herself in love with Colin, she discovers that what she built up in her mind is much different than reality when Colin comes home.
Grace is a special lady. She has a tremendously big heart, but she often times feels like she's less important when compared to her younger sister, Lilly. Lilly demands attention, while Grace is left standing in the back watching. With Colin, she found someone who she could speak with without having to worry about being overshadowed by her sister.
Colin, as a man, was so different than the rambunctious five year old we met in SEDUCED BY A PIRATE. The navy changed him. He's haunted by the things he's seen and done. He's looking for something, anything, that will take away the pain of watching and listening to his men die. He makes a rash decision that alters not only his life, but that of Grace's.
I loved both of these characters. Grace is a perfect mix of her parents. She has James' romantic ideals with her Theo's stubbornness. I wasn't surprised at how Grace reacted to Colin's decision (she is her mother's daughter after all), but I'm hoping she has enough James in her that as we move onto Part 2 and 3, she can fight for what she really wants.
In Part One, we're introduced to Lady Grace Ryburn, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Ashbrook and Colin Barry, Sir Griffin Barry's eldest adopted son. They've grown up together and have always been friendly, but feelings start changing when Colin enters the Navy. Grace takes to writing to Colin while he's away, telling him what's happening with both of their families, what she's experiencing in her education and her debut and sometimes sending him paintings of his parents or siblings so he won't feel so lonely at sea. She understands Colin has a hard time dealing with the things he's seen and done and she hopes her letters bring him a bit of solace. But as she finds herself in love with Colin, she discovers that what she built up in her mind is much different than reality when Colin comes home.
Grace is a special lady. She has a tremendously big heart, but she often times feels like she's less important when compared to her younger sister, Lilly. Lilly demands attention, while Grace is left standing in the back watching. With Colin, she found someone who she could speak with without having to worry about being overshadowed by her sister.
Colin, as a man, was so different than the rambunctious five year old we met in SEDUCED BY A PIRATE. The navy changed him. He's haunted by the things he's seen and done. He's looking for something, anything, that will take away the pain of watching and listening to his men die. He makes a rash decision that alters not only his life, but that of Grace's.
I loved both of these characters. Grace is a perfect mix of her parents. She has James' romantic ideals with her Theo's stubbornness. I wasn't surprised at how Grace reacted to Colin's decision (she is her mother's daughter after all), but I'm hoping she has enough James in her that as we move onto Part 2 and 3, she can fight for what she really wants.
March 1, 2013
In a perfectly engaging romance in the early 1800’s, we are introduced to Lady Grace Ryburn, the ‘good and dutiful’ daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook from the author’s title The Ugly Duchess. Shy and watchful, Grace feels herself plain and unnoticed, especially in the company of her devilish and beautiful younger sister Lily. For all of her life, her family has spent August in the relative freedom of the Barry’s estate; their fathers are friends of long-standing, former privateers, now respectable members of the realm. The Barry’s eldest son, Colin is the focus of Grace’s attention and girlish crush, that fast turns to love.
But the course of young love and infatuation never runs smoothly, especially when your younger and more vivacious sister is the delight of everyone you encounter. A delightful introduction to an ongoing story full of beautiful descriptions intermingled with slices of history and the memorable characters that live within its pages.
Told in a series of 3 shorts, these stories neatly fit together to make a satisfying novella and will be especially pleasing for those readers familiar with these families from earlier works by Eloisa James.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via Eidelweiss for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
But the course of young love and infatuation never runs smoothly, especially when your younger and more vivacious sister is the delight of everyone you encounter. A delightful introduction to an ongoing story full of beautiful descriptions intermingled with slices of history and the memorable characters that live within its pages.
Told in a series of 3 shorts, these stories neatly fit together to make a satisfying novella and will be especially pleasing for those readers familiar with these families from earlier works by Eloisa James.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via Eidelweiss for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 13, 2013
"This is a fantastic start for the three-part novella that is "With This Kiss." It brings back characters from "Seduced by a Pirate" and "The Ugly Duchess" via their children and their lives and interactions. Well written as all of Eloisa James's books are, the reader is most inconveniently yet intriguingly left hanging ... I look forward to the next two installments!"
January 13, 2016
Very cute! I love when we get to revisit popular characters and their families years later. Both Grace and Colin are such well-developed and sympathetic characters. I am definitely rooting for them!
March 1, 2013
First part in Eloisa James' With This Kiss trilogy, a story told in 3 parts.
Detailed review to be posted soon.
Detailed review to be posted soon.
June 3, 2013
Saving my thoughts until the end of the third part - but this was a great beginning!
July 10, 2013
This made me cry!! I hope all this angst is leading up to a great ending!!
January 12, 2014
สนุกมาก ตอนอ่านไม่ได้คาดหวังอะไร แต่มีคนบอกว่าสนุกและเศร้าก็เลยอยากลองอ่าน แล้วก็เป็นอย่างนั้นจริงๆ ค่อนเล่มหรือเกือบทั้งเล่มเต็มไปด้วยอา���มณ์ที่..ค่อนข้างปวดหนึบหัวใจ
March 28, 2013
Rowena: Holly and I don't often review books together but it's something that we've always said we wanted to do. We both thought it would be a good idea to review the three parts of With this Kiss by Eloisa James together...and we had a good time doing it. So here is our not-so-review-more-like-discussion of With this Kiss, Pt. 1.
