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Once Upon #1
Once Upon a Castle
Once upon a time...
A bewitchingly beautiful lady casts a thousand-year love spell on the man of her dreams--and unleashes a nightmare that only true love can conquer.
Nora Robert's "Spellbound"
Once upon a time...
A gypsy's prophecy spells love when an unlikely pair join to fight the ultimate evil--and find themselves in their own battle of hearts.
Jill Gregory's "Castle Doom"
Once upon a time...
A young American travels to England to free he father's friend from a fatal curse... and discovers a helping hand from a charming, handsome spirit.
Ruth Ryan Langan's "Falcon's Lair"
Once upon a time...
With the help of a meddling sorceress, a brave young princess sets out to save her kingdom--and wins the heart of a dashing warrior along the way.
Marianne Willman's "Dragonspell"
A bewitchingly beautiful lady casts a thousand-year love spell on the man of her dreams--and unleashes a nightmare that only true love can conquer.
Nora Robert's "Spellbound"
Once upon a time...
A gypsy's prophecy spells love when an unlikely pair join to fight the ultimate evil--and find themselves in their own battle of hearts.
Jill Gregory's "Castle Doom"
Once upon a time...
A young American travels to England to free he father's friend from a fatal curse... and discovers a helping hand from a charming, handsome spirit.
Ruth Ryan Langan's "Falcon's Lair"
Once upon a time...
With the help of a meddling sorceress, a brave young princess sets out to save her kingdom--and wins the heart of a dashing warrior along the way.
Marianne Willman's "Dragonspell"
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
263 people are currently reading
1656 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 8, 2008
Spellbound by Nora Roberts
This was a nice short story, neither great nor bad. Likeable characters, interesting plot, all in all a solid short story. My only problem was it took place in only one day and the end was a little abrupt, but I can get over that. I tend to forgive more easily with short stories. 7/10
Castle Doom by Jill Gregory
I enjoyed this short story immensely! Arianne and Nicholas were wonderful, the story was very interesting, and it moved along rather believably. I don't have any problems with this story other than I thought it would make a great full-length novel. 9/10
Falcon's Lair by Ruth Ryan Langan
Another lovely story, though a bit rushed at the end. Felicity was a terrific heroine and the gothic-style plot outside of the romance was great. Unfortunately, I thought the romance fell short; Felicity and Gareth were hardly together yet they professed their love to each other fairly soon. I would have gladly forgone the love scene so the author could have developed their relationship more. If I ignore that one thing I still very much enjoyed this story, especially with the wonderful secondary characters. I would have liked to read further and since I don't want to ruin it for future readers I won't say anything more. :)
8/10
Dragonspell by Marianne Willman
In a great anthology, they saved the best for last, because I absolutely loved this story! Wonderful characters, plot, everything, I can't even think of the words to describe it. I particularly liked the sorceress and wizard, they added a touch of humor to the story. I just cannot do this story justice, especially since words are escaping me! :P
10/10
Overall 4.5 stars
This was a nice short story, neither great nor bad. Likeable characters, interesting plot, all in all a solid short story. My only problem was it took place in only one day and the end was a little abrupt, but I can get over that. I tend to forgive more easily with short stories. 7/10
Castle Doom by Jill Gregory
I enjoyed this short story immensely! Arianne and Nicholas were wonderful, the story was very interesting, and it moved along rather believably. I don't have any problems with this story other than I thought it would make a great full-length novel. 9/10
Falcon's Lair by Ruth Ryan Langan
Another lovely story, though a bit rushed at the end. Felicity was a terrific heroine and the gothic-style plot outside of the romance was great. Unfortunately, I thought the romance fell short; Felicity and Gareth were hardly together yet they professed their love to each other fairly soon. I would have gladly forgone the love scene so the author could have developed their relationship more. If I ignore that one thing I still very much enjoyed this story, especially with the wonderful secondary characters. I would have liked to read further and since I don't want to ruin it for future readers I won't say anything more. :)
8/10
Dragonspell by Marianne Willman
In a great anthology, they saved the best for last, because I absolutely loved this story! Wonderful characters, plot, everything, I can't even think of the words to describe it. I particularly liked the sorceress and wizard, they added a touch of humor to the story. I just cannot do this story justice, especially since words are escaping me! :P
10/10
Overall 4.5 stars
February 7, 2016
Este livro foi melhor do que a encomenda :p
Com um início pior do que esperava (uma vez que o primeiro é da autoria da Nora Roberts), depois foi só melhorias acima de melhorias.
