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Rating: 
Summary: I'm not so enthusiastic...
Review: Jerome doesn't really know what to do with his 18-year-old sister Willa. Even if he DID have money to give her a season, her spectacles and red hair aren't exactly in fashion. When her long-time friend, Sir Daniel, asks her to marry him, Willa almost wants to accept. But first, she wants to see if he can stimulate any feelings of excitement in her. She decides to ask him for a kiss!
When she spots Sir Daniel from afar in the garden, she should not have removed her spectacles so soon. The man she asks to kiss her is actually his younger brother, Alex. And he kisses her. Again. And again. After experiencing kisses so nice, Willa has second thoughts about marrying Daniel. And she won't have to, for her aunt asks her to come to London to be her new companion.
I've read some of the best Regencies, and this book is not among them. The beginning starts off incredibly well. Willa's first encounter with Alex is hilarious, and their second and third encounters are promising as well. The book begins a slow descent into boredom (and the characters lose some of their original wit) around the time Willa goes to London. When their "friends" enter the picture, it becomes a bit jumbled (I would have rather had more focus on Alex and Willa), and the book solidified its fall from my good graces when I was met with 2 chapters about birthing a foal. Despite its excellent beginning, it quickly lost its steam.
However, Willa and Alex were interesting enough characters to keep me going. I've read better, but I've read worse. 2 1/2 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Charming and funny
Review: Troubled by the expense and bother of providing a 'season' for his sister Willa Linnet, Jerome thinks an engagement to his best friend, Daniel Braeburn is the perfect solution. Willa is definitely not so sure--she's known Daniel for years, but he's never stirred her blood. Still, she resolves to give him a chance--if his kisses stir her passion, she'll agree to the marriage. Unfortunately, Willa is nearsighted--and mistakes Alexander Braeburn, a notorious scapegrace and gambler, for his brother. Worse, once she's kissed Alexander, she knows Daniel's kisses will never compare.
When Willa's aunt Honore swoops in with the proposal that Willa become her mentor, this seems like the perfect escape for Willa--and for her brother. But Honore has her own ideas--and these ideas are definitely not in keeping with the restrictive rules of polite society. When rumors spread that Willa will become Honore's heir, impoverished gentlemen start to pay attention--and Alex starts finding reasons to spend time with Willa--although he assures himself he is certainly not looking to take a wife.
Author Kathleen Baldwin combines humor and romance in a savory concoction. The outrageous Aunt Honore is a terrific character--and certain to return with more matchmaking and troublemaking. Willa, with her practical nature and training in philosophy, makes for an engaging and memorable character.
Fans of the Regency Romance won't go wrong with MISTAKEN KISS.
Rating:
Summary: BRAVA!
Review: Wilhemina "Willa" Linnet is the younger sister of a country vicar. Now of age and due a Season in London, her brother makes it obvious that he did not wish to spend the money for her to have a Season. Sir Daniel Braeburn offers for her hand, not out of any love or passion, but as a practical solution to her brother, Jerome. Logical Willa decides to test her prospective fiancé before committing herself. To that end, upon seeing a man in the garden and thinking it to be Daniel she takes off her spectacles and begs a kiss. However, it is not Daniel who kisses her, but his prodigal brother, Alexander. Willa's experimental results: No wedding! Daniel cannot compare to the heat and desire Alex stirs within her. Alexander "Alex" Braeburn is dozing in the garden. When the shapely young beauty begs for his kiss, he believes himself dreaming and obliges her ... more than once. But a lady such as Willa is made for marriage and he has no interest in such. Once back in London, he can forget all about her. Enter Willa's Aunt Honore! Lady Alameda takes Willa as her protégée and whisks her off to London for a Season. Having seen the tender Willa and Alex have for each other, but neither admitting such to themselves, Honore decides to play matchmaker. (And she does it so well!) Sure enough, Alex claims he has no desire to marry, yet as others begin to vie for her affections (even his own two best friends), Alex realizes that losing Willa to anyone else would be the greatest mistake of all. ***** Wonderful reading for Regency fans! The author created a strong character, Willa, and gave her a brain to match. No simpering, faint-hearted miss here! With some fun and witty times, a bit of romance, and some magical moments, this novel is gem! This story will remain in your thoughts long after you finish reading it. BRAVA! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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