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The Princess and the Conductor
Author This book contains adult themes and scenes that are not intended for readers under 18.
The
Evelyn has always felt lost. But never more than now, faced with the prospect of having to choose a suitor to wed within the week. Alone within the halls of the castle, she must carry this burden in the name of strengthening her father’s kingdom. As festivities kick off and guests arrive, the only thing that helps make the event bearable is the orchestra’s performance. Music captivates her yearning heart, and with it, creates an attraction she cannot fight. Evelyn will soon have to ask herself what she truly wants as the week comes to an end. And most importantly, what she is willing to risk to have it.
The
Adrian lives for music. He lives for leading his musicians and creating beauty, even when that’s not something he has ever found within himself. He’s never asked for much. But the little he has asked for seems to be quickly running out. Luckily, he’s found himself the perfect winning the bid to perform at the castle for their suitor’s week. It’s the gig of a lifetime. A gig that will send his life summersaulting through uncharted territory as he comes to terms with who he wants to be, and who he wants to finally let in.
The
Evelyn has always felt lost. But never more than now, faced with the prospect of having to choose a suitor to wed within the week. Alone within the halls of the castle, she must carry this burden in the name of strengthening her father’s kingdom. As festivities kick off and guests arrive, the only thing that helps make the event bearable is the orchestra’s performance. Music captivates her yearning heart, and with it, creates an attraction she cannot fight. Evelyn will soon have to ask herself what she truly wants as the week comes to an end. And most importantly, what she is willing to risk to have it.
The
Adrian lives for music. He lives for leading his musicians and creating beauty, even when that’s not something he has ever found within himself. He’s never asked for much. But the little he has asked for seems to be quickly running out. Luckily, he’s found himself the perfect winning the bid to perform at the castle for their suitor’s week. It’s the gig of a lifetime. A gig that will send his life summersaulting through uncharted territory as he comes to terms with who he wants to be, and who he wants to finally let in.
157 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2023
67 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 19, 2024
2.5 stars and I was really torn on whether to round up or down
Please keep in mind that while this wasn't a great fit for me personally, other reviewers have felt differently and very much enjoyed the writing and characters.
There’s a lot of promise in the premise and writing of this book. The h is a princess who's being forced to consider a few royal suitors by her father, who's pressured by his advisors. Her mother, the queen, passed away recently and her loss negatively affected both the h and her father, along with their communication. The H is a conductor for a local orchestra, whose music performance during one of these royal events lights a fire within the princess. From there, the two spend a few days getting to know each other, with the princess avoiding the suitors, and bonding despite not seeing how a future between them is possible. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, some om drama in the sense that the h is pressured to choose a royal suitor, and both appeared to be experienced, though no mention of histories.
I love a good class difference romance so I may have also been too excited. The story takes place over a handful of days and unfortunately I felt like it was held back by some under-development in the characters and the plot, along with awkward language and word choices in some places. We're told via the princess's thoughts that others view her as opinionated and difficult, but I wasn't sure what her duties entailed other than reading and spending time with her cat Cinnamon (yay for a cute cat though). Her physical description is minimal and I wasn't sure how old she was, but she acted young imo. The conductor felt like he had more depth, but was still vague on description, though he at least had positive interactions with others. There was also a bit of a reveal about him later in the book that I side-eyed the h for figuring out. The book does have a couple of steamy scenes with some explicit detail too.
I believe this is a fantasy romance since it takes place in a kingdom and carriages are mentioned, but otherwise the world building is sparse. The resolution to the main characters' dilemma regarding their blooming feelings for each other vs. the pressures on the h was fairly simple and straight-forward so the build up (and particularly one advisor's interactions) felt unnecessary. The epilogue is some time in the future of them in their HEA and while it was cute, I wasn't sure how they were living or even where, since travel is mentioned and they're on a special trip in the epilogue. There were some beautifully written moments and I would possibly try this author's work again, this was just not the one for me.
Please keep in mind that while this wasn't a great fit for me personally, other reviewers have felt differently and very much enjoyed the writing and characters.
