Once Upon a Kiss (Anthology) [Mass Market Paperback]

"A World Apart" by Nora Roberts introduces Kadra, Demon Slayer, a ravishing beauty and fierce warrior who has dedicated her life to battling the demons that plague her world. But when the King of the Bok demons and four of his warriors escape through a portal to a strange new world, Kadra too must enter this place and stop the Bok demons once and for all. But 21st century New York is a complex and baffling place, and so Kadra is sent to Harper Doyle, a Private Investigator destined to help her defeat the Bok. And from the sparks that fly between them from the first, it seems that Harper may just be destined to be the man who finally captures Kadra's heart!
Roberts has created a winning tale in "A World Apart" and readers will become utterly absorbed in the story. Is there a way for two people from different worlds to be together? Or will Kadra and Harper be forced to spend their lives loving each other from afar?

"Impossible" by Jill Gregory was a superb read and I loved it! Erinn, Princess of Malbury, has been sheltered and protected by her brothers and her father all of her life. So when she is kidnapped by her family's sworn enemy, Tynon of Bordmoor, she is rudely thrust into a cold and frightening world. Malbury and Bordmoor have been engaged in a terrible war for over one hundred years, and when someone enchants his beloved Keep, Tynon, believes that someone to be Erinn, who is rumoured to be a powerful witch. But it doesn't take long for a powerful attraction between Erinn and Tynon to develop, and as they spend time in each other's company, something magical happens. But will the love they share be enough to put a stop to all the pain and bloodshed of the last hundred years? Or is their story destined to end in tragedy?
Gregory has penned a truly lovely tale that is exciting, romantic, and sure to please readers everywhere!

Ruth Ryan Langan's "Sealed With a Kiss" is very short, but it's a fun read none-the-less. Arianna Douglas' father has promised her to Duncan MacLean, a powerful Highland warlord and the laird of the MacLeans, in exchange for the Highlanders' protection against the barbarians invading their lands. But when Duncan's men come to collect Arianna, it's Duncan's trusted warrior, Lachlan MacLean, who steals Arianna's heart. And though Arianna has found true love, she knows that once they reach their destination, she will be trapped in a loveless marriage for the rest of her days. It seems there is no way for Arianna to escape her bleak future and find happiness with Lachlan, but fate might just have something to say about that!
Langan's story isn't the best of the anthology, but it's still an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Finally, Marianne Willman's "Kiss Me, Kate" rounds out the book beautifully. Kate Singleton has all her romantic dreams come true when she inherits a gorgeous English manor complete with an enchanted prince. But it's her handsome neighbour, Sir Michael Bellamy, who wins Kate's heart. And with a little assistance from some very special helpers, Kate might just find her own happily ever after!
Willman's tale is a true fairy tale, and I thought it was wonderful. Kate's romance with Michael and the enchanted prince's predicament are sure to charm and amuse readers. This engaging tale wraps up the anthology very well, though readers will be sorry to see it come to an end.

"Once Upon a Kiss" is an enthralling anthology containing four spellbinding tales of romance and fantasy. Each author has skilfully crafted a sparkling tale that reminds us of the simple pleasure a fairy tale can bring. "Once Upon a Kiss" is a fantastic read, and it comes highly recommended.

"Impossible" by Jill Gregory. Her family has always sheltered Princess Erinn of Marlbury from the ravages of the hundred-year war. Still their enemy Tynon of Bordmoor kidnaps her. Tynon believes that Erinn is a witch, who has enchanted his land and soon afterward his heart. Jill Gregory paints a wonderful fantasy romance.

"Sealed with a Kiss" by Ruth Ryan Langan. Her father promised powerful Highland chieftain Duncan MacLean his daughter Arianna Douglas in marriage in exchange for protection against invaders. When Duncan's warriors come to escort Arianna, his nephew Lachlan steals her heart. This is an entertaining tale that although the key characters are never developed.

"Kiss Me, Kate" by Marianne Willman. Kate Singleton inherits a manor with a resident enchanted prince. However, her heart belongs to her new neighbor, Michael Bellamy. With a wee bit of help, Kate might save the prince and gain heart's desire too. This is a fun fairy tale that the audience will enjoy yet feel the American, the Englishman, and the frog needed further development perhaps in a novella.

The fifth "Once Upon a ..." is a delightful fantasy romance anthology.

Harriet Klausner