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Andari Chronicles #0.5
The Countess and the Frog
A tale of romance in unexpected places… When independent and opinionated Lizbet discovers she has an unwelcome suitor, will she be too distracted by her royal nephew’s antics to look past what she thinks she wants and find true love?
82 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Kenley Davidson
35 books934 followersKenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.
Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.
Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 27, 2020
A dear one
Of all the books in the series this one's my favourite. There isn't anything specifically spectatcular about it really but Lizbets's story touches my heart the most.
Of all the books in the series this one's my favourite. There isn't anything specifically spectatcular about it really but Lizbets's story touches my heart the most.
May 13, 2020
Omg, I get it. He’s OLD!
April 8, 2018
Now, don't get me wrong on the rating. This was a good story. No errors and an enjoyable and interesting writing style. And it is SO refreshing to see a love interest that's not based on "You're hot. I'm pretty. Let's get together." I personally gave it three stars, though, because it didn't have that spark of something special that Kenley Davidson's other books have. Maybe that's because I went into it expecting a retelling of The Frog Prince.* Or maybe it's because there's not a whole lot of space in a novella to develop things. Either way, I "liked it" a fair amount, but didn't love it.
*(It's a retelling in a loose sense. There's a golden ball, but no frog! The heroine does come to realize a similar 'moral of the story' though.)
Anyway, if you've read the other Andari books, don't hesitate to read this. It's a solid novella and a nice look into Lizbet's backstory. And, by definition, it's a very quick and easy read. ;)
*(It's a retelling in a loose sense. There's a golden ball, but no frog! The heroine does come to realize a similar 'moral of the story' though.)
Anyway, if you've read the other Andari books, don't hesitate to read this. It's a solid novella and a nice look into Lizbet's backstory. And, by definition, it's a very quick and easy read. ;)
April 4, 2018
I really liked this book. It was refreshingly different. Firstly, the hero is a good bit older than the heroine, secondly, he is not overwhelmingly handsome right from the start, and thirdly, the relationship develops in a gradual, realistic way, with his appearance "changing" as love develops. All those factors relate to the timeless tale of the princess and the frog, but you know what? I wish more books dared to have a hero who is noteworthy for his kindness and intelligence, not because he is "hot," and dared to explore larger age gaps and relationships between different classes - because love transcends boundaries. Thank you, Kenley Davidson, for illustrating that in this little gem! :)
June 13, 2020
Adorable read!!! Soo endearing!!
Love Lizbet and Casper
When she was younger she met him by the river. She just dropped her golden bal and he retrieved it for her.
14 years later. Lizbet is the countes and aunt to Prince Ramsey and Rowan. (Their Mother died) nobody wants to marry her and she has her hand full on those boys. Especially the sword incident.
Caspor is presumed to be too old to marriage. They have a strong chemistry, he helps her with her thoughts and feelings and they are so sweet together but the risk a scandal. So lizbet pretends to be courted by him
When the sword is presumably stolen by Ramsey Casper and Lizbet go looking for it together. Ramsey did take it so Rowan wouldn't look bad infront of his friend who wanted to steel it. Ramsey hid it in the kings suite. Lizbet and Casper find it but King Hollin busted them.
Lastly casper says Lizbe may choose whom she will marry and she wants him!!! 'Eventhough he thinks himself not handsome, she does!! So romantic
Love Lizbet and Casper
When she was younger she met him by the river. She just dropped her golden bal and he retrieved it for her.
14 years later. Lizbet is the countes and aunt to Prince Ramsey and Rowan. (Their Mother died) nobody wants to marry her and she has her hand full on those boys. Especially the sword incident.
Caspor is presumed to be too old to marriage. They have a strong chemistry, he helps her with her thoughts and feelings and they are so sweet together but the risk a scandal. So lizbet pretends to be courted by him
When the sword is presumably stolen by Ramsey Casper and Lizbet go looking for it together. Ramsey did take it so Rowan wouldn't look bad infront of his friend who wanted to steel it. Ramsey hid it in the kings suite. Lizbet and Casper find it but King Hollin busted them.
