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Stars from Peril #3
Drawing the Prince
A Stars from Peril Novel
Painting themselves a life together will be a royal ordeal.
Small-town boy Cal Walters doesn’t know whether he owes his phenomenal success as an artist to talent or to his connections to famous people. Doubt leaves him secluded—until a lost bet lands him on yet another blind date. But this one is different.
To Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, playboy prince of the tiny nation of Porvunia and passionate art lover, Cal’s paintings are as intriguing as Cal himself. When Teo invites Cal to his country for an art competition, a whirlwind romance sweeps them up. But it can’t last—loyalties and obligations bind them to lives that are worlds apart.
Cal and Teo might’ve found their perfect complements in each other, but to hold on to their happiness, they’ll have to get creative.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
10 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
175 books1,305 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 12, 2019
Phooey.
This is one of those times that I wish I had time to spit out my review immediately after finishing the book. Because here I am, two weeks later, thinking...it was nice. But my head is filled with other books. *cringe* #badreviewer
I wanted to read this because I enjoyed the previous book in the series.
I never felt lost of confused and agree that you can read it without having read the first two (I still need to read the first book!) in the Stars from Peril.
It was a fun take on Cinderfella and both Cal and Teo are lovely.
It's your standard- Prince meets common artist and they fall in love.
But I never felt compelled to keep reading and could easily put it down and come back to it.
The biggest hiccup in their tale is...the distance and different worlds that they come from.
It was sweet. It was charming. It was simple.
This isn't always a bad thing, except when you are trying to piece together a review when it's no longer fresh in your mind. The slight impact it left has already faded. I think it might work better as a follow up to the first two stories. And if you're new to Fielding's work, this certainly isn't bad but I would rather gush about Brute (still dreaming about that book!)
*3 pleasing-yet-passable-princely stars*
This is one of those times that I wish I had time to spit out my review immediately after finishing the book. Because here I am, two weeks later, thinking...it was nice. But my head is filled with other books. *cringe* #badreviewer
I wanted to read this because I enjoyed the previous book in the series.
I never felt lost of confused and agree that you can read it without having read the first two (I still need to read the first book!) in the Stars from Peril.
It was a fun take on Cinderfella and both Cal and Teo are lovely.
It's your standard- Prince meets common artist and they fall in love.
But I never felt compelled to keep reading and could easily put it down and come back to it.
The biggest hiccup in their tale is...the distance and different worlds that they come from.
It was sweet. It was charming. It was simple.
This isn't always a bad thing, except when you are trying to piece together a review when it's no longer fresh in your mind. The slight impact it left has already faded. I think it might work better as a follow up to the first two stories. And if you're new to Fielding's work, this certainly isn't bad but I would rather gush about Brute (still dreaming about that book!)
*3 pleasing-yet-passable-princely stars*
November 25, 2019
I'm so freaking late with this review! Sorry, Kim!
The book is tied very loosely to the previous two books in the series, but can stand entirely on its own.
If you've read the first two books you're familiar with Jaxon Powers and Landry Bishop, both from small-town Peril, who found their HEA with exactly the right men for them. In this book, we follow the adventures of Cal Walters, from the same small town, who is wondering whether his phenomenal success as an artist is due to his tremendous talent or due to who he knows. He's plagued by doubts, and basically stays to himself. Because he just might be a fraud.
Then a lost bet forces him to go on a blind date with Teo aka Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, princely prince from the minuscule nation of Porvunia, who's been long intrigued by Cal's paintings and leaps at the chance of a date with the reclusive artist. Teo is sort of the cultural attache for his country, with somewhat of a playboy reputation.
So Teo meets a reluctant Cal. Attraction is immediate, and Teo is even more intrigued. And promptly arranges, secretly, for an art competition in his tiny nation, to which Cal and his painting are invited.
Romance ensues, obviously. How that romance unfolds, and how Cal and Teo manage to achieve their HEA - well, for that you'll have to read the book.
Kim Fielding as always tells a tale that is not only full of romance but also full of well-drawn characters, fully fleshed out and multi-dimensional, in this case with some magical moments and some lessons both Cal and Teo still have to learn. I was pretty much hooked from the get-go, reading it in the span of a few hours, and quite enjoyed this book. I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
The book is tied very loosely to the previous two books in the series, but can stand entirely on its own.
If you've read the first two books you're familiar with Jaxon Powers and Landry Bishop, both from small-town Peril, who found their HEA with exactly the right men for them. In this book, we follow the adventures of Cal Walters, from the same small town, who is wondering whether his phenomenal success as an artist is due to his tremendous talent or due to who he knows. He's plagued by doubts, and basically stays to himself. Because he just might be a fraud.
