The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss

by Angela E. Johnson

A masquerade. A stolen kiss. A chance at love.

At a glittering masquerade, Lady Georgiana Langford slips away from the crush of the ballroom and wanders into the rose garden. There, beneath the moonlight, she meets a masked gentleman whose laughter and tenderness draw her in as no one ever has. For the first time, she believes love is within her grasp. One stolen kiss convinces her heart she has found something rare—and so she agrees to meet him at the top of the stairs where they will both remove their masks and reveal their names.

But when the appointed hour arrives, he is nowhere to be found.

Bradford Fernley, The Earl of Grafton, longs for more than duty and arrangement—he longs for love. In the garden, he believes he has found it at last in the lady who called herself Lady Strawberry. Yet fate intervenes, pulling him away before he can learn her identity. Now, with only the memory of her smile and the echo of her kiss, he can love found in a single night ever be discovered again?

The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss is a prequel novella to the Fernley Family series. It is a standalone Georgian-era romance that will sweep you away to a world of elegance and intrigue.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Angela Johnson has a love of literature and all things Regency. Traveling and reading are favorite past times and help her form ideas for writing. Angela despises the snow when it is on the road, but loves snow when it falls romantically in the perfect scene for characters to fall in love. Be sure to follow Angela on BookBub for the latest releases and sales. https://tinyurl.com/5n6rkytm

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This is a prequel novella for The Fernley Family Series. I really enjoyed this story. It is kind of an insta love story. Bradford and Georgiana meet at a masquerade and don’t know the other’s identity. They share a kiss in the garden. But when it comes time to reveal who they are, Bradford is called away. Therefore the mystery goes on. They then meet without their masks but don’t recognize each other from the masquerade. Feelings develop and they each have to decide whether to go with the mystery person they met at the masquerade or the person they have come to know. Like I said I enjoyed this story. I also liked the side story with Georgiana’s friend Phoebe. Overall a great story and I recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Katherine Hilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a sweet novella romance with a H and h to cheer for and a romantic ending. This is the first book I've read in this series but plan on reading the other books. In fact, I've already purchased Book 1.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I was excited to read Lord Grafton and Gerogiana's story after meeting them in other books in the Fernley Family series. I was not disappointed. This book kept me up way too late, and I finished it in two sittings! I loved it! The characters, intrigue, twist - all of it. Ms. Johnson is an excellent writer. As usual, this story kept me turning pages, desperate to see how the book ends. Highly recommended.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This was a fun novella that felt like a full length novel. I mean that in the best of ways; sometimes they feel rushed but this felt like the characters were real and I was invested in the outcome.

It really showcased the era, the limits on women, and the attitudes of the regency period. Some of it is delightful, and much of it makes me so glad I was born when I was. Now, a masquerade ball- sign me up! As long as I can come home in time to use a proper bathroom and make and earn my own money.

It starts out strong with best friends and their discussion of the Earl who is new in town and will be at the upcoming ball.

"I do not need a husband to make me wealthy; I am an heiress. If I mary, my husband will take my wealth and grant me a small allowance. I cannot abide giving my fortune over to another person. "

I like her feistiness. But words are easy- living them is harder. The other young lady is ready to dance and enjoy her season, and is in hopes to meet the man of her dreams. Little does she know, she may only have dreams to remember stolen moments in a garden.

You also have said Earl, Bradford, whose mother is determined to see him wed and happy. He would be content reading, but does promise her to dance at the upcoming events.

"He would one day have a grand library, one he could spend his days in while he read and reread each book-- if there was enough time left in his life to reread once he had collected all the books he could."

I like him. He'll win the hearts of readers. Not only for his love of books, but his attitude towards women and the importance of their opinions and them sharing them.

A stolen kiss at a masquerade, a mystery woman who won't leave his mind, and all focus is on finding her. His sister is on his side and willing to help, but other gentleman are set on haranguing him for his efforts.

Will they meet again, and if so- will they recognize each other?

Fun story that will be enjoyed by fans of regency stories, strong characters, and never giving up on love.

I recieved an ebook from the author for my honest opinion of the story.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masquerade. A stolen kiss. A chance at love.

The Earl’s Midnight Kiss, the enchanting prequel to the Fernley Family series, is a charming and heartwarming historical romance filled with mystery, longing, and destiny. Lady Georgiana Langford, eager to secure a husband, attends a glittering masquerade ball where whispers surround the newly returned Earl of Grafton. Amid the music and laughter, she ventures into the moonlit rose garden and encounters a masked gentleman whose presence captivates her instantly. Their fleeting connection ends with a tender kiss beneath the stars and a promise to meet again—to remove their masks and discover the truth behind their magical encounter.

