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The Ugly Faerie Chronicles #1
The Frog Duke
The Frog Duke is the first book in The Ugly Faerie Chronicles. Join an ugly faerie as she tries to break the curse that is on her by helping other fairy tale couples find true love. Her ways are not always conventional and even less wanted, but she will stop at nothing if it means she can break the curse on herself. When wishes are granted by the Ugly Faerie, what can go wrong? Poor Lord Francis, the handsome Duke of Palms, is a frog. Green, small, and swimming in a secluded pond to keep his skin moist, he only needs his true love's kiss to become human again. But how is he to get that when the woman he pines for can't even stand to look at him? Princess Colette can't seem to win the respect of those at court and in an effort to escape, ends up at her favorite pond where she is hoping to find peace and quiet for a few moments. As if things weren't bad enough at the palace, an incident occurs at the pond that leaves her shackled to a less than courteous amphibian who claims to be her childhood friend. The two are an unlikely pair. Francis is at the mercy of Colette as she finds unusual ways to get him a kiss from his true love. But Colette has other reasons for wanting to get rid of the creature that now dines from her dish and lives in her palace. Though he eats flies, she's falling in love with him and he's completely oblivious to her feelings. Can Francis earn the love he so desires and turn back into a handsome duke? Or will he stay a frog forever? Time is running out and the only help he has is a princess whose odd ways are causing him to second-guess his feelings.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2021
This is a very short cute read. The Frog Prince never made much sense to me as to why the princess would ever fall in love with the frog. This fleshes out that story so perfectly as to make it make sense. It is a very satisfying retelling.
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February 13, 2021This was a fun read. Short and light, so I didn't take it *too* seriously. Not sure how I felt about the abrupt pacing and development of character (it felt...a little too unnatural for me?) but definitely would pick up her books for a quick read.
January 8, 2024
This was a fun take on the story of the Frog Prince. I really enjoyed it!
July 5, 2023
A lot of potential with the idea here. What if the frog isn't interested in the princess who finds him but instead wants another princess?
My main issue was both characters were majorly flawed. Colette is a doormat that only has one moment where she really stands up for herself. Francis is absolutely awful to her but she finds herself "in love with him anyway." I mean he is really really terrible to her and several reviewers do a great job of covering more details of that. The fact that she never gets to the point of saying, I don't deserve this and you don't deserve me and walks off makes her a lackluster character.
Which leads right into Francis being awful. He ditches his childhood best friend immediately without a fight when his dad says so. And while I can excuse him for being a child who is simply listening to his parent, I don't know why he didn't just TELL Colette why instead of being nasty to her. And then to find out he went on to bully her as they grew up. He could've just stopped being friends, but no he had to go full out and pick on someone who is already taunted by everyone else around her.
And the whole time he's a frog he's just stupid for her sister simply because she's the crown princess and beautiful and his now dead dad set him on this path. He continues to be absolutely wretched to Colette the entire time and never seems to be truly remorseful. Even when her sister is clearly uninterested in him, it takes him forever to get the hint. Honestly the crown princess seemed superficial and I think Francis and her deserved each other. She's stringing everyone along while knowing she already has someone selected. She's so panicked over a frog that it's like her brains just fall out.
It's impossible for me to enjoy a romance centered story where the MC's are people you don't like. I could forgive Colette for being a sap, but Francis being a jerk most of the story and having some weird turn around near the end... no ty.
My main issue was both characters were majorly flawed. Colette is a doormat that only has one moment where she really stands up for herself. Francis is absolutely awful to her but she finds herself "in love with him anyway." I mean he is really really terrible to her and several reviewers do a great job of covering more details of that. The fact that she never gets to the point of saying, I don't deserve this and you don't deserve me and walks off makes her a lackluster character.
Which leads right into Francis being awful. He ditches his childhood best friend immediately without a fight when his dad says so. And while I can excuse him for being a child who is simply listening to his parent, I don't know why he didn't just TELL Colette why instead of being nasty to her. And then to find out he went on to bully her as they grew up. He could've just stopped being friends, but no he had to go full out and pick on someone who is already taunted by everyone else around her.