Then a lost bet forces him to go on a blind date with Teo aka Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, princely prince from the minuscule nation of Porvunia, who's been long intrigued by Cal's paintings and leaps at the chance of a date with the reclusive artist. Teo is sort of the cultural attache for his country, with somewhat of a playboy reputation.
So Teo meets a reluctant Cal. Attraction is immediate, and Teo is even more intrigued. And promptly arranges, secretly, for an art competition in his tiny nation, to which Cal and his painting are invited.
Romance ensues, obviously. How that romance unfolds, and how Cal and Teo manage to achieve their HEA - well, for that you'll have to read the book.
Kim Fielding as always tells a tale that is not only full of romance but also full of well-drawn characters, fully fleshed out and multi-dimensional, in this case with some magical moments and some lessons both Cal and Teo still have to learn. I was pretty much hooked from the get-go, reading it in the span of a few hours, and quite enjoyed this book. I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
November 30, 2019
Was it sentimental and emotional? Yes! Was it a fairytale? kind of but it was also much more! I loved everything about it.
Meet Cal aka Calvin Walters rising artist from a small town, Peril, in Nebraska and Teo aka His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Aleksej Josef Vissente Teofilo, Duke of Vidac, Earl of Kramitz.
Teo is in love with the art coming from Cal’s hand, after meeting Cal in person he is falling even more in love with the man himself.
Teo has organized an art contest in his small country and wants Cal to tribute three parts to it.
Cal is smitten by this beautiful, elegant, aristocratic man. After watching Teo’s Instagram, Cal understands he is just one in a long line. Still, Cal agrees and travels to Teo’s tiny kingdom in Europe.
Staying with Teo in his castle, Cal gets special treatment. No men from the row have entered these rooms before. They fall in love quite strongly and comfortably. Cal knows it’s too good to be true and a broken heart will be next.
What a well thought out, gracious, beautifully detailed and layered story. I was so smitten with it. It was written with a passion and that made this tale even more appealing. It had bittersweet moments, which crushed my heart, also funny times that made me laugh.
You could expect this could be a sappy story while reading the blurb, it was far from that!
I prefer to call it an excellently positive and vibrant story!
Even though I thought the whole story was, at first sight, lighthearted it’s quite more than that, it has an intelligent plot and all thoroughly developed. The way the love of art was woven into this story, the importance of authentic roots and family was impressive! The story around the passionate work with charity-funding and, above all, how the love, emotions and the romance was shining blindly, it was just everything!
We got a saying in my country I’m not sure it’s universal:
‘’I don’t have to swim in money, just paddling is enough’’
Money isn’t everything, but hey it’s handy. It opens doors for you and when spent well, by that it also opens them for others, that was important here!
An awfully well written story, extremely kind and uplifting, it radiated feelings like the sun always shines, even behind thick clouds!
It’s all about possibilities, opportunities, caring, expanding your focus and faith in the future.
Meet Cal aka Calvin Walters rising artist from a small town, Peril, in Nebraska and Teo aka His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Aleksej Josef Vissente Teofilo, Duke of Vidac, Earl of Kramitz.
Teo is in love with the art coming from Cal’s hand, after meeting Cal in person he is falling even more in love with the man himself.
Teo has organized an art contest in his small country and wants Cal to tribute three parts to it.
Cal is smitten by this beautiful, elegant, aristocratic man. After watching Teo’s Instagram, Cal understands he is just one in a long line. Still, Cal agrees and travels to Teo’s tiny kingdom in Europe.
Staying with Teo in his castle, Cal gets special treatment. No men from the row have entered these rooms before. They fall in love quite strongly and comfortably. Cal knows it’s too good to be true and a broken heart will be next.
What a well thought out, gracious, beautifully detailed and layered story. I was so smitten with it. It was written with a passion and that made this tale even more appealing. It had bittersweet moments, which crushed my heart, also funny times that made me laugh.
You could expect this could be a sappy story while reading the blurb, it was far from that!
I prefer to call it an excellently positive and vibrant story!
Even though I thought the whole story was, at first sight, lighthearted it’s quite more than that, it has an intelligent plot and all thoroughly developed. The way the love of art was woven into this story, the importance of authentic roots and family was impressive! The story around the passionate work with charity-funding and, above all, how the love, emotions and the romance was shining blindly, it was just everything!
