Betraying Ever After

A Shattered Fairy Tale #1

by Kelly Martin

An earl in need of an honorable wife.

A servant in love with a man she can't have.

An evil plan that was set in motion years ago coming to fruition.

Can love conquer betrayal? Or will Emma's fairytale end at midnight?

Genres: Romance

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

About the author

Kelly Martin is an author and developmental editor who lives in a possibly haunted house in a small southern town. While she'd like to say paranormal things only happen to her at her home, it would be a lie, mainly because she searches them out in some of America's most haunted locations. Whether it is talking to the ghosts of Waverly Hills or the spirits of Thomas House Hotel, these events inevitably land in some of Kelly's books. Just wait until you read The Haunting of Micah Reed.

Take a peek at the Website: http://www.kellymartinbooks.com

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Email Kelly Martin at kelly @kellymartinbooks.com (no spaces).

Reviews

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a LOT of regencies and I have read a LOT of Cinderella re-tellings, but none, I repeat NONE can compare to Betraying Ever After. Martin weaves an amazing tale of revenge, lies and betrayal that I could not help but become caught up in! If you think that you know how the story will turn out, you will be wrong! You cannot possibly guess each different turn the story will take and the emotions are portrayed so well that as I reader I was almost in tears at points! I feel like whatever I write about Betraying Ever After will be inadequate to express how awesome this book was. I could not put it down and I could not stop thinking about it! Every detail is woven together seamlessly and the characters came to life right before my eyes! Two days later, I am still thinking about Betraying Ever After! I can see it all in my head like a movie. If you want the best re-telling of Cinderella (in my opinion, and I have read a lot of fairy tale re-tellings), then pick this book up! But be prepared to sit for a long while because you will not be able to put it down until you finish the last page! Bravo to Martin who has transitioned to the fairy tale world beautifully! (I received an ARC from the author, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella tale. Kelly Martin created characters that I loved and one that I loved to hate. Her bad guy is a wonderful puppeteer pulling the string it seems of everyone. It is a moving story that propels you on, you hurt and cheer for Emma. The hurt that she has had to endure simply so one can seek vengence is unspeakable and heartbreaking.

True to all of Kelly's books there is a mystery to be solved on this. Clues along the way that are so subtle one may not pick up on them until after the fact.

I am looking forward to the second book in this series. And will be reading this one again. I think Kelly did an excellent job retelling this fairy tale and making it all her own.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Martin has done it again another plus five star read.

She does an excellent job at twisting a classic Fairy Tale.

Emma Hartwell is a servant girl working for Fredrick Dodsworth to pay off her father's debts. She is best friends with Tracey, Mr Dodsworth's daughter who's first season is coming up. On the day of the first ball Tracey falls mysteriously ill with a cough and is too sick to attend. To avoid Tracey becoming a pariah in society, Emma is sent to the ball with a note to excuse Tracey's absence. Elizabeth another servant gives Emma
a stunning green dress to wear so that she does not stick out at the ball. Nervous and feeling very out of place Emma just to quickly go in and deliver the note and get out. However this not to be for she catches the eye of Lord Vaughan Wexley, there is something about this young lady that has Vaughan very interested and it takes a lot of persuading on his part to get her to dance a since Waltz with him. Emma loves being in his arms but knows nothing can come of it for she is a servant and he is a lord. Unknown to either party larger forces are at work will this bring a happy end or a shattered one.

From being to end Kelly Martin knows how to keep you interested. I really enjoyed this book and eagerly look forward to the next book in this series

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Kelly Martin's books and I love them all! I think this is her first regency period novel - and she does an amazing job with it! It's loosely based on the fairy tale Cinderella that we all know and love - but with a twist! This is a "shattered" fairy tale. It's not all fairy godmothers & happily ever afters, but the story will suck you in and keep you engaged the entire time.

Emma is a sweet and innocent young woman who is the victim of her father's poor choices and Dodsworth's twisted obsession. Truly, every character in this tale is a victim of Dodsworth - he exemplifies how one man's obession and desire for revenge can literally shatter many lives.

Vaughn is our "tall, dark, and handhome" hero. Emma is his perfect match - he falls in love seemingly at first sight. Little does he know that he and Emma are merely pieces in a game of chess that Dodsworth has been strategizing for years.

If you love fairy tales and a little bit of mystery and intrigue - make sure you pick up Betraying Ever After.

honest disclosure~ I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[K.D. Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually stick to paranormal reads but the author's style and depth of story were both strong enough to hold me in tight with the characters from beginning to end. I do love a good fairy tale and this book had that in spades. Highly recommended.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kelly Martin has created an incredible villain in Betraying Ever After.

Frederick Dodsworth is so consumed with avenging a wrong from decades past that he becomes absolutely evil. Enough so that I had a hard time believing that anyone would go to the great lengths that he did to earn what he referred to as justice. I found myself so angry with him that it was difficult to focus on the action in the book! I suppose that shows how brilliantly Ms. Martin wrote his character.