It should probably surprise me that we had the same reaction to the first part, but I’m not. Like you, I cried like a baby throughout the entire first part. From the time she upends the pitcher of water over Colin’s head to the end with…John.
*sigh*
So, what did you think?
Holly: Overall? I thought it was a rather heartbreaking story. I felt so terrible for Grace the entire time. Being in love with a man who doesn't see you, coupled with constantly standing in the shadow of your younger sister? Awful.
Rowena: My heart hurt for Grace. She was such a great character that I wanted to hit Colin upside his head more than once. She was so fiercely loyal to him and he comes home and has eyes only for her sister? The sister, who’s shadow Grace can’t seem to get out from under? Yeah, that sucked big donkey balls but I really liked the relationship that Grace had with her parents. Both of them. The way that they supported her and were there for her, really worked for me. It was good to see them again (their story is told in The Ugly Duchess), all these years later.
I also really liked that Lily was a brat but she loved her sister. You could tell that much.
Holly: Yes, I agree about Lily. You wanted to hate her, but couldn't because she obviously cared for her sister.
When Colin came home and refused to see Grace my heart stuttered a bit. I wasn't mad at him, though, because it was obvious he was hurting. He didn't realize he was hurting Grace - or he did, but he didn't realize the depth of her hurt - but I could see how he didn't want to face her, knowing she knew all his secrets.
In that regard, I really came to like Colin. He took the war seriously. For him, killing wasn't a thrill or something to celebrate. I liked how much he struggled to become the person he thought his father wanted, but still retain his humanity.
Rowena: Yes, you could tell that Lily held great affection for Grace and wouldn’t have wanted to hurt her. I thought James did a great job of showing us that sisterly bond. Grace was jealous of Lily but she loved her and wanted her to be happy.
I was sad because I understood why Colin didn’t want to see Grace but it hurt me because I felt Grace’s pain. The pain of writing those letters to bring a smile to his face while he was away at war, the pain of not getting very many responses from him in return. The pain of seeing the boy that you adored, turn into the man that you loved and to not have him return the feelings? Well, it made me cry.
What I really liked about Grace was that even though she was mad and emotional, she kept her head and she was always honest with herself.
This made me cry:
…Sometimes she felt as if she lived merely to find the funniest moments and put them onto paper, to capture a face so amusing that it would make Colin laugh in the midst of battle.
[…]
She had obviously created a romance in her head and heart that didn’t exist. She was always imagining what he was thinking in response to her letters, but she must have been wrong. Perhaps he didn’t even keep her letters…
[…]
…The pain hit her so hard that she actually sank to her knees on the carpet, clutching the wooden box, wondering how one lived with a broken heart, especially when one’s beloved is married to a sister.
Oh dammit, I’m crying again.
Holly: This is the part that made me forgive him.
His father sounded a little dubious, so Colin made the statement even more positive. “When she’s there, and I’m dancing with her, and she’s smelling of roses in late summer, I don’t think so much. She’s my tonic.” He swept his hand in the air and accidentally hit the wall of the carriage.
His father’s hand landed on his knee, warm and steady. “I love you, Colin. We all love you.”
What was the point of saying that? He would have asked, but all the champagne swept up into his head and he collapsed into the corner of the carriage.
In the end, the memories invaded his sleep, anyway.
But when he woke up, he remembered that it was Lily who had chased them away.
Rowena: *sigh*
I understood why Colin stayed away from Grace and I knew that it was hard for him to be around her but even with all of the understanding in the world, I hurt for Grace. For me, I guess I was so disappointed that of all the girls in London, he turned to Lily. The one girl that would break Grace’s heart, good.
Holly: I definitely hurt for Grace, too. Like you, I enjoyed how levelheaded she was. She realized she was the one building castles in the sky and, even though it hurt, knew when to let go.
I loved when Colin started realizing it was Grace he missed. The way he yearned for her letters. *sigh*
If only the letter had come from Grace . . .
It wasn’t Lily’s fault that she wasn’t as intelligent as her sister. Nor as witty and kind. That wasn’t fair: Lily was kind. But she was shallow compared to Grace.
She was a waltz, and Grace was a hymn. He turned over in bed and went to sleep, thinking about it.
Rowena: You know what part made me roll my eyes? The part where he commanded her to come…and she did.
LMAO!
Holly: Right? Why does that always happen? I'm sorry, but no. Just no.
Rowena: I know, it never fails to make me laugh when the heroes in our books demand this of the heroines. How in the world do they think we can do that?
Colin had me swooning all over the place with stuff like that scene. I really enjoyed getting to know him.
For me, this was one of those romantic, sappy books that I ate right up. I loved the way that this first part pulled at my heart strings and made me come to love the characters so quickly. It made me so much more anxious for the next part and lucky for us, we had them all at once. I don’t know if I’d have been able to wait a week.