We got a saying in my country I’m not sure it’s universal:
‘’I don’t have to swim in money, just paddling is enough’’
Money isn’t everything, but hey it’s handy. It opens doors for you and when spent well, by that it also opens them for others, that was important here!
An awfully well written story, extremely kind and uplifting, it radiated feelings like the sun always shines, even behind thick clouds!
It’s all about possibilities, opportunities, caring, expanding your focus and faith in the future.
November 10, 2019
Read about 15% of this book, but it just wasn't my jam.
October 1, 2019
3.5 stars
Cal never imagine that his friendship with the son of a Hollywood Diva will land him a blind date with a royalty: His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Aleksej Josef Vissente Teofilo, Duke of Vidac, Earl of Kramit, from a tiny European country, Porvunia. For Cal, who always thinks that he’s just a boy from Nebraska, the relationship is impossible.
Teo, in the meantime, is willing to give it a chance. Teo likes challenge – hey, he’s able to organize art events in his country for years – he’s enamored with Cal, he also thinks Cal’s a brilliant painter… Teo WILL find his way.
This is another lovely fairy tale with two nice people. Cal is ADORABLE. He might have a slightly low esteem for me – I mean, everyone thinks he’s a great painter, but Cal keeps saying that he’s just a country boy, that people are better than he is, and he worries that he gets to that point of his life because he’s friend with famous person. Oh, Cal, darling you! I wish Cal has more confidence of himself. But maybe it also keeps him humble and grounded, and THAT in itself is an admirable trait.
Besides, Teo has enough confidence for the two of them. Although Teo is mentioned to be a little bit of a player before he meets Cal, but I’m glad that it’s not a major drama point of this book. It is clear that Teo is taken with Cal, and the big conflict comes from the two of them living in different part of the world. Especially when an incident makes Cal has to return to Peril, Nebraska, for what seems to be a permanent move.
Simply put, this is a nice story with two pleasant young men. Teo might be too good to be true. But hey, this is fiction AND the Dreamspun line, so yay for Cal getting his own Prince Charming
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Cal never imagine that his friendship with the son of a Hollywood Diva will land him a blind date with a royalty: His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Aleksej Josef Vissente Teofilo, Duke of Vidac, Earl of Kramit, from a tiny European country, Porvunia. For Cal, who always thinks that he’s just a boy from Nebraska, the relationship is impossible.
Teo, in the meantime, is willing to give it a chance. Teo likes challenge – hey, he’s able to organize art events in his country for years – he’s enamored with Cal, he also thinks Cal’s a brilliant painter… Teo WILL find his way.
This is another lovely fairy tale with two nice people. Cal is ADORABLE. He might have a slightly low esteem for me – I mean, everyone thinks he’s a great painter, but Cal keeps saying that he’s just a country boy, that people are better than he is, and he worries that he gets to that point of his life because he’s friend with famous person. Oh, Cal, darling you! I wish Cal has more confidence of himself. But maybe it also keeps him humble and grounded, and THAT in itself is an admirable trait.
Besides, Teo has enough confidence for the two of them. Although Teo is mentioned to be a little bit of a player before he meets Cal, but I’m glad that it’s not a major drama point of this book. It is clear that Teo is taken with Cal, and the big conflict comes from the two of them living in different part of the world. Especially when an incident makes Cal has to return to Peril, Nebraska, for what seems to be a permanent move.
Simply put, this is a nice story with two pleasant young men. Teo might be too good to be true. But hey, this is fiction AND the Dreamspun line, so yay for Cal getting his own Prince Charming
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Read
August 24, 2019This is the third book in the Stars from Peril series. It can easily be read as a standalone. But if you've also read The Spy's Love Song or Redesigning Landry Bishop, you'll be happy to see Jaxon, Reid, Landry, and Jordan make a brief appearance.
If you've read Landry, remember the art school kid he meets in Peril? That's Cal, and Drawing the Prince is is story. Writing this book allowed me to revisit the fictional Nebraska town of Peril, which was a whole lot of fun. And I also got to create an entirely new country, the small kingdom of Porvunia. Both of these locations are inspired by my own experiences; I've lived in both Nebraska and Central Europe. I hope you enjoy Cal's journey as much as I did!
If you've read Landry, remember the art school kid he meets in Peril? That's Cal, and Drawing the Prince is is story. Writing this book allowed me to revisit the fictional Nebraska town of Peril, which was a whole lot of fun. And I also got to create an entirely new country, the small kingdom of Porvunia. Both of these locations are inspired by my own experiences; I've lived in both Nebraska and Central Europe. I hope you enjoy Cal's journey as much as I did!
