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Book Club Belles Society #1
Once Upon a Kiss
In the sleepy village of Hawcombe Prior, the five young ladies of the Book Club Belles Society are looking for their own leading men. The Perfect Hero When handsome, mysterious Darius Wainwright strolls into town, the Book Club Belles are instantly smitten with this brooding good looks and prideful demeanor. It's as if he walked out of the pages of their favorite new novel, a scandalous romance called Pride and Prejudice. But Justina Penny can't understand why her fellow Belles are starry-eyed in the newcomer's arrogant presencesurely a wicked Wickham would be infinitely more fun... An Unlikely Leading Lady Justina is the opposite of Darius's ideal womannot that he's looking for romance. But when he discovers her stealing apples from his uncle's orchard, he can't resist his own thieving impulse. A stolen kiss from the mischievous Miss Penny leaves Darius wanting much, much more. If it's a dashing villain she desires, Darius is more than willing to play the part... Praise for The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine: Eminently witty.Publishers Weekly Decidedly humorous, as well as sensual...a true charmer of a read.RT Book Reviews
414 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2014
35 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 107 reviews
June 25, 2014
Calling all Pride and Prejudice fans, this book is for you. Once Upon a Kiss follows the (mis)adventures of Justina Penny. As our heroine, she is spirited, bold, and at times foolhardy. You see, Justina hails from a small country town, has a rather loud mother whose whole mission in life is to get her daughters wed, specifically her older, very attractive daughter, a tolerant father, and an independent streak. During one of Justina's grand schemes, she meets Mr. Darius Wainwright. He just so happens to be a very rich bachelor whose broody stares, quiet disregard and general uptightness rub Justina the wrong way. They proceed to snarl, fuss, and be drawn to each other's company. Remember the comparison I spoke of earlier? This should all sound vaguely and charmingly familiar.
Justina and Darius never fail to give the reader interactions full of humor, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion. Justina slowly reveals that maybe a lot of her outrageous antics can be attributed to always playing second fiddle to her sister. There are many times you will hurt for Justina as blithe comments about how attractive her older sister is and how there is really no hope of any gentleman wanting to marry her are tossed her way by her mother and friends. It gradually becomes clear that not all roll off her back. This shared secret hurt is what draws Justina and Darius together. Darius also harbors some pain from growing up in an older sibling's shadow. He grew up stuttering, unsure, and awkward to his older brother's loquaciousness and general pleasantry. When they meet for a second time a year later, they fairly crackle and sizzle with tension. Darius, having inherited a manor in Justina's hometown, finds he is willing to stick around longer than planned as he finds, despite his best efforts, being drawn to Justina. Each interaction just intensifies their chemistry.
There is no Big Misunderstanding, life or death situation, or overly contrived plot points and this story is all the better for it. Instead you have a cast of secondary characters that you will hope get their own stories. There are three other ladies in Justina's book club and perhaps two other ladies in the wings, how many books did Jane Austen write? There is a secondary couple that includes a captain who goes off to gain fortune and fame after a lady feels she must turn him down for a more promising prospect, which will have you guessing as to what the next book will be about. All in all this was a quick read that will have you gleefully turning the pages. While it is fluffy, there are enough little moments of deep emotion that spring up and pleasantly surprise you. Once Upon a Kiss is a delightfully fun read you won't want to miss. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for the upcoming books.
Received a copy via Netgalley for an honest review.
Justina and Darius never fail to give the reader interactions full of humor, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion. Justina slowly reveals that maybe a lot of her outrageous antics can be attributed to always playing second fiddle to her sister. There are many times you will hurt for Justina as blithe comments about how attractive her older sister is and how there is really no hope of any gentleman wanting to marry her are tossed her way by her mother and friends. It gradually becomes clear that not all roll off her back. This shared secret hurt is what draws Justina and Darius together. Darius also harbors some pain from growing up in an older sibling's shadow. He grew up stuttering, unsure, and awkward to his older brother's loquaciousness and general pleasantry. When they meet for a second time a year later, they fairly crackle and sizzle with tension. Darius, having inherited a manor in Justina's hometown, finds he is willing to stick around longer than planned as he finds, despite his best efforts, being drawn to Justina. Each interaction just intensifies their chemistry.
There is no Big Misunderstanding, life or death situation, or overly contrived plot points and this story is all the better for it. Instead you have a cast of secondary characters that you will hope get their own stories. There are three other ladies in Justina's book club and perhaps two other ladies in the wings, how many books did Jane Austen write? There is a secondary couple that includes a captain who goes off to gain fortune and fame after a lady feels she must turn him down for a more promising prospect, which will have you guessing as to what the next book will be about. All in all this was a quick read that will have you gleefully turning the pages. While it is fluffy, there are enough little moments of deep emotion that spring up and pleasantly surprise you. Once Upon a Kiss is a delightfully fun read you won't want to miss. I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for the upcoming books.
Received a copy via Netgalley for an honest review.
dnf
February 12, 2018Is this book for REAL? I tried, but the heroine has to be the biggest, clumsiest, stupidest f***wit I have come across in HR. Is this actually HR?
It kind of went downhill People have compared it to P&P? Have they ever actually read any Jane Austen. This sort of behaviour would have been simply inconceivable.
I'm sorry, this is just horrible. I got to page 49 of 409, and I really do try to finish books, to give them a chance.
Might be ok for some. Just not for me.
As Richard is clearly saying: no. Just no.
It kind of went downhill People have compared it to P&P? Have they ever actually read any Jane Austen. This sort of behaviour would have been simply inconceivable.
I'm sorry, this is just horrible. I got to page 49 of 409, and I really do try to finish books, to give them a chance.
Might be ok for some. Just not for me.
As Richard is clearly saying: no. Just no.
January 29, 2015
What an adorable, fresh take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice story! There were nods to Austen throughout the story--in quotes, characters, and plot lines. However, Fresina still managed to surprise me. When I first started reading, I had to adjust to the writing style, which is more long-winded and flowery than what I am used to in modern books. It actually reminds me of some of the classic novels in the writing style. Once I got used to the book's flow, I got sucked in and couldn't put the book down!
Justina is a crazy, fun heroine and Darius is a very reserved man who is turned upside down when Justina sweeps into his life. There was no angst or stupid misunderstandings, just a book loaded with fun characters, witty banter, and a crazy road to love.
I highly recommend this one. It is the best regency romance I've read in a while. Light, fluffy, romantic fun. Plus, the last line of the book is glorious. I can't wait for the next one in the series. 5 stars.
Justina is a crazy, fun heroine and Darius is a very reserved man who is turned upside down when Justina sweeps into his life. There was no angst or stupid misunderstandings, just a book loaded with fun characters, witty banter, and a crazy road to love.
I highly recommend this one. It is the best regency romance I've read in a while. Light, fluffy, romantic fun. Plus, the last line of the book is glorious. I can't wait for the next one in the series. 5 stars.
January 20, 2016
The heroine was so childish in the beginning of the book - doing things for just a reaction, writing in her journal like a paranoid 13 year old - that when she "grew up" shortly thereafter it was not believable to me. I just could not get why the hero was even attracted to her in the beginning unless he was just thinking with his "Richard" because of her wet gown, but that still wasn't enough for me. Bleh!
January 6, 2023
4.5 stars in Jan 2020. Justina and Darius An easy breezy "madcap" romance with the heroine being a type of act first think later versus Darius the quiet, think before he talks hero. This is a comedy romance and therefore the heroine does a lot of quirky things. I really enjoyed that the heroine has friends. The Belle's society reading Pride and Prejudice was an interesting angle. I especially liked these side characters: Sir Mortimer Grubbins (the pig), her father, and Darius friend Miles.
