Review: With This Kiss: Part One – Eloisa James

Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace’s sparkling, gorgeous sister?

Series:  With This Kiss #1
Release Date:  March 12, 2013
Publisher:  Avon
Source:  Edelweiss
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Eloisa James gives us a delightful story of about the children of two pirate best friends and how history seems destined to repeat itself.

In Part One, we’re introduced to Lady Grace Ryburn, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Ashbrook and Colin Barry, Sir Griffin Barry’s eldest adopted son.  They’ve grown up together and have always been friendly, but feelings start changing when Colin enters the Navy.  Grace takes to writing to Colin while he’s away, telling him what’s happening with both of their families, what she’s experiencing in her education and her debut and sometimes sending him paintings of his parents or siblings so he won’t feel so lonely at sea.  She understands Colin has a hard time dealing with the things he’s seen and done and she hopes her letters bring him a bit of solace.  But as she finds herself in love with Colin, she discovers that what she built up in her mind is much different than reality when Colin comes home.

Grace is a special lady.  She has a tremendously big heart, but she often times feels like she’s less important when compared to her younger sister, Lilly.  Lilly demands attention, while Grace is left standing in the back watching.  With Colin, she found someone who she could speak with without having to worry about being overshadowed by her sister.

Colin, as a man, was so different than the rambunctious five year old we met in SEDUCED BY A PIRATE.  The navy changed him.  He’s haunted by the things he’s seen and done.  He’s looking for something, anything, that will take away the pain of watching and listening to his men die.  He makes a rash decision that alters not only his life, but that of Grace’s.

I loved both of these characters.  Grace is a perfect mix of her parents.  She has James’ romantic ideals with her Theo’s stubbornness.  I wasn’t surprised at how Grace reacted to Colin’s decision (she is her mother’s daughter after all), but I’m hoping she has enough James in her that as we move onto Part 2 and 3, she can fight for what she really wants.

Cocktail Recipe

The Blackbeard

1 can cola
1 oz Spiced Rum
1 oz Root Beer Schnapps

Mix together with crushed ice in a glass and garnish with mint leaves.