Say it Like I read it: Review of JUST A KISS by Ally Broadfield

(Blurb from Goodreads.com)

Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she'll be forced to marry her guardian's loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn't have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can't refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

The way I read it ~

I love it when an awesome piece of writing falls into my lap.

I adored this story. It was simply...

It was full of wit and humor, with those tiny bits of dry sarcasm that only the English gentry can truly convey with accuracy. It was a truly delicious read. I love when writing is flawless and grammatically correct. The twist of words got me excited to read further. I've always been a fan of historical romantic fiction and I love when it comes together so eloquently. And there was a touch of softness that lent to the tender moments between the main protagonists. I think Sebastian and Charlotte were perfectly matched in their personalities. It’s always fun to read when you know the two main characters are perfect for each other and they are the very last to realize.

So achingly frustrating.

Horace was perfectly repulsive and he aided in most of my mirth. I shuddered every time his name was mentioned and wondered what depravity he was going to display next. I love, loved that last scene! Elizabeth, I just wanted to throttle. There is always the character that inspires you wish them bodily harm. I was appalled at the things she’d say to Charlotte. Urgh! The woman had nerve. Sebastian was sweetly sexy. He had wealth but wasn't self absorbed and arrogant. I loved him from the instant his grandmother hit him with her fan. He exuded charm but wasn't cocky with it and I got that right off from the start. He wasn't even all ‘angry-possessive-alpha-male’, which I fully expected but was pleasantly surprised to find that he wasn't. Lady Marley was simply entertaining and I knew she was up to something!

I got completely wrapped up in this world. Some of it was predictable, old fashioned historical romance. But I did not mind at all. I was rooting for a good ending and it wasn't. It was steamy, sultry and ‘hawt’ but at exactly the perfect time for it. It was great!

All these intense feelings are a testament to great writing. I think the author Ally Broadfield did a splendid job of balancing the historical factor, yet I detected a touch of contemporary influence? These characters could have existed in a modern setting and the story still would have worked.

My one complaint, which really is a futile one, is that it was too short. It was just enough yet by the time I got to the ending, I wanted a couple more chapters. Confusing, yeah? But there it is.

It’s been ages since I've read a really good story in the genre. I took a chance with one just previously and came out very satisfied. And here is that satisfaction once again. Happy as a clam. My foray into a previously dormant, historical romantic wonderment has been attempted and I consider it a resounding success.

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