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Happy Ever Regency #5
How to Turn a Frog into a Prince
A barefoot maiden.
A painfully proper gentleman.
And a friendship most unexpected.
After losing her entire family to a horrible sickness, Miss Charlaine Palmer leaves Jamaica and crosses an ocean, hoping for a new beginning in England. Unfortunately, her raven-black hair and olive skin immediately mark her as an outsider, eyed suspiciously by the English ton.
Her old friend, Lord Markham, as well as his family, however, welcome her with open arms and soon make Charlaine feel at home in a country where she simply cannot fit in. But Charlaine is a woman who never loses faith, her focus always on life’s silver lining, certain that happiness will find her…even if it takes a bit of patience.
And thus, when she spots a most bitter and pained-looking gentleman, her heart reaches out to him. Without a second thought, she approaches him, offering her friendship, hoping that he, too, will come to see that life is beautiful.
Nathanial Caswell is a broken man.
After his fiancée called off their engagement, he fell into a black abyss, the life he had hoped for forever out of his reach. His thoughts turn dark, and he no longer finds joy in his days, only doing what is his duty, what is expected of him.
Until his brother is married and calls him to England to join in his happiness. There, Nathanial meets a most unusual woman. A woman who steps up to him without thought for proper introductions and declares herself his friend. Annoyed, Nathanial shrugs her off, certain he shall never see her again.
He could not have been more wrong. For Charlaine is a woman not easily deterred, and before Nathanial knows what is happening, he finds his new friend is all he can think about.
A painfully proper gentleman.
And a friendship most unexpected.
After losing her entire family to a horrible sickness, Miss Charlaine Palmer leaves Jamaica and crosses an ocean, hoping for a new beginning in England. Unfortunately, her raven-black hair and olive skin immediately mark her as an outsider, eyed suspiciously by the English ton.
Her old friend, Lord Markham, as well as his family, however, welcome her with open arms and soon make Charlaine feel at home in a country where she simply cannot fit in. But Charlaine is a woman who never loses faith, her focus always on life’s silver lining, certain that happiness will find her…even if it takes a bit of patience.
And thus, when she spots a most bitter and pained-looking gentleman, her heart reaches out to him. Without a second thought, she approaches him, offering her friendship, hoping that he, too, will come to see that life is beautiful.
Nathanial Caswell is a broken man.
After his fiancée called off their engagement, he fell into a black abyss, the life he had hoped for forever out of his reach. His thoughts turn dark, and he no longer finds joy in his days, only doing what is his duty, what is expected of him.
Until his brother is married and calls him to England to join in his happiness. There, Nathanial meets a most unusual woman. A woman who steps up to him without thought for proper introductions and declares herself his friend. Annoyed, Nathanial shrugs her off, certain he shall never see her again.
He could not have been more wrong. For Charlaine is a woman not easily deterred, and before Nathanial knows what is happening, he finds his new friend is all he can think about.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2020
421 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Bree Wolf
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Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:
An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.
Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:
An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 27, 2020
I received a arc copy through NetGalley for a honest read..
How To Turn A Frog Into A Prince was a cute read I loved everything about this story and made me smile. A 5 star read
Happy Reading
Lisa
How To Turn A Frog Into A Prince was a cute read I loved everything about this story and made me smile. A 5 star read
Happy Reading
Lisa
April 24, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (judged by kiss length)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): only kisses
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person perspective from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, 3 months later
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is book 5 in Wolf’s Happy Ever Regency series. There is time spent with prior main couples in this book and it might be better to know all the characters as you read the series? Overall the romance is okay as a stand alone though.
Basic plot:
Charlaine is ready for a new start in England and meets Nathaniel, a man bitter over the ending of his betrothal in America.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency - 1813
- English hero/Jamaican heroine
- fairy tale retellings – the whole series is based on classics like Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, Cinderella, etc. This one is The Frog Prince
- sunshine and grump feel
- the hero suffers from pain and depression from a prior relationship
- masquerade!
- big family/friends feel (lots of side characters)
- very light epistolary part
- friends to lovers though the friendship happens on page – they don’t know each other at the beginning of the story
- this had a big heroine nurses hero back to health feel for me –
First line:
Nathanial Caswell, younger brother to the Earl of Pembroke by no more than a few minutes, stood in his study, hands linked behind his back and his eyes directed out the window.
My thoughts:
Sadly, I couldn’t get into this one. I have read a novella from Bree Wolf before and I really enjoyed it – it had humor and heart and some decent tension (I knew she was a low steam author with usually just kisses, so I was prepared). But this one lacked on that for me and I ended up not feeling much reading this one.
I do enjoy a tortured hero, and I like the idea behind the sunshine and grump vibes here. I generally liked both of the characters, though the hero took a bit too long to realize everything for me and come around.
What really got me about this one was the ending. The separation and then the scenes with his ex-fiance, I was not feeling that AT ALL, not that late in the book. I felt like the hero needed to come to terms with his feelings on his own instead of how he did and it just left too much to be desired from him for me to really be in love with their HEA.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (judged by kiss length)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): only kisses
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person perspective from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, 3 months later
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is book 5 in Wolf’s Happy Ever Regency series. There is time spent with prior main couples in this book and it might be better to know all the characters as you read the series? Overall the romance is okay as a stand alone though.
Basic plot:
Charlaine is ready for a new start in England and meets Nathaniel, a man bitter over the ending of his betrothal in America.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency - 1813
- English hero/Jamaican heroine
- fairy tale retellings – the whole series is based on classics like Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, Cinderella, etc. This one is The Frog Prince
- sunshine and grump feel
- the hero suffers from pain and depression from a prior relationship
- masquerade!
- big family/friends feel (lots of side characters)
- very light epistolary part
- friends to lovers though the friendship happens on page – they don’t know each other at the beginning of the story
- this had a big heroine nurses hero back to health feel for me –
First line:
Nathanial Caswell, younger brother to the Earl of Pembroke by no more than a few minutes, stood in his study, hands linked behind his back and his eyes directed out the window.
My thoughts:
Sadly, I couldn’t get into this one. I have read a novella from Bree Wolf before and I really enjoyed it – it had humor and heart and some decent tension (I knew she was a low steam author with usually just kisses, so I was prepared). But this one lacked on that for me and I ended up not feeling much reading this one.
I do enjoy a tortured hero, and I like the idea behind the sunshine and grump vibes here. I generally liked both of the characters, though the hero took a bit too long to realize everything for me and come around.
What really got me about this one was the ending. The separation and then the scenes with his ex-fiance, I was not feeling that AT ALL, not that late in the book. I felt like the hero needed to come to terms with his feelings on his own instead of how he did and it just left too much to be desired from him for me to really be in love with their HEA.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
November 3, 2020
Nathaniel’s “woe is me” thoughts over and over got old. And Charlaine was so bubbly she got on my nerves.
November 23, 2020
I have to say, it started off with a massive potential
But my God, how I hate the hero in this one. He was all so happy and moody (and not the attractive kind. It was just pathetic) just because his fiancee cheated on him.
I can't with this type of heroes.
But my God, how I hate the hero in this one. He was all so happy and moody (and not the attractive kind. It was just pathetic) just because his fiancee cheated on him.
I can't with this type of heroes.
March 8, 2021
What a fun and creative take on the often stodgy world of Regency era romance!
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 12, 2021
2.5 🌟.
First off, this is in the wrong genre. Its more longer chapter reads than historical romance.
Second : How old are these guys? 12? This entire book feels like a school summer holidays- lazing around and catching frogs. I understand the joie de vivre, live in the moment etc. that the author is talking about , but by the end I was miserably sick of the word friend.
The multiple repetitions of that word got me a headache. I don't think I would have appreciated a friend like Charlaine... friendship is one thing, infringing on my personal space is another thing and then forever assuming that she knows whats best for me is at a different level.
Nathaniel is an ass, not a frog. His insecurities and self pity, and self-doubt that he forever wallows in overcomes any sympathy I wanted to show him.
This book is truly a fairy tale retell, everyone is happy, smiling, guffawing to an extent that I wished for a swarm of locusts to invade them just to add some spice to the story.
Finally, we have Abigail, Nathaniel's ex . She just disappears , granted her role died out but amongst all those unnecessary pages she could have gotten a decent exit.
Charlain is an over the top heroine and Im constantly wondering whether those times actually allowed them this freedom of movement speech. Nathaniel is a bore and the others are just names with barely any role.
Recommended: 🤷♀️
First off, this is in the wrong genre. Its more longer chapter reads than historical romance.
Second : How old are these guys? 12? This entire book feels like a school summer holidays- lazing around and catching frogs. I understand the joie de vivre, live in the moment etc. that the author is talking about , but by the end I was miserably sick of the word friend.
The multiple repetitions of that word got me a headache. I don't think I would have appreciated a friend like Charlaine... friendship is one thing, infringing on my personal space is another thing and then forever assuming that she knows whats best for me is at a different level.
Nathaniel is an ass, not a frog. His insecurities and self pity, and self-doubt that he forever wallows in overcomes any sympathy I wanted to show him.
This book is truly a fairy tale retell, everyone is happy, smiling, guffawing to an extent that I wished for a swarm of locusts to invade them just to add some spice to the story.
Finally, we have Abigail, Nathaniel's ex . She just disappears , granted her role died out but amongst all those unnecessary pages she could have gotten a decent exit.
Charlain is an over the top heroine and Im constantly wondering whether those times actually allowed them this freedom of movement speech. Nathaniel is a bore and the others are just names with barely any role.
