One Scandalous Kiss: An Accidental Heirs Novel

A bribe turns into the love of a lifetime. Once Scandalous Kiss took two delightful characters and made me fall for them page by page. Jessamin was one of those characters that over analyze. She made decisions based on logic and was surprised when her emotions came into play. With one kiss Lucius knows his life has changed. A nobleman who is more focused on the responsibilities his title entails, he is captivated by the woman bold enough to bring him out of his shell. Christy Carlyle has in One Scandalous Kiss written an emotionally fulfilling story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My Rating 3.5 of 5 stars

Desperate to save her father's failing bookshop, Jessamin Wright accepts a scorned nobleman's daughter's offer of 100 pounds to publicly kiss Lucius Crawford, Viscount Grismby. The scheme has unintended consequences for all parties when that one kiss rocks staid and sober Lucius to his core and ignites Jessamin's romantic nature as well. In the aftermath of the scandal created by the kiss, Jessamin loses her bookshop, and has to take a position as companion--to Lucius's aunt. Lucius is expected to marry rich to rebuild his crumbling estate, but he cannot forget the only woman he has ever truly desired. In her new employment, Jessamin has a front row seat when an American heiress is brought to Lucius's home to make an expected match. How will Jessamin be able to watch the man she desires court another woman? How can Lucius forget the kiss that set him aflame and woo a woman he does not desire when Jessamin is right in front of him? Will Lucius do his duty and marry for money and position, or will he follow his heart and marry a bankrupt former bookshop owner? This delightful novel kept me entertained from start to finish. I found it fun, innovative and engaging. The characters were drawn with care and made very vivid and multi-dimensional, so it was impossible not to be drawn into their dilemma. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and will definitely read more of Christy Carlyle's books in the future.

Love the smollering heat of this love story.