Clarissa Kae

​3.5 stars

"For love was not a misty, flighty thing. It was like a soldier— firm and ready to fight to the end, patient to wait, and swift to move."​

This is an enemies-to-lovers story, specifically a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I was first drawn to the book because of the more-than-gorgeous cover but I was quite disappointed with the writing of this one. Yes, I usually love retellings, and yes, the idea of one set in the Victorian Era was enticing, but otherwise a lot of things fell short. Please don'[t get me wrong, I really, really, REALLY wanted to like this book but it was just mediocre.

Firstly, I felt like the two main characters (Georgiana and Dominic) always think the same things over and over again and it gets more than a little boring and heavy after awhile. The reader doesn't need like thirty reminders that Dominic Pichon was salty about his burns from the old fire to understand that Dominic Pichon was salty about his burns from the old fire. Now I will have to forever remember that Dominic Pichon was salty (yes, extremely salty) about his burns from the old fire.

I also wasn't much into the relationship between Lord Pichon (Dominic) and Miss de Beaumont (Georgiana), either. I don't know if shallow is the right word, but as a reader, it just wasn't convincing enough. The climax was also not very exciting or worthwhile either and passed by in a blink, unlike most of the rest of the story, which dragged at times.

Some of the side characters actually interested me more than the main ones. Victoria was pretty amazing and Lady Pichon infuriated me. And Lord Rochelle was sooo annoying! Smith was funny and Georgiana's memories of Phillipa was beautiful as well as tragic.

The writing itself was alright, some parts of it was really good but other parts weren't so good. The author kept using the same adjectives, like she called females the "gentler sex" at least five times and called the noblemen and noblewomen of England "shiny" for some reason at least seven.

I did like the banter going on between Dom and Georgie when they were still enemies and I also liked how Georgiana treats Rochelle (she's amazing in that way!!). The slight mystery and suspense elements were the main two things that made me excited with this book like with what was going on with Georgiana's father (sorry for not being specific but I don't want to spoil anything!), her feeling someone watching her while going through the city or the woods, the wolves howling, etc.

Many thanks to the author as well as to Storytellers in Zion for my copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to leave a review.… (plus d'informations)

A Stolen Heart by Clarissa Kae is a Robin Hood retelling where the thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor is a woman. One with a weak heart.

There is a lot happening in the book that keeps the story moving at a quick pace and keeps the reader on their toes as they try and figure out who the Tailor is (and you will probably be both right and wrong in that—or those—guesses).

Rosalyn’s heart may fail her body, but its generosity is bigger than most. Her commitment to feeding those who cannot feed themselves is both humbling and encouraging. We should all live with Rosalyn’s eyes for the hurting and generosity.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae. This Cinderella retelling brings together an independent, freedom-chasing heroine (Lady Ada) and a persistent, duty-bound duke (Edwin, Duke of Girard). Romance brews from the moment they meet, and the relational tension grows as family ties and political intrigue swirl around the pair. Their growing attachment brings romantic moments that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Although the romance in Cinders Like Glass is lovely, I also enjoyed the mystery of le Tailleur (which carries into the next book), the dangerous moments, and the character development. For much of Lady Ada’s life, her stutter could trigger unexpectedly, causing awkwardness and shame. As Ada learns to push through this disability, her strength blossomed in every area of life. A fabulous journey to watch unfold.

Cinders Like Glass stands as the second novel in Clarissa Kae’s Victorian Retelling series. I recommended reading the series in order, but Cinders Like Glass can be read as a stand-alone. I confess, that I never did figure Nikolas out and I’m hoping his character will be fleshed out in a later novel.

Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae is a clean fiction read. The romance goes no further than a few swoony kisses. There is occasional, mild English cursing, but not so much that it hindered my enjoyment of the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.… (plus d'informations)

This Victorian take on the story of Beauty and the Beast captured my imagination from the very beginning. A Dark Beauty tells the story of Georgiana, who has a talent for fixing machines along with Lord Pichon. Both Georgiana and Lord Pichon suffered horrible burns in the same fire, but Lord Pichon suffered at the hands of those who tried to save him as well. The characters in this book come to life throughout the pages of this book. I found myself unable to put it down. With a father who appears to be a thief possibly, Georgiana offers herself in his place to Lord Pichon. Lord Pichon’s mother also appears to make poor choices. The two parents wind up causing Lord Pichon and Georgiana more trouble than they are worth.

The relationship between Queen Victoria, her cousin Lord Pichon, and Georgiana proves to be one of the most mesmerizing parts of this story. So if you enjoy recreations of fairytales or Victorian tales, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)