Recommended: 🤷♀️
April 5, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
The book was sort of cute and Susan and Daphne was two delightfull characters, but i didn`t really like the two main characters. She was kind of forcefull and pressuring The male MC and he was moody alot, and the next he was suddenly too happy it was wierd and slightly annoying. Their chemistry was a bit boring to be honest.
The book was sort of cute and Susan and Daphne was two delightfull characters, but i didn`t really like the two main characters. She was kind of forcefull and pressuring The male MC and he was moody alot, and the next he was suddenly too happy it was wierd and slightly annoying. Their chemistry was a bit boring to be honest.
March 22, 2021
3.5/5.0
Lovely writing! I’m just too much of a historical purist when it comes to accuracy, though, so the anachronisms drove me nuts.
Lovely writing! I’m just too much of a historical purist when it comes to accuracy, though, so the anachronisms drove me nuts.
November 2, 2020
Irrepressible, incorrigible, and determined are some of the adjectives to describe Charlaine Palmer. Bereft of family and the life she knew, the young Jamaican woman finds herself in England where she is an awkward fit. Taking a break from Boston society where the scandal that broke over his head is on the tip of everyone's tongue, Nathanial Caswell is visiting his brother when his path crosses with that of Charlaine. Seeing his loneliness and pain, Charlaine sets out to befriend Nathanial, even though he would rather avoid her altogether. This is a gentle love story, one where the lively Jamaican miss teaches the straight-laced Bostonian to experience the everyday pleasures of life. It moves fairly slowly and at times I despaired of them even coming to the realisation that they were meant for each other. Nevertheless, the novel does come to a happy and successful conclusion. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 14, 2022
Happily ever after
I have been enjoying these Happy Ever series. Since we're stuck at home because of Covid it's nice to find something this pleasant. There's a good story line and I love there's no foul language or lurid sex scenes. I recommend Bree Wolf's books wholeheartedly.
I have been enjoying these Happy Ever series. Since we're stuck at home because of Covid it's nice to find something this pleasant. There's a good story line and I love there's no foul language or lurid sex scenes. I recommend Bree Wolf's books wholeheartedly.
November 10, 2020
A heart once broken, may never mend. Or at least that was the thought of Nathaniel. Having been jilted, it affected his entire life and surrounded him almost like a shroud. He travelled from Boston to visit his twin brother in England, who had just gotten married and was most happy with his new bride. Oh well.
At the same time, fate was bringing Charlaine to England from her home in Jamaica. She too had been left without family due to sickness, but fortunately, she would stay with her brother in law's friend, Pierce, Baron Markham, whom she had know since she was young. She decided to make the most of it!
As these two souls collide, one filled with sad darkness and one with joy, determined to make the most of life, they begin a journey to find happiness. If only she can turn his heart back to happiness!
A truly delightful story that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
At the same time, fate was bringing Charlaine to England from her home in Jamaica. She too had been left without family due to sickness, but fortunately, she would stay with her brother in law's friend, Pierce, Baron Markham, whom she had know since she was young. She decided to make the most of it!
As these two souls collide, one filled with sad darkness and one with joy, determined to make the most of life, they begin a journey to find happiness. If only she can turn his heart back to happiness!
A truly delightful story that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
Read
November 5, 2020To Turn a Frog Into a Prince by Bree Wolfe is the newest in Wolfe's delightful series loosely based on fairy tales. Charlaine has come to England to be the ward of Lord Markham, who had been her brother-in-law's best friend. He and all the rest of her family were gone now, died of an illness that had spread like wildfire. He had made it well past that, but eventually died of a lung illness that had threatened his life for years. England was much different than Jamaica and it was clear that the ton would never accept her. When she accompanied Lord Markham to the wedding of his friend, Zachary Caswell, Lord Pembroke, she saw the saddest man she had ever seen. It turns out he was Nathaniel, Pembroke's brother. She decided then and there that what he needed was a friend, and she would be that friend. She proceeded, throwing caution to the wind.