When the mysterious gentleman—Bradford Fernley, the elusive Earl—fails to appear, Georgiana is left only with the memory of that singular kiss. Fate, however, is not done with them. As they cross paths in the lively whirl of society events, they find themselves drawn to each other, unaware that they are already bound by that unforgettable midnight meeting. Their growing feelings are complicated by the lingering memory of the kiss that continues to haunt them both.

I loved how the story wove together romance and mystery, as both Georgiana and Bradford searched for their masked partner, unknowingly falling for one another in the process. The developing emotions, the elegant settings, and the sweet emotional payoff made this novella truly entertaining.

The Earl’s Midnight Kiss is a delightful prequel that captures the thrill of a fleeting encounter that changes everything. Fans of the Fernley Family series—and anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery in their historical romance—will find it irresistible. Highly recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this prequel by Ms. Johnson. It read like a full story novel. My interest was piqued as 2 young women discuss the new earl in town with opinions of their own about the man. Why marry for money when Lady Georgiana Langford has an inheritance of her own? She thinks, "Who needs a husband?" When Georgiana attends a masquerade, she takes a walk through the rose garden where she finds a gentleman. Both are still wearing their masquerade masks but have a lovely conversation. 1 kiss and a promise to meet at midnight to reveal their identities, has Georgiana and her mysterious stranger eagerly awaiting the midnight hour.
Bradford Fernley, The Earl of Grafton, longs for love. Perhaps he's found the possibility of love in the rose garden at his family's masquerade when he meets an intriguing woman. Never having learned her name, he looks forward to identities being revealed at midnight. Unfortunately, a family emergency arises, & he's unable to meet the mystery woman who's stolen his heart. Will the 2 who shared a kiss ever find each other again? How can they when they don't know the other's identity? And what of another acquaintance who comes a close second to their moonlit kiss?
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun regency romance--the mystery & thrill of it! I recommend "The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss" as well as all the other books in the Fernley Family series. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, lighthearted, and perfect For an afternoon read before you dive into the Fernley Family saga

It’s such a great read if one loved The Lord of Grafton and the Traitor and all consecutive books about his brothers. Here we get a glimpse into the romance that solidified the Lord’s parents into a wonderful family and their legacy we meet later.

The plot is great, the style is engaging, - which you come to expect from Ms. Johnson - and characters are lovely, especially as you recall Gigi in her later role as a mother. But here she is young and in search for affection and love. And though it can definitely be read as a stand alone, if you’ve read the Fernley series, I think you’ll find this prequel that more enriching. Little bits into the characters of Gigi and Bradford, their hobbies and likes are like little glimpses into their sons’ likes and pursuits.

One of my fave part was simply the good and solid relationships in the family. It was so good to read about the decisions, the conversations, the choices the characters made with the loved ones in mind. Quite refreshing.

Though it is a lighthearted and romantic read, please be aware relationships before marriage are addressed (not the main characters). It is though filled with good lessons on what is right and honorable and good, as well as repentance and forgiveness .

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Fernley family prequel is just as delightful as the other books in the series. This story finds the family patriarch, Bradford Fernley, the Earl of Grafton hosting a costume ball where he meets a mysterious lady in a peacock mask. Lady Georgiana Langford, the peacock lady, takes a break from the festivities to walk through the rose garden, where she and Bradford meet. They feel an instant connection, and before they go back to the ball, they share a kiss.
Unfortunately, neither knows who the other one is, so they spend the rest of the book trying to figure out who their mysterious strangers were while they find themselves falling in love. It’s a sweet story, and I had a lot of fun watching these two boneheads trying to solve a mystery that should have been quite easy to figure out. After spending so much time together in the rose garden, you’d think they would at least recognize each other’s voices or something. Georgiana comes close to solving the puzzle but misses the mark. At first, I was irritated by their cluelessness, but after a while, it became one of the best parts of the book.
I loved this book. It’s just as good, if not better than the rest of the series. If you’ve read the series, you’ll love it. If you haven’t, you’ll love it too, and (I hope) go on to read the rest of the series. You won’t be disappointed!
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily and enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgiana has heard of Bradford Fernley who is a new arrival on the societal scene and the recent earl of Grafton. He has the unenviable position of being the head of the Fernley family and all of its responsibilities, so he can be rather somber and taciturn at times. So, it’s quite a bit out of character when he meets an intriguing lady at his family’s masquerade ball and kisses her. Keeping to the excitement and mystery of the evening, the agree to meet later in the evening and reveal their identity, but that never happens. I appreciated that both Georgiana and Bradford wanted to speak with their mysterious masked partner before they pursued other potential relationships.

Things to enjoy:
humor
bibliophile
Lady Strawberry
Lord Melon
personal ads
mystery
wise mother
gardens and mazes

“I am simply a man who has fallen for an angel, and I cannot bear to let another man snatch her away.”

This is the prequel to the Fernley Family series, all of which I have read and enjoyed. This can be read as a standalone as you only briefly meet Bradford’s siblings. I received an advanced copy of the book through Book Sirens. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

premarital pregnancy of a side character

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Georgiana Langford is an heiress who attends a masquerade as "Lady Strawberry" together with her friend. Both are there to have fun, although her friend is also keen to form a love match.

During the evening, Georgiana feels extremely warm and decides to take a walk in the garden where she encounters "Lord Melon". They discuss a whole host of things and find they have a good connection between them. The meeting culminates with a soft kiss under the moonlight and then "Lord Melon" is called away and unable to make their rendezvous later that evening when the masks are removed.

Neither is aware of who the other is. Bradford Fernley is the new Earl of Grafton. Luckily for them, fate continues to throw them together at each social event they attend, and their feelings grow stronger and a sweet love ensues.

Now the only question is whether Georgiana should wait for the elusive "Lord Melon" or forget him and accept the offer from Bradford.

All in a sweet, lively story that while short in length did not feel rushed but was good. I liked Ms. Johnson's writing style and plan to check out other books from her.

I received an ARC from Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was rather unique. It was kind of mistaken identity, but not quite in the usual way. Bradford and Georgiana meet at a masquerade ball where everyone is calling themselves by fruits and vegetables instead of their names. They agree to meet later and reveal their identities, but Bradford finds out his sister is very ill and so leaves early. They then spend the rest of the book trying to find each other, not knowing that they are actually interacting quite often, and even beginning to fall for each other.
The subplot of Samuel and Phoebe was interesting too. I was a little surprised that Georgiana didn't seem to have any idea what was going on between them because I could tell immediately that they were really in love with each other but denying it. I also thought it was a little strange when Georgiana finds out that Phoebe is pregnant and Samuel is the father, she puts *all* the blame on him as if Phoebe was just an innocent bystander, when it's pretty obvious they are both equally at fault. I liked that Phoebe finally to him and says that she regrets refusing his previous three offers.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The memory of that moonlit kiss burned like an unconfessed sin, waiting in the shadows like a secret that would slip on the tongue in the middle of tea and cucumber sandwiches."

Welcome to your new Regency romance obsession, also known as "the one where we find out that there is more than one kind of rake in a garden." The Earl isn't a rake though, right?

Let's just say that masquerades and moonlight allows inhibitions to slide and proper folks to act outside their usual rules of propriety. But "Lord Melon" can't get the girl he kissed out of his mind... the only problem is that he can't find her. Finding himself courting one girl and pining for another creates quite the conundrum!

As the reader is in on the secret identities, I loved the delicious push and pull as the lord and his lady try to find their way together and discover their heart's desire. This story is full of chemistry and delivers all the right notes for a quick Regency read.

5 stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received a copy from the author for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl and The Moonlit Kiss was a heartwarming, slow-burn romance filled with sparks and intrigue. The chemistry between Georgiana and Bradford was sizzling yet tender, and I loved how their relationship unfolded gradually while still maintaining that undeniable pull between them. Their individual struggles with the mysterious man and woman they each loved added layers of tension and curiosity, making it satisfying to see how everything finally came together.

The supporting cast was a delight and added warmth and depth to the story. I especially loved the side story between Samuel and Phoebe—mysterious, sweet, and quietly captivating. It complemented the main romance beautifully without overshadowing it.

This book is romance through and through. If you enjoy stories that blend slow-burn chemistry with touches of suspense and mystery, this one is well worth picking up.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story. Very sweet and well written. Full of drama, family, mystery, feelings, love, suspense, action and support. Lady Georgiana is heading for a ball at the Grafton estate. As it is a masquerade, she is given the title Lady Strawberry. Her friend Phoebe is there also but upset with her brother but refuses to tell Georgiana why. Georgiana finds it hot so she heads outside for some air and runs into a man- Lord Melon. He promises to meet her at midnight for the taking off of their masks but something comes up and he doesn't show. Earl Bradford , Lord Melon, tries to find her but has some time to spend with Lady Georgiana not realizing she is the lady from the ball. Bradford and Georgiana start to have feelings for each other but need to be honest with each other. What a surprise for both of them. A great story to curl up with and enjoy. Would recommend to everyone.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about two people who are looking for some mysterious person that just so happens to be hiding in plain sight. This is a prequel to the Fernley Family series but can be read as a stand alone. Georgina and Bradford meet at a masquerade party, but they are wearing masks and don't know who each other is. They agree to meet but Bradford is unable to make the meeting. Both of them spend the next few weeks trying to find the other but also meeting each other in person and not realizing that they are each other's mystery person. There is humor, intrigue and a happy ending. I highly recommend this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little romantic prequel to the Fernley Family Series. We meet Georgiana Langford, who meets the mysterious Lord Melon (Bradley Fernley at a masquerade ball. She is Lady Strawberry to him. After a moonlight kiss, circumstances separate them, but they dearly want to figure out their true identities.

