Once Upon a Kiss
About this ebook
Armed with a pair of gardening shears, Baird Beauforte is determined to clear away the brambles that hinder the development of his resort, and he won't let local superstition deter him. Dunhelm Castle is supposed to be the latest jewel in the Beauforte Resort chain, but the renovations can't be finished if the workmen are frightened of a so-called curse. To dispel any lingering fears, Baird decides to vanquish the briars himself. What he never expects is to find a mysterious slumbering beauty…
Aurelia is like no one he has ever met before. Upon awakening, she demands to know his identity and why he is in her father's castle! Bemused by her claim of being a king's daughter, he is certain he has never met this "princess" before, although something about her rouses a haunting sense of familiarity. Soon, dreams plague this by-the-book businessman…dreams that feel more like memories. And Baird begins to wonder if he can claim his heart's princess—now and forever—with a kiss.
Finalist
Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence
for Best Paranormal, Fantasy or Time Travel Romance
“This expertly crafted, beautifully touching “Sleeping Beauty” tale is absolutely wonderful reading. Ms. Cross has provided everything I require in a romance—excellent character development, well-plotted storyline with a touch of mystery, just enough conflict to be interesting and exciting, yet not overpowering, plus a unique paranormal element. This book is simply marvelous!”—Old Book Barn Gazette
“Claire [Delacroix] demonstrates that she is one of the most talented writers of time travel romances with Once Upon A Kiss, a wonderful tale that fans of the sub-genre will devour.”—Painted Rock and Affaire de Coeur
“Like a sorcerer, Claire [Delacroix] spellbinds her readers and carries them on a magical journey through the pages of Once Upon A Kiss. Although the plot is familiar, it’s far from predictable. It’s fresh and exciting, passionate and sensual. As the story reaches its climax, even the most skeptical reader may believe that true love can transcend time. Once Upon A Kiss is at the top of my recommended book list.”—Rendezvous
“Claire [Delacroix] turns humor, love, murder and reincarnation into a work of art. Take a bow, Claire, this is stunning!”—Bell, Book & Candle
“A whirlwind of romantic adventure!”—Under the Covers Reviews
“A beautifully romantic time travel!”—Romance Communications
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time travel romance, Scotland, Orkney, sleeping beauty romance, millionaire, hotelier, businessman, orphan, scars, reincarnation, second chance at love, Picts, medieval romance, fish out of water
About the author
Deborah Cooke sold her first book in 1992, a medieval romance called The Romance of the Rose published under her pseudonym Claire Delacroix. Since then, she has published over fifty novels in a wide variety of sub-genres, including historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, time-travel romance, women’s fiction, paranormal young adult and fantasy with romantic elements. She has published under the names Claire Delacroix, Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. The Beauty, part of her successful Bride Quest series of historical romances, was her first title to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books. Her books routinely appear on other bestseller lists and have won numerous awards. In 2009, she was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library, the first time the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre. In 2012, she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America’s Mentor of the Year Award.
Currently, she writes the Dragons of Incendium series of paranormal romances and the Flatiron Five series of contemporary romances under the name Deborah Cooke. She also is writing the Brides of Inverfyre series of medieval romances as Claire Delacroix, which continues the story of the family introduced in her popular title The Beauty Bride. Deborah lives in Canada with her husband and family, as well as far too many unfinished knitting projects.