This is a delightful story of a young woman, who had every right to be miserable with her life, stuck to determined cheerfulness and positivity. In this, she changed the lives of many, roaring straight ahead when she saw something she could change. Nathaniel had been hurt, deeply, by his fiancée, but that was over now and life goes on. Charlaine insinuated herself into his life so deeply he didn't really notice. He was morose, but he was a good man. He could return to America and run his company. Talk about fun, watching this relationship develop was pure fun. Also, watching Charlaine interfere and arrange matters to her own liking was clever and entertaining. This book was such a great retelling of the Princess and the Frog (Prince) that it is difficult to exclaim it enough. Great read. Great characters, Different and wonderful. Good plot. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of How To Turn a Frog Into a Prince by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #howtoturnafrogintoaprince
This is a delightful story of a young woman, who had every right to be miserable with her life, stuck to determined cheerfulness and positivity. In this, she changed the lives of many, roaring straight ahead when she saw something she could change. Nathaniel had been hurt, deeply, by his fiancée, but that was over now and life goes on. Charlaine insinuated herself into his life so deeply he didn't really notice. He was morose, but he was a good man. He could return to America and run his company. Talk about fun, watching this relationship develop was pure fun. Also, watching Charlaine interfere and arrange matters to her own liking was clever and entertaining. This book was such a great retelling of the Princess and the Frog (Prince) that it is difficult to exclaim it enough. Great read. Great characters, Different and wonderful. Good plot. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of How To Turn a Frog Into a Prince by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #howtoturnafrogintoaprince
December 26, 2023
Disappointing
A lot of my favorite books were written by this author. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. To start, I found it a bit confusing. The book starts with a Prologue, at the end of which it indicates “The End” and goes on to thank the reader for reading the book? I had to go back and check to see if I’d skipped a few hundred pages! Then it continues by summarizing another book and saying “continue reading to find out How to Return a Lady’s Slipper. Presumably this is the title of the next book. Then I was REALLY confused! I couldn’t determine which book I was actually reading! Then, a few chapters along, the writer mentions in passing an important aspect of this story concerning the death of the parents of the child (Daphne) for which Pierce Byrne (friend of Zach Caswell, Earl of Pembroke) is the guardian. It would seem people are starting to suspect a certain person as the murderer. I naturally assumed this would be developed as the story advances but no, a later chapter states that the guilty culprit has been apprehended and charged. That’s it. All in all, this book was very disappointing. The storyline was tedious, as the entire story concerned the two main characters who fall in love but can’t confess their feelings as they had promised each other they would only ever be platonic friends. I honestly felt there was repetitive and mind-numbing dithering on both their parts, as though the writer wished to extend the book. I found the storyline original and feel the writer could have produced a moving story of how heartbreaking loss can lead to love, reconciliation and healing. I was not enamoured of either of the main characters in this book. I found the situation improbable and both characters fickle and inconsistent. There were many interesting and colourful characters which could have been further developed to enhance the story. It doesn’t tempt me to read any additional books in this series.
A lot of my favorite books were written by this author. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. To start, I found it a bit confusing. The book starts with a Prologue, at the end of which it indicates “The End” and goes on to thank the reader for reading the book? I had to go back and check to see if I’d skipped a few hundred pages! Then it continues by summarizing another book and saying “continue reading to find out How to Return a Lady’s Slipper. Presumably this is the title of the next book. Then I was REALLY confused! I couldn’t determine which book I was actually reading! Then, a few chapters along, the writer mentions in passing an important aspect of this story concerning the death of the parents of the child (Daphne) for which Pierce Byrne (friend of Zach Caswell, Earl of Pembroke) is the guardian. It would seem people are starting to suspect a certain person as the murderer. I naturally assumed this would be developed as the story advances but no, a later chapter states that the guilty culprit has been apprehended and charged. That’s it. All in all, this book was very disappointing. The storyline was tedious, as the entire story concerned the two main characters who fall in love but can’t confess their feelings as they had promised each other they would only ever be platonic friends. I honestly felt there was repetitive and mind-numbing dithering on both their parts, as though the writer wished to extend the book. I found the storyline original and feel the writer could have produced a moving story of how heartbreaking loss can lead to love, reconciliation and healing. I was not enamoured of either of the main characters in this book. I found the situation improbable and both characters fickle and inconsistent. There were many interesting and colourful characters which could have been further developed to enhance the story. It doesn’t tempt me to read any additional books in this series.
November 2, 2020
After losing her entire family to a horrible sickness, Miss Charlaine Palmer leaves Jamaica and crosses an ocean, hoping for a new beginning in England. Unfortunately, she has been marked as an outsider, eyed suspiciously by the English ton. Her old friend, Lord Markham, as well as his family, however, welcome her with open arms and soon make Charlaine feel at home in a country where she simply cannot fit in. Nathanial Caswell is a broken man, after his fiancée threw him over, he fell into a black abyss, the life he had hoped for forever out of his reach. His thoughts turn dark, and he no longer finds joy in his days, only doing what is his duty, what is expected of him. Until his brother is married and calls him to England to join in his happiness. There, Nathanial meets a most unusual woman. A woman who steps up to him without thought for proper introductions and declares herself his friend. Annoyed, Nathanial shrugs her off, certain he shall never see her again. He could not have been more wrong. For Charlaine is a woman not easily deterred, and before Nathanial knows what is happening, he finds his new friend is all he can think about.
