IsabellaAfter her father dies, The jewelry store is the only thing keeping her from giving up on life. Not only is she stuck with a horrible stepmom, she’s inherited two evil stepsisters too. But working at a jewelry store where love is constantly shoved in her face, makes her despise the four letter word, Love, all together. When she goes to a costume party, a sliver of hope starts to come to life after meeting the most unattainable bachelor in town. He’s tall and handsome. But it’s his secrets behind those bright blue eyes that allure Isabella in the most.KitUnattainable Kit yearns for more in his life. About to give up on marriage completely until his encounter with the most mysterious and difficult woman he’s ever met enters his life. Bored of the extravagant parties and beautiful women by the abundance, Kit is certain he found the woman that’s worthy to be by his side as he takes on his father’s billion-dollar company and continues the family legacy. But when Isabella vanishes without an explanation, his world crumbles and opens wounds that have haunted him for over a decade. But this time, he’s not going down without a fight and certainly not without an explanation.
I found myself another new author. And this is story about A Second Chance
An orphan, left with a wicked step-mother, two step-sisters, and a business that is sinking, fast. Does this sound familiar to you? It does to me. It feels like a retailing of Cinderella. And guess what? I believe this author did a spectacular job on doing so.
Kit(playboy) /hero) and Isabella (Cinderella/heroine) meet at her Family’s jewelry store.
Isabella Was an only child. Her mother died when she was around 3…..And with that said, it was basically her and her father Against the world…… until her late teenage years, when her father Remarried to her stepmother, and her Stepmother had two daughters of her own.
Isabella’s life was somewhat turned upside down When her father had passed away and left Pretty much everything to her stepmother.
Kit, Comes from wealth and Prestige. Everyone knows him as Prince Charming….. the man can pretty much talk just about any woman out of her Panties. …… the man wasn’t looking for anything long term. He already did that and got burnt. ………
Holy heck this was sweet at times, then for a while Tragic. Then it had turned really Morbid for a while. There were so many Secrets That were untold, the author kept us on the edge of our seat until almost a bitter end. For being Retelling of Cinderella, this had some serious twist and turns, and It will keep you turning from page to page just to find out what will happen next. ………
Would I recommend this author. Heck yeah. Would I recommend this Particular book… Hell yeah. Will I read more from this author Most definitely.
I was a little hesitant going into this book. Retellings are not usually my cup of tea. I’m so glad I gave this Cinderella retelling a chance. It hooked me from the very beginning and I would have finished it in one day had live not gotten in the way. This was definitely a dark retelling as there are some very serious issues dealt with and discussed so make sure you read the trigger warnings the author provides at the beginning of the book. I loved the twists and turns in this book and the depth these characters had. Their story is so deep and I just love the relationship between Kit and Isabella as up and down as it is. I really enjoyed this book. If retellings are your thing, and even if they aren’t, you should definitely give this a read it’s so worth it.
This book was like a Cinderella second chance romance retelling. I loved Kit and Isabella. She works in her deceased Dad's jewelry store with her evil step-monster and step-sisters. Kit comes in to the store trying to return an engagement ring and isn't exactly nice about it. He sees her again and decides to invite her to a party his family is having. Of course things don't go as planned, thanks to her step-sister. This book had me in my feelings because I felt so bad for Isabella and how she was treated, but it was a good thing. I loved this book. I can't wait for her next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
My very first read by Nadia Braeckel and I was pleasantly pleased with this story.
In Worthy Nadia gives us a Modern day spin yet Very Dark Retelling Cinderella story. Let me be clear when I say VERY Dark. Now with that being said let's move on to the rest of my review.
Worthy like I said is a Modern day twisted Dark Retelling of Cinderella and its absolutely enthralling. I really enjoyed the twists Nadia threw us and the differences she gave us in her version.
Isabella is stuck in her life doing her Stepmother's bidding and keeping her late father's jewelry store afloat. She doesn't get the respect or recognition that she's so rightfully deserves. She is very sheltered when it comes to certain things like having any sort of social life and any sort of freedom to do is she pleases. She takes joy in the little things like hot chocolate before work and a good book to keep her company and gives her a break from the horrible reality that she lives in. Her stepmother and her stepsisters are of course absolutely wretched people. They do everything within their power to just try to break Isabella's spirit and keep her under their thumb and oppressed. However they need her to keep the the store going. She does it to keep her Father's legacy going.