Reread January 2023 5 stars. I really enjoyed this even more the 2nd time. This time I appreciated the layers this story had that the authors laid out before us. Both Justina and Darius felt inferior to their older siblings. However, loved them so much. This time it hit me how much love Darius has for his brother even though
Reread January 2023 5 stars. I really enjoyed this even more the 2nd time. This time I appreciated the layers this story had that the authors laid out before us. Both Justina and Darius felt inferior to their older siblings. However, loved them so much. This time it hit me how much love Darius has for his brother even though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2015
This is my first book by Jayne Fresina, and the first thing that I noticed was how well the dialogue was written. It was written perfectly and I could totally imagine the conversation taking place 200 years ago. (and I am not a stickler for these things, but it really popped out to me). Next thing, I absolutely loved the hero in this book, such a well written guy. Loved his serious, cold personality and watching him unfold. The only problem I had with the book was the heroine. She was more often than not a little witch. So argumentative and down right mean. I get the whole 'independent woman' thing, but for me I quickly came to dislike her and it kind of ruined the book for me. Especially the scene where the hero came to her house to apologize.... she was an absolute witch. I finally gave up with only a few chapters remaining (because I stopped caring due to her shrewiness) and I only remember two kisses shared by them at that point....
June 10, 2014
A small village Regency Era Romance about five girls in a book club with this first story taking on the retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice? Count me in! I was very enthused to try this new author and this new series. It has a light romping tone to it and the connection to Pride & Prejudice is visible though it has much originality too. I really wanted to like this one wholeheartedly and I liked most of what had drawn me toward the story, but the heroine didn't completely do it for me.
The story opens with a series of catastrophic escapades surrounding the person of Miss Justina Penny. She leaps into action before giving much thought to the consequences, her tongue is just as impulsive and varies between sharp, startling statements and embellishments, and her outlook on life is decidedly unconventional. She is the opposite of her beautiful, serene sister who would never dream of thinking, saying or doing half of what Justina does. And she suffers in the comparison of her mother and most people's eyes. She is ripe for a new adventure because life in her small village bores her.
Justina's wishes come true in a most unexpected form. Through a desire to escape his matchmaking step-mother and step-sister and a need to sort out the affairs and property of his late uncle, Darius Wainwright escapes to his uncle's country estate. Darius is a rigid fellow who has an unvarying routine and a strong sense of propriety and rules of conduct that he feels balances out his missing brother the rakish adventurer. Only when he encounters the pig-stealing, property invading, saucy tongued Justina Penny who has already proved herself scandalous the year before by jumping into his bed naked, he hauls off and impulsively kisses her even though he is angered and disgusted by her behavior. She turns his world upside down. He fights the attraction, but with each new encounter he is drawn even more strongly to her.
The two have a stormy series of encounters with many misunderstandings that eventually lead them to see themselves, each other and others more clearly, but this may not be enough as other circumstances come into play.
Much of this story was just adorable and fun. I loved the setting of the small village and its quirky, charming characters. I loved the idea of a classical book getting a retelling and of course a book club is my thing. As to the romance line, the idea of a stormy opposites attract was a big draw. I love it when characters have to grow, change and grow together to have their romance. And the tone of this historical romance is a cunning blend of sweet and spicy. I loved so much about it including the main characters with one slight exception.
In a contrary way, I both enjoyed Justina and I was annoyed by her. At the beginning and through a good portion of the story, I saw where the author was going with it and there was some humor in her character for me, but mostly Justina's antics came across as childish, spoilt and over the top. So while I could enjoy seeing her grow and mature, I couldn't imagine her as a serious love interest which led to many of the scenes with her and Darius just irritating me- not all of them which redeemed the story somewhat. I mean come on, you jump naked into a guy's bed even if you mistook him for another holding it against him because he isn't impressed with your botched teen girl femme fatale gig? You run his carriage off the road into a ditch doing something stupid and don't apologize or care that he could have been hurt, but get snippy and mad when he is upset. Lord, spare me! A bit of obliviousness and spirit, getting into unintentional trouble, wanting to unsettle a guy like Darius, I get and its fun, but it was just slathered on too heavy for me to enjoy it all. To give her her due, I will say that I loved Justina's spirit of adventure, her need to be herself and not conform especially to a mother who favored her other child and I thought Justina's personality was a good thing for the starched up Darius. I don't think she will be a problem for everyone and I didn't completely dislike her mostly just didn't buy into her.
Darius was an interesting character. He had my sympathies early on even as I knew he needed a makeover. He grew up with an indifferent parent who only was pleased because Darius worked hard in the business, a brother who poked fun at his appearance and shyness so much that it gave him hang-ups and a wrong woman who caused him to close off and guard his heart and feelings tightly. He is used to being sought out only when people want something and he knows well that the ladies are more impressed by his friend and brother. Justina is a confusing breath of fresh air in his life, but it takes him a long time to loosen up and see her worth to him not that I blame him the way she was for more than half of the story.
To pull it all together quickly, it was fun, irritating, spicy and sweet and I would definitely come back for more of this series. I'm going to recommend this for those who enjoy a historical romance that doesn't take itself too seriously, gets up to some romps, offers some quirky characters and a romance that is seasoned with sweet and spice.
My thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for the Opportunity to review this one in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens with a series of catastrophic escapades surrounding the person of Miss Justina Penny. She leaps into action before giving much thought to the consequences, her tongue is just as impulsive and varies between sharp, startling statements and embellishments, and her outlook on life is decidedly unconventional. She is the opposite of her beautiful, serene sister who would never dream of thinking, saying or doing half of what Justina does. And she suffers in the comparison of her mother and most people's eyes. She is ripe for a new adventure because life in her small village bores her.
Justina's wishes come true in a most unexpected form. Through a desire to escape his matchmaking step-mother and step-sister and a need to sort out the affairs and property of his late uncle, Darius Wainwright escapes to his uncle's country estate. Darius is a rigid fellow who has an unvarying routine and a strong sense of propriety and rules of conduct that he feels balances out his missing brother the rakish adventurer. Only when he encounters the pig-stealing, property invading, saucy tongued Justina Penny who has already proved herself scandalous the year before by jumping into his bed naked, he hauls off and impulsively kisses her even though he is angered and disgusted by her behavior. She turns his world upside down. He fights the attraction, but with each new encounter he is drawn even more strongly to her.
The two have a stormy series of encounters with many misunderstandings that eventually lead them to see themselves, each other and others more clearly, but this may not be enough as other circumstances come into play.
Much of this story was just adorable and fun. I loved the setting of the small village and its quirky, charming characters. I loved the idea of a classical book getting a retelling and of course a book club is my thing. As to the romance line, the idea of a stormy opposites attract was a big draw. I love it when characters have to grow, change and grow together to have their romance. And the tone of this historical romance is a cunning blend of sweet and spicy. I loved so much about it including the main characters with one slight exception.
In a contrary way, I both enjoyed Justina and I was annoyed by her. At the beginning and through a good portion of the story, I saw where the author was going with it and there was some humor in her character for me, but mostly Justina's antics came across as childish, spoilt and over the top. So while I could enjoy seeing her grow and mature, I couldn't imagine her as a serious love interest which led to many of the scenes with her and Darius just irritating me- not all of them which redeemed the story somewhat. I mean come on, you jump naked into a guy's bed even if you mistook him for another holding it against him because he isn't impressed with your botched teen girl femme fatale gig? You run his carriage off the road into a ditch doing something stupid and don't apologize or care that he could have been hurt, but get snippy and mad when he is upset. Lord, spare me! A bit of obliviousness and spirit, getting into unintentional trouble, wanting to unsettle a guy like Darius, I get and its fun, but it was just slathered on too heavy for me to enjoy it all. To give her her due, I will say that I loved Justina's spirit of adventure, her need to be herself and not conform especially to a mother who favored her other child and I thought Justina's personality was a good thing for the starched up Darius. I don't think she will be a problem for everyone and I didn't completely dislike her mostly just didn't buy into her.