Overall, I thought this first part of Colin and Grace’s story did its job perfectly. It introduced characters that were easy to connect with and made me want more. I really enjoyed this first part. All of the crying I did is a testament to that.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Holly: I won't lie, I was annoyed when it ended. I hate waiting. Hate it!
That aside, I can't find much to complain about. James really pulled me into the story. Right from the beginning I was fully engaged. My heart hurt for both Grace and Colin. All in all, an excellent start.
4.5 out of 5
Final grade: 4.5 out of 5
*Please note that all quotes were taking from the unfinished eARC provided by the publisher.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Holly and Rowena.
It should probably surprise me that we had the same reaction to the first part, but I’m not. Like you, I cried like a baby throughout the entire first part. From the time she upends the pitcher of water over Colin’s head to the end with…John.
*sigh*
So, what did you think?
Holly: Overall? I thought it was a rather heartbreaking story. I felt so terrible for Grace the entire time. Being in love with a man who doesn't see you, coupled with constantly standing in the shadow of your younger sister? Awful.
Rowena: My heart hurt for Grace. She was such a great character that I wanted to hit Colin upside his head more than once. She was so fiercely loyal to him and he comes home and has eyes only for her sister? The sister, who’s shadow Grace can’t seem to get out from under? Yeah, that sucked big donkey balls but I really liked the relationship that Grace had with her parents. Both of them. The way that they supported her and were there for her, really worked for me. It was good to see them again (their story is told in The Ugly Duchess), all these years later.
I also really liked that Lily was a brat but she loved her sister. You could tell that much.
Holly: Yes, I agree about Lily. You wanted to hate her, but couldn't because she obviously cared for her sister.
When Colin came home and refused to see Grace my heart stuttered a bit. I wasn't mad at him, though, because it was obvious he was hurting. He didn't realize he was hurting Grace - or he did, but he didn't realize the depth of her hurt - but I could see how he didn't want to face her, knowing she knew all his secrets.
In that regard, I really came to like Colin. He took the war seriously. For him, killing wasn't a thrill or something to celebrate. I liked how much he struggled to become the person he thought his father wanted, but still retain his humanity.
Rowena: Yes, you could tell that Lily held great affection for Grace and wouldn’t have wanted to hurt her. I thought James did a great job of showing us that sisterly bond. Grace was jealous of Lily but she loved her and wanted her to be happy.
I was sad because I understood why Colin didn’t want to see Grace but it hurt me because I felt Grace’s pain. The pain of writing those letters to bring a smile to his face while he was away at war, the pain of not getting very many responses from him in return. The pain of seeing the boy that you adored, turn into the man that you loved and to not have him return the feelings? Well, it made me cry.
What I really liked about Grace was that even though she was mad and emotional, she kept her head and she was always honest with herself.
This made me cry:
…Sometimes she felt as if she lived merely to find the funniest moments and put them onto paper, to capture a face so amusing that it would make Colin laugh in the midst of battle.
[…]
She had obviously created a romance in her head and heart that didn’t exist. She was always imagining what he was thinking in response to her letters, but she must have been wrong. Perhaps he didn’t even keep her letters…
[…]
…The pain hit her so hard that she actually sank to her knees on the carpet, clutching the wooden box, wondering how one lived with a broken heart, especially when one’s beloved is married to a sister.
Oh dammit, I’m crying again.
Holly: This is the part that made me forgive him.
His father sounded a little dubious, so Colin made the statement even more positive. “When she’s there, and I’m dancing with her, and she’s smelling of roses in late summer, I don’t think so much. She’s my tonic.” He swept his hand in the air and accidentally hit the wall of the carriage.
His father’s hand landed on his knee, warm and steady. “I love you, Colin. We all love you.”
What was the point of saying that? He would have asked, but all the champagne swept up into his head and he collapsed into the corner of the carriage.
In the end, the memories invaded his sleep, anyway.
But when he woke up, he remembered that it was Lily who had chased them away.
Rowena: *sigh*
I understood why Colin stayed away from Grace and I knew that it was hard for him to be around her but even with all of the understanding in the world, I hurt for Grace. For me, I guess I was so disappointed that of all the girls in London, he turned to Lily. The one girl that would break Grace’s heart, good.
Holly: I definitely hurt for Grace, too. Like you, I enjoyed how levelheaded she was. She realized she was the one building castles in the sky and, even though it hurt, knew when to let go.
I loved when Colin started realizing it was Grace he missed. The way he yearned for her letters. *sigh*
If only the letter had come from Grace . . .
It wasn’t Lily’s fault that she wasn’t as intelligent as her sister. Nor as witty and kind. That wasn’t fair: Lily was kind. But she was shallow compared to Grace.
She was a waltz, and Grace was a hymn. He turned over in bed and went to sleep, thinking about it.
Rowena: You know what part made me roll my eyes? The part where he commanded her to come…and she did.
LMAO!
Holly: Right? Why does that always happen? I'm sorry, but no. Just no.
