Series: Awakened by a Kiss, #1
Traits & Tropes: fairytale retelling; soldier hero; class difference
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1816
Publication Date: 01.05.21
Heat Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 4.5/5
In the five years she’s been betrothed to the Duke of Lusk, Lady Helena Lark has tried everything she can think of to escape the match. The man is wholly uninterested in marrying, but her refusals have nonetheless all failed and her family is determined to see the lucrative match finally come to fruition. But Helena has one last idea to make good on her escape: find another bride for Lusk.
Declan Shaw, a former soldier turned mercenary, better known as The Huntsman, is well-known for his skill and has his pick of wealthy clients. His last job seeing a young noblewoman to the south of France ended in disaster, with Declan imprisoned and falsely accused of kidnapping his charge. He’s not interested in having anything further to do with the aristocracy, but is left little choice if he hopes to be released from prison so he agrees to mind the duke’s fiancé and see she makes it down the aisle.
But when Declan meets Helena, he finds her utterly irresistible. She senses his reluctance to aid the duke and enlists him as an ally. Against his own rules forbidding involvement with a client, Declan is soon all in with Helena, helping her enact her plan to see herself free of Lusk and securely in Declan’s arms instead.
I do love a good fairytale retelling, and this was a cute one. I’ve never read anything quite like it and while some of the plot points still don’t quite make sense to me, I really don’t even mind. I adored Declan as the initially somewhat reluctant hero. Once he decided he was all in, there was no hesitation and he was fully committed to Helena. She was just as steadfastly loyal to him and their determination to be together no matter what made this a delight to read. I loved that Helena was fiercely determined to have her freedom and make her own way, but she never came off as shrewishly insufferable or arrogant as is the case so often with heroines lately. Instead, she was willing to reevaluate and admit to being wrong, considering Declan’s feelings along with her own. I enjoyed picking out all the nods to Snow White and they gave this regency a refreshingly whimsical feel. I’m continuing this series and looking forward to the next fairytale.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3236138439
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1163979883
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