The Essex sisters descended upon the London season with very different objectives. Annabelle has already decided to marry a rich Englishman, making the poverty she endured with her wastrel father a dim memory. Imogene, reeling from the sudden death of her husband after only two weeks of marriage, is determined to take a lover to soothe her broken heart. Annabelle, with her practiced wiles, has no difficulty attracting an Englishman. However, Annabelle cannot get her proposal when Imogene is causing a scandal with a poor Scottish Lord.

Ewan, the Lord of Ardmore, braves England from Scotland to find a wife. To his amusement, a rumor that he's as poor as a church mouse has swept society. It does not limit his invitations, and he's able to meet many eligible girls. No one has captured his attention, but when Imogene's enraged guardian, the Duke of Holbrook, appears, he may have a bride. Fortunately, Ewan and Holbrook find a mutual interest in whiskey and horses, saving Ewan from a marriage with a brokenhearted woman.

In trying to protect Imogene, Annabelle is found in a compromising position and must marry Ewan. Annabelle's worst fears have come true. She will reside in genteel poverty and have to return to Scotland. Ewan's even temper and easygoing temperament are challenged as Annabelle reveals her temper and insecurities on their trip to Scotland.

KISS ME, ANNABELLE is a charming treat and a wonderful escape tale for Regency readers. Ms. James' writing skills are impeccable along with her historical and Shakespearean knowledge. She tempts readers for the next Essex sister story, having left Imogene with a broken-down rake.

Book Summary

IF YOU KISS A MAN ONCE...

Miss Annabel Essex, the most unattainable of the four beautiful Essex sisters, determined that if you kiss a man once you were probably safe. But when the dashing Earl of Ardmore tempts her with the promise of a kiss--and more-- she resists just as she snubs his teasing offers of wedlock. For what would she get if she married the man? Why, nothing but a Scottish title and a hovel in the highlands.

IF YOU KISS A MAN TWICE...

But that’s when there’s trouble! A moment of passionate madness puts Annabel in a compromising position with Ardmore, and the choice is clear--marriage or disgrace. So she finds herself in a carriage, thrust next to his strong body and heading north....

IF YOU KISS A MAN THREE TIMES...

Then she discovers that the hovel is a castle and the earl is far from impoverished. And she learns --in the bridal bedchamber and even elsewhere--that there is more to marriage than kissing...

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