Esquecendo o 1º conto, os restantes são histórias de amor fantásticas, com traições, guerras, paixões e crimes hediondos tudo mesclado para enfeitiçar o leitor.
Ah! E castelos... não posso esquecer-me dos castelos.
Com um início pior do que esperava (uma vez que o primeiro é da autoria da Nora Roberts), depois foi só melhorias acima de melhorias.
Esquecendo o 1º conto, os restantes são histórias de amor fantásticas, com traições, guerras, paixões e crimes hediondos tudo mesclado para enfeitiçar o leitor.
Ah! E castelos... não posso esquecer-me dos castelos.
January 26, 2024
I read this when I was like....11 and my mom yelled at me because it was too adult. I told her I always skipped those parts because they were boring and she didn't believe me. But my asexual ass didn't give a shit lol.
I wanted to reread older books to see what I remembered. They were ok if you like instant love, the fiery red-head "not being like other girls", and weird sex with a ghost...but they were exactly what the book was intended to be so I can't really complain.
I wanted to reread older books to see what I remembered. They were ok if you like instant love, the fiery red-head "not being like other girls", and weird sex with a ghost...but they were exactly what the book was intended to be so I can't really complain.
November 20, 2023
Four romantic tales from for of the top modern romance authors. A fun read
March 16, 2018
Four lovely novellas, all about castles and lords, witches and spells, romance and murder ... fairy tales that are filled with magic, good and evil, and love.
December 25, 2016
Spellbound review is posted on it's book.
Castle Doom (Once Upon A Castle #2)
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The second novella is titled Castle Doom and written by Jill Gregory. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the second story in the collection.
The plot opens with Lady Arianne riding towards Briar Knoll to free her brother, Marcus - Count of Galeron - who was imprisoned in the dungeons of Castle Doom. There has been a rivalry between the kingdoms Galeron and Dinadan for centuries and nobody knows why. But she didn’t want Marcus to become one more sacrifice in that long-ago started enmity and her distant cousin and cruel Duke Julian - ruling the Kingdom of Dinadan - take over both the kingdoms. Added to that a gypsy had predicted that the banished Lord Nicholas was coming to wrest the kingdom away from the Duke's hand. Julian's mood was not friendly knowing that Lady Arianne was working on freeing Marcus and also that the gypsy's prediction may come true. But there was a time that Arianne remembered that under the rule of Archduke Armand - father of Julian - Marcus, Arianne, Julian and Nicholas had all played together, lived and had more fun in life to care for. Nicholas had been the oldest son of Armand from his first wife while Julian was his second son from his second wife.
Now Arianne reached the Briar Knoll in search of the dungeon guard, Galdain, who had the master key to the dungeon. But Galdain was asking for more than gold from her in payment and when refused he attacks her. A stranger comes in time to save her by fighting Galdain off her with all the skills of an experienced soldier. Who turns out to be the banished Lord Nicholas himself. After so many pleas and messages she had sent he finally had come. But will he see her as a child of ten that he had last seen her before he was banished? Or will he see her as a woman grown to fight for her land, stand beside her and help her free her brother Marcus? Or will he just see her as a woman? She was also angry at him for staying away from the kingdoms, leaving the people's fate at the hands of cruel Julian. She was livid at the thought that he had carelessly forgot the vow of friendship he had made with Marcus. And left to become what but a mercenary. But he had come even though it is at the end of the time - just before Marcus is hung. Will she trust him to free her brother? Will she understand why he left and became a mercenary? Will he realize that she was a warrior-princess? Will their hearts fight along-side and win each other while they work towards the battle against Julian? Why was Lord Nicholas banished in the first place?
A well-written plot taking you across lands and regions and battles and love. Another quick read about kingdoms, battles, princesses and warriors. A refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
Falcon's Lair (Once Upon A Castle #3)
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen. Except for the fact that the ghost can do more than expected.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The third novella is titled Falcon's Lair and written by Ruth Ryan Langan. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the third story in the collection.
