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Desperately Ever After #1
Desperately Ever After
AMAZON #1 bestseller for both WOMEN'S FICTION FANTASY and HUMOR! National Indie Excellence Awards FINALIST!
Imagine what might happen if our most beloved fairy tale princesses were the best of friends and had the dreams, dilemmas, and libidos of the modern woman. How would their stories unfold after the wedding bells stopped ringing? Set in a fictional realm based on New York City, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER sprinkles women’s fiction with elements of fantasy, and encourages readers to rethink everything they know about happy endings.
Years after turning her husband from beast back to man and becoming his queen, Belle finds out she’s finally going to have a child. But before she can announce the wondrous news, she catches him cheating and watches her “happily ever after” go up in flames. Turning to her friends for the strength to land with grace, she realizes she’s not the only one at a crossroads:
Cinderella, a mother of four drowning in royal duties, is facing her 30th birthday and questioning everything she’s done (or hasn’t) with her life.
Rapunzel, a sex-crazed socialite and one-woman powerhouse, is on a self-destructive quest to make up for 20 years locked away in a tower.
Penelopea, an outsider with a mother-in-law from hell, is harboring a secret that could ruin everything at any moment.
One part Sex and the City, two parts Desperate Housewives, and three parts Brothers Grimm, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER picks up where the original tales left off—and reimagines them a la Gregory Maguire’s Wicked. With the wit of authors like Jennifer Weiner and the vision of ABC’s Once Upon a Time, the women of DESPERATELY EVER AFTER rescue each other from life’s trials with laughter, wine, and a scandalous new take on happily ever after.
Press:
“Laura Kenyon makes happily ever after desperately delicious!” ~ Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author.
“If you are looking for a fun and gossipy story to satisfy the holes left when Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives had their series finales (or even if you’re going through Once Upon a Time withdrawal come season finale time) look no further than Desperately Ever After.” ~ Chick Lit Central
“An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more!” ~ Lost in Chick Lit
“Kenyon’s colorful imagery and often quick, lighthearted style makes it easy to keep flipping pages.” ~ The New Canaan Advertiser
“This book is hilarious, sweet, and ingenious.” ~ WordsWisdomWhitney
“Laura Kenyon’s Desperately Ever After is part Disney princess, part Sex in the City, and part TMZ Celebrity Gossip Site … and it’s fabulous!” ~ Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie, Keep Calm and Write On
“There are misunderstandings, secrets kept that should be shared (and vice versa), silly situations and reconciliations a-plenty, so summarizing the rest of the story would be no easy task and, besides, it would take away the fun of reading it.” ~ Girls Love to Read (formerly Chick Lit Reviews and News)
“It’s sarcastic, it’s flirty, it’s cheeky, it’s hilarious! Laura gave those girls and their stories such an interesting, contemporary spin with some magic and lots of humor. I couldn’t stop reading and my cheeks hurt from grinning.” ~ Guest post from Maryline at Jenny in Neverland
Imagine what might happen if our most beloved fairy tale princesses were the best of friends and had the dreams, dilemmas, and libidos of the modern woman. How would their stories unfold after the wedding bells stopped ringing? Set in a fictional realm based on New York City, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER sprinkles women’s fiction with elements of fantasy, and encourages readers to rethink everything they know about happy endings.
Years after turning her husband from beast back to man and becoming his queen, Belle finds out she’s finally going to have a child. But before she can announce the wondrous news, she catches him cheating and watches her “happily ever after” go up in flames. Turning to her friends for the strength to land with grace, she realizes she’s not the only one at a crossroads:
Cinderella, a mother of four drowning in royal duties, is facing her 30th birthday and questioning everything she’s done (or hasn’t) with her life.
Rapunzel, a sex-crazed socialite and one-woman powerhouse, is on a self-destructive quest to make up for 20 years locked away in a tower.
Penelopea, an outsider with a mother-in-law from hell, is harboring a secret that could ruin everything at any moment.
One part Sex and the City, two parts Desperate Housewives, and three parts Brothers Grimm, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER picks up where the original tales left off—and reimagines them a la Gregory Maguire’s Wicked. With the wit of authors like Jennifer Weiner and the vision of ABC’s Once Upon a Time, the women of DESPERATELY EVER AFTER rescue each other from life’s trials with laughter, wine, and a scandalous new take on happily ever after.
Press:
“Laura Kenyon makes happily ever after desperately delicious!” ~ Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author.
“If you are looking for a fun and gossipy story to satisfy the holes left when Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives had their series finales (or even if you’re going through Once Upon a Time withdrawal come season finale time) look no further than Desperately Ever After.” ~ Chick Lit Central
“An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more!” ~ Lost in Chick Lit
“Kenyon’s colorful imagery and often quick, lighthearted style makes it easy to keep flipping pages.” ~ The New Canaan Advertiser
“This book is hilarious, sweet, and ingenious.” ~ WordsWisdomWhitney
“Laura Kenyon’s Desperately Ever After is part Disney princess, part Sex in the City, and part TMZ Celebrity Gossip Site … and it’s fabulous!” ~ Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie, Keep Calm and Write On
“There are misunderstandings, secrets kept that should be shared (and vice versa), silly situations and reconciliations a-plenty, so summarizing the rest of the story would be no easy task and, besides, it would take away the fun of reading it.” ~ Girls Love to Read (formerly Chick Lit Reviews and News)
“It’s sarcastic, it’s flirty, it’s cheeky, it’s hilarious! Laura gave those girls and their stories such an interesting, contemporary spin with some magic and lots of humor. I couldn’t stop reading and my cheeks hurt from grinning.” ~ Guest post from Maryline at Jenny in Neverland
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2014
About the author
Laura Kenyon
5 books107 followersLike so many women today, I grew up on Disney films and fairy tales. But as wonderful as these were at the time, they always left me wondering what came next. How did Cinderella feel ten years down the road, when her iconic ball gown no longer fit and she had four kids, royal duties up the wahzoo, and a husband who was hardly ever around? How long did it take Beast to return to his old ways when he no longer needed Beauty to break the curse?
My debut novel, Desperately Ever After, takes our most beloved fairy tale princesses, makes them the best of friends, and imagines what happened when the wedding bells stopped ringing. At its core, it’s about honesty and friendship, and how one can never work without the other.
In addition to writing books, I am a freelance journalist and blogger, and enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing with my 92-pound, ridiculously energetic, four-year-old puppy.
I also love connecting with readers on my blog (laurakenyon.com), Twitter (@laura_kenyon), and Facebook (laurakenyonwrites).
Visit my Amazon author page here: www.amazon.com/author/laurakenyon
Happy reading!
My debut novel, Desperately Ever After, takes our most beloved fairy tale princesses, makes them the best of friends, and imagines what happened when the wedding bells stopped ringing. At its core, it’s about honesty and friendship, and how one can never work without the other.
In addition to writing books, I am a freelance journalist and blogger, and enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing with my 92-pound, ridiculously energetic, four-year-old puppy.
I also love connecting with readers on my blog (laurakenyon.com), Twitter (@laura_kenyon), and Facebook (laurakenyonwrites).
Visit my Amazon author page here: www.amazon.com/author/laurakenyon
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 7, 2015
5 Words: Disney Princess girl power madness
E-copy giveaway at Tea Party Princess.
This was freaking EXCELLENT! Seriously. When I first started this book I wasn't expecting it to be so good.
Take a cast of traditional fairy-tale princesses, familiar to every Disney fan, and smoosh them all together into a wacky union of pretty modern kingdoms where they all rule together and then watch everything go to shit. It's wonderful. I had so so much fun reading it and it really made my day.
My favourite character was probably Belle. And not because I love Belle anyway. It was because of how she changed and developed and discovered so much.
I'd definitely say this book has a slightly feminist vibe to it, but absolutely do not let that put you off. It's subtle and more a part of some of the characters and what they're going through than an agenda being pushed forward. And it made for plenty of laughs.
I had a whole playlist of kick-ass girl-power tunes and Disney classics going through my head as I read this. Empowering and hilarious, I think everyone should read this.
I desperately want to read the next one!
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
E-copy giveaway at Tea Party Princess.
This was freaking EXCELLENT! Seriously. When I first started this book I wasn't expecting it to be so good.
Take a cast of traditional fairy-tale princesses, familiar to every Disney fan, and smoosh them all together into a wacky union of pretty modern kingdoms where they all rule together and then watch everything go to shit. It's wonderful. I had so so much fun reading it and it really made my day.
My favourite character was probably Belle. And not because I love Belle anyway. It was because of how she changed and developed and discovered so much.
I'd definitely say this book has a slightly feminist vibe to it, but absolutely do not let that put you off. It's subtle and more a part of some of the characters and what they're going through than an agenda being pushed forward. And it made for plenty of laughs.
I had a whole playlist of kick-ass girl-power tunes and Disney classics going through my head as I read this. Empowering and hilarious, I think everyone should read this.
I desperately want to read the next one!
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
April 6, 2014
Ever wonder what happened after the happily ever after—and what would happen if our childhood fairy tale princesses were of our modern times? Debut author Laura Kenyon explores just those questions in her recently released, “Desperately Ever After”. In this tome, the fairy tale princesses are best friends and living in a New York City-like realm. Think “Sex and the City”, replete with cheating spouses, rampant libidos and modern day dramas with a splash of fairy tale fantasy.
It’s been years since The Beast has changed back into a man and Belle discovers she is finally with child—just about the same time she also discerns her husband, now king, has been having an affair. As she hopes to find some consolation from her friends, she learns that they too are not as “happily ever after” as one would imagine.
Cinderella is overwhelmed with motherhood, royal expectations and teetering on a crisis as her 30th birthday approaches. “Cinderella’s love story had fizzled down to goodbye kisses and goodnight pecks. They’d gone from idealistic lovebirds to frazzled figureheads forced to compartmentalize their lives just to make it through the days – the last 3,3000 of which all blended into one.” And though she knows she has been blessed far beyond her childhood dreams, she feels empty.
Penelopea, famous for feeling the pea under twenty mattresses, has a mother-in-law from hell and is hiding a secret that smells of disaster should it ever get out. “She couldn’t fathom things like “political correctness’ or self-censorship” or ‘sensible style’ when there were so many options in Marestam.” But that is what Rapunzel likes most about her.
Then there’s Rapunzel who is making up for the two decades locked away in the tower—letting her sexual appetite and wild escapades lead her down dangerous paths. When Belle shows up on Rapunzel’s doorstep in the middle of the night, her friend takes her in and gathers their friends for support. “The terrace fell silent as all eyes settled on Rapunzel. Ordinarily, she would have started with something snarky – a joke to break the tension or a dig at the institution of marriage. But then she looked around the table at three of her closest friends and saw more than just pity for Belle. She saw fear.” Because if it could happen to Belle, why not to any of them?
Desperately Ever After is a clever, thoughtful and even raucous I never saw coming! Kenyon cleverly portrays our childhood princesses in an all-too modern setting and scenarios -- and draws you into to their lives and loves. A must read if you want to know what really happens, after the happily ever after. Sparkling 4 stars for this satisfying, fresh take on the classics.
It’s been years since The Beast has changed back into a man and Belle discovers she is finally with child—just about the same time she also discerns her husband, now king, has been having an affair. As she hopes to find some consolation from her friends, she learns that they too are not as “happily ever after” as one would imagine.
Cinderella is overwhelmed with motherhood, royal expectations and teetering on a crisis as her 30th birthday approaches. “Cinderella’s love story had fizzled down to goodbye kisses and goodnight pecks. They’d gone from idealistic lovebirds to frazzled figureheads forced to compartmentalize their lives just to make it through the days – the last 3,3000 of which all blended into one.” And though she knows she has been blessed far beyond her childhood dreams, she feels empty.
Penelopea, famous for feeling the pea under twenty mattresses, has a mother-in-law from hell and is hiding a secret that smells of disaster should it ever get out. “She couldn’t fathom things like “political correctness’ or self-censorship” or ‘sensible style’ when there were so many options in Marestam.” But that is what Rapunzel likes most about her.
Then there’s Rapunzel who is making up for the two decades locked away in the tower—letting her sexual appetite and wild escapades lead her down dangerous paths. When Belle shows up on Rapunzel’s doorstep in the middle of the night, her friend takes her in and gathers their friends for support. “The terrace fell silent as all eyes settled on Rapunzel. Ordinarily, she would have started with something snarky – a joke to break the tension or a dig at the institution of marriage. But then she looked around the table at three of her closest friends and saw more than just pity for Belle. She saw fear.” Because if it could happen to Belle, why not to any of them?
Desperately Ever After is a clever, thoughtful and even raucous I never saw coming! Kenyon cleverly portrays our childhood princesses in an all-too modern setting and scenarios -- and draws you into to their lives and loves. A must read if you want to know what really happens, after the happily ever after. Sparkling 4 stars for this satisfying, fresh take on the classics.
July 30, 2014
I started following Laura Kenyon’s blog a month or so ago and love it. She’s so fun! I love that she’s a redhead like me and she has a dog! ;) She offered to send me an e-copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. http://laurakenyon.com/
I absolutely loved this book. Anything fairy tale-ish/princess-y is right up my alley. Laura focuses on a few of the major princesses: Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Penelopea, and (Dawn) Sleeping Beauty. I love how she takes the different princesses and allows them to live simultaneously in their own realm in peace. Growing up, I watched The Little Mermaid on a daily basis. I also enjoyed Cinderella and was in LOVE with that big blue ball gown. And Beauty and the Beast… can we just talk about that library?! It wasn’t until Tangled came out that I watched a movie about Rapunzel, and I can’t remember watching The Princess and the Pea. When I started reading I was afraid I would be depressed the whole time…I mean, these happily ever after tales I grew up on are crumbling at avalanche speed! Belle realizes her husband has been unfaithful the moment she finds out she’s pregnant… I mean really? *SOB* But, this book is hilarious, sweet, and ingenious. I was NOT depressed the whole time! From timid, does-what-husband-requires- Belle, to paranoid, full of regret Cindy, to plays by no rules but her own Rapunzel, to insomniac, hating her husband Dawn, Laura weaves a magical tale that shows the fairy tales can change, but can still be happy…just more real life! I mean, what woman hasn’t felt depressed because she can no longer fit in the dress of her dreams from her teenage years? Or wishes she would have accomplished more goals and bucket list to-do’s before she had to settle down with a career in the “real world?” I’m only 25 and I know that feeling!
My favorite character in the book is probably Belle. Yes, at times I was so frustrated with her because she couldn’t see what a scumbag Donner was, but as she is comforted by her friends and the idea that she’s going to be a mom, she begins to live her life the way she wants and enjoys. During the beginning I didn’t really like Rapunzel’s character, because she seemed like a hard-hearted man-eater. Yet as the story develops and we uncover more of her past, she is only that way because she’s been hurt. The romance scenes between Rapunzel and Ethan….*swoon*.
Not to give too much away, but my favorite scene was when Cinderella and Aaron are dancing at her birthday party, and she’s in the ball gown that started it all. After kids and other responsibilities, Cindy feels stuck in a rut…but this scene proves that the fairy tale love doesn’t have to end, it just becomes more real!
One of the things I found very cool was the “Hall of Curiosities.” This museum housed all the things that made the princesses famous. I also like how the friends had nicknames for each other…Cindy, Pun… very cute. I feel the overall message from Desperately Ever After is that life isn’t perfect like the movie shows, but we create our own happiness and the endings may have to change for that to happen. Overall, I think this book is fantastic, and I can’t wait for the sequel! What are you waiting for? Buy it already! :) http://www.amazon.com/Desperately-Eve...
I absolutely loved this book. Anything fairy tale-ish/princess-y is right up my alley. Laura focuses on a few of the major princesses: Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Penelopea, and (Dawn) Sleeping Beauty. I love how she takes the different princesses and allows them to live simultaneously in their own realm in peace. Growing up, I watched The Little Mermaid on a daily basis. I also enjoyed Cinderella and was in LOVE with that big blue ball gown. And Beauty and the Beast… can we just talk about that library?! It wasn’t until Tangled came out that I watched a movie about Rapunzel, and I can’t remember watching The Princess and the Pea. When I started reading I was afraid I would be depressed the whole time…I mean, these happily ever after tales I grew up on are crumbling at avalanche speed! Belle realizes her husband has been unfaithful the moment she finds out she’s pregnant… I mean really? *SOB* But, this book is hilarious, sweet, and ingenious. I was NOT depressed the whole time! From timid, does-what-husband-requires- Belle, to paranoid, full of regret Cindy, to plays by no rules but her own Rapunzel, to insomniac, hating her husband Dawn, Laura weaves a magical tale that shows the fairy tales can change, but can still be happy…just more real life! I mean, what woman hasn’t felt depressed because she can no longer fit in the dress of her dreams from her teenage years? Or wishes she would have accomplished more goals and bucket list to-do’s before she had to settle down with a career in the “real world?” I’m only 25 and I know that feeling!
My favorite character in the book is probably Belle. Yes, at times I was so frustrated with her because she couldn’t see what a scumbag Donner was, but as she is comforted by her friends and the idea that she’s going to be a mom, she begins to live her life the way she wants and enjoys. During the beginning I didn’t really like Rapunzel’s character, because she seemed like a hard-hearted man-eater. Yet as the story develops and we uncover more of her past, she is only that way because she’s been hurt. The romance scenes between Rapunzel and Ethan….*swoon*.
Not to give too much away, but my favorite scene was when Cinderella and Aaron are dancing at her birthday party, and she’s in the ball gown that started it all. After kids and other responsibilities, Cindy feels stuck in a rut…but this scene proves that the fairy tale love doesn’t have to end, it just becomes more real!
One of the things I found very cool was the “Hall of Curiosities.” This museum housed all the things that made the princesses famous. I also like how the friends had nicknames for each other…Cindy, Pun… very cute. I feel the overall message from Desperately Ever After is that life isn’t perfect like the movie shows, but we create our own happiness and the endings may have to change for that to happen. Overall, I think this book is fantastic, and I can’t wait for the sequel! What are you waiting for? Buy it already! :) http://www.amazon.com/Desperately-Eve...
August 13, 2016
This book was a bit slow for me to get into during the first quarter of the book. I found myself putting it down a few times. I'm not sure if it was because the opening scene (involving Belle) wasn't appealing to me or if I just had to get used to the playful tone of the story, but it didn't completely grab my attention till a quarter of the way through. But once things started to pick up, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down.
There were quite a lot of funny parts that had me snickering. I fell in love with the characters, even the supporting ones who popped up here and there. Cinderella's parts of the story were definitely my favorite out of the three. I was pleasantly surprised about Ethan and the mystery involving his identity. This whole story was wrapped up nicely in the end and had me wanting more.
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and would recommend it to fairytale oficionados. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
August 14, 2015
This debut work explores what happens after "happily ever after" in the fantasy world of Snow White,Sleeping Beauty,Cinderella,Rapunzel,Beauty and the Beast and the Princess and the Pea.
Ten years after all the magic happened, the girls and their men are facing a severe reality check. Not all is well in the fairy tale realm. Infidelity, real and suspected along with secrets and lies galore are rife. The girls are living their dream and finding that all that glitters is easily tarnished.
