Once upon a Kiss

by Claire Delacroix, Claire Delacroix

Once Upon A Kiss

For over a thousand years – so legend has it – the brambles have grown wild over the ruins of Dunhelm Castle. Many believed that the thorns were a sign that the castle was cursed, so no one dared to trespass, and the secrets that they protected and concealed have remained hidden – until now…

Armed with a pair of gardening shears, Baird Beauforte is determined to clear away the brambles that hinder the development of his resort, and he won’t let local superstition deter him. Dunhelm Castle is supposed to be the latest jewel in the Beauforte Resort chain, but the renovations can’t be finished if the workmen are frightened of a so-called curse. To dispel any lingering fears, Baird decides to vanquish the briars himself. What he never expects is to find a mysterious slumbering beauty…

Aurelia is like no one he has ever met before. Upon awakening, she demands to know his identity and why he is in her father’s castle! Bemused by her claim of being a king’s daughter, he is certain he has never met this “princess” before, although something about her rouses a haunting sense of familiarity. Soon, dreams plague this by-the-book businessman…dreams that feel more like memories. And Baird begins to wonder if he can claim his heart’s princess – now and forever – with a kiss…

Genres: Romance, Time Travel, Paranormal, Fantasy, Time Travel Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

324 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.

For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.

Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com

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Reviews

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book that I received from the author as a “thank you” for reading and reviewing some of her other work. I have to say that to me, this was a splendidly delightful, intricate re-imagining of the story of Sleeping Beauty. The author provides a strong female lead in Aurelia, an 8th century princess, and a heart-throb, swoon-worthy male lead character in Baird Beaufort, present-day land/hotel developer. The setting of fictional Dunhelm Castle on the Orkney Islands is a wonderful backdrop for this story. I was thoroughly enchanted with the entire story.

[Sarah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goes down as another off my 2018 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book that has a castle in it. One that has a very interesting tale attached to it. Time and fate will always bring the souls of the past back to where they began so they can truly end happily ever after in this present day look on the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Dunhelm castle A.D. 800 is where our princess Aurelia falls into a slumber only to awaken 1200 years later with true loves kiss. Her father Hekod’s castle is under siege by the evil Bard, son or Erc. The man who killed her brother and now wishes to claim her and the castle. Aurelia wants to help her father and knows her skills are the best with a bow. But on a second shot she pricks her finger and soon feels herself being pulled away and under into a deep sleep. It seems the stories and curse she never took much faith in were true. Now she just has to wait to see how the story ends.

Baird is at the location of the new holiday development for his company. Something drew him to purchase Dunhelm castle and calls to him to stay. The renovations are under way but there is one area the builders are reluctant to go near. A place full of vines in a dark shadowed area that appears to have superstitions and curses attached to it. With a pair of shears and a lot of determination he manages to uncover a set of stairs leading down to a chamber. This is when Julian, his lawyer and friend, makes an appearance, comically complaining as he goes, just wanting them to hurry up and get back to the States. He might not want to be there but seems was needed as he finds a release to open a door to reveal a hidden crypt. One that just so happens to have a beautiful women sleeping in the centre of on a stone bed. Baird feels compelled to get closer to her and almost loses control with his need and desire to wake her up. A kiss comes to mind and when her head slowly turns towards him he knows there is no holding back. A kiss to wake and connect with a stranger, one that has some very strange ideas on what’s going on and who everyone might really be.

Waking up Aurelia doesn’t think any time has passed at all. Or if it has, well then maybe a few days or week at most to start with. The last thing she remembers is the castle being under siege and her father being in danger. When the stranger in front of her – handsome one mind you – says his name is Baird she just automatically thinks he is Bard, son of Erc. Means she has an automatic dislike to him, well tries to anyway. She never met the real Bard so has nothing to go on. Just that the castle belongs to her father so is dismayed when Baird says he owns it now. She just thinks that he must have staked a claim to it and now fears for the lives of her people. She doesn’t think she can trust Baird at all but has a strange pull towards him. Same goes with his friend Julian who, because of his lack of hair, she thinks is a monk, one that uses a lot of powerful magic. Seems neither of them really took much notice when she first spoke as they didn’t have a clue what she was saying but after hearing them speak she managed to pick up their language in no time. She was gifted with the use of tongues so can speak any language needed. You would think that the moment she gets outside and sees the changes to the castle she would know a lot of time had passed but she just keeps putting this down to magic. She just wants to find her father and figure out what happened to her home. Something Baird feels compelled to help her with.

