Cover Image: Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss

Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Author Bree Wolf has created another wonderful story full of great characters, lots of romance, and a happily ever after!
Recommended.

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are usually cross-posted to social media, goodreads, Bookbub, and blog. 🦄

Was this review helpful?

This was an enjoyable book. Harry is a great character. She is spirited and one of a kind. However, I get bothered when the heroine can't see what is in front of her face and delays making the right decision. She is determined to never marry even though she is in love.

Was this review helpful?

Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss by Bree Wolf

Lady Harriet is a lady in name only as she very much dances to her own tune and follows her own rules in life. A bit wolf by regency standards. Bradley Duke of Clements who conforms in every way a duke should. He is very shocked when he meets Harry Whickerton the youngest of the Earl of Whickertons daughters and the freest spirit of them all and she adores nature and the wilds of the woods and rides unaccompanied as any man would shocking the duke about the impropriety of it although is quite taken with lady Harry.

A beautifully written story with great characters and humour. There is a slight dark side to this story. Very enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

works well as a standalone, it is part of a wonderful series. Two people, dramatically opposite to each other, form the crux of this book. The way their paths cross is what makes this entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

Just from the description I knew I was going to love this story!

A lady that loves animals and is always rescuing them? The fantastic names? Oh yes and her rescue
of a Duke. How would she rescue a Duke and why would he need rescuing?

They say opposites attract, but in this case... She loved adventure, to do what she wanted, when she wanted. Life was good..

He had difficulty speaking to people at times. He loved his orderly life, solitude and he wanted a wife who could be like him.

A fun adventure that will keep you smiling and excited to see the journey as these two try to find their happy ever after!!

Was this review helpful?

Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss by Bree Wolf is such a fun book. Bradley Jackson, Duke of Clements has just discovered that a proviso in his mother's will stipulated that he must marry before his 30th birthday in order to inherit the house she had left him, a house he hadn't seen in years but held good memories for him. He knew he would have to marry eventually so he contacted his aunt, his father's sister, to help him find and choose a bride. She was delighted. On the neighboring property, Lady Harriet Beaumont (Harry) was leaving for her morning ride when her grandmother came and suggested she ride west instead of her customary east, just for a change. She rebelled against the idea, but decided to follow her grandmother's advice. In a meadow, she saw him. He told her his name was Bradley but she decided he looked more like a Jack, and so her became, in her mind. He was a deeply personal man, no smiles, no light conversation; she saw hurt in his eyes and she didn't like it so she kept after him. He kept coming so she assumed he like it. It all got very complicated before it got simple again. Watching her pest him was extremely fruitful.

This was a fabulously entertaining story. Harry staying after Jack took up at least half of the book before he gave in and fell in love. She, on the other hand, had been in love since the very first day. Her personal beliefs about marriage complicated the plot, but kept it entertaining. Of course, there was a bad guy, and the bad guy's dupe, also entertaining for the most part. Harry's family, many of whom have appeared in previous books were personalities in their own rights. It was a terrific book with a good plot and entertaining characters. It went from simple to complicated and back again. I enjoyed it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss by Wolf Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #wolfpublishing #breewolf #onceuponadevastatinglysweetkiss

Was this review helpful?

Harry and Clements were very cute characters. I always like a good stuffy Duke who needs to be brought down a peg or two, and Clements was the perfect foil for this plot device. Harry was a woman after my own heart, adventurous and irreverent. I love that she did as she pleased and that her family allowed her the freedom to do so. I also LOVED her sneaky sneaky grandmother. She was adorable. Although, bits of the story were a bit over the top it was very enjoyable and kept me hooked as a reader the whole time. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to another lover of historical romance.

Was this review helpful?

A great historical novel where the reader has the chance to experience what it is like when the free spirit of Lady Harriet (Harry) and the conservative Duke of Clements fall in love. Where Harry believes she never wants to get married, "Jack" tries to win her heart in an unorthodox way.

Harriete (Harry) is a young woman who doesn't think the world is fair, where the rights of the woman are always defeated and the man is always right. She doesn't want to surrender by getting married. It takes Jack some time to see what she means and then he looks for a way to gain her trust.
Jack changes enormously in the story and that is wonderful to read. As conservative as he is in the beginning, he is free in the end. A must for anyone who loves emancipation through the ages

Thanks to WOLF Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley
This in my opinion which I give voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Bree Wolf's books are truly a warm & comfortable read to me. I loved how the author writes her characters and gave them depth. However, some of her books tend to meander a lot and this book is one of those. Sometimes, I liked how long she writes her books because I enjoyed being with the main characters, but there are also times where the same scenes kept on happening again and again that I just want to get it over with. The latter is the case in this one where most chapters in this book could have been condensed since a lot of the events and what happened here are similar to one another, especially all the meadow scenes. I also felt lukewarm with the hero, Jack, since he's written so well to the point that even I, as a reader, felt annoyed with his actions. I understand why he's like that, but he's the reason why the book meanders a lot because he just can't open himself up. And as a romance reader, I felt frustrated reading his chapters in his POV because of his willingly closing himself off from our heroine, Harry.

