Cece LouiseCritiques

This is a very cosy romance story, following Rob and Kelsey. The interaction is back and forth, but it is a long story for doubts and questions before something happens.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.

I've read everything Cece has written, and this book outshines them all. So much wow! I've missed her fairytale world, and in To Escape a Wonderland, Cece jumps through her fairytale world into another fairytale world - Wonderland, but like you've never seen it before. It's a place of beauty and nightmares, where time is altered and yet ticking away, a place where your past comes back to haunt you while simultaneously creating space for memories to be redeemed. This is, above all, a story of redemption.

Aviva, a healer, has spent years regretting the role she played in her sister's death and the murder of a just and good king. Sir Bayne, a knight, also has regrets, even more than what readers learned in The Jabberwocky Princess. I should also note that we met Aviva in Saving Vengeance, so both of the main characters and some portion of their backstory is known to avid readers, however, as with all of Cece's books, this can be read as a standalone. You just won't want to stop with a single book once you learn there are more amazing books with these characters. But I digress, so back to my spoiler-free review...

Aviva and Bayne are thrown together almost as soon as the book starts. Kartoff, the most evil of all evil knights, finds them and forces them to take him to the last living Jabberwocky. The Jabberwocky kills and, even worse, turns people to madness, trapping them in their minds, trapping them in Wonderland. Cece's Wonderland is a magnificent place, like living in a dream in which your subconscious takes your strong memories and integrates them together with Lewis Carroll's fantasies. It's fantastic and frightening and amazing and dangerous and wonderful all at the same time. Of course, I wanted them to escape, but at the same time, I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The romance was also beautiful. Two people who carry tremendous weight help each other make peace with their pasts and learn to see themselves through the eyes of someone who can see them for so much more than their past - something everyone needs in their lives. I'm so thankful for people like that in stories and in real life.

"Time is a peculiar thing. No one knows how much is promised to us—how many turns of the clock we get until it winds no more.

"Yes, time is perhaps the strangest gift we’ve been given. So easy to squander, yet so hard to pass when we most want it to. We’re so often late for things that truly matter, yet right on time for things that don’t. We wait unceasingly for the future, then lament how quickly the past is gone."

Reading this book made me think of all the things I'm so thankful for. The gift of Wonderland, and of a good story, is the reminder that time is limited and precious and we should make the most of what we have been given. I did say it was a story of redemption. Perhaps even for us.

I received an ARC from the author and reviewed the book because it's absolutely fabulous and demanded that I do so. :)

Originally I had won and ARC of this novel as part of librarything. And I recently rediscovered it. This is a sweet gothic romance, with hints of the paranormal. There is a bit of a mystery there, with a little dash of intrigue. The story is told in dual POV between Calia and Brone. Calia, a miller’s daughter, bears a striking resemblance to the lost princess Marilee, and she contrived a plan to pretend to be royal and wed the prince of a nearby kingdom. Prince Brone of Ebonwood is reluctant to be married again (he lost his first wife, Deidre, in a terrible accident) and so isn’t too thrilled about an arranged marriage. Calia travels to the kingdom for the “wedding.” And that’s when things start to unravel. There’s a bit of the “fake dating” trope, as Calia and Brone are in “close proximity” with one another. Later, Calia finds Princess Deidre’s diary, and decides to solve what really happened to the Princess. Overall, this book contains a sweet romance, some gothic romance mystery vibes, and a little hint at the paranormal.

This is a very cosy romance story, following Rob and Kelsey. The interaction is back and forth, but it is a long story for doubts and questions before something happens.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.

The book starts out with a prologue that gives us the context to the story. I liked that we got to see that scene instead of having it as a flashback later in the book. It felt like a true beginning and instantly drew me in. After a beginning like that, I knew the story was going to be a cute one. It certainly delivered.

It's described as a sweet romantic comedy and I really can't think of a more fitting way to describe it. It was a sweet, incredibly cute, light romance. Even when they were "enemies," we still could tell there was so much more going on that started back in high school.

I enjoyed the whole book so much. I felt like it was a great holiday read. It delivered on all of the cozy things you expect from a Christmas book.

