A Kiss and a Dare

Charlene’s First Fantasy Romance

At last, Garen McTaggart’s lifelong dream of owning a castle is coming true, but not without certain… impediments. He must complete the renovations on time and marry the owner’s granddaughter, Leeza Cantrell, or all will be lost.

Everything appears to be on track—until Garen lies down for a nap in a lush little garden he discovers. There, in an instant, his life changes forever.

It all has to do with a frog, a dragonfly, a newt, and a witch.

Garen is left in a pickle of a situation. On the one hand, he can have everything he ever wanted, including the right woman. On the other hand, having her will cost him all he has—the castle, his business, his reputation. His… fiancée.

Is true love worth losing everything? What’s a man to do?

Find out in this sweet, funny fantasy.

Free to Kindle Unlimited Subscribers

What Readers are Saying

* * * * * Delightful and Sweet “This book is chalk full of very thought out history, welsh words and names. It’s meticulously done in which I absolutely appreciate how the author truly cared about this sweet romance tale. Garen is as stubborn as a man comes and Gwen is so endearing and sweet. A job well done and nicely executed.” ~ Beta300RR

* * * * * What a story! “This is such an interesting book. I love the fantasy elements and how the relationship develops that covers centuries of time. The magical elements, potions, spells, and even the evil witch made this one terrific must read!” ~ Kindle Customer

* * * * * Charming and humorous! “This fantasy romance is sexy and fun and a very different book from Charlene Raddon’s western historicals. The heroine is the star in the story, a perfect foil for the grumpy hero who must resist her charm and allure. She made me laugh and fall in love with her as a character. A must read if you love fantasy romance – and even if you don’t!” ~ Pam Crooks

* * * * * A beautiful time-travel fantasy unlike anything else! “A complete departure from author Charlene Raddon’s well-known genre, it is also a complete departure from this reader’s usual fare also. Part fantasy, part fascinating history, part diabolical mystery and all-encompassing love story! Garen McTaggert, historical architect, is trying to complete his lifelong dream of owning a restored Welsh castle. Things are proceeding on schedule until he accidently lays down for a power nap in a hidden arbor. Waking up suddenly, he unwittingly breaks a centuries old curse and unleashes the most ravishingly beautiful woman he has ever encountered. Gwenlyn Brychan is her name and she claims to be Garen’s intended before she was cursed. Garen, being all business, impatient and empirical about this shocking appearance, refuses to believe anything involving, spells, witchcraft and sorceries. Little does he know that his current fiancé, and her mother, are also witches. Not only that but Garen’s adopted father is also a sorcerer and his protector. Meanwhile, Gwen goes around her former castle home happily charming everyone she meets as she stubbornly tries to convince Garen he is her ancient intended from centuries ago. Gwen sweetly draws Garen into a budding romance but there are diabolical and sinister forces secretly trying to destroy everything that is good in the form of his current fiance’s mother, Sybil Morvudd, a powerful witch and the very same entity that cursed Gwen into a frog! This is a romance intended for YA readers but this 76 year old reviewer was absolutely enchanted (pun intended) and drawn into the tale from the first page! The book is so richly endowed with fascinating and relevant details that a simple review could never cover it all. A ‘virtual standing O!’” ~ Jeffrey Ward

* * * * * Adorable and fun “I loved this story. I loved the authentic words, the well described quirky characters and the story itself. The story is a sweet adventure about soulmates and a cute twist on the princess and the frog. I loved Gwenlyn and her spunk when dealing with Garen and his unwillingness to believe. The secondary characters are great, pushing them together with smiles all throughout. Get ready to laugh, growl, cry, and cheer for Gwenlyn and Garet.” ~ Brynna MacGhee

* * * * * Romance AND Humor “Charlene Raddon’s humorous take on a modern-day man dealing with a time-traveling heroine is delightful. Highly recommended!” ~ K. Dougherty

* * * * * The Fairy Tale we all need! “Charlene Raddon gives us a new take on love and the trials it takes to have it. Curses, witches, best friends, and more come alive in this book. Coming from the very distant past to the year 2022 and the trials and tribulations this couple goes through will make anyone believe in true love. Plus, the FMC of this story is just as cute as she can be! If you are looking for something clean and sweet and gives you all the feels… DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS BOOK!” ~ Tiffany Purdon

* * * * * A thoroughly enchanting story! “Ladies and gents alike will find much to enjoy in this recent novel by Charlene Raddon. While romances per se aren’t my usual fare, I’ve read a couple of her westerns and liked her style. Also, being a fan of the supernatural, I found the idea of this story of magick, ancient curses, good against evil, and romance intriguing. The author instantly transports the reader into Garen’s world of trying to rebuild and gain ownership of an old Welsh castle, as well as into the natural environment of the location — I felt like I was right there as he and Gwenlyn first bumble into each other. His surprise and resistance, despite his attraction to her, play perfectly against her joy in finding him and her pressing need to wake him to who he really is before it’s too late. The evil audacity of the witch is palpable as she connives to destroy the couple and take the castle for herself. Thankfully, Garen has his adoptive father, who, unbeknownst to him, is an immortal benevolent wizard as ancient as his sister, the witch. But magick has rules even this powerful man cannot break. All the supporting characters are well-drawn and interesting, and each either supports or hinders Garen and Gwenlyn in their own way. Garen and Gwenlyn share some sweetly steamy and often awkward moments, handled with deft humour by this talented author. The sinister elements build in menacing intensity, and it often seems there is no way the couple can defeat the witch’s plans. With the best of intentions, neither Garen nor Gwenlyn will give up their respective goals. As a reader, you really feel their concerns, their joys, and their passions. It isn’t until they begin working together that it seems they may have a chance. The author paints pictures with well-crafted words as beautiful as the cover she designed herself. I really enjoyed seeing this part of Wales and learning a little about its history through the author’s eyes. This story will charm you from the first page to the last!” ~ Chad S