Kit is the the epitome of party boy, womanizer. His past is anything but glowing or something to be proud of. He's not what you would call a great catch but being he's the "Prince" of the city and the most eligible Batchelor all the women want to reel him in. All except Isabella. Her run in with Kit was not a good one. She thinks he's obnoxious and can't stand him. Kit is relentless though and ends up waring her down.
Their chemistry and unexpected deep and loving relationship is one that is set in the stars. However, when her stepmother sees her happiness and worries it will derail her plans for one of her daughters to land Kit she schemes, Sabotages and manipulates their relationship to fail. Pulling them apart after the worst kind of violation the ment to be couple struggle with the betrayal, violation, heartache and loss alone. Finding their way back from the pit of despair is a struggle and all consuming.
Worthy will consume you and take you on a dark journey of two lost and lonely people struggling to find the light in a world that wants to keep them both in the dark.
I loved the story and I personally can't wait to read more from Nadia.
⚠️ Due to the Dark themes in this story Please Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
A huge thank you to Nadia and her team for giving me the privilege to read the ARC for Worthy!
I am a sucker for Cinderella retellings, so I knew I had to give this one a try. The concept and plot in this story was quite original and there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat. The plot twists were shocking and kept me wondering what would happen next.
I did struggle a little bit with the writing style, some of the pacing, and the MMC. They just were not for me, but I can see this book appealing to a lot of others. I think some more editing could have helped this book for me. However, I want to point out that these are just my preferences and I highly encourage others to still check out the book and form their own opinions! You may discover that it’s right up your alley!
Again, thank you to the author and team who sent me this ARC. Despite the components that were just not my personal preference, I still found myself dying to see what happened next!
Worthy: A Second Chance Love by Nadia Braeckel is a dark Cinderella retelling. I’m a huge fan of retellings as authors can really make it their own so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. The author does an amazing job of that. I’ve read other books by Nadia and was a fan so I had high hopes for this read. I’m so happy to say all my expectations were met and exceeded. This is dark and does tackle some serious issues so I suggest reading the trigger warnings to be on the safe side. I read it in one sitting shucking all adult responsibilities until I finished, I had to see where everything was going to go. The characters were written so well and I really liked the development they went through. I really loved Isabella and Kit. There were moments I really clutched my kindle with all the twists and turns the story took me on. Not to mention I really felt for Isabella and what she experienced. This is just a fantastic retelling and I recommend checking it out.
I DNF'd this book at 76%. I was absolutely loving this book. Then, when I hit chapter 27, something happened. The chapters were nearly identical to another book I’ve read that was published first. I thought maybe it was a fluke and kept reading a handful of chapters, and it was a lot more of the same. I even pulled out my book to make sure I wasn’t crazy. I read them chapter for chapter together. I’m shocked. I’ve never come across anything like this since I started my reading journey. This is only the second book I have DNF'd. I didn’t do it lightly.
This novel gave me a very dark Cinderella/Ever After feeling after reading it. I absolutely loved reading about Kit and Bella, their chemistry and attraction was off the charts. I loved that she made him work for it, and I loved that he finally felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable. The ending was quite the rollercoaster of drama and suspense, add in some laughter and tears, and a twist that, for me, needed more explanation. If you liked the two movies named above, and you like dark and twisty moments, then you will love this novel.
This was dark, and some deep and difficult themes presented throughout, so if you give this a chance, please read the trigger warnings.
This was a great retelling! I wasn't sure what to expect but overall well done. I loved the relationship between the MFC and MMC, I was rooting for them the whole time (albeit I wanted to clobber the MMC many, many times). Great descriptions and wonderful interwoven storylines. There were twists I didn't see coming, but delivered well!
If you enjoy the following tropes/themes, give the book a try: -Love conquers all -Modern-day fairy tale retelling -First and last love -Overprotective male main character -Thriller/suspense -High stakes
A dark retelling of Cinderella, full of suspense, spice, heartbreak, redemption, and happily ever after. While I have mixed feelings about the story, I did enjoy reading it. There are a lot of tender moments between the characters that extended past just Isabella and Kit that I really enjoyed, I felt like it gave the story a lot more depth. I didn't anticipate the plot twists in the middle and the end, so it was basically like being injected with adrenaline when I got to those parts.