A delightful story, well written with strong characters. I adored Charlaine who didn’t wallow but tried to make the best of things. It took me a while to warm to Nathaniel as he was so grumpy but gradually the more I read the more I grew to like him as he came out of the doldrums. A charming heart warming story of friendship turning to love, which left me smiling
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A delightful story, well written with strong characters. I adored Charlaine who didn’t wallow but tried to make the best of things. It took me a while to warm to Nathaniel as he was so grumpy but gradually the more I read the more I grew to like him as he came out of the doldrums. A charming heart warming story of friendship turning to love, which left me smiling
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 13, 2020
5/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has my favorite tropes in a medium: friends-to-lovers and mutual pining. I liked how the author showed to us and let us experience their friendship first and their gradual transition from strangers to friends to lovers. The main characters, Charlaine and Nathanial, are well-developed and I truly root for them both as individuals and as a pair. I liked everything this book does, except for the rushed ending. I just wished we spent a little more time with them as a couple since we spend most of the time in the book with them as friends and pining for each other. I just think that their friendship and romantic relationship, at once, will be a very heartwarming read to end their story. Their wedding also happened off-page and that's just a little bit disappointing to me since I wanted to read their point of view while the wedding is happening and all that cheesy feelings for each other. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the entire reading experience with this book and I loved the way the author wrote her characters. I think this could undergo another more round of edits because there's a lot of repeated monologues that I don't mind reading (specifically for this book) since I care for the characters, but I think will bore some. Overall, a very interesting story to read and this just made me want to read more other books in this series and from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has my favorite tropes in a medium: friends-to-lovers and mutual pining. I liked how the author showed to us and let us experience their friendship first and their gradual transition from strangers to friends to lovers. The main characters, Charlaine and Nathanial, are well-developed and I truly root for them both as individuals and as a pair. I liked everything this book does, except for the rushed ending. I just wished we spent a little more time with them as a couple since we spend most of the time in the book with them as friends and pining for each other. I just think that their friendship and romantic relationship, at once, will be a very heartwarming read to end their story. Their wedding also happened off-page and that's just a little bit disappointing to me since I wanted to read their point of view while the wedding is happening and all that cheesy feelings for each other. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the entire reading experience with this book and I loved the way the author wrote her characters. I think this could undergo another more round of edits because there's a lot of repeated monologues that I don't mind reading (specifically for this book) since I care for the characters, but I think will bore some. Overall, a very interesting story to read and this just made me want to read more other books in this series and from this author.
October 29, 2020
Miss Charlaine Palmer has suffered much in her young life and when her family perished in illness in Jamaica, she finds herself in England with a friend, Lord Markham. She feels lost and wonders if she'll ever feel at home here, that is, until she meets Nathanial Caswell. Nathanial has journeyed to England to visit his brother after a his fiancee throws him over. Charlaine feels a connection with him and is determined to bring light back into his eyes, but she never counts on losing her heart in the process.
What a cute story! Charlaine was such a refreshing character with a loving heart. I didn't warm up to Nathanial as much. I understand that he was hurting, but his grumpy personality got old pretty quick. I was happy when he began to lighten up and enjoy life with Charlaine. She was the friend he never knew he needed. This story wanders a bit as these two different people come to know themselves and finally figure out what they want. A slight criticism at the beginning at the masquerade ball--Nathanial doesn't know it's Charlaine behind the mask, but Charlaine is described as having ebony skin when we first meet her. How could he not know her? How many black women attended the ball so his anger when he finds out seems out of place. In any case, this was a sweet story and in the end Charlaine finds her prince.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
What a cute story! Charlaine was such a refreshing character with a loving heart. I didn't warm up to Nathanial as much. I understand that he was hurting, but his grumpy personality got old pretty quick. I was happy when he began to lighten up and enjoy life with Charlaine. She was the friend he never knew he needed. This story wanders a bit as these two different people come to know themselves and finally figure out what they want. A slight criticism at the beginning at the masquerade ball--Nathanial doesn't know it's Charlaine behind the mask, but Charlaine is described as having ebony skin when we first meet her. How could he not know her? How many black women attended the ball so his anger when he finds out seems out of place. In any case, this was a sweet story and in the end Charlaine finds her prince.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 17, 2021
Nice clean series
This series has been very enjoyable, I like the various plots going on and they are in general very well written. However, one thing that drove me crazy was the constant H and h repeating over and over every few pages about how they were just friends and they didn’t think the other person liked them more than a friend! This was despite the fact that on both sides their closest friends were pointing out the obvious. In addition the H had missed the h which is an obvious crossing of the friendship line.
I felt this emotional tug of war was filler to make the book longer. I felt like the story should have finished much sooner. These paragraphs of emotional self denial was exhausting for the reader.
I’m already in the next in the series and the same thing is happening, the H and h repeatedly said in their minds they can’t be together because... and the other person can’t love me because ... I find I’m skipping the reading of paragraphs to get to the next actual dialog. I’m totally bored with the repetitiveness. When they return to other main plot I start fully reading again.
I wish the main plot/storyline would be more the focus. That keeps the reader engaged.