Dodsworth's plan utilized years of secrets, many of which he was happy to pay for and save for just the right moment. All of them have a purpose in his plan. He uses them to make puppets out of almost every character in the novel, which ultimately started getting on my nerves. I started to find it difficult to believe that every character would be so consumed with their own place in society that they were willing to destroy the lives of innocent bystanders without a second thought. I believe there are a lot of people like that in the world, but everyone? I refuse to accept that every person would care so much about themselves to partake in his evil plan. I mean, Elizabeth? She loved Emma. How could she go through with it, knowing all along how it would destroy her? And William? He watched the whole event unfolding with Vaughan, instead choosing to drown his guilt in alcohol.

I think overall, Ms. Martin has woven a very interesting twist on the classic Cinderella storytale. Unfortunately for me, there were too many annoyances stacking up to really enjoy this story:

1. The grammar! I am not an English major, but there were so many errors in this book that drove me crazy! Page after page contained misuses of words, verbs in the wrong tense, and simple mistakes like "William stood across from William". It was enough to make me have to keep re-reading parts to see if I had misunderstood. Slowing me down is a major hindrance to a story like this.

2. Vaughan. I really wanted to love him. And for some of his actions, I think I did. Like punching Dodsworth in the mouth. And finally yelling at William. And also being kind with William when he wanted to knock him out. But unfortunately, I don't think Ms. Martin spent enough time building up his character. He showed on multiple occasions how little he thought of servants. And why is it that he didn't go to rescue/find Emma until after he talked to Mary and found out she actually was the daughter of a Baron? That weakened him a bit for me. If he had gone to Emma, and then found out the truth about her, I would have had more respect for him. Ultimately I just wanted to know he loved her for more than just the boxes she checked off on his "perfect woman checklist".

3. The ending. I wanted more resolution with Dodsworth. He got punched in the face twice. That's it. For nearly destroying their lives, keeping Emma in servitude, destroying William, and Emma's father, and, oh yeah, trying to rape her. All that, and he got punched in the face. And he was left to continue spinning his webs of deceit, continue ruining lives. I wanted so much more punishment for him.

So all that being said... the book was enjoyable and made me want to finish reading it, but it also annoyed the snot out of me. I LOVE the Beauty and the Beast story, so I am eager to dive into the next book in the series. However, if I finish that with as many reservations as I had about this one, I won't be going any further with the author.

[bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Cinderella-esque tales! A really fun read, with relatable characters and just the right amount of mystery/excitement in the air. This story had a really nice ending, that, you know, actually made sense. The evil character was evil-- but not manic. Revenge was a nice theme that was properly carried out. Emotions ran high, and I loved Emma. A good heroine-- strong willed but a bit of an underdog. Vaughan was an excellent character-- a bit of a scoundrel, but on his way to redemption. Together, they were quite lovable.

SUMMARY: Emma has been repaying her father's debt for the past five years as a servant. The daughter of a barren, she lives as a maid. No. She is a maid. The day before the end of her servitude, Emma finds that she will not return to her old life, but rather will be kept a servant. Her father will not accept her back. Instead Emma must work off his debts while her younger sisters enjoys life in the ton. Emma's friend, and daughter of the employer falls ill. Emma is given no time to grieve the future that has slipped through her hands. She must deliver a message to the holder of her friend's first ball- else her friend will be shunned by the ton forever. But at this ball she meets a handsome man-- but a servant and an earl have no chance together. Vaughan has been forced to take responsibility for his future: he is an earl now. It is time he settles down with a wife, an unappealing task. But his attention is captivated by this mysterious Emma. Who is she? Is he really feeling love? Does she love him? Can she escape her employer? Why does her father owe such debts? Why is Emma being punished for her father's actions?

the not so best parts: as with all Cinderella stories, their love was fast. Maybe a little unbelievable as (as per the usual) these characters really only met about twice. But what a whirl wind!

the best parts: Emma was a truly fun character to read about. She was a hard worker and very intelligent. One of the things I liked best about her was she never really complained about being a servant. She missed her old life, yes, but it wasn't the work she was opposed to. Vaughan was certainly amusing to read about! His character developed quite a bit. Both characters were a bit wary, and the dual POV (though both 3rd person... you'll see) allowed for a lot of character depth. The employer really was quite evil, and his evil had intriguing roots. The story was fast paced, just the right amount to keep you interested. The balls were fun to read about, very picture able and the characters' awe was tangible.

I recommend this book if you like Cinderella stories, but with much more depth than the classic met for half an hour, and think all feet are unique. Very fun, quick read with great emotions, strong characters, and wonderful recreation of older times!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the last five years Emma has been living the life of servitude, instead of the life as a baron's daughter she was born to, in order to pay off her fathers debt. On the day before she is released her father shows up and she finds that while one debt was paid another was incurred, this one for life.On the same day her employers daughter becomes ill and Emma is required to deliver a message sending their regrets to the ball they were to attend. Dressed in a borrowed gown, she heads to the ball and delivers her message. Only on her way out she meets Vaughan, Earl of Brighton, and after one dance she should not have accepted, she falls madly in love with him...to bad she's a servant and can never be with him.
Vaughn needed a wife. Which is how he found himself at the first ball of the season, where he saw her for the first time. When he finally met up with her he had a fight on his hands to get that first dance. He knew it was love at first sight. So at the second ball he found her at he decided to marry her. But when his announcement of joy turns to horror because her evil employer tries to ruin it all, she runs. Will he employers evil plan work or will he find her and prove that love is all that matters.
This was an awesome retells ng of Cinderella. I love these types of books and cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you love Grimm stories retold for real life then you must read this.

Book reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog

[Tia Bach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time Vaughan Wexley, Earl of Brighton, eyes the blonde beauty from atop the balcony, he is taken. Once he confronts her, he finds himself in love. The mysterious woman seems out of place in the regular sea of husband nabbing debutantes. She posses a gentle spirit, wide-eyed innocence, and-- his favorite quality-- cascading golden waves around her elegant shoulders. In need of a wife of noble blood, Vaughan believes his search has ended.

Emma Hartwell's only mission at the ball is to deliver a message to the host from her employer. In and out. That's the plan until she sees beautiful sights she's only dreamed of and hears wonderful music that touches her soul. Dressed up as a noble woman by the young housemaid Elizabeth and knowing she'll never get this opportunity again, Emma lingers longer than she intended. Her amazement with the grandeur allows the devilishly handsome Lord Brighton to steal her attention and sweep her off her feet. He is a charming man who is obviously taken with her. Emma's heart doesn't stand a chance. If only she could tell him the truth.

An earl in need of an honorable wife.

A servant in love with a man she can't have.

An evil plan that was set in motion years ago coming to fruition.

Can love conquer betrayal? Or will Emma's fairytale end at midnight?

A Cinderella re-telling.

[Isabella Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Martin’s Betraying Ever After was given as a gift in exchange for an honest review. I have to say that I cheated myself. I opened the book and what I thought was Chapter 1 was actually the first chapter of the next book in the series. I found myself getting upset because I thought that I didn’t have the rest of the book. I was really looking forward to the read. The downfall of that was I already knew what happened in the first book of the series having read the first chapter of the second book in the series. I had to adjust. A pet peeve of mine is knowing or figuring out he ending before I read a book.

Regardless of all of that, I did read the book. I felt so bad for the heroine, Elizabeth. The poor thing had to endure so much that wasn’t her own to endure. I love happily ever afters. I truly enjoy when all of things are neatly tied up. I enjoyed the concept, the cover was gorgeous and the period is one of my favorite periods in history. This was quite a lovely little piece. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betraying Ever After was truly an enthralling, gripping retelling of Cinderella. Kelly Martin wrote this retelling in a way that made the story completely new. I was hooked from the very beginning, the more I read the more engrossed I became.

I loved Emma, this sweet innocent clueless girl with a wicked right hook. You cant help but feel bad for her and all the other characters that are paying for their sins or the sins of their parents. Sins... Good ol' Mr. Dodsworth, call me whatever you want, but I'm captivated by Mr. Dodsworth. The puppeteer, the punisher, the pathetic lonely man. I want to know more about him, his story, I want to see someone take him on and best him in a way that wipes his smile from his face and makes him cast his eyes down.

This was a fantastic romance with so much depth and feelings. By the time you get to that climax your heart will be left on the ballroom floor as secrets start coming out and every character learns their part in this master plan for Justice.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out promising, and I liked the suspense of how Mr. Dodsworth was going to get his revenge, but the the story started to get choppy about half way through. Things started going wrong for the heroine, through no fault of her own, and that's when the hero of the story started to disappoint me. Once he found out about her status he didn't want to have anything to do with her. Not very noble in my opinion. The book fell flat for me and I started skimming just to see how it ended. Wouldn't recommend.

[Elisha]

DNF. I rarely do this as I am a completionist. The story was too clear from the beginning. As soon as you hear about her father you know what is coming. As soon as the dress shows up suspicions bloom. I am not a fan of revenge in general so my opinion is colored. I agree with other reviews that say it is hard to believe so many people so close to the protagonists are incapable of rising above the threats to their station and sharing what they know. Mostly though I just didn't get interested. I started and stopped the book 2x. Maybe I will try again later but I suspect not.

[Heather Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted the paperback of this book but loved it so much I had to share!!!
I love the classic fairytales so a new take on them is a dream for me!!!
All you can do is fall in love with Emma, so sweet to be used in a evil plot.... you'll want to cry out to them all to put it together.

This was the first Kelly Martin book I've read and have picked up books #2 and #3 in this series and cannot wait to start them!!!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read. I love fairy tales, and this original retelling of Cinderella was bo exception. The characters and plot well well drawn. I will read this author again.

[Betsy Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

This book was easy to read and kept my interest. It was definitely shattered, but a fairy tale in the end.