They soon meet again as Georgianna and Bradley and find themselves attracted to each other, but they still want to find their mystery persons. There are some other plot twists and more elegant balls and events, and we are carried along on their delightful journey. I enjoyed reading the book and escaping into a much prettier time and place.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars for another Fernley Family “episode “. It is more of a prequel but it is as well written as the others in the series.
I enjoyed the interaction between the characters. I especially liked how both the hero and heroine have a great deal of integrity when faced with challenges. These challenges came in various ways but they both held true to a higher ideal.
These characters also had weaknesses which make them believable.
The other characters in the story add a different dimension and add to the hero and heroine.
I recommend this book for an engaging and entertaining read.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss is Book 0.5 in the Fernley Family Series by Angela E Johnson. I liked how the author took the strict rules of the ton, and bent or broke them. Lady Georgina slips into the garden and met the Earl of Grafton….what a kiss! Only problem is Georgina and Bradford don't know who is under the masquerade mask! I think that this series promises to be fantastic. This is a great way to spend the afternoon or evening with a goid book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It did not feel like a novella, and I was surprised when I realized it was a prequel. The story was thorough, a good storyline and well developed characters. Bradford has recently returned to fulfill his father‘s place as the Earl. Georgiana knows it’s time to find a match, but she really longs to find love. It was an easy read, with wholesome romance and clean language. I am eager to read more from this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Southern Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a delight to read the prequel to the Fernley Family series. I loved reading Georgiana and Bradford’s story and how they began their life together. I have read other books where the main characters met at a masquerade, and I figured this would be similar, but it tops them in their treatment of each other before finding out who was behind the masks and the joy they experienced getting to know each other. I also enjoyed seeing glimpses of Samuel and Phoebe’s story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shuvai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss by Angela E. Johnson (Fernley Family: Book 0.5) is a sweet Regency‑era prequel filled with romance, charm, and moonlit magic. At a glittering masquerade, Lady Georgiana Langford slips away into the rose garden, where she encounters a masked gentleman whose laughter and tenderness stir feelings she never expected. Beneath the moonlight, a stolen kiss sparks the possibility of love, setting the stage for the Fernley Family series.
Romantic, tender, and enchanting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolyn Jacobs]

This was a sweet, little Regency confection. I'm not a fan of insta-love, so it started a little slow for me. But in a work of this length, I understand the need to get things going.

Once the subplot got going, it picked up for me. The heroine showed more depth and character. The way the pair got together was sweet and charming. I may have even sighed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing clean historical romance that takes place just prior to the regency era. It was a prequel to a wonderful series that is also clean and uplifting! The characters in this story overcame some very real problems and in doing so, proved their integrity and love for each other! The character growth was fascinating to watch as it grew from the struggles that they faced. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Katherine R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl and the Moonlit Kiss was a beautiful story with very well developed and likeable characters and enough tension and uncertainty in the plot to make it difficult to put down. I appreciate the author’s clean and wholesome writing style and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean Regency romance.

[Holly Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the siblings all looked out for each other. The gals were not being forced to marry some old guy or for connections. I enjoyed that the gals had some gumption. They went after what they really wanted. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All in all, the book was light hearted for the most part and fun to read.

[Ojone Stephen-Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you find a love that's so mysterious it looked like it never happened in the first place? How do you get the feel of that same kiss without the scandal of having to kiss all the girls in the ton? Interesting!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quick read prequel to the Fernley Family series. Having read the series, there were familiar characters and locations. Was a sweet love story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this delightful story. I liked the main characters and was rooting for them to find each other and love.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book. I really loved the characters and had a lot of fun reading this one.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful prequel to the series! The premise for this story is divine. I adored the moonlit meeting. The rest of the story adds to and builds on the story of Georgiana and Bradford. And the reader gets a bonus story of Georgiana's best friend. Georgiana is such a strong character throughout the series, so it is a delight to learn her story as well!