One thing that I did find a little tough to wrap my head around was their ages. The characters seemed so much younger than they were. It was easier to picture them as fresh out of high school, rather than a couple years out of college. It didn't take anything away from the story for me, but it was something I had to keep reminding myself about.

Now, this starts off a series, one I am really looking forward to. I really can't wait to read the next book and see what happens with Rob and Kelsey. I liked getting to know them during this book.

I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

A good read guaranteed. For those wanting to escape for a time into another world, this is a book which will do it.
Was a little sceptical in launching into book 4 of a series but was pleasantly surprised that it didn't really make that much of a difference. A very nice mix of romance, mystery and intrigue which has prompted me to track down the other books in the series.
The sort of books which I have no hesitation in handing over to my wife and daughter for their reading enjoyment (after I have finished with them).

A light quick read which left me looking for more. All of the emotions were there in a struggle along the path of life.

Would recommend this to the young and the young at heart.

I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.

A Young Adult book set in a forest in a kingdom where things aren't what they seem, especially not the reclusive prince's new bride. The novel is an easy read with unexpected resolutions to the mysteries of the series. One of those resolutions may not have been such a surprise if I'd read the first book in this series but I hadn't and didn't need to as the novel stood alone and that particular mystery fitted well within the story. It was very cleanly written and wouldn't offend anyone.

I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I had a conversation with two colleagues on the last day of school. All three of us were discussing the types of books we like to read and our choices for the summer. None of us like gushy romance. What I read in Cece Louise’s book, In A Dark, Dark Wood is the exact type of book I will recommend to them. Calia is trying to save her sisters. She goes to the castle hoping to secure employment for herself and her sisters. Instead she concocts a plan that will secure her sister’s well-being, free her brother from a prisoner ship and solve an issue for the King and Queen. Since she resembles their missing daughter, she will go to Ebonwood to marry the prince in their daughter’s place. This is important since their kingdom is on the edge of ruin.
Calia is not exactly welcomed by the Prince. At first he come off as very cynical. As I read further into his story I realized the effect abusive words and betrayal had on him. It is Calia, a survivor who has the ability to change all of that. She is willing to sacrifice everything, including herself for her siblings. How far will she go to help this prince she is slowly falling in love with?
This book had it all for me. A touch of romance that builds slowly and is not shoved in your face. A mystery that must be solve. Since I had not read this author before I was surprised by how well written the mystery is. I was completely blindsided. I loved the darkness of this book. To me there is a difference between downright evil feeling darkness in a book and mysterious, murderous darkness. This had that dark gothic feel that I love. Can’t wait to share this with my two friends. I love this author enough I have purchased the first three books in this series to read.

I received this as an Early Review copy and I can honestly say that I loved this book. The characters were well written and the pace of the book was perfect. I enjoyed the atmosphere and build up of mystery that the author created, even though I think a few characters got off lightly. I have now purchased the first in the series after reading this one.

I love the feeling of being submerged into the timeline and atmosphere characters experience of books I am reading, and Cece Louise really captivates you with an authentic gothic/forest/old kingdomy setting in "In a Dark, Dark Wood." While I didn't find the story to be all that deep or complex, I thought it was a quick and easy, and enjoyable, fairy tale-esque read, wrapped in a bow with mystery, romance and a twist!

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Cece Louise is a great book. I read it in two nights. I love the fact that the Brone, the Prince isn't perfect nor is the heroine Calia, who is actually a commoner. I love the fact that it was not "love at first sight." You actually see the process of these two falling in love. It's not about lust or bedroom antics, but the true process of what it is to really fall in love.

Desperate to save her family from starving, miller’s daughter Calia impersonates a princess who is betrothed to Prince Brone of nearby Ebonwood. When Calia arrives at Ebonwood Castle, she encounters many mysteries and secrets, not least the personality of her reclusive fiancé. But even as she and Brone grow closer, something — or someone — at Ebonwood threatens the safety of both Calia and the entire kingdom. This YA fantasy romance is a decent read, though a bit simplistic and predictable. It borrows elements from Beauty and the Beast and from gothic romances such as Jane Eyre and Rebecca. I thought it was fine, though I won’t be racing to read the other books in the series.½

I couldn't devour this book fast enough. Written in true Gothic style, I actually thought to myself that I should put it down rather than sneak in another chapter before falling asleep. Filled with shadows, secrets, and ghosts, the setting was truly haunting. Calia and Brone find themselves constantly on the watch for the curse that is dooming the Ebonwood wives, a mad king, and rumors of murder.