While the book was enjoyable, it was a slow start before I really got into the story. It took about 50% of the way before I became fully interested in what was happening in the book. There were also some consistent themes throughout that made it hard for me to relate to the characters and at certain points made me want to root against them. This is purely my opinion and if you disagree then that is totally okay.
I understand that everyone has different viewpoints, however, the one trope I don't enjoy is the "I'm not like other girls" trope. This idea stems from sexism and often puts one type of person on a pedestal. This isn't to say that all the characters portrayed in this book are sexist but the continuous theme of "she's different" had me rolling my eyes and at one point Kit is in awe of how Isabella thinks and has a brain...as opposed to all the women in his life that don't think... I'm sure the author's intent was to show the contrast between the world he's lived in versus the world he could be in with Isabella but this was miss for me.
Another thing that I know some people love but wasn't my cup of tea was the "purity" theme. There isn't anything wrong with being a virgin, but the insistence that being close to Isabella's "innocence" and "purity" would cleanse Kit made me want to stop reading.
As for character development, I wish there was more of it throughout the story. I feel like we got it all at the end as opposed to the characters growing throughout the book. Isabella doesn't really change through the whole book. Kit continuously chooses to self-sabotage himself when things go wrong. He doesn't really start to change for himself until the ending, through the whole book it's him wanting to be better for her. Which is sweet, but a person should want to be better for themselves not just because they put their partner on a pedestal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am a big fan of fairy tales, I've always been since a little girl. So when a mature version of my favourite fairy tales are written I'm all giddy over them. This book was fantastic, I got all the fairy tale feels. I loved how it was told and written. The characters were so lovable, was hard not to fall in love with them. I really liked how Isabella came out of her shell bit by bit because of her Prince Charming Kit. Kit has had a tragic past and he hasn't led the best lifestyle. His father is desperate for him to settle down, so he made that part of the deal for his inheritance. Like Cinderella they have parties looking for a wife for him. Bella has her evil step mum and sisters. I liked how all the important part of the fairytale was inserted in a modern way. Kit and Bella chemistry felt so real. They both gave each other strength and courage. Their steamy moments are very very hot. I love how Nadia writes these parts because she definitely gives me butterflies when reading it. But it's all happening to quickly and you know the saying , 'when things are too good to be true' ? Yeah evil stepmum steps in. I won't say much because you need to experience it firsthand. The second part was good I loved how it all worked out except I did feel there was one too many twists. But the HEA does make it all better. This is a personal preference and I'm sure others will be OK with it, I don't like it when couples separate and one partner thinks it's OK to dip your wick elsewhere. To me when you love that hard, you can't bring yourself to be with another no matter how painful things are. That was my only negative otherwise it was the peferct Cinderella retelling. Please read triggers as there are some horrific events that happen and are spoken about. Those parts really broke my heart. No one should experience it. I can't wait for more from Nadia. Wonder what will be the next fairy tale she tells.
This author was a first for me, and I will admit that retellings of stories are not my usual thing, but this book has definitely changed my mind about that.
Our female protagonist is dealing with the loss of her father, but everything turned upside down when everything went to her stepmother, in the process of inheriting two unlikeable stepsisters. Giving up on life is not an option. She is determined to make the best of what she has got.
Our male protagonist knows how to charm the ladies, but having been burnt previously, he is not looking for anything permanent until her.
You can not help but get hooked to Kit and Isabelle’s story. Nadia weaved a story that portrays multiple yet complex situations, giving her characters the opportunity for growth. The twists and turns will pull you in as we watch the relationship between them develop and grow into something stronger, into something more.
Recommend both the author and the book.
I received an ARC. Therefore, I am voluntarily submitting a review.
