One Kiss to Desire

2025 New England Readers' Choice Award Finalist

“This book is the grab-a-fan, oh-my, on-fire kind of scrumptious." -Reader Review

When a wounded lord hires a housekeeper in disguise, secrets smolder and sparks fly in this grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, spicy and cozy small town romance with heat, humor, and heart!

Grappling with a life-changing injury, celebrated piano virtuoso Lord Ethan Harrington wants solitude. Chudleigh Bottoms, a quirky village in the middle of nowhere, seems like the place to find it. He hires a mousy housekeeper to manage his supposedly haunted manor and leave him in peace. When he discovers the fire that burns beneath her primness, however, he begins to question what he truly wants, and their smoldering encounters ignite his deepest desires.

Fleeing from her past, Xenia Loveday needs money to secure her freedom. When she loses her job as a naughty storyteller, she finds work in the nearby village, a peculiar place that locals claim is cursed. She has no intention of setting down roots or getting involved with her grumpy and wickedly attractive employer. But passion lays waste to her plans, and she finds herself falling for a man she knows she can never have.

As Ethan and Xenia work together to unravel the mystery of the manor's past, his wounded soul begins to heal, but her dangerous secrets threaten their happiness. If one kiss leads to desire, will more lead to love—or heartbreak?

Readers love One Kiss to Desire:

“Gorgeous romance, passionate and emotional.”

“A wild love affair steaming up the pages.”

“Truly romantic and beautiful to read. I absolutely loved Ethan and Xenia.”

“Hot and fun...I was kicking my feet all the way through it."

“The closeness of Ethan’s family dynamics is truly heartwarming."

“Get out your tissue and your hankie because this one is all of that!"

“An absolutely lovely romance with wonderful characters, lots of delicious tropes, sizzling chemistry.”

“Wonderfully written with lots of feels"
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Grace's books feature steamy historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series set in the same universe.

BLACKWOOD LEGACY (hot Victorian romance)
1. One Kiss to Desire
2. Two Secrets to Surrender (preorder today!)

LADY CHARLOTTE'S SOCIETY OF ANGELS (hot Victorian romance)
1. Olivia and the Masked Duke (Livy & Ben)
2. Pippa and the Prince of Secrets (Pippa & Cullen)
3. Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl (Fiona & Thomas)
4. Glory and the Master of Shadows (Glory & Wei)
5. Charlotte and the Seductive Spymaster (Charlie & her spymaster)

GAME OF DUKES (hot Victorian romance)
1. The Duke Identity (Harry & Tessa)
2. Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie)
3. Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby)
4. The Duke Redemption (Wickham & Beatrice)
5. The Return of the Duke (Severin & Fancy)
6. Steamy Winter Wishes: A Hot Historical Romance Short Story

HEART OF ENQUIRY (THE KENTS) (hot Regency romance)
Prequel Novella: The Widow Vanishes (Will & Annabel)
1. The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma)
2. M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea)
3. The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny)
4. The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet)
5. Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly)
6. The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose)

MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR (hot Regency romance)
1. Her Husband's Harlot (Helena & Nicholas)
2. Her Wanton Wager (Percy & Gavin)
3. Her Protector's Pleasure (Marianne & Ambrose)
4. Her Prodigal Passion (Charity & Paul)