One Kiss to Desire

When a brooding lord hires a housekeeper in disguise, secrets smolder and sparks fly in this grumpy sunshine, forbidden attraction, steamy historical romance filled with heat, humor, heart—and a touch of gothic mystery.

Winner of the 2025 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award and the Passionate Plume

After an accident shatters his dreams, Lord Ethan Harrington retreats to a supposedly haunted manor in the quirky village of Chudleigh Bottoms, determined to live in solitude. Scarred in body and soul, he wants peace—until his new housekeeper begins driving him mad. Quiet and mousy on the surface, Xenia Loveday hides a fire that awakens his darkest desires and threatens the walls he’s built around his heart.

Xenia is running for her life and pretending to be someone she’s not. Desperate for freedom, she takes the job knowing she shouldn’t want her grumpy, infuriatingly attractive employer. But forbidden attraction flares, stolen moments turn scorching, and resisting Ethan becomes impossible. Falling for him could cost her everything.

As passion deepens and secrets unravel, Ethan and Xenia are drawn into the mystery of the manor’s past—and a centuries-old curse that refuses to stay buried. With danger closing in and the truth poised to destroy them, they must decide if love is worth the risk…or if one kiss will lead to heartbreak instead of forever.

Perfect for fans of wounded heroes, soft-hearted heroines with secrets, found family, gothic atmosphere, and red-hot romance with a deeply satisfying happily ever after.

Readers love One Kiss to Desire:

"Gorgeous romance, passionate and emotional."

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

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

Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romances packed with steam, swoon, and mystery. Her standalone novels can be enjoyed individually or as part of the irresistibly interconnected Callawayverse.

BLACKWOOD LEGACY (hot Victorian romance)
1. One Kiss to Desire
2. Two Secrets to Surrender
3. Three Chances to Cherish
4. Four Promises to Love (preorder)

Don’t miss the sizzling series in the Callawayverse (in chronological order):
– Mayhem in Mayfair
– Heart of Enquiry (Kents)
– Game of Dukes
– Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels
– Blackwood Legacy (this book belongs to this series)