Rowena: I know, it never fails to make me laugh when the heroes in our books demand this of the heroines. How in the world do they think we can do that?
Colin had me swooning all over the place with stuff like that scene. I really enjoyed getting to know him.
For me, this was one of those romantic, sappy books that I ate right up. I loved the way that this first part pulled at my heart strings and made me come to love the characters so quickly. It made me so much more anxious for the next part and lucky for us, we had them all at once. I don’t know if I’d have been able to wait a week.
Overall, I thought this first part of Colin and Grace’s story did its job perfectly. It introduced characters that were easy to connect with and made me want more. I really enjoyed this first part. All of the crying I did is a testament to that.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Holly: I won't lie, I was annoyed when it ended. I hate waiting. Hate it!
That aside, I can't find much to complain about. James really pulled me into the story. Right from the beginning I was fully engaged. My heart hurt for both Grace and Colin. All in all, an excellent start.
4.5 out of 5
Final grade: 4.5 out of 5
*Please note that all quotes were taking from the unfinished eARC provided by the publisher.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Holly and Rowena.
January 7, 2015
Rowena: Holly and I don’t often review books together but it’s something that we’ve always said we wanted to do. We both thought it would be a good idea to review the three parts of With this Kiss by Eloisa James together…and we had a good time doing it. So here is our not-so-review-more-like-discussion of With this Kiss, Pt. 1.
It should probably surprise me that we had the same reaction to the first part, but I’m not. Like you, I cried like a baby throughout the entire first part. From the time she upends the pitcher of water over Colin’s head to the end with…John.
*sigh*
So, what did you think?
Holly: Overall? I thought it was a rather heartbreaking story. I felt so terrible for Grace the entire time. Being in love with a man who doesn’t see you, coupled with constantly standing in the shadow of your younger sister? Awful.
Rowena: My heart hurt for Grace. She was such a great character that I wanted to hit Colin upside his head more than once. She was so fiercely loyal to him and he comes home and has eyes only for her sister? The sister, who’s shadow Grace can’t seem to get out from under? Yeah, that sucked big donkey balls but I really liked the relationship that Grace had with her parents. Both of them. The way that they supported her and were there for her, really worked for me. It was good to see them again (their story is told in The Ugly Duchess), all these years later.
I also really liked that Lily was a brat but she loved her sister. You could tell that much.
Holly: Yes, I agree about Lily. You wanted to hate her, but couldn’t because she obviously cared for her sister.
When Colin came home and refused to see Grace my heart stuttered a bit. I wasn’t mad at him, though, because it was obvious he was hurting. He didn’t realize he was hurting Grace – or he did, but he didn’t realize the depth of her hurt – but I could see how he didn’t want to face her, knowing she knew all his secrets.
In that regard, I really came to like Colin. He took the war seriously. For him, killing wasn’t a thrill or something to celebrate. I liked how much he struggled to become the person he thought his father wanted, but still retain his humanity.
Rowena: Yes, you could tell that Lily held great affection for Grace and wouldn’t have wanted to hurt her. I thought James did a great job of showing us that sisterly bond. Grace was jealous of Lily but she loved her and wanted her to be happy.
I was sad because I understood why Colin didn’t want to see Grace but it hurt me because I felt Grace’s pain. The pain of writing those letters to bring a smile to his face while he was away at war, the pain of not getting very many responses from him in return. The pain of seeing the boy that you adored, turn into the man that you loved and to not have him return the feelings? Well, it made me cry.
What I really liked about Grace was that even though she was mad and emotional, she kept her head and she was always honest with herself.
This made me cry:
…Sometimes she felt as if she lived merely to find the funniest moments and put them onto paper, to capture a face so amusing that it would make Colin laugh in the midst of battle.
[…]
She had obviously created a romance in her head and heart that didn’t exist. She was always imagining what he was thinking in response to her letters, but she must have been wrong. Perhaps he didn’t even keep her letters…
[…]
…The pain hit her so hard that she actually sank to her knees on the carpet, clutching the wooden box, wondering how one lived with a broken heart, especially when one’s beloved is married to a sister.
Oh dammit, I’m crying again.
Holly: This is the part that made me forgive him.
His father sounded a little dubious, so Colin made the statement even more positive. “When she’s there, and I’m dancing with her, and she’s smelling of roses in late summer, I don’t think so much. She’s my tonic.” He swept his hand in the air and accidentally hit the wall of the carriage.
His father’s hand landed on his knee, warm and steady. “I love you, Colin. We all love you.”
What was the point of saying that? He would have asked, but all the champagne swept up into his head and he collapsed into the corner of the carriage.
In the end, the memories invaded his sleep, anyway.
But when he woke up, he remembered that it was Lily who had chased them away.
Rowena: *sigh*
I understood why Colin stayed away from Grace and I knew that it was hard for him to be around her but even with all of the understanding in the world, I hurt for Grace. For me, I guess I was so disappointed that of all the girls in London, he turned to Lily. The one girl that would break Grace’s heart, good.
