* I got this book for review8
I loved this book. I went into this book a bit hesistant but it was such a great cinderlla inspired story with a twist. I realy loved both main characters and thought there love story was unique and something i had a not read before. I also really loved the dyamnics the leads had between the step sisters in this story and also the villan in this story really turned this story on the head and i loved it i def need to read more by this author in the future ( )

* I got this book for review8
I loved this book. I went into this book a bit hesistant but it was such a great cinderlla inspired story with a twist. I realy loved both main characters and thought there love story was unique and something i had a not read before. I also really loved the dyamnics the leads had between the step sisters in this story and also the villan in this story really turned this story on the head and i loved it i def need to read more by this author in the future ( )

A slight twist on the classic story of Cinderella!

I had some back and forth with this book. For one, it is an enjoyable read overall, but breaking apart the more tedious elements, I just couldn't quite give it a full five stars.

The bond between Francesca and Charlotte is so sweet and heartwarming. Completely different than the evil stepsister of the classic tale. For me, the sister relationship was one of the most enjoyable parts and for a romance novel, that is a bit of a disappointment. I just didn't feel that spark between the MMC and FMC.
Rafe, The Duke, is swoon-worthy and he pretty much loves Charlotte from the first moment he lays eyes on her. He's protective and kind-hearted...pretty much the embodiment of your next book boyfriend.
Charlotte is a fairly complex character though she comes off meek at times. She really does blossom through the story. I did get rather annoyed with how long it took her to confide in Rafe though.
And Grandmama was my favorite of them all. She's strong and independent and loves books!

The pacing felt slower through the bulk of the book then sped up drastically toward the end. The epilogue, though, was a welcome addition.

Recommend reading this book if you love...
Cinderella twists
Swoon-worthy, protective Dukes
The guy falling first

Huge thank you Amara (Entangled Publishing) via Turn the Page Tours for the copy to read and honestly review! ( )

Cinderella is my favorite princess story so I am always up for a story with this theme. This one fared in the middle for me as it lost my interest about halfway through. I did enjoy that the character traits for each Charlotte & Rafe were shown by actions with Charlotte's willpower in freeing a close family friend from jail and Rafe's involvement in the Children's Hospital. I also enjoyed the beginning and the end of the book where the plot is at a faster pace.

Where I started to lose interest was in the middle as the plotline stalls while Charlotte battles insecurity of whether or not she is good enough for the Duke. This seems to be a common problem in romance novels where the lack of communication and insecurity are the main conflicts. The villain was especially heinous but also present perhaps a bit more than necessary. I also did not enjoy that the speech in the internal thoughts did not match the regency times. There were an excessive amount of questions asked internally from each perspective and it was more the style of the rhetorical questions that bothered me. A question was asked more for dramatic effect than out of curiosity or in an effort for clarity. For example:

"Perhaps she had no wish to marry him. But their kiss? Their dance lesson? It certainly suggested otherwise".

"Now? Now he looked as if he would follow her to the ends of the earth and back again. And his passion for her, his admiration? It was more than she ever could have dreamed of in her little turret room".

I did not realize that this book was the third in a series and easily read it as a standalone. I would not be surprised if the series continues with Charlotte's sister. I would recommend this book for fans of regency romances and true love. On the other hand, I would not recommend this book for those younger than 18 due to the explicit sexual scenes, violence, physical and psychological abuse, and foul language.

Please note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. At the time of posting this review, the book is due to be released February 21, 2023. ( )