So because of this annoying dragging on of the “we can’t be more than friends because... “ I reduced the rating to 4. Otherwise it is an engaging story.
This series has been very enjoyable, I like the various plots going on and they are in general very well written. However, one thing that drove me crazy was the constant H and h repeating over and over every few pages about how they were just friends and they didn’t think the other person liked them more than a friend! This was despite the fact that on both sides their closest friends were pointing out the obvious. In addition the H had missed the h which is an obvious crossing of the friendship line.
I felt this emotional tug of war was filler to make the book longer. I felt like the story should have finished much sooner. These paragraphs of emotional self denial was exhausting for the reader.
I’m already in the next in the series and the same thing is happening, the H and h repeatedly said in their minds they can’t be together because... and the other person can’t love me because ... I find I’m skipping the reading of paragraphs to get to the next actual dialog. I’m totally bored with the repetitiveness. When they return to other main plot I start fully reading again.
I wish the main plot/storyline would be more the focus. That keeps the reader engaged.
So because of this annoying dragging on of the “we can’t be more than friends because... “ I reduced the rating to 4. Otherwise it is an engaging story.
November 8, 2020
Miss Charlaine Palmer has faced the incredible loss of her family to a disease that ravaged her town in Jamaica, yet she still strives to find happiness. However, when she arrives in England, she faces scrutiny from the ton as she is seen as an outside. Yet her family friend Lord Markham ensures that she is made welcome. When she meets Nathanial Caswell, she decides that she will in turn, become his friend, sensing in him great sadness. Nathanial has only returned to England to celebrate his twin brother’s marriage and in part, to escape his sadness of a failed engagement. After his fiancée left him for another man and took his mother’s engagement ring, he has become cynical about love. Yet in meeting Charlaine, he finds someone who accepts his bleak moods and strives to make him laugh again.
Two very interesting characters made for a lovely romance. I particularly enjoyed Charlaine’s character, who despite the tragedy that she faced, strived to be positive, without appearing false. She has such a delightful personality that it was difficult for Nathaniel to stay glum. Great secondary characters who fleshed out this storyline.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Two very interesting characters made for a lovely romance. I particularly enjoyed Charlaine’s character, who despite the tragedy that she faced, strived to be positive, without appearing false. She has such a delightful personality that it was difficult for Nathaniel to stay glum. Great secondary characters who fleshed out this storyline.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really really liked this book. This is the second book I have read by this author and she did not disappoint.
Charlaine has lost her entire family and has now come to England to love with her guardian. Nathaniel's heart was broken when the woman he loved, his fiance abandoned his for a lord. Now he can't seem to find joy in life and move on until Charlaine insist on become his friend. Her constant living life to its fullest pull Nathaniel put of his shell.
I loved how this story showed a relationship that naturally grew from friendship to love. I dont know why but the characters felt really young. Maybe because the story seems to play out during what feels like summer vacation and the two have no real responsibilities.
I can't wait for the next book by the author. The teases about Lord Ash and Emma were well done.
I really really liked this book. This is the second book I have read by this author and she did not disappoint.
Charlaine has lost her entire family and has now come to England to love with her guardian. Nathaniel's heart was broken when the woman he loved, his fiance abandoned his for a lord. Now he can't seem to find joy in life and move on until Charlaine insist on become his friend. Her constant living life to its fullest pull Nathaniel put of his shell.
I loved how this story showed a relationship that naturally grew from friendship to love. I dont know why but the characters felt really young. Maybe because the story seems to play out during what feels like summer vacation and the two have no real responsibilities.
I can't wait for the next book by the author. The teases about Lord Ash and Emma were well done.
April 22, 2021
Interesting read - 3 1/2 stars
While I usually adore Bree Wolff's books, I found myself getting impatient with this one to move forward and get on with the story. It just felt like, by about halfway into the book, the wheels were spinning and we were getting nowhere. Perhaps, partly, it was because I had a hard time warming up to Charlaine's character - she was almost too unusual, too improper to believe. Nathanial was a broken man due to a bitter breakup but he seemed a bit more believable, especially as he began to release his bitterness. True, it was due to Charlaine's forcefulness, but there were other characters involved too. I really cannot put my finger on it; I did take to skimming for a bit, but I truly think this story could have been condensed or shortened. The last few chapters made for better reading, so I could finish the book. Hopefully others in the series are not so drawn out and be labored.
While I usually adore Bree Wolff's books, I found myself getting impatient with this one to move forward and get on with the story. It just felt like, by about halfway into the book, the wheels were spinning and we were getting nowhere. Perhaps, partly, it was because I had a hard time warming up to Charlaine's character - she was almost too unusual, too improper to believe. Nathanial was a broken man due to a bitter breakup but he seemed a bit more believable, especially as he began to release his bitterness. True, it was due to Charlaine's forcefulness, but there were other characters involved too. I really cannot put my finger on it; I did take to skimming for a bit, but I truly think this story could have been condensed or shortened. The last few chapters made for better reading, so I could finish the book. Hopefully others in the series are not so drawn out and be labored.
October 22, 2020
I loved this book, and I want more. I rated it 4.5 stars; only thing I did not enjoy was it was a major slow-burn. This is a unlikely friendship turned lovers. I have not read a princess and the frog retelling and I am here for it. I do think this book is a little closer to woman's fiction then romance, but the romance was sweet. The book is longer, than most romance novels, but that is what made it unique. I really did enjoy that our heroine proposed to our hero, that was so in her character.I also enjoyed that we got tastes of the other book's couples. Cannot wait to see why Miss glass's slipper was found in the hands of a handsome man. I want to read all the books in the series now! I would love to own all these books and do a binge read! I did receive an e-arc from net-galley to review this book. Take a chance on this great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2020
Friends? Or lovers? Frog or prince?
Nathanial and Abigail met in the summertime when everything is new and green. At Abigail’s insistence, she befriended him because everyone needed a friend and Nathaniel definitely looked like he needed one. As Abigail and Nathaniel spend more time together, they promised to be brutally honest with each other no matter what. Slowly, almost painfully so, their feelings for one another grew. So many times they sought to deny that they were in love because they didn’t want to lose their friendship. It was very agonizing for me to read about all the angst. As with many of the other characters who knew them, I just wanted to grab them and shake them to WAKE UP! Autumn, the season of change was when everything changed. All for the better, they finally woke up and came to their HEA.
Nathanial and Abigail met in the summertime when everything is new and green. At Abigail’s insistence, she befriended him because everyone needed a friend and Nathaniel definitely looked like he needed one. As Abigail and Nathaniel spend more time together, they promised to be brutally honest with each other no matter what. Slowly, almost painfully so, their feelings for one another grew. So many times they sought to deny that they were in love because they didn’t want to lose their friendship. It was very agonizing for me to read about all the angst. As with many of the other characters who knew them, I just wanted to grab them and shake them to WAKE UP! Autumn, the season of change was when everything changed. All for the better, they finally woke up and came to their HEA.
November 10, 2020
Miss Charlaine Palmer leaves Jamaica where she becomes the ward of Lord Markham her brother-in-law's best friend. Once she’s in England she see a young man deeply on need of a friend, Nathanial Caswell appears a broken man. Nathaniel doesn’t quite what to make of Charlaine, she’s lost all her family yet she’s remained a cheerful attitude unlike himself who has become depressed and brooding silent. She befriend him, she never gives up and we see Nathaniel coming around and back to life with her help. I loved this enchanting story of Charlaine turning her friend who comes to desperately love (frog ) into the prince she knows he can be, if only he feel worthy and love her in return. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
November 18, 2020
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Happy Ever Regency Series book 5: How to Turn A Frog Into A Prince: Nathanial and Charlaine by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Complex with multiple romances this second chance at love story features two wildly different foreigners,the optimistic and mischievous orphaned Jamaican Charlaine and the heartbroken, introverted and regimental American Iron Furnace magnet Nathanial Caswell, who become friends despite their differences but almost lose each other when trust and loyalty are questioned.
Best if read in sequence. Good on its own but, as it features Lord Zach Pembroke and Zach's twin brother Nathanial Caswell as well as the same time frame as book 4, there is a significant amount of recap in the first third of the book.
I purchased a copy of the novel Happy Ever Regency Series book 5: How to Turn A Frog Into A Prince: Nathanial and Charlaine by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Complex with multiple romances this second chance at love story features two wildly different foreigners,the optimistic and mischievous orphaned Jamaican Charlaine and the heartbroken, introverted and regimental American Iron Furnace magnet Nathanial Caswell, who become friends despite their differences but almost lose each other when trust and loyalty are questioned.
Best if read in sequence. Good on its own but, as it features Lord Zach Pembroke and Zach's twin brother Nathanial Caswell as well as the same time frame as book 4, there is a significant amount of recap in the first third of the book.
November 8, 2020
Definitely a frog
Nathaniel was in a barely alive state after a betrayal of his former fiance! However I am mad that he was desolate for two whole years for a childhood friend that never gave him goosebumps! But some men are meant to marry! Nathaniel comes to England and meet Charlaine! She pulls him back into life with joy, exuberance and friendship! They develop a genuine warm friendship until it changes! Nathaniel first love shows up in England and his shallow character wants sweet open loving Charlie aka Charlaine to fight for him? But does she when someone else shows interest well all bets are off! Maybe just maybe there is a Prince under the dour frog!!!
