What do you think?
Rate this book
The Duke of Snow and Apples
Frederick Snow, first footman, is the perfect efficient, hardworking, and completely bereft of emotion. Unbeknownst to his employers, he's the lost Duke of Snowmont, on the run from a suspicious stepfather and a powerful magic he can only control by burying his passions beneath his frosty demeanor. He's managed to hide behind his carefully ordered life until an impertinent miss arrives and challenges everything he thought he wanted.If Charlotte Erlwood wants to land a wealthy, titled husband at her great aunt's house party, she has to stop losing her temper – especially with inordinately handsome footmen. Perhaps if she recruits Frederick for her matrimonial schemes, she'll be able to direct her attention toward suitable single noblemen and away from inappropriate dalliances. But Frederick's frigid control is no match for Charlotte's irrepressible spirit, and her passionate kiss could summon the darker side of his magic...or wake his heart from its frozen sleep.
250 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2014
3 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 22, 2014
Reading fairy tales retellings is one of my favourite things in the world...
....when they are well executed. And yes, that's what happened here!
First of all, this is much more than a (lol) Snow White/Cinderella fairy tale retelling.
This is a Three In One!(...first book I've ever read that managed to make a whimsical and apparently impossible genre conjugation work!)
_Fairy Tale Retelling;
_Historical Romance;
_Fantasy.
And it works flawlessly!!
That story's first page is/was...(wow.)..masterfully written. Here was I, thinking that I was reading something entirely different, and all of a sudden I get hit with a sylph!
People started talking about salamanders and sylphs, and I was: I am sorry...what??
Isn't this an historical romance?
It is! But with a fantasy background to it, which I loved. Brilliant Idea!!
The characters
I loved the inversion of roles that we see here!
It's not everyday _in fact I think this was the first time I ever read something of the type _ that the "classic" Cinderella/damsel in distress role is given to the guy!
Besides that, and accordingly to the role performed by Frederick, is is Charlotte who is given the alpha role.
She is a force to be reckon! In fact do not trust her around apples!
“Did you just hit me with a rock?”
“No,” said Charlotte, avoiding his eyes.
“Did you just hit me with a rock?”
“No.”
“You hit me with a rock!”
“It wasn’t a rock!” Charlotte brought her wandering gaze back to his. Fortifying herself with a haughty sniff, she said, “I hit you with an apple.”
The plot
Interweaving a great number of diverse and well developed characters, _some of them that remind us of other fairy tale characters like the fairy Godmothers or the Huntsman _ with a fresh new fantasy background _the Gnome chase? Loved it! _ the author also didn't forget to insert the expected Cinderella (Snow white) more known elements...
There's the expected ball, disguises, and no, the guy doesn't lose one of his shoes...but he does lose something much more important.
But Frederick is much more than a ...Cinderella, Snow White or even a Snow
And Charlotte is much more than a insignificant
Confession time:
I read most of this story, with a big goofy smile on my face _ and I have been steering away from romances in the last couple of months..so that is saying a lot _, but I loved seeing those two as a couple.
I loved the way their relationship evolved, and the fact that in that , neither of them were idiots to not see the obstacles in front of them.
But then we get to the last third of the story, in which we were supposedly busy trying to figure out something...but then that something is not that difficult to guess.
Except to our heroine and hero, (lol) which ends up being not very flattering to them!
And that is why I am giving a four, instead of a five star rating to this story ;)
Now I am just going to pester Bookdepository until they have the paperback edition for sale! Because that is what I do...I pester people o_O
To finish: Go...read this book! Spread the word about this book (and pester your friends about it), and most importantly, just be ready to fall in love with this story.
Oh, and I've just read on the author's twitter that there is going to be a SEQUEL!!
September 13, 2014
DNF a bit after halfway through. The disconnects simply accumulated until I couldn't bear to continue pushing through the story. The setting is a magical pseudo-Victorian era with gentry and nobles descended directly from the Fae. The magical bits are the most solid in this with some interesting details to them (though Freddy being "special" is a bit twee). The rest of the setting is kind of awful. The fashions and most of the trappings are Victorian-enough. But the social interactions and pretty much every word out of every characters' mouths were very modern—starting with Charlotte being encouraged (and rewarded with social success when implemented) to "just be herself". This is advice that was never, ever, in the history of Victorian society expressed to any young person, let alone a single girl hoping for a husband. Ever. Never. Did not happen.
Indeed, the Victorian social mores pretty much exclusively showed up as convenient roadblocks in order to provide a barrier between Freddy and Charlotte being together ("oh noes, we can't pursue our feelings because of class!"). Which is funny considering that these social mores were tossed out on their ear at the very start with Freddy being assigned to Charlotte as her own "personal footman". Yeah, because that could ever happen.
I finally quit when I realized that I'd seen every event coming miles away and the only mysteries were things the author held back coyly by never giving us details for why Freddy is in hiding. This might work if the author was clever, rather than coy, but sadly, this is not the case. I'm pretty sure I've sussed that out , and really I'm afraid I stopped caring.
Which is the true reason I stopped reading—I noticed I just didn't care. I suppose I like my heroes less Tragedy-Jane than Freddy (also not so dumb) and my heroines less oblivious than Charlotte.
Indeed, the Victorian social mores pretty much exclusively showed up as convenient roadblocks in order to provide a barrier between Freddy and Charlotte being together ("oh noes, we can't pursue our feelings because of class!"). Which is funny considering that these social mores were tossed out on their ear at the very start with Freddy being assigned to Charlotte as her own "personal footman". Yeah, because that could ever happen.
I finally quit when I realized that I'd seen every event coming miles away and the only mysteries were things the author held back coyly by never giving us details for why Freddy is in hiding. This might work if the author was clever, rather than coy, but sadly, this is not the case. I'm pretty sure I've sussed that out , and really I'm afraid I stopped caring.
Which is the true reason I stopped reading—I noticed I just didn't care. I suppose I like my heroes less Tragedy-Jane than Freddy (also not so dumb) and my heroines less oblivious than Charlotte.
May 14, 2020
My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a copy of this book to read and review.
DNF at 1%. This seems to take place in the Regency era, yet the behavior of the MC h who is a Lady and should know how to behave and her being assigned a footman and not a ladies' maid to accompany her is completely outside the normal behavior of that time period. Yes, it is Regency with MAGIC, but that doesn't excuse the lack of proper behavior and decorum for that era.
Because of this and my inability to look past what seems to be a major part of the plot, I have decided to not continue with reading this book.
I am sure that there will be many for whom this book is a good fit and I will not hesitate to suggest it to the customers for whom it will work. It just didn't work for me.
Since I have to give it a star rating on NetGalley, this will be 1 star for me, as I wasn't able to continue reading it. Not the book, this was completely the reader on this one.
DNF at 1%. This seems to take place in the Regency era, yet the behavior of the MC h who is a Lady and should know how to behave and her being assigned a footman and not a ladies' maid to accompany her is completely outside the normal behavior of that time period. Yes, it is Regency with MAGIC, but that doesn't excuse the lack of proper behavior and decorum for that era.
Because of this and my inability to look past what seems to be a major part of the plot, I have decided to not continue with reading this book.
I am sure that there will be many for whom this book is a good fit and I will not hesitate to suggest it to the customers for whom it will work. It just didn't work for me.
Since I have to give it a star rating on NetGalley, this will be 1 star for me, as I wasn't able to continue reading it. Not the book, this was completely the reader on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2017
Frederick is a duke in hiding. As a servant. Charlotte wants to land a husband. I picked this up because it sounded interesting, a gender-swapped Cinderella/Snow White, and I happen to really like fairy tale retellings. Plus, I bought this when it came out a few years ago.....and forgot all about it. Then I needed a book for one of the Bingo games/challenges I'm in (debut author shelf).
This really didn't work for me. There wasn't anything that I really liked. The characters, mainly Charlotte got better as the book progressed. (Okay, that's *1* thing). This read more like a historical romance with fantasy (magic/fey) elements thrown in. I couldn't decide what it wanted to be: a historical romance or a romantic fantasy. While there are overly descriptive moments (oh very many, my eyes crossed), I thought the world building could have been more. It was slowly paced.
Frederick was okay. He finely got some assertiveness towards the end. Charlotte, my first thought was: Spoiled brat. I. Did. Not. Like. Her. It took all of the book to somewhat like her. Or I should say, dislike her a little less. I can be quite forgiving when I adore the main characters.
When I'm on the fence about a rating, I really should write out what I want to say first and then star rate. A 2 is too high. Changing this to a 1. This would have been DNF'd but for the Bingo challenge.
This really didn't work for me. There wasn't anything that I really liked. The characters, mainly Charlotte got better as the book progressed. (Okay, that's *1* thing). This read more like a historical romance with fantasy (magic/fey) elements thrown in. I couldn't decide what it wanted to be: a historical romance or a romantic fantasy. While there are overly descriptive moments (oh very many, my eyes crossed), I thought the world building could have been more. It was slowly paced.
Frederick was okay. He finely got some assertiveness towards the end. Charlotte, my first thought was: Spoiled brat. I. Did. Not. Like. Her. It took all of the book to somewhat like her. Or I should say, dislike her a little less. I can be quite forgiving when I adore the main characters.
When I'm on the fence about a rating, I really should write out what I want to say first and then star rate. A 2 is too high. Changing this to a 1. This would have been DNF'd but for the Bingo challenge.
May 9, 2018
Primera novela de este tipo que leo... que une la fantasía y el romance histórico... jajaja pero me encantó... le quedó bien a la autora!!
... Amé a Frederick y la protagonista a pesar de sus defectos me agrado. La historia es muy tierna y tiene sus partes divertidas... y las escenas de los besos de estos dos estuvieron geniales...!!
Le doy 4,5 estrellas
... Amé a Frederick y la protagonista a pesar de sus defectos me agrado. La historia es muy tierna y tiene sus partes divertidas... y las escenas de los besos de estos dos estuvieron geniales...!!
Le doy 4,5 estrellas
February 2, 2016
I like the ideas here (a kind of genderflipped retelling of both Snow White and Cinderella in a Regency-AU-with-magic) but it would have been a much better book at half the length. It felt like it took forever for anything to happen.
October 23, 2017
This book was entertaining, but not perfect. I enjoyed the witty banter and the clever descriptions and analogies used. The writing was definitely strong. I also really liked the magic system, and I'd love to read more books set in the same world, maybe in different kingdoms which acknowledge the different magics. I think that would be fun.
I liked the characters. I appreciated the different ways everyone had of fitting themselves into the society.
Unfortunately, the thing I didn't like was actually the premise. It's annoying to read the woes of a lady falling in love with a footman when you know he's actually a duke in hiding. It's one of those things where I was just like, "what are the odds"... I get it's a fairy-tale retelling, and astronomically unlikely coincidences are kind of the signature of fairy tales, but still. I feel it could have been a much more interesting book if he was literally just a footman. Or if no one was there with the convenient "but he's my duke!" at the end. It made for a very predictable ending.
I also realize this is absolutely my bias showing (I actually don't like "royal" or "millionaire" romances (there are SO MANY OUT THERE BAH)), but it was just a little hard to care about their problems when you know they're actually ridiculously wealthy.
Disclosure: I know the author. I was a little worried I was going to hate it! But I did not. Despite my objections, this did have me turning the page way too late into the night.
Edit: I seem to be hovering and changing my mind between a 3 and a 4 stars... I really wish they allowed halves here. I feel my enjoyment level really does warrant this to live on the higher side of 3.5, so it will stay a 4.
I liked the characters. I appreciated the different ways everyone had of fitting themselves into the society.
Unfortunately, the thing I didn't like was actually the premise. It's annoying to read the woes of a lady falling in love with a footman when you know he's actually a duke in hiding. It's one of those things where I was just like, "what are the odds"... I get it's a fairy-tale retelling, and astronomically unlikely coincidences are kind of the signature of fairy tales, but still. I feel it could have been a much more interesting book if he was literally just a footman. Or if no one was there with the convenient "but he's my duke!" at the end. It made for a very predictable ending.
I also realize this is absolutely my bias showing (I actually don't like "royal" or "millionaire" romances (there are SO MANY OUT THERE BAH)), but it was just a little hard to care about their problems when you know they're actually ridiculously wealthy.
Disclosure: I know the author. I was a little worried I was going to hate it! But I did not. Despite my objections, this did have me turning the page way too late into the night.
Edit: I seem to be hovering and changing my mind between a 3 and a 4 stars... I really wish they allowed halves here. I feel my enjoyment level really does warrant this to live on the higher side of 3.5, so it will stay a 4.
December 13, 2018
En primera instancia tenia una percepción de que seria romance histórica , ya leyendo como 5 libros en este mes medios malos ya estaba como uno mas no hace año. Tenia un titulo interesante el duque delas manzanas.
Relei la sinopsis y vi que tenia algo de magia. Asi que me dije bueno seguro estará cool.
De una vi que seria un largo libro. De una la protagonista me cayó mal. Luego como que me cayó un poco menos mal. Sus cambios de personalidad era medios raros tuve miedo de que empezara a gritar. Freddy lo aguantó todo muy bien y la quería por alguna misteriosa razón . freddy para que le guste ella debe ser bien loco.
Ustedes dicen porque te cae mal. Primero cogio y golpio conuna manzana a freddy. No lo conocía y lo golpeo. Su trato hacia freddy con ira hacia comentarios mordaces , no aceptaba consejos. Fingia que todo estaba bien. Hacia chistes grotescos , trataba mal a la modista. Tenia gustos de chica rica que no esta mal pero con todo el asunto que nombre le daba mala imagen. No se daba cuenta el asunto de porque su hermana se estaba casando. Nunca se dio cuenta de freddy. Quería tener a freddy de amante porque era lacayo . que terrible muchacha tan insegura. Luego cuando cof cof se entera otra cosa ya cambia de opinión a sentirse ofendida.