There’s a lot of promise in the premise and writing of this book. The h is a princess who's being forced to consider a few royal suitors by her father, who's pressured by his advisors. Her mother, the queen, passed away recently and her loss negatively affected both the h and her father, along with their communication. The H is a conductor for a local orchestra, whose music performance during one of these royal events lights a fire within the princess. From there, the two spend a few days getting to know each other, with the princess avoiding the suitors, and bonding despite not seeing how a future between them is possible. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, some om drama in the sense that the h is pressured to choose a royal suitor, and both appeared to be experienced, though no mention of histories.
I love a good class difference romance so I may have also been too excited. The story takes place over a handful of days and unfortunately I felt like it was held back by some under-development in the characters and the plot, along with awkward language and word choices in some places. We're told via the princess's thoughts that others view her as opinionated and difficult, but I wasn't sure what her duties entailed other than reading and spending time with her cat Cinnamon (yay for a cute cat though). Her physical description is minimal and I wasn't sure how old she was, but she acted young imo. The conductor felt like he had more depth, but was still vague on description, though he at least had positive interactions with others. There was also a bit of a reveal about him later in the book that I side-eyed the h for figuring out. The book does have a couple of steamy scenes with some explicit detail too.
I believe this is a fantasy romance since it takes place in a kingdom and carriages are mentioned, but otherwise the world building is sparse. The resolution to the main characters' dilemma regarding their blooming feelings for each other vs. the pressures on the h was fairly simple and straight-forward so the build up (and particularly one advisor's interactions) felt unnecessary. The epilogue is some time in the future of them in their HEA and while it was cute, I wasn't sure how they were living or even where, since travel is mentioned and they're on a special trip in the epilogue. There were some beautifully written moments and I would possibly try this author's work again, this was just not the one for me.
August 18, 2025
this is literally a hallmark movie in book form.
February 24, 2023
*** ARC REVIEW ***
Wow. This book had me glued to the pages. Although this is a novella, it felt as though I was reading a full-length book. Sometimes with novellas, I feel like the story moves too fast, and by the end, the story feels very incomplete. This was not the case with “The Princess and the Conductor” - by the end, the book felt complete and had come full circle.
The writing style in this book is beautiful and fits perfectly with the period the book was written about. The detail in Rachel’s writing is superb, as well, and I felt like I could easily, vividly picture the book setting, characters, and storyline in my mind.
The way in which Rachel wrote the characters in this book was perfection. Evelyn, the princess, clearly wanted more out of life even though she had everything as a royal. Her cat Cinnamon was so precious and had my heart from the beginning haha. Evelyn’s love of reading, her melancholia, and frustrations with old, archaic traditions created by old men felt very relatable. And her mischief and playfulness with Adrian, the conductor, was precious.
Adrian is a kind-hearted conductor that seems to have a traumatic past. He feels as though he’s not good enough for the princess because he’s a commoner and cannot offer her much, or so he thinks. Adrian wants Evelyn but feels discouraged that she has to pick a suitor soon to spend her life with. However, this ultimately does not stop him from telling her his feelings and trying to woo her.
Adrian and Evelyn’s relationship is so beautifully written, and I absolutely loved that, even though their actions were risky, they still allowed themselves to be curious, mischievous, playful, and passionate. Their banter was precious, too!
And let’s not forget Vincent, one of Evelyn’s old friends and suitor. This man is the hero we never saw coming!
This was long, but I absolutely loved this book and hope that others choose to read it when it comes out on February 28th!!!
Wow. This book had me glued to the pages. Although this is a novella, it felt as though I was reading a full-length book. Sometimes with novellas, I feel like the story moves too fast, and by the end, the story feels very incomplete. This was not the case with “The Princess and the Conductor” - by the end, the book felt complete and had come full circle.
The writing style in this book is beautiful and fits perfectly with the period the book was written about. The detail in Rachel’s writing is superb, as well, and I felt like I could easily, vividly picture the book setting, characters, and storyline in my mind.
The way in which Rachel wrote the characters in this book was perfection. Evelyn, the princess, clearly wanted more out of life even though she had everything as a royal. Her cat Cinnamon was so precious and had my heart from the beginning haha. Evelyn’s love of reading, her melancholia, and frustrations with old, archaic traditions created by old men felt very relatable. And her mischief and playfulness with Adrian, the conductor, was precious.