We learn the back story on Rapunzel, watch Belle struggle with infertility and an unfaithful husband,Cinderella struggling with self image after having four children. Each of the fairy tale princesses have decidedly unfairy tale lives ten years down the road.
This was a nice summer read,light and a little sexy.
Ten years after all the magic happened, the girls and their men are facing a severe reality check. Not all is well in the fairy tale realm. Infidelity, real and suspected along with secrets and lies galore are rife. The girls are living their dream and finding that all that glitters is easily tarnished.
We learn the back story on Rapunzel, watch Belle struggle with infertility and an unfaithful husband,Cinderella struggling with self image after having four children. Each of the fairy tale princesses have decidedly unfairy tale lives ten years down the road.
This was a nice summer read,light and a little sexy.
March 9, 2014
Laura Kenyon's Desperately Ever After is part Disney princess, part Sex in the City, and part TMZ Celebrity Gossip Site...and it's fabulous! Cinderella, (Cindy) Rapunzel, Belle, Penelope (Princess and the Pea) Snow White, and Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) are modern day princesses in their late to early 30's (although Rapunzel is technically a socialite) with modern day problems which are highlighted in Perrin Hildebrand's gossip column in The Marestam Mirror. Hildebrand says "Loyal readers of the realm, keep watch. Royal leaders...watch out!" (8). Each princess offers plenty of material for Hildebrands' site as they struggle to overcome various issues and situations.
Cindy's thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and she's having a quarter life crisis. Her husband spends nearly every minute at work, while she raises their 4 children (with a lot of help by kingdom staff, of course) and juggles one charity event after another. Not to mention the fact she no longer fits into her original fairy tale ballgown. "Her chest sprung out like a slashed canister of crescent rolls" (25).
Rapunzel is a strong, independent woman who refuses to allow anyone to break her heart but in doing so, it's like she's cutting her nose off to spite her face, because deep down she yearns for a prince of her own.
Belle's prince has reverted back to a beast around the same time she discovers she's pregnant. "She felt her herself go rigid as he nudged her chin up with his lips. She didn't usually mind the smell of debauchery on him, but things were different now" (22).
Cindy, Rapunzel, Belle, and the other princesses learn just how important female friendships are. Belle realizes that family is "a group of friends who drop everything as soon as one of them is in trouble. It's a woman who finds purpose in a rescued dog. It's a mom who gives up all her dreams to be there for her kids" (193).
One of my favorite scenes of the novel involve a conversation between Cindy and her husband, Aaron. "It's still hard to believe I'm this lucky," Cindy says. "Guess I'm just waiting for the clock to strike midnight and the fairy tale to come to an end" (227).
"There's no midnight tonight," he says. "I promise. There's no midnight for us at all" (227).
I'm looking forward to reading Damsels in Distress, the sequel to Desperately Ever After!
Cindy's thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and she's having a quarter life crisis. Her husband spends nearly every minute at work, while she raises their 4 children (with a lot of help by kingdom staff, of course) and juggles one charity event after another. Not to mention the fact she no longer fits into her original fairy tale ballgown. "Her chest sprung out like a slashed canister of crescent rolls" (25).
Rapunzel is a strong, independent woman who refuses to allow anyone to break her heart but in doing so, it's like she's cutting her nose off to spite her face, because deep down she yearns for a prince of her own.
Belle's prince has reverted back to a beast around the same time she discovers she's pregnant. "She felt her herself go rigid as he nudged her chin up with his lips. She didn't usually mind the smell of debauchery on him, but things were different now" (22).
Cindy, Rapunzel, Belle, and the other princesses learn just how important female friendships are. Belle realizes that family is "a group of friends who drop everything as soon as one of them is in trouble. It's a woman who finds purpose in a rescued dog. It's a mom who gives up all her dreams to be there for her kids" (193).
One of my favorite scenes of the novel involve a conversation between Cindy and her husband, Aaron. "It's still hard to believe I'm this lucky," Cindy says. "Guess I'm just waiting for the clock to strike midnight and the fairy tale to come to an end" (227).
"There's no midnight tonight," he says. "I promise. There's no midnight for us at all" (227).
I'm looking forward to reading Damsels in Distress, the sequel to Desperately Ever After!
April 18, 2014
LOVED IT! I started this yesterday and just finished - It's that kind of book! I didn't want it to end and when I got to the last page I couldn't believe that it was over, BUT turning to the next page was extremely happy to find out that there will be a sequel coming out this summer. I will be looking for it as soon as it comes out (there were some things left hanging!). Also, while reading this book, I became a part of it......... and for me, becoming so immersed in a book where I can actually picture myself there - in that kingdom, with each and every one of those characters, means that I have found a really good author who wrote a really great book and an author that I will now be following.
This book takes some of our favorite fairy tale characters, Cinderella, Rapunzel(who was my favorite), Belle and a few others and fast forwards their lives maybe 10 years or so after their "Happily Ever After" endings. They are all the best of friends, married (of course), some have children, some don't and they live in a land where they each retain their kingdom but live together peacefully. The best thing about this book is the fact that even though the characters and situations are "modernized" there is still that wonderful element of fairy-tale and magic. So get the book, grab some snacks and make sure that you have time, otherwise you'll be reading late into the night :)
*I was given a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This book takes some of our favorite fairy tale characters, Cinderella, Rapunzel(who was my favorite), Belle and a few others and fast forwards their lives maybe 10 years or so after their "Happily Ever After" endings. They are all the best of friends, married (of course), some have children, some don't and they live in a land where they each retain their kingdom but live together peacefully. The best thing about this book is the fact that even though the characters and situations are "modernized" there is still that wonderful element of fairy-tale and magic. So get the book, grab some snacks and make sure that you have time, otherwise you'll be reading late into the night :)
*I was given a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Desperately Ever After by Laura Kenyon is an absolutely delightful book that continues beyond..."and they lived happily ever after." She brings together some of the most prominent princesses in fairy tales and allows to enter their thoroughly modern lives. Belle, Cinderella, Penelopea, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White are presented as intelligent women who encounter the realistic consequences of their fairy tale lives. Kenyon put much thought into how each character's specific affliction situation or curse would translate into real life...I can totally relate that Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) now suffers from chronic insomnia because she has already slept for too many years. I have always loved fairy tales, and I found Kenyon's story so engaging that I finished in only one day...and the teaser for the sequel...well, it can't come out soon enough for me. If you've ever wondered if "ever after" was all that happy, pick up this book for a fun and enjoyable read.
