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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Based on Sleeping Beauty it is not a fairytale. No need to be disappointed though! It’s so good & written so well. While the main heroine, Tansy, isn’t asleep the whole time she and the others are very much stuck in their places trapped by secrets of the past. It’s not a boring read but if you’re looking for something action packed save this for another day. One of the things I loved about this book was that it wasn’t totally predictable. There were surprises clear to the end.
There were some moments that I absolutely loved which usually involved a little people watching of a certain person *cough, Marcus, cough*. Loved this book and am looking forward to rereading it!
There were some moments that I absolutely loved which usually involved a little people watching of a certain person *cough, Marcus, cough*. Loved this book and am looking forward to rereading it!
As a little girl, Sleeping Beauty was one of my favorite Disney movies. I had it on replay often. There’s so much to love with the dancing in the forest, woodland creatures and true love’s kiss. I was so excited to read this book and see Anneka’s take on a beloved story.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Anneka Walker has a way with weaving a fairytale into an amazing regency romance! I loved The Masked Baron and was so excited to read this one and isn't that cover amazing?! I love a fairytale retelling and this one was just adorable! Part fairytale, part Regency romance, add a little mystery & this book is wholly unique. There were so many nods to the Sleepy Beauty fairytale - fairies, ghosts, curses, the kiss - and it was all done so creatively! Told in dual point of view… you will just fall in love with Marcus and Tansy! They are both kind people who helped others, and I loved watching Tansy and Marcus's friendship develop as they both sought answers. And when Marcus's brother Simon returns early . . . well, let's just say I couldn't put this book down. Tansy's aunts were just so much fun, with their little idiosyncrasies. I loved how loyal they were to their family but also their fun loving humor. They loved each other fiercely and Tansy as well. I loved watching them protect her and care for her. And in return, she did the same for them. Such a great addition to the story.
Love a little mystery and I was intrigued by Tansy and Marcus' recurring dreams--why did they have them, what did they mean? I had so many questions. I loved all the nods to the classic fairytale--the cottage, her 3 aunts, fairies, the curse, the evil stepmother, and of course the kiss. There were some twists and turns, plenty of surprises, midnight walks and dreams, struggles, family, humor, a delicious sweet romance, mystery, a curse, fairies, friendship, sweet kisses, nightmares, hope, unexpected connections… what’s not to love!
Love a little mystery and I was intrigued by Tansy and Marcus' recurring dreams--why did they have them, what did they mean? I had so many questions. I loved all the nods to the classic fairytale--the cottage, her 3 aunts, fairies, the curse, the evil stepmother, and of course the kiss. There were some twists and turns, plenty of surprises, midnight walks and dreams, struggles, family, humor, a delicious sweet romance, mystery, a curse, fairies, friendship, sweet kisses, nightmares, hope, unexpected connections… what’s not to love!
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
After months where I've struggled to read or get into a book, this one was the perfect read for me! Historical fiction is not a genre I read often, but I absolutely loved this one and will definitely be reading more from this author.
This sweet, historical romance doubles as a Sleeping Beauty retelling, though it approaches the "sleeping curse" in its own way. No character pricks their finger and falls into an enchanted sleep; instead, the sleeping curse is evident in the dreams both main characters wrestle with.
I absolutely loved the romance and chemistry between Tansy and Marcus. They had many adorable moments together, as well as their fair share of troubles. By the end of the book, I was incredibly invested in their relationship and begging for things to work out.
One of my favorite things about this book was Tansy's aunts! They were hilarious, and I loved Tansy's relationship with all of them. More than that, I enjoyed how Marcus took the time to get to know them and was there for them when needed.
I also liked the mystery of the dreams and why both main characters struggled with them. It added a nice layer of suspense to the story that kept me intrigued until the very end.
As someone who usually sticks to fantasy romance, I can honestly say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It was wholesome and comforting, and I was drawn into the romance immediately. I hope we get more books in this series! I would definitely recommend this if you like historical fiction, or even if you just enjoy a clean romance!
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
After months where I've struggled to read or get into a book, this one was the perfect read for me! Historical fiction is not a genre I read often, but I absolutely loved this one and will definitely be reading more from this author.
This sweet, historical romance doubles as a Sleeping Beauty retelling, though it approaches the "sleeping curse" in its own way. No character pricks their finger and falls into an enchanted sleep; instead, the sleeping curse is evident in the dreams both main characters wrestle with.
I absolutely loved the romance and chemistry between Tansy and Marcus. They had many adorable moments together, as well as their fair share of troubles. By the end of the book, I was incredibly invested in their relationship and begging for things to work out.
One of my favorite things about this book was Tansy's aunts! They were hilarious, and I loved Tansy's relationship with all of them. More than that, I enjoyed how Marcus took the time to get to know them and was there for them when needed.
I also liked the mystery of the dreams and why both main characters struggled with them. It added a nice layer of suspense to the story that kept me intrigued until the very end.
As someone who usually sticks to fantasy romance, I can honestly say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It was wholesome and comforting, and I was drawn into the romance immediately. I hope we get more books in this series! I would definitely recommend this if you like historical fiction, or even if you just enjoy a clean romance!
This book was enchanting! I was interested to see how Sleeping Beauty would be written as a regency. It was very mysterious and dream like. Both Tansy and Marcus suffer from nightmares and they develop a friendship. Tansy has three eccentric aunts which makes them not do well in society. They are so funny with their own quirks. Marcus quickly develops feelings for Tansy but is fighting for her attention with his brother, the Duke. I loved whenever Tansy and Marcus were together: hello secret meetings under the stars and willows. There was a lot of questions and mysteries throughout the book but they were all nicely answered.
There was a lot to enjoy about this book!
First off- the mystery was intriguing--and subtle; making it perfect for all audiences, especially the younger crowd. There were a lot of twists and turns that made turning each page new and exciting. There were a lot of plot twists in this one that I definitely did not see coming.
Second... the characters! Tansy had such a fun personality. I usually lean towards the take-charge female main characters and while Tansy was completely different in that regard, she was also a very strong character...just in a more reserved way. Marcus was so patient and caring. The two really suited each other and it was fun to cheer them on and hope their romance would lead to the happy ever after we're all looking for!
I haven't read the first book in this series and while there was mention of 'The Masked Baron' I didn't feel that it took away from any enjoyment from reading this book. I love the subtle hints to the respective fairytale and the different elements it added to the overall storyline! My fingers are also crossed a certain character from this book gets his story!!
I'm excited to see what comes next from this author and series!
Thanks to the publisher, author and netgalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
First off- the mystery was intriguing--and subtle; making it perfect for all audiences, especially the younger crowd. There were a lot of twists and turns that made turning each page new and exciting. There were a lot of plot twists in this one that I definitely did not see coming.
Second... the characters! Tansy had such a fun personality. I usually lean towards the take-charge female main characters and while Tansy was completely different in that regard, she was also a very strong character...just in a more reserved way. Marcus was so patient and caring. The two really suited each other and it was fun to cheer them on and hope their romance would lead to the happy ever after we're all looking for!
I haven't read the first book in this series and while there was mention of 'The Masked Baron' I didn't feel that it took away from any enjoyment from reading this book. I love the subtle hints to the respective fairytale and the different elements it added to the overall storyline! My fingers are also crossed a certain character from this book gets his story!!
I'm excited to see what comes next from this author and series!
Thanks to the publisher, author and netgalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
If I could give half stars, I’d probably give this one 3.5. I liked the different plot twists and the characters were likeable. I also appreciated reading a romance that was clean. The writing style felt a little forced at times, like the author was trying a little too hard to fit perfectly into the time period, while at the same time giving the main character a very obscure name and using a few fantastical elements. Overall, great story and good characters, writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Book Review: The Dreaming Beauty
Do you enjoy a good fairytale retailing? Author Anica is doing a wonderful job with this new series of hers. Retellings can be tough. You want the connections there, but also desire to give it fresh air and originality. This book definitely achieved that goal for me. With a refreshing cast of characters and a rumored haunted cottage thrown into the mix, this gave the story a well rounded focus that still kept you guessing on what was going to happen next.
“There is nothing better when you’re lonely than a magical adventure that transports you to another world.”
Tansy White’s past is shrouded in mystery. Raised by her three delightfully precocious and wonderful aunts, Tansy has been given the freedom away from the constructs of society to become the uniquely wonderful individual she has grown into. In an effort to protect her, they whisk her away to Rose Cottage on her birthday. It is at this cottage that the mystery will slowly unfold as Tansy’s dreams and her realities gradually intertwine to set forth a string of events that help her find where she truly came from.
It is at this cottage that the family meets Marcus, the quiet and intellectual brother of the neighboring Duke. Marcus has his own troubles as he fights nightmares that he cannot find the source of. He is immediately intrigued by Tansy and the mysteries around her. His friendship with not only her, but her aunts was where the heart of this story truly lies.
I enjoyed this book with a it’s mysterious twists and magical elements. It is a delightful reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with its own unique story and plot.
Do you enjoy a good fairytale retailing? Author Anica is doing a wonderful job with this new series of hers. Retellings can be tough. You want the connections there, but also desire to give it fresh air and originality. This book definitely achieved that goal for me. With a refreshing cast of characters and a rumored haunted cottage thrown into the mix, this gave the story a well rounded focus that still kept you guessing on what was going to happen next.
“There is nothing better when you’re lonely than a magical adventure that transports you to another world.”
Tansy White’s past is shrouded in mystery. Raised by her three delightfully precocious and wonderful aunts, Tansy has been given the freedom away from the constructs of society to become the uniquely wonderful individual she has grown into. In an effort to protect her, they whisk her away to Rose Cottage on her birthday. It is at this cottage that the mystery will slowly unfold as Tansy’s dreams and her realities gradually intertwine to set forth a string of events that help her find where she truly came from.
It is at this cottage that the family meets Marcus, the quiet and intellectual brother of the neighboring Duke. Marcus has his own troubles as he fights nightmares that he cannot find the source of. He is immediately intrigued by Tansy and the mysteries around her. His friendship with not only her, but her aunts was where the heart of this story truly lies.
I enjoyed this book with a it’s mysterious twists and magical elements. It is a delightful reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with its own unique story and plot.