Darius was an interesting character. He had my sympathies early on even as I knew he needed a makeover. He grew up with an indifferent parent who only was pleased because Darius worked hard in the business, a brother who poked fun at his appearance and shyness so much that it gave him hang-ups and a wrong woman who caused him to close off and guard his heart and feelings tightly. He is used to being sought out only when people want something and he knows well that the ladies are more impressed by his friend and brother. Justina is a confusing breath of fresh air in his life, but it takes him a long time to loosen up and see her worth to him not that I blame him the way she was for more than half of the story.
To pull it all together quickly, it was fun, irritating, spicy and sweet and I would definitely come back for more of this series. I'm going to recommend this for those who enjoy a historical romance that doesn't take itself too seriously, gets up to some romps, offers some quirky characters and a romance that is seasoned with sweet and spice.
My thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for the Opportunity to review this one in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2016
Once Upon a Kiss was an absolute delight to read and one that I highly recommend to fans of Jane Austen retellings. Here we have a wonderful free-spirited heroine and a lovable socially awkward hero who’s very Darcy-esque.
Justina Penny is an unconventional young lady living in a sleepy little village. She’s known for her many missteps in society. She’s quite aware that she’s not nearly as lovely or ladylike as her elder sister, and knows that she’ll never be a man’s first choice. But that doesn’t mean that she wants to sit back and cry about it, and she certainly doesn’t do so when an eligible gentleman comes to town even if he is the Wrong Man.
Darius Wainwright is a reticent man and he’s had one horrifyingly embarrassing introduction to Justina in Bath. He’s quite shocked to find her in the village of Hawcombe Prior, and as much as he’d like her to stay away, he can’t seem to stop contriving of ways to spend time with her.
This was quite a humourous and delightful read. The humour is something this author always does very well, and I found myself continually smiling throughout this book. I also loved the obvious parallel to Jane Austen. It was rather adorable that Darius was such an obvious Darcy, and I for one, loved seeing his side of the story. I can only hope that the author will continue to use Austen’s works as a frame for future stories in this series. If the suggestions I were picking up in this book were what I think, it looks like we may be getting a Persuasion retelling in the next book. Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book, so I certainly hope this is the case.
Ultimately, this book was witty, silly and just plain fun. It wasn’t overly dependent on the more romantic aspects, but the dialogue between the hero and heroine was spot on. I think this book (and the other’s by this author) will appeal to you if you enjoy Kate Noble’s historicals. Like Fresnia’s work, they’re not super steamy, but they are smart and funny.
Justina Penny is an unconventional young lady living in a sleepy little village. She’s known for her many missteps in society. She’s quite aware that she’s not nearly as lovely or ladylike as her elder sister, and knows that she’ll never be a man’s first choice. But that doesn’t mean that she wants to sit back and cry about it, and she certainly doesn’t do so when an eligible gentleman comes to town even if he is the Wrong Man.
Darius Wainwright is a reticent man and he’s had one horrifyingly embarrassing introduction to Justina in Bath. He’s quite shocked to find her in the village of Hawcombe Prior, and as much as he’d like her to stay away, he can’t seem to stop contriving of ways to spend time with her.
This was quite a humourous and delightful read. The humour is something this author always does very well, and I found myself continually smiling throughout this book. I also loved the obvious parallel to Jane Austen. It was rather adorable that Darius was such an obvious Darcy, and I for one, loved seeing his side of the story. I can only hope that the author will continue to use Austen’s works as a frame for future stories in this series. If the suggestions I were picking up in this book were what I think, it looks like we may be getting a Persuasion retelling in the next book. Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen book, so I certainly hope this is the case.
Ultimately, this book was witty, silly and just plain fun. It wasn’t overly dependent on the more romantic aspects, but the dialogue between the hero and heroine was spot on. I think this book (and the other’s by this author) will appeal to you if you enjoy Kate Noble’s historicals. Like Fresnia’s work, they’re not super steamy, but they are smart and funny.
February 20, 2022
I spent the first couple of chapters thinking the heroine was a child and expecting a time jump. The time jump never came and a particular memory of her sneaking into her crush's hotel room and jumping on him stark naked came up and I was shook. Turns out the heroine only acts like a ten year old, she was ostensibly a grown woman 😬 One that writes the dumbest things in her diary, crawls on hands and knees after a mouse at a party, or traipses after pigs or falls off walls or pretends to be a ghost when the hero finds her trespassing on his property.
If madcap silly heroines that are forever getting into dumb scrapes, lots of maybe sometimes funny banter, loads of characters and a lot of description are your jam then this book is for you. It was definitely not for me and I ended up skimming most of it.
The comparisons to P&P are baffling to me. The heroine and her friends were reading the book but as far as this book being an P&P retelling? The only thing even remotely P&P like is the grumpy hero and the heroine's annoying mother. The hero was okay but it squeaked me out when he kissed the heroine because I couldn't shake the image of her as a pre teen. Also, there's one love scene all the way at the end and it's about a paragraph long.
This is a great book for someone but that someone isn't me.
⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
If madcap silly heroines that are forever getting into dumb scrapes, lots of maybe sometimes funny banter, loads of characters and a lot of description are your jam then this book is for you. It was definitely not for me and I ended up skimming most of it.
The comparisons to P&P are baffling to me. The heroine and her friends were reading the book but as far as this book being an P&P retelling? The only thing even remotely P&P like is the grumpy hero and the heroine's annoying mother. The hero was okay but it squeaked me out when he kissed the heroine because I couldn't shake the image of her as a pre teen. Also, there's one love scene all the way at the end and it's about a paragraph long.
This is a great book for someone but that someone isn't me.
⭐/5
🔥/5
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2014
This book was just delightful :D The pages flew by and I was charmed by it. I do hope all the books in this series will be as good.
It's a book a book club (yay), and they are reading Pride and Prejudice. And the author weaves her spell and the book read a bit like PP then too. More fun for me.
Our heroine is, gods, crazy! Ha, in a good way. I loved her. She did all the wrong things, said the wrong things, she just wanted to have fun, to lose her bonnet and get her petticoats dirty by jumping in a puddle. Justine was then a great heroine.
Darius does not know what to do with her. He is more the Mr Darcy kind of guy, quiet, reserved, but he sure got to me at once too. They bring out the best in each other, yes even when bickering.
Great couple, fun things happening, a bit of Pride and Prejudice, and more promised as the rest of the book club will find love too. I can't wait.
An amusing and charming book. Finished it in a day.
It's a book a book club (yay), and they are reading Pride and Prejudice. And the author weaves her spell and the book read a bit like PP then too. More fun for me.
Our heroine is, gods, crazy! Ha, in a good way. I loved her. She did all the wrong things, said the wrong things, she just wanted to have fun, to lose her bonnet and get her petticoats dirty by jumping in a puddle. Justine was then a great heroine.
Darius does not know what to do with her. He is more the Mr Darcy kind of guy, quiet, reserved, but he sure got to me at once too. They bring out the best in each other, yes even when bickering.
Great couple, fun things happening, a bit of Pride and Prejudice, and more promised as the rest of the book club will find love too. I can't wait.
An amusing and charming book. Finished it in a day.
February 4, 2018
If I could I would give this book 10 STARS !!
This book brought me JOY, pure, unadulterated JOY ! It did not only made me laugh out loud, it brought me happiness, I did not wish to see it end. I can not remember last time this happened, to consider a book a friend I did not wish to be parted from. One of my favorite HR book ever and my FAVORITE from Jayne Fresina!
Wich is a relief after the horrendous reading experience that was Seducing the Beast (Taming the Tudor Male in Three Easy Lessons #1) , it took me weeks to find my way back to her and I am so thankful to myself for taking the Jayne Fresina leapt once again. Especially because this is the first book from her which was perfectly written from the first page to the last one, in all her other books I read, she tends to rush nonsensically to the end, leave questions unanswered, do not adress pivotal points, and this book is free of all of these ! *happy dance*
This book brought me JOY, pure, unadulterated JOY ! It did not only made me laugh out loud, it brought me happiness, I did not wish to see it end. I can not remember last time this happened, to consider a book a friend I did not wish to be parted from. One of my favorite HR book ever and my FAVORITE from Jayne Fresina!