Lastly casper says Lizbe may choose whom she will marry and she wants him!!! 'Eventhough he thinks himself not handsome, she does!! So romantic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
Once I got over my disappointment of there not actually being a frog, this was a cute, fun read.
HOWEVER.
AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE.
They kept carrying on about the hero's damn age like he was a centenarian on his deathbed. EVERYONE. CONSTANTLY. INCLUDING THE HERO. Criticisms, thoughts, jokes, ALL ABOUT HOW CREAKY AND OLD HE WAS.
You know how old he turned out to be?
Fucking 37.
This was annoying and ruined it for me. Fairy tales are set in medieval times, and the medieval times often had very young brides (who would be considered children in our time) marrying older men who could provide for them. Additionally, men were never considered "on the shelf"--either back then or even now. It's only women who suffer the unfortunate stigma of being called a spinster; men are just bachelors. Snort. /endrant
HOWEVER.
AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE AGE.
They kept carrying on about the hero's damn age like he was a centenarian on his deathbed. EVERYONE. CONSTANTLY. INCLUDING THE HERO. Criticisms, thoughts, jokes, ALL ABOUT HOW CREAKY AND OLD HE WAS.
You know how old he turned out to be?
Fucking 37.
This was annoying and ruined it for me. Fairy tales are set in medieval times, and the medieval times often had very young brides (who would be considered children in our time) marrying older men who could provide for them. Additionally, men were never considered "on the shelf"--either back then or even now. It's only women who suffer the unfortunate stigma of being called a spinster; men are just bachelors. Snort. /endrant
September 21, 2021
This was so lovely!! I'm so impressed at how well-developed Caspar and Lizbet were in so few pages, and how well-developed their romance was too. I don't normally like age gap romances (or at least, I'm extremely picky with them), but I really liked this one.
This series still has a little "not like other girls" problem, but I'm hoping that goes away as the books progress. My only other issue was that despite how much I enjoyed the romance, I still think we could have had a smaller age gap? or just harped on it less!
But overall, a wonderfully written romance that is confirming my excitement for the rest of the series!
CW: Grief
This series still has a little "not like other girls" problem, but I'm hoping that goes away as the books progress. My only other issue was that despite how much I enjoyed the romance, I still think we could have had a smaller age gap? or just harped on it less!
But overall, a wonderfully written romance that is confirming my excitement for the rest of the series!
CW: Grief
April 17, 2020
One of my favorite things to read is witty banter. This short story is full of it! And it is endearing to me because of that!
Lizbeth & Caspar's story is one of quick wit, humor, banter, and sweetness!
You just have to read it for yourself. You'll close the book with a smile on your face!
Lizbeth & Caspar's story is one of quick wit, humor, banter, and sweetness!
You just have to read it for yourself. You'll close the book with a smile on your face!
November 19, 2023
A quick novella prequel to Davidson’s Andari Chronicles. This series has been on my TBR for what feels like an eternity. I’ve been slowly making my way through some of the other authors in her indie fairytale group and am finally getting around to some of Davidson’s work now. I decided to start with the prequel cause it was short and I was on a plane, plus I like going in order.
This one had a unique twist on the Frog Prince, which I appreciated. In absence of a world of magic, this story follows the idea of the fairytale with nods to the character dynamics. Rather than a talking frog who turns into a prince and a spoiled girl who refuses to befriend him, we have a count whose a little bit older than a somewhat shy and busy girl. He still aids her by saving her golden ball (a cute way to bring the ball into the story, too!) and she still seemingly brushes off his association, but it’s a cute little story of how their friendship forms and how that friendship develops into something more despite their initial appearances.
I appreciated the realistic romance in this story and how they both began as friends and then learned to love one another for something deeper than appearances—and really depth and appearances is thematically what the Frog Prince is all about, so it worked out perfectly!
Having not read any of the Andari Chronicles, I didn’t know any of the characters prior and did find it somewhat difficult to keep up with all the names and characters dumped on us in the beginning. But I got the hang of it for the most part (the two princes confused me a little with their names, but they were easier to tell apart with their behavior).