Holly: I definitely hurt for Grace, too. Like you, I enjoyed how levelheaded she was. She realized she was the one building castles in the sky and, even though it hurt, knew when to let go.
I loved when Colin started realizing it was Grace he missed. The way he yearned for her letters. *sigh*
If only the letter had come from Grace . . .
It wasn’t Lily’s fault that she wasn’t as intelligent as her sister. Nor as witty and kind. That wasn’t fair: Lily was kind. But she was shallow compared to Grace.
She was a waltz, and Grace was a hymn. He turned over in bed and went to sleep, thinking about it.
Rowena: You know what part made me roll my eyes? The part where he commanded her to come…and she did.
LMAO!
Holly: Right? Why does that always happen? I’m sorry, but no. Just no.
Rowena: I know, it never fails to make me laugh when the heroes in our books demand this of the heroines. How in the world do they think we can do that?
Colin had me swooning all over the place with stuff like that scene. I really enjoyed getting to know him.
For me, this was one of those romantic, sappy books that I ate right up. I loved the way that this first part pulled at my heart strings and made me come to love the characters so quickly. It made me so much more anxious for the next part and lucky for us, we had them all at once. I don’t know if I’d have been able to wait a week.
Overall, I thought this first part of Colin and Grace’s story did its job perfectly. It introduced characters that were easy to connect with and made me want more. I really enjoyed this first part. All of the crying I did is a testament to that.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Holly: I won’t lie, I was annoyed when it ended. I hate waiting. Hate it!
That aside, I can’t find much to complain about. James really pulled me into the story. Right from the beginning I was fully engaged. My heart hurt for both Grace and Colin. All in all, an excellent start.
It should probably surprise me that we had the same reaction to the first part, but I’m not. Like you, I cried like a baby throughout the entire first part. From the time she upends the pitcher of water over Colin’s head to the end with…John.
*sigh*
So, what did you think?
Holly: Overall? I thought it was a rather heartbreaking story. I felt so terrible for Grace the entire time. Being in love with a man who doesn’t see you, coupled with constantly standing in the shadow of your younger sister? Awful.
Rowena: My heart hurt for Grace. She was such a great character that I wanted to hit Colin upside his head more than once. She was so fiercely loyal to him and he comes home and has eyes only for her sister? The sister, who’s shadow Grace can’t seem to get out from under? Yeah, that sucked big donkey balls but I really liked the relationship that Grace had with her parents. Both of them. The way that they supported her and were there for her, really worked for me. It was good to see them again (their story is told in The Ugly Duchess), all these years later.
I also really liked that Lily was a brat but she loved her sister. You could tell that much.
Holly: Yes, I agree about Lily. You wanted to hate her, but couldn’t because she obviously cared for her sister.
When Colin came home and refused to see Grace my heart stuttered a bit. I wasn’t mad at him, though, because it was obvious he was hurting. He didn’t realize he was hurting Grace – or he did, but he didn’t realize the depth of her hurt – but I could see how he didn’t want to face her, knowing she knew all his secrets.
In that regard, I really came to like Colin. He took the war seriously. For him, killing wasn’t a thrill or something to celebrate. I liked how much he struggled to become the person he thought his father wanted, but still retain his humanity.
Rowena: Yes, you could tell that Lily held great affection for Grace and wouldn’t have wanted to hurt her. I thought James did a great job of showing us that sisterly bond. Grace was jealous of Lily but she loved her and wanted her to be happy.
I was sad because I understood why Colin didn’t want to see Grace but it hurt me because I felt Grace’s pain. The pain of writing those letters to bring a smile to his face while he was away at war, the pain of not getting very many responses from him in return. The pain of seeing the boy that you adored, turn into the man that you loved and to not have him return the feelings? Well, it made me cry.
What I really liked about Grace was that even though she was mad and emotional, she kept her head and she was always honest with herself.
This made me cry:
…Sometimes she felt as if she lived merely to find the funniest moments and put them onto paper, to capture a face so amusing that it would make Colin laugh in the midst of battle.
[…]
She had obviously created a romance in her head and heart that didn’t exist. She was always imagining what he was thinking in response to her letters, but she must have been wrong. Perhaps he didn’t even keep her letters…
[…]
…The pain hit her so hard that she actually sank to her knees on the carpet, clutching the wooden box, wondering how one lived with a broken heart, especially when one’s beloved is married to a sister.
Oh dammit, I’m crying again.
Holly: This is the part that made me forgive him.
His father sounded a little dubious, so Colin made the statement even more positive. “When she’s there, and I’m dancing with her, and she’s smelling of roses in late summer, I don’t think so much. She’s my tonic.” He swept his hand in the air and accidentally hit the wall of the carriage.
His father’s hand landed on his knee, warm and steady. “I love you, Colin. We all love you.”
What was the point of saying that? He would have asked, but all the champagne swept up into his head and he collapsed into the corner of the carriage.
In the end, the memories invaded his sleep, anyway.
But when he woke up, he remembered that it was Lily who had chased them away.
Rowena: *sigh*
I understood why Colin stayed away from Grace and I knew that it was hard for him to be around her but even with all of the understanding in the world, I hurt for Grace. For me, I guess I was so disappointed that of all the girls in London, he turned to Lily. The one girl that would break Grace’s heart, good.
Holly: I definitely hurt for Grace, too. Like you, I enjoyed how levelheaded she was. She realized she was the one building castles in the sky and, even though it hurt, knew when to let go.
I loved when Colin started realizing it was Grace he missed. The way he yearned for her letters. *sigh*
If only the letter had come from Grace . . .
It wasn’t Lily’s fault that she wasn’t as intelligent as her sister. Nor as witty and kind. That wasn’t fair: Lily was kind. But she was shallow compared to Grace.
She was a waltz, and Grace was a hymn. He turned over in bed and went to sleep, thinking about it.
Rowena: You know what part made me roll my eyes? The part where he commanded her to come…and she did.
LMAO!
Holly: Right? Why does that always happen? I’m sorry, but no. Just no.
Rowena: I know, it never fails to make me laugh when the heroes in our books demand this of the heroines. How in the world do they think we can do that?
Colin had me swooning all over the place with stuff like that scene. I really enjoyed getting to know him.
For me, this was one of those romantic, sappy books that I ate right up. I loved the way that this first part pulled at my heart strings and made me come to love the characters so quickly. It made me so much more anxious for the next part and lucky for us, we had them all at once. I don’t know if I’d have been able to wait a week.
Overall, I thought this first part of Colin and Grace’s story did its job perfectly. It introduced characters that were easy to connect with and made me want more. I really enjoyed this first part. All of the crying I did is a testament to that.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Holly: I won’t lie, I was annoyed when it ended. I hate waiting. Hate it!
That aside, I can’t find much to complain about. James really pulled me into the story. Right from the beginning I was fully engaged. My heart hurt for both Grace and Colin. All in all, an excellent start.
December 26, 2022
Δεν περίμενα πως μια, ας την χαρακτηρίσουμε νουβέλα, όπως η συγκεκριμένη, θα κατάφερνε μέσα στο τόσο σύντομο διάστημα της αφήγησής της να μου προκαλέσει τόσα πολλά κι έντονα συναισθήματα. Είναι αυτό που λέμε: σπαρακτική και αγγίζει τις πιο ευαίσθητες χορδές σου, κάνοντάς σε να βιώσεις όλη την τραγωδία -και κατ' επέκτασιν την τραγικότητα- που βρίσκεται πίσω από τις λέξεις της. Πολύ καλή δομή χαρακτήρων, που για τον χρόνο που έχουν αναπτύσσονται ιδιαίτερα καλά, έχοντας δώσει, φυσικά, μεγαλύτερη βαρύτητα στην Grace, την οποία δε γίνεται να μην λατρέψεις. Και για να προσθέσουμε το κερασάκι στην τούρτα, έχουμε ένα cliffhanger από τα λίγα, που δεν μπορεί παρά να σε κάνει να αναζητήσεις αμέσως τη συνέχεια.
September 11, 2018
Bof d’une platitude et d’un commun. Mais le héros est atteint d’un handicapé qu’elle arrive bien à cerné
March 12, 2013
With This Kiss is the reason why I love Regency Romance Novels
and why I loathe cliffhangers!
I should have taken the hint with the part 1 and wait for the two more e-copies for this series before starting. But then again - the blurb was too good to pass. And since it was short, and it's for $0.99 on Amazon, why not insert it on my reading list?
Lady Grace had been enamored of Colin at a young age. Their families have been friends, and they tend to spend some times together annually. So when young Colin goes off to join the navy, Grace started sending him letters so that he wouldn't miss home.
But the moment he came back, he went straight into Grace's sister's arms: Lily's. Lily is the beauty of the family, the girl whom they all adore. Seeing them waltz together, laughing and enjoying each other's company broke Grace's heart and it did mine.
Confession: I spent half of the novella crying.
For a short novella, I didn't expect that it would be so heartbreaking to see Collin reached for Lily instead of Grace.
Yet the kindhearted Grace didn't hate her sister. She cried, said her goodbye and tried to move on. This is what I love about her. She knew it wasn't Lily's fault that Colin fell in love with her despite the fact that Grace was the one who had been writing to him religiously. So, she did what was best, wrote her final letter, made a very beautiful gift for him and let go.
At first, I'd like to hate Lily. How dare her to that to Grace? She can have any man at her disposal - why not spare Colin? But then, Lily - the troublesome Lily seem to have no idea what was happening to her sister and Colin. Grace wasn't the one to share her feelings with her sister. She had kept it to herself.
Doting Parents
Okay. Another confession: I haven't read the Ugly Duchess Yet. But I will insert both stories (including Seduced by a Pirate) in between my reads one of these days.
The Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook are amazing parents. They may be quite busy with their responsibilities but they made sure that they are always there for their children. I appreciate both of their gestures when Grace was heartbroken - they were very supportive of her and it makes all the difference in the world.
As for Colin: He might be too late to realize, but I say he deserves it if he looses Grace.