All of the characters were wonderfully written, and I absolutely fell in love with both Calia and Brone. Cece Louise also did a beautiful job tying in the previous book, which covered the same period of time. And I didn't guess the villains at all, believing the stories we were originally told of the characters. Again, traits of good Gothic tale, which left me jumping at shadows again and again. I cannot praise this author enough for her incredibly creative take on the fairy tale genre, but this book was a cut above the rest. Truly mesmerizing. And I can't wait to see what she has for us next.

I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

Sweet and heartbreaking story about how Laurel and Gavin met. She is the sister of a healer, he is a noble knight in service to an evil king. Both lovely characters. My only complaint is that it was too short. I wanted more!

I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

So this is not the story of The Little Mermaid, however, I chuckled when The Little Mermaid was referenced at several places in the story. Instead, it's the story of a too-trusting princess cursed to be a mermaid by day and a human by night and the shipwrecked criminal/former prince that she rescued (and that is where any reference to The Little Mermaid ends). It's also the story of redemption and hope beyond hope.

We met Darius, the scheming half-brother of another prince, in book one of this series. In Mazarine, we learn more about his former life and how he became the hardened prideful man we came to know and despise. And while his past deeds are still inexcusable, they begin to make sense and we even develop some sympathy toward both the prince and his parents' choices. Princess Marilee, despite her naiveté, was a delight. She didn't let the past make her bitter and always believed the best in others. She also regretted how her "selfishness" and errors in judgment may have harmed her family and was determined to set things right, no matter the cost.

The pacing was a bit unusual. For about the first half of the book, anything that went wrong had to do with the wind and the waves and there seemed to be no real human villain in the story. But at about the midpoint, everything changed as they were attacked by those above and those under the sea. I even began to fear that a happy ending might not be possible and one or both of them might get The Little Mermaid's ending of seafoam.

Overall, this was a charming story, and as I have come to expect from Cece Louise, it nods to the fairy tales we all know and love while taking on a unique life of its own. I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

The Jabberwocky Princess is a fun tale of adventure, perseverance, friendship, and romance. Cece Louise has a way of creating a very simple story that keeps you engaged while cheering on the characters. I do think these books, The Forest Tales series, skew a little younger, maybe perfect for junior high or middle school. It's not exactly clear what world Louise is building as there is a mix of fictional lands and real world references, however, you end up loving the characters and their interactions so it doesn't really matter. It's not distracting because you're busy waiting for the characters that you know will get together, get together. This book left me smiling and I would definitely continue to read adventures of the The Forest Tales.

Not a bad read, but does little to expand the Jabberwocky canon.

Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky is one of two poems I have memorized, and one of my all-time favorites, so when I saw this title I was immediately hooked. (Check out the full poem here.)

Since her father’s questionable disappearance several years ago, nineteen-year-old Kainda has worked as a palace maid to support her ailing mother. Her skills as a tracker don’t make her the most adept at domestic service, so she jumps at the chance to help the aloof Prince Ander and his band of knights hunt down a deadly monster.

Meanwhile, Princess Opal is mad at her father for offering her hand in marriage to whichever stuck up prince can slay the terrible beast. Meeting Kainda, she sees everything she’s ever wanted: freedom, power, and the ability to make her own choices. With the monster lurking, she is under closer guard than ever, but the true threats might not lie outside the castle, but within.

As a fantasy romance, Jabberwocky Princess is quick and endearing. There’s action and danger to bring the couples together and a nice happily-ever-after to wrap things up.

However, given the title, and the dramatic official synopsis, I was expecting more substance. One of my biggest disappointments was the characterization of knights - I really wanted them to be cool! Alas, the only decent fellow is Kainda’s friend Larkin, and the rest are sneering chauvinists. Prince Anders is neither a knight nor mean, but I had trouble trusting his decisions. It took a long time for anyone to think of mapping out a pattern between monster attack locations, and I was baffled by his commands during several fight scenes.

