Barbara Dawson Smith

DNF. This was my earnest attempt to finish a hetero Regency romance, but I think I'd be better off with another author.

Drake is a competent writer with a decent handle on her historical setting, and overall this is a perfectly serviceable, fluffy romance. I enjoyed the premise of a young woman whose life has been caretaking and emotional labor and wants more.

But man, these characters did not appeal to me! Maxwell is an aimless, pussy-grabbing weirdo whose main attributes are "brief moments of charm" and "not being a total monster"—although as a counterpoint to the latter, we have the "exposure therapy means grabbing you and slinging you onto a horse" scene. If Tess of the D'Urbervilles taught me anything, a horse is never just a horse, and this scene was basically the contemporary equivalent of a 1970s "no means yes" bodice-ripping sequence. Oh, and let's not forget the "birth control hasn't been invented yet, I literally have one job, but oops too horny" scene. Girl, just NO.

Abby, alas, is pretty boring as well and her relationships with the family, which define her character, aren't compelling on the page. I began mildly invested in the story and relationship with (ding-ding) Maxwell('s silver hammer) but just lost interest.

This book wasn't bad. If you're here for steamy make-out scenes, pretty gowns, silly intrigue, questionable Cockney accents, and kittens, Drake will satisfy. It just wasn't my thing.

ETA: I totally forgot to complain about the slut-shaming! Would read alternate ending where Max's lady-friend (forget her name) and Abby actually become BFFs and start a village bakery.… (meer)

Summary
Ellie Stratham, has known that she can never have the opportunity to marry. Because of her cousin Beatrice, who is spoiled and vain, she is having to serve as her companion and servant but with no pay. Ellie is having no choice but to work for free. Then she is given a beautiful pair of glass slippers but knows she will never use them. While out running an errand for her cousin, she is kidnapped and taken to Scotland on a remote island, with only two servants and the mysterious Damien Burke aka "The Demon Prince" is responsible because he believes her to be Lady Beatrice. She must convince him to return her back to London as soon as possible or her plans for the future and her life will be ruined and she could be left on the streets. Damien Burke is after a "key" its the only link he has to his past, but was stolen from him by Ellie's cousin when he was at school as a boy. So he kidnaps a woman he thought was his sister but got the cousin whose family doesn't care about much. Now he realizes how Ellie has wormed her way into his body and heart.

Plot and Story Line
Now this story made me realize how much I have been missing out on with this one!! I think I have had it on my NOOK for at least a year, and I have no idea why I waited so long to pick this one up. I love fairy tale themes, but boy Olivia Drake has done a wonderful job with this one. I love Cinderella themes, and even though it breaks my heart how the "cinderella" heroine is treated, it is oh so satisfying to see her get the happy ending she deserves. In this story I truly had a disliking for her family very strongly. Her aunt and uncle just expect her to slave away for them. Her two cousins, a brother and sister are selfish to the extreme. Beatrice is such a "Blonde", very flirty and vain, but doesn't understand certain "things". Very empty headed at times. Now for our heroine. She was fabulous at many moments. I did feel she was a good match for Damien who was very high handed especially at first. I love a good kidnapping story. I love how these two have a great connection despite the rough start to their relationship. Its when Ellie realizes how important this "key" is to Damien, that she agrees to help him. But the road they travel together in this book, takes them to certain truths and deceptions---that I never saw coming. Especially the second half of the book, became so unpredictable I was just on the edge of my seat in anticipation curious to see how this story would play out especially for Damien and Ellie. Their romance is sweet and witty and I was smiling all the way through this one.
The Cover
A cover that relates with the story so perfectly!! I think the cover is gorgeous, I like the night theme, The only drawback is the expression of the male models face---a little creepy. But overall a nice one.
Overall View
Abduction By A Prince is a sensation romance that will have you engaged from the beginning....a story that takes after a sweet and fun fairy tale with a few hiccups along the way to keep things interesting!! SIMPLY WONDERFUL!!… (meer)

Another Beauty and the Beast retelling has found it's way to my bookshelf. I'm a sucker for this type of book, but Bella and the Beast is an excellent addition to the collection. Bella and Miles are an engaging take on the fish out of water heroine and disfigured hero coming together to find love.

Full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-olivia-drake-bella-and-the-beast/… (meer)