Briette

The Nine Princesses Novellas #4

by Anita Valle

What kind of girl doesn't want to be a princess?

Briette never asked for any of this. She wasn’t meant to be a princess. She refuses to wear a crown, doesn’t care for fancy dresses, and going to balls is a punishment. If she hadn’t been adopted by the king, none of this would have happened.

Then she discovers that the Duke of Merridell is in need of a chambermaid. And though it seems crazy, Briette decides to disguise herself as a servant and take the position. It will give her a chance to try life as a commoner, a life where she can be invisible. She doesn’t tell a single soul, not even her eight sisters.

But as Briette adjusts to heavy chores, rude remarks, and prickly straw beds, she is shocked to learn that someone else is working undercover. And his plans are much more sinister. Furthermore, she is troubled by a haunting dream that seems to come from her childhood. All Briette wanted was a vacation from being a princess. But if she doesn’t act soon, she may never be a princess again.

The Nine Princesses is a series that chronicles the adventures of an unconventional family of princesses, the struggles they face in a kingdom often hostile to their humble origins, and the day-to-day dramas of nine young women whose personalities often clash like swords. Fans of Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale would enjoy these princess novels.

Book Description Length: 260 pages Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Mood: Light/Heartwarming/Funny Content: Moderate violence. No sex. A few sexual references. Audience: Anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings or a nice princess book. ˃˃˃ Read an Excerpt:

Briette was expected to change here. Bashfully, she turned to pull off her dress and surcoat. Her cotton underdress looked starkly white against Alonda’s. Stooping, she pushed her clothes into the satchel, careful not to reveal the yellow princess gown inside. She would have to dispose of that later.

When she stood, Alonda had rolled into bed, taking the side nearest the wall. Briette stared at the empty strip beside her and suddenly knew what it meant.

Briette did not have her own chamber. She was expected to sleep with Alonda.

How fortunate Alonda faced the wall and could not see the horror that crossed Briette’s face. She had a wild urge to flee the spot, abandon this ludicrous venture. Alonda was a stranger. The bed looked scarcely wide enough for two; Briette could not lie there without some part of her body touching Alonda’s. It was repulsive, unnatural, absurd.

Briette washed her face slowly, her teeth clamped in determination. She had known there would be adjustments. She just hadn’t expected one to come so instantaneously.

Other Books by Anita Valle MAELYN: The Nine Princesses Book 1 (FREE TO DOWNLOAD) CORALINA: The Nine Princesses Book 2 HEIDEL: The Nine Princesses Book 3 (Coming Soon!) SINFUL CINDERELLA: Dark Fairy Tale Queen Series Book 1 SNEAKY SNOW WHITE: Dark Fairy Tale Queen Series Book 2 (Coming May 30) MONSTER MANOR: A novel for kids

Don't forget MAELYN - the 1st princess book - is FREE!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Royalty

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

I think people like to read lists more than paragraphs, so I'll do my bio as such.

* Born and raised in Philly, home of the best cheesesteaks.

* Except for first grade, homeschooled all the way through.

* Two younger brothers and two younger sisters who are my very bestest friends.

* Married at 20, had three kids by 30. Developed the Nine Princesses during that period.

* Gave up the project several times in frustration and despair over the publishing industry.

* At 31, thanks to the internet and Kindle, finally published "Maelyn". So happy.

* Random interests: drawing, reading, music, chocolate, Nintendo, BBC movies, Colin Firth, Panera Bread.

Reviews

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Briette is the fourth book in The Nine Princesses Novella series and is the darkest of them so far. I struggled to get into it at the beginning mainly because me and Briette are totally different people. This book had lots of twists but I did miss the romance in this book, but then again it wouldn’t have fitted Briette’s character. I was surprised that the thief story line was not mentioned in this book. Briette is a rational character, who is calculating, logical and a perfectionist. I am looking forward to the next book about Lacey and I would recommend Briette to fans of The Nine Prinesses series.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the fourth book in the Nine Princesses novellas series. I liked Briette. She took a little time to get used to, more so than the first three did for me, I think. But she grew into her character and I liked that about her. I could see her develop through her story, which was interesting, for sure. I liked the plot and I found the characters lovely. I am, as always, anxious to see more of these girls and their story!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected ending. Not fair to leave us with such an ending :/

[LM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2016 and none of the following novellas have been written?

Well thats a bunch of shit.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series. I'm so happy that I started it a few months ago, but now that I'm finished with Briette, I have to wait for the next one...I'll try to be patient. This novel was just as brilliantly written as the first three, though I did notice a few more typing errors here and there. Although I loved the story, I did find it more difficult to connect with Briette, but I think that is due largely to the fact that I am more of an emotional person, whereas she is far more logical. However, I enjoyed going on the journey with her to discover more about herself and the kingdom. There are so many surprises throughout the series, which make one want to keep reading to know what will happen next. This novel in particular had many twists and turns that I did not expect. Each novel contains one princess's story, but still connects many elements from all of the novels, building upon and foreshadowing past and future events. Anita Valle masterfully develops each princess as an individual, adding incredible depth and diversity to her writing. I can't wait to read about Lace and the rest of the Nine Princesses!

[M M Ludlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

I'm an adult that prefers YA reading for leisure. This was excellent. If you enjoy rich characters, especially female ones, and interesting plot lines, give this series a go.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Princess Novella #4. Briette is the Princess of cleaning...well Chamber Princess but I think Cleaning sounds better.

I had high hope for this one as the last novella seemed much better but alas...NOPE! Just so obviously predictable in every respect... and ridiculous.

Briette feels unfulfilled as a Princess and wants to know what life out side royal status would be. She hires herself out to a nobleman to be a maid. Ofcourse the staff all come to love her and her hard working self even if once in a while she slips and might have given away some of her upbringing. All is going swimmingly well until her evil uncle the King shows up and is apparently in cahoots with the nobleman she works for. She must soon break away and once again become her princess self so as to save her sisters and self from utter destruction. Oh and by the way there may be another member or two of her birth family that survived THE RED FEVER.

[Audrey Marie Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed everything she has put out.

I've enjoyed everything she has put out and can't wait for more. She has a very fun way of writing. Great for the person who thinks happily ever after if a myth.

[Zoë Ann Book Queen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 magical little stars

[Jodee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. these are just great fun.

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Monisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and I am eagerly waiting for the next books by this author

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briette

I would like to read all the princess books . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. This was n easy read for me. Short and sweet.

[MLL · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the most ridiculous series. There are 9 pretend princesses. They are really peasants adopted by the dead king and Queen. They have no power. They have no influence. They have no servants. They have no guards. The only thing they have is endless money, rooms of royal treasure. Why do they have money when they have no one to protect it or them? Anyone could steal it. No one respects them. None of them can be crowned queen until they turn 20 and their adopted uncle the high king hates them and will never allow that. He won't back them up in anything so why does anyone even listen to them? It makes no sense. Also the high king wants to return each girl to the kingdom she came from yet he is somehow unable to overpower even one girl physically to force her to leave. Again it makes no sense. It is absurd. The princesses aren't even likeable. On top of that the author keeps creating issues and never resolving them from book to book. I simply can't stand this series anymore. I kept reading to see how things are resolved but nothing is resolved and it gets even more ludicrous. And that is only the tip of the iceberg on the impossible, illogical, risible details of these books.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briette took me several months to finish because of the way I read this book. I often read it on my phone while I was waiting for children to go to sleep during naptime. I really enjoyed Briette and I think this novel takes place as my new favorite in the series behind Maelyn. Maelyn and Coralina's novel were just stories and seem very superficial after I see how much this author has grown through her novels about Heidel and Briette. Briette story was deep with twists and turns and it ended up having a deeper meaning than I expected it to. Briette is adventures and brave. She isn't afraid to go against who she is supposed to be and how she is supposed to act. Her bravery might very well save their fragile kingdom, but you will have to read the book to find out the rest.

[Miriam Beaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun classic books

I love The Nine Princesses series. They are a fun read. I really enjoy getting to know each of the princesses and going on an adventure with them. Each one of them are very unique from the others but they are all one big family. I would recommend these books to any age. There is nothing offensive or scary in any of them. That is part of what makes them great books.

[Fifi’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread these because Lace just came out and I had forgotten what happened in the previous books. These books are just the cutest and each book improves upon the previous! Super cute storybook fairytale series that any fan of classic fairytales will love! Definitely the best one by far and I have high hopes for Lace. A must read for fairytale lovers!

[Tisha Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Sweet Series That Just Keeps Getting Funner

I started this series because I was bored, and quickly found myself buying all the ones in the series. This particular one offered not only adventure, but intrigued and a great mystery. Simply sweet and delightful.

[Anniebelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading

I started the series 2 days ago and had to keep reading! So good, love the personalities of the princesses and the trials and situations they accomplish. Very excited for the next 5 stories to learn about the remaining princesses and the overarching plot!

[Barbara Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait until the next book comes out!!!
Bree might be one of my favorite princesses!

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

started slow. I did not like the princess in the beginning. at the end the book finally took off and i enjoyed it. took a lot longer to read this one.