Adrian is a kind-hearted conductor that seems to have a traumatic past. He feels as though he’s not good enough for the princess because he’s a commoner and cannot offer her much, or so he thinks. Adrian wants Evelyn but feels discouraged that she has to pick a suitor soon to spend her life with. However, this ultimately does not stop him from telling her his feelings and trying to woo her.
Adrian and Evelyn’s relationship is so beautifully written, and I absolutely loved that, even though their actions were risky, they still allowed themselves to be curious, mischievous, playful, and passionate. Their banter was precious, too!
And let’s not forget Vincent, one of Evelyn’s old friends and suitor. This man is the hero we never saw coming!
This was long, but I absolutely loved this book and hope that others choose to read it when it comes out on February 28th!!!
February 28, 2023
This was a delightful read! Short, sweet, and spicy, this novella checked all the boxes for what I needed to read right now. The depth the author is able to bring to the characters and their backstories in such a short amount of time is truly impressive. I felt immersed in the wintery world immediately. The only “downside” was that I became invested in the characters and just wanted more. There were a couple of plot points that I wanted to know more about, or at least follow the characters for a longer journey. But in the span of what we were given in this novella, the author really nailed it.
Oh also, the princess has a cat😻 Need I say more??
If you aren’t a fan of spice I would probably skip this one, but if you don’t mind a little bit of 🌶️, definitely check it out!
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh also, the princess has a cat😻 Need I say more??
If you aren’t a fan of spice I would probably skip this one, but if you don’t mind a little bit of 🌶️, definitely check it out!
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2023
Okay Rachel just keep pulling at my heart strings 🥺
This was everything I could have wanted out of a novella! It was short, sweet, and spicy 🔥 in this story we follow Evelyn, a princess who is bound to her kingdom and must choose a suitor to marry instead of following her dreams. We’re also introduced to Adrian, a music conductor who loves music and his job, but is lonely and fighting a battle no one knows of.
These two meet at the palace and have instant chemistry- cue the forbidden romance!!! That’s one of my favorite tropes and I love how it played out in this story!! There is some instant love here which personally isn’t my favorite, but this is a novella so there wasn’t much space for love to develop in any other way. It works!
Not gonna lie, I teared up a little at the end 🥹 This book is actually out TODAY, thank you Rachel for the ARC!! I will read anything you write! 🫶🏼
4.5/5 ⭐️
This was everything I could have wanted out of a novella! It was short, sweet, and spicy 🔥 in this story we follow Evelyn, a princess who is bound to her kingdom and must choose a suitor to marry instead of following her dreams. We’re also introduced to Adrian, a music conductor who loves music and his job, but is lonely and fighting a battle no one knows of.
These two meet at the palace and have instant chemistry- cue the forbidden romance!!! That’s one of my favorite tropes and I love how it played out in this story!! There is some instant love here which personally isn’t my favorite, but this is a novella so there wasn’t much space for love to develop in any other way. It works!
Not gonna lie, I teared up a little at the end 🥹 This book is actually out TODAY, thank you Rachel for the ARC!! I will read anything you write! 🫶🏼
4.5/5 ⭐️
January 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
So this was a great book to start off the year! I really liked Evelyn and Adrian, aka the Princess and the Conductor! I enjoyed the story and there romance if anything, I wish this was longer than a novella so that the tension should have build between them a bit more and you got to know them a bit better although this is a fab quick read with a happy ending that's definitely worth checking out 😊
So this was a great book to start off the year! I really liked Evelyn and Adrian, aka the Princess and the Conductor! I enjoyed the story and there romance if anything, I wish this was longer than a novella so that the tension should have build between them a bit more and you got to know them a bit better although this is a fab quick read with a happy ending that's definitely worth checking out 😊
January 11, 2025
just kinda meh? I had high hopes for this and was kinda let down.
May 7, 2023
I would like to thank Rachel Ann Hubert for giving me an ARC of this novella, in exchange of an honest review.