Simplemente no podía soportar eso.
el asunto de la magia me quedo en el aire. hablaron de fey pero ya no se vio ni uno. como fue que se unieron con los humanos. nunca lo sabremos.
Relei la sinopsis y vi que tenia algo de magia. Asi que me dije bueno seguro estará cool.
De una vi que seria un largo libro. De una la protagonista me cayó mal. Luego como que me cayó un poco menos mal. Sus cambios de personalidad era medios raros tuve miedo de que empezara a gritar. Freddy lo aguantó todo muy bien y la quería por alguna misteriosa razón . freddy para que le guste ella debe ser bien loco.
Ustedes dicen porque te cae mal. Primero cogio y golpio conuna manzana a freddy. No lo conocía y lo golpeo. Su trato hacia freddy con ira hacia comentarios mordaces , no aceptaba consejos. Fingia que todo estaba bien. Hacia chistes grotescos , trataba mal a la modista. Tenia gustos de chica rica que no esta mal pero con todo el asunto que nombre le daba mala imagen. No se daba cuenta el asunto de porque su hermana se estaba casando. Nunca se dio cuenta de freddy. Quería tener a freddy de amante porque era lacayo . que terrible muchacha tan insegura. Luego cuando cof cof se entera otra cosa ya cambia de opinión a sentirse ofendida.
Simplemente no podía soportar eso.
el asunto de la magia me quedo en el aire. hablaron de fey pero ya no se vio ni uno. como fue que se unieron con los humanos. nunca lo sabremos.
August 26, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review**
3 stars
Frederick Snow is in hiding from the life he left behind when he was he was 15 years old…away from the terrifying secret he keeps. He has powers…powers that can destroy a person to the point of leaving them as nothing but a shell – the Gray takes over and slowly destroys them, until they die, just like his mother and his gameskeeper, Farnsby. Which is why since then, he has been living a secret and private life as a footman for Lady Balrumple. He keeps his identity and his powers a secret from everyone to protect them from the Gray, and himself.
That is until he’s assigned to the long estranged great-niece, Charlotte Erlwood. He is intrigued by the young lady, but ever careful not to become too involved with her, for fear of the Gray. At first she is indignant to him, treating him like a true servant, but she eventually comes to look forward to seeing him – if even just in the dining room or in passing through the halls. As their affections for each other grows, they realize just how careful they need to be – as Charlotte is a lady, and “Freddy” as she calls him, is a lowly servant with nothing to offer her family. So when her sister comes for a visit, along with the Duke of Snowmont and his companion Sir Bertram – and they bring a part of Frederick Snow’s life to light that he thought he’d be safe from…the Gray. But can Frederick love Charlotte and keep her safe from the dreaded Gray?
[POSSIBLE SPOILERS} This is a great love story – I really liked how they were willing to give up everything to be together. The problem I had with the story is the “fae powers” that everyone seems to have are never fully explained. People just HAVE them – as they are apparently descendants of the fae – but it’s never explained WHY or HOW they kept the powers, or for that matter, what exactly Fredrick’s powers did. I thought that Charlotte was a strong young lady, looking for her life to begin, and someone to share it even if it means marrying someone that she doesn’t love yet. She wants security and safety…and while Freddy is neither of those things, he still manages to win her heart – but will it be enough? I think with a little improved background, this could be a 5 star book for sure – the story is there, just didn’t quite come together like it could have.
3 stars
Frederick Snow is in hiding from the life he left behind when he was he was 15 years old…away from the terrifying secret he keeps. He has powers…powers that can destroy a person to the point of leaving them as nothing but a shell – the Gray takes over and slowly destroys them, until they die, just like his mother and his gameskeeper, Farnsby. Which is why since then, he has been living a secret and private life as a footman for Lady Balrumple. He keeps his identity and his powers a secret from everyone to protect them from the Gray, and himself.
That is until he’s assigned to the long estranged great-niece, Charlotte Erlwood. He is intrigued by the young lady, but ever careful not to become too involved with her, for fear of the Gray. At first she is indignant to him, treating him like a true servant, but she eventually comes to look forward to seeing him – if even just in the dining room or in passing through the halls. As their affections for each other grows, they realize just how careful they need to be – as Charlotte is a lady, and “Freddy” as she calls him, is a lowly servant with nothing to offer her family. So when her sister comes for a visit, along with the Duke of Snowmont and his companion Sir Bertram – and they bring a part of Frederick Snow’s life to light that he thought he’d be safe from…the Gray. But can Frederick love Charlotte and keep her safe from the dreaded Gray?
[POSSIBLE SPOILERS} This is a great love story – I really liked how they were willing to give up everything to be together. The problem I had with the story is the “fae powers” that everyone seems to have are never fully explained. People just HAVE them – as they are apparently descendants of the fae – but it’s never explained WHY or HOW they kept the powers, or for that matter, what exactly Fredrick’s powers did. I thought that Charlotte was a strong young lady, looking for her life to begin, and someone to share it even if it means marrying someone that she doesn’t love yet. She wants security and safety…and while Freddy is neither of those things, he still manages to win her heart – but will it be enough? I think with a little improved background, this could be a 5 star book for sure – the story is there, just didn’t quite come together like it could have.
September 5, 2014
The Duke of Snow and Apples wasn't a terrible read but..... it wasn't spectacular.
The concept of the Fey/Magic meshed into the historical romantic setting was new to me. I haven't read another book like it. Maybe it was this strangeness that made it difficult for me to overlook the good things about it.
These 'good things' are few. I enjoyed the plot, though at one point I think it began to go downhill for me. As I said, not terrible, not spectacular but strange...... I never like to reveal too much of the plot. I'd rather readers experience the book for themselves without too much biased options going in.
The good thing about this story was its potential. I could see it going somewhere. The story, plot-wise was good and the myriad of characters made the story colorful and interesting. The witty banter was enjoyably (I love witty banter!). I did feel the passion between the two main characters (Frederick and Charlotte) when they both realized that the attraction was there, lying in wait. But I felt their circumstance (him being the 'help' and her being a lady of some fortune)in the story held little possibility of any kind of relationship between them. Other than the way it turned out in the end of course, which felt utterly predictable. And yet at the same time it ended the way it should. Strange, I know. Granted I loved all that 'love from a distance', though, it frustrated me a little...
Or maybe alot....
The magical aspect was intriguing (I love intrigue!) Frederick's 'powers' was a unique touch. I've never read anything like it. And yes, it did confuse me sometimes and I had to grapple with its concept a bit. Maybe because it was all so new to me. Which is good. But was also bad. I think that made it hard for me to enjoy certain things. Like their chemistry, which wasn't necessarily lacking but was over shadowed by the things I didn't like. (plot predictability mainly)
I may read this again in the future, so I can settle some of the uncertainty.
**********************************************************
Received from Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
The concept of the Fey/Magic meshed into the historical romantic setting was new to me. I haven't read another book like it. Maybe it was this strangeness that made it difficult for me to overlook the good things about it.
These 'good things' are few. I enjoyed the plot, though at one point I think it began to go downhill for me. As I said, not terrible, not spectacular but strange...... I never like to reveal too much of the plot. I'd rather readers experience the book for themselves without too much biased options going in.
The good thing about this story was its potential. I could see it going somewhere. The story, plot-wise was good and the myriad of characters made the story colorful and interesting. The witty banter was enjoyably (I love witty banter!). I did feel the passion between the two main characters (Frederick and Charlotte) when they both realized that the attraction was there, lying in wait. But I felt their circumstance (him being the 'help' and her being a lady of some fortune)in the story held little possibility of any kind of relationship between them. Other than the way it turned out in the end of course, which felt utterly predictable. And yet at the same time it ended the way it should. Strange, I know. Granted I loved all that 'love from a distance', though, it frustrated me a little...
Or maybe alot....
The magical aspect was intriguing (I love intrigue!) Frederick's 'powers' was a unique touch. I've never read anything like it. And yes, it did confuse me sometimes and I had to grapple with its concept a bit. Maybe because it was all so new to me. Which is good. But was also bad. I think that made it hard for me to enjoy certain things. Like their chemistry, which wasn't necessarily lacking but was over shadowed by the things I didn't like. (plot predictability mainly)
I may read this again in the future, so I can settle some of the uncertainty.
**********************************************************
Received from Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
August 29, 2014
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Billed as a gender-swapped retelling of Snow White, this fun historical fantasy debut novel from Elizabeth Vail was entertaining and romantic. I loved the blend of historical and fantasy elements, and I've always been a sucker for characters with a secret identity. I enjoyed Frederick's belief that his magic was deadly, and that he had to keep a tight control over his emotions in order to protect everyone around him, and more than that, I loved how Charlotte continually pushed his limits without always meaning to.
Though I prefer my romances to be steamy, I did enjoy the chemistry between Charlotte and Frederick, especially the reminder that while he may be a footman, he was still a man, which is something Charlotte had a tendency to forget at times.
There were a few pacing issues that stood out to me, where the story would hit a lull that made me think that it was winding down to a conclusion before revving back up to more action, but even with these issues, I still found it a very enjoyable read, and a great deal at the current price.
Billed as a gender-swapped retelling of Snow White, this fun historical fantasy debut novel from Elizabeth Vail was entertaining and romantic. I loved the blend of historical and fantasy elements, and I've always been a sucker for characters with a secret identity. I enjoyed Frederick's belief that his magic was deadly, and that he had to keep a tight control over his emotions in order to protect everyone around him, and more than that, I loved how Charlotte continually pushed his limits without always meaning to.
Though I prefer my romances to be steamy, I did enjoy the chemistry between Charlotte and Frederick, especially the reminder that while he may be a footman, he was still a man, which is something Charlotte had a tendency to forget at times.
There were a few pacing issues that stood out to me, where the story would hit a lull that made me think that it was winding down to a conclusion before revving back up to more action, but even with these issues, I still found it a very enjoyable read, and a great deal at the current price.
August 22, 2014
"3.5 out of 5 stars, a darker version of the Snow White fairytale with unique twists! Set in a historical feyish world, this dynamic novel gets you hooked from the beginning with its intriguing plot and entertaining characters."
Read more of this review and THREE teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/made-grade-duke-of-snow-and-apples-by.html
Read more of this review and THREE teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/made-grade-duke-of-snow-and-apples-by.html
September 8, 2014
3.5 stars out of 5.
When I chose to read this story I was thinking historical romance novel, and in many ways it was. The pomp, the circumstance, the fantastic gowns, the snobbish aristocracy, the grandeur of the estates, the star crosses lovers, all my favorite things in a historical romance. Then I read the location and date of this novel at the beginning of the first chapter: “Charmant Park, Allmach - 20th day of the Month of Soil, Year 556 After the Fey.” Alrighty then, there is more here than your basic historical romance. We have Fey.
There wasn’t any real fey in this story but, diluted descendants from fey/human alliances from years ago. But there was definitely magic. Mail carrying sylphs, salamanders for heat, air rifles for hunting gnomes, various potions and spells for all manner of everyday use, including beauty glamour. It was a very interesting mix of fantasy and historical romance.
For the most part I enjoyed this world and all the characters in it. However,
I thought that the author went on tangents that didn’t go anywhere and/or left us hanging. For instance, there were a few reverences to a “blight swallowing the Selecian Islands.” Although an interesting tidbit, and did have baring on one of the secondary characters – Lamonte, a ladies maid to Charlotte, the heroine, and her grandaunt Hildy – it was kind of left hanging. I thought of it as a red herring, a mis-direction for the plot, and/or a dangling tread. It left me scratching my head and wondering . . .
There was an entire secondary character like this as well. Dorothea, the Seventh Dowager. Unlike every other character, she didn’t have a title and wasn’t even called Lady. Why? If she was a dowager, shouldn’t she have been called Lady something? She was also bit stranger than the rest, dressed all in black with a flock of crows. Ultimately, the crows did kind of save the day, so there was a purpose for this character, but she was left shrouded in mystery. Exactly who was she?
I liked the hero – Freddy. He entered the story as first footman of the household. A noble profession that he did well, if rather too “stiff upper lip” for most. I mean, it was noted that this guy never so much as smiled. Then, we find out why.
Do you remember in Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the scene where a page is announcing the upcoming ball for the Prince? He is reading the Prince’s name and it goes on for about half a page? That is what came to mind when Freddy’s real name was revealed. “Frederick Adam Phineas Calvin Cleighmore, Fifth Duke of Snowmont, Marquess of Pilsby, Earl of Lowton.” Whew! Now that is a mouth full. Charlotte kind of upheld that feeling:
“A duke. Frederick is a duke. The words had wound through Charlotte’s head, a ceaseless monotone chant, since the moment that cursed ring had declared that beneath the powdered wig and subservient pose lurked a man with the purest blood in Allmarch, this side of the royal family. A duke, a duke, Frederick Adam Phineas Calvin Cleighmore. Duke of Snowmont.
It had sung in her head, like one of the Fey’s lost song-spells . . .”
It was kind of fun and rather entertaining.
The drama in this story was well played. The slow build up to a wonderfully climatic ending. Although there were the dangling threads that I mentioned, this was an interesting story that held my interest and kept me turning the page far into the night. I would have liked the dangling threads tied up, but I found the ending very satisfying otherwise. It was well worth the journey to get there.
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I chose to read this story I was thinking historical romance novel, and in many ways it was. The pomp, the circumstance, the fantastic gowns, the snobbish aristocracy, the grandeur of the estates, the star crosses lovers, all my favorite things in a historical romance. Then I read the location and date of this novel at the beginning of the first chapter: “Charmant Park, Allmach - 20th day of the Month of Soil, Year 556 After the Fey.” Alrighty then, there is more here than your basic historical romance. We have Fey.
There wasn’t any real fey in this story but, diluted descendants from fey/human alliances from years ago. But there was definitely magic. Mail carrying sylphs, salamanders for heat, air rifles for hunting gnomes, various potions and spells for all manner of everyday use, including beauty glamour. It was a very interesting mix of fantasy and historical romance.
For the most part I enjoyed this world and all the characters in it. However,
I thought that the author went on tangents that didn’t go anywhere and/or left us hanging. For instance, there were a few reverences to a “blight swallowing the Selecian Islands.” Although an interesting tidbit, and did have baring on one of the secondary characters – Lamonte, a ladies maid to Charlotte, the heroine, and her grandaunt Hildy – it was kind of left hanging. I thought of it as a red herring, a mis-direction for the plot, and/or a dangling tread. It left me scratching my head and wondering . . .
There was an entire secondary character like this as well. Dorothea, the Seventh Dowager. Unlike every other character, she didn’t have a title and wasn’t even called Lady. Why? If she was a dowager, shouldn’t she have been called Lady something? She was also bit stranger than the rest, dressed all in black with a flock of crows. Ultimately, the crows did kind of save the day, so there was a purpose for this character, but she was left shrouded in mystery. Exactly who was she?
I liked the hero – Freddy. He entered the story as first footman of the household. A noble profession that he did well, if rather too “stiff upper lip” for most. I mean, it was noted that this guy never so much as smiled. Then, we find out why.
Do you remember in Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the scene where a page is announcing the upcoming ball for the Prince? He is reading the Prince’s name and it goes on for about half a page? That is what came to mind when Freddy’s real name was revealed. “Frederick Adam Phineas Calvin Cleighmore, Fifth Duke of Snowmont, Marquess of Pilsby, Earl of Lowton.” Whew! Now that is a mouth full. Charlotte kind of upheld that feeling:
“A duke. Frederick is a duke. The words had wound through Charlotte’s head, a ceaseless monotone chant, since the moment that cursed ring had declared that beneath the powdered wig and subservient pose lurked a man with the purest blood in Allmarch, this side of the royal family. A duke, a duke, Frederick Adam Phineas Calvin Cleighmore. Duke of Snowmont.
It had sung in her head, like one of the Fey’s lost song-spells . . .”
It was kind of fun and rather entertaining.
The drama in this story was well played. The slow build up to a wonderfully climatic ending. Although there were the dangling threads that I mentioned, this was an interesting story that held my interest and kept me turning the page far into the night. I would have liked the dangling threads tied up, but I found the ending very satisfying otherwise. It was well worth the journey to get there.
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2014
*I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was more of a 3.5 star rating, but I rounded up.
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings, so I was pretty excited about this book, where the hero is our Snow White. But for some reason, it took me forever to get into this book, but when I did I actually enjoyed the story a great deal.
Frederick Snow is the first footman at Charmant Park, the home of Lady Balrumple and the rest of the Seven Dowagers, or Diamonds, depending on who you ask. Frederick is the perfect servant. He is hardworking, never complains, shows no emotion, and has very little social interactions with anyone. In a land where everyone has some magical abilities, with the highest rungs of society having the most, Frederick hides his unique magic, and his true identity behind an icy mask because he fears that it will only hurt those he cares about.
Charlotte,the grand-niece of Lady Balrumple, arrives for a visit after an embarrassing incident where the man she thought she was involved with proposed to her sister . Now Charlotte is now more determined than ever to play the role of the perfect miss so that she can find a wealthy, titled fiance of her own. Only the person who really catches her eye, and her heart isn't wealthy or titled, but rather a footman whose icy mask is slowly melting. While Charlotte puts on a false front with the aristocracy, with Frederick she lets her mask slip. While they both know that their stations in society do not match up, their feeling for each other soon becomes more important.
I think part of the reason that I was slow to really get into this one is that I didn't understand the world that they lived in, over time there was more explanation about how they descended from the Fae, but it wasn't explained in the beginning, the magic just got thrown out there. I also really didn't care for Charlotte in the beginning. She came off at first as a whiny, spoiled brat. But through out the book, as the author revealed more about both Charlotte and Frederick's back story, and through out their interactions with each other I really got to know and love both of them.
One of my favorite things was the fairytale elements. I received this book through netgalley and the blurb didn't mention that it was a retelling, so I actually was making the connections as I was reading and it was exciting to see how the author reinterpreted the classic story. I absolutely loved the awakening kiss scene, it was really emotional and beautifully written.
I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters, but I wish I would have learned more about some of them, but from reading other reviews I hear there is a sequel in the works that hopefully will continue their stories (particularly Littiger, Lamonte, Ellie). I loved the antics of the dowagers, or diamonds. There were a few issues that I had, or just things that I wish had gotten explained more clearly such as how the villain ( I won't spoil the mystery for you) was able to work his way into everyone's lives. I would have liked to see Frederick reconnect with the staff.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. This was my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Vail and I love the way she was able to mingle some of my favorite romance genres, giving us a fairytale, a fantasy, and even suspense. I look forward to reading more.
This was more of a 3.5 star rating, but I rounded up.
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings, so I was pretty excited about this book, where the hero is our Snow White. But for some reason, it took me forever to get into this book, but when I did I actually enjoyed the story a great deal.
Frederick Snow is the first footman at Charmant Park, the home of Lady Balrumple and the rest of the Seven Dowagers, or Diamonds, depending on who you ask. Frederick is the perfect servant. He is hardworking, never complains, shows no emotion, and has very little social interactions with anyone. In a land where everyone has some magical abilities, with the highest rungs of society having the most, Frederick hides his unique magic, and his true identity behind an icy mask because he fears that it will only hurt those he cares about.
Charlotte,the grand-niece of Lady Balrumple, arrives for a visit after an embarrassing incident where the man she thought she was involved with proposed to her sister . Now Charlotte is now more determined than ever to play the role of the perfect miss so that she can find a wealthy, titled fiance of her own. Only the person who really catches her eye, and her heart isn't wealthy or titled, but rather a footman whose icy mask is slowly melting. While Charlotte puts on a false front with the aristocracy, with Frederick she lets her mask slip. While they both know that their stations in society do not match up, their feeling for each other soon becomes more important.
I think part of the reason that I was slow to really get into this one is that I didn't understand the world that they lived in, over time there was more explanation about how they descended from the Fae, but it wasn't explained in the beginning, the magic just got thrown out there. I also really didn't care for Charlotte in the beginning. She came off at first as a whiny, spoiled brat. But through out the book, as the author revealed more about both Charlotte and Frederick's back story, and through out their interactions with each other I really got to know and love both of them.
One of my favorite things was the fairytale elements. I received this book through netgalley and the blurb didn't mention that it was a retelling, so I actually was making the connections as I was reading and it was exciting to see how the author reinterpreted the classic story. I absolutely loved the awakening kiss scene, it was really emotional and beautifully written.
I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters, but I wish I would have learned more about some of them, but from reading other reviews I hear there is a sequel in the works that hopefully will continue their stories (particularly Littiger, Lamonte, Ellie). I loved the antics of the dowagers, or diamonds. There were a few issues that I had, or just things that I wish had gotten explained more clearly such as how the villain ( I won't spoil the mystery for you) was able to work his way into everyone's lives. I would have liked to see Frederick reconnect with the staff.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. This was my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Vail and I love the way she was able to mingle some of my favorite romance genres, giving us a fairytale, a fantasy, and even suspense. I look forward to reading more.