Cinderella Retelling Done Right! This is a second chance retelling about Kit and Isabella, both are wonderful characters that you instantly love. They both have inner turmoil in their lives but both dealing with different things. She is stuck in her life living and doing her evil stepmothers bidding. She is sheltered from having a normal life, which includes living in the shadows of her two stepsisters shadows. She has no social skills and it doesn’t help that the oldest sister and mother will do to tear her wonderful spirit down. In comes Kit who is the “prince” in the story, he is the one that all the ladies want in their town – including her stepsisters. Well, that isn’t what he wants, he wants Isabella. Worthy will consume you and take you on a dark journey of two lost and lonely people struggling to find the light in a world that wants to keep them both in the dark.
This book had it all. Witty dialogue between the two MCs, an evil stepmother, a godmother, tragic back stories, angst, steam, and a hamster named Gus. This is the story of Isabella, a jewelry store worker with dreams of fashion design, and Kit, a tarnished prince charming from a wealthy family who is searching for someone worthy.
I loved Isabella as a FMC. She snarky, tough and grew in strength as the book progressed. It took me a while to warm up to Kit. However, you do understand why he is the way he is, and I definitely had empathy for his character.
I loved this story. This is the first time reading this author and it won’t be the last. If you like great dialogue, page turning world building, angst and a happily ever after, this is the book for you.
Overall, really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. Kit and Bella's story was full of ups and downs. Kit and Bella definitely had chemistry that was unmistakable.
I did only give 4 stars because it was difficult to get into at first, but once I was hooked it was game over.
This is a very dark and twisted retelling so check your TWs before reading but highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this book, and my review is entirely my own
This is a great dark retelling of Cinderella. I highly recommend that you check out the trigger list that was supplied by the author. This book had me drawn in from the first page. The book contains some twist turns that had me saying OMG. I didn't really think that i would like Kit, but he surprised me. Isabella is such a lonely young woman that you can't help but feel sorry for her. The chemistry between Kit and Isabella is undeniable.
Loved this book! This was my second book by Nadia Braeckel and Worthy was just as good as Thieves of Kisses if not better honestly. If you haven’t read anything by this author you need to!
Worthy is a second chance/Cinderella retelling story. Kit and Isabella are wonderful characters! These two are one and the same, both have inner turmoil in their lives but with different circumstances. When they find each other, start a friendship that becomes more, that’s when they both start to slowly realize that they are worthy.
Worthy was truly a beautiful story that I highly recommend! I don’t want to give the whole plot away so I hope this helps. Get this asap when it becomes available!
A lovely twist on a Cinderella retelling. The chemistry of the characters with the deep and loving relationship is one that is such a great story that keeps you enthralled. However family threatens and manipulates their relationship to fail. I loved the story granted it is on the darker side of stories so be warned and aware.This was a first book from Nadia for me and I was very impressed.
I believe this is the first book I've by this author. The storyline is easy to follow. However it has that Cinderella feel, step mother and two step sisters. Her father dies,she stays with step mom who treats her like crap,runs her father's shop. Prince Charming saves day but has his own tragic past. But do they find that happy ever after?....
This was my first read by Nadia Braeckel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was a great retelling! I love dark romances and this one had me hooked from the start. The chemistry between Isabella and Kit was unmatched. Lots of twists and turns but I loved every one of them.
Check trigger warnings but overall a great read.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love this book. I could relate to somewhat to the story. There were moments I cried and got pissed because of the she devil and her demons. Tried everything to keep kit and Isabella apart. What made me happy that kit and Isabella fought for what they believed in
I highly recommend it 18+ and please read trigger warnings
I really enjoyed this book!! It gave me “Another Cinderella story” vibes and I love stories like that. I did not expect all plot twist turn the end but really enjoyed them.
The author's writing style is immersive and evocative, drawing readers into a world where magic and mayhem coexist. Each scene is vividly described, making it easy to visualize the opulent ballrooms and shadowy forests that form the backdrop of the story. Moreover, the pacing is expertly handled, keeping the tension taut and the reader engaged from start to finish.
As a fan of the author's previous works, I was not disappointed by "Worthy: A Second Chance Love." It stands as a testament to their storytelling prowess and their ability to breathe new life into familiar tales. I eagerly anticipate their future endeavors, including the highly anticipated release of "Toxic Wishes."
In conclusion, "Worthy: A Second Chance Love" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and fairy tale retellings alike. With its memorable characters, atmospheric setting, and captivating plot twists, it's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.