Because Grace...
Final Words: I WOULD HAVE ADORED THIS EVEN MORE IF MS. JAMES MADE THIS INTO A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.
However, I have no choice but to wait patiently because the next two books are coming within the month as well - Thank goodness!
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
and why I loathe cliffhangers!
I should have taken the hint with the part 1 and wait for the two more e-copies for this series before starting. But then again - the blurb was too good to pass. And since it was short, and it's for $0.99 on Amazon, why not insert it on my reading list?
Lady Grace had been enamored of Colin at a young age. Their families have been friends, and they tend to spend some times together annually. So when young Colin goes off to join the navy, Grace started sending him letters so that he wouldn't miss home.
But the moment he came back, he went straight into Grace's sister's arms: Lily's. Lily is the beauty of the family, the girl whom they all adore. Seeing them waltz together, laughing and enjoying each other's company broke Grace's heart and it did mine.
Confession: I spent half of the novella crying.
For a short novella, I didn't expect that it would be so heartbreaking to see Collin reached for Lily instead of Grace.
Yet the kindhearted Grace didn't hate her sister. She cried, said her goodbye and tried to move on. This is what I love about her. She knew it wasn't Lily's fault that Colin fell in love with her despite the fact that Grace was the one who had been writing to him religiously. So, she did what was best, wrote her final letter, made a very beautiful gift for him and let go.
At first, I'd like to hate Lily. How dare her to that to Grace? She can have any man at her disposal - why not spare Colin? But then, Lily - the troublesome Lily seem to have no idea what was happening to her sister and Colin. Grace wasn't the one to share her feelings with her sister. She had kept it to herself.
Doting Parents
Okay. Another confession: I haven't read the Ugly Duchess Yet. But I will insert both stories (including Seduced by a Pirate) in between my reads one of these days.
The Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook are amazing parents. They may be quite busy with their responsibilities but they made sure that they are always there for their children. I appreciate both of their gestures when Grace was heartbroken - they were very supportive of her and it makes all the difference in the world.
As for Colin: He might be too late to realize, but I say he deserves it if he looses Grace.
Because Grace...
Final Words: I WOULD HAVE ADORED THIS EVEN MORE IF MS. JAMES MADE THIS INTO A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.
However, I have no choice but to wait patiently because the next two books are coming within the month as well - Thank goodness!
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
March 12, 2013
originally posted on The Book Tart http://thebooktart.com/new-fiction-re...
How have I not read Eloisa James before? Oh my oh my oh my. In a short amount of time she grabbed my heart and my attention. I was highlighting throughout this story and my notes were smiles and sighs and the word crying. Seriously, I was impressed with how fast I got sucked into this historical romance.
I was captivated by the story of how Lady Grace grows up from a curious, rather shy little girl into a generous woman. And the family friend, Colin, who goes from patient boy to a wounded man. I empathized with Grace and her feelings of being rather invisible compared to her sparkly sister Lily. Grace prefers to observe people and capture their faces and emotions on paper through her art. I loved her. I felt in a short period of time that I knew her and I fell in love with Colin as she did. *sigh* Colin, the teen who goes off to sea and becomes a man through war and blood and tears. Grace writes to him to help keep him grounded and remind him of home. And over the years a strong emotional connection is formed that scares him because she knows what he considers a weakness in himself. Awww, I wanted to hug him and shake him and I definitely wanted to hug Grace.
A few of my fav lines:
♥ The year Grace turned fourteen, Colin walked though the door in a uniform, and her heart gave one big thump and never beat exactly the same way again.
♥ “I could write you a letter now and then,” she offered. “If I knew where to send it, that is. I can describe to you what’s happening at home so that you can picture it, even if you are washing the deck.”
♥ Grace’s letters had kept him alive for these few years… But he had had Grace’s letters, those lovely songs about life in a different place, in a different key, where blood and death weren’t the only reality.
♥ “Don’t forget fanciful. I made up a whole romance in my mind. When Colin didn’t answer a letter, I would make up the answer he should have sent me. Before I knew it, I was in love.”
Now a warning. With This Kiss is a three part serial releasing over a three week period. Meep! I know serials were popular… One of my favorite books, The Phantom of The Opera was written as a newspaper serial. One sign of this format of storytelling is it needs to hook you and keep you coming back. With This Kiss Part One does this very well. It ends leaving you wanting more, more, more. Why, yes, that was with a rebel yell. :D How ever did you guess?
I loved this short novella! Honestly, I’m not a fan of the format because I hate waiting. But I’m hooked.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
♦ ebook provided for review for my honest opinion.
How have I not read Eloisa James before? Oh my oh my oh my. In a short amount of time she grabbed my heart and my attention. I was highlighting throughout this story and my notes were smiles and sighs and the word crying. Seriously, I was impressed with how fast I got sucked into this historical romance.