October 3, 2020
I don't know what to say about this one really.
It took me the longest time getting into this book. When I finally did I only stayed "in" for a little while.
There's nothing wrong with this book per se, it's well written, well researched, well everything. It just didn't grabbed me.
At times I wanted to shake some sense into Cal. His whole act of looking down at himself and talking himself out of being with Teo over and over and over and over again really annoyed me.
It took me the longest time getting into this book. When I finally did I only stayed "in" for a little while.
There's nothing wrong with this book per se, it's well written, well researched, well everything. It just didn't grabbed me.
At times I wanted to shake some sense into Cal. His whole act of looking down at himself and talking himself out of being with Teo over and over and over and over again really annoyed me.
October 11, 2019
3.5
Another sugary sweet book from Peril. I loved it. Beautiful prince, insecure artist, both trying to find home, and end up finding that home is with the ones you love the most. I loved these two together. I loved Teo’s confidence, and I love Cals way of viewing the world. The writing was great, and I enjoyed the low angst of it all. The characters talked about their problems and acted their ages which I appreciated.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but they do mention a few past characters. And though it wasn’t a complete fade to black, it doesn’t get into the details of the smexy times
Another sugary sweet book from Peril. I loved it. Beautiful prince, insecure artist, both trying to find home, and end up finding that home is with the ones you love the most. I loved these two together. I loved Teo’s confidence, and I love Cals way of viewing the world. The writing was great, and I enjoyed the low angst of it all. The characters talked about their problems and acted their ages which I appreciated.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but they do mention a few past characters. And though it wasn’t a complete fade to black, it doesn’t get into the details of the smexy times
October 3, 2019
Fairy tales' HEAs don't happen in real life... or do they?
Cal Walters never imagined he would ever lead the life of a famous artist, or rub shoulders with celebrities, even royalty. Meeting handsome Teo Kastav, and giving in to his attraction to him, can only mean heartbreak at the end. But he may enjoy the fairy tale while it lasts. Unfortunately, bad news from home put a hasty end to what seemed a dream come true...
Very sweet, low angst story about a young and talented artist and a handsome prince who happen to meet and fall in love. Both main characters are interesting, and there is a bit of enemies to lovers at the beginning, because Cal seems determined to antagonize Teo and his efforts to conquer him. For Teo, on the other hand, is almost an insta love. Although it seems impossible to reconcile their life styles, they manage a very satisfactory HEA at the end. That's the only fault I find in the story, that the solution to their problem was very simple from the beginning, you really did not need such big epiphany to sort it out.
Cute
Cal Walters never imagined he would ever lead the life of a famous artist, or rub shoulders with celebrities, even royalty. Meeting handsome Teo Kastav, and giving in to his attraction to him, can only mean heartbreak at the end. But he may enjoy the fairy tale while it lasts. Unfortunately, bad news from home put a hasty end to what seemed a dream come true...
Very sweet, low angst story about a young and talented artist and a handsome prince who happen to meet and fall in love. Both main characters are interesting, and there is a bit of enemies to lovers at the beginning, because Cal seems determined to antagonize Teo and his efforts to conquer him. For Teo, on the other hand, is almost an insta love. Although it seems impossible to reconcile their life styles, they manage a very satisfactory HEA at the end. That's the only fault I find in the story, that the solution to their problem was very simple from the beginning, you really did not need such big epiphany to sort it out.
Cute
October 1, 2019
I liked this book—Cal is a rumpled but endearing character, the perfect foil to Teo’s polished extravagance. Between the two, I felt I could relate more to Cal—not to his fame (unfortunately), but to what almost seems to be Imposter Syndrome—he can’t really have gotten where he is because he’s an extremely talented artist, it’s because he has been lucky and made connections.
Having grown up in a small town (again something I related to), and feeling he didn’t fit in, both because he was gay and because he was “weird” (just now, writing this, I’m reminded of the song in Hedwig and the Angry Inch dedicated to all the dreamers, misfits, etc.)—art saved him.
I really felt that the way art relates to life, connecting with others, and is an expression of self was very well done. Also the aspect of many artists being solitary type people (working at odd hours, etc) and the ability to exist in their own world while creating, and how it can be awkward for them in public. But for Cal, this is his _passion_, what keeps him going, his way to speak to the world while processing what is going on in his life.
Teo, on the other hand, is polished, gregarious, and outgoing. His view of life is completely different—having grown up as royalty he’s never wanted for anything. He does acknowledge that privilege, and while he comes off at first as somewhat shallow, he and Cal do value many of the same things.
One thing I particularly liked was that there were no huge secrets, that when revealed caused huge issues and misunderstandings. Teo didn’t want Cal to know he was a prince. That’s pretty understandable from his point of view. It was also understandable that Cal didn’t tell him the truth. Instead of it becoming a huge deal, they talked about it and worked it out, something they did with every issue that came up.
I like to think that everything went well at the end, and as planned. Part of me is dubious about it all working out okay. I guess it’s just cynicism about small towns and small town attitudes, and the reactions to such radical (I know that’s considered a “bad” word, but I mean it in its original sense) changes. I suppose they might welcome changes that would bring people back to the town, but in the back of my mind it conjured up overdevelopment and congestion—(see, there’s my cynical side). So I found that a little hard to believe. But a prince of a non-existent country I have no issues with. lol Go figure.
I didn’t think I was going to like this book at the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying it. Two people being genuinely in love, with the ability to make sacrifices to be together, makes me happy. It’s so hard in relationships not to make the inevitable missteps, and Teo wanted so much to _give_, which I really related to, even though I’m from a background more similar to Cal’s. Maybe that’s why I appreciated Teo’s efforts and saw them for what they were and not as attempts to “buy” Cal’s love—when you love someone (especially at the beginning) you just want to make them happy, and that can be difficult for someone who isn’t used to that as affection vs. trying to get what they want.
I found their relationship very genuine and in line with their respective backgrounds. Teo could have been a jerk coming from the place he did, and not having to worry about money, but because his family placed value on family, as Cal and his grandmother did, Teo was empathetic to Cal’s needs about his grandmother. It was a nice, believable romance that was truly heartfelt.
I was given a copy of this book by the author, and all opinions are entirely my own.
Having grown up in a small town (again something I related to), and feeling he didn’t fit in, both because he was gay and because he was “weird” (just now, writing this, I’m reminded of the song in Hedwig and the Angry Inch dedicated to all the dreamers, misfits, etc.)—art saved him.
I really felt that the way art relates to life, connecting with others, and is an expression of self was very well done. Also the aspect of many artists being solitary type people (working at odd hours, etc) and the ability to exist in their own world while creating, and how it can be awkward for them in public. But for Cal, this is his _passion_, what keeps him going, his way to speak to the world while processing what is going on in his life.
Teo, on the other hand, is polished, gregarious, and outgoing. His view of life is completely different—having grown up as royalty he’s never wanted for anything. He does acknowledge that privilege, and while he comes off at first as somewhat shallow, he and Cal do value many of the same things.
One thing I particularly liked was that there were no huge secrets, that when revealed caused huge issues and misunderstandings. Teo didn’t want Cal to know he was a prince. That’s pretty understandable from his point of view. It was also understandable that Cal didn’t tell him the truth. Instead of it becoming a huge deal, they talked about it and worked it out, something they did with every issue that came up.
I like to think that everything went well at the end, and as planned. Part of me is dubious about it all working out okay. I guess it’s just cynicism about small towns and small town attitudes, and the reactions to such radical (I know that’s considered a “bad” word, but I mean it in its original sense) changes. I suppose they might welcome changes that would bring people back to the town, but in the back of my mind it conjured up overdevelopment and congestion—(see, there’s my cynical side). So I found that a little hard to believe. But a prince of a non-existent country I have no issues with. lol Go figure.
I didn’t think I was going to like this book at the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying it. Two people being genuinely in love, with the ability to make sacrifices to be together, makes me happy. It’s so hard in relationships not to make the inevitable missteps, and Teo wanted so much to _give_, which I really related to, even though I’m from a background more similar to Cal’s. Maybe that’s why I appreciated Teo’s efforts and saw them for what they were and not as attempts to “buy” Cal’s love—when you love someone (especially at the beginning) you just want to make them happy, and that can be difficult for someone who isn’t used to that as affection vs. trying to get what they want.
I found their relationship very genuine and in line with their respective backgrounds. Teo could have been a jerk coming from the place he did, and not having to worry about money, but because his family placed value on family, as Cal and his grandmother did, Teo was empathetic to Cal’s needs about his grandmother. It was a nice, believable romance that was truly heartfelt.
I was given a copy of this book by the author, and all opinions are entirely my own.
February 9, 2020
I enjoyed this, but it didn't ever move out of 'mild enjoyment' for me. It doesn't have the emotional kick of KF's normal stories, but given this was written for the Harlequinesque line of DSP, that would be expected - those stories are always mild!
October 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
Fielding’s “Stars from Peril” stories are guaranteed to make you smile. Moreover each books can be read as a standalone although it definitely would help to read them consecutively.
DRAWING THE PRINCE reminds me a bit of Cinderella story with best friend playing fairy godmother. It’s cute, sweet, and charming, certainly a feel-good read with HEA (predictable maybe, but no less sweet for it).
Center stage are Perilian Calvin Walters and Porvunia youngest prince, Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav. I remember Cal from that scene on the closing chapter of “Redesigning Landry Bishop.” And it’s amusing to read how he become years after those (short) appearance ...on the way to meet his prince charming at that.
DRAWING THE PRINCE gave that warm feeling for the fantasy (the story) brings. Fielding always wrote captivating characters and this was no difference. Calvin and his Prince Teo were charming in their own way. The supporting casts were no hinderance whatsoever. In fact, I think for some sort of fairy-tale retelling this book had next to no drama! Cal was so matter of fact and logical, whereas Teo the more of dreamer of the two - although the way he went about it was so believably realistic and current.
Those who need some lift-me-up, feel-good, guaranteed-HEA story would be recommended to pick this book. No shaddy issue to disconcert you; despite live issues it’s all positive and promising. It certainly works for me. 😊
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fielding’s “Stars from Peril” stories are guaranteed to make you smile. Moreover each books can be read as a standalone although it definitely would help to read them consecutively.
DRAWING THE PRINCE reminds me a bit of Cinderella story with best friend playing fairy godmother. It’s cute, sweet, and charming, certainly a feel-good read with HEA (predictable maybe, but no less sweet for it).
Center stage are Perilian Calvin Walters and Porvunia youngest prince, Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav. I remember Cal from that scene on the closing chapter of “Redesigning Landry Bishop.” And it’s amusing to read how he become years after those (short) appearance ...on the way to meet his prince charming at that.
DRAWING THE PRINCE gave that warm feeling for the fantasy (the story) brings. Fielding always wrote captivating characters and this was no difference. Calvin and his Prince Teo were charming in their own way. The supporting casts were no hinderance whatsoever. In fact, I think for some sort of fairy-tale retelling this book had next to no drama! Cal was so matter of fact and logical, whereas Teo the more of dreamer of the two - although the way he went about it was so believably realistic and current.
Those who need some lift-me-up, feel-good, guaranteed-HEA story would be recommended to pick this book. No shaddy issue to disconcert you; despite live issues it’s all positive and promising. It certainly works for me. 😊
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2019
3.25 stars. A lovely fairy tale with some nice changes on the formula. I really appreciated that Cal wasn't totally knocked off his feet by Teo on their blind date; too many of the books I've read lately have flowed from meeting, attraction, sex, to "together-forever" without anyone thinking -- You know, something you just did struck me the wrong way. You might be an asshat. I'm gonna take this slow, if at all.
Cal's continuing insistence that they couldn't stay together once they were together was a mild irritation, but I could understand it. From the beginning he showed that he had that little streak of paranoia and self-protectiveness, but it was fabulous when Teo's empassioned commitment wore him down.
Not my favorite Kim Fielding, but I can see rereading it when I don't need Amy Lane/Rhys Ford levels of angst. :)
Cal's continuing insistence that they couldn't stay together once they were together was a mild irritation, but I could understand it. From the beginning he showed that he had that little streak of paranoia and self-protectiveness, but it was fabulous when Teo's empassioned commitment wore him down.
Not my favorite Kim Fielding, but I can see rereading it when I don't need Amy Lane/Rhys Ford levels of angst. :)
September 30, 2019
This was an easy, quick read where our artistic Cinderfella gets his prince, is not saddled up with a stepfamily, horrible or otherwise, and goes on to live the dream in a slightly oversweet HEA.
I’ll confess that I’d hoped for a bit more tension and emotional depth in the story. I liked the book fine until it neared its ending and the MC’s came to the final hurdle to overcome, where things went a little downhill for me. The obstacles Teo and Cal ultimately faced shouldn’t have been as insurmountable as they made them out to be, which made me feel at least one of them wasn’t completely committed. I wasn’t impressed with the solution the author came up with either, which felt more than a little implausible, even for a book with a made-up country and royal family. I also didn’t entirely understand what initially caused Teo and Cal to be so drawn to each other, with Teo especially going out of his way to win Cal over.
The story had its moments though and will certainly do great for someone in the mood for something romantic and mushy to dream away by.
I’ll confess that I’d hoped for a bit more tension and emotional depth in the story. I liked the book fine until it neared its ending and the MC’s came to the final hurdle to overcome, where things went a little downhill for me. The obstacles Teo and Cal ultimately faced shouldn’t have been as insurmountable as they made them out to be, which made me feel at least one of them wasn’t completely committed. I wasn’t impressed with the solution the author came up with either, which felt more than a little implausible, even for a book with a made-up country and royal family. I also didn’t entirely understand what initially caused Teo and Cal to be so drawn to each other, with Teo especially going out of his way to win Cal over.
The story had its moments though and will certainly do great for someone in the mood for something romantic and mushy to dream away by.
October 3, 2019
I wanted to really love this book. I'm a sucker for fairy-tale type stories and the blurb had me excited to read.
I liked it. There were things I loved in the book, don't get me wrong. I adored Teo and really wish Porvunia was a real place. It was fun to revisit Peril again (I did read the first book in the series) and I the ending was a HEA.
But, Cal. The main character. I had issues with him. The very beginning was probably the worst for me and I nearly stopped reading because I didn't like Cal that much. He got better as the book went on and I did enjoy their relationship once Cal got over himself. There were a few more moments near the end of the story that had me side-eyeing Cal again, but the story worked out in the end.
It had a satisfying ending, I don't regret reading it, but it's not a book I will read again. I like the author, this one just had a couple missteps for me.
I was given an ARC of Drawing the Prince from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
I liked it. There were things I loved in the book, don't get me wrong. I adored Teo and really wish Porvunia was a real place. It was fun to revisit Peril again (I did read the first book in the series) and I the ending was a HEA.
But, Cal. The main character. I had issues with him. The very beginning was probably the worst for me and I nearly stopped reading because I didn't like Cal that much. He got better as the book went on and I did enjoy their relationship once Cal got over himself. There were a few more moments near the end of the story that had me side-eyeing Cal again, but the story worked out in the end.
It had a satisfying ending, I don't regret reading it, but it's not a book I will read again. I like the author, this one just had a couple missteps for me.
I was given an ARC of Drawing the Prince from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
September 23, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up because this was such a sweet love story.
I loved the characters and the setting of the story. I loved that people from books 1 and 2 in the series popped up, without overwhelming the story line and without people having had to read those books to understand the characters.
Isn't a dashing prince who sweeps you off your feet everyone's dream?
It certainly was mine when I was Cal's age, which is probably why I prefer Cal to Teo. Teo was lovely, but Cal was wonderful. I was impressed by the efforts put into making these characters realistic and I really liked how they were interested in each other beyond the physical.
The thing that kept it from being an immediate 4-star without rounding up was that it was just a tiny bit too fairytalish for my taste. Considering the realism put into the story line and while I get that a romance has to have a happily-ever-after, even compared to the previous two books in the series, this ending was very sugary sweet.
I loved the characters and the setting of the story. I loved that people from books 1 and 2 in the series popped up, without overwhelming the story line and without people having had to read those books to understand the characters.
Isn't a dashing prince who sweeps you off your feet everyone's dream?
It certainly was mine when I was Cal's age, which is probably why I prefer Cal to Teo. Teo was lovely, but Cal was wonderful. I was impressed by the efforts put into making these characters realistic and I really liked how they were interested in each other beyond the physical.
The thing that kept it from being an immediate 4-star without rounding up was that it was just a tiny bit too fairytalish for my taste. Considering the realism put into the story line and while I get that a romance has to have a happily-ever-after, even compared to the previous two books in the series, this ending was very sugary sweet.
October 6, 2019
Loved this. Both Cal and Teo were wonderful characters that I rooted for the entire book, even when Cal was being stubborn.
Cal is an artist, building his own following and becoming somewhat famous for his paintings. He goes on a blind date, not knowing that Teo is a prince from a small European country, who absolutely loves Cal's work. Their first date doesn't go all that smoothly, but Teo is determined to be able to see more of Cal.
I actually loved how quickly the two of them connected - after that first date - and how they both came to recognize that what they had was something special. I had my fingers crossed a couple of times, hoping that things would work out for them.
I might have to check out the first two books of the series.
Cal is an artist, building his own following and becoming somewhat famous for his paintings. He goes on a blind date, not knowing that Teo is a prince from a small European country, who absolutely loves Cal's work. Their first date doesn't go all that smoothly, but Teo is determined to be able to see more of Cal.
I actually loved how quickly the two of them connected - after that first date - and how they both came to recognize that what they had was something special. I had my fingers crossed a couple of times, hoping that things would work out for them.
I might have to check out the first two books of the series.
September 30, 2019
Drawing the Prince by Kim Fielding was given in exchange for an honest review. Cal an artist, is not at all thrilled by losing a bet to his friend Merc having to go on a blind date and Teo, flying across the world just to meet the artist who caught his attention.
My only problem I had was that Cal had a chip on his shoulder from the beginning and seemed to give up or run away when things don't go his way. Maybe if I had more depth for his attitude it would have made it better. This was a nice slow burn story where fairytales and real life seems to collide with impossible hurdles to overcome but creativity may just let them have a happily ever after they have always wanted.
My only problem I had was that Cal had a chip on his shoulder from the beginning and seemed to give up or run away when things don't go his way. Maybe if I had more depth for his attitude it would have made it better. This was a nice slow burn story where fairytales and real life seems to collide with impossible hurdles to overcome but creativity may just let them have a happily ever after they have always wanted.
October 1, 2019
The book is a cute and engaging artist meets royalty romance. Cal, who is the small town up-and-coming artist that perceives his fame is only due to his friendship with his famous friend, Merc, and Teo, who is the youngest Prince of a small European country. Between an art competition in Europe and a family member's health issue in the US, will Cal and Teo be able come up with a solution to be together? This was a fun read that delivers a HEA.
October 13, 2019
I love how it takes work to find a solution that allows these two great men to follow their dreams but also be together. This story spans two continents and 3 locations to find the solutions needed. There are lots of ups and downs to get these men to their well deserved happily ever after. I really enjoyed following along on their journey.
September 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this one it's cute and with a HEA. Both characters are engaging, and both are very passionate in everything they do in the book.
October 2, 2019
Of course, it's well written because this author is great. I liked the story, but it felt a little like it lagged at the end.
January 13, 2020
Kim is one of those author's that I can read anything she writes. I loved this book!
August 16, 2020
A nice little fairy tale about the artist Cal and the prince of "Porvunia" called Teo.
It's always a bit cringe-worthy for me, when countries are just made up and placed very close to my home country... and Teo's 1,500 names were a bit cringe-worthy, too... BUT I tried to see it as a modern-ish fairy tale and was able to enjoy it. I just never felt very compelled to keep reading (it's not exactly a page turner), but enjoyable enough when you don't want to read something heavy or sad.
I actually really like Cal and his no-nonsense attitude. He really knows what he wants and he's able to communicate it clearly... which is an admirable trait. ;)
It's always a bit cringe-worthy for me, when countries are just made up and placed very close to my home country... and Teo's 1,500 names were a bit cringe-worthy, too... BUT I tried to see it as a modern-ish fairy tale and was able to enjoy it. I just never felt very compelled to keep reading (it's not exactly a page turner), but enjoyable enough when you don't want to read something heavy or sad.
I actually really like Cal and his no-nonsense attitude. He really knows what he wants and he's able to communicate it clearly... which is an admirable trait. ;)
March 18, 2020
I love Kim Fielding. She is perhaps one of my favorite mate authors, but this story just seemed off to me. It was ok up until the end, but then then it just seemed rushed and contrived and incredibly unbelievable. I agreed with the helping aspects that fundraising brings, but going from raising large sums of money from refugees to raising money for a little town in Nebraska just felt off. I mean I can see a step such as raising money for multiple small town arts or LGBTQ programs all over the US, but not for one town especially at the scale they were taking about.
September 8, 2022
3.5 stars: I liked the characters well enough to read the whole novel. I liked all the characters. And I liked it better at the end than I had in the middle. The rich little nation didn't make much sense, that was part of the detraction. But also, the solution was obvious. Sigh. For those reasons I'm glad I bought it on sale. The characters are the best part, the home town tour was amusingly accurate.
February 6, 2023
2.5 stars
October 1, 2019
Drawing the Prince is the third book in the ‘Stars from Peril’ series. It stars Cal Walters, an artist, and Teofilo ‘Teo’ Vabriga-Kastav, a prince. This is told in third person from both Teo and Cal’s povs.
2.5 Stars
I was given an ARC of Drawing the Prince from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
2.5 Stars
I was given an ARC of Drawing the Prince from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
October 2, 2019
Such a sweet fairytale and slow burn romance. I love Cal and Teo together. I love the storyline of the prince and the artist. It is great to see how these two start to grow their relationship. A very entertaining story and a great addition to this series.
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