Review: One Kiss Alone by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ethan Penn-Leith is the most renowned poet of his day—his likeness so widely recognized, he is regularly accosted by adoring admirers. Everyone wants something from him—his time, words, charm, torn bits of his kilt . . . Everyone, that is, but Lady Allegra Gilbert.

Twin sister to the authoritarian Duke of Kendall, Lady Allegra fights for freedom from her brother’s iron-gripped control. She has a plan for her future, after all, one that does not involve her ducal twin. Ethan Penn-Leith with his knee-melting smiles and boyish charm is merely a pretty distraction along the path to independence.

The problem? Ethan and Lady Allegra once shared a life-altering kiss on a rugged mountain road in Italy when she was disguised as someone else entirely. Ever the poet, Ethan turned their romantic kiss into a scandalous, best-selling poem. Now, all of London is clamoring to know the identity of the poet’s unnamed lady.

If she wishes her freedom, Lady Allegra needs to keep her secrets, well . . . secret. Ethan wants nothing more than to uncover all of Allegra’s truths.

In between outrunning legions of Ethan’s admirers, becoming stranded in a seaside village, and journeying by ducal decree to rural Scotland, Ethan and Allegra struggle to decide what they each truly want. Or perhaps, in the end, Fate will turn on one kiss alone?

My Review

All. The. Feels. There is so much going on in this book! We got to know Ethan a bit superficially in the previous book, from Malcom and Viola's perspective. So it was wonderful to peel back the layers and see what was beneath the charming poet who took a little too much inspiration from his brother. I just loved his optimism and humor! Even when frustrated, in danger, or feeling pinned down by others' expectations, he has a quality about him where he just keeps trying and seeking solutions. His first meeting with Allegra was memorable of course, but the surprise was discovering who she really is. What a life she's led! No wonder she feels trapped by her brother. I think the sense of losing his true self to become like their domineering late father is what she grieves most of all. Ethan and Allie's serendipitous reunion in London leads to deepening their relationship (such amazing chemistry!), but  so many obstacles are before them. The pace of the book is swift as they navigate society and familial pressures amidst danger and suspense, and I couldn't put the book down as I held out hope that they would be able to be fully open with each other and find their way to happiness together. I'm so excited that the next book will feature Allie's brother, the Duke of Kendall.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .