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The Whickertons in Love #8

Once Upon a Not at all Innocent Kiss

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She was cast aside—but he saw her as something rare and real. Beatrice Hartley never expected love to leave her so quickly—and so publicly. With a child on the way and the man she trusted gone, she’s offered a marriage that will shield her reputation but leave her heart untouched. She's braced for a future built on silence, not love.

He was raised to believe love was the point—not the problem. Charles Beaumont, Lord Hawthorne, doesn’t care for society’s rules—especially when they demand he ignore the woman who moved him with a single glance. Beatrice isn’t a scandal to him. She’s a storm worth chasing. And when the rest of the ballroom turns away, Charles steps forward.

They choose each other—boldly, fiercely, unapologetically. In a world that worships image over honesty, Charles refuses to marry for convenience or legacy. He falls for Beatrice and doesn’t look back. Because love isn’t something to earn—it’s something to claim. And when hearts speak, society be hanged.

If you find comfort in stories where love doesn’t rush, but unfolds with care, vulnerability, and trust, you’re in the right place.



This book was previously published in the holiday anthology Christmas Belles.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

55 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Bree Wolf

94 books929 followers
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Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:

An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.

Flames of Winter (Flames of Winter, #1) by Bree Wolf Shield of Fire (#2 Flames of Winter) by Bree Wolf

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,195 reviews66 followers
October 14, 2024
Beatrice thought Lord Strumpton loved her but when she finds herself in a delicate condition he wants nothing to do with her. Charles Beaumont, Lord Hawthorn returns to England & is immediately smitten with Beatrice & offers her a way out of the predicament
How the Whickerton’s sibling's parents met & married, I loved both Charles & Beatrice & thoroughly enjoyed their story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
2,074 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2024
Delightful story! I enjoyed finding out about how Charles Whickerton and Beatrice came together. Beatrice has found herself in a situation where she may be forced, by her parents, to marry a much older man. When Charles first meets her, he is determined to make her his own. This is a beautiful, romantic tale and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,466 reviews40 followers
October 8, 2024
Thanks to Wolf Publishing for an ARC of this story, originally read and reviewed as part of the Christmas Belles Anthology.

Bree Wolf always seems to have interesting and unique plot ideas for her books, but she doesn’t always succeed in telling the stories as well as she could. I love the concept of this one. Beatrice Hartley, eldest daughter of Baron Benton, foolishly allows a man to take liberties and finds herself pregnant. He refuses to help her, so her parents arrange for her to marry a friend of her father, who turns out to be as judgmental and condescending as her parents. Only nineteen years old, she is heartbroken that she will never enjoy a marriage based on love.

Along comes Charles Beaumont, Viscount Hawthorne, eldest son of the Earl and Countess of Whickerton. Only twenty-one years old, Charles has not been home to England for ten years, and he is not looking for a wife. He and his family have spent most of his life traveling in warmer climates that are better for the health of his twelve-year-old sister. Within days of arriving, he notices Beatrice at a ball and finds himself drawn to her because he sees such sorrow in her eyes. That’s because she’s already betrothed to Mr. Carter and wishes she weren’t. Charles also wishes she weren’t because he realizes she is his soulmate.

Initially, Beatrice keeps turning Charles away because she is certain he wouldn’t want anything to do with her if he knew what she’d done. At a low point, he convinces her to confide in him, and rather than run away from her, he encourages her to marry him instead. He already knows he’s in love with her and hopes she will, one day, love him.

Although I did enjoy the story, I found the writing to be mediocre. The words never caused me to envision what was happening and never evoked any emotions in me. Engaging the senses more might have helped. What would have helped even more was avoiding trite phrases and cliches. I would have loved to see some more thoughtful choices of vocabulary—words with specific meanings and connotations to fit the descriptions. I also felt that the story could have ended before the epilogue. The issue of love in their marriage had been resolved by then. I felt that the epilogue was unnecessary to tie up loose ends. And this was a terribly disappointing sentence with which to end: “Indeed, the future was a bright one, and Beatrice could hardly wait.” That ranks right up there with “She wouldn’t have it any other way” as one of the most trite statements to make in a novel.

I’m still giving this story three stars because I really enjoyed the story itself. But I can’t give it more stars because there is much room for improvement in terms of the quality of writing.
945 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed getting swept away by Charles' and Beatrice's love story. It was great to read of Charles' mother, Edith Beaumont, Countess of Whickerton (a younger version of Grandma Edie found in other stories).
Charles has just arrived back in England and is attending a ball with his family when he notices a young woman fighting back tears. He is drawn to her immediately and wishes to help her, but she turns him away on several occasions. Finally, he is able to help her, and she tells him her secret--that she is carrying another man's child, another man who promised her his love but then turned away from her. Left pregnant and single, Beatrice and her family face ruin until her father arranges for his widowed and elderly friend to wed Beatrice to save face and their reputation. Now that Charles knows Beatrice's secret, he offers to save her, yet she refuses his help once again. This is where the tenacious and loving Edith steps in and smooths things over.
The only thing Charles wants must be won through patience as well as respect and kindness. Can he do it? Will love win out? I loved the way Charles was forgiving, respectful, and kind to Beatrice. I also enjoyed the characters of both Charles' and Beatrice's younger sisters that brought warmth to the story. And, of course, Lady Whickerton is an enjoyably strong, mysterious and kind woman who meddles to ensure her family's happiness throughout many of Ms. Wolf's books.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Whickertons in Love series. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have given my honest opinion in this review.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
668 reviews
October 21, 2024
This was a heartwarming story of love at first sight for Charles Beaumont, Lord Hawthorne. Attending his first ball, he’s instantly captivated by Beatrice, sensing that she’s someone special from the moment they meet. Even when he discovers she’s pregnant, Charles refuses to abandon his pursuit, regardless of his family’s opinions.

It was wonderful to revisit the Whickerton family, especially with the unwavering support Charles receives from his mother. Her advice to follow his heart highlights the family’s strong belief that a Whickerton only marries for love.

Charles truly shines as a prince among men, unbothered by the fact that Beatrice is expecting another man’s child. His only desire is to protect, love, and marry her. Though Beatrice initially thinks he’s mad and resists his advances. I loved that Charles does not give up on proving to Beatrice that he really wants to marry her.

This beautifully written Christmas romance is a testament to the author’s storytelling talent. The way she captures the depth of emotion and creates characters with such warmth and devotion made this story truly touching.

I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the Wolf Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,234 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2024
Delightful Historical Romance Novella

This is an entertaining story about the Whickertons. They are a family that only marries for love. If you read any stories about them, you might remember Grandma Edie. She is a brilliant matchmaker and a rescuer of those in need of rescue. Grandma Edie is magic; she is the stuff of fairy tales. In this story, she is not a grandmother yet. Her son, Charles falls in love with Beatrice, a woman who becomes pregnant by a cad who deceives her. Beatrice's family arranges a marriage to an older man for her. Beatrice has reconciled herself to live in misery. Can Charles convince her to take a chance on him? His father does not think that was wise since the lady does not love him, but can love come in time? Charles is not only honorable; he is loveable, too. After all, he is a Whickerton. What does Mamma Edie think? What does she do? Those who know her cannot imagine her staying on the sidelines. Will she remain quiet? I loved the story and would recommend it.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,470 reviews29 followers
October 31, 2024
4.55
We have definitely book boyfriend material Mj Viscount Charles Whickerton! Only a Whickerton would fall in love with a ruined woman. We have Beatrice Hartley daughter of Baron Benton in love and with child and horror she’s not married!
Charles is newly returned to England with his family and Beatrice silent tears at a ball calls to him in a way that seems unreal! He does not know her but he gets an introduction and she promptly tells him to leave her alone!
Love the fact that he is persistent and they are both honest with each other!
Charles loves her in spite of her weakness and that she is definitely damaged goods!
Her family wants her to marry an older man who will treat her shame with open disdain!
But if Beatrice can be brave she just might get a knight in shining armor that loves her! Will she take a chance? Bravo!
Love the Whickerton series! Love reading Charles story and at such a young age too! Amazing!
660 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2024
Once Upon a Not at All Innocent Kiss (A Whickertons in Love Novella). This is the story of how the parents of the Whickerton's came to be married. This definitely gave some insight into Troy their oldest son's story that was in Once Upon an Accidentally Bewitching Kiss. Beatrice Hartley found herself pregnant by a horrible rake who had no intention of marrying her. Her parents planned to protect all of their reputations by marrying her to one of her father's friends. When she met the gentleman, she could sense his disapproval of her and she knew the marriage would be somewhat difficult. When she is crying in despair- a gentleman Charles Beaumont, Viscount Hawthorne steps in with an offer of marriage. Will she decide to follow her parents plans or allow Lady Whickerton (Grandma Edie and the mother of Charles) to arrange an elopement with her son?

I loved finding out how the parents of all the Whickerton children came to be together.

This was a sweet story.

I received a copy of this book form the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
86 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
Once Upon a Not at All Innocent Kiss by Bree Wolf is a fun book. The Whickerton’s are one of my favorite series because they always provide such heartwarming stories! This book is a delightful Christmas story about love and redemption. Beatrice Hartley has a heartbreaking secret and Charles Beaumont, Viscount Hawthorne, wants to protect her if she will only let him. I enjoyed Lady Whickerton’s perspective and how she helped Beatrice and Charles with their decisions. Their sisters, Elizabeth and Francine, were a great addition to the story too. I enjoyed seeing if the Whickerton family tradition to marry for love and nothing else carries on in this book. I thought this was a fun read, and I definitely recommend it as well as all of the Whickerton series.
968 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2024
clean romance

The author does an amazing job of creating a world of wonderful characters with strong plots.
I have enjoyed the Wickerton’s in Love series and this is a “prequel “ of the parent’s love story! It is the beginning of a great family.

The hero is especially special in that he sees beyond what others deem unworthy. The heroine must look past the errors of her past in order to grasp a new future.

I recommend each book and suggest reading them all as they are quite creative.
2,320 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2024
Heart Warming!
I want a Charles in my life! Most definitely!
He is the most loving, compassionate and unselfish character I have come across so far.
Beatrice is a little timid, feeling guilty for what she has done and in a quandary about what to do about it.
Together they give off such lovely vibes and their story is so easy to relate to.
I read this story as part of an Advance Reader Copy of the Christmas Belles anthology and voluntary leave this review.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
862 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2024
What a beautiful ending to such a tragic beginning. I felt so very sorry for Beatrice and the situation she found herself in. Even worse was her parents being more afraid for their family name than her. Charles is a marshmellow man that you just want to squeeze and his love at first sight had me sighing with delight. I adored Lady Wickerton, as always and , of course the villain finally realized what he missed. Loved this story! I received this story for free and these are my own opinions
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,121 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2024
When Charles Beaument, Lord Hawthorne, eldest son of Lord and Lady Whickerton, sees that Beatrice Hartley is upset at a ball, he steps into rescue Beatrice from a scandalous situation, falls in love with her, and puts the scoundrel who hurt her in his place. Beatrice is reluctant at first, but Lady Whickerton (Grandma Edith) helps move things along. Lovely story in the Whickerton family.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
536 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2024
Once Upon a Not at all Kiss

This is the final chapter of the Whickerton’s in Love series (although …) and it was a great ending. Charles meets Beatrice and knows instantly that this is the one for him. Regardless of circumstances or other outside consequences, Bea is the one that has unknowingly won Charles heart. Just as his parents knew (well really his mother did not his father), it was love at first sight.
1,088 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2024
Loved reading Troy's backstory of how his parents came to fall in love. Charles Beaumont was not the hero she thought she wanted he just happened to be the one she needed a man who would love her and the baby she was carrying, even though the child was not of his blood. For Charles it was love at first sight and nothing and no one was going to stop him from making Beatrice his wife.
43 reviews
October 26, 2024
I really loved this book! Kept me riveted from the very first page!
Beatrice is duped by a cad but Charles falls in love with her. He doesn’t care she is with child he just wants to be with her. What an inspiring tale this was. Yes, The Whickertond are good people. Read the journey you will love it.
639 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2024
The Whickertons are the family I wish we all could have. This is a sweet, loving, inspirational story that I think you will enjoy and wish there were just a few more pages as you come to the end. If you believe Mother knows best, then you will enjoy this story that shows what real love is all about.
789 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2024
Of betrayal and finding a love that will last.

This is an amazing story of Beatrice and Charles is intriguing journey toward their true love. The storyline is fantastic and heartfelt along with intriguing and incredible characters. It is also a page turning read. I love this story.
302 reviews
November 7, 2024
I Wish the Book Was Longer

I wanted the story to be longer. I really liked the way the author handled how the couple met and that the hero fell in love first.
Only problem, it was too short. Next time I read one of serials it will be just at bedtime. I gave it 3 stars but if it were longer, I think I would have given it a 5 stars.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,472 reviews19 followers
September 25, 2024
It is love at first sight for Charles Beaumont, Viscount Hawthorne when he espies Miss Beatrice Hartley. When he sees her distress, he feels protective of her but how likely is it that she will confide in a stranger?
Profile Image for Carolyn Meredith.
592 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2024
This was a surprising story. Sweet with wonderful characters, no steam. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say I didn’t see what happened coming. I expected something different. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herron.
748 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2024
A feel-good novella that shows the Whickertons value family. Charles falls for Beatrice the first time he sees her. She is in trouble, and we quickly see the difference between her family's response versus his. Grandma Edie steps in to make sure a happy ending is found for Charles and Beatrice.
Profile Image for Deb.
428 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2024
Bree Wolf is one of my favorite authors. I especially love the Whickertons! Charles' story is the 'backstory' to the book "Once Upon an Accidentally Bewitching Kiss: Troy's Story"(#6 in the Whickertons series).
Profile Image for Aj.
2,492 reviews
October 6, 2024
A sweet romance, gentleman saves his damsel in distress. Charles and Beatrice make a nice match all the way towards a new future and happiness.
1,845 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2024
This book was another rousing success in this series! It was a wonderful journey to find that elusive happily ever after. I absolutely adored it. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Zete.
173 reviews
October 24, 2024
It's a worthreading book! Bree Wolf never stops to amaze me!
Profile Image for ann_zack_cee_am_ann.
305 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2024
Very short and sweet clean romance story. Just wish the stupid rake who impregnated FMC was punished severely instead of getting away scot free like that.
2,365 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2024
„Lord Hawthornes ganz und gar nicht unschuldiger Kuss“ von Bree Wolf ist eine romantische Weihnachtsnovelle und der neunte Band der Reihe Die verliebten Whickertons.
Lady Beatrice Hartley, die neunzehnjährige Tochter von Baron Benton, ist blind vor Liebe und hat daher einige folgenschwere Entscheidungen getroffen. Nun ist sie schwanger und der dazugehörige Vater hat nicht die Absicht, ihr einen Antrag zu machen. Schweren Herzens offenbart sie sich ihren Eltern, die schnellstens eine Ehe mit einem alten Freund ihres Vaters arrangieren. Dieser lässt an seine Missbilligung keine Zweifel und Beatrice stellt sich auf ein Leben in Trauer und Unterdrückung ein. Doch dann trifft sie auf einem Ball auf Charles Beaumont, Lord Hawthorne. Charles ist von Beatrices Traurigkeit berührt und verliebt sich auf den ersten Blick. Er will ihr unbedingt helfen, aber er ist sich auch bewusst, dass ihr Herz wahrscheinlich immer noch einem anderen gehört.

Nachdem alle Nachkommen der Whickertons ein Happy End und ihre große Liebe gefunden haben, erzählt diese romantische Weihnachtsnovelle die süße Vorgeschichte ihrer Eltern Beatrice und Charles. Bree Wolf hatte ja schon im Buch von Troy das große Familiengeheimnis gelüftet und nun dürfen wir die genauen Hintergründe erfahren. Nicht nur Fans dürfte die gefühlvolle Regency Romance gefallen, in der die Liebe auf den ersten Blick zuschlägt.
Beatrice ist anfangs wirklich ein wenig naiv und hat eine dicke rosarote Brille auf. Allen Warnungen zum Trotz glaubte sie tatsächlich, dass sie die Frau ist, die einen adligen Wüstling ändern kann, und nun hat sie auf die harte Tour gelernt, dass sie völlig falsch lag. Sie tut mir trotzdem leid und es spricht für sie, dass sie nicht nur ganz egoistisch ihr eigenes Schicksal im Blick hat, sondern sich auch um Charles sorgt.
Charles ist ein untypischer 21-jähriger, der aufgrund einer Begegnung eine Entscheidung für sein ganzes Leben trifft. Dass diese nicht ganz falsch war, sagen die anderen Bücher der Whickertons, aber trotzdem fühlt man mit ihm mit, wenn er seiner inneren Stimme folgt.
Diese Vorgeschichte ist wirklich schön und sie beweist, dass Grandma Edie schon als Mutter eine gnadenlose Romantikerin und Kupplerin war. Für Fans ist dieses Buch ein echtes Highlight.

Mein Fazit:
Von mir gibt es sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!
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