Harry is such a badass, though. I loved how well-written she is and I appreciate the whole Whickertons family. Despite my feeling of being neutral and lukewarm with this book, I still find the Whickertons family interesting and would love to read more on this series since this is my first Whickertons book.

Was this review helpful?

This book is part of a series about a rather prolific family - the Whickerton's and their friends.
I like the interfering grandmothers and their machinations. The girls all have some wit and vim and are more lively than can be the norm in the historical stories and Bree Wolf has a good way of linking the various books in the series together and leaving wanting to read the next without leaving the reader hanging..
The kidnap scenes were cut rather short i thought and could have been expanded to improve the standard line - after all we need something different to embellish these romances and make them stand out from the trope middle to bottom range. this does, but only just.
Please up your game Regency Romance authors. You are all getting much too 'samey'. We need interest to keep us reading.

Was this review helpful?

This was a historical romance which l enjoyed. Opposites do attract in this book and it leads to interesting reading. The main characters were different in behaviour and it was nice to see how their romance flourished.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 4th book in the series Whickertons in Love, you do not have to read the other books in the series, but I think you should read them all, they are that good. This book, like its title, is sweet. It is a sweet romantic love story between Bradley Jackson, a Duke and Lady Harriet, who is called Harry. Harry is a sweet character who does not do what society expects, she wants to be free, she cares about animals and people in need. She meets Bradley who is very lonely, and she calls him Sweet Jack. It was nice to read their romantic love story grow. I have to say, I love Harry’s Grandmother. I loved her in the previous stories, and I love her here. Bree Wolf writes a story which the time just flies. I can’t wait for more from this series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am leaving my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book immensely. The Duke was my favorite kind; stuck up and aloof then felled by love. Although his backstory has been done before my other author's I thought his was well done and believable. I did not care as much for Harriet. I'm not a huge fan of the hoyden who plans to never marry even if she falls in love. How dumb do you have to be do give up life with someone who loves you? Overall, it was a quick read and a good story.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful story! I have been remiss in not reading anything from Bree Wolf. I have several books in my TBR pile. Well, they have moved to the top! This is a series, so I will definitely backtrack, but can be read as a standalone.
Duke of Clements, Bradley Jackson likes everything in his life orderly. Same routine, day in and day out, but a chance meeting with Harriet, “Harry” in the meadows near his home has turned his life upside down. Harry was never the typical proper English lady. She decided years ago she would never marry, never let others dictate what she should do. When she comes across the Duke, she sees a sadness, loneliness in him and decides to cheer him up and calls him “Jack”! The stuffy man grits his teeth and informs the redhead hellion that is not the way to address him.
The characters are wonderful. There are parts you will laugh out loud, I love the love-hate start of the story. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

Was this review helpful?

Having not read the previous books in this series, I was a little apprehensive diving in. Oftentimes I can't immediately connect with characters, and I feel like I have been dropped into the middle of a drama where nothing is explained. However, Bree Wolf did an excellent job of making this book stand all on its own, even if reading the previous books is still highly recommended. I love a good opposites attract romance, and it was delivered so well with this story. There was definitely angst, and you felt that neither person had been in a relationship before, so the drama level was high quite often. I personally enjoy that in a book where the two main characters don't see eye to eye. It makes for a much more dramatic coming together moment, when they realize they are, in fact, perfect for each other.

Lady Harriet Beaumont is known for being a bit of a wild child. More comfortable out roaming the countryside, rescuing injured animals and generally flouting all social convention, she is not expected to marry. Indeed, she has declared she will never marry, for no man is worth the risk of giving up her freedom. While out riding one day, she comes across a man she has never seen before, who is both intrigued and bewildered by the casual nature of her appearance and manner. Bradley Jackson is a duke, after all, and dukes only spend time with ladies when they are chaperoned. And she most definitely was not chaperoned. However, her charming nature has captured his attention, and though he vows never to see her again, he can't help being drawn in by her smiles and the annoying yet oddly comforting nickname she gives him, sweet Jack. Bradley must marry, and he knows Harry is the least suitable woman for him. If only she wasn't also the only woman he wants.

A classic case of Grump and Sunshine, Harry and Jack were hilarious! I loved Harry's clear love of life, and she never let Jack's stoic nature get in the way of her own enthusiasm. There were times when I thought she would bowl him over with her brightness, and that would be the end of that, but as time went on, I could see him coming out of his shell. Her methods were a bit unorthodox, but eventually, she brought out a side of him he didn't know existed. As you read, you'll find out why Jack is the way he is, and it's heartbreaking. I felt for him as he struggled to be the man his father wanted versus the man his mother hoped he would become. There were definite bumps in the road, as communication was not their strong suit. They spent days apart at times, trying to stay away from each other, and then eventually they would collide again, usually because Harry couldn't stay away. Her desire to be with Jack was much stronger than her willpower to stay away, whereas Jack had years of practice maintaining distance from people. They weren't the couple you expected, but they were absolutely the couple they each needed for a happy life.