Wich is a relief after the horrendous reading experience that was Seducing the Beast (Taming the Tudor Male in Three Easy Lessons #1) , it took me weeks to find my way back to her and I am so thankful to myself for taking the Jayne Fresina leapt once again. Especially because this is the first book from her which was perfectly written from the first page to the last one, in all her other books I read, she tends to rush nonsensically to the end, leave questions unanswered, do not adress pivotal points, and this book is free of all of these ! *happy dance*
December 18, 2025
Once Upon a Kiss didn't exactly work for me, but parts were cute and I did enjoy the ending.
June 5, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:
It’s no secret that I’m a great fan of Jane Austen in general and Pride and Prejudice in particular, and so I approached this book about young women encountering the book for the very first time with a mixture of joy and trepidation. I shouldn’t have worried; the humour is spot-on, and while some incidents and characters parallel those in the original, there always turns out to be a twist on the theme.
Justina Penny is tall, ungainly, and prone to getting into scrapes even when she tries very hard not to. In consequence, she feels very much in the shadow of her pretty, elegant, and demure older sister. The previous Season, both girls went to Bath with their parents – who certainly parallel Mr. and Mrs. Bennet – and Justina caused all manner of trouble, mainly through her two encounters with the Wrong Man. Now, almost a year later, the Penny sisters and their friends are avidly reading and discussing a new novel, as well as speculating over who might have inherited the house and grounds of a local recluse.
Much to Justina’s horror, the new owner is none other than the Wrong Man. Not only that, she first encounters him while trying to smuggle a stolen pig, her best friend’s beloved pet, Sir Mortimer Grubbins, into the house’s orchard to save him from becoming bacon. Things get worse still when Wainwright the Wrong catches her scrumping pears from the same orchard. Determined to teach her a lesson for all her misdeeds, Wainwright makes an arrangement with Justina’s father that she and her friend should help him search through the house for some missing papers. Which is all a perfect set-up for Justina to have yet more misadventures, while she and Wainwright both try to ignore their growing attraction to each other.
This book is just a total delight. Wainwright’s best friend has some parallels to Bingley and his obnoxious sister and her companion have shades of Bingley’s sisters about them. There’s an elopement that’s not quite what it seems, and the continuing adventures of Sir Mortimer Grubbins, who manages to win everyone over in the end. Plus, there are a whole bunch of mysteries connected to the house and to various of Justina and Wainwright’s friends and relations. I really can’t wait to read the next novel in the series, and have already gobbled up the prequel novella, Before the Kiss.
It’s no secret that I’m a great fan of Jane Austen in general and Pride and Prejudice in particular, and so I approached this book about young women encountering the book for the very first time with a mixture of joy and trepidation. I shouldn’t have worried; the humour is spot-on, and while some incidents and characters parallel those in the original, there always turns out to be a twist on the theme.
Justina Penny is tall, ungainly, and prone to getting into scrapes even when she tries very hard not to. In consequence, she feels very much in the shadow of her pretty, elegant, and demure older sister. The previous Season, both girls went to Bath with their parents – who certainly parallel Mr. and Mrs. Bennet – and Justina caused all manner of trouble, mainly through her two encounters with the Wrong Man. Now, almost a year later, the Penny sisters and their friends are avidly reading and discussing a new novel, as well as speculating over who might have inherited the house and grounds of a local recluse.
Much to Justina’s horror, the new owner is none other than the Wrong Man. Not only that, she first encounters him while trying to smuggle a stolen pig, her best friend’s beloved pet, Sir Mortimer Grubbins, into the house’s orchard to save him from becoming bacon. Things get worse still when Wainwright the Wrong catches her scrumping pears from the same orchard. Determined to teach her a lesson for all her misdeeds, Wainwright makes an arrangement with Justina’s father that she and her friend should help him search through the house for some missing papers. Which is all a perfect set-up for Justina to have yet more misadventures, while she and Wainwright both try to ignore their growing attraction to each other.
This book is just a total delight. Wainwright’s best friend has some parallels to Bingley and his obnoxious sister and her companion have shades of Bingley’s sisters about them. There’s an elopement that’s not quite what it seems, and the continuing adventures of Sir Mortimer Grubbins, who manages to win everyone over in the end. Plus, there are a whole bunch of mysteries connected to the house and to various of Justina and Wainwright’s friends and relations. I really can’t wait to read the next novel in the series, and have already gobbled up the prequel novella, Before the Kiss.
April 4, 2014
From the beginning this book was silly, fun, and just what I was looking for. Justina Penny is a young woman living in a small country town outside of London. The youngest daughter of the town doctor, she is high spirited and has an imagination that would be anyone to shame. She keeps a journal that she writes in every night and it's hilarious. She runs around with her very proper and pretty older sister. And Jussy, as she's called, has muddy boots, ripped pinafores, and hair all over the place. In a perfect world, she would be left alone to do what she wants. Her mother won't stop comparing her to her perfect sister but Jussy is used to it, loves her sister, and basically ignores her mother.
When a Mr. Wainwright suddenly comes to town to settle the estate of his recently deceased great-uncle, the town becomes flipped around. All of the marriage minded mothers are forcing their daughters at the man. But Darius is of a mind to never marry. He's very serious, stoic, and he always does what is expected. Jussy has had the misfortune of meeting Mr. Wainwright once before. And somehow becomes quite settled with seeing him almost daily once he's in town, much to her disdain. She simply doesn't like the man and Darius thinks that someone needs to get her to behave properly. But isn't that how all the good things start?
There were so many people in this book I was ticked off at. Jussy's mother, Darius' sister in law and her friend, Jussy's "Sherry", and I'm sure more as well. They're all so meddling. I was really glad to see Darius calmly and coolly ignore his sister in law and mostly everyone. The relationship that bloomed between them was so sweet and funny and heartbreaking at certain points. It was also steamy hot at certain points too, don't get me wrong. I loved their relationship and I honestly just want to read more. With these two you know that there are just more adventures to be had. I wish there were more books with them and I'm really sad there isn't. If you are a romance fan, you need to check this book out, it was perfectly perfect.
When a Mr. Wainwright suddenly comes to town to settle the estate of his recently deceased great-uncle, the town becomes flipped around. All of the marriage minded mothers are forcing their daughters at the man. But Darius is of a mind to never marry. He's very serious, stoic, and he always does what is expected. Jussy has had the misfortune of meeting Mr. Wainwright once before. And somehow becomes quite settled with seeing him almost daily once he's in town, much to her disdain. She simply doesn't like the man and Darius thinks that someone needs to get her to behave properly. But isn't that how all the good things start?
There were so many people in this book I was ticked off at. Jussy's mother, Darius' sister in law and her friend, Jussy's "Sherry", and I'm sure more as well. They're all so meddling. I was really glad to see Darius calmly and coolly ignore his sister in law and mostly everyone. The relationship that bloomed between them was so sweet and funny and heartbreaking at certain points. It was also steamy hot at certain points too, don't get me wrong. I loved their relationship and I honestly just want to read more. With these two you know that there are just more adventures to be had. I wish there were more books with them and I'm really sad there isn't. If you are a romance fan, you need to check this book out, it was perfectly perfect.