May 15, 2020
First the not so good--Kenyon totally ruins the "happily ever after part" of the fairy tale people involved because not all of these women are having a good time. The second--and of course this is purely a matter of taste--it's likened to "Sex and the City" and "Desperate Housewives", neither of which are shows I prefer to watch even if some of my IRL friends did.
I know what you might be thinking--why did I read this? Truth be told, I got it from Kindle Unlimited without actually reading the description figuring I could handle a fair-tale retelling. By the time I saw it wasn't what it was about I didn't want to go back to Amazon to change it, so I thought I'd give it a try.
On the other hand, Janet Evanovich is quoted with a compliment and this book was a number one selling book on Amazon in its category, so there's that.
This one centres on Belle, Rapunzel and Cinderella (Cindy), but even Rapunzel has not yet re-met the man who was supposed to come and save her but she thinks abandoned her. The other fairy tale women are all married. Belle's husband is caught cheating--by Belle--and I won't tell you the other things, but she goes to stay with Rapunzel, etc.
The other thing I dislike, the book ends with "To Be Continued." I am not sure if I want to read the next two books to see how things end up for all of these women.
I know what you might be thinking--why did I read this? Truth be told, I got it from Kindle Unlimited without actually reading the description figuring I could handle a fair-tale retelling. By the time I saw it wasn't what it was about I didn't want to go back to Amazon to change it, so I thought I'd give it a try.
On the other hand, Janet Evanovich is quoted with a compliment and this book was a number one selling book on Amazon in its category, so there's that.
This one centres on Belle, Rapunzel and Cinderella (Cindy), but even Rapunzel has not yet re-met the man who was supposed to come and save her but she thinks abandoned her. The other fairy tale women are all married. Belle's husband is caught cheating--by Belle--and I won't tell you the other things, but she goes to stay with Rapunzel, etc.
The other thing I dislike, the book ends with "To Be Continued." I am not sure if I want to read the next two books to see how things end up for all of these women.
May 19, 2020
A fun (and sometimes serious) look at life after 'and they all lived happily ever after. There was a sense of realism as well which makes a refreshing change!
Enjoyable and frothy enough to keep me reading to the end. (and I have downloaded book 2 ;) )
Enjoyable and frothy enough to keep me reading to the end. (and I have downloaded book 2 ;) )
July 10, 2014
This is a Goodreads First Reads Review.
This book is a different take on the fairytale characters we all know and love, and what happens after the expected Happily Ever After.
I found this book a very easy and light read, endlessly entertaining. With that sad, I found some characters way better developed than others. I did adore Rapunzel and Belle, but Dawn and Cinderella were just as dull as their lives. Ethan and Rapunel ended up having the most interesting relationship, although I'm still a bit puzzled about Ethan's identity (a bit Happily Ever After, considering). I really liked Belle's development - it seemed painfully realistic and true. I honestly hope all of this doesn't get "kicked to the curb" in the sequel.
The gossip column was a nice touch, but I felt it sometimes stopped the natural flow of the action. I really liked the "worlds", and how much they resemble our own, while still being unique, and magical and completely different.
This is not the type of fiction I usually read, nevertheless, I really liked it.
This book is a different take on the fairytale characters we all know and love, and what happens after the expected Happily Ever After.
I found this book a very easy and light read, endlessly entertaining. With that sad, I found some characters way better developed than others. I did adore Rapunzel and Belle, but Dawn and Cinderella were just as dull as their lives. Ethan and Rapunel ended up having the most interesting relationship, although I'm still a bit puzzled about Ethan's identity (a bit Happily Ever After, considering). I really liked Belle's development - it seemed painfully realistic and true. I honestly hope all of this doesn't get "kicked to the curb" in the sequel.
The gossip column was a nice touch, but I felt it sometimes stopped the natural flow of the action. I really liked the "worlds", and how much they resemble our own, while still being unique, and magical and completely different.
This is not the type of fiction I usually read, nevertheless, I really liked it.
February 28, 2014
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book! As a fairy tale reader from an older generation, I clearly remember the book of fairy tales that I had as a child. It had all the beloved characters that are in Desperately Ever After, with the exception of Belle. I would read these stories over and over again but never thinking about the characters in any way other than how they were in their stories. After reading Desperately Ever After, these characters came to life to me in a way I had never thought about before. Laura Kenyon's cleverly crafted writing, giving these characters lives and a modern day twist while preserving the "fairy tale" is refreshingly creative. I wanted to keep turning the pages and finished the book in just a few days! Knowing there will be another in this series is what kept me from that "separation" feeling you sometimes get when a book ends. Looking forward to reading on! Well done Laura!!
August 27, 2016
Disney princesses meets desperate housewives...two of my favorites :) I really enjoyed this book. Some nights I got to bed way to late because of it, but it is okay. No spoilers. I tried to win this book and I wanted it so much I ended up getting it. It is a great book and I would definitely recommend it to any older teens and adults who love sex in the city, desperate housewives, and Disney princesses.
April 10, 2014
Can't wait to begin reading!
February 25, 2021
The premise is clever. Fairy tale princesses and heroines Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, Penny (the Princess & the Pea), Snow White, and Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) are friends with relationship problems. This book needs to be edited. There were minor errors throughout, which are distracting, and the paragraphs were confusing with dialogue from one character and actions by another. Then I wasn’t sure who was speaking. The story also dipped into areas that were a little too serious for this genre. Otherwise, the story was amusing and clever. There’s a cliffhanger to encourage readers to read the next book, but most of the storylines in this book are resolved so it doesn’t impact reading it.
June 26, 2020
I loved this!
July 1, 2022
Overall i enjoyed reading this book. It provides a fun twist of what happened to the princesses after happily ever after. Every character had their own personality and their own story to tell. Overall i would give this book a 4-star rating only because i was not too fond of the ending. But i would encourage readers to give this book a try!
June 14, 2017
Snarky, smart, compassionate
Like Into the Woods, but not. It's as clever. Creates its own fairytale world that blends modernity with Once Upon a Time, but allows for HEA, eventually. Well written and edited. Highly recommended.
Like Into the Woods, but not. It's as clever. Creates its own fairytale world that blends modernity with Once Upon a Time, but allows for HEA, eventually. Well written and edited. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2014
Ever wonder what happened after the happily ever after—and what would happen if our childhood fairy tale princesses were of our modern times? Debut author Laura Kenyon explores just those questions in her recently released, “Desperately Ever After”. In this tome, the fairy tale princesses are best friends and living in a New York City-like realm. Think “Sex and the City”, replete with cheating spouses, rampant libidos and modern day dramas with a splash of fairy tale fantasy.
