Reviewed by Amanda on
(This is where I question my historical romance bender. Have I been reading too many? Are they all blurring together in my brain? What is the meaning of life? Okay, maybe not the last one.)
I might just have a thing for fairy tale retellings. This is far from the first I've read (not even the first of Eloisa James's that I've read, despite this being a first in the series because seriously, I cannot read a series in order anymore).
But I like them. I like how authors pick and choose what to follow in the story and what's different. Though obviously a retelling, I forgot that while I was reading, which says to me that it was enough of its own story too.
Being not a fan of the hero or heroine being engaged (or in love with) another person, I wasn't so sure how I'd feel about Gabriel, but Eloisa James does him justice and made me feel for him and his situation. And man, he pursued Kate like no one's business. Though admittedly, I want Wick's story now. Gabriel's illegitimate brother seemed fun.
(Oh, and look at that. Wick has his own novella.)
I liked Kate, too. Her stepmother was awful (to be expected, considering) and the Cinderella retelling line here wasn't as unique or interesting as Gabriel's was. Still. You gotta love a heroine who cares for the people she's in charge of and who can put a prince in his place.
And let's not forget Kate's godmother, who was most entertaining. There was no wand waving, but she did give Kate the support and encouragement when she needed it the most, and well, isn't that what a godmother should really do?
A quick note about the ending: I enjoyed it, but one piece of it was never quite resolved enough for me. Not enough to spoil the entire ending, though.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 16 December, 2014: Finished reading
- 16 December, 2014: Reviewed