This novella follows Evelyn, a young princess whose life and dreams are stolen from her by her duties to the kingdom, the biggest one being settling an alliance with another kingdom by marrying her off to a powerful prince or king, and Adrian, a young conductor who is free, and somewhat happy with his job, but who is suffering and who is lonely.
They meet, and their attraction is immediate.
But the kingdom, the king and his counselors do not want Evelyn to marry a commoner. Will they be lucky to explore and live this intense attraction, or will reality catch them up and throw them back in their respective places ?
I LOVED this novella. It was a quick read, well-written, very sweet, with SPICE, and we know that spice is my kind of thing. I was really into this book, which is great considering that the last 3 books I read didn’t leave a lasting impression. But this one probably will.
If you like cute romances, instant love, forbidden love, go for it, you will find everything you like in this book.
This novella follows Evelyn, a young princess whose life and dreams are stolen from her by her duties to the kingdom, the biggest one being settling an alliance with another kingdom by marrying her off to a powerful prince or king, and Adrian, a young conductor who is free, and somewhat happy with his job, but who is suffering and who is lonely.
They meet, and their attraction is immediate.
But the kingdom, the king and his counselors do not want Evelyn to marry a commoner. Will they be lucky to explore and live this intense attraction, or will reality catch them up and throw them back in their respective places ?
I LOVED this novella. It was a quick read, well-written, very sweet, with SPICE, and we know that spice is my kind of thing. I was really into this book, which is great considering that the last 3 books I read didn’t leave a lasting impression. But this one probably will.
If you like cute romances, instant love, forbidden love, go for it, you will find everything you like in this book.
August 21, 2023
So lovely and romantic! This short love story was such a treat to read. The romance was just so sweet and I love a happy ending.🥹 🎶
February 25, 2023
"He would lead his orchestra as if they weren't playing for a sea full of royals. He'd lead them as if they were playing just to her."
A huge thank you to Rachel Ann for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Princess and the Conductor!
I enjoyed this novella so much!! It's such a sweet romance with spice sprinkled in. It's a quick and easy read that I didn't want to put down. Evelyn and Adrian's characters are well developed even with the short length of the story. Though they have drastically different backgrounds Evelyn and Adrian have an immediate connection. Their romance and flirting made me smile. When Adrian bares his soul to Evelyn, I was completely surprised! I also enjoyed Evelyn's interactions with Victor, a childhood family friend, especially their conversation at the end of the story.
At it's heart this is a beautiful love story, but it's also a love letter to music. Music has always been important in my life, so this resonated with me a lot. Very cute read! Definitely recommend, especially if you're looking for:
-A sweet and spicy novella
-Arranged marriage
-Forbidden romance
-Love of music
A huge thank you to Rachel Ann for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Princess and the Conductor!
I enjoyed this novella so much!! It's such a sweet romance with spice sprinkled in. It's a quick and easy read that I didn't want to put down. Evelyn and Adrian's characters are well developed even with the short length of the story. Though they have drastically different backgrounds Evelyn and Adrian have an immediate connection. Their romance and flirting made me smile. When Adrian bares his soul to Evelyn, I was completely surprised! I also enjoyed Evelyn's interactions with Victor, a childhood family friend, especially their conversation at the end of the story.
At it's heart this is a beautiful love story, but it's also a love letter to music. Music has always been important in my life, so this resonated with me a lot. Very cute read! Definitely recommend, especially if you're looking for:
-A sweet and spicy novella
-Arranged marriage
-Forbidden romance
-Love of music
March 30, 2023
As always @rachelann_indieauthor
spins a beautiful story that sweeps you off into the ideal fantasy world.
The Princess and the Conductor is a sweet and spicy romantic novella. Sure to make the perfect palate cleanser or pick me up after a long week! I honestly loved everything about this novella. I smiled, I blushed and never stopped rooting for the princess and her conductor 💓
Still not sold?!! Here are a few of my favorite quotes
🎶 "𝑯𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒘𝒏".
🎶 "𝑯𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏, 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈."
👑 " 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆��� 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓".
spins a beautiful story that sweeps you off into the ideal fantasy world.
The Princess and the Conductor is a sweet and spicy romantic novella. Sure to make the perfect palate cleanser or pick me up after a long week! I honestly loved everything about this novella. I smiled, I blushed and never stopped rooting for the princess and her conductor 💓
Still not sold?!! Here are a few of my favorite quotes
🎶 "𝑯𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎 𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆, 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒘𝒏".
🎶 "𝑯𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏, 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈."
👑 " 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆��� 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓".
February 22, 2023
ARC REVIEW-
“Evelyn," he rasped,swallowing.
“Yes?"
His eyes turned from struggle to wild. "You'll have to be quiet.”
Thank you so much Rachel for sending me this ARC and while we’re at it can you write a bunch more novella’s just like it because I can’t get enough. I don’t know what magic she poured into this novella but I am addicted.
Sweet and spicy. Endearing and beautiful. Absolutely loved this short book. Rachel managed to make me fall in love with both MC’s in such a short amount of time. I think I grinned the entire time I read this. If you need something quick to get you out of a slump, look no further!
Book highlights:
🎼 Royalty
🎼Forbidden romance
🎼Novella/Short chapters
🎼Beautiful writing
🎼Dual POV
🎼Equal parts sweet & spicy (ch 27 🔥)
“Evelyn," he rasped,swallowing.
“Yes?"
His eyes turned from struggle to wild. "You'll have to be quiet.”
Thank you so much Rachel for sending me this ARC and while we’re at it can you write a bunch more novella’s just like it because I can’t get enough. I don’t know what magic she poured into this novella but I am addicted.
Sweet and spicy. Endearing and beautiful. Absolutely loved this short book. Rachel managed to make me fall in love with both MC’s in such a short amount of time. I think I grinned the entire time I read this. If you need something quick to get you out of a slump, look no further!
Book highlights:
🎼 Royalty
🎼Forbidden romance
🎼Novella/Short chapters
🎼Beautiful writing
🎼Dual POV
🎼Equal parts sweet & spicy (ch 27 🔥)
March 8, 2023
I absolutely adored this story from the first page until the last. Instant love isn't usually my favorite trope, but being a novella, and the way Rachel wrote it in was so sweet and delicate.
The love story between Evelyn and Adrian was so classic, sweet, and intimate. I was sitting there rooting for them like have never shipped a couple before. Both of their characters individually were so well developed too. I love that we got some backstory into both of them, and it added so much to who they were. And to add, we get dual POV in this story so we get to see both sides from start to finish.
Overall, this story had magic (with no actual magic), heart grabbing love, amazing characters, and so much depth. If you are looking for a short, sweet, happy novella, I highly recommend this one.
The love story between Evelyn and Adrian was so classic, sweet, and intimate. I was sitting there rooting for them like have never shipped a couple before. Both of their characters individually were so well developed too. I love that we got some backstory into both of them, and it added so much to who they were. And to add, we get dual POV in this story so we get to see both sides from start to finish.
Overall, this story had magic (with no actual magic), heart grabbing love, amazing characters, and so much depth. If you are looking for a short, sweet, happy novella, I highly recommend this one.
February 22, 2023
As Rachel promised, I couldn't put this novella down. The characters, the plot, the romance, the spice—all so incredibly perfect. As an editor, I have an appreciation for the fine details in a book, and I can wholeheartedly say that her writing is a fantastic example of what to do as a writer. The plot was paced perfectly, the story flowed seamlessly, the relationship developed organically, and the characters were relatable. I couldn't help but smile and give giddy little shakes of my tablet as I read—not many books make me do that.
If you are even remotely interested in reading this book, don't hesitate for a single second, just buy it; you won't regret it.
If you are even remotely interested in reading this book, don't hesitate for a single second, just buy it; you won't regret it.
March 3, 2023
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A novella with the depth of a full length novel, this spicy little romance pulled at all my heartstrings. I was so tense in the last three chapters, wondering what would become of the princess and the conductor, and my heart was left aching at their sweet ending.
I highly recommend this short and sweet book. The chemistry was on point, and the spicy scenes had great balance. I liked how Adrian was able to be demanding while considerate, and Evelyn serving while holding the power. Each and every character was written well, but I especially appreciated the way in which Rachel wrote Adrian’s “voice.” I could *feel* his love of music (the description of their Kingdom’s anthem left me in awe), his pain and perseverance, and I appreciated the way he would think about Evelyn in those contexts. It showed great character development in mere pages.
“Her lungs were full of music, and every swallow brought the the lingering flavors of their performance back up.”
“It was her laugh that caught him most off guard. The way it spilled out like a carefully kept secret.”
A novella with the depth of a full length novel, this spicy little romance pulled at all my heartstrings. I was so tense in the last three chapters, wondering what would become of the princess and the conductor, and my heart was left aching at their sweet ending.
I highly recommend this short and sweet book. The chemistry was on point, and the spicy scenes had great balance. I liked how Adrian was able to be demanding while considerate, and Evelyn serving while holding the power. Each and every character was written well, but I especially appreciated the way in which Rachel wrote Adrian’s “voice.” I could *feel* his love of music (the description of their Kingdom’s anthem left me in awe), his pain and perseverance, and I appreciated the way he would think about Evelyn in those contexts. It showed great character development in mere pages.
“Her lungs were full of music, and every swallow brought the the lingering flavors of their performance back up.”
“It was her laugh that caught him most off guard. The way it spilled out like a carefully kept secret.”
February 22, 2023
Okay, first of all when Adrian says “then kneel” 🤭 instant butterflies..
I really enjoyed reading this book, it definitely gave me fairy tale vibes with a dash of spice. 😏 I loved both Evelyns and Adrians characters, they had two very different lives but they never judged eachother. They were also really passionate so I was happy that it was dual pov because I felt like I was able to feel all of the feelings with them ❤️ I would definitely recommend because who doesn’t like a good love story about taking risks?
I really enjoyed reading this book, it definitely gave me fairy tale vibes with a dash of spice. 😏 I loved both Evelyns and Adrians characters, they had two very different lives but they never judged eachother. They were also really passionate so I was happy that it was dual pov because I felt like I was able to feel all of the feelings with them ❤️ I would definitely recommend because who doesn’t like a good love story about taking risks?
February 27, 2023
I had the privilege to read this as an ARC, and I was hanging on every word.
When I first received this book, I was wondering if this would have any stark resemblances to The King and I, or even the Phantom of the Opera based on the name. This resembled neither in any way other than it being a timeless romance that prevails despite the adversity it faces.
Hubert has found her genre!
When I first received this book, I was wondering if this would have any stark resemblances to The King and I, or even the Phantom of the Opera based on the name. This resembled neither in any way other than it being a timeless romance that prevails despite the adversity it faces.
Hubert has found her genre!
January 3, 2024
I was a little unsure what to expect when first picking up this novella but actually I really enjoyed it! It was short and sweet with an extra helping of spice that I definitely didn’t anticipate. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the orchestra - how mesmerising - and the ambiguous setting this book was staged in, which made it much easier for me to accept the fast paced fall into love.
January 4, 2025
Ik vond het frustrerend op meerdere vlakken. Ik weet graag wanneer in de tijd een boek zich afspeelt, maar dat is niet te achterhalen hier: de sfeer is middeleeuws, maar ze gebruiken woorden als appartementen complex, boxer shorts, koffie, shampoo... Het verhaal was ook een beetje gek eigenlijk. Te weinig drama.
February 22, 2023
She has done it again! Another incredible read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and grasping for more with each page! This story makes you feel every emotion right along with the characters, you cant help but fall in love with them. I absolutely LOVED this book!
February 27, 2023
I want to thank Rachel Ann Hubert for ARC.
It is a beautiful and well written book with lots of spice :) I could easily feel the tension between the princess and the conductor and then the ending was wonderfully wrapped up at a cute little cottage. I loved this book!
It is a beautiful and well written book with lots of spice :) I could easily feel the tension between the princess and the conductor and then the ending was wonderfully wrapped up at a cute little cottage. I loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
DNF I can’t tell if this is AI. The writing is not good. Sentence structure was wrong. Punctuation was over used sometimes and severely underused sometimes. Not sure if this is just amateur writing or AI
January 20, 2025
For as short as it was, I think it was excellent. Lots of room to flush it out into a full novel but it was a quick easy insta-love story. Also love the uniqueness off a princess and a conductor
April 1, 2025
This was a cute little, short story that took me forever to finish, to no fault of the author or book. I was in a readying slump due to stress for months and I have just come back.
Huzzah!
Huzzah!
March 5, 2023
Such a sweet (and even spicy) novella treat of finding forbidden love. A sweet story of looking beyond a title and status to the person underneath and connecting to someone who opened your eyes to the world. I enjoyed this story very much. The connection between Evelyn and Adrian is powerful and beautiful and it really shows how you can see beyond and look to the person within. 5 stars.
May 22, 2023
This book was a quick, cozy read! I enjoyed the atmosphere the author built, and the intimate scenes were very good! I just wish Evelyn and Adrian had been developed more toward the start of the book, and that their relationship took a little longer to blossom into what we got. I was confused about what made Adrian, a stranger, so captivating to her when she didn't feel anything for Silas (also handsome and polite.)
Looking forward to more from Rachel!
Looking forward to more from Rachel!
March 10, 2023
THE PRINCESS AND THE CONDUCTOR | RACHEL ANN HUBERT
★★★★
EVELYN ♡ ADRIAN
❝He would lead his orchestra as if they weren’t playing for a sea full of royals. He’d lead them as if they were playing just to her.❞
❝She’d have more time to learn about the man who seemed to hear the unspoken words between the spoken ones.❞
❝His orbit had pulled her in from the very first time she had heard his music and watched his performance. It had held her beside him from the moment they first spoke.❞
❝I would spend my days learning the maze within your mind and my evenings memorizing every freckle on your skin.❞
❝They were made for each other. Two pieces that fit because they were carved from the same whole.❞
❝And even now, today and forever more, it would be music that carried their love every note and every step of the way.❞
TROPES
Royalty Trope, Dual POV, Classic but modern vibes, Fairy Tales vibes, Sweet & Spicy, Music & Healing, Forbidden Romance, Instant Love, Dual POV
Thank you Rachel Ann Hubert for the ARC copy.
The book was beautifully written, I loved the way Rachel wrote the book. The book was fast pasted, which was perfect, swoon-worthy story, cute, and spicy.
One of my favorite things in the book was the way the feeling of the MCs for each other was described, it was so in depth, and beautifully portrayed. The way intimate feelings were shown.
It has instant love, but I could see why Evelyn and Adrian fell for each other, the way they had a connection from the start, and how their feelings grew. I could see the characters for who they were while getting a glimpse of their backstory, which helped to understand them more.
Both Evelyn and Adrian were lovely, and I really liked them. The forbidden romance vibes were something that I loved in this book. The connection and the beauty that comes with music was delightfully written, how it could communicate with the soul of a person.
I can't wait to read the author's first book - The Debt Collector which is a fantasy book, and her upcoming books.
★★★★
EVELYN ♡ ADRIAN
❝He would lead his orchestra as if they weren’t playing for a sea full of royals. He’d lead them as if they were playing just to her.❞
❝She’d have more time to learn about the man who seemed to hear the unspoken words between the spoken ones.❞
❝His orbit had pulled her in from the very first time she had heard his music and watched his performance. It had held her beside him from the moment they first spoke.❞
❝I would spend my days learning the maze within your mind and my evenings memorizing every freckle on your skin.❞
❝They were made for each other. Two pieces that fit because they were carved from the same whole.❞
❝And even now, today and forever more, it would be music that carried their love every note and every step of the way.❞
TROPES
Royalty Trope, Dual POV, Classic but modern vibes, Fairy Tales vibes, Sweet & Spicy, Music & Healing, Forbidden Romance, Instant Love, Dual POV
Thank you Rachel Ann Hubert for the ARC copy.
The book was beautifully written, I loved the way Rachel wrote the book. The book was fast pasted, which was perfect, swoon-worthy story, cute, and spicy.
One of my favorite things in the book was the way the feeling of the MCs for each other was described, it was so in depth, and beautifully portrayed. The way intimate feelings were shown.
It has instant love, but I could see why Evelyn and Adrian fell for each other, the way they had a connection from the start, and how their feelings grew. I could see the characters for who they were while getting a glimpse of their backstory, which helped to understand them more.
Both Evelyn and Adrian were lovely, and I really liked them. The forbidden romance vibes were something that I loved in this book. The connection and the beauty that comes with music was delightfully written, how it could communicate with the soul of a person.
I can't wait to read the author's first book - The Debt Collector which is a fantasy book, and her upcoming books.
June 25, 2025
Rating: 3.25⭐️ (rounded down to 3⭐️)
The Princess and the Conductor is a short, standalone novella about a woman having to choose a spouse from the various candidates, only to find love in the arms of a man who is not one of them.
I had some prejudices about this read (due to a few not very flattering reviews I had read earlier), but it should serve as a valuable lesson for the future. Although it may not have been a writing masterpiece, it was a charming and relaxing read for me, despite a few flaws.
The MMC was basically screaming ‘green flag guy’ and I couldn’t like him more. He’s also presented as a man not particularly [omg he’s so sexy and perfect!] kind of way, which is a big plus, 'cause yes, we all like our shadow daddies, but let’s not forget that it is usually our normal, sweethearted and nerdy guys that are the absolute best partners in life, and this guy? He’s like that. Not perfect, but absolutely PERFECT at the same time.
Tropes:
forbidden romance, green-flag MMC, sweet story, a bit bittersweet HEA
The Princess and the Conductor is a short, standalone novella about a woman having to choose a spouse from the various candidates, only to find love in the arms of a man who is not one of them.
I had some prejudices about this read (due to a few not very flattering reviews I had read earlier), but it should serve as a valuable lesson for the future. Although it may not have been a writing masterpiece, it was a charming and relaxing read for me, despite a few flaws.
The MMC was basically screaming ‘green flag guy’ and I couldn’t like him more. He’s also presented as a man not particularly [omg he’s so sexy and perfect!] kind of way, which is a big plus, 'cause yes, we all like our shadow daddies, but let’s not forget that it is usually our normal, sweethearted and nerdy guys that are the absolute best partners in life, and this guy? He’s like that. Not perfect, but absolutely PERFECT at the same time.
Tropes:
forbidden romance, green-flag MMC, sweet story, a bit bittersweet HEA
February 28, 2023
“It was her laugh that caught him most off guard. The way it spilled out like a carefully kept secret….he wanted to bottle that laugh and uncork it on a rainy day.”
“She had kissed him like it was her only source of oxygen.”
In this novella we are following Evelyn and Adrian who are from two vastly different walks of life and are both struggling with their own darknesses. They meet by chance and so begins the romance of The Princess and the Conductor. This story feels like a modern classic of forbidden love.
Rachel Ann Hubert did it again! I’m blown away by the beauty of her writing and this lovely, modern fairytale of a story she has created. Rachel has a way with beautifully crafted sentences that pull you in and never let go. If I have to have one critique it’s that I wanted more! Please write more novellas just like this one!
**Recommended for 18+ because it has the spice
February 28, 2023
Okay this gave major Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy vibes! The tension and the banter between the princess and the conductor are absolute perfection!!
Evelyn is facing her upcoming suitors ball where she will need to select a husband and Adrian is the conductor of the orchestra performing on the opening night of celebrations. These two meet and have instant swoon worthy chemistry. I find that good slow building tension can be difficult to portray on page but this is next level. As a reader you can feel the desire and forbidden temptations they face as their feeling continue to build for one another.
This is a novella so the pacing is quick and sweet and sinfully spicy at all the right moments. Evelyn and Adrian will uncover truths about the other and face obstacles they didn’t foresee. This is one book you are going to want to read right now!
Evelyn is facing her upcoming suitors ball where she will need to select a husband and Adrian is the conductor of the orchestra performing on the opening night of celebrations. These two meet and have instant swoon worthy chemistry. I find that good slow building tension can be difficult to portray on page but this is next level. As a reader you can feel the desire and forbidden temptations they face as their feeling continue to build for one another.
This is a novella so the pacing is quick and sweet and sinfully spicy at all the right moments. Evelyn and Adrian will uncover truths about the other and face obstacles they didn’t foresee. This is one book you are going to want to read right now!
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