A Stolen Heart Review

 

 About the Book

 A Victorian twist on Robin Hood.

Nikolas Whitworth, the Earl of Rochelle, is handsome, charming—and a traitor. He can outwit and outcon any Englishman, or Englishwoman for that matter. When his debts are called in, a savior appears, the criminal mastermind known only as the Tailor. Nikolas is bought and sold, his future no longer his.

Abandoned as a baby because of her heart condition, Rosalyn Devereaux trusts no one. She secretly dresses as a stableboy to inspect the horses and place bets. Without fail, her chosen horse wins.

When the Tailor orders Nikolas to kidnap the mysterious stableboy, he discovers the beguiling Rosalyn. He is captivated and utterly smitten, but Rosalyn refuses to be a pawn in the Tailor’s schemes.

Nikolas has a plan to escape, but can Rosalyn trust her future—and possibly her heart—to a conman? (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

Having read a couple of other books by Clarissa Kae I was excited to read this one. This is a twist/retelling of Robin Hood. I really loved the overall idea of this book and the characters. The first part of the book I really enjoyed. I loved getting to know Rosalyn and really had no clue where to story was going. There are some clever scenes in this book that I enjoyed especially when Rosalyn disguises herself. The second part of the book seemed a little choppy. I wasn't really sure what was happening and the story seemed to jump all over the place. All that to say, by the end I was happy to discover what happens to the characters and the "mystery". I knew some of what was to happen but was pleasantly surprised on the ending. 

If you enjoy fairy tale twists and the Victorian Era this is the book for you! 

I recommend reading this entire series as it is simply fun! 

Four Stars. 

 

"I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review"

Cinders Like Glass

About the Book

 

Grieving her father's sudden death, Lady Ada Whitworth's childhood stutter resurfaces. She seeks solace in her charcoal sketches secretly published in London's Thames & Times newspaper. Her brother's sharp tongue and quick temper shame Lady Ada into complete silence but not before she overhears his traitorous plot to kill the queen at the upcoming International Ball.

Mute and heartbroken, Lady Ada's private pain is mistaken for arrogance, earning the ire of society.The Duke of Girard is tasked with sniffing out the elusive French spy called Tailor while an anonymous artist pokes fun at the duke's failed pursuit, taunting him every step of the way. With the upcoming International Ball just weeks away, the Duke will stop at nothing to bring stability back to his beloved Britain-including finding the artist behind the sketches.

When Lady Ada's accused brother disappears, she becomes the target of the Duke's wrath, assuming her silence is from guilt, not grief. To loosen her tongue, the Duke demands Lady Ada be interrogated at his estate, a home hidden in the wild Welsh countryside. She sweeps the chimney, launders her clothes and helps the cook-she will do anything but speak to the Duke.

Lady Ada's quiet service softens the Duke, his mind often turning to thoughts of her. But can he earn Lady Ada's trust in time to save the queen? (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

After reading Clarissa Kae’s first Victorian Retelling on Beauty and the Beast I was eager to read this second book that is a spin on Cinderella.

The first few chapters had me fully engaged and while there is a lot going on from page to page you are left with some mystery. I liked Ada’s character a lot and the cruel brother made a fantastic twist.

Midway through the book I wasn’t quite as invested as the story seemed to slow down a bit but I still enjoyed this retelling through the last chapter.

There are some unexpected characters and plot points that I thought made this a very unique story. Cinderella has never been a favorite of mine so I was happy to have it re-told in this way.

The Duke wasn’t my favorite character and I think that is why part of this story got a little slow for me.

All that to say I really did enjoy this book and the setting. The author has done a great job at making these stories fun and distinctive.

I look forward to the next book that comes out and I recommend reading this new series!

 

Four Stars.

 

“ I received this book for free from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.”

 

A Dark Beauty Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

 

About the Book

Book:  A Dark Beauty

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Fairytale

Release date: March 9, 2021

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

 

 

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25

Labor Not in Vain, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Books and Everyday Life, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Breny and Books, March 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Through the Fire Blog, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 30

deb’s Book Review, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

Inside the Wong Mind, March 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1

Inspiration Clothesline, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3

To Everything There Is A Season, April 3

Beauty in the Binding, April 3

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 4

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 5

Pause for Tales, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

 

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 GIVEAWAY

 

 

 My Thoughts

 This is a new to me author and I was excited to read this story. It is a pretty short read and I am eager to get my hands on book two once it comes out. 

The first part of the book moves slowly and I wasn't really sure what to expect. I know this was a spin on Beauty and the Beast (which I love) so I knew I would enjoy that part of it. With this being a shorter novel I was hoping for a tad more back story and character development. I felt like this book could have been a bit longer but I did enjoy it. I enjoyed Georgiana's character and had mixed feelings for Lord Pichon. I am not sure how historically accurate it all is but I this story held my attention and I think book two will be all the better. I think this an author to keep an eye on! For a fun historical romance this was a nice light afternoon read. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."