September 18, 2017
Ini gw baca prequelnya dulu, 0.5 sengaja gak gw masukin tanggalnya biar gak usah masih di RC gw karena pendek ehehehe.. nah di Prequelnya itu kan Justina Penny (anak dokter) sama kakak dan ortunya diundang ke Bath sama bibinya. Justina ini plain dan gak alus sama sekali, beda banget sama kakaknya, makanya emaknya niatnya ke Bath buat cariin suami kakaknya, Justina ma meh.. apaan! dan die jg tau, gak bakalan deh ada lord yg naksir die, makanya die mo secure masa depannya sendiri, sebelum emaknya campur tangan (sekarang emaknya lg getol ngejodoin kakaknya kan, die gak mau diperlakukan kaya barang pameran). Nah Justina yg demen baca novel dan punya imajinasi liar ini, mau ruined dirinya sendiri.. gak sembarang ruined si, die mau ngedatengin Nathaniel Sherringham aka Captain Sherringham kakak temen satu club membaca dir Rebecca. Nathaniel pas lagi di Bath jg cuti dr resimen, meksi di desa die si Nathaniel terkenal rake nya.. tp Justina sama Nathaniel temen dari kecil kan, dan Rebecca sama die jg temen deket. Modal nekad tengah malam buta ngedatengin penginapan Nathaniel yg susah banget mau masuk jg, boardiang house khusus laki-laki kan.. tp Justina gak kehilangan akal dong, berhasil masuk dan berhasil nemu kamarnya Nathaniel (beberapa hari sebelumnya mereka ketemu di Bath dan Nathaniel mendeskripsikan kamarnya ke Justina.. as a friend yak). Alahgkah kagetnya Justina pas die ude naked, taunya lord yg bobo di tempat tidur bukan Nathaniel ahahahaha
Cek cok mulut deh... tp gak ngapa2in sih, Justinya di lemar keluar sama si Lord yg menyebalkan itu. Sampai besok malamnya, mereka ketemu lagi di pesta dansa.. dan Justinya yg ngejar2 tikus (iya tikus beneran) gak sengaja tangannya keinjek sama si lord dan lord nya hampir jatuh yg kaya domino nabrak orang, orangnya nabrak yg laen dan jadi heboh pada jerit2. Justina ruined cravat nya si lord yg akhirnya musti minta uang papanya buat ganti. Nah setting buku ini tu, 1th kemudian..
gw blm mood buat baca lanjutannya.. Becca si buku 2 ntar lah XD
Cek cok mulut deh... tp gak ngapa2in sih, Justinya di lemar keluar sama si Lord yg menyebalkan itu. Sampai besok malamnya, mereka ketemu lagi di pesta dansa.. dan Justinya yg ngejar2 tikus (iya tikus beneran) gak sengaja tangannya keinjek sama si lord dan lord nya hampir jatuh yg kaya domino nabrak orang, orangnya nabrak yg laen dan jadi heboh pada jerit2. Justina ruined cravat nya si lord yg akhirnya musti minta uang papanya buat ganti. Nah setting buku ini tu, 1th kemudian..
gw blm mood buat baca lanjutannya.. Becca si buku 2 ntar lah XD
May 7, 2014
Loved it! I'm a big P&P fan - love all the retellings (well, most!) This one was sweet, funny and kept me reading to the end. When it was over I wanted to start from the beginning again right away.
June 25, 2014
One of the best historical romance authors around.
Read
October 31, 2025Had to DNF. The fmc was ridiculous and the plotting was a snooze fest.
January 19, 2016
Once Upon a Kiss is the first book in the new series Book Club Belles Society by Jayne Fresina. I loved this book, it has a wonderful twist on Pride and Prejudice. The girls of the Book Club Belles are all different from one another each has a different personality type much like the sisters in P&P. You also have your Darcy and Bingley types and their unlikely friendship. The raving mother pushing her eldest daughter to marry, and the quiet but profound at times father, we even have the dashing Captain in his spiffy red uniform playing the rake. I think if Jane Austin wrote P&P now I think this is what it would be like, sweet and romantic and a little bit naughty.
Justina Penny is the youngest of the doctor's two daughters in the small quiet quaint village of Hawcombe Prior. Along with her older sister Catherine and their friends Lucy, Diana and Rebecca they formed a book club where they take turns reading out loud from their books, their latest one was traded to Diana for her best dress, but finally getting their hands on the scandalous Pride & Prejudice was worth it. But Justina who is not the quiet one in the group by far but the adventurous one. The one that can think of the most outrageous fibs, and elaborate tale that sound much better than the truth. Is not impressed with Mr. Darcy like her sister and friends are, she rather likes Mr Wickham, much more dashing and handsome and she thinks her own crush Rebecca's brother as her own Mr Wickham. Although a year ago she was ready to reveal her feelings for Captain Sherringham, her idea was a grand one jumping on to his bed in nothing but pink satin garters and stockings, unfortunately Sherringham was not in the bed, but the man Jussie dubbed him Mr. Wrong for a full year after that, a Mr. Darius Wainwright.
Darius Wainwright is a structured man, he lives by a very strict time table he almost never deviates from. He is a working man not a man of leisure, but when one Wednesday he is put off schedule and discovers from his step mother that his step sister is coming for a visit and bring with her a potential bride for him he takes off unexpectedly to look over his newly inherited estate from his Mother's brother, a man he has not seen since he was seventeen. The estate in Hawcombe Prior is in shambles his Uncles irritable ways and failing health it had lacked the proper care. Darius now to avoid family has decided to go through the property himself. One of the things his Uncle told him ages ago was that their was treasure on the property, not really wanting to believe it but making sure just in case. What he didn't expect was the rumbustious Justina Penny to fall into his life... again.
Despite thinking of him everyday since she first met Mr. Wrong she is inevitably drawn towards him and the fact that her mother seems to think her oldest daughter Cathy is good enough for Darius burns her more then she will admit. Darius on the other hand works out a deal wth her father to have her help Darius go through all of his uncles papers under the guise that he left something in his will for his lost lover whom he could not marry. Jussie admits to him that his Uncle also admitted to her that there was a treasure hidden somewhere. Darius first tries to keep his feelings inside but their is just something about her ad before he knows it he realizes he can never let her go. Jussie fights her feelings as well trying to keep her mind on her Captain until she realizes his heart lies elsewhere and she too finally gives in to the arrogant Darius and admits her love for him to herself, now if only they could admit it to one another without Darius stepsister and her snobbish friend from interfering.
Justina Penny is the youngest of the doctor's two daughters in the small quiet quaint village of Hawcombe Prior. Along with her older sister Catherine and their friends Lucy, Diana and Rebecca they formed a book club where they take turns reading out loud from their books, their latest one was traded to Diana for her best dress, but finally getting their hands on the scandalous Pride & Prejudice was worth it. But Justina who is not the quiet one in the group by far but the adventurous one. The one that can think of the most outrageous fibs, and elaborate tale that sound much better than the truth. Is not impressed with Mr. Darcy like her sister and friends are, she rather likes Mr Wickham, much more dashing and handsome and she thinks her own crush Rebecca's brother as her own Mr Wickham. Although a year ago she was ready to reveal her feelings for Captain Sherringham, her idea was a grand one jumping on to his bed in nothing but pink satin garters and stockings, unfortunately Sherringham was not in the bed, but the man Jussie dubbed him Mr. Wrong for a full year after that, a Mr. Darius Wainwright.
Darius Wainwright is a structured man, he lives by a very strict time table he almost never deviates from. He is a working man not a man of leisure, but when one Wednesday he is put off schedule and discovers from his step mother that his step sister is coming for a visit and bring with her a potential bride for him he takes off unexpectedly to look over his newly inherited estate from his Mother's brother, a man he has not seen since he was seventeen. The estate in Hawcombe Prior is in shambles his Uncles irritable ways and failing health it had lacked the proper care. Darius now to avoid family has decided to go through the property himself. One of the things his Uncle told him ages ago was that their was treasure on the property, not really wanting to believe it but making sure just in case. What he didn't expect was the rumbustious Justina Penny to fall into his life... again.