Baird can’t believe his luck with how he feels about Aurelia from the moment she woke up. Shame he now thinks she has lost a few marbles as she thinks she is a Viking princess and that her father owns the castle. He just thinks that something bad must have happened to her or her father to make her regress into a fantasy world to protect memories she isn’t ready to remember. Little does he know that she speaks the truth and that danger could fall upon them all if they do not remember their past lives that are about the effect their present ones.

I found it a bit amusing that Aurelia thought that Julian’s power of magic was so advanced that she wrote off seeing a car, helicopter and then electricity as nothing short of magical. The part where her and Baird butt heads about her having a bath and not understanding how the taps worked made me laugh a lot. Also laughed with how Aurelia sees Baird’s interior designer Marissa. The way she sees things are from a Viking perspective so for someone to dress as Marissa does and act around Baird that she must be a mistress who has his ear. Now Marissa in general was just a right pain throughout, so annoying with most of the things she says. For some reason, maybe something to do with the past, she thinks that her and Baird and meant to be. She gets a reality shock when it becomes clear that the only woman for him is Aurelia. Well if they can all figure out what is really happening around them that is. They might have a connection building between them but neither can be sure what the other is really thinking. They need to believe in each other and the past to be able to see their future.

Superstitions hold truths and if they want to be able to close the past and finally live they need to look back and finish what they started. Seems Ursilla might have a little helping hand to do with this, or more like talking riddles with a twinkle in her eye and a tale to tell. One they all need to listen to if they want to get their happily ever after. Fun read with lots of laughs along the way and an interesting look at how the story could be told in a present day setting.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...

[Mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this time traveling romance reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty. It added information other than a brief “happily ever after” ending. The pizza scene was priceless.

[Aleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on lampshadereader.com: Review: Once Upon A Kiss by Claire Delacroix.



Expect to find a Sleeping Beauty trope in this story. It was a little bit of a different spin, but still enjoyable. The true love and reincarnation theme is abundant in this story and I could not be happier. Aurelia finds herself in a strange but familiar place surrounded by two strange men, one of them (very handsome) that supposedly kissed her awake. She of course, does not believe in fairy tales and believes she’s still in her time and subject to an evil man Bard, Son of Erc. Baird, our hero, unfortunately has a similar sounding name and does not know that Aurelia is planning a sweet vengeance upon him.

Throughout the majority of the story Aurelia believes that she has been enchanted by Baird/Bard and his priest/lawyer. I wasn’t a fan of her during this time. She was quite frustrating, but being that she was from a time that people proved to be superstitious, her actions did make sense. She just thought she was being tricked.

“Aurelia attributed this to Julian’s magic, because she could think of no other reasonable explanation.”

It was her thoughts on Baird’s “whore” or rather, his interior designer that really made the story. It was really entertaining.

“She knew it was not her imagination that the whore’s chemise nearly burned her skin.”

Probably my favorite interactions and dialogue were surrounding that topic. But like I mentioned earlier, I loved the reincarnation theme. When Aurelia finally realizes that she’s not in her time, she starts seeing similarities between her loved ones and people in the present day. It was bittersweet and that’s when I started liking Aurelia. She’s reasonable after all. It’s when she fights for her one true love that turns the tale and I truly enjoyed the journey through time via flashbacks that Aurelia and Baird have.

When the story ended, I wanted more of it.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[LJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once Upon a Kiss - NR
Cross, Claire

For over a thousand years--so legend has it--the brambles have grown wild over the ruins of Dunhelm Castle. Many believed that the thorns were a sign that the castle was cursed, so no one dared to trespass, and the secrets that they protected and concealed have remained hidden--until now...

Armed with a pair of gardening shears, Baird Beauforte is determined to clear away the brambles that hinder the development of his resort, and he won't let local superstition deter him. Dunhelm Castle is supposed to be the latest jewel in the Beauforte Resort chain, but the renovations can't be finished if the workmen are frightened of a so-called curse. To dispel any lingering fears, Baird decides to vanquish the briars himself. What he never expects is to find a mysterious slumbering beauty...

Aurelia is like no one he has ever met before. Upon awakeninh she demands to know his identity and why he is in her father’s castle! Bemused by her claim of being a king's daughter, he is certain he has never met this "princess" before, although something about her rouses a haunting sense of familiarity. Soon, dreams plague this by-the-book businessman...dreams that feel more like memories. And Baird begins to wonder if he can claim his heart's princess--now and forever--with a kiss…

Pict princess, modern hotelier, time travel, tripe-ish plot, not recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty involving magic, sorcery, time travel, and reincarnation.
Baird our hero, is a resort developer and is drawn to Dunhalm Castle to build his next resort. He decides to clear out the briars covering one corner of the property because the local workers won't touch it. He fins Aurilia sleeping behind a stone door and just has to kiss her.
Aurilia, our pint size heroine is gorgeous of course, but also brave and plain speaking and thinks she's a princess. She thinks she's still in her own time and has to rescue her father and people who were under siege when she ???whatever? She thinks all the modern thinks she sees are explained by powerful magic and he thinks she might be a little bit 'touched' in the head.
This is a romantic comedy, with misunderstanding, fighting attractions, a little bit sexy , and has several secondary characters that are great and interesting themselves.
I enjoyed this story. Aurilia is sweet, attracted to Baird and wants to help her people. Baird has never had a family and been betrayed in love before, and he has been trying to save her for centuries but always lost at the last moment.
These two are great together and the journey is fun, sweet, sometimes frustrating, but well worth it.
I recommend this story.
These two are great together and the

[Tina Groat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairy tale that has been written to include time travel and reincarnation; and isn’t your normal fairy tale as the author puts quite a spin on this story. It was cute, funny and even entertaining so if you enjoy reading a different twist regarding sleeping beauty, then you would probably enjoy this book.

The story is about a developer, Baird Beauforte who takes a pair of gardening shears and clears away brambles while developing his new resort. Baird ends up finding a sleeping beauty Aurelia, who has been sleeping for over a thousand years per local legend and awakens her with a kiss. Baird doesn’t realize Aurelia is not from this time period and thinks she may be a little off in the head or trying to manipulate him. However, there is a sense of familiarity and he starts having dreams that you realize are actually his memories from the past. Also, as reading the story, it becomes clear that the characters of his friend Julian, and Marissa, a designer were part of Baird past. Overall, the author did a pretty good job of mixing the past and present.

Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often wondered if Sleeping Beauty had woken up in another time period such as the present what her tale would become. That is exactly what happens in Once Upon A Kiss by Claire Delacroix (Deborah Cooke). Fairytale retells are in abundance but I don’t believe I have ever seen another that takes this premise or perspective.
I found this story to be intriguing and humorous with all of Beauty’s (Aurelia) misconceptions and denial of the changing of the times. Customs, roles in life and societal beliefs would be so very different that Aurelia’s confusion and out of date actions could be believable and plausible. I did wish she had understood sooner that Baird was not the villain in this story.
I especially appreciated the author’s note at the end. The incorporating of history in fiction is always a tricky thing but this is well written and enjoyable to boot.
The author provided a copy for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once Upon a Kiss was a good read if you want something light and easy. I enjoyed the characters and the basis behind the story line but I do think it could have been executed a bit better. After awhile I got tired of the main female character Aurelia's insisting on finding her father and her not wanting to come to terms with the fact that she slept for over a thousand years. It takes more than half the book for her to even think it's a possibility. To me, that in turn means that her male counterpart, Baird, just thinks she is crazy because she doesn't recognize modern technologies and speaks differently. The interaction between the two could have been developed a little better. The story line itself was great. I liked the concept behind the story but I wish there was a little more detail and insight into the characters and their pasts.

Copy Gifted by the Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

[Melissa Cannito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Kiss is a most enjoyable read, especially if you believe in reincarnation. Baird Beaufort, a resort developer, is drawn to Dunhelm Castle on the northwestern tip Rousay, Orkney Isalands. This is the site of a ninth century Viking/Pict stronghold. There is an old building surrounded by thorny vines that Baird feels compelled to remove. Once he enters the building, he finds a woman who appears to be asleep. Again Baird feels compelled to kiss the woman and once he does he awakens Aurelia, a 1200 year old Pict Princess.

Aurelia believes that Baird is Bard, son of Erc, her family’s sworn enemy. Through shared dreams they realize they have been destined for each other for centuries, but Bard had interfered in the two of them uniting. Read the book to see how this story ends. You will be delighted.

[Clara Babinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this book really bugged me on several levels. First it's very plagiaristic of Sleeping Beauty right down to the thorns and similar names for the princess to the gifts bestowed on the child. Though the gifts in this book were changed to fit the storyline. Second, there are many, many errors. Missing words, typos poor sentence structure, etc.
The only reason I continued to read this book was that it was mildly funny and did have a few original aspects that I found intriguing but they were not executed to their full potential. The combination of Pictish and Viking was a cool aspect, but neither culture was fully enmeshed in the story. I just felt that this story could have been better with a little reworking and more research. Not horrible, but not as good as it could have been.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Kiss by Claire Delacroix, Deborah Cooke, Claire Cross is a unique Time Travel with Paranormal elements. A "Sleeping Beauty" type of romantic tale, with some mystery, a bit of humor, and romance, interwined with history and folklore. Well written with a unique look at Time Travel.
Fans of Time Travel, Historical Romance, "Sleeping Beauty" type of tales, and tales with a uniqueness from beginning to end, will find this an enjoyable and delightful read!

There are excerpts from "LOVE POTION #9" and "THE COUNTESS" included.


"Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review".

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

While renovating the ancient Scottish castle he has bought, Baird stumbles across a sleeping princess who is awoken with a kiss.

This is definitely how you re-interpret a age-old fairy tale like Sleeping Beauty and keep it interesting. In addition to the Viking/Picts origins, the reincarnation aspect, along with the fun in watching Aurelia learn about 'magical' things like electricity and indoor plumbing, this is a very refreshing and original book. The only real quibble I had was the fact that Baird acted like such a dunce near the end.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern version of Sleeping Beauty! Cute, funny and a cheerful read. The characters of this book bring the fairy tale to our century in a fun and romantic way with humor, romance and intrigue. When you also weave history and all the customs of that time in, you have a very different type of story.

I really liked this book because of its unique twist on a favorite fairy tale of mine. I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. I had never read a book by Claire Delacroix (Deborah Cooke) and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Look forward to reading more from her.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-written, sweet, entertaining and there were suspenseful moments. This was based on the Sleeping Beauty story. Aurelia is a Viking/Pictish princess in the 800s who is awakened in the present time by Baird Beauforte, a hotel developer. It was fun to read how things worked out. A copy of this book was gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received free copy from the publisher for an honest review. This was a fun and compelling read. The characters were so much fun to follow and the HEA was of course perfect for the two main characters. I would have liked more background to tie at his to the fairy tale the bad guy just kind of showed up in the midst. And more depth to the other characters it was a little light on supporting details. But that said this was very entertaining and engrossing

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baird and Aurelia tell the tale of a modern day Sleeping Beauty through time travel. I'm not always a fan of time travel but I really enjoyed this. I received a free copy for an honest review and I recommend this book as a very enjoyable read.Baird and Aurelia tell the tale of a modern day Sleeping Beauty through time travel. I'm not always a fan of time travel but I really enjoyed this. I received a free copy for an honest review and I recommend this book as a very enjoyable read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love time travel stories, there are so many laughs to be had, and this story didn't disappoint. Beautifully written and interesting. It's also a very cool story, I loved the reincarnation factor. Twists and turns keep your attention avidly waiting to see what happens next. A must read book.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prophecy has come true!!!
Aurelia wants to help her father in the war against Bard, son of Erc. However the curse has become true.
Baird Beauforte wants to build a resort in Dunhelm Castle. While cutting brambles he finds a tomb. This is a tale of sleeping beauty in modern times. Love knows no time!!!
“Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review”

[Lynn Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I didn't want to like this book...I figured that it'd be a silly replay of sleeping beauty but I'm glad I read it...because I truly liked it. A tale of love that spanned centuries, minders day tycoon falls in love with dark ages cursed Viking princess. Lots of laughs, love and fairy tales.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prophecy has come true!!!
Aurelia wants to help her father in the war against Bard, son of Erc. However the curse has become true.
Baird Beauforte wants to build a resort in Dunhelm Castle. While cutting brambles he finds a tomb. This is a tale of sleeping beauty in modern times.

“Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review”

[Nia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was highly amusing, I didn't think I'd like it nearly as well as I did.. however the hero and the heroine was engaging, it introduced a fetish that I've never seen written in a romance novel before and it was an interesting read.

[Cary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Time travel... I'm struggling with a 8th century gal waking up in contemporary times and still thinking she is in her time period! Magic explains it all away... I just couldn't buy it. And everyone being reincarnations of their past selves was different. It was clean though so there is that.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twist on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, this story is cleverly constructed. Or maybe the fairy tale is based on this story! Evil tries to destroy good and steal Aurelia from her destined lover. This is a fun read that has you rooting for the good guys.

[Ria H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleeping Beauty

Love this Pictish/Viking version of the fairytale. Her one true love wakes her with a kiss from a 1200 year sleep after pricking her thumb. Read this to find those who would try to stop their love and all of those reborn from their lives before.

[Amanda Bright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable ChickLit.

[Stephanie O'rourke · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a hero, he seems rather whiny and flop floppy. Great concept just not thrilled with execution