August 27, 2014
Set in a magical land reminiscent of Regency England, Frederick Snow has served Lady Balrumple of Charmant Park for over ten years, keeping a tight rein on his thoughts, emotions, and magical abilities. But when he meets Lady Balrumple’s grandniece, Charlotte Erlwood, that infamous control comes crashing down. Spirited, intelligent, and a little selfish, Charlotte stirs Frederick’s long-suppressed emotions. As Charlotte and Frederick begin forming an unlikely friendship, others gather close to Charmant Park. Others that could expose Frederick’s secret and threaten the peaceful life he has built in Lady Balrumple’s service. Once Charlotte and the other guests learn his secret, will they ever look at him the same way again?
In a refreshing twist, Frederick Snow is actually the focal point and primary character in this romance. As a footman serving in the household of Lady Balrumple, Frederick is handsome and able to perform an array of necessary duties that keep Charmant Park running smoothly. He keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself and his emotions behind a wall of ice. But instead of coming across as broody or boring, Frederick is actually quite passionate and sympathetic. As a reader, we see the emotions bubbling under the surface and Frederick’s struggle to keep those emotions (and accompanying magical powers) under control. He quietly supports Charlotte from behind the scenes while battling his own inner demons and we can’t help but root for him as he learns more about his powers, his family, and Charlotte.
Charlotte is, unfortunately, another story. Charlotte was very difficult to sympathize with at first. In fact, I outright disliked her for at least the first quarter of the book. Actions and traits Frederick found charming, I found selfish and borderline abusive. Thankfully, as she began to relax and open up to Frederick, she became a more charming character. Selfishness turned into loyalty and a feisty personality. I really wish we could have seen that side of Charlotte earlier in the book, but it certainly made for a wonderful character growth story. By the end, I liked Charlotte and believed she was now the person who deserved someone like Frederick.
The magical elements to the story were unexpected, but enjoyable. While it certainly places this story in the realm of fantasy, the magical elements are not so overwhelming that you’ve got to flip back and forth to figure out what’s happening. Rather, it provides the backdrop for an essential plot point and then is largely there for comic relief. There were times I even forgot this was supposed to be a magical realm.
The Duke of Snow and Apples is certainly different from the typical romance novel. Something akin to Regency England meets Walt Disney-style fairytales. Very enjoyable.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In a refreshing twist, Frederick Snow is actually the focal point and primary character in this romance. As a footman serving in the household of Lady Balrumple, Frederick is handsome and able to perform an array of necessary duties that keep Charmant Park running smoothly. He keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself and his emotions behind a wall of ice. But instead of coming across as broody or boring, Frederick is actually quite passionate and sympathetic. As a reader, we see the emotions bubbling under the surface and Frederick’s struggle to keep those emotions (and accompanying magical powers) under control. He quietly supports Charlotte from behind the scenes while battling his own inner demons and we can’t help but root for him as he learns more about his powers, his family, and Charlotte.
Charlotte is, unfortunately, another story. Charlotte was very difficult to sympathize with at first. In fact, I outright disliked her for at least the first quarter of the book. Actions and traits Frederick found charming, I found selfish and borderline abusive. Thankfully, as she began to relax and open up to Frederick, she became a more charming character. Selfishness turned into loyalty and a feisty personality. I really wish we could have seen that side of Charlotte earlier in the book, but it certainly made for a wonderful character growth story. By the end, I liked Charlotte and believed she was now the person who deserved someone like Frederick.
The magical elements to the story were unexpected, but enjoyable. While it certainly places this story in the realm of fantasy, the magical elements are not so overwhelming that you’ve got to flip back and forth to figure out what’s happening. Rather, it provides the backdrop for an essential plot point and then is largely there for comic relief. There were times I even forgot this was supposed to be a magical realm.
The Duke of Snow and Apples is certainly different from the typical romance novel. Something akin to Regency England meets Walt Disney-style fairytales. Very enjoyable.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 30, 2014
Huh. Well, I wasn’t expecting…this. And you know what? I’m kinda glad this story turned out the way it did.
Frederick and Charlotte’s world is similar to Regency England but not. Mannerisms, social status, fashion, and speech all resemble that time period except there’s magic woven into this world that doesn’t exist in other historical romances: spells, cauldrons, potions, sylphs, gnomes, and mentions of the Fey.
Two really intriguing aspects of this story:
1. Frederick was a duke disguised as a servant. Um, suuurrrre? The concept was so strange to me that it was also the reason I asked to review this book. In the years I’ve been reading romance novels, I have never encountered a book with a hero like Frederick. And his exile as a servant wasn’t a few months or even a year long. He’d been at it for ten years! Ten! Being a servant was no longer a position he needed to learn; he was one in every possible way. Don’t get me wrong. His being magical and could see peoples’ emotions as colors was cool, but that he’d been a servant for so long… Awesome.
2. Charlotte’s emotional health. Now, most Regency romances I’ve read portray the ladies of that era as being one thing in public and another in private. It was kind of unnerving how Charlotte flipped from one “personality” to another. She was so vibrant and full of joy, but she hid behind a mask when in the company of others. To see those brilliant colors that Frederick could see being suppressed made my heart ache and made me wonder why she sold herself short.
This is a very slow paced story. If you read this novel, consider this your warning. BUT don’t let that be a deterrent. This really is a well thought out story with interesting characters, a compelling plot, and the magic of seeing your true colors through someone else’s eyes.
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
Frederick and Charlotte’s world is similar to Regency England but not. Mannerisms, social status, fashion, and speech all resemble that time period except there’s magic woven into this world that doesn’t exist in other historical romances: spells, cauldrons, potions, sylphs, gnomes, and mentions of the Fey.
Two really intriguing aspects of this story:
1. Frederick was a duke disguised as a servant. Um, suuurrrre? The concept was so strange to me that it was also the reason I asked to review this book. In the years I’ve been reading romance novels, I have never encountered a book with a hero like Frederick. And his exile as a servant wasn’t a few months or even a year long. He’d been at it for ten years! Ten! Being a servant was no longer a position he needed to learn; he was one in every possible way. Don’t get me wrong. His being magical and could see peoples’ emotions as colors was cool, but that he’d been a servant for so long… Awesome.
2. Charlotte’s emotional health. Now, most Regency romances I’ve read portray the ladies of that era as being one thing in public and another in private. It was kind of unnerving how Charlotte flipped from one “personality” to another. She was so vibrant and full of joy, but she hid behind a mask when in the company of others. To see those brilliant colors that Frederick could see being suppressed made my heart ache and made me wonder why she sold herself short.
This is a very slow paced story. If you read this novel, consider this your warning. BUT don’t let that be a deterrent. This really is a well thought out story with interesting characters, a compelling plot, and the magic of seeing your true colors through someone else’s eyes.