Despite thinking of him everyday since she first met Mr. Wrong she is inevitably drawn towards him and the fact that her mother seems to think her oldest daughter Cathy is good enough for Darius burns her more then she will admit. Darius on the other hand works out a deal wth her father to have her help Darius go through all of his uncles papers under the guise that he left something in his will for his lost lover whom he could not marry. Jussie admits to him that his Uncle also admitted to her that there was a treasure hidden somewhere. Darius first tries to keep his feelings inside but their is just something about her ad before he knows it he realizes he can never let her go. Jussie fights her feelings as well trying to keep her mind on her Captain until she realizes his heart lies elsewhere and she too finally gives in to the arrogant Darius and admits her love for him to herself, now if only they could admit it to one another without Darius stepsister and her snobbish friend from interfering.
June 11, 2014
Autry‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Once Upon a Kiss, is a great historical romance that has charm and wit flowing from its pages! I loved every minute of reading Once Upon a Kiss, the character are fantastic, the development of those characters instantly start to provoke emotion and make you feel for them, especially for Justina and Darius.
Justina (Jussy) is a second born daughter to a country doctor. She loves to explore and often finds herself on the wrong side of what’s considered acceptable in society. Jumping in mud puddles, rescuing animals and reading romance novels with the Book Club Belles Society, is the norm for Jussy. Considering her extra curricular activities it’s an easy guess as to how she lands in trouble,getting herself out of trouble is where things start to get interesting.
Darius finds himself taking a break from the city to settle his Great Uncle’s estate. The estate is in disrepair, rumored to hold ghosts and buried treasure. Darius’s uncle is known as a mean, ill-tempered old man who terrified people caught trespassing. Finding himself intrigued by the house, the people of the country and a certain girl who never knows when enough is enough, Darius stays in Hawcombe Prior.
Darius and Justina are two different individuals, one is very loud and outspoken, the other very quiet and reserved, how they become tangled up in one another is a beautiful story. Jussy is in need of a place to hide a dear friend that she recently saved from a terrible fate. Using the old Hawke residence is an easy choice as in hasn’t had an occupant in a long while; no one would be there to notice. Unfortunately, someone did notice and is a little put out with it, quickly learning of Jussy reputation, Darius sets his sights on setting her straight. Jussy’s dad and Darius come to a quick understanding and have agreed to allow Jussy to work at the Hawke residence until her debt is repaid. Who would think an hour a day would allow them to develop a friendship let alone a romance?! But it did exactly that, with a few stolen kisses and a dance at the Harvest Ball, a romance is forming and lines are getting blurry. Off on yet another rescue mission Jussy and Darius find themselves lost in lovers embraces and are fighting to regain control of their feelings. Feelings that are compounded as Darius’s friends and family arrive to help him get away from the dreadful country and back into the city. His step-sister has brought along her opinions of Jussy and the country, and her perfect candidate for Darius’ wife. As Justina becomes a bedside nurse to Darius, their feelings run rampant and tempers flare within the Hawke residence. Only after being caught climbing out of Darius window with her bloomers showing, do the intentions become clear. Can the dislike of Justina and the country be overcome? Will they ever be able to have a normal relationship? What about her sister and the Book Society Belles?
I absolutely loved every minute of, Once Upon a Kiss! The pages kept turning, excitement kept building and sexual tension was reaching new heights. I felt a range of emotion reading this book, at times I was laughing out loud at the banter between Darius and Jussy, sorrow for the comparisons between sisters, and heart break for others. I cannot say enough good things about Jayne Fresinas’ Once Upon a Kiss! I will be on the look out for the next installment into the Book Club Belles Society Series!!!
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Once Upon a Kiss, is a great historical romance that has charm and wit flowing from its pages! I loved every minute of reading Once Upon a Kiss, the character are fantastic, the development of those characters instantly start to provoke emotion and make you feel for them, especially for Justina and Darius.
Justina (Jussy) is a second born daughter to a country doctor. She loves to explore and often finds herself on the wrong side of what’s considered acceptable in society. Jumping in mud puddles, rescuing animals and reading romance novels with the Book Club Belles Society, is the norm for Jussy. Considering her extra curricular activities it’s an easy guess as to how she lands in trouble,getting herself out of trouble is where things start to get interesting.
Darius finds himself taking a break from the city to settle his Great Uncle’s estate. The estate is in disrepair, rumored to hold ghosts and buried treasure. Darius’s uncle is known as a mean, ill-tempered old man who terrified people caught trespassing. Finding himself intrigued by the house, the people of the country and a certain girl who never knows when enough is enough, Darius stays in Hawcombe Prior.
Darius and Justina are two different individuals, one is very loud and outspoken, the other very quiet and reserved, how they become tangled up in one another is a beautiful story. Jussy is in need of a place to hide a dear friend that she recently saved from a terrible fate. Using the old Hawke residence is an easy choice as in hasn’t had an occupant in a long while; no one would be there to notice. Unfortunately, someone did notice and is a little put out with it, quickly learning of Jussy reputation, Darius sets his sights on setting her straight. Jussy’s dad and Darius come to a quick understanding and have agreed to allow Jussy to work at the Hawke residence until her debt is repaid. Who would think an hour a day would allow them to develop a friendship let alone a romance?! But it did exactly that, with a few stolen kisses and a dance at the Harvest Ball, a romance is forming and lines are getting blurry. Off on yet another rescue mission Jussy and Darius find themselves lost in lovers embraces and are fighting to regain control of their feelings. Feelings that are compounded as Darius’s friends and family arrive to help him get away from the dreadful country and back into the city. His step-sister has brought along her opinions of Jussy and the country, and her perfect candidate for Darius’ wife. As Justina becomes a bedside nurse to Darius, their feelings run rampant and tempers flare within the Hawke residence. Only after being caught climbing out of Darius window with her bloomers showing, do the intentions become clear. Can the dislike of Justina and the country be overcome? Will they ever be able to have a normal relationship? What about her sister and the Book Society Belles?
I absolutely loved every minute of, Once Upon a Kiss! The pages kept turning, excitement kept building and sexual tension was reaching new heights. I felt a range of emotion reading this book, at times I was laughing out loud at the banter between Darius and Jussy, sorrow for the comparisons between sisters, and heart break for others. I cannot say enough good things about Jayne Fresinas’ Once Upon a Kiss! I will be on the look out for the next installment into the Book Club Belles Society Series!!!
July 16, 2014
I am not a fan of books which try to alter Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This book does not alter anything, it simply uses the pattern to show the reader what we have in Once Upon A Kiss.
Justina Penny is the daughter of a doctor in a small village where nothing ever happens. So, Jussy tries to entertain her world with outrageous deeds and stories. She and her sister Cathy are part of the Book Club Belles. This is a group of young ladies who read together. The current book is Pride and Prejudice. And the romance in that book has made each of the young ladies look more closely at their lives.
Into the village comes Darius Wainwright. He is a business man from London who has inherited a nearby large property. To everyone who sees him it is quite evident he is a stick. He does not speak to many people and he holds himself at a distance from any close connections.
He and Jussy have a previous connection which is better left unsaid. When he realizes who she is, he is both attracted and appalled.
Jussy has lived a life which offered every opportunity to be an adventurer. She is her father’s darling. Her mother is so devoted to the beautiful Cathy that she allows Jussy to have more freedom than most young ladies will ever know.
On the other hand, Darius has lived a life that has been restricted. He inherited responsibility and took it very seriously. By nature he is a very shy person who finds conversation to be one of the most difficult of tasks. His very shyness makes him admire Jussy for her courage and her brashness. He does not understand her but he is attracted to her and thinks her to be a fascinating young woman.
This is a wonderful book. I am new to Ms Fresina’s writing, but I will remedy that fact.
The plot is lovely. It is written with humor and obvious love of her characters. The secondary characters are wonderful at building atmosphere and adding layers and texture to the story.
Darius is a terrific hero. He is a strong and caring person who has never allowed the world to see him express himself. His protective wall has nearly suffocated him. And now, in this country village, he finds that he is forced to become someone entirely different. He is accosted by people wanting to talk to him. He is invited to share time with strangers, and everyone around him seems to take all this for granted. All the formal rules from town which protected his privacy are ignored in this country village.
At times I became impatient with Justina. She does not allow anyone else to be right. She seldom actually listens to what other people say. And she is so involved in her imagination that she has no realization of the feelings and emotional well being of her family and friends. But, her heart is generous and open and just waiting to share her love with someone.
Eventually she starts to take a closer look at others and their hopes and dreams. Her closer look includes seeing Darius and seeing who he is truly. And that is a wonderful part of the story.
I liked this book very much. If you are someone who enjoys a romance that has humor, tenderness and two people finding love, this will be a book you read quickly because you want to find what happens next.
I received this book in a contest. I am giving a fair and honest review and all opinions are my own.
Justina Penny is the daughter of a doctor in a small village where nothing ever happens. So, Jussy tries to entertain her world with outrageous deeds and stories. She and her sister Cathy are part of the Book Club Belles. This is a group of young ladies who read together. The current book is Pride and Prejudice. And the romance in that book has made each of the young ladies look more closely at their lives.
Into the village comes Darius Wainwright. He is a business man from London who has inherited a nearby large property. To everyone who sees him it is quite evident he is a stick. He does not speak to many people and he holds himself at a distance from any close connections.
He and Jussy have a previous connection which is better left unsaid. When he realizes who she is, he is both attracted and appalled.
Jussy has lived a life which offered every opportunity to be an adventurer. She is her father’s darling. Her mother is so devoted to the beautiful Cathy that she allows Jussy to have more freedom than most young ladies will ever know.
On the other hand, Darius has lived a life that has been restricted. He inherited responsibility and took it very seriously. By nature he is a very shy person who finds conversation to be one of the most difficult of tasks. His very shyness makes him admire Jussy for her courage and her brashness. He does not understand her but he is attracted to her and thinks her to be a fascinating young woman.
This is a wonderful book. I am new to Ms Fresina’s writing, but I will remedy that fact.
The plot is lovely. It is written with humor and obvious love of her characters. The secondary characters are wonderful at building atmosphere and adding layers and texture to the story.
Darius is a terrific hero. He is a strong and caring person who has never allowed the world to see him express himself. His protective wall has nearly suffocated him. And now, in this country village, he finds that he is forced to become someone entirely different. He is accosted by people wanting to talk to him. He is invited to share time with strangers, and everyone around him seems to take all this for granted. All the formal rules from town which protected his privacy are ignored in this country village.
At times I became impatient with Justina. She does not allow anyone else to be right. She seldom actually listens to what other people say. And she is so involved in her imagination that she has no realization of the feelings and emotional well being of her family and friends. But, her heart is generous and open and just waiting to share her love with someone.
Eventually she starts to take a closer look at others and their hopes and dreams. Her closer look includes seeing Darius and seeing who he is truly. And that is a wonderful part of the story.
I liked this book very much. If you are someone who enjoys a romance that has humor, tenderness and two people finding love, this will be a book you read quickly because you want to find what happens next.
I received this book in a contest. I am giving a fair and honest review and all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2018
first time I've read this author. what a pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed it. Pride and Prejudice inspired but not a typical rehash. original idea, good writing, successful execution.
June 18, 2014
Ohhhhh where to start.... I absolutely adored the book. Jayne Fresina kept me thoroughly entertained with her characters throughout the book. Leading lady Justina Penny had me dying laughing through most of the book. She is quite a character. Since she has condemned herself to spinsterhood, she figures if you’re gonna get in trouble, might as well make it count and boy does she ever. This intrigued Mr. Darius Wainwright. Though they have had an incident in the past, he is surprised to come across her again. Even though he wants to stay away, her actions are something that makes him curious so he finds ways to see her and keep her near. For once, the normally quiet Darius is opening up, but only with Jussy, as she is known by others.
First book I've read by Fresina, but not the last. When I saw this book on netgalley I grabbed it up mainly because it said book club society and reading “Pride and Prejudice” with Wainwright a real life Mr. Darcy. I mean who can pass up that. The other thing that drew me in was the lush cover. Then I started reading it and Jussy had me laughing with her antics. Wainwright had me swooning and the secondary characters had me wanting to see what and who would be the next story. Though I loved Jussy's father. who you could tell had a mischievous side (like father like daughter ), her mother got a bit on my nerves. The romance was sweet and built up to steamy.
You could see the similarities between "Pride and Prejudice " and "Once Upon a Kiss". In the end, I found the book to be a delightfully humorous romance. I know I will be buying it for my re-read pile and that it has become a favorite. I am looking forward to the next book already and can't help but wish I had it in my hands to continue the journey with the book belle ladies.
First book I've read by Fresina, but not the last. When I saw this book on netgalley I grabbed it up mainly because it said book club society and reading “Pride and Prejudice” with Wainwright a real life Mr. Darcy. I mean who can pass up that. The other thing that drew me in was the lush cover. Then I started reading it and Jussy had me laughing with her antics. Wainwright had me swooning and the secondary characters had me wanting to see what and who would be the next story. Though I loved Jussy's father. who you could tell had a mischievous side (like father like daughter ), her mother got a bit on my nerves. The romance was sweet and built up to steamy.
You could see the similarities between "Pride and Prejudice " and "Once Upon a Kiss". In the end, I found the book to be a delightfully humorous romance. I know I will be buying it for my re-read pile and that it has become a favorite. I am looking forward to the next book already and can't help but wish I had it in my hands to continue the journey with the book belle ladies.
June 19, 2014
Miss Justina Penny and her menagerie of odd females make up the Book Club Belles Society, who are reading Jane Austen and pining away for Mr. Darcy. Justina, also known as Jussy and her sister are not women of means, but their parents would like for nothing better than to see them married, but with Justina's tendency to always get into trouble, her parents only hope is her sister.
Darius Wainwright flees London at the mention of an impending visit by his meddling step-sister. He goes to his deceased uncle's estate to see to settling affairs there, but once he comes into contact with the simply irritating Justina, this man who had no intentions of settling down is suddenly seeing illusions of grandeur, especially after stealing a kiss from Jussy.
At first Justina sees Darius as an overbearing oaf, but little things he does begin to prove her initial estimation of the gentleman wrong. In addition, her parents only see Mr. Wainwright with their sweet, biddable and prettier daughter, not with Jussy. There are just so many obstacles for this pair to overcome that it's a wonder that this pair can get in as much kissing time as demonstrated.
Normally I dislike stories told in the first person. They truly bother me to no end and I inevitably end up giving up on them unless they are extraordinary. I almost did toss this one aside, but I stuck it out and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I did enjoy this story very much. ONCE UPON A KISS by Jayne Fresina was engaging and entertaining, witty and fresh. As unconventional as Justina is, Darius is that stodgy at first, and watching their evolution to an interesting couple is quite a ride. I would most definitely venture once again into the land of The Book Club Belles Society.
~KIMBERLY~
Darius Wainwright flees London at the mention of an impending visit by his meddling step-sister. He goes to his deceased uncle's estate to see to settling affairs there, but once he comes into contact with the simply irritating Justina, this man who had no intentions of settling down is suddenly seeing illusions of grandeur, especially after stealing a kiss from Jussy.
At first Justina sees Darius as an overbearing oaf, but little things he does begin to prove her initial estimation of the gentleman wrong. In addition, her parents only see Mr. Wainwright with their sweet, biddable and prettier daughter, not with Jussy. There are just so many obstacles for this pair to overcome that it's a wonder that this pair can get in as much kissing time as demonstrated.
Normally I dislike stories told in the first person. They truly bother me to no end and I inevitably end up giving up on them unless they are extraordinary. I almost did toss this one aside, but I stuck it out and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I did enjoy this story very much. ONCE UPON A KISS by Jayne Fresina was engaging and entertaining, witty and fresh. As unconventional as Justina is, Darius is that stodgy at first, and watching their evolution to an interesting couple is quite a ride. I would most definitely venture once again into the land of The Book Club Belles Society.
~KIMBERLY~
June 22, 2014
Now a soft kiss. Aye, by that kiss, I vow an endless bliss. - John Keats.
British author Jayne Fresina has already delighted Regency fans with her Sydney Dovedale series of "beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines". She comes roaring back with a bold new series, the Book Club Belles Society, featuring her trademark humor and healtfelt storytelling that would impresss Jane Austen. In fact, the Book Club Belles Society - five refined ladies tucked away in the country - are reading Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Four readers are swooning over Mr. Darcy while Justina Penny thinks Mr. Wickham is more exciting. Adding fuel to the club's fire is the arrival of Mr. Darius Wainwright, heir to a crumbling estate outside the village (and where Justina is hiding a pet pig). His appearance mirrors the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as the townfolk scramble to impress him ... except for Justina. She is simply a woman ahead of her time. Justina would rather keep her independence by becoming a writer. Fate has other plans for Justina, Darius, and the other villagers folded into drama.
Fresina delivers an ingenious way to pay tribute to the beloved Jane Austen while still crafting her own unique story, characters, and setting. Everyday is an adventure with Justina flaunting convention, to a point, while trying to keep her heart under control every time she encounters Darius. Fresina keeps readers' attention with Justina's over-the-top behavior and Darius' quick witted dialogue. ONCE UPON A KISS is a must read for Regency fans ... and an intoxicating start to a new series that is sure to please with future installments.
ONCE UPON A KISS is easily one of the top 14 memorable books from 2014. I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.
British author Jayne Fresina has already delighted Regency fans with her Sydney Dovedale series of "beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines". She comes roaring back with a bold new series, the Book Club Belles Society, featuring her trademark humor and healtfelt storytelling that would impresss Jane Austen. In fact, the Book Club Belles Society - five refined ladies tucked away in the country - are reading Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Four readers are swooning over Mr. Darcy while Justina Penny thinks Mr. Wickham is more exciting. Adding fuel to the club's fire is the arrival of Mr. Darius Wainwright, heir to a crumbling estate outside the village (and where Justina is hiding a pet pig). His appearance mirrors the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as the townfolk scramble to impress him ... except for Justina. She is simply a woman ahead of her time. Justina would rather keep her independence by becoming a writer. Fate has other plans for Justina, Darius, and the other villagers folded into drama.
Fresina delivers an ingenious way to pay tribute to the beloved Jane Austen while still crafting her own unique story, characters, and setting. Everyday is an adventure with Justina flaunting convention, to a point, while trying to keep her heart under control every time she encounters Darius. Fresina keeps readers' attention with Justina's over-the-top behavior and Darius' quick witted dialogue. ONCE UPON A KISS is a must read for Regency fans ... and an intoxicating start to a new series that is sure to please with future installments.
ONCE UPON A KISS is easily one of the top 14 memorable books from 2014. I received an ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.
June 2, 2014
Once Upon a Kiss is a nice shadowing of the book club's study, Pride and Prejudice. Once Upon a Kiss tells the tale of Justina Penny, the youngest daughter of a small town doctor and owner of a pleasantly active imagination. Longing for some excitement that goes beyond the activities of her book club, Justina decides to set upon new arrival and very eligible bachelor, Darius Wainwright, as the perfect man to marry her much prettier and much more sensible older sister.
Jussy would be described by some as spirited, but let's be honest she's just plain batty - and I loved her for it. Her overactive imagination and fearless spirit get her into plenty of scrapes and humorous situations and thankfully we're along for the ride. Darius is the perfect foil to Jussy, reserved and a touch too serious, with no time for the meddling antics of the Penny family and just about everyone else in the town.
Jussy and Darius' relationship is of the wonderful 'slow-build' type, providing plenty of opportunities for heart warming moments as the couples attitudes' soften towards one another. The couples verbal sparring is one of the high points of the novel and Fresina's talent for witty dialogue really shines through.
The first in Fresina's new series is a light-hearted delight, clever, packed full of fun and with more than enough romance to keep any reader happy.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*ARC received in return for an honest review.
Jussy would be described by some as spirited, but let's be honest she's just plain batty - and I loved her for it. Her overactive imagination and fearless spirit get her into plenty of scrapes and humorous situations and thankfully we're along for the ride. Darius is the perfect foil to Jussy, reserved and a touch too serious, with no time for the meddling antics of the Penny family and just about everyone else in the town.
Jussy and Darius' relationship is of the wonderful 'slow-build' type, providing plenty of opportunities for heart warming moments as the couples attitudes' soften towards one another. The couples verbal sparring is one of the high points of the novel and Fresina's talent for witty dialogue really shines through.
The first in Fresina's new series is a light-hearted delight, clever, packed full of fun and with more than enough romance to keep any reader happy.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*ARC received in return for an honest review.
June 12, 2021
This book is a light-hearted homage to Pride and Prejudice, and even echoes Austen's inimitable tongue-in-cheek droll humor. The hero is a stick-in-the-mud, and the heroine is both carefree and opinionated. He is captivated against his better judgment, and so is she.
Justine's POV:
"The heat of his body invaded the pores of her skin and then her bones, melting them until she was an appalling mess of a woman and only his hands around her waist kept her from seeping out of her stays like cider from a leaky barrel."
Darius's POV: "He had missed seeing her face that morning, and her unexplained absence had driven him here to confront her with a hasty proposal. It was madness, but there was nothing else to be done about the situation. She had him utterly at sixes and sevens."
It's a sweet and steamy grumpy vs. sunshine and the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Justine's antics will have you laughing out loud and you will swoon over shirtless, trying his damnedest to hide a smile, loves stealing fiery kisses in dark hallways Darius.
There is an ill-advised meet cute in an orchard.
There is a kitchen scene.
There is a carriage scene.
There is a mangled, awkward proposal.
There is a forced proximity due to illness.
This is one of my favorite P&P inspired historical romances, and I've read it at least a dozen times.
Justine's POV:
"The heat of his body invaded the pores of her skin and then her bones, melting them until she was an appalling mess of a woman and only his hands around her waist kept her from seeping out of her stays like cider from a leaky barrel."
Darius's POV: "He had missed seeing her face that morning, and her unexplained absence had driven him here to confront her with a hasty proposal. It was madness, but there was nothing else to be done about the situation. She had him utterly at sixes and sevens."
It's a sweet and steamy grumpy vs. sunshine and the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Justine's antics will have you laughing out loud and you will swoon over shirtless, trying his damnedest to hide a smile, loves stealing fiery kisses in dark hallways Darius.
There is an ill-advised meet cute in an orchard.
There is a kitchen scene.
There is a carriage scene.
There is a mangled, awkward proposal.
There is a forced proximity due to illness.
This is one of my favorite P&P inspired historical romances, and I've read it at least a dozen times.
September 29, 2017
It's really disappointing that this book, which I had waited in great anticipation and excitement to read, was such a let-down. The heroine was beyond childish and super annoying, and the hero was just boring. I honestly think my favorite character was the pig, Sir Mortimer Grubbins. Throughout most of the book the heroine is with her friends or her sister, not the hero. They barely talked and when they did she was so childish and ridiculous and he was so boring with a stick up his you-know-what that their conversations were only ever superficial and meaningless. There was just way too much of the secondary characters and not enough of the horrible hero and heroine for me to even finish the book, and Believe Me I TRIED.
April 6, 2014
I've come to appreciate Jayne Fresina's wit and clever, fast-paced narration, as well as her engaging characters. For both Darius and Justina, the past has shaped self images that are askew. Thus the interaction between them is all the sweeter. At first, the seeming opposites are hostile, but as these things go in romance, and sometimes in life, they find in each other exactly what is missing. This is a fun read, very clever.
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