A Kiss for Miss Kingsley

The Honorable Rogues #1

by Collette Cameron

A lonely wallflower. A future viscount. A second chance at love.

Olivia Kingsley didn’t expect to be swept off her feet and receive a marriage proposal two weeks into her first Season. However, one delicious dance with Allen Wimpleton, and her future is sealed. Or so she thinks until her eccentric father suddenly announces he’s moving the family to the Caribbean for a year.

Terrified of losing Olivia, Allen begs her to elope, but she refuses. Distraught at her leaving, and unaware of her father’s ill-health, Allen doubts her love and foolishly demands she choose—him or her father.

Heartbroken at his callousness, Olivia turns her back on their love. The year becomes three, enough time for her broken heart to heal, and after her father dies, she returns to England.
Coming face to face with Allen at a ball, she realizes she never purged him from her heart.

But can they overcome their pasts and old wounds to trust love again? Or has Allen found another in her absence?

This second chance Regency historical by a USA Today bestselling author will make you want to box Allen’s ears and promise Olivia that she will find true love.

If you enjoy reading reunited lovers stories sprinkled with a dab of humor, suspense, and heart-warming emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s tantalizing A WALTZ WITH A ROGUE SERIES. Buy A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY and settle into your favorite reading nook for a rousing romantic adventure you can’t put down.

Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Regency

67 pages, ebook

First published December 21, 2014

About the author

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USA Today Bestselling author Collette Cameron® is renowned for her captivating, humorous, and heartwarming Scottish and Regency historical romance novels. With over 65 published titles, over 1.6 million books sold around the world, and multiple writing awards to her credit, Collette is a well-known author in the world of historical romance.

Readers love her witty and relatable characters including daring rogues, dashing scoundrels, and the strong and spirited heroines who capture their hearts. From the rugged highlands to the refined drawing rooms of Regency England, Collette’s novels will transport you to another time and place, where love and adventure are just a page away.

Collette’s Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romances® are the perfect escape for readers looking for romantic escape, poignant inspiration, engaging humor, and entertaining stories.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Collette is surrounded by the lush greenery and rainy skies that inspire her writing. She dreams of one day splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and Scotland. In the meantime, she indulges in her love of all things cobalt blue, dachshunds, chocolate, and of course, crafting her next historical romance.





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Reviews

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: A Walk With A Rogue #1
Publication Date: 1/27/17
Number of Pages: Audiobook

Stevie Zimmerman narrates the short novella. It is only about 2-hours long. The narrator's voice is nice, but the characterizations of some of the characters seem a bit weak and thin. The writing is excellent and the story is well developed and well written. Though it is short, you don’t feel short-changed at all. You come to know the characters and to like them. I especially liked Olivia’s brother, Bradford and look forward to reading his book.

Olivia Kingsley and Allen Wimpleton have a history. Three years earlier, during Olivia’s first season, they met and fell madly in love. That it happened over a two-week period didn’t matter to them. Then, out of the blue, Olivia’s eccentric father announced that he was taking his family to the Caribbean for a year and that they woule be leaving in two days time. He also shared that he was ill and the doctor had recommended the change.

When Olivia told Oliver that her father was taking her away for a year, he got very angry and didn’t give her a real chance to explain or for them to discuss the issue. He just gave her an ultimatum that she had to choose either her father or him. Since she’d never seen that side of Allen, it frightened her. Olivia was so upset with Allen’s reaction that she never got around to telling him about her father’s illness, etc. So she was frightened for her father and now she was frightened of Oliver – so naturally, she chose to go with her father.

Three years later, Olivia and her brother Bradford are back in London and her father has died. She knows she has to actually see and speak with Allen before she can ever actually get over him – or maybe they can reconcile.

This is a lovely second changes story that takes place over the course of one evening. Can these two get past their feelings of hurt and betrayal? Will they be able to reclaim the love they once shared? Is forgiveness an option? You’ll just have to read/listen to this excellent novella to find your answers.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Bree Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off: I liked the title, the cover, the premise. This had to be a good book. I wanted it to be a good book. And it truly was!
It's love at first sight for Olivia and Allen. Unfortunately, after two blissful weeks, a misunderstanding (sort of) separated them for 3 years. Ooof!
At least, until one night at a ball when emotions fly high (swoon), unraveling past mistakes and reuniting two people who should have ended up together in the first place (I'm not giving away the ending, right?)
Can I just say that I loved meddlesome Aunt Muriel? That woman was hilarious. An aunt we all wish we had. However, if we did, we'd probably be rolling our eyes at her all day.
A sweet, endearing novella. Not too long. Not too short. Just right for an evening curled up on the couch!

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very short story. As a result, there is no time for character development or growth. In fact, the entire story takes place over a single waltz and garden conversation. Since the characters had a bitter parting three years before (mostly the hero's fault in my opinion), it was implausible for me that their relationship could be repaired so quickly.

While the story was neatly written with no typos, I don't think the writing style is for me. There were many random thoughts that would intrude during the course of the dialogue that I found confusing and distracting.

Overall, sweet premise, but not enjoyable for me :(

[MsChris1161 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY by Collette Cameron. My only complaint would be it was so enjoyable I hated for it to end. The characters all had entertaining personalities, which were very well illustrated both in the writing and the narration. Not a stuffed shirt to be found. I knew Allen and Olivia would find their way back to each other, but still was captivated by the journey. This is a sweetly romantic, well written and engagingly narrated story I strongly recommend. 4.5 stars

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron’s writing takes you back in time, transplanting you into the lives of these fantastic characters for a short while. She allows us to experience a day in an era where many of us would have loved to have lived. This author’s narrative & descriptions allow readers to picture each and every aspect of the world in which the characters life. The beauty of the ball shines through while the emotions of the characters’ reunion are palpable. I wore my heart on my sleeve throughout.

These characters are developed in the here and now very well, especially for a short story. I felt as if I had actually met them at the ball. Their emotional reunion had my heart in knots. Olivia’s quoting of the Lady’s Guide never failed to make me giggle (ok, I may have even snorted once or twice).

This was a fantastic short story that gives readers a dash & a taste of life in the ton of London. As much as I’d love to delve deeper into the stories of these characters, this story was fantastic in and of itself.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Luli · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can find this review in English below.

Creo que la mejor manera de describir esta historia es parafraseando a su protagonista femenina, que al final de la historia le dice al héroe:

“Oh, Allen.” She traced his jaw with her fingertips. “If only we had talked this through, this misunderstanding wouldn´t have kept us apart all this time.”

¡No me digas!

Esta es la descripción de la protagonista:
”Beauty such as her commanded recognition, though she would be the first to decry the attention. Modest, she´d never seen the exquisiteness in her looking glass others did when gazing upon her.

Y ahora los comentarios que ambos protagonistas hacen de la chica a la que el héroe estaba considerando cortejar (la hija del mejor amigo de su padre):
”he gave himself a violent mental shake. God spare him title-hungry viragos with the morals of a bitch in heat.”
Y ella:
”Did she stuff her gown? How did her small frame support those monstrosities? With her nipples poking forth so, it was a wonder she didn´t topple forward onto her face and crack the parquet flooring with them.[…] Dual earth-toned circular shadows were clearly visible through the gown´s light fabric. Good God. Wasn´t she wearing a chemise? Parading about naked beneath one´s gown, displaying one´s ware like a Friday night harlot was beyond the pale.”
O
”Where had the female barnacle gotten to? The way she had clung to Allen, Olivia doubted the chit had been pried loose voluntarily and was likely vexed.”

Y todo ocurre durante un baile organizado por los padres de él.
En fin, una belleza de historia.

***

I think the best way to describe this story is quoting its heroine, who at the end said to the hero:

“Oh, Allen.” She traced his jaw with her fingertips. “If only we had talked this through, this misunderstanding wouldn´t have kept us apart all this time.”

Indeed!

That´s how the hero describes the heroine:
”Beauty such as her commanded recognition, though she would be the first to decry the attention. Modest, she´d never seen the exquisiteness in her looking glass others did when gazing upon her.

And that´s what the hero and heroine think about the woman the hero was going to court, his father´s best friend daughter:
”he gave himself a violent mental shake. God spare him title-hungry viragos with the morals of a bitch in heat.”
And she:
”Did she stuff her gown? How did her small frame support those monstrosities? With her nipples poking forth so, it was a wonder she didn´t topple forward onto her face and crack the parquet flooring with them.[…] Dual earth-toned circular shadows were clearly visible through the gown´s light fabric. Good God. Wasn´t she wearing a chemise? Parading about naked beneath one´s gown, displaying one´s ware like a Friday night harlot was beyond the pale.”
Or
”Where had the female barnacle gotten to? The way she had clung to Allen, Olivia doubted the chit had been pried loose voluntarily and was likely vexed.”

And all of the above happens during a ball hosted by his parents to the best of London society.
In short, a lovely story.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply love these little novellas of Collette Cameron’s. To me, it’s like reading a novel. There’s a little angst, a little misunderstanding, a second chance, some sexual tension and an HEA. All that I require, sometimes.

Of course, there was no sex in this book but you could tell by Olivia and Allen’s thoughts that the desire was there.

I did like Olivia’s brother Bradford and her aunt Muriel. There was some funny chatter between the two, in the carriage ride to the Wimpletons, where Olivia will see Allen for the first time in 3 years.

This was a cute story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As to the narrator: Fabulous! Stevie Zimmerman is one of my favorites. Great voices and awesome emotions.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short novella - quick read for a rainy day

This novella is very short so there is no much time for deep character or plot development, but it was enough for me to engage with the MC’s and hope for their HEA.
This is the perfect book to read with a cup of tea or coffee on a rainy day. No major angst moments, no unbearable misunderstandings, just two people meeting again after three long years and rejoicing in the power of love.
The whole story happens during one ball where the heroine Olivia (gone from England for three years due to her father’s ailing health) meets again the man she loved but left behind (Allen wanted her to elope with him and stay in England).
Lovely story!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich language set against a Regency England backdrop, Olivia Kingsley returns to the ballroom after three years in the Caribbean with her family. Her brother Bradford and her dowager aunt accompany her to the Wimpleton ball.

Olivia had met Allen Whimpleton two weeks before her eccentric father decided to move his family to the Caribbean. Rather than let Livy go, Allen had asked her to elope with him to Scotland. When Livy said no, Allen vowed he would not wait for her return.

With her brother at her side, Olivia just had to know if Allen still cared at all. She just had to see him again and hoped he was not yet engaged or married.

This is a delightful clean Regency historical.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is short by even novella standards, with a mere 48 pages. Even with the best writer, a book that short is a huge challenge to get right. Unfortunately this completely missed the mark. The h doesn't even get out of her carriage to go into the house the H is in until 31%. up until that point it's just ask internal monologues and memories. This continues throughout the whole thing, and it just wound up feeling contrived and childish. I truly believe if the book were longer that it'd be pretty decent, but at this length it failed to hold my attention. Won't be reading anything more from the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

As other reviewers have stated, this wasn't long enough for proper character or plot development. The lack of plot development I don't mind as much, since some stories are beautiful in their simplicity. However, the MCs left much to be desired. I do like the fact that the H wasn't a rake in this one. There's no mention of him having a long string of lovers to forget about the h and that is so rare in second chance romances. I'm not sure if he was celibate the whole time they were separated, but it did seem like he was.

What bothered me most was the preponderance of inner monologue. There was just so.much.of.it. Overall, this was ok but not great.

[Sonja Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I love Collette Cameron's sense of humor and story telling, and this story did not disappoint. I have read all of her books and enjoyed visiting with old friends from the other stories as well as revisiting a scene from a different book and seeing the scene from new eyes. With this being a short story you can hide from the holiday hustle and bustle for a few hours and get lost in a wonderfully well written story.

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short historical romance. Very short. Most of the story is in thoughts of the two main characters, Olivia and Allen. Nothing really happens. They broke up 3 years prior and are seeing each other for the first time since then. The entire story takes place at one ball. It is a sweet romance.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT REGENCY ROMANCE

This is a great novella about the success of second chances with love. Collette Cameron has written a perfect novella which contains romance, heartbreak, regaining love, and emotional fulfillment. Although it is a novella nothing is left out of the story and the reader finishes the book feeling very satisfied.

Olivia Kingsley, after living away for three years, returns to England. She accepts an invitation to a ball being held at her ex-fiance parent’s home. She has no idea of her reception and expects to be given the direct cut from the hero.

Three years ago she choose moving to the Caribbean with her ill father after Allen Wimpleton’s demand that she make a choice, him or her father. She met and fell in love with Allen within two weeks into her first season. Although she loved him very much she knew her father needed and depended on her.

The hero, Allen Wimpleton, fell in love with Olivia during one dance, and who also doesn’t know about her father’s ill health, demands that Olivia not go with her father and forces her to choose between him and her father. Only knowing him for a short time, what else can she do? Olivia chooses to go with her father. But one year turns into three years and her father passes away. Olivia then returns to England and soon runs in to Allen, and realizes she still loves him and wants to regain his love.

This is a fun one sitting doesn’t take to much time to read. I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys reading historical romance.

[Sara Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I wished it was a little bit longer I couldn’t put it down! I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

Olivia Kingsley returns from the Caribbean after her father’s death with her brother. They attend a haut ton function with no invitation accompanied by their Aunt Muriel, the Duchess of Daventry, so Livy can be at peace by seeing Allen Wimpleton again since it has been 3 very long years. Livy hasn’t seen Allen since he demanded that she choose him to run off and marry him or go with her father.

Allen was blindsided when he heard Olivia’s name announced he wasn’t prepared to see the women he once loved more than anything stroll into his life again. When he saw her, he decided he wouldn’t acknowledge her or even speak with her.

So what does Allen do he decides to ask her to dance and then speaks with her. While dancing she asks him to take her back to her brother or aunt and he refuses and then he whirls her out onto the terrace to say his peace. Does Allen still love Livy and does he still want to marry her?

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia and Allen have a history, three years ago they were in love and wanted to marry, but before Allen could ask for her hand, her father decided to move the family to the Caribbean. Allen is frantic and asks Olivia to run away with him, when she refuses, he tells her that it is over between them.
Olivia was heartbroken, she left for the Caribbean a few days later and didn’t return for three years. Upon her return, her Aunt persuades her to attend a ball being given by Allen’s parents. Unsure but unable to deny that she wants to see him again, Olivia attends. Allen is looking for a wife, he knows know that he was unfair to Olivia, but she is gone and he must do his duty. He attends the ball with the intent of finding a bride and is stunned when Olivia is announced. When he asks for a dance, they both know that their feelings are still strong, but after so much time, can they find what they once shared?

[Eve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Much ado about nothing.
Download for free some time ago, I read few pages without read the blurb. This story ran in a circle, it didn't grasp my attention from the beginning, didn't get what this was about. The heroin was blah, so DNF.
Then, decided to read the blurb and it full with buzzwords like "strong-minded, opinionated, outspoken, etc." I hate this kind of thing in a story, when the author puts down any other type of characters to elevate the heroin, especially in historical romance. The kind that oh-the heroin is so admirable even though she broke the rule but paid no mind since she is the heroin so rule bend to her, not the other way around.
I read historical because it's different, as in their world didn't adhere to modern's values, if I want to read promiscuous-outspoken-independent-kind of heroin I will read contemporary! But it's hard to find a novel that didn't submit to mind policing these days.

[JoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of short stories because they usually leave me with a taste of unfulfillment but Ms. Cameron has changed my mind. From the very first page I knew there was something special about this story. Something sweet yet passionate. And another thing, I thought I was not a fan of the second chances trope yet here I am, praising the very same thing I thought I didn't like. One night I sat down, started A Kiss for Miss Kingsley and I didn't stop reading it until she was actually kissed, because she deserved to be kissed, because the hero deserved to be kissed, because there was so much passion and feelings withheld by both of them that there was no other way to end this story but with a rather passionate kaiss, and their HEA down the road. I just loved it.
++ I received a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review ++

[Dee Deacon Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collette offers some very witty comments - had me laughing! Long ago love that never died. Unsure of her reception Olivia agrees to her aunt's "addlepated" scheme to show up uninvited to a ball where her love unattached love will be attending. Will he give her the cut direct or does he still love her. Allen thinks he knows who he plans on making his bride until his long ago love shows up unannounced at the ball he's attending. Has she come to rub it in that she refused him all those years ago or does she still love him.
Only "problem" with this SHORT story...it was TOO short! :-) Collette delivers as always!!!!

[Aleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely short story.

Collette has a way of bringing to life each character. It is hard to dislike anyone!(Except Miss Rossington). She makes the reader feel as if they were right there witnessing the events unfolding.

The story takes place at a ball, where the two main characters, Olivia and Allen, already know each other. Three years prior, Allen had proposed to Olivia after a short acquaintance. She declined his offer to elope and asked him to wait a year. His response? "Like bloody hell I will."

There is plenty of hurt pride to be had between the two of them. However, of course it ends happily ever after.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kiss For Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron is a very short, clean read. This novella is perfect for those with limited time for reading. Ms Cameron has scripted a story that is short and sweet. Don't be fooled by the length of the book though, there's plenty of wonderful characters, drama and humor. I enjoyed A Kiss For Miss Kingsley and look forward to reading more from Collette Cameron in the future. A Kiss For Miss Kingsley is book 1 of the A Waltz With A Rogue Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Janice Hougland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Regency novella is perfect for the busy reader who wants to read something from start to finish in a short amount of time. And…it has all the required elements for a completely wonderful historical romance: a heroine (Olivia) who feels she must honor her father’s wishes, a hero (Allen) who wants her to honor HIS wishes rather than her father’s, a long separation due to their differences, and a reunification that provides for their happy ever after! A truly sigh-worthy romance.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just loved this novella. Missing each other, they are finally thrown together at the ball at his townhouse. They haven't seen each other for 3 years. Both are hurt by each other's absence. Miss understanding comes between them. Olivia is coerced by her Aunt, the Duchess to go to this event. What happens is wonderfully romantic and just perfect for the up coming month. Love in February. This is the perfect story for all you romantic.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about a young lady who believes she has missed her chance with her one true love. As always, Collette Cameron's characters are wonderfully written, colorful and very lovable, which is of greatest importance in this novella as it is quite character driven. I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to many more wonderful stories from this author.

[Faye Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enchanting!

I like this story! We are not left to wonder if a misunderstanding between two lovers will be resolved! Even though three years had elapsed and all the hurt, bitterness, and regrets dissolved in remembrances and renewal of commitment! A feel-good story of happy ever after!

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time. Scenes include: getting ready for the ball, going to the ball, at the ball, in the garden at the ball, and the epilogue- a month post wedding in the bedroom. So many things were vexing about this novel. I can only shake my head and wonder why I spent any time trying to find something interesting.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got a really high review and I was surprised by that. It was a short story that was ok. I never felt captivated and although it was well written and I love the regency historical romances this was at best ok to good.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good second chance romance, and this short story was a sweet one.

Olivia and Allen both harbored anger at the other, but were mature enough to realize some of the blame belonged on their own shoulders.

Olivia's aunt and brother provided some welcome comic relief as well.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances

They were young and fell in lover. She did her duty as a daughter and lost her love. But came back to London hoping he still cared. They had to find each other again. True love rules no matter the time or distance.

[Kimberly Hatten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and lovely

A sweet little short story with likeable characters. Delightfully written. I recommend reading this and I look forward to reading more from this author.