i've read this book twice now and it always gets better. It will always be one of my favorite books. I truly love the characters in this book and Finnula could be an idol to all women and girls. I've always liked books where the female character does what she likes and this book doesn't disappoint. Meg Cabot and Princess Mia truly did something marvelous to the world by creating this book. I always do and always will recommend this book to everybody who just happens to be near me! Can't help but be in love. ( )

bof, donné

When the feisty but beautiful maiden Finnula Crais kidnaps a knight on his way home, she has no idea that she has trapped new Earl of Stephensgate. But Hugo Fitzstephen is quite happy to be kidnapped, especially by such a spirited beauty. Before long Finnula realize she is out of her depth, since Hugo not only wants his freedom but also the possession of her body, soul and heart. Finnula isn't afraid of anything, well except maybe falling in love.

When the feisty but beautiful maiden Finnula Crais kidnaps a knight on his way home, she has no idea that she has trapped new Earl of Stephensgate. But Hugo Fitzstephen is quite happy to be kidnapped, especially by such a spirited beauty. Before long Finnula realize she is out of her depth, since Hugo not only wants his freedom but also the possession of her body, soul and heart. Finnula isn't afraid of anything, well except maybe falling in love.

Tie-in books are something that I have mixed feelings about, particularly ones that are supposed to be “in-universe” books. I’ve read a handful of titles like these, and most of the time, I find them to be not very good, since a lot of the focus is more on “Shout out! Original source reference! Pander to the fanbase! Pander!”

Which is why I was surprised that I liked Ransom My Heart so much. It’s set up to be a tie-in with the last Princess Diaries book (as evidenced by the introduction by Meg Cabot), but it feels like an actual book in its own right. A lot of the shout-outs and references to the main series feel more like “Oh, I see what you did there,” instead of being in big, 72 point font so that the reader can notice it. It works because this is a novel by a teenage girl who uses references she knows from her daily life, so I can excuse the obvious references. (And also, I’ve done it in…well, a lot of my own writing.)

The story as a whole is actually enjoyable, as well. I don’t classify myself as a traditional romance fan, so reading this was a different experience for me. Sure, a lot of the story is very predictable and relies heavily on the “Slap slap kiss” trope, but the majority of the main characters are likeable and fun. I enjoyed Finnula and Hugo’s back and forth relationship; I liked Hugo as a main love interest, especially his interactions with some of the other characters; and the plot moves quickly and doesn’t drag. It’s a good book that manages to stand on its own from the main series. (When this was first released, I recommended it to several historical romance fans who had never heard of The Princess Diaries outside of the movies.) A very fun read.
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