A Dash of Romance is a work of fiction in the historical, romantic, and dramatic fiction sub-genres, and was penned by author Paullett Golden. Set during the Regency period of dashing romantic heroes and social scandals, we find ourselves with an unusual pairing in this short but highly effective novel. Each determined to live life on their own terms, Percival and Abigail have never even considered marriage, much less to one another. But when circumstance drives them together and the dreaded event looms on the horizon, so begins a journey of discovery where they will surprise one another and indeed themselves in the process. The work also contains a collection of flash fiction pieces in its supplementary material.

Author Paullett Golden has crafted a fantastic Regency romance that takes many tropes of the genre and turns them on their head in inventive and surprising ways. Fans of these types of novels will still find all the propriety and society that they seek, but the developmental work put into the hearts and minds of the central pairing displays a unique quality to relate them to the modern audience without losing the historical essence of who they are either. The dialogue is exceedingly witty and bright, uplifting every scene with wicked underlying humor and bringing the period to life. Plot-wise, I loved that most of the events come from the mistakes of the protagonists, throwing them into hilarious situations that they can’t wriggle out of. Overall, I would highly recommend A Dash of Romance as an ideal introduction to a masterful historical romance writer.

“With quills and fantasies, they write their future.” A Dash of Romance (Romantic Encounters: An Anthology Book 1) is written by Paulett Golden. Lady Dunley constantly pressures Abigail Walsley to become her companion, but she prefers writing novels. When Lady Dunley’s son proposes, Abigail informs him she’s engaged. The description of her intended husband is the main character in her novel. It also happens to describe Percival Randall, a carefree socialite. Percival is angry that a woman he’s never met has trapped him into a fake betrothal with her lies. He wants Abigail to confess her wrongdoing that tarnished his reputation. They agree upon an arrangement that hopefully doesn’t cause further embarrassment, so Abigail can return to writing books and Percival can escape the dull, unexciting countryside to return to London.

Make sure to include A Dash of Romance on your reading list. Abigail and Percival are fun and witty. They do clever antics to outdo each other when pressured. I love the amusing newspaper articles and the other wonderful characters in this historical romance. Apart from this beautiful main story, there are fourteen amazing flash fiction pieces. These reflect another side of Paulett Golden’s imaginative writing style. Her themes are refreshing and a few are a bit on the dark side, which appeals to me. The conclusions have the desired effect in every tale. A Dash of Romance (Romantic Encounters: An Anthology Book 1) is a lovely collection of tales to keep you immersed in romance, mystery, adventure, and humor

A humorous, romantic historical novel, A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden follows the unexpected betrothal and engagement of two strangers. When Lord Dunley arrives at the vicar’s house seeking the vicar’s daughter’s hand in marriage, Abigail “Abbie” Walsley is quick to notice the viscount’s disinterest and his mother’s hand in the whole affair. To prevent a lifetime confinement in a marriage of convenience, Abbie thinks quickly. She hastily devises a plan - a non-existent betrothal to the man in the novel she has been working on, the man of her dreams. When she thinks that she has solved her predicament, the man in her novel shows up, but this time in the flesh and demanding explanations. Abbie and the new stranger struggle to develop another plan to untangle themselves from the web she has weaved.

In A Dash of Romance, Paullett Golden pairs a strong-willed, charming vicar’s daughter with a seductive, wealthy earl’s second son. Their differences make their conversations and perceptions of each other even more fascinating. I loved the conversations which were funny and engaging. Despite her pragmatism, Abbie cannot help her attraction to Percy. The scenes are also captivating. They are lively and comical. The backgrounds in the novel highlight the differences in the main characters. Percy, who is more accustomed to the fast-paced, bustling city of London, struggles to adapt to the silence of the countryside. The flash fiction pieces included towards the end are creative and romantic. The story is well-developed in all aspects. It is also unique and entertaining. A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden is a brilliant historical romance novel with an imaginative plot and witty characters.

A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden is an anthology consisting of one full novel and 14 short stories that the author dubs flash fiction. The book opens with A Dash of Romance, a quick-witted romance set in Devonshire in 1795. The story follows Abigail, the daughter of the local vicar who dreams of becoming a writer. When she receives a proposal by a man in whom she has no interest, she describes the protagonist of her story as her fiancé to get out of a marriage proposal. However, little did she know, a man of her description actually exists. Enter Percival, the son of an earl, who is not looking to settle down at all. However, when their fates intertwine, nothing can stop these two finding out that love happens even when you don’t want it.

I am a true romance enthusiast at heart, and this anthology is what I needed to feel relaxed and enjoy a good story. A Dash of Romance is the perfect pick-me-up, a lighthearted and character-driven tale with a solid storyline to make it a joy to read. I love the interactions between Abbie and Percy. The two of them are equally strong-headed and strong-willed to make their match perfect. The pace of the novel is fast yet not too fast to give readers whiplash. The story within the story acts as a subplot for readers to invest in as well. The flash fiction sections are little slices of the lives of the characters as each of the stories is complete on their own. It is a collection any romance reader will love and enjoy.