The mystery was simple, but fun. And now having read the first book I almost wish I’d read it before this to better grasp these characters, but it was still sweet and provided some cool insight for the next book for sure.
Content: a few mild swear words, a clean romance, no violence. Probably hovering between a 3 and 4 star read for me, but I’d say it could be given to readers 14+ maybe?
This one had a unique twist on the Frog Prince, which I appreciated. In absence of a world of magic, this story follows the idea of the fairytale with nods to the character dynamics. Rather than a talking frog who turns into a prince and a spoiled girl who refuses to befriend him, we have a count whose a little bit older than a somewhat shy and busy girl. He still aids her by saving her golden ball (a cute way to bring the ball into the story, too!) and she still seemingly brushes off his association, but it’s a cute little story of how their friendship forms and how that friendship develops into something more despite their initial appearances.
I appreciated the realistic romance in this story and how they both began as friends and then learned to love one another for something deeper than appearances—and really depth and appearances is thematically what the Frog Prince is all about, so it worked out perfectly!
Having not read any of the Andari Chronicles, I didn’t know any of the characters prior and did find it somewhat difficult to keep up with all the names and characters dumped on us in the beginning. But I got the hang of it for the most part (the two princes confused me a little with their names, but they were easier to tell apart with their behavior).
The mystery was simple, but fun. And now having read the first book I almost wish I’d read it before this to better grasp these characters, but it was still sweet and provided some cool insight for the next book for sure.
Content: a few mild swear words, a clean romance, no violence. Probably hovering between a 3 and 4 star read for me, but I’d say it could be given to readers 14+ maybe?
October 10, 2017
RAMSEY IS MY PRECIOUS CHILD.
July 18, 2021
The Andari Chronicles are fantasies based on the fairy tales, but more in the flavor of the Grimm versions: darker, grittier, and not everything is happy and wonderful. After reading the 1st book in the series, Traitor's Masque, I appreciated getting Lizbet's back story. She is such a fun, spunky character that I wish I could have read more about her in this and the other book.
March 9, 2021
Reread: Still one of my favorite stories in this series, and one of my favorite romances, actually. Just a pleasant little story with an adorable couple (even if they mention Caspar's age a few too dozen many times). Caspar and Lizbet have great chemistry, and it's so refreshing to see a mature romance--not "adult", but a truly mature love story that shows a subtly developing connection between two sensible people who respect and appreciate each other. I caught a lot more of the "Frog Prince" parallels this time, too.
An adorable little romance. Lizbet and Caspar are a great couple. I love Lizbet's spirit and Caspar's self-deprecating humor (and that he's that rare specimen--a romantic hero with spectacles). The plot is slight, but it contains surprisingly deep character work for such a short tale, and it's nice to get a look into Rowan and Ramsey's childhood.
An adorable little romance. Lizbet and Caspar are a great couple. I love Lizbet's spirit and Caspar's self-deprecating humor (and that he's that rare specimen--a romantic hero with spectacles). The plot is slight, but it contains surprisingly deep character work for such a short tale, and it's nice to get a look into Rowan and Ramsey's childhood.
January 1, 2020
"She wanted her life to matter, wanted to know that the world had been better for her being in it, and he wished fiercely that he could give her that. Or even help her find it for herself."
Surprisingly thoughtful and lovely for such a short story: I enjoyed the way Kenley Davidson has interpreted the message of The Frog Prince, and Caspar in particular was so sweet and supportive. Not quite five stars only because there's just not quite enough there, but there's nothing I disliked about it!
Surprisingly thoughtful and lovely for such a short story: I enjoyed the way Kenley Davidson has interpreted the message of The Frog Prince, and Caspar in particular was so sweet and supportive. Not quite five stars only because there's just not quite enough there, but there's nothing I disliked about it!
April 21, 2020
A short and sweet read! I loved the banter between Lizbet and Caspar. It’s a very loose retelling of the Princess and the Frog- for one thing there’s not technically a frog-frog (y’know, an actual animal) but the essence of it is there. I liked how the characters are different from your stereotypical YA leads- Caspar’s hair is graying, and Lizbet is taking care of her two nephews.
