I liked the first book in this series – only connected by the fact that they’re fairy-tale-retellings, nothing else – but had some issues with it. The chief one being that the heroine wasn’t at all likable. She did some pretty despicable things to her sister for no apparent reason. So, despite the fact that A Kiss at Midnight got better towards the end, I was leery of starting the second book. It’s my favorite re-telling, hands down, and I was afraid that I’d end up hating it.
That is not the case here. I absolutely adored Linnet from the first moment that we meet her. She’s smart, sarcastic, funny, sensible, quick, thoughtful, and pragmatic. She’s beautiful, and she knows it; she uses that to her best advantage, but never really believes she’s better or more worthy because of her beauty. She knows that it’s something she had no control over, just like her birth as one of the aristocrats, so it’s not something she’s particularly proud of.
Piers, the hero, is a character you’re going to love or hate – and you can pretty much make that determination before even opening the book to the first page based on how you feel about Dr. House, from the television show House. Piers is bitter, cantankerous, sarcastic, rude, and an a-hole. He has debilitating pain, that he continues to work through, saving lives and helping others – just like the beloved Doctor from House, so perhaps some of his bad bedside manner can be excused.
But what I loved the most is that Linnet doesn’t put up with Piers. She gives as good as she gets. The banter between them is quick and witty and full of sarcasm. There’s a wonderful back-and-forth quality to their discussions, especially in the beginning. I love that their regard builds on that mutual respect they begin to develop, and that the romance isn’t instant. It’s a slow build that pays off in a big way.
If I had one complaint it’d be the last obstacle thrown into the mix near the end. It was as frustrating to me as it was to Piers, and I honestly expected better of Linnet. I understand, when I think about it further, but as I was reading I was slightly disappointed in that development. However, the obstacle is quickly removed and it serves to make Piers even more worthy of Linnet who gave her love without reservation, or care for her pride, long before Piers admitted he couldn’t live without her.
This book was so much fun. It was funny, with a perfect mix of sarcasm and dry wit that I love. It was freaking adorable. I absolutely loved it.
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Reviews with images
Fantastic retelling
When the beauty, Linnet Thrynne, wears a new ballgown with an unfortunately placed ruffle, she is forced into an engagement to prevent her ruin from a non-existent baby.Earl of Marchant, Piers Yelverton, is a beast. He lives in a secluded castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses, patients included.Because of an injury he received in the past, he is believed to be unable to produce an heir, so his father brings him a bride who supposedly has a fix to that problem 😉I believe this to be one of my all time favorite historical romance stories. The characters are well designed and function well as a couple. Linnet does not stand for Piers temper tantrums, and he makes her laugh.I feel like the story as a whole makes sense, they both have a past that has to the people they are today. There is a fun mix of side characters, as well as some touching family moments.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Emotional treat. A book after my own heart!!!
Reviewed in India on February 22, 2019Eleanor
Beauty and the Beast retold by House in Victorian Times
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2016