The plot opens with a brief conversation from years ago, precisely in 1870 England, a plotting being made to eliminate a certain American. Then it moves to a time little later than the incident into the life of one Felicity Andrews, who had now reached England from America by way of water at the summons of her father's oldest and dearest friend Oliver - Lord Falcon. A letter describing about something mysterious, dark and too painful. However her father had died before he could respond to Lord Falcon, hence Felicity was on her way to visit him in her father's stead. As she travelled in her coach towards Lord Falcon's castle aptly titled Falcon's Lair, she glimpses a cloaked-rider almost coming on to their path and disappears at the last moment. Although the rider's face gets etched into Felicity's memory, she wondered who that rider was and where had he disappeared to.
Weary and tired she reaches Falcon's Lair finally. Only to be received chilly by Maud Atherton, the housekeeper, who puts her in a small cramped room for the night at least. Later in the night she sees the same rider in her room who had entered without sound or sight. Who amuses himself by scaring her at first and then proclaiming himself to be Lord of the manor and then finally disappears again. Only a Falcon perches on her window and flies away just like before. Who is he? Why could she feel his body heat or see him while others couldn’t? She finds out next day that the stranger who visited her last night was Gareth the First Lord of Falcon's Lair. And what did he mean that she was the Key? Upon meeting the Lord Falcon - who most of the times rested in is bed - she comes to know of a family curse that the Falcon men have been enduring generation after generation. What is the curse? What is the need Lord Falcon had of Felicity's father Robert? Why was someone trying to hurt her? What is it that Lord Falcon wanted her father to help him with?
Thus takes us through the plot set a long-time ago since now when Felicity struggles to get Lord Falcon some answers and at the same time bargain her heart with Gareth - one who lives and doesn’t live. It's certainly an easy read and a good plot except for the part that the ghost makes love - actually it is outright creepy. I believe there are spirits and ghosts, but beyond that if someone says they can touch, feel or do things, it gives me shivers.
All in all a refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
DragonSpell (Once Upon A Castle #4)
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The fourth novella is titled DragonSpell and written by Marianne Willman. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the fourth story in the collection.
In Kingdom of Amelonia, Princess Tressalara - daughter of King Varro - is being groomed by her lady-in-waiting to become as best a princess she can be, shedding her tomboy life. Tired at that exercise the princess runs to her room to change into a peasant boy's garb. With her hair braided a tucked under the cap she was hardly recognizable. Perhaps that's what saved her from Lord Lector. When Lord Lector - the King's chief advisor - had attacked the palace and taken over it by killing the King. It was also rumored that he had been responsible for the bloody raids into their neighbors but blamed on outlawed Lord Cador of Kildore. But Tressalara was caught by Lector's me when she went back to check on her father and now she was to wed Lector - the one who had killed her father. And her father had entrusted her to safe keep the Andun Stone - the place of secret that she has no knowledge of. How will she save herself let alone the stone from the clutches of Lector? And eventually she concocts a plan with her maid-in-waiting Elani and escapes the castle through secret passages transformed as a boy named Trev.
All these happenings were being watched by an apprentice sorceress - Niniane - an apprentice wizard - Illusius who regret about the wrong-spell that had been cast upon their master - Myrriden - who is now encased in a glittering sheet of Spell-Ice. What has these three to do with what happened in Kingdomof Amelonia? Illusius and Niniane together push the paths of Lord Cador and Tressalara to meet. As designed by them, Tressalara "Trev" meets Cador and his rebel men at the Crown and Acorn inn, gets a job with his group as a groomsman for their horses. Knowing the history of Cador, will Tressalara reach out to him for help? Is Cador as cruel as Lector had made him to be? What is the history between Lector and Cador? Has Cador realized that Trev is indeed Princess Tressalara? What is Tressalara going to do about all the feelings sprouting inside her since she meets Cador? To what extent will Lector go to acquire the Princess as well as the Stone? What is the hidden sectet of the Andun Stone?
An interesting tale again involving castles, warriors, traitors, rebels, love and battles. This plot sang to the adventurer in me, touched the romantic in me, marveled the mystic in me and seized the warrior in me. A refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) The plot charmed me so much that I might look for this author's books for future reads. When I looked about her on Google, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot written about her and her last book was in 2002. I do hope she has retired or is just not in public facing anymore. I dread to think of the third alternative.
Castle Doom (Once Upon A Castle #2)
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The second novella is titled Castle Doom and written by Jill Gregory. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the second story in the collection.