I love Bree Wolf's writing style, and I look forward to reading more by her. If she writes more relationships like this one, I will be most satisfied.

Was this review helpful?

Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss by Bree Wolf (The Wickertons in Love #4) is a historical romance that uses the opposites attract trope. In this case it is wonderful done with all the fun parts between people who see things differently.

Harriet Wicherton is the youngest of the Wickerton girls. She is refreshingly candid, full of energy and determined to pave her own way through the world. She doesn’t want to be anyone’s possession and is determined to heal people. Then one day she runs into the Duke of Clements, Sweet Jack.

The Duke of Clements or Bradley Jackson is astounded, infuriated and hopelessly infatuated with Harry. She is everything he is not and full of life and laughter! She seems to have enchanted him and without any thought or effort, he wants to marry her. She doesn’t want to marry him and leaves him. Both nursing a broken heart, but Sweet Jack is not ready to give up. Harry will be his - no matter what he has to do!

I enjoyed reading this newest of the Wickertons in Love series. I have seriously enjoyed the characters and their passion for life and eventually love! Once Upon a Devastatingly Sweet Kiss by Bree Wolf is a fun read.

Was this review helpful?

Harry’s carefree wild spirit spoke to me from the very beginning. She is drawn to all things requiring help so when she meets a stern Duke who never smiles, she cannot help be pulled to him. Watching her draw him out and his internal battle of rules and expectations is incredibly intriguing. The readers emotions are drawn in as his are. But what is a Duke to do once he fully accepts his emotions and his love for a girl who is convinced she will never marry. The tables are then turned while the Duke tries to convince her that marriage does not have to mean giving up her identity. The way they both come to truly know and understand each other is beautiful, as is their commitment not to change each other.

Was this review helpful?

Fun and yet deeply faceted read!

Lady Harriet Beaumont, the Earl of Whickerton’s youngest daughter, wants to forge her own way. Not for her being some man’s possession, to be toted around and sent wherever her owner (that is, her husband) would send her! This young hellion, who’s full of surprises yearns for freedom. Freedom to be an independent spirit!
Bradley Jackson, Duke of Clements, has discovered there’s a codicil to his mothers will. He must marry by thirty to inherit her manor house. Only a tiny portion of his properties, but for him a place of love. So what does our duke do? He enlists the help of his aunt to introduce him to suitable young women to find a match that suffices.
Since childhood Bradley has pushed down the idea of love. That way madness lies. He only needs to look to his own father to understand that. Bradley will marry someone to provide him with heirs. Someone who knows what is expected in a polite marriage. Someone who won’t rock the boat.
Oh but stop! Who is that free spirited, annoying red head, who keeps disturbing his peace, calling him “sweet Jack”? Jack? Not even his name!
The thing is Harry is a rescuer and upon her rather abrupt and unforgettable meeting with Bradley when out riding (well galloping!) Harry intuits that Bradley needs rescuing—but then maybe Harry does too. Soul gazing indeed!
Excitement, danger, and gentleness combine to make a rather haunting read, when you’re not standing alongside Harry wanting to be just as reckless, determined and feisty.
The final coming together of Sweet Jack and Harry is a thing of beauty. All is needed is for love and trust to combine.

A WOLF Publishing ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Was this review helpful?

England 1803: Lady Harriet Beaumont youngest daughter of the Earl of Whickerton, is a free spirit & always has been, she’s determined to remain unwed. Then she encounters Bradley Jackson, The Duke Of Clements after her Grandma tells her to ride westward instead of her usual eastward route. She calls him Jack & he reluctantly calls her Harriet, so begins a friendship.
The fourth Whickerton sibling to find love & what an utterly charming read it was. Harry is rebellious, certain what she doesn’t want to do until she realises what she wants to do. Jack is reclusive & determined not to fall in love, I loved the pair of them & how they both learned to compromise as their feelings grew. The road to their HEA was delightful & not without obstacles, which they had to overcome. A villain did finally get his just desserts. My favourite character of the series The dowager Countess, Edie once again plays matchmaker. An engrossing read which I loved
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Was this review helpful?

Lady Harriet Beaumont, daughter to the Earl of Whickerton, is a free spirit and with her siblings, has been dubbed one of the Wicked Whickertons. Yet when she meets the Duke of Clements, whom she names Jack, she does as she always has and tries to bring happiness to his life. Bradley Jackson, the Duke of Clements, has always lived a life of predictability until he meets Harriet. Yet despite all he does to avoid her and then dissuade her from seeking him out, he soon misses her if he doesn’t see her on a daily basis. Bradley soon realises that he doesn’t want a predictable wife but only Harriet. However, she has sworn never to marry. Jack’s sole aim is to convince Harriet that they are destined to be together, which may not be that simple.
I loved the character of Harriet for her vivaciousness and her ability to bring a smile to Jack. Yet it was also lovely to see Jack warm to her, gradually through the book, until he realises that life without her is impossible. Towards the end, I could have shaken Harriet, for not seeing how wonder Jack was and how he had changed and matured, because of her. A sweet read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?