I wish there had been more depth to the world-building. Why did Kainda’s father teach her to hunt wolves before elk? Why is head protection referred to as ‘facial armor’ rather than ‘helmet’ or ‘visor’? Kainda relates the Jabberwock to the biblical tale of the serpent in the garden of Eden - are the inhabitants of this world religious?

Toward the climax, I did appreciate how the text of Carroll’s poem was used for dramatic effect. The last two stanzas convey such an air of foreboding, and that was communicated well in the story. Otherwise, I wish the setting had really played up the ‘tulgy wood’ and ‘slithy toves’ aspect, but alas, the local forest was pretty normal. Honestly, the whole Jabberwocky motif could have been substituted for any other fearsome monster and the story would be the same.

While listed as second in a series, Jabberwocky Princess works as a stand alone story. There was one scene where Opal and Kainda interact with characters from the first book, but it’s not essential for reading this book.

**Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC**

The Jabberwocky Princess was a fantastic second book in Cece Louise's Forest Tales saga. Kainda, daughter of a famed (now deceased) monster hunter, seeks to follow in her father's footsteps, hunting and slaying monsters. Sadly, she is a kitchen maid, since monster hunting is for the knights. But through a series of fortunate events, she finds herself going along with the knights to find a monster that is destroying the nearby kingdom of Fernshire, the famed Jabberwock.

Princess Opal, on the other hand, has been raised with privilege, and as a result, lacks both friendship and any say in her own life. Her father names her as the prize for whoever slays the monster and saves the kingdom, but can she be more than that? Prince Ander comes with his knights and Kainda to save the day and win the fair lady, but can he take the situation seriously and slay the beast? There are so many great characters in this story! Even the villains are wonderful and complicated and difficult to identify.

Cece created a wonderful new fairy tale that incorporated much of the wonder of Lewis Carroll's tale with something entirely her own. I cannot wait to read her next stories and only wish she could write them faster.

I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

What a delightful story! I love fairy tales or stories that resemble fairy tales, and Cece Louise's Desperate Forest was simply lovely.

Her characters were charming, even when they were difficult at first. I loved Princess Roselynn. She had such a good heart, and while she made some unwise decisions, they were based on misinformation and naivete, and always for the good of others. Jay and Tover were also quite fun, so different from each other, but their individual strengths complimented each other and saved the lives of many people. Lauren was the biggest twist in the story, but I don't want to spoil that.

The forest seemed like a Robin Hood set-up but ended up being nothing like that. It was both a dangerous place and a safe haven. It was also interesting to have mysterious things happen in both of the primary kingdoms, but not as an external plot - both were truly independent of each other. I expected there to be actual magic in the story, and there wasn't, but it wasn't necessary. The story actually felt a bit like Jessica Day George's Princess books. It was a beautifully told tale and I look forward to reading more of Cece's books.

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

Please note, I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that there are spoilers ahead in this review.

When I first started the book, honestly I wasn't super thrilled. A king was murdered, the uncle wants to now kill the princess in order to have control over the kingdom, and the Princess has run away. Okay, decently common theme throughout young adult fantasy books. I'm very glad that I kept reading though.

Roselynn was a fantastic protagonist. She is a great combination of innocence and determination and loyalty to save her people and her kingdom. She risks her own life and safety many many times because she wants to do what is best for her people in her mind.

I love the way that her relationships grow with Jay, Gavin, Laurel, and all of the other members of her group. I love watching her learn to place her trust and her safety within them, as well as want to make sure that they are safe also.

Of course, I was sad to see Darius's betrayal of his father, his brother, and Roselynn. While it was very predictable, it was still disappointing to read nonetheless. I would really like one of these types of stories to end it with the stranger actually being the one that is at fault rather than someone who was trusted at the beginning. In other words, I would enjoy seeing a story similar to this where Jay is actually the one at fault, and Roselyn is correct in her initial judgment of Darius. But alas, that doesn't seem to be the way that these books work.

This book was a quick and easy book to read. After the initial couple chapters, it became very engaging and hard to put down. The author did a great job at making the story come alive and also throwing in a couple small twists and turns. However, most of the storyline is predictable but it is still enjoyable nonetheless this book was a quick and easy book to read.

Thank you to Cece Louise for the opportunity to read and review this book. I definitely enjoyed it and I highly recommend it to anybody that enjoys young adult novels.