It’s been years since The Beast has changed back into a man and Belle discovers she is finally with child—just about the same time she also discerns her husband, now king, has been having an affair. As she hopes to find some consolation from her friends, she learns that they too are not as “happily ever after” as one would imagine.
Cinderella is overwhelmed with motherhood, royal expectations and teetering on a crisis as her 30th birthday approaches. “Cinderella’s love story had fizzled down to goodbye kisses and goodnight pecks. They’d gone from idealistic lovebirds to frazzled figureheads forced to compartmentalize their lives just to make it through the days – the last 3,3000 of which all blended into one.” And though she knows she has been blessed far beyond her childhood dreams, she feels empty.
Penelopea, famous for feeling the pea under twenty mattresses, has a mother-in-law from hell and is hiding a secret that smells of disaster should it ever get out. “She couldn’t fathom things like “political correctness’ or self-censorship” or ‘sensible style’ when there were so many options in Marestam.” But that is what Rapunzel likes most about her.
Then there’s Rapunzel who is making up for the two decades locked away in the tower—letting her sexual appetite and wild escapades lead her down dangerous paths. When Belle shows up on Rapunzel’s doorstep in the middle of the night, her friend takes her in and gathers their friends for support. “The terrace fell silent as all eyes settled on Rapunzel. Ordinarily, she would have started with something snarky – a joke to break the tension or a dig at the institution of marriage. But then she looked around the table at three of her closest friends and saw more than just pity for Belle. She saw fear.” Because if it could happen to Belle, why not to any of them?
Desperately Ever After is a clever, thoughtful and even raucous I never saw coming! Kenyon cleverly portrays our childhood princesses in an all-too modern setting and scenarios -- and draws you into to their lives and loves. A must read if you want to know what really happens, after the happily ever after. Sparkling 4 stars for this satisfying, fresh take on the classics.
It’s been years since The Beast has changed back into a man and Belle discovers she is finally with child—just about the same time she also discerns her husband, now king, has been having an affair. As she hopes to find some consolation from her friends, she learns that they too are not as “happily ever after” as one would imagine.
Cinderella is overwhelmed with motherhood, royal expectations and teetering on a crisis as her 30th birthday approaches. “Cinderella’s love story had fizzled down to goodbye kisses and goodnight pecks. They’d gone from idealistic lovebirds to frazzled figureheads forced to compartmentalize their lives just to make it through the days – the last 3,3000 of which all blended into one.” And though she knows she has been blessed far beyond her childhood dreams, she feels empty.
Penelopea, famous for feeling the pea under twenty mattresses, has a mother-in-law from hell and is hiding a secret that smells of disaster should it ever get out. “She couldn’t fathom things like “political correctness’ or self-censorship” or ‘sensible style’ when there were so many options in Marestam.” But that is what Rapunzel likes most about her.
Then there’s Rapunzel who is making up for the two decades locked away in the tower—letting her sexual appetite and wild escapades lead her down dangerous paths. When Belle shows up on Rapunzel’s doorstep in the middle of the night, her friend takes her in and gathers their friends for support. “The terrace fell silent as all eyes settled on Rapunzel. Ordinarily, she would have started with something snarky – a joke to break the tension or a dig at the institution of marriage. But then she looked around the table at three of her closest friends and saw more than just pity for Belle. She saw fear.” Because if it could happen to Belle, why not to any of them?
Desperately Ever After is a clever, thoughtful and even raucous I never saw coming! Kenyon cleverly portrays our childhood princesses in an all-too modern setting and scenarios -- and draws you into to their lives and loves. A must read if you want to know what really happens, after the happily ever after. Sparkling 4 stars for this satisfying, fresh take on the classics.
June 3, 2017
An all round great read of what happened after the "and they lived happily ever after", with lots of laugh out loud moments.
November 19, 2014
Ms. Kenyon has cleverly gathered all our favorite fairy tale princesses and transformed them into modern day women facing the challenges of balancing motherhood, careers, and ruling their kingdoms. This formidable group of women face the same ups and downs as many of us, including maintaining their perfect figures and faces, with the added pressure of having to live happily ever after.
My absolute all-time favorite fairytale is Beauty and the Beast (the absolute zenith of love conquering all). In Desperately Ever After, Belle and her Beast (Donner) take front stage, when Belle learns that the animal in her prince has not been tamed. Rapunzel, Cinderella, Dawn, Snow White, and Penelopea rally round their friend, sheltering her from the paparazzi while she sorts her life out.
In the telling of Belle's crisis we learn that our beloved heroines are more than perfectly primped characters. Rapunzel has a vicious streak in her. Established as the socialite to watch, she unleashes her anger, from being locked in a tower, mercilessly. Cinderella's life with Aaron (Prince Charming) runs smoothly thanks to her over-achieving tendency. Dawn is just clueless, but that's to be expected given she's slept the last three hundred years away. Penny, notarized by the Princess and the Pea tale, has an overbearing mother who she is planning a royal gala for. Then there is Snow White, who we think is okay, until we get to the very end (and that's what serials are for)!
I have to admit to being quite disappointed in Donner, aka The Beast. I suppose it's every girls fantasy to have her love be so powerful that it can transform even the scariest of beings. But then I guess that is where fiction and fact take a fork in the road.
An enjoyable read. Think fairytale on steroids; colorful, over-the-top moments, that take us just beyond the reach of believability, but leave us quite happy that we let ourselves be catapulted from reality.
My absolute all-time favorite fairytale is Beauty and the Beast (the absolute zenith of love conquering all). In Desperately Ever After, Belle and her Beast (Donner) take front stage, when Belle learns that the animal in her prince has not been tamed. Rapunzel, Cinderella, Dawn, Snow White, and Penelopea rally round their friend, sheltering her from the paparazzi while she sorts her life out.
In the telling of Belle's crisis we learn that our beloved heroines are more than perfectly primped characters. Rapunzel has a vicious streak in her. Established as the socialite to watch, she unleashes her anger, from being locked in a tower, mercilessly. Cinderella's life with Aaron (Prince Charming) runs smoothly thanks to her over-achieving tendency. Dawn is just clueless, but that's to be expected given she's slept the last three hundred years away. Penny, notarized by the Princess and the Pea tale, has an overbearing mother who she is planning a royal gala for. Then there is Snow White, who we think is okay, until we get to the very end (and that's what serials are for)!
I have to admit to being quite disappointed in Donner, aka The Beast. I suppose it's every girls fantasy to have her love be so powerful that it can transform even the scariest of beings. But then I guess that is where fiction and fact take a fork in the road.
An enjoyable read. Think fairytale on steroids; colorful, over-the-top moments, that take us just beyond the reach of believability, but leave us quite happy that we let ourselves be catapulted from reality.
Read
February 16, 2015I would actually give this a 4.5 star rating.
Our favorite fairy tales meet a Sex in the City setting. The good the bad and the not so ugly are all here. We know the stories but did "happily ever after" happen.
I will start off by saying that I love fairy tale retelling and re-imaginings. That is what drew me to the book, and so glad that it did. Laura Kenyon took the stories we already know and tweaked them to her own.
I have to say in this I love Rapunzel and Belle outright. Those two are the true driving force to me in this book and I hope for the future ones as well. I want to see more of Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow but have a feeling we will get there. Cindy and Penelope (Princess and the Pea) are instantly likeable and have some great fun moments.
The setting of the book is great! The kingdom can be easily related into any major city type, the timeline is very modern day with the twist of old world styles and traditions with a touch of magic. It clearly already set for timelessness.
The character developments and situations are amazing and believable. The story twists are told in dialog and flashbacks allowing the original fairy tales to be the knowledge of the character history and the twists and turns to drive the plot. I never found myself bored with the story but was always guessing on what was going to happen next and who was involved.
Overall loved the book and can't wait for the sequel. Thanks go out to Laura for writing and sending me the book!!!!
Our favorite fairy tales meet a Sex in the City setting. The good the bad and the not so ugly are all here. We know the stories but did "happily ever after" happen.
I will start off by saying that I love fairy tale retelling and re-imaginings. That is what drew me to the book, and so glad that it did. Laura Kenyon took the stories we already know and tweaked them to her own.
I have to say in this I love Rapunzel and Belle outright. Those two are the true driving force to me in this book and I hope for the future ones as well. I want to see more of Dawn (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow but have a feeling we will get there. Cindy and Penelope (Princess and the Pea) are instantly likeable and have some great fun moments.
The setting of the book is great! The kingdom can be easily related into any major city type, the timeline is very modern day with the twist of old world styles and traditions with a touch of magic. It clearly already set for timelessness.
The character developments and situations are amazing and believable. The story twists are told in dialog and flashbacks allowing the original fairy tales to be the knowledge of the character history and the twists and turns to drive the plot. I never found myself bored with the story but was always guessing on what was going to happen next and who was involved.
Overall loved the book and can't wait for the sequel. Thanks go out to Laura for writing and sending me the book!!!!
June 4, 2014
Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...
I am a huge fan of Disney and well, fairy tale princesses in general so when I read the blurb of this book I did a little happy dance (true story) and I knew it was my kind of book. But wow! I loved it. Laura Kenyon brings the well known princesses to a contemporany fairy tale version of NYC (I'd love to see Cinderella's Castle in the NY skyline) and continues their story ten years later.
Their happily ever after is not so happy anymore and they have to deal with ball gowns that no longer fit, cheating husbands, secrets, tabloids, paparazzi and controlling mothers-in-law. An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more! My favourite bit though is the friendship between these girls, they support each other and get drunk together when the worst has happened, but most importantly they fight and find the solution together.
Laura's style is witty and flirty and had me turning page after page devouring this little gem. I cannot wait for the sequel Damsels in Distress this summer. It is so good that my favourite princesses from my childhood are now part of my adulthood too (Maybe adulthood is a bit too strong, am I an adult yet?). Anyway, this is a book you don't want to miss!
I am a huge fan of Disney and well, fairy tale princesses in general so when I read the blurb of this book I did a little happy dance (true story) and I knew it was my kind of book. But wow! I loved it. Laura Kenyon brings the well known princesses to a contemporany fairy tale version of NYC (I'd love to see Cinderella's Castle in the NY skyline) and continues their story ten years later.
Their happily ever after is not so happy anymore and they have to deal with ball gowns that no longer fit, cheating husbands, secrets, tabloids, paparazzi and controlling mothers-in-law. An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more! My favourite bit though is the friendship between these girls, they support each other and get drunk together when the worst has happened, but most importantly they fight and find the solution together.
Laura's style is witty and flirty and had me turning page after page devouring this little gem. I cannot wait for the sequel Damsels in Distress this summer. It is so good that my favourite princesses from my childhood are now part of my adulthood too (Maybe adulthood is a bit too strong, am I an adult yet?). Anyway, this is a book you don't want to miss!
June 1, 2014
When I first read the premise of the story, I was very excited. As an avid fairy tale fan (and Belle is my all-time-favorite of all Disney princesses), AND Sex and the City fan, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy of the book!
I was hooked from the get go! I love the combination of the many fairy tale characters with a modern day twist-- and I particularly love how Marestam is fashioned after New York City complete with all the boroughs!
To be honest, as an avid Beauty and the Beast fan, I was a little taken back at Belle's story-- (no Spoilers! so I won't go into detail here) BUT, I love, love, love how Ms. Kenyon develops her character throughout the book!
Looking forward to book number two!!
I was hooked from the get go! I love the combination of the many fairy tale characters with a modern day twist-- and I particularly love how Marestam is fashioned after New York City complete with all the boroughs!
To be honest, as an avid Beauty and the Beast fan, I was a little taken back at Belle's story-- (no Spoilers! so I won't go into detail here) BUT, I love, love, love how Ms. Kenyon develops her character throughout the book!
Looking forward to book number two!!
May 8, 2014
I bought this book from Amazon.
I liked how this book twists well know stories
and makes them much more exciting.
Who says Happily ever after lasts forever?
Cindy is approaching 30 and feels like she has accomplished
nothing on her list.
Rapunzel does not want to fall in love again so she is never serious.
Belle's Happily Ever after is Hijacked after her husband's affair.
Penelope is planning her mother in laws party and feels like she is living a lie.
Snow white is a recluse.
All in all the book is very humorous and engaging.
I will defiantly read the next book in this series when it comes out.
I liked how this book twists well know stories
and makes them much more exciting.
Who says Happily ever after lasts forever?
Cindy is approaching 30 and feels like she has accomplished
nothing on her list.
Rapunzel does not want to fall in love again so she is never serious.
Belle's Happily Ever after is Hijacked after her husband's affair.
Penelope is planning her mother in laws party and feels like she is living a lie.
Snow white is a recluse.
All in all the book is very humorous and engaging.
I will defiantly read the next book in this series when it comes out.
April 26, 2014
Desperately Ever After is a book for after the fairy tale is over. Laura Kenyon put a marvelous spin on all of the characters stories. This was a book that once I got into I couldn't put it down.
April 19, 2015
3.5 stars
I wanted to LOVE this book, but it didn't quite make it for me. It is, however, entertaining and well worth the read. I'll definitely continue the series.
I wanted to LOVE this book, but it didn't quite make it for me. It is, however, entertaining and well worth the read. I'll definitely continue the series.
September 4, 2020
I really really liked this story and let me preface by saying that I did not know this was part of a series when I started it. Much to my surprise, in the end, it didn’t really end. Total cliffhanger! I guess I will just have to read the next books in the series to know what finally happens. Either way, I love a good fairytale retelling and I love it when fairytales are modernized! Our favorite Disney princesses are all grown up and experiencing real-life problems such as aging and infidelity. A lot of the issues these princesses were facing were hilarious because of just how real they are. For a 30-something like me who grew up watching these movies and reading these stories, it’s great. Totally relatable. I think Cinderella was my favorite character partially because I think our lives are somewhat similar. I am not happy with my impending birthday bringing me ever closer to an age I do not want to be and I’m sort of unsure about what to do with myself as well.
To be honest, I wasn’t that much of a fan of Rapunzel. I get it but I think her story was a little unrealistic. I think someone who was locked in a tower for 20 years would want to get out and see the world and everything/everyone in it. Rapunzel, for reasons unknown for most of the story, distrusts men completely and doesn’t want to form any lasting relationships with men. She was a little pushy and overbearing to her friends who are already married and, for the most part, happy. Just let them be happy.
Overall, I really did love this story. I thought it was really funny and I love the strength of their friendship. I know that seems a little cliche but a lot of girls are not that great of friends closeup so it was a nice change to see the support, especially towards Belle, who had it worst in my opinion. I think anyone who grew up loving the Disney princesses would get a kick out of this “where are they now?” take on our favorite fairytales.
Laura Kenyon is an award-winning journalist and the author of three novels, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER, DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, and SKIPPING MIDNIGHT. Her stories and articles have appeared in Kiwi Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Just Labs, Serendipity, The Improper Bostonian, InD’tale, and Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings, as well as in myriad newspapers and at PrickoftheSpindle.com. Her first book was a National Indie Excellence Awards chick-lit finalist. The Boston College graduate does not live in a castle, but has been blessed with a heroic prince charming, two beautiful princesses, and a noble steed.
Follow me and read all my other reviews at my blog:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ashleesbo...
https://twitter.com/AshleeBookish
To be honest, I wasn’t that much of a fan of Rapunzel. I get it but I think her story was a little unrealistic. I think someone who was locked in a tower for 20 years would want to get out and see the world and everything/everyone in it. Rapunzel, for reasons unknown for most of the story, distrusts men completely and doesn’t want to form any lasting relationships with men. She was a little pushy and overbearing to her friends who are already married and, for the most part, happy. Just let them be happy.
Overall, I really did love this story. I thought it was really funny and I love the strength of their friendship. I know that seems a little cliche but a lot of girls are not that great of friends closeup so it was a nice change to see the support, especially towards Belle, who had it worst in my opinion. I think anyone who grew up loving the Disney princesses would get a kick out of this “where are they now?” take on our favorite fairytales.
Laura Kenyon is an award-winning journalist and the author of three novels, DESPERATELY EVER AFTER, DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, and SKIPPING MIDNIGHT. Her stories and articles have appeared in Kiwi Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Just Labs, Serendipity, The Improper Bostonian, InD’tale, and Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings, as well as in myriad newspapers and at PrickoftheSpindle.com. Her first book was a National Indie Excellence Awards chick-lit finalist. The Boston College graduate does not live in a castle, but has been blessed with a heroic prince charming, two beautiful princesses, and a noble steed.
Follow me and read all my other reviews at my blog:
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ashleesbo...
https://twitter.com/AshleeBookish
December 6, 2020
2.5 Stars
Whilst I love a good fractured fairy tale this book certainly didn't cast the necessary spell for me. I am definitely not a feminist but even I felt uncomfortable with the preoccupation of the characters with their appearance and how others perceive them. It is just so facile and unimportant but Conderella's whole reason to be in the book seems to be to moan about her obsession with fitting in to her iconic blue dress *gag*. I suppose the fable of the book is about insta-celebrity and how it really means nothing blah, blah, blah BUT for me it just didn't work.
I haven't checked the publishers recommended age range for the book but it reads very much like a sauced up tweenager book rather than YA and I would imagine that is the main audience this is aimed at - I would be shocked if it is supposed to be a novel aimed at adults. Dialogue is mostly stilted and unrealistic, especially as these women are all supposed to be so close to each other there is no real feeling of connection between them from their interactions.
On the whole I feel like if you are interested in the whole Cult Of Celebrity then you would probably really enjoy this version on what happens after the marriage. If such things more or less leave you cold then probably best to avoid this one.
This review has been a long time coming. I actually read this book between the 11th and 13th July 2020 so my memory is a bit foggy about all the plot lines. Fortunately, I have a notebook where I jot some initial thoughts on the book and an overall ranking so between the book blurb and that I did have a reasonable handle on what I thought at the time of reading.
Whilst I love a good fractured fairy tale this book certainly didn't cast the necessary spell for me. I am definitely not a feminist but even I felt uncomfortable with the preoccupation of the characters with their appearance and how others perceive them. It is just so facile and unimportant but Conderella's whole reason to be in the book seems to be to moan about her obsession with fitting in to her iconic blue dress *gag*. I suppose the fable of the book is about insta-celebrity and how it really means nothing blah, blah, blah BUT for me it just didn't work.
I haven't checked the publishers recommended age range for the book but it reads very much like a sauced up tweenager book rather than YA and I would imagine that is the main audience this is aimed at - I would be shocked if it is supposed to be a novel aimed at adults. Dialogue is mostly stilted and unrealistic, especially as these women are all supposed to be so close to each other there is no real feeling of connection between them from their interactions.
On the whole I feel like if you are interested in the whole Cult Of Celebrity then you would probably really enjoy this version on what happens after the marriage. If such things more or less leave you cold then probably best to avoid this one.
This review has been a long time coming. I actually read this book between the 11th and 13th July 2020 so my memory is a bit foggy about all the plot lines. Fortunately, I have a notebook where I jot some initial thoughts on the book and an overall ranking so between the book blurb and that I did have a reasonable handle on what I thought at the time of reading.
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