This is the first book I’ve read of the author’s, and it makes me excited to read her other stories!
Content: 99% clean- Lizbet lets a word slip when talking about spiders, which makes it more justifiable. Spiders are the worst.
This is the first book I’ve read of the author’s, and it makes me excited to read her other stories!
Content: 99% clean- Lizbet lets a word slip when talking about spiders, which makes it more justifiable. Spiders are the worst.
January 29, 2020
I thought Lizbet and Casper were cute! Casper joking about his 'old' age and Lizbet trying to help raise her nephews made this novella interesting. This was the first I read of the series and after I read book one, Traitor's Masque, I appreciated all the small hints about character development in this book. All in all, this was a great way to get introduced to this series.
June 1, 2017
I loved this delightful and innovative retelling of a classic fairy tale starring two favorite side characters from The Traitor's Masque. (Don't worry--it stands easily on its own.) So much fun and love packed into one clever short story! If you love fairy-tale retellings like I do, be sure to sign up for Kenley Davidson's newsletter and download this FREE story. Definitely worth reading--as are her full-length books!
January 22, 2018
This was sweet. I'd only ready Traitors Masque before it, but it meant I was familiar with the characters in this tale, so the familiarity was lovely. It was pretty cool seeing Rowan & Ramsey in their earlier lives.
This is definitely a shorter, almost truncated, story and resolves far too simply. I imagine if a new reader started with it, it wouldn't let them know how good a storyteller Kenley is. Be assured, reader - she's good! Read on... I'm going to.
This is definitely a shorter, almost truncated, story and resolves far too simply. I imagine if a new reader started with it, it wouldn't let them know how good a storyteller Kenley is. Be assured, reader - she's good! Read on... I'm going to.
October 31, 2021
I'm not entirely sure what this novella had to do with frogs, as it seemed like a less-than-magical interpretation of the fairy tale. However, I really enjoyed the banter between the characters, especially the last few pages at the end. They had great chemistry, and their verbal interactions were highly amusing. Based on this novella alone, I'd be interested to see what the other fairy tales in this series are like.
August 15, 2017
Fantastic! I love the creativity in this loosely based on a fairytale story. The story was wonderful and creative. I love being able to laugh at the end. I continue to fall in love with all of the characters. Even though it was a novella, it was written with depth and detail. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
November 27, 2017
What a sweet little book! Good storyline, characters well developed, with a surprise at the end. I did not want the story to end, yet, as I wanted to see what happened next. I giggled off and on throughout the story, including at the end. No sex scenes to dirty up the book, just a developing love story. Author has a polished gem here!
June 21, 2025
This is the first thing I've finished in a month that I can add on Goodreads, and I enjoyed it.
I could relate to Lizbeth, and I loved her and Caspar's interactions.
They were definitely fun to read about.
I think the world was established quite well for a short novella, and I liked that this was not the case of insta-love.
It was satisfying for what it was.
I could relate to Lizbeth, and I loved her and Caspar's interactions.
They were definitely fun to read about.
I think the world was established quite well for a short novella, and I liked that this was not the case of insta-love.
It was satisfying for what it was.
October 12, 2021
I highly recommend Davidson's Andari Chronicles. They are the most no-nonsense fairytale retellings I have come across. This one I rate for 15 and up. Thirteen-year-olds have no business reading romance. There is some swearing, but absolutely no romantic rubbish.
March 21, 2018
Short story, but well done! I now have the rest of the series on my to-read list!
August 16, 2018
Didn't like the female lead.
November 23, 2018
This was a fun, quick read with great characters and a great story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
December 23, 2019
This is a sweet story that features a gradual build up and very satisfactory ending. It also gives some good insight into characters that play significant roles in the Traitor's Masque!
February 13, 2021
Cute, interesting retelling. Enjoyed it.
February 13, 2021
Cute!! Loved the witty banter. An interesting take on this tale.
July 11, 2021
Awwww this was absolutely adorable. It was so cute, and it ties in beautifully with Davidson's other Andari Chronicles. What a treat!
March 14, 2023
Cute, short story...I wouldn't mind if you added more to it, Mrs. Davidson!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews