An Unforgettable Kiss

Captivating Kisses #7

by Alexa Aston

Genres: Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2026

About the author

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.

Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.

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Website: https://alexaaston.com/

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Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 57th book by Alexa Aston. I only started reading her in early 2021 and LOVE her books. She is such a great writer and great storyteller. She isn't super steamy but just enough and her writing is so good, I don't care. :) Definitely one of my favorite authors. I am glad to see after this book the series will continue with a book 8. YAY!

I really enjoyed reading Con and Rowena's story. I liked their personalities and their interactions. I liked how they talked to each, especially at the beginning because neither one were seeing each other as potential partners, so they just "talked" which was great. Overall a really good read. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Kiss by Alexa Aston is another in this adorable series. It is the romance of Constaninian, who was a carefree, joyful rake. As it turns out, he was just biding his time and when his father died and he became the earl, he took everything very seriously. He put his mother in her place, kindly, and took the reins of the earldom. He then turned his attention to an appointment he had failed to keep the morning after his father had died: Miss Stanhope. He arrived at her house, and found it empty. Con then began asking around and discovered that she would be an an upcoming house party. He immediately managed to manipulate his way into an invitation and off he went to meet his future. Rowena had been a wallflower, a bluestocking. To that end she had dressed in frumpy clothing and worn glasses. She would not allow the ton to hurt her again. Now, with the death of her father, and his generosity, she was able to put her plans for the rest of her life in motion.

Con has been a steadfast part of the books in this series. He and his siblings and cousins were all close, but they had given up on him becoming serious. Not only was he serious, he was about to make a decision that put paid to all his past life. Rowena was a good character, firm in her ideals and prepared to live a solitary life. It was amusing to watch his transformation and his campaign to convince Rowena to love him. The other guests at the house party, although not as well developed, were all entertaining to watch, as well. It was a very satisfactory conclusion to a wonderful series, all based around a first kiss.

I was invited to read An Unforgettable Kiss by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AlexaAston #AnUnforgettableKiss

[Library of J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Kiss by Alexa Aston was my first time picking up anything from this series and author. And I’ll be honest, I picked this one up without knowing how well I’d follow as it turn out mostly just fine.
I’m always a sucker for a good historical romance, so I didn’t need much convincing to continue reading and honestly, I had a feeling right from the beginning that this one was going to be good. Well and I was right!!

Constantine (Con) is the kind of romance hero I find myself rooting for almost against my better judgment. He starts off as a former rake who’s recently inherited an earldom, an energy could easily feel tired, but there's something genuinely sweet about the way he falls hard, fast, and completely without a safety net.

Rowena is just as compelling in her own way; smart, quiet, and very intentional about keeping herself out of the spotlight. She has her life planned out, and she’s definitely not looking to have that disrupted, especially not by someone like Con. Watching him pursue her patiently, while knowing she’s fully capable of turning him down, adds a really nice tension to their dynamic.
You can tell there’s a lot of backstory and established relationships from earlier books, mentions of cousins, shared history, all that, and as someone new to the series, I did feel like I was missing a bit of context here and there. Some of the side characters felt like people I should already know. But it never got confusing, and the main romance still works perfectly well on its own.

The house party setting is fun, the banter is genuinely charming, and the ending is warm and satisfying.

Overall, a sweet and engaging historical romance, it worked as a standalone for me but also makes me curious to go back and read the series from the start.

Thanks to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an early copy.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten cousins who want to spend time together & here we have Con’s story, Constantine Alington, Viscount Dyer’s featured in the earlier six books & it was a story I was looking forward to & it didn’t disappoint. He enjoys socialising within the ton but his parents especially his mother only give him a small allowance so he learns to successfully mange his money. He’s also said he won’t marry until he inherits the earldom. Miss Rowena Stanhope has a keen mind and no intentions of ever marrying. She would rather pursue her intellectual interests. Rowena dresses frumpily and hides behind spectacles she doesn’t need to avoid gaining any unwanted attention. Fate leads to Rowena dancing the supper dance at a ball with Con, and they share a heartfelt conversation, as well as a kiss neither of them can forget. Then their circumstance change & they meet again months later at a house party, one which Con was not invited to.
Another delightful romance, I’m loving this series & enjoy the relationships between the cousins. Con is just lovely & I loved that he fell first & that Rowena made him work! Both are strong, intelligent characters, their banter was deliciously wicked & their attraction sizzled but Rowena was determined to remain a spinster. I also liked that there was no animosity between her & her cousin, in fact they grew closer throughout the book. The house party was a roaring success for Lady Pebbles & I also loved the secondary romances. An engrossing romance which I read straight through
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Rowena Stanhope is the daughter of a Viscount and has been overseeing the property and the management of her father for as long as she can remember, following the untimely death of her mother. After several unsuccessful seasons on the ton to find a husband, she decides to focus on her love of learning, reading and being a bluestocking and an extremely intelligent woman at that. Her father has promised her that in three years’ time she will get her dowry to do with as she sees fit and live an independent life.

During last season’s final ball, her new friend asks her cousin Constantine Alington, Viscount Dyer, to dance with her. Following the supper dance, she joins Con’s family for supper. While there, she meets and interacts with his extended family and is very comfortable with them, finding them an interesting bunch. Con and Rowena go to the garden where they share a kiss and Con promises to call on Rowena the following morning.

Unfortunately, this does materialise as Con’s father passes away unexpectedly the next morning. Once Con’s buried his father and settled the outstanding issues, he proceeds to head to town to see Rowena to apologise for not keeping his promise, only to be told that her father has passed away too and she is no longer in town but in the country, attending a house party. He proceeds to wrangle the invitation that was sent to a friend and to go in his stead to encounter Rowena.

Yet another lovely story from Alexa Aston that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend. I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable frenemies-to-lovers matchmaker’s house party romance!

Rowena is a viscount’s daughter and proud bluestocking hiding herself in frumpy frocks to escape all notice. In three years she’ll get her dowry and move to a cottage by the sea. A pity dance with a rake won’t change her plans. His kiss however...
Charmer on a limited budget, Constantine carefully avoids the marriage mart since he can’t afford a wife. Not yet that is, but he’s a true family man at heart. Giving a wallflower a twirl at a ball as a favour to his cousin was just a kindness. But kissing her a revelation!

The next day life – and more specifically the end of it – nips their romance in the bud. Suddenly her future starts now, and he’s caught up in his new responsibilities. That kiss, however, still haunts both their dreams.
Months later, he learns of a house party she might attend, but he wasn’t invited... Nothing a bit of manoeuvring couldn’t fix, and besides, what hostess would turn away an eligible earl anyway?

He’s all in, ready to woo and propose, but it’s an uphill battle. She has her independence, funds and a home. Whyever would she need a husband? Except for kissing that is...

I really enjoyed this stay in the country! It was a relaxing and captivating tale. There’s angst and tension, but the easy-going surroundings softened the bigger picture.
I liked that all the attendees were distinctly different in nature without causing friction. They provided an engaging backdrop – and a nice bit of bonus romance – for Ro & Con’s prickly reunion. It’s not often you get a woman resisting love so ardently. Luckily her man is creative, flexible and patient. Their contrast in character did make me wonder at some point if they were going to make it – she’s incredibly stubborn, and every golden retriever has his limits – but of course, they do, and it was the perfect happy end for them!

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Con and Rowena was full of new people, romance, grief, new beginnings, steam, and new outlooks. They met with an instant connection, but unexpected events got in the way. After a few months apart and a kiss they couldn’t forget, they found themselves together again. Rowena tried to avoid Con, but he was determined that she was the one for him. She thought she never wanted to marry, but her feelings were based on feeling unworthy because of hurt from the ton. She just never felt accepted and truly loved, but Con changed all that. After an argument that led to reflection and regret, they quickly had a heartfelt talk that led to the HEA they both desired. This story had witty banter, humor, new characters, new friends that became like family, a house party full of betrothals, loss, love, steam, a heartfelt connection with great characters, and a HEA. This was another great addition to the series with a love story that required a bit of self reflection and an open heart and mind. There were no villains to contend with, just patience and understanding. The story ended with multiple happy endings. I love a romance that sticks to the romance and love without multiple subplots adding in unnecessary obstacles and mysteries. I have loved all the books in this series and am usually eagerly awaiting the next book.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kati · Rating 1 out of 5]

An Unforgettable Kiss is the 7th book in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I wasn't bothered by not having met any of these prior couples before and the story doesn't rely on prior knowledge. When I finished the book, I initially rated it as three stars. But the more I thought about it, the more the fact that Rowena called Lord Dyer by his new title during the house party despite no scenes where she found out his new title bothered me. It seems like a structural issue overriding the entire story and shouldn't have made it into arcs right before publication. It's a huge error in the timeline and the rest of the story really revolves around their first meeting. How did this issue escape notice?

Otherwise, the story was fine. I flew through the book and it's a cute story. One houseparty, 5 couples, merriment ensues. But conflict was set up and then it just never went anywhere. Setting up the second conflict of Rowena not wanting to marry because no one looked twice at her during three seasons just seems contrived and then the ending was rushed.

