Once Upon a Not at all Innocent Kiss (A Christmas Prequel)

I have loved all of the stories in the Whickerton series and this was no exception. Beatrice, pregnant and abandoned by the man she loved, is being forced into an arranged marriage to stave off the scandal of being pregnant and unmarried. Charles, even knowing she's pregnant by another, falls hard and fast for Beatrice. Not caring about her situation, he does everything he can to be the one who will take care of them both. I highly recommend this book as well as the previous in the series.

Once Upon a Not at All Innocent Kiss (A Whickertons in Love Novella). This is the story of how the parents of the Whickerton's came to be married. This definitely gave some insight into Troy their oldest son's story that was in Once Upon an Accidentally Bewitching Kiss. Beatrice Hartley found herself pregnant by a horrible rake who had no intention of marrying her. Her parents planned to protect all of their reputations by marrying her to one of her father's friends. When she met the gentleman, she could sense his disapproval of her and she knew the marriage would be somewhat difficult. When she is crying in despair- a gentleman Charles Beaumont, Viscount Hawthorne steps in with an offer of marriage. Will she decide to follow her parents plans or allow Lady Whickerton (Grandma Edie and the mother of Charles) to arrange an elopement with her son?

I loved finding out how the parents of all the Whickerton children came to be together.

This was a sweet story.

I received a copy of this book form the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

The Whickertons fall fast and hard. Charles knows when he meets Beatrice he knows she's the one. Even though she is pregnant by someone else he steps right up to take care of them. She can't help but fallmin love with him.

When Charles Beaument, Lord Hawthorne, eldest son of Lord and Lady Whickerton, sees that Beatrice Hartley is upset at a ball, he steps into rescue Beatrice from a scandalous situation, falls in love with her, and puts the scoundrel who hurt her in his place. Beatrice is reluctant at first, but Lady Whickerton (Grandma Edith) helps move things along. Lovely story in the Whickerton family.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This was a heartwarming story of love at first sight for Charles Beaumont, Lord Hawthorne. Attending his first ball, he’s instantly captivated by Beatrice, sensing that she’s someone special from the moment they meet. Even when he discovers she’s pregnant, Charles refuses to abandon his pursuit, regardless of his family’s opinions.

It was wonderful to revisit the Whickerton family, especially with the unwavering support Charles receives from his mother. Her advice to follow his heart highlights the family’s strong belief that a Whickerton only marries for love.

Charles truly shines as a prince among men, unbothered by the fact that Beatrice is expecting another man’s child. His only desire is to protect, love, and marry her. Though Beatrice initially thinks he’s mad and resists his advances. I loved that Charles does not give up on proving to Beatrice that he really wants to marry her.

This beautifully written Christmas romance is a testament to the author’s storytelling talent. The way she captures the depth of emotion and creates characters with such warmth and devotion made this story truly touching.

I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from the Wolf Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.