Nathaniel was in a barely alive state after a betrayal of his former fiance! However I am mad that he was desolate for two whole years for a childhood friend that never gave him goosebumps! But some men are meant to marry! Nathaniel comes to England and meet Charlaine! She pulls him back into life with joy, exuberance and friendship! They develop a genuine warm friendship until it changes! Nathaniel first love shows up in England and his shallow character wants sweet open loving Charlie aka Charlaine to fight for him? But does she when someone else shows interest well all bets are off! Maybe just maybe there is a Prince under the dour frog!!!
November 12, 2020
The book's heroine Charlaine is a textbook manic pixie dream girl. I was exhausted just reading about her.
Two years after his fiancee dumped him, Nathanial is going through a self-confidence crisis and Charlaine's super sunny attitude and persistence eventually wears down his resistance to her offer of friendship.
As all readers know, men and women in romance novels rarely stay "just friends" and there is a lot of angst and self-doubt before the requisite HEA.
I have enjoyed other Bree Wolf books much more than this one, mainly because the overbearing pushiness of the main character irritated me after a while.
Two years after his fiancee dumped him, Nathanial is going through a self-confidence crisis and Charlaine's super sunny attitude and persistence eventually wears down his resistance to her offer of friendship.
As all readers know, men and women in romance novels rarely stay "just friends" and there is a lot of angst and self-doubt before the requisite HEA.
I have enjoyed other Bree Wolf books much more than this one, mainly because the overbearing pushiness of the main character irritated me after a while.
August 21, 2022
How to overcome fear and lies too oneself.
If you have read” How to Climb a Lady’s Tower” you will have been introduced to Nate he is the brother of Lord Pembroke. He is the brother whose heart had been broken. When he comes to England from America little did he know that his life would change all due to a masquerade and a lovely Jamaican beauty. Like the other books in the series Charlaine and Nate’s path had a few rough spots to deal with. I must say fate had a little help with this match in the form of two lovely little girls. I loved the book and highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
If you have read” How to Climb a Lady’s Tower” you will have been introduced to Nate he is the brother of Lord Pembroke. He is the brother whose heart had been broken. When he comes to England from America little did he know that his life would change all due to a masquerade and a lovely Jamaican beauty. Like the other books in the series Charlaine and Nate’s path had a few rough spots to deal with. I must say fate had a little help with this match in the form of two lovely little girls. I loved the book and highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 2, 2023
This was a fun and heartwarming read. The whole series is a play on the happily ever after fairytales. Nathaniel the bitter American who was thrown over by his fiancée ends up in England. Charlaine a transplant from Jamaica walks into his life bold, brash and beautiful. To say sparks fly is putting it mildly. They become best friends and then they begin to grow fonder of each other but won’t admit it for fear they will damage their friendship. In comes Abigail they villain who broke Nathaniel’s heart. Will he and Charlaine admit their feelings for each other or will Abigail gain him back? You’ll have to read it to find out. R. K. Carulli
November 3, 2020
My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.
An enjoyable rainy afternoon read. The background on the two main characters was nicely developed, even if a bit beyond belief. But then, this is a book written in a primarily "escapist" genre. I did expect there to be more direct confrontation between the characters and British society, but the book was fine just referring to that potential instead. Oh, and the two little girls were adorable. (BTW, I'm a sucker for a romance with references to frogs. Ribbit.)
An enjoyable rainy afternoon read. The background on the two main characters was nicely developed, even if a bit beyond belief. But then, this is a book written in a primarily "escapist" genre. I did expect there to be more direct confrontation between the characters and British society, but the book was fine just referring to that potential instead. Oh, and the two little girls were adorable. (BTW, I'm a sucker for a romance with references to frogs. Ribbit.)
November 9, 2020
A wicked witch, actually a confused and thoughtless ex-fiancé, has turned Nathaniel into a frog. He has hopped across the pond to escape the pain of the broken engagement. Charlaine has lost her family in Jamaica to illness has come to England to be with family friends. They are both somewhat lost and in need of a friend.
This is a cute, heartwarming rendition of the frog to prince fairytale. Nathaniel is wary of becoming too close. Charlaine is a kind happy person, full of life, and is determined to change this frog into her prince. There are lots of friends and family to nudge the couple toward a happy ending. The flower girls are adorable. Of course, we all know that fairytales end in happily ever after. I enjoyed and recommend this story and the Happy Ever Regency series. I do wonder where Emma is going in such a hurry, and why is Lord Ashhaven holding her shoe?
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a cute, heartwarming rendition of the frog to prince fairytale. Nathaniel is wary of becoming too close. Charlaine is a kind happy person, full of life, and is determined to change this frog into her prince. There are lots of friends and family to nudge the couple toward a happy ending. The flower girls are adorable. Of course, we all know that fairytales end in happily ever after. I enjoyed and recommend this story and the Happy Ever Regency series. I do wonder where Emma is going in such a hurry, and why is Lord Ashhaven holding her shoe?
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
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