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
September 8, 2014
A strange mishmash of regency romance and high fantasy with just a smidge of screwball comedy flair. With a full cast of characters running the gamut from the myriad classes of servant, to crazy dowagers, and minor royalty. The vastly different personalities are well-rounded and well represented, and what should seem chaotic somehow just works.
Our heroine, Charlotte is near equal parts sympathetic and haughty; an odd, but engaging, combination of proper young lady and hellion. While our hero, Frederick is often simultaneously genial, alluring, and mysterious.
The theme du jour in this novel appears to be contrasts. And that idea is carried across very well. Riddled with vibrantly colorful descriptions—which at times are laugh out loud funny—the writing here truly shines.
A word of warning, if you are looking for heat, you won’t find much here. The seduction aspect remains very PG, with little more than brief kissing. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews, you’ll know this is not usually my cup of tea. But somehow here I didn’t really miss it. In fact, I made it almost to very end before realizing that anything was “missing”.
Full of magic, mirth, and mayhem, this book is truly enjoyable.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
Our heroine, Charlotte is near equal parts sympathetic and haughty; an odd, but engaging, combination of proper young lady and hellion. While our hero, Frederick is often simultaneously genial, alluring, and mysterious.
The theme du jour in this novel appears to be contrasts. And that idea is carried across very well. Riddled with vibrantly colorful descriptions—which at times are laugh out loud funny—the writing here truly shines.
“Charlotte closed her eyes and imagined her practiced politeness as an impenetrable armor that deflected every possible sneering glance, every upturned nose, every doubtful frown. She drew herself taller, brought her calm, cool smile forward, and imagined the metal sound of a helm’s visor slamming shut. Let them try and find fault with me now. Charlotte was a warrior princess. Her modest, girlish, flirtatious, graceful, proper demeanor was her trusted mace, and she was fully prepared to club the nearest bachelor over the head with it and drag him to the altar as soon as possible.”
A word of warning, if you are looking for heat, you won’t find much here. The seduction aspect remains very PG, with little more than brief kissing. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews, you’ll know this is not usually my cup of tea. But somehow here I didn’t really miss it. In fact, I made it almost to very end before realizing that anything was “missing”.
Full of magic, mirth, and mayhem, this book is truly enjoyable.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
August 28, 2014
It all starts with an apple...
Umm...O.K. Let me clarify that.
An apple thrown by one very cheeky Lady Charlotte Erlwood, at the person of her very reserved footman, Fredrick Snow.
The Duke of Snow and Apples is a wonderful tale that is far less romance, and so much more about fantasy and fairy. Young love and wedding and bedding take a definite, and very welcome back seat to auric colors, spells, and other gifts of the Fae that authoress Elizabeth Vail, pulls from her imaginative arsenal.
Though the attraction between the young gentle-woman and her handsome help is clear from the start; there is a very concerted effort made to keep things businesslike between the upper and lower stairs. In fact, one could say that there is a rather pronounced Downtown Abbey feel to this book.
As one ventures farther into the story, and the chemistry, between Charlotte, and her hidden royal becomes more and more apparent. (Still no hot and heavy sex action!) This it seems is all about her fire magic calling to his ice. The intensity of their secret relationship, his secret Dukedom, and their shared magical bond is enough to have readers tearing hair out for a conclusion.
Not to worry...there is one, and it is more than fit for the classic fairytale to which it pays homage.
This is a very fresh and fanciful approach to the adult fairytale. One that doesn't take the sexy way out, but relies instead on the same elements of story and fantasy that make tales appealing to younger readers. This book is a wonderful escape into fantasy for the adult who wonders if there is still any magic left in the "happily every after" kiss.
Umm...O.K. Let me clarify that.
An apple thrown by one very cheeky Lady Charlotte Erlwood, at the person of her very reserved footman, Fredrick Snow.
The Duke of Snow and Apples is a wonderful tale that is far less romance, and so much more about fantasy and fairy. Young love and wedding and bedding take a definite, and very welcome back seat to auric colors, spells, and other gifts of the Fae that authoress Elizabeth Vail, pulls from her imaginative arsenal.
Though the attraction between the young gentle-woman and her handsome help is clear from the start; there is a very concerted effort made to keep things businesslike between the upper and lower stairs. In fact, one could say that there is a rather pronounced Downtown Abbey feel to this book.
As one ventures farther into the story, and the chemistry, between Charlotte, and her hidden royal becomes more and more apparent. (Still no hot and heavy sex action!) This it seems is all about her fire magic calling to his ice. The intensity of their secret relationship, his secret Dukedom, and their shared magical bond is enough to have readers tearing hair out for a conclusion.
Not to worry...there is one, and it is more than fit for the classic fairytale to which it pays homage.
This is a very fresh and fanciful approach to the adult fairytale. One that doesn't take the sexy way out, but relies instead on the same elements of story and fantasy that make tales appealing to younger readers. This book is a wonderful escape into fantasy for the adult who wonders if there is still any magic left in the "happily every after" kiss.
October 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
3 stars
Honestly I started reading this, got five pages in, decided that the girl was bratty and I stopped. I eventually went back and I am glad that I did. I didn’t have a moment while I was reading it where I was like “This is good”. Instead it was more “That was good” once I actually finished. The girl got less annoying as the book progressed, but it did take a while. She is a character that you have to have patience with. I still didn’t totally like her by the end, but she was tolerable.
One thing to note is that this is a CLEAN romance. None of certain scenes. Also while I thought it was a historical romance, its not. Not really. Its more like the children of fairies and humans in a weird timeline that you won’t understand. I really wish there had been a prologue or something explaining all of this. I was thoroughly confused throughout the book because I didn’t think the back history of the people was explained well.
The guy was a complete martyr to the point that he got annoying. His self-loathing was intense and completely unjustified. I just wanted him to own what he was instead of having all that self-hatred.
I don’t want you to think I didn’t like this book. I did. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I would have been ok if I had paid for this, but I don’t think I would read another book in this series.
3 stars
Honestly I started reading this, got five pages in, decided that the girl was bratty and I stopped. I eventually went back and I am glad that I did. I didn’t have a moment while I was reading it where I was like “This is good”. Instead it was more “That was good” once I actually finished. The girl got less annoying as the book progressed, but it did take a while. She is a character that you have to have patience with. I still didn’t totally like her by the end, but she was tolerable.
One thing to note is that this is a CLEAN romance. None of certain scenes. Also while I thought it was a historical romance, its not. Not really. Its more like the children of fairies and humans in a weird timeline that you won’t understand. I really wish there had been a prologue or something explaining all of this. I was thoroughly confused throughout the book because I didn’t think the back history of the people was explained well.
The guy was a complete martyr to the point that he got annoying. His self-loathing was intense and completely unjustified. I just wanted him to own what he was instead of having all that self-hatred.
I don’t want you to think I didn’t like this book. I did. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I would have been ok if I had paid for this, but I don’t think I would read another book in this series.