I was captivated by the story of how Lady Grace grows up from a curious, rather shy little girl into a generous woman. And the family friend, Colin, who goes from patient boy to a wounded man. I empathized with Grace and her feelings of being rather invisible compared to her sparkly sister Lily. Grace prefers to observe people and capture their faces and emotions on paper through her art. I loved her. I felt in a short period of time that I knew her and I fell in love with Colin as she did. *sigh* Colin, the teen who goes off to sea and becomes a man through war and blood and tears. Grace writes to him to help keep him grounded and remind him of home. And over the years a strong emotional connection is formed that scares him because she knows what he considers a weakness in himself. Awww, I wanted to hug him and shake him and I definitely wanted to hug Grace.
A few of my fav lines:
♥ The year Grace turned fourteen, Colin walked though the door in a uniform, and her heart gave one big thump and never beat exactly the same way again.
♥ “I could write you a letter now and then,” she offered. “If I knew where to send it, that is. I can describe to you what’s happening at home so that you can picture it, even if you are washing the deck.”
♥ Grace’s letters had kept him alive for these few years… But he had had Grace’s letters, those lovely songs about life in a different place, in a different key, where blood and death weren’t the only reality.
♥ “Don’t forget fanciful. I made up a whole romance in my mind. When Colin didn’t answer a letter, I would make up the answer he should have sent me. Before I knew it, I was in love.”
Now a warning. With This Kiss is a three part serial releasing over a three week period. Meep! I know serials were popular… One of my favorite books, The Phantom of The Opera was written as a newspaper serial. One sign of this format of storytelling is it needs to hook you and keep you coming back. With This Kiss Part One does this very well. It ends leaving you wanting more, more, more. Why, yes, that was with a rebel yell. :D How ever did you guess?
I loved this short novella! Honestly, I’m not a fan of the format because I hate waiting. But I’m hooked.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
♦ ebook provided for review for my honest opinion.
March 12, 2013
James has created two characters that stand out amongst a sea of faces. Grace is admirable and deserves so much more than Colin can give her at this point, but she is so blindingly in love that she does not care. Colin's character has so much room to grow and I am eager to see how and when he will finally open up his eyes and see the gift in front of him.
In the last chapter of WITH THIS KISS, James packs a punch and it propelled me to frantically grab the next installment. I needed to know what would happen to them! Though serials aren't my favorite style of reading books, I cannot deny the appeal and excitement of one done well.
WITH THIS KISS is a story filled with heartbreak. Let's hope that James delivers her gentle readers a happily-ever- after fitting to the fantastic characters she has created in the installments to come.
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
In the last chapter of WITH THIS KISS, James packs a punch and it propelled me to frantically grab the next installment. I needed to know what would happen to them! Though serials aren't my favorite style of reading books, I cannot deny the appeal and excitement of one done well.
WITH THIS KISS is a story filled with heartbreak. Let's hope that James delivers her gentle readers a happily-ever- after fitting to the fantastic characters she has created in the installments to come.
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
May 21, 2018
Definite must read.. really good book, very well written, the story is about Grace falling in love with Colin, but him taking a while to realise that he loves her too. Their relationship is very real, but I don't want to ruin too much, it's a definite read if you like historical romances.
But I'd like to start a conversation here too because the book in general left me with a bittersweet feeling, even though it was so obviously a positive end..I just felt somewhere that Grace deserved a bigger apology, you know? Colin knew that he was hurting her, even if he didn't realise his feelings then. He intentionally stayed away, ignored her, didn't write back to her, he must've known how his letter to Lily would make Grace feel, he wasn't an idiot. I just thought I would have liked Grace to have given him a harder time in coming around. But aside from all that, I agree this book is perfection, so well written and what a great story.
But I'd like to start a conversation here too because the book in general left me with a bittersweet feeling, even though it was so obviously a positive end..I just felt somewhere that Grace deserved a bigger apology, you know? Colin knew that he was hurting her, even if he didn't realise his feelings then. He intentionally stayed away, ignored her, didn't write back to her, he must've known how his letter to Lily would make Grace feel, he wasn't an idiot. I just thought I would have liked Grace to have given him a harder time in coming around. But aside from all that, I agree this book is perfection, so well written and what a great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2013
I liked the characters; I appreciated how they were portrayed. Grace is serious, clear-headed, and a wonderful sister. Lily is bright, sparkling, and while lovely, she is not so airheaded and selfish as younger, prettier sisters are usually portrayed in romances. Colin is obviously idiotic and can't see what's in front of his face. He is a serious man himself, and after everything he has been through, he can be forgiven for wanting brightness without complexity in his life, hence his pursuit of Lily.
What I found unbelievable and ultimately made me knock off stars is the abrupt way that Colin fell for Grace. Seriously, one moment he is asking Lily and Grace's father for permission to wed Lily, and within the next few pages, he realizes that he's an idiot for not wanting Grace? Where's the development? I'm rooting for Lord John. Mmph.
What I found unbelievable and ultimately made me knock off stars is the abrupt way that Colin fell for Grace. Seriously, one moment he is asking Lily and Grace's father for permission to wed Lily, and within the next few pages, he realizes that he's an idiot for not wanting Grace? Where's the development? I'm rooting for Lord John. Mmph.
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