And the whole time he's a frog he's just stupid for her sister simply because she's the crown princess and beautiful and his now dead dad set him on this path. He continues to be absolutely wretched to Colette the entire time and never seems to be truly remorseful. Even when her sister is clearly uninterested in him, it takes him forever to get the hint. Honestly the crown princess seemed superficial and I think Francis and her deserved each other. She's stringing everyone along while knowing she already has someone selected. She's so panicked over a frog that it's like her brains just fall out.
It's impossible for me to enjoy a romance centered story where the MC's are people you don't like. I could forgive Colette for being a sap, but Francis being a jerk most of the story and having some weird turn around near the end... no ty.
October 13, 2021
So/so
I liked the flashbacks where the h and H are nice to each other. The story almost follows the fairytale and gives an approximation of a HEA. There are no sex scenes or cursing. I gave three stars for these things.
I disliked that the H mocks and taunts the h for no reason after his initial betrayal as a youth and continues to mock, deride, and degrade the h as an adult while she is reported to like him more and more as she spends time with him. There is absolutely nothing to recommend him by his behavior or words. He realizes his behavior is awful more than once, apologizes, and goes on acting horribly. The growing affection of the h for someone who acts this way and also speaks only unkind and selfish words is not at all believable. He never explains why he betrayed her or apologizes for it or his mocking interactions thereafter. The H was so horrible that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to think having the h marry him for his constant emotional abuse, lots of money, and handsome face was actually a happily ever after. Minus two stars for glorifying verbal abuse as romantic and lack of a real HEA where people in love apologize for their past horrible behavior and change their actions afterward.
I do not recommend the book because this theme of verbal abuse and coercion sets up unhealthy expectations for anyone learning about social expectations for romance. If someone guilt trips you into helping them, verbally abuses you as you continue to try to help them, and degrades you repeatedly after apologizing for that exact behavior, then they are not a heathy person to set your romantic affections on. I will not be reading this book again.
I liked the flashbacks where the h and H are nice to each other. The story almost follows the fairytale and gives an approximation of a HEA. There are no sex scenes or cursing. I gave three stars for these things.
I disliked that the H mocks and taunts the h for no reason after his initial betrayal as a youth and continues to mock, deride, and degrade the h as an adult while she is reported to like him more and more as she spends time with him. There is absolutely nothing to recommend him by his behavior or words. He realizes his behavior is awful more than once, apologizes, and goes on acting horribly. The growing affection of the h for someone who acts this way and also speaks only unkind and selfish words is not at all believable. He never explains why he betrayed her or apologizes for it or his mocking interactions thereafter. The H was so horrible that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to think having the h marry him for his constant emotional abuse, lots of money, and handsome face was actually a happily ever after. Minus two stars for glorifying verbal abuse as romantic and lack of a real HEA where people in love apologize for their past horrible behavior and change their actions afterward.
I do not recommend the book because this theme of verbal abuse and coercion sets up unhealthy expectations for anyone learning about social expectations for romance. If someone guilt trips you into helping them, verbally abuses you as you continue to try to help them, and degrades you repeatedly after apologizing for that exact behavior, then they are not a heathy person to set your romantic affections on. I will not be reading this book again.
March 28, 2022
Okay, I'm just going to dive right in and say...major issue with this book.
For a book about romance, it has one of the most toxic relationships I've seen in a while depicted in a book of this genre. Nothing like the hero of the story constantly verbally and emotionally abusing the woman he says is his only friend. And the woman he comes to say he loves.
Really?
I could've forgiven it if he'd apologized and had a moment of character growth to see just how damaging his words were. He was jealous and called her ugly and her laugh hideously unattractive, when he knows she has self worth issues? And he was just jealous and embarrassed? I was ticked. He did this sort of thing repeatedly through the story. It was cruel.
I kept waiting for our heroine to rip him a new one and stand up for herself. But what does she do? She admits to herself that he's being a jerk...but she still loves him. And puts up with it.
This is not the kind of book I want to put into the hands of a young girl who thinks that just because you love someone, that gives them the right to trample your heart. The message is toxic.
I'm massively disappointed, and I admit it, a bit ragey.
Content: No language, no violence, but lots of toxic relationship stuff. As already mentioned.
For a book about romance, it has one of the most toxic relationships I've seen in a while depicted in a book of this genre. Nothing like the hero of the story constantly verbally and emotionally abusing the woman he says is his only friend. And the woman he comes to say he loves.
Really?
I could've forgiven it if he'd apologized and had a moment of character growth to see just how damaging his words were. He was jealous and called her ugly and her laugh hideously unattractive, when he knows she has self worth issues? And he was just jealous and embarrassed? I was ticked. He did this sort of thing repeatedly through the story. It was cruel.
I kept waiting for our heroine to rip him a new one and stand up for herself. But what does she do? She admits to herself that he's being a jerk...but she still loves him. And puts up with it.
This is not the kind of book I want to put into the hands of a young girl who thinks that just because you love someone, that gives them the right to trample your heart. The message is toxic.
I'm massively disappointed, and I admit it, a bit ragey.
Content: No language, no violence, but lots of toxic relationship stuff. As already mentioned.
July 7, 2024
For a fairytale retelling, it's surprisingly realistic. This book includes a portrayal of women's rights historically, showing that they had no say over their own life, and women today, who are constantly judged by other people's standards. The deeper narrative is much darker, however.
The heroine, and her sister, and everyone around her are merely pieces in a game, which they all play. Sometimes they use others, and sometimes they are used. The story shows how abuse is often cleverly disguised as "normal life." Collette, for example, is the scapegoat of her family. It's easy to blame her, demean, and dismiss her. She's ignored by her family, shunned and ridiculed by her social circle, insulted by her best friend, and not only does her father not stand up for her, he sends her away. At face value, her family seems caring, but they actually avoid her, and don't go out of their way to help her in any way.
Every page paints a picture of unresolved trauma. Because she's been brought up to expect nothing from anyone, even bare minimum appears attractive to her, and negative attention feels like love. Although she spent some time away from her abusers, and learned that she was deserving of respect, it wasn't long enough for her to really heal, and grow strong enough to demand more of life, and love. This is why she puts up with her awful "best friend," (read: only option,) and even married him. It's a scenario that, unfortunately, plays out all too often in real life.
Her family is abusive. She perceives this as love, and not only tolerates more abuse, but actually prefers it over kindness. She's trauma bonded to her tormentors, in a case of undiagnosed addiction.
Francis is a complete arse, and impossible to like. Yet, she loves him. He has his own valet on site, and an entire estate full of servants, but he bosses her around AND SHE TAKES IT. She'll do anything for him, and although she makes a weak attempt to assert her rights, she doesn't have any actual boundaries, meaning consequences, for bad behavior. She doesn't do the most important thing, which is to cut him off completely. He is abusive, (no doubt learning from his father, who was a despicable human being). He treats her with contempt, calls her names, is rude to everyone, and is always saying how great he is, showing multiple signs of a classic narcissist.
His villainy continues when he finally realizes that he can't get the title and position that he covets. It is only then that he decides to try to woo Collette, which he does in the most insufferable way, describing his awesomeness, and saying how great she was for helping him pursue her sister WHILE DECLARING HIS SUPPOSED LOVE for Collette. He never actually even asks her to marry him, but makes her guess his intentions, not even giving her the dignity of a real proposal.
She accepts because she has no other options, or doesn't want them, due to the addictive abuse cycle.
All in all it's a pretty good villain origin story, which is a very bold move for the first book in a series. I don't know yet how it will play out, but I can see both Collette and Francis being major villains in the next piece.
.
The heroine, and her sister, and everyone around her are merely pieces in a game, which they all play. Sometimes they use others, and sometimes they are used. The story shows how abuse is often cleverly disguised as "normal life." Collette, for example, is the scapegoat of her family. It's easy to blame her, demean, and dismiss her. She's ignored by her family, shunned and ridiculed by her social circle, insulted by her best friend, and not only does her father not stand up for her, he sends her away. At face value, her family seems caring, but they actually avoid her, and don't go out of their way to help her in any way.
Every page paints a picture of unresolved trauma. Because she's been brought up to expect nothing from anyone, even bare minimum appears attractive to her, and negative attention feels like love. Although she spent some time away from her abusers, and learned that she was deserving of respect, it wasn't long enough for her to really heal, and grow strong enough to demand more of life, and love. This is why she puts up with her awful "best friend," (read: only option,) and even married him. It's a scenario that, unfortunately, plays out all too often in real life.
Her family is abusive. She perceives this as love, and not only tolerates more abuse, but actually prefers it over kindness. She's trauma bonded to her tormentors, in a case of undiagnosed addiction.
Francis is a complete arse, and impossible to like. Yet, she loves him. He has his own valet on site, and an entire estate full of servants, but he bosses her around AND SHE TAKES IT. She'll do anything for him, and although she makes a weak attempt to assert her rights, she doesn't have any actual boundaries, meaning consequences, for bad behavior. She doesn't do the most important thing, which is to cut him off completely. He is abusive, (no doubt learning from his father, who was a despicable human being). He treats her with contempt, calls her names, is rude to everyone, and is always saying how great he is, showing multiple signs of a classic narcissist.
His villainy continues when he finally realizes that he can't get the title and position that he covets. It is only then that he decides to try to woo Collette, which he does in the most insufferable way, describing his awesomeness, and saying how great she was for helping him pursue her sister WHILE DECLARING HIS SUPPOSED LOVE for Collette. He never actually even asks her to marry him, but makes her guess his intentions, not even giving her the dignity of a real proposal.
She accepts because she has no other options, or doesn't want them, due to the addictive abuse cycle.
All in all it's a pretty good villain origin story, which is a very bold move for the first book in a series. I don't know yet how it will play out, but I can see both Collette and Francis being major villains in the next piece.
.
December 22, 2020
I was looking for a quick read before going to sleep when I stumbled The Frog Duke. It was such a sweet retelling of The Frog Prince. I loved the character growth of the two main characters. It was also fun seeing elements of the original mixed in.
Beauty and the Beast is the next retelling in the series and I can't wait!
Summary:
The Frog Duke is the first book in The Ugly Faerie Chronicles. Join an ugly faerie as she tries to break the curse that is on her by helping other fairy tale couples find true love. Her ways are not always conventional and even less wanted, but she will stop at nothing if it means she can break the curse on herself.
When wishes are granted by the Ugly Faerie, what can go wrong?
Poor Lord Francis, the handsome Duke of Palms, is a frog. Green, small, and swimming in a secluded pond to keep his skin moist, he only needs his true love's kiss to become human again. But how is he to get that when the woman he pines for can't even stand to look at him?
Princess Colette can't seem to win the respect of those at court and in an effort to escape, ends up at her favorite pond where she is hoping to find peace and quiet for a few moments. As if things weren't bad enough at the palace, an incident occurs at the pond that leaves her shackled to a less than courteous amphibian who claims to be her childhood friend.
The two are an unlikely pair. Francis is at the mercy of Colette as she finds unusual ways to get him a kiss from his true love. But Colette has other reasons for wanting to get rid of the creature that now dines from her dish and lives in her palace. Though he eats flies, she's falling in love with him and he's completely oblivious to her feelings.
Can Francis earn the love he so desires and turn back into a handsome duke? Or will he stay a frog forever? Time is running out and the only help he has is a princess whose odd ways are causing him to second-guess his feelings.
Beauty and the Beast is the next retelling in the series and I can't wait!
Summary:
The Frog Duke is the first book in The Ugly Faerie Chronicles. Join an ugly faerie as she tries to break the curse that is on her by helping other fairy tale couples find true love. Her ways are not always conventional and even less wanted, but she will stop at nothing if it means she can break the curse on herself.
When wishes are granted by the Ugly Faerie, what can go wrong?
Poor Lord Francis, the handsome Duke of Palms, is a frog. Green, small, and swimming in a secluded pond to keep his skin moist, he only needs his true love's kiss to become human again. But how is he to get that when the woman he pines for can't even stand to look at him?
Princess Colette can't seem to win the respect of those at court and in an effort to escape, ends up at her favorite pond where she is hoping to find peace and quiet for a few moments. As if things weren't bad enough at the palace, an incident occurs at the pond that leaves her shackled to a less than courteous amphibian who claims to be her childhood friend.
The two are an unlikely pair. Francis is at the mercy of Colette as she finds unusual ways to get him a kiss from his true love. But Colette has other reasons for wanting to get rid of the creature that now dines from her dish and lives in her palace. Though he eats flies, she's falling in love with him and he's completely oblivious to her feelings.
Can Francis earn the love he so desires and turn back into a handsome duke? Or will he stay a frog forever? Time is running out and the only help he has is a princess whose odd ways are causing him to second-guess his feelings.
February 26, 2024
"The Frog Duke (The Ugly Faerie Chronicles Book 1)" is a delightful and enchanting retelling of the classic Frog Prince fairy tale. Lord Francis, the Duke of Palms, finds himself transformed into a frog by the Ugly Faerie's wish-granting magic. In his amphibian form, Francis longs for his true love's kiss to break the spell, but the object of his affections, Crown Princess Gabrielle, cannot bear to look at him.
Enter Princess Colette, Gabrielle's spirited younger sister and Francis's childhood friend. Colette, seeking solace from palace troubles, stumbles upon Francis at her favorite pond and becomes inadvertently entangled in his quest for love. Despite her initial reluctance, Colette finds herself drawn to the froggy duke, even as she attempts to find ways to help him win Gabrielle's heart.
The banter between Colette and Francis is lively and entertaining, adding a delightful dynamic to their blossoming relationship. While I wished Francis had been more self-aware and Colette hadn't forgiven him quite so easily, their journey of self-discovery and mutual affection is heartwarming to witness.
I particularly appreciated the exploration of sisterly dynamics between Colette and Gabrielle. Their differing personalities and approaches to Francis highlight the complexities of familial relationships. While Colette is seen as the "odd one," she is more willing to be seen with and help the frog, whereas Gabrielle, who is destined to be queen, initially dismisses him. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative and enriches the characters' development.
Noelle's skillful blending of familiar fairy tale elements with her own unique twists makes for a compelling and enjoyable read. Overall, "The Frog Duke" is a charming and whimsical novella that will appeal to fans of fairy tale retellings. With its engaging characters, heartfelt themes, and delightful romance, this book sets the stage for an enchanting series. I eagerly anticipate diving into the next installment and discovering what other magical adventures await.
Enter Princess Colette, Gabrielle's spirited younger sister and Francis's childhood friend. Colette, seeking solace from palace troubles, stumbles upon Francis at her favorite pond and becomes inadvertently entangled in his quest for love. Despite her initial reluctance, Colette finds herself drawn to the froggy duke, even as she attempts to find ways to help him win Gabrielle's heart.
The banter between Colette and Francis is lively and entertaining, adding a delightful dynamic to their blossoming relationship. While I wished Francis had been more self-aware and Colette hadn't forgiven him quite so easily, their journey of self-discovery and mutual affection is heartwarming to witness.
I particularly appreciated the exploration of sisterly dynamics between Colette and Gabrielle. Their differing personalities and approaches to Francis highlight the complexities of familial relationships. While Colette is seen as the "odd one," she is more willing to be seen with and help the frog, whereas Gabrielle, who is destined to be queen, initially dismisses him. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative and enriches the characters' development.
Noelle's skillful blending of familiar fairy tale elements with her own unique twists makes for a compelling and enjoyable read. Overall, "The Frog Duke" is a charming and whimsical novella that will appeal to fans of fairy tale retellings. With its engaging characters, heartfelt themes, and delightful romance, this book sets the stage for an enchanting series. I eagerly anticipate diving into the next installment and discovering what other magical adventures await.
August 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. Colette and Francis were super adorable but it felt like it ended too quickly. I wanted to know more.
Colette is the younger sister that likes adventure, climbing trees, and getting into trouble. Gabrielle is the crown Princess. Obligated to duty and blinded by the looks of the crown Princess, Francis makes a wish to be noticed.
I loved this retelling, it was perfect.
Colette is the younger sister that likes adventure, climbing trees, and getting into trouble. Gabrielle is the crown Princess. Obligated to duty and blinded by the looks of the crown Princess, Francis makes a wish to be noticed.
I loved this retelling, it was perfect.
September 25, 2025
Francis shook his head in disbelief. "You are the only girl I know that finds it exciting to be tied to a rope and let down into a dark abyss."
I loved Colette!
I loved that she was adventurous, quirky, loyal and unique. I think a lot of women/girls will relate to her.
Francis is also complex and I loved watching how his character developed throughout the story.
I am honestly shocked by how much a liked this book.
It was wild but also felt more realistic (especially for a Princess and the Frog retelling) if that makes sense.
Not at all what I expected.
The best part I know my daughters will enjoy it too!
This is a fun but short novella.
YA suitable for even middle school aged students but definitely a fun read for adults too.
I loved Colette!
I loved that she was adventurous, quirky, loyal and unique. I think a lot of women/girls will relate to her.
Francis is also complex and I loved watching how his character developed throughout the story.
I am honestly shocked by how much a liked this book.
It was wild but also felt more realistic (especially for a Princess and the Frog retelling) if that makes sense.
Not at all what I expected.
The best part I know my daughters will enjoy it too!
This is a fun but short novella.
YA suitable for even middle school aged students but definitely a fun read for adults too.
November 22, 2025
It wasn’t the story I had a problem with, so much as the character of the Duke of Palms. He is arrogant, and regardless of how he was manipulated as a child by his father, when he realized what he’d done in cutting off his friendship with the “odd princess” was wrong, he NEVER apologized for it. Not even in the end.
How she was still in love with him is beyond me, because even in frog form he treated her horribly, insulted her, and made her feel ashamed.
How she was still in love with him is beyond me, because even in frog form he treated her horribly, insulted her, and made her feel ashamed.
April 22, 2025
It was a cute concept and a good idea of a retelling of the original story. However, I think I would have liked it more if the male main character would have treated the female mc a bit better. His character had potential but he was a tad bit to rude towards her for the romance aspect to be fully enjoyable. Apart from that the story was sweet and funny.
April 14, 2025
Delightful story
Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical. If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read. I truly love retelling of fairy tales in the Ugly Faerie Chronicles book 1.
Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical. If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read. I truly love retelling of fairy tales in the Ugly Faerie Chronicles book 1.
February 13, 2022
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
June 4, 2025
This was such a cute novella! I loved it. 🥰
August 26, 2025
Cute little novelette, very easy read. Reads a bit like a fanfic but it’s a good book to read when you’re in between books and want something easy with a sweet ending.
September 23, 2025
This is a cute little novella. It's a little silly because some things don't make sense, but it's easy to brush off as "oh it's a fairy tale it doesn't have to make sense."
October 15, 2025
1.5 ⭐
April 4, 2022
A lovely imaginative friends to lovers Frog prince story
I loved this short retelling of the Frog Prince fairytale. If you ever wondered how in the original fairytale the princess can be kind as well as cruel, then Noelle has an answer for you - sisters. I enjoyed the story of childhood friends to happily-ever after through some tribulations. Great character development of the Duke in such a short space and as for Colette, I absolutely loved her from the very start - a wild thing after my own heart. Totally recommend for lovers of retold fairytales, YA short fantasy stories and easy 90-minute reads.
I loved this short retelling of the Frog Prince fairytale. If you ever wondered how in the original fairytale the princess can be kind as well as cruel, then Noelle has an answer for you - sisters. I enjoyed the story of childhood friends to happily-ever after through some tribulations. Great character development of the Duke in such a short space and as for Colette, I absolutely loved her from the very start - a wild thing after my own heart. Totally recommend for lovers of retold fairytales, YA short fantasy stories and easy 90-minute reads.
January 3, 2025
I don't often read novellas, instead gravitating towards longer works in most instances. But this lovely book is such a perfect example of what a novella should be! I was impressed by how swiftly Chelsey Noelle developed the story without sacrificing quality. THE FROG DUKE may be short, yet its characters quickly captured my heart. 🐸 💖
I tend to be a nostalgic person. Stories of childhood friendship or childhood sweethearts are likely to drawn me in due to a certain poetic quality. 📜 When I started reading THE FROG DUKE, "Peter," one of my favorite songs from Taylor Swift's most recent album, came to mind—even if the two works are different in other ways. (Why, yes, I can't resist making Taylor Swift references whenever possible. ;) #SwiftieProblems) While this novel is not what would be considered a heavy read, nor do I believe that it was intended to be such, it is still one with emotional depth, one that I found to be very stirring and poignant from the first chapter due to the circumstances that occur. I will keep the details vague to avoid spoilers.
Yet, after that early emotional connection that would continue to play out in the story, I found that what struck me especially about the book was Chelsey Noelle's talent at what I would consider to be an elevated form of humor. I adored her witty lines and turns-of-phrase, as well as some hysterical circumstances, which made this story an even more enjoyable read! ^_^ Duke Francis, in particular, amused me, and may or may not have made me crack up at some point. ;)
I also very much appreciated the running theme about individuality. I could relate to how Princess Colette was seen as the "eccentric" or "odd" princess who did not fit in with the crowd yet had a very loyal heart. Having a talking frog on her shoulder only increased the whispers that followed her, yet she ultimately decided to continue in this way for noble and good reasons. Her vulnerability as a character, especially as it played out in connection to the central romance, was particularly moving and even made me tear up. Speaking of the love story, as a hopeless romantic, I found the writing of a certain monologue to be especially well done.
THE FROG DUKE is, on the surface, a light and quick read, yet it is one that doesn't feel TOO light because it is so very real and human. It is both touching and entertaining. All in all, I found myself thinking last night after putting down the book that it made me feel . . . happy. ^_^ When finishing today, I came to the conclusion that I was among bookish friends, that is, endearing characters that I came to love. And, since that was the case, it has instilled in me the desire to read the rest of Chelsey's books! :D YAYYY. 🎊 😊 🥳🎈📚 YESYESYESAHHHH. Unfortunately, my bookshelves may disagree . . . but, thankfully, bookshelves aren't people, and books ARE, so I will pay attention to the books. :D
(In all seriousness, I probably should wait until I read more books awaiting me on the shelves. 😉 But it's tempting!)
I tend to be a nostalgic person. Stories of childhood friendship or childhood sweethearts are likely to drawn me in due to a certain poetic quality. 📜 When I started reading THE FROG DUKE, "Peter," one of my favorite songs from Taylor Swift's most recent album, came to mind—even if the two works are different in other ways. (Why, yes, I can't resist making Taylor Swift references whenever possible. ;) #SwiftieProblems) While this novel is not what would be considered a heavy read, nor do I believe that it was intended to be such, it is still one with emotional depth, one that I found to be very stirring and poignant from the first chapter due to the circumstances that occur. I will keep the details vague to avoid spoilers.
Yet, after that early emotional connection that would continue to play out in the story, I found that what struck me especially about the book was Chelsey Noelle's talent at what I would consider to be an elevated form of humor. I adored her witty lines and turns-of-phrase, as well as some hysterical circumstances, which made this story an even more enjoyable read! ^_^ Duke Francis, in particular, amused me, and may or may not have made me crack up at some point. ;)
I also very much appreciated the running theme about individuality. I could relate to how Princess Colette was seen as the "eccentric" or "odd" princess who did not fit in with the crowd yet had a very loyal heart. Having a talking frog on her shoulder only increased the whispers that followed her, yet she ultimately decided to continue in this way for noble and good reasons. Her vulnerability as a character, especially as it played out in connection to the central romance, was particularly moving and even made me tear up. Speaking of the love story, as a hopeless romantic, I found the writing of a certain monologue to be especially well done.
THE FROG DUKE is, on the surface, a light and quick read, yet it is one that doesn't feel TOO light because it is so very real and human. It is both touching and entertaining. All in all, I found myself thinking last night after putting down the book that it made me feel . . . happy. ^_^ When finishing today, I came to the conclusion that I was among bookish friends, that is, endearing characters that I came to love. And, since that was the case, it has instilled in me the desire to read the rest of Chelsey's books! :D YAYYY. 🎊 😊 🥳🎈📚 YESYESYESAHHHH. Unfortunately, my bookshelves may disagree . . . but, thankfully, bookshelves aren't people, and books ARE, so I will pay attention to the books. :D
(In all seriousness, I probably should wait until I read more books awaiting me on the shelves. 😉 But it's tempting!)
December 1, 2021
This was so cute, and I really loved watching Colette and Francis banter and how long it took her to realize that her friend was the person she needed all along. I died over Francis loving her all along and how he had just wanted to gain her attention, and how turning into a frog turned out to be the only way to do that. This was a cute and short little story, and I really enjoyed these two dorks butting heads.
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