August 31, 2014
Frederick has been hiding as a servant for many years. He is actually a Duke but he must hide from those that would see him harm and use his powers. He has a powerful magic but does not use it as it could take a life. He just wants to live his life and do his job but when he meets Charlotte that all changes. She is there to find a husband and at first treats Freddie as she calls him awful. She then decides to use him to help her land a rich husband. They two gradually begin to care for each other. A person from Frederick's past shows and they both will have to use their powers to keep Frederick's powers from killing someone.
This was an enjoyable story that I liked. I didn't love it as I could not connect to the characters. I liked Frederick more than I did Charlotte. He just wants to keep his power under control and not hurt anyone. Charlotte at the beginning is to me rude, snobby and seems to have many sides. She is selfish at times but then wen around some people she throws on the charm to try and get what she wants. She does have a change in her actions later in the book. I just never did grow to love her. It seems all in this book have some kind of power and I liked the magical part of the book. there also wasn't any instant love and fall right into bed and that was great as well. If you like fairy tale retellings you may enjoy this one.
This was an enjoyable story that I liked. I didn't love it as I could not connect to the characters. I liked Frederick more than I did Charlotte. He just wants to keep his power under control and not hurt anyone. Charlotte at the beginning is to me rude, snobby and seems to have many sides. She is selfish at times but then wen around some people she throws on the charm to try and get what she wants. She does have a change in her actions later in the book. I just never did grow to love her. It seems all in this book have some kind of power and I liked the magical part of the book. there also wasn't any instant love and fall right into bed and that was great as well. If you like fairy tale retellings you may enjoy this one.
September 5, 2014
This is not your regular regency type os story...In this one everyone has the use of magic to some degree for everyday things, such as changing hair color, having curls, or making yourself sparkle, etc.
Fredrick believes his magic is a curse and that it hurt everyone he loved so at 15 he ran away. He takes a job at Charmant Park and has worked there for 10 years working his way up the servants ranks. He's now first footman and chosen to serve Lady Balrumple's favorite niece Charlotte.
She threatens his composure to stay "cold" and away from emotion so he trys to help her attract a husband as fast as possible.
They end up becoming friends and feeling easier in each others company.
Fredrick's stepfather shows up with the new 'Duke' and he's finally unmasked.
There's confusion, a mystery to solve, an engagement, hurt feelings and a rescue.
This is a good story but it took me a little to get into it....some phrases and descriptions were confusing at first.
The characters are interesting and this has an interesting twist on the typical type of 'regency's.
Good basic story line.
Fredrick believes his magic is a curse and that it hurt everyone he loved so at 15 he ran away. He takes a job at Charmant Park and has worked there for 10 years working his way up the servants ranks. He's now first footman and chosen to serve Lady Balrumple's favorite niece Charlotte.
She threatens his composure to stay "cold" and away from emotion so he trys to help her attract a husband as fast as possible.
They end up becoming friends and feeling easier in each others company.
Fredrick's stepfather shows up with the new 'Duke' and he's finally unmasked.
There's confusion, a mystery to solve, an engagement, hurt feelings and a rescue.
This is a good story but it took me a little to get into it....some phrases and descriptions were confusing at first.
The characters are interesting and this has an interesting twist on the typical type of 'regency's.
Good basic story line.
September 5, 2014
I was given an ARC of this book in place of an honest review.
I will warn you at first that this story is a little slow, at times you will think that you are reaching a conclusion only to have the story begin again. I did love were this book was magical and unlike any snow white story before. This one has a twist and will take you on a new adventure, to a land you never knew.
Could you imagine being someone that you're not? We'll Fredrick Snow did. Imagine hiding who you are for ten years just because you thought the powers you had were bad. In some parts of the book I felt so sorry for him.
Charlotte Earlwood knows what she wants. She only has one problem and that is her temper. It really gets the best of her at times. It seems that Fredrick gets it more than anyone. Sometimes you can't help but laugh at these two.
So if you love reading stories with a spin on them, this is the one that you just have to try.
I will warn you at first that this story is a little slow, at times you will think that you are reaching a conclusion only to have the story begin again. I did love were this book was magical and unlike any snow white story before. This one has a twist and will take you on a new adventure, to a land you never knew.
Could you imagine being someone that you're not? We'll Fredrick Snow did. Imagine hiding who you are for ten years just because you thought the powers you had were bad. In some parts of the book I felt so sorry for him.
Charlotte Earlwood knows what she wants. She only has one problem and that is her temper. It really gets the best of her at times. It seems that Fredrick gets it more than anyone. Sometimes you can't help but laugh at these two.
So if you love reading stories with a spin on them, this is the one that you just have to try.
September 3, 2014
Frederick Snow is the first footman at Charmant Park. He does his job efficiently and with no emotion. That is until he meets Miss Charlotte Erlwood. She is running away from her sister who is now engaged to the man she wanted. Frederick is running away from his responsibility and his magic. Are they fated to be together? Elizabeth Vail wrote a very inventive story. I loved the way she mixed magic with a regency setting. The trolls and the wind-sprites added to the mystic feel. Freddy and Charlotte bond even though he is a servant and she is one of the Pure Blooded. Their banter was touching and made me care for them. The plot had some surprising twists that I didn't expect. Elizabeth Vail wrote a great story that combined a passionate romance with a magical realm. The Duke of Snow and Apples was a nice change of pace. I loved this book.
October 26, 2016
Nunca había leído a esta autora y debo decir que me gustó mucho su forma de escribir, el ritmo de la historia y lo diferente que fue.
La historia se centra en Charlotte, que viene escapando de haber pasado una situación humillante en su casa y en Frederick, un sirviente perfecto que esconde un gran secreto.
La química de los personajes, los diálogos y la forma en que se desarrollo todo, dan una historia entretenida, con buenos giros en ella y unos personajes secundarios muy bien logrados e incluidos en la historia.
Sin duda buscaré otro libro de esta autora.
La historia se centra en Charlotte, que viene escapando de haber pasado una situación humillante en su casa y en Frederick, un sirviente perfecto que esconde un gran secreto.
La química de los personajes, los diálogos y la forma en que se desarrollo todo, dan una historia entretenida, con buenos giros en ella y unos personajes secundarios muy bien logrados e incluidos en la historia.
Sin duda buscaré otro libro de esta autora.
August 31, 2014
The Duke of Snow and Apple's was a really fun, historical fantasy. I liked that it is based on Snow White. However, the story was still unique and had its own twists. I enjoyed the characters and the settings were just wonderful. I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Vail.
I received a complimentary eArc for review purposes, but this did not influence my review.
I received a complimentary eArc for review purposes, but this did not influence my review.
January 24, 2015
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good either. I quite enjoyed the basic idea of the story but I failed to really connect with either Charlotte of Freddy so mostly I didn't really care over much what happened to them. Also it got a little boring and went on for too long before the rather brief and anti-climatic finale.
September 9, 2014
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a hard read for me. It was hard for me to get into. The story did not really pick up for me until middle of the book. The book picked up and actually had a pretty good ending but just did not love it.
August 27, 2014
i will never think of snow white again without thinking of this story. i really like this story.
May 15, 2016
Meah, un poco confuso al principio, un poco predecirble al final. El drama con la hermana fue raro.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews