Who says Chivalry is dead? Robin King lives up to the legendary name of Robin Hood more than he should—a bigshot billionaire and successor of King enterprises, a Prince of Mischief and a rogue who steals hearts ... and maybe even a few kisses. He never thought he’d follow the storyline so closely, until the day he gets in trouble with the law and pays the price—all for protecting his younger sister Scarlett.
Taken in by an Outlaw Marian is a hard-hitting reporter … or would be if the New England Chronicle would stop assigning her puff pieces. Now she has the chance to prove herself, but it could prove her undoing—since the story of a lifetime might just be Robin King, a ruthless scoundrel, who she swore would never break her heart again.
Making New England Olde again Together, they must overcome their differences to save their hometown from thieves and corruption. And they’d better do it before someone gets killed. As danger lurks closer, legend becomes life, and Robin’s feelings for Marian deepen as he struggles with sharing the secrets that could clear his name and ruin his sister.
USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through suspense, fantasy, historical, contemporary, and of course... romance, romance, romance. Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.
(4.5 Stars) I love Robin Hood and it was so much fun to read a modern take on this classic favorite, with an added billionaire twist. This story is slightly edgy, with twisty and intrigue details, interesting and mysterious characters, and an intensity that drives the adventure from start to finish. My biggest complaint had nothing to do with the book--I wanted to devour it (it's long), but I had some unexpected things come up in life that had to be dealt with and it took me days to finish because I couldn't just sit and read, ha ha.
Robin is extremely loyal, yet a trickster at heart and at times I honestly wondered if he was a good guy or a bad guy and eagerly awaited to find out just how closely this tale would follow the original. He's truly a prince of thieves, yet extremely likable. Marian is a little skittish, but can't resist Robin's charms and their undeniable and powerful connection. Yes, there's some romance, but I felt like this book focused more on the adventure, danger, and mystery.
Some of the character parallels were easy to figure out, but others were a little trickier and there are enough differences to leave the reader guessing at what was going on and who was behind it all. The culmination of events was heart-grippingly suspenseful and I really enjoyed the story overall.
Content: mild romance; mild+ violence/moments of peril/danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
4.5 stars There were so many things I loved about this book. First, the Robin Hood references all throughout, and I mean references that reminded me of the Disney cartoon Robin Hood. So many little things as well as the obvious bigger things like names and places. It made me happy. And, I think I've had the Robin Hood and Little John song running on a constant loop in my head since I started this book. You know the one? Ooo Da Lolly, Ooo Da Lolly, Golly What a Day!
But obviously, this book wasn't like the cartoon, it was a grown up, real life version, full of treachery, deceit, lies, jealousy, danger and my favorite- love. Robin is a literal hero. Honestly, you probably couldn't dream up a better man. Chivalry is alive and well in this book. I loved that! The intensity grew throughout the whole story as the mystery deepened. The ending was climactic and the epilogue was the perfect bow to tie off my present.
This book is a long one. It's almost double the size of normal books so know that going in. Things don't progress super quickly plot wise, but I never felt bored or distracted. It was like a modern day Robin Hood soap opera saga and it was fun!
More of a 2.5 for me as a reader. I have read and enjoyed some of S.F. books, so was excited to read this one. The basic story line was good, but I think it needed a bit more editing. It was a bit wordy, and not tight, more of a ramble and told, not written. The premise was fun, but the characters didn't have the pull that makes me want to stick with a novel. I did read the whole thing, I think it could have been cut 50 pages and tightened up. I hope this gets another edit and further polish. It has the potential to be a great read! I rounded up because I LOVE the cover. The cover artist deserves some kudos.
Thrown under the bus. Despised. Guilty by association. Judged by appearance. Robin’s sister committed a crime. Robin took the blame and did the time in her place. Nobody must ever know. He did it to protect her and to allow her a chance at happiness. It all happened on her wedding day. Now everyone hates Robin but he needs to keep playing the part or his sister could still go to prison. Cut off from everyone and a social pariah in the eyes of society, how long can Robin live like this?
This story, loosely based on Robin Hood, is so original and I found it absolutely riveting. Definitely one of the author’s best works to date. Highly recommended.
What a fun take on Robin and Marian of the past but in modern times! I really liked this version and the Tuck character along with the young Uncle Midge had me laughing. This book has it all with mystery, suspense, action, and of course romance. Altogether a fun read.
All is not well in Merry New England. Robin has taken the fall for embezzlement to protect someone he loves. He does his time for four years in prison until his Grandfather's retirement celebration gives him an early release.
He comes home to try to figure out how to win back the trust of his home town and the regard of the fair Maid Marian. He has his work cut out for him. I enjoyed reading about him and his escapades. He has a few loyal friends and they work to uncover who the bad guy really is.
Stephanie Fowers did a great job at surprising me with some of the characters. They did things that I was not expecting. She had written an adventure with suspense and romance. I loved the parallels with this contemporary story to the original tales of Robin Hood.
This book is clean with non-graphic violence and kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book really sucked me in! I loved the parallels to Robin Hood with Maid Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The modern twist was intriguing with Robin going to jail for embezzlement as he covers for his sister. I loved his loyalty to his family, and his relationship with Marian. Suspense, a compelling romance, and humorous characters really made this story. I am hoping for more books set in Nottingham!
Meh for a long complicated story with lots of twists and action
Robin falsely accepts credit for embezzlement of funds from his grandfather’s company, goes to prison, and looses everything. Marian struggles but can’t forget ‘her Robin Hood’ despite his prison stint. Together they find out what really happened in Nottingham and how they can save it. For some reason the story seemed so long. I kept looking down to see my progress and it was so slow. There are a lot of action scenes that have me getting lost in the action and dialogue. I found myself rereading so many passages to get the scenes correct in my head. There was just so much dialogue, action, plot, and twists packed into this book. I think it would worked really well as a movie but as a book it just didn’t jive for me. The amount of back and forth twists and sub plots took away from the whole story for me. So disappointed because I absolutely loved the other book in this series. Rating: PG, clean
Robin and Marian is a delightful romp in modern day Sherwood. There was plenty of mystery and sweet romance. Stephanie did a great job bringing her characters to light. Though the story follows pretty close to the original tale, there were some unexpected twists that gave it a nice edge. I just loved Robin and his return from "exile" not wishing to give away any spoilers here. He has so much to overcome and I truly enjoyed the connection and teamwork that took place between Marian and Robin as the story progressed. If you enjoy Robinhood, you will definitely enjoy this retelling. Pick up your copy today you won't regret it.
Content Rating-PG- no profanity, kissing, there were some mature themes that might be better for 12+
Trigger warning: there is a cheater, prison time, attempted murder, fighting, and actual deaths. This book has a lot. Robin goes to jail for four years to protect his sister. Then his true (awesome) character comes out and he gets an early release. But, in the meantime there are two really bad guys out to get everything. I really didn’t like them and there was a lot of emphasis on them. Midge is definitely my favorite character, although Tuck is my second favorite. There was a lot going on, especially when everything went insane and it just kept going and going… I liked that the epilogue nicely tied up loose ends and showed a few happily ever afters, because I really needed that breath of relief after all of that crazy!
This author could've used a good copy editor (which is NOT the same as a proofreader). I hate, I said hate, stories that have to tell me what every major character is wearing every time that character enters a scene.
The suspense worked very well, especially since I was sure as can be that I knew who the villain was. Boy was I wrong! The portrayal of what it can be like to try to re-enter society after spending time in prison seemed realistic. It was definitely believable. This was largely due to the author's showing the ex-con's feelings.
Talk about taking a well known fable and turning it into a modern suspense/romance. Who is the true villain in the area of Nottingham and Sherwood Forest? Does Robin King really take the fall for a family member and end up with four years of high security prison where his life is in danger most of the time? What is his Maid Marian doing throughout this story? Stephanie Fowers gives us twists, occasional laughter and a plot worth of a master.
Robin and Marian by Stephanie Fowers was such a fun book! I love a good Robin Hood retelling, and it was such fun to experience the story arc in a new way! This particular retelling is unique in that it’s a contemporary romance, set in current New England. It was interesting to see how each character was made current while also remaining true to the inspiring story (Tuck was hands down the most entertaining!). Definitely an enjoyable read!!!
I really enjoyed this book. I would’ve given it five stars except the start was a little bit too flirtatious and romantic for me. It was hard for me to believe that romance. Once Robin was arrested, the rest of the book was much more real to me and enjoyable to read. It kept me on my toes.
Seems like this book was rushed. It has potential but it was hard to keep reading. Fun characters (especially Tuck!) and an unexpected story, but it was just too rough. Could have cut out a third of the book.
Intense! Shocking, thrilling, suspenseful, and sometimes terrifying. This is one of Stephanie Fowers best works; this is no tame romance story. The further into the book you are, the more difficult to put down. You will be up reading into the wee hours of the morning.
I didn't finish this, gave up a quarter of the way through. The storyline just didn't engage me and the characters seemed weird, she seems too gullible and with the introduction of another male character vying for her attention, I was interested in a triangle.
Didn’t actually finish the book - but I tried. The narrative and voice is lackluster as the author tells you the story instead of letting dialogue and well developed characters do that.
Another amazing romantic adventure! I've always loved the story of Robin Hood and this retelling is fantastic! There is so much action it was hard to put it down. I loved the surprises that kept me guessing what would happen next. Plus the romance is great too! This was some great storytelling!
Main Idea: An uber wealthy family implodes when embezzlement is discovered. the town is bankrupted by unethical means. A modern telling of Robin Hood.
Characters: Robin is the good guy and hero, Marian is the romantic interest and heroine, Guy is the villian, Scarlett is (in my opinion) stupid, Alen is another villian. Other characters include Tuck, Little John, the Sheriff and Richard the scary business man billionair who is fooled by his grandsons and completley ignores his youngest son leaving him to be raised by his sister.
Setting: A fictional New England town called Nottingham with its own Sherwood forest set in the modern day during the spring/summer.
Problem: Robin goes to prison to save his sister, but she didn't do it. Who took the money? Why does Guy want all the land? How is the town going to be saved?
Romance: Robin and Marian can't keep their eyes off each other. They are childhood friends. Thought of Marian helped Robin keep from going bad in prison. She tries to resist him but fails.
My summary of the book: A modern telling of Robin Hood. The problem is the things Robin did worked in medieval England but did not work in modern day. The womanizing was terrible. Robin goes to jail and the things Guy did to get control of the town would have been stopped by any lawyer. Richard is clueless. Scarlett is an idiot and underserving of the sacrifices made for her and would have bankrupt the company if she was left in charge.
SPOILER ALERT Below are my opinions about the quality of the mystery and the solution.
Quality of Mystery:
The story followed the orrigional so you knew about Guy. The Jana and Alen situation was pretty obvious to me from the start. Scarlett was so clueless and foolish.
Solution:
Robin gives away his mothers jewlery to pay taxes on homes. Tuck attacks Guy online and hacks his bank account and takes his money. They find the orrigional documents.
I enjoyed this modern day Robin-hood retelling. It had adventure, suspense, and romance. Robin goes to prison to protect his sister. No one knows that Robin didn’t commit the crime. He serves in prison for four years. Once he is free he has to learn to live outside of prison with people that hate him. But all is not what it seems. I thought I might know who done it but it was a bit tricky. Marian has cared for Robin since they were little. The Spark was definitely still there when she went to Scarlett’s wedding and the next thing she knows is Robin is in jail. Four years later when he is released she must decide if she is willing to learn to trust Robin and her feelings for him. Meanwhile, Guy, Robin’s cousin is declaring his feelings for her.
This was a fun quick read that kept me laughing. Tuck stole the show and Robin stole my heart. I love Marian and how she was no chump. She definitely fits the role of Maid Marian. I love the author's remake of the old tale and how she has characters that fit each of the originals. Robin is true blue and loves his family. He takes the role of Robin Hood and twist it to his own means. A lot of characters to keep track of and plenty to enjoy as Tuck weaves his way through the story and in and out of every scenario. Controlled chaos makes this a fun read with suspense and characters that have you all twisted up in the story and invested in the outcome. I loved this new to me author and plan on enjoying more of her fun clean reads.
Parents guide- kisses. A character is discovered to have cheated on spouse (with negative repercussions). No sex or language. There is violence- some mildly disturbing.
Overall, this book was fine. It won't go into my re read pile, but I will probably read the next books by this author. I liked "out of the month of babes" a lot better. I didn't feel like the connection between Marion and Robin hit the mark for me. I had to keep coming back to the book over a few days as struggled to maintain my interest. I read it on Kindle Unlimited. I'd say it's clean and has many parallels to the Robin story while keeping it's originality.
Poor Robin. Going from having it all to losing it all in literally five minutes is rather overwhelming. But once again Stephanie Fowers has characters that are willing to do anything for family. I loved Robin & Marian together, but Tuck steals the show for me in a lot of ways, too.
If you're looking for a book with great character building, clean romance, keep-you-guessing-on-who-did-it, and a bit of sass, you'll love this.
I received a free copy, and this is my honest opinion. Stephanie is one of my new favorite authors!
I have always loved re-told fairytales/folk tales and this book did not disappoint! I do admit that after reading the first chapter I was unsure if I was going to like the book. However, I decided to give it a chance and continued to read. I am glad that I did! After that, I couldn't put the book down. This was a really good modern version of the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. I highly recommend this book!
I found this an interesting adaption of the Errol Flynn movie Robin Hood. As I'm reading, I can't help to compare the story with the movie. I like the movie much better. In this story, Robin is not carefree & seems to be in hot water most of the time. It seems the bad guys are winning until the very end. It is a different take on Robin's attempt to help the poor. I received a free copy from the author. I choose to write this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful twist to the classic Robin Hood tale. Many twists and turns, but the good guys prevail. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Oh wow ... Loved, loved loved this book! Full of suspense, will have you sitting at the edge of your chair. Its so good, funny, interesting, romantic. This is the second book written by Stephanie that I have read and they both were just unbelievably GREAT!