Normally, I really enjoy Dragonblade's offerings. They feel like the category romances of old. Sometimes I want something short and sweet that I can get lost in for a few hours. An Unforgettable Kiss just didn't work and allow me to get lost because of the aforementioned continuity issue.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade for the arc for review purposes.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

vAlexa Aston has done it again — and honestly, at this point I shouldn’t be surprised. She’s one of my absolute favorite authors because she knows exactly how to pull you into a story from the very first page and never let you go. An Unforgettable Kiss is the kind of Regency romance you start “just for a chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through, ignoring everything else because you cannot put it down.

Con and Rowena are such a delight together. Their chemistry sparks instantly — witty, warm, and full of that delicious tension that makes you grin while you read. Aston creates characters who feel alive, layered, and so easy to fall for. Con’s charm and Rowena’s sharp mind make them a perfect match, even if they’re both convinced they’re not looking for love. Watching them collide, connect, and slowly unravel each other’s walls is pure joy.

What I love most is the way Aston blends humor, heart, and passion so effortlessly. The banter is sharp, the emotions run deep, and that unforgettable kiss absolutely lives up to its name. It’s romantic, tender, and full of promise — the kind of moment that stays with you.

This story has everything I crave in a Regency romance: wit, warmth, longing, and characters who feel like friends by the end. Another captivating addition to the series, and another reason Alexa Aston remains an auto‑buy author for me.

[SplkdancerReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful house-party / second chance romance. The heroine is the strong, quiet raised by her father and holding things together type, who gets a small taste of the hero and a poor taste of the ton before retiring as she "dreams" to her cottage ... only to have the house party of all house parties provide a second chance at the life she didn't ever want to allow herself to imagine. The hero is fantastic - respectful, caring for everyone and yet focused on winner her over in ways that are perfect for them.
No cringe or third-act kidnapping or any of the typical shenanigans, just a great story of two people meant to be. If you like smooth, easy reading historical romances with interconnected friends who all just work out as couples, (as well as house parties and their expected privacy) this is for you.
Technically this is part of a series, and while the others are mentioned I read it as a standalone and followed along just fine.

Note: does include mention of death of a parent.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. This is my honest review.

[Jessica's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy swaying with inner girl clapping. Ahhh, yes. Another win for Dragonblade publisher and author Lexi Post. This is an honest advanced reader review through NetGalley.
Rowena is the central lady, dead set on being independent and unattached, and Con is the genuine gentleman, charming his way into changing her mind. Sigh, such exquisite names. Anyway, back on track, the characters feel grounded and real with realistic inner thoughts and backstories. This sets up a believable story in an era that is so strict.

The setting is a country house party, where it seems that socializing outside the ton is truly more fruitful and enjoyable.

Of note: there is an intimate scene; it is important to know it happened, but it can be skimmed for the sensitive crowd.

4.2/5 stars; my only criticism is that I would have loved it to be a slower-burn romance, because sometimes it’s tough for my modern mind to reconcile a proposal after less than a week of acquaintance.

[SelinaW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating kisses series never fails to pull me in. I thoroughly enjoy Alexa Aston’s easy writing style and, much like its namesake, this was an unforgettable installment. An incredibly well done story of “he falls first”, which centers around Con and Rowena (both of whom we’ve met - and liked - in the previous books). Con sees early through Rowena’s disguise of mismatched clothes and spectacles, and comes to value and love her for her intellect and world view. They are attracted to each other but circumstances intervene to separate them and, when they meet each other again, they need to overcome their hurts together. Such a wonderful collection of well-loved characters throughout this book, and even some new ones. Of course, as usual, there is a very heartwarming and satisfying HEA!

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade publishing for this wonderful ARC!

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance is part of a series that involves a large family. Because of that you will meet many characters from the other books, but you can enjoy each one their own.
Our hero is the only son in his branch of the family and will not have a title until his much loved father dies. That means he doesn't want a marriage yet, even though he is a little jealous of the happiness he sees around the rest of the extended family.
Our heroine is an independent and intelligent young woman who has been running her father's estate for years. She has no intention of giving up that independence, ever.
A whimsical story of one man's determination to get his way.
I do love the dynamics of this family and have enjoyed the whole series . I think there are a few more to come. I hope so.
Great fun.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Successful House Party
This series continues with two intriguing characters that took me into a story of discovering love
Con and Rowena are featured in this romance story with 4 other couples attending a house party
All party goers were searching for a match which made this party quite successful as all couples found love.
Con and Rowena had a tougher time due to her determined dismal outlook on marriage.
Many ups and downs throughout the story for Con and Rowena and we follow them through a few bouts of misery before she finally accepts the fact that she really does love Con which made for a very happy ending
Mature Advisory:2/5.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Con and Rowena are fun to spend time with. She is the perfect match for him and I loved watching him fall. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I love that we get to see other members of the extended family and find out where their HEAs are taking them. The secondary characters added to fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into. This is a fun world to spend time in and I look forward to returning for the next member of the family to fall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con is not ready to marry. Rowena never wants to marry.But fate had other plans. It was frustrating to watch a strong woman be so beaten down by the ton and life itself, leaving her with little confidence and no idea what love really means. Con has such a good heart and seeing him be pulled through the wringer hurt my heart. I adored Lady Pebble’s matchmaking party and all the other couples stories as well. Not a lot of angst, but miscommunication does play here. A lovely, quiet, open door love story with no crass language (thank you Author!) and a beautiful epilogue for the whole family and friends.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con asked Rowena a wallflower to dance at a ball and finds himself attracted to her he has made a vow not to marry until he inherited.
But circumstances happen that mean he is now,able to search for a bride Rowena also losses her father enabling her to retreat to the country..
Her friends the Peebles arrange,a house party for Rowena and her friends and cousin Con manufacturers a invite and during the party persuaded Rowena that he loves her and they agree to marry. The house party is successful and all the guests find true love.
This is a pleasant cosy romantic read very enjoyable
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Con and Rowena meet at a ball and he’s tasked to dance with her by his cousin. He’s totally intrigued by her, even though he’s not ready to marry and she’s adamantly against marriage. In fact, she dresses frumpily on purpose to avoid suitors. They both end up at the same house party and Con decides to pursue her in earnest. He’s got a lot of convincing to do, but I had faith in him all along. I always love a good “he falls first” scenario, especially when he wants to do the honorable thing always.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dance, a kiss and a house party. Con, the Earl of Marley, can't stop thinking about Miss Rowena Stanhope, especially after that kiss at a ball. Knowing she is attending a house party, Con finds a way to pay his way to the house party, even though he wasn't invited. He's not giving up in pursuit of the lady, even when she tells him she doesn't want to get married. The lady doth protest too much! A house party given with marriage in mind. Great series!
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not that it was bad, I liked both characters fine. But my gosh, it was beyond boring… it genuinely read like a diary. “I did this, then I did that. Next I went here, and then I went there. I felt like this when that happened.” The writing was nothing special, leaning towards poor. Just not that engaging. Thank god it was short at least.

Thank you to NG, the author, and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lidia Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Con what wonderful endearing man! Rowena was okay but really how did she just not give in from the beginning to this fabulous man. This time it was the female lead that felt inferior and unworthy of such a perfect gentleman. He didn’t give up he pursued her with his whole heart and it was a lovely story. I hate I have to wait for the next in the series but it is due out in June so not a long wait

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance with the wallflower bluestocking who had made her mind up to never marry and the new peer determined to change her mind. Starts off in a ton ballroom and ends up in a houseparty where multiple matches are made. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janny T · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and romantic

I most definitely love reading this story, as usual the author never fails to weave the romances not one but more by matching all the couples at the house gathering. Such a wonderful HEA for all couples, so sweet. I love reading about the gathering of all the families and friends every year catching up, just like we do in our family gatherings.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While both are determined to remain single, Con and Rowena are attracted to each other. Con starts to consider marriage when he sees how happy other couples are. Can he change Rowena's mind? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seventh book in the Captivating Kisses series was a beautifully written historical romance. A ball, a bluestocking, a Viscount, and a magical kiss begin a delightful journey to love. The fun house party with friends was engaging and heartwarming. I enjoyed their chemistry. The ending was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend reading!

[Catia Woolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

I always wondered how Con would fall in love… and he fell beautifully! A great addition to this series. I am already sad that most of the books are out and not many left!
Looking forward to the next one, the Cumbria cousins deserve their HEA!

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

I love reading the love stories of this big boisterous family. Interesting storylines, endearing characters and a love story that will warm your heart.

[Brad Hellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable kiss

Sappy and sweet with the happily ever after!
There really wasn't any angst or stress, just love, blue stockings winning at love and everyone getting along!

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con & Rowena

The house party is absotively posolutely perfect!! Like my beloved book heroes, a smaller gathering is very mucho much to my liking. I love that everyone is welcoming to one another and they all feel comfortable sharing requests for what they prefer. And no one is judged for any unusual requests. Everyone jumps in and supports one another. And Con's family on which this whole series is based is wonderfully lovely.