The plot opens with Lady Arianne riding towards Briar Knoll to free her brother, Marcus - Count of Galeron - who was imprisoned in the dungeons of Castle Doom. There has been a rivalry between the kingdoms Galeron and Dinadan for centuries and nobody knows why. But she didn’t want Marcus to become one more sacrifice in that long-ago started enmity and her distant cousin and cruel Duke Julian - ruling the Kingdom of Dinadan - take over both the kingdoms. Added to that a gypsy had predicted that the banished Lord Nicholas was coming to wrest the kingdom away from the Duke's hand. Julian's mood was not friendly knowing that Lady Arianne was working on freeing Marcus and also that the gypsy's prediction may come true. But there was a time that Arianne remembered that under the rule of Archduke Armand - father of Julian - Marcus, Arianne, Julian and Nicholas had all played together, lived and had more fun in life to care for. Nicholas had been the oldest son of Armand from his first wife while Julian was his second son from his second wife.
Now Arianne reached the Briar Knoll in search of the dungeon guard, Galdain, who had the master key to the dungeon. But Galdain was asking for more than gold from her in payment and when refused he attacks her. A stranger comes in time to save her by fighting Galdain off her with all the skills of an experienced soldier. Who turns out to be the banished Lord Nicholas himself. After so many pleas and messages she had sent he finally had come. But will he see her as a child of ten that he had last seen her before he was banished? Or will he see her as a woman grown to fight for her land, stand beside her and help her free her brother Marcus? Or will he just see her as a woman? She was also angry at him for staying away from the kingdoms, leaving the people's fate at the hands of cruel Julian. She was livid at the thought that he had carelessly forgot the vow of friendship he had made with Marcus. And left to become what but a mercenary. But he had come even though it is at the end of the time - just before Marcus is hung. Will she trust him to free her brother? Will she understand why he left and became a mercenary? Will he realize that she was a warrior-princess? Will their hearts fight along-side and win each other while they work towards the battle against Julian? Why was Lord Nicholas banished in the first place?
A well-written plot taking you across lands and regions and battles and love. Another quick read about kingdoms, battles, princesses and warriors. A refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
Falcon's Lair (Once Upon A Castle #3)
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen. Except for the fact that the ghost can do more than expected.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The third novella is titled Falcon's Lair and written by Ruth Ryan Langan. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the third story in the collection.
The plot opens with a brief conversation from years ago, precisely in 1870 England, a plotting being made to eliminate a certain American. Then it moves to a time little later than the incident into the life of one Felicity Andrews, who had now reached England from America by way of water at the summons of her father's oldest and dearest friend Oliver - Lord Falcon. A letter describing about something mysterious, dark and too painful. However her father had died before he could respond to Lord Falcon, hence Felicity was on her way to visit him in her father's stead. As she travelled in her coach towards Lord Falcon's castle aptly titled Falcon's Lair, she glimpses a cloaked-rider almost coming on to their path and disappears at the last moment. Although the rider's face gets etched into Felicity's memory, she wondered who that rider was and where had he disappeared to.
Weary and tired she reaches Falcon's Lair finally. Only to be received chilly by Maud Atherton, the housekeeper, who puts her in a small cramped room for the night at least. Later in the night she sees the same rider in her room who had entered without sound or sight. Who amuses himself by scaring her at first and then proclaiming himself to be Lord of the manor and then finally disappears again. Only a Falcon perches on her window and flies away just like before. Who is he? Why could she feel his body heat or see him while others couldn’t? She finds out next day that the stranger who visited her last night was Gareth the First Lord of Falcon's Lair. And what did he mean that she was the Key? Upon meeting the Lord Falcon - who most of the times rested in is bed - she comes to know of a family curse that the Falcon men have been enduring generation after generation. What is the curse? What is the need Lord Falcon had of Felicity's father Robert? Why was someone trying to hurt her? What is it that Lord Falcon wanted her father to help him with?
Thus takes us through the plot set a long-time ago since now when Felicity struggles to get Lord Falcon some answers and at the same time bargain her heart with Gareth - one who lives and doesn’t live. It's certainly an easy read and a good plot except for the part that the ghost makes love - actually it is outright creepy. I believe there are spirits and ghosts, but beyond that if someone says they can touch, feel or do things, it gives me shivers.
All in all a refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
DragonSpell (Once Upon A Castle #4)
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Easy and simple reads that take you to a fantasy world far, far away or may be right next to you but unseen.
Once Upon A Castle is a collection of four novellas by famed romantic authors - Nora Roberts, Jill Gregory, Ruth Ryan Langan and Marianne Willman - published in March of 1998. The fourth novella is titled DragonSpell and written by Marianne Willman. I had been reading a few non-fiction and lengthy fictions past few weeks so I wanted to pick an easy book this time. Hence this novella. Here's the review on the fourth story in the collection.
In Kingdom of Amelonia, Princess Tressalara - daughter of King Varro - is being groomed by her lady-in-waiting to become as best a princess she can be, shedding her tomboy life. Tired at that exercise the princess runs to her room to change into a peasant boy's garb. With her hair braided a tucked under the cap she was hardly recognizable. Perhaps that's what saved her from Lord Lector. When Lord Lector - the King's chief advisor - had attacked the palace and taken over it by killing the King. It was also rumored that he had been responsible for the bloody raids into their neighbors but blamed on outlawed Lord Cador of Kildore. But Tressalara was caught by Lector's me when she went back to check on her father and now she was to wed Lector - the one who had killed her father. And her father had entrusted her to safe keep the Andun Stone - the place of secret that she has no knowledge of. How will she save herself let alone the stone from the clutches of Lector? And eventually she concocts a plan with her maid-in-waiting Elani and escapes the castle through secret passages transformed as a boy named Trev.
All these happenings were being watched by an apprentice sorceress - Niniane - an apprentice wizard - Illusius who regret about the wrong-spell that had been cast upon their master - Myrriden - who is now encased in a glittering sheet of Spell-Ice. What has these three to do with what happened in Kingdomof Amelonia? Illusius and Niniane together push the paths of Lord Cador and Tressalara to meet. As designed by them, Tressalara "Trev" meets Cador and his rebel men at the Crown and Acorn inn, gets a job with his group as a groomsman for their horses. Knowing the history of Cador, will Tressalara reach out to him for help? Is Cador as cruel as Lector had made him to be? What is the history between Lector and Cador? Has Cador realized that Trev is indeed Princess Tressalara? What is Tressalara going to do about all the feelings sprouting inside her since she meets Cador? To what extent will Lector go to acquire the Princess as well as the Stone? What is the hidden sectet of the Andun Stone?
An interesting tale again involving castles, warriors, traitors, rebels, love and battles. This plot sang to the adventurer in me, touched the romantic in me, marveled the mystic in me and seized the warrior in me. A refreshing and smooth plot for those fast readers and readers who have less time at their hands.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) The plot charmed me so much that I might look for this author's books for future reads. When I looked about her on Google, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot written about her and her last book was in 2002. I do hope she has retired or is just not in public facing anymore. I dread to think of the third alternative.
September 4, 2017
This was an amazing book. I loved all the stories and characters. Definitely a fairy tale read for adults. This was written well, had great personalities, humor, emotions, a dab of action and suspense, perfect endings and kept me glued to the pages. This was my second reading (I forgot I had read it before) and it is still worthy of reading again. Enjoy!
September 22, 2023
#1 in the Once Upon series. The average rating for all 4 stories is about 3.5 stars, but I rounded down because they just didn't seem to hold my interest. There was nothing wrong with any of them, but I either wasn't in the mood, or they just didn't hit the mark for me. I was so slow in reading that the book automatically returned to the library after two weeks, and I had to take it out again just to finish up the last story. I do plan to continue with this series because I think I just wasn't in a receptive mood and will most likely enjoy another set of stories at a later date.
Spellbound - Nora Roberts - 3 stars - This story just didn't click for me. I think it was the FMC. She seemed demanding and impatient with Cal. He, on the other hand, was just finding out about their situation, having only had vague dreams throughout his life, so this was all new to him and she expected him to jump right in and save her. In her defense, I understand that time was running out, but she still seemed more annoying than she needed to be. He, on the other hand, was a normal and nice MC--tall, dark, and handsome.
Castle Doom - Jill Gregory - 3 stars - I liked this story better than the previous one, but it was still just OK. Lady Arianne has travelled to the neighboring castle to save her brother who has been placed in the dungeon by the evil archduke. She has called for her old friend, Nicholas, to come help her. When he finally shows up at the last minute, she can't stop herself from complaining that he took too long to arrive. Sheesh. But, of course, they fall in love and work together to save her brother and bring peace back to the land. Smaltzy, typically romantic, and I basically enjoyed it when Arianne wasn't being annoying.
Falcon's Lair - Ruth Ryan Langan - 4 stars - This is a classic gothic, and I haven't read this genre in a long time. The young American woman arrives at the cursed castle where she is greeted by grumpiness and rudeness on the part of several inhabitants. At the same time, she finds herself confronted with the local ghost, who is also a strong and handsome laird. This one held my interest, provided an interesting mystery in a gothic setting, and finished with an excellent HEA.
Dragonspell - Marianne Willman - 3.5 stars - This was another good historical romance, set amid the splendor of a castle, magic, and a missing princess. Tressalara is a tomboyish princess who loves her people but hasn't had the chance to rule. But when an evil counselor of her father the king commits a coup and kills her father, she escapes and finds refuge with a powerful (and sexy) ally. They work together to overcome the magic against them in order to regain control of the kingdom. The extra story about a clumsy sorceress and wizard seemed unnecessary and didn't really add to the story.
Spellbound - Nora Roberts - 3 stars - This story just didn't click for me. I think it was the FMC. She seemed demanding and impatient with Cal. He, on the other hand, was just finding out about their situation, having only had vague dreams throughout his life, so this was all new to him and she expected him to jump right in and save her. In her defense, I understand that time was running out, but she still seemed more annoying than she needed to be. He, on the other hand, was a normal and nice MC--tall, dark, and handsome.
Castle Doom - Jill Gregory - 3 stars - I liked this story better than the previous one, but it was still just OK. Lady Arianne has travelled to the neighboring castle to save her brother who has been placed in the dungeon by the evil archduke. She has called for her old friend, Nicholas, to come help her. When he finally shows up at the last minute, she can't stop herself from complaining that he took too long to arrive. Sheesh. But, of course, they fall in love and work together to save her brother and bring peace back to the land. Smaltzy, typically romantic, and I basically enjoyed it when Arianne wasn't being annoying.
Falcon's Lair - Ruth Ryan Langan - 4 stars - This is a classic gothic, and I haven't read this genre in a long time. The young American woman arrives at the cursed castle where she is greeted by grumpiness and rudeness on the part of several inhabitants. At the same time, she finds herself confronted with the local ghost, who is also a strong and handsome laird. This one held my interest, provided an interesting mystery in a gothic setting, and finished with an excellent HEA.
Dragonspell - Marianne Willman - 3.5 stars - This was another good historical romance, set amid the splendor of a castle, magic, and a missing princess. Tressalara is a tomboyish princess who loves her people but hasn't had the chance to rule. But when an evil counselor of her father the king commits a coup and kills her father, she escapes and finds refuge with a powerful (and sexy) ally. They work together to overcome the magic against them in order to regain control of the kingdom. The extra story about a clumsy sorceress and wizard seemed unnecessary and didn't really add to the story.
January 19, 2018
"Spellbound" by Nora Roberts. Colin Farrell is drawn to Ireland and Bryna Torrence - both bound by a 1000 year old curse.
"Castle Doom" by Jill Gregory. Arianne of Galeron is trying to free her brother Marcus from their cousin. She summons help from a banished friend - Nicholas. He comes, they sort out the problems and fall in love.
"Falcon's Lair" by Ruth Ryan Langan - Felicity travels from Boston to England to help her father's friend Lord Falcon. He and his 2nd son are being poisoned by a nephew. All are watched over by the 1st Duke who falls for Felicity. When the 1st son returns - Chandler takes on characteristics of the 1st who finally can depart in peace.
"Dragonspell" by Marianne Willman - Princess Tressalara wishes she'd been a boy. When her father is murdered she escapes to rally her supporters and hooks up with Cador of Kildore. They prevail and wed.
"Castle Doom" by Jill Gregory. Arianne of Galeron is trying to free her brother Marcus from their cousin. She summons help from a banished friend - Nicholas. He comes, they sort out the problems and fall in love.
"Falcon's Lair" by Ruth Ryan Langan - Felicity travels from Boston to England to help her father's friend Lord Falcon. He and his 2nd son are being poisoned by a nephew. All are watched over by the 1st Duke who falls for Felicity. When the 1st son returns - Chandler takes on characteristics of the 1st who finally can depart in peace.
"Dragonspell" by Marianne Willman - Princess Tressalara wishes she'd been a boy. When her father is murdered she escapes to rally her supporters and hooks up with Cador of Kildore. They prevail and wed.
January 15, 2020
A combination of 4 stories under this cover. No. 1 : Spellbound by Nora Roberts, A lady casts thousand year spell on the man of her dreams and unleashes a nightmare. No.2: Castle Doom by Jill Gregory, A gypsy's prophecy spells love when an unlikey pair join to fight the ultimate evil. No. 3: Falcon's Lair by Ruth Ryan Langan, An American travels to England to free her father's friend from a fatal curse. No. 4: Dragonspell by Marianne Willman, With the help of meddling sorceress, a young princess sets out to save her kingdom. Cute stories.
September 17, 2020
Não consegui acabar de ler este livro infelizmente porque tinha algumas expectativas em relação a ele.
A ideia do livro e da coleção agradou-me imenso porque acho que é uma ideia original mas a sua execução é que me passou ou pouco ao lado...
Inicialmente achava que o livro era apenas da escritora Nora Roberts mas depois percebi que cada conto pertencia a um escritor diferente e isso ainda tornou a ideia mais interessante, mas realmente não achei que os contos prendessem a atenção nem despertassem o mínimo interesse.
Não foi um livro que odiei, mas não tenciono voltar a incluir na minha Tbr.
A ideia do livro e da coleção agradou-me imenso porque acho que é uma ideia original mas a sua execução é que me passou ou pouco ao lado...
Inicialmente achava que o livro era apenas da escritora Nora Roberts mas depois percebi que cada conto pertencia a um escritor diferente e isso ainda tornou a ideia mais interessante, mas realmente não achei que os contos prendessem a atenção nem despertassem o mínimo interesse.
Não foi um livro que odiei, mas não tenciono voltar a incluir na minha Tbr.
March 1, 2021
It's about what you expect. There's lots of love (or lust) at first sight, a lady being rescued, destined love - that sort of thing. The ladies are occasionally allowed to do something daring or plot-driving but ultimately need rescuing (with the exception of the 4th story - Marianne Willman's Dragonspell - in which the roles are somewhat more equal).
I admit I'd hoped for more depth in characters and the romances, or something more original. Which unfortunately, this doesn't really deliver.
I admit I'd hoped for more depth in characters and the romances, or something more original. Which unfortunately, this doesn't really deliver.
July 20, 2022
There is a proliferation of Nora Roberts books in practically every used bookstore I venture into. And the snob in me tends to recoil when I see her name on the titles. Perversely, I have never read a John Irving book for the same reason (hello, Hotel New Hampshire). But once upon a time, I did read Nora Roberts. And enjoyed it! Once Upon a Castle is great chick-lit. Ditto Once Upon s Star, which I read immediately after.
February 3, 2018
Nem sei o que dizer deste livro, pois foi uma mistura de emoções, adorei as histórias mas estava à espera que fossem todas da Nora Roberts.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
January 7, 2024
Short, sweet, fantastically stories featuring castles, royalty, ghosts and witches. Loved it. Nora Roberts' story uses a conceit she's used a few times, lovers from the past reincarnating and facing an evil villain and I still enjoyed it. All the stories were great.
December 4, 2024
Once Upon a Castle (Once Upon #1) by Ruth Ryan Langan, Jill Gregory, Nora Roberts, Marianne Willman – These Once Upon novella collections are always promise a HEA and fun plots! I’m addicted! Happy Reading!
June 11, 2017
I thought it was going to be a good fairy tale. I was wrong. I love stores that are set in another place. It was just not what I was wanting.
September 3, 2017
Short fairy tales.
April 18, 2018
I found the stories to be trite and predictable, but at the same time not believable.
September 20, 2018
series of short stories revolving around castles and romance. Some better than others,.
Read
June 27, 2019Read "Castle Doom" by Jill Gregory; "Falcon's Lair" by Ruth Ryan Langan
Read
August 7, 2020NR only?
October 23, 2020
The worst PMS read ever.
August 21, 2022
Downloaded from my public library, this was a super enjoyable read
July 23, 2024
Four short novellas - enjoyed them
October 7, 2024
Castles, princesses, lords, and ladies....and Magic of course, to unite true love.
December 17, 2024
This book left me wanting more. So much more.
April 28, 2025
Like all things Nora, classic!
September 2, 2025
once upon a castle-the once upon a series book one
Lovely to read with a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and magic. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes all three.
Lovely to read with a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and magic. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes all three.
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