What do you think?
Rate this book
Celestine: 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance
A 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance about the Courtesan who came to Christmas Dinner. Celestine is a rags to riches love story that will take your heart on an arduous journey from heartbreak to whatever lies beyond.
Inspired by the Moulin Rouge and Bridgerton, Celestine will take you behind the curtains of the famed Palais Rose to meet its shining star, the most coveted courtesan in all of Paris.
Adrien Louis is a rich merchant successful in international trading who is in Paris for the World's Fair. With business to attend, he shuts himself away in his cold and forgotten townhouse, left empty after the death of his wife and infant son four years prior.
Ravenously curious sisters who reside across the street notice the arrival of the dashing Monsieur Louis and each plot to entrap him in marriage. Both lonely and unattended by their neglectful and business-minded father who has no interest in securing them matches, they dream of the day when Monsieur Louis will sweep one of them away.
Lost to his melancholy and ready to be rid of the world, Monsieur Louis joins a business associate at the Palais Rose to appease his client's interest. There Adrien sees the stunning Celestine and despite his dark mood, finds himself drawn to her. After paying for an hour's conversation with the bright spirited Celestine, Adrien decides to bring her as his companion to a Christmas Feast his neighbors have insisted he attend. When Adrien realizes how hungry Monsieur Baudelaire's two daughters are to make a match with him, he hires Celestine as a means to thwart them. What he hasn't bargained for is that the beautiful Celestine might just capture his cold heart if only he'd let her in...which he vows to never do.
Celestine is a lightly steamy stand-alone historical romance that will have you clutching your pearls...
Inspired by the Moulin Rouge and Bridgerton, Celestine will take you behind the curtains of the famed Palais Rose to meet its shining star, the most coveted courtesan in all of Paris.
Adrien Louis is a rich merchant successful in international trading who is in Paris for the World's Fair. With business to attend, he shuts himself away in his cold and forgotten townhouse, left empty after the death of his wife and infant son four years prior.
Ravenously curious sisters who reside across the street notice the arrival of the dashing Monsieur Louis and each plot to entrap him in marriage. Both lonely and unattended by their neglectful and business-minded father who has no interest in securing them matches, they dream of the day when Monsieur Louis will sweep one of them away.
Lost to his melancholy and ready to be rid of the world, Monsieur Louis joins a business associate at the Palais Rose to appease his client's interest. There Adrien sees the stunning Celestine and despite his dark mood, finds himself drawn to her. After paying for an hour's conversation with the bright spirited Celestine, Adrien decides to bring her as his companion to a Christmas Feast his neighbors have insisted he attend. When Adrien realizes how hungry Monsieur Baudelaire's two daughters are to make a match with him, he hires Celestine as a means to thwart them. What he hasn't bargained for is that the beautiful Celestine might just capture his cold heart if only he'd let her in...which he vows to never do.
Celestine is a lightly steamy stand-alone historical romance that will have you clutching your pearls...
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 14, 2021
Lovely historical romance
This sweet and cozy story takes place, as the title says, in the 1900s, in Paris. The main character is Celestine. Through her thoughts and actions, she is well described, making it easy to envision her life journey. Celestine is a young dancer and, because of certain circumstances, a courtesan in a theater in Paris, ran by her father. Her father makes sure to earn as much as possible on her account so only the wealthy patrons can afford to have her. One day, by accident, Adrien (Monsieur Louis) meets Celestine.
“If I want a memory of something sweet and loving, I’ll think of the two of you,” said Celestine after she listened to Adrien’s story about the loss of his wife and their young child. Celestine felt that she will always be a courtesan without ever feeling what it means to love and be loved back.
Adrien will make sure things will not be so foreseen. However, he had no clue how much his decision will impact not only Celestine’s life but also his own.
Many other things are happening in the story. Mainly, I loved the creative way the author populated the story with elements similar to the Cinderella story.
If you love fairy tale romances that are steamy but also heart-warming, a bit sad at times, you’ll enjoy reading Celestine’s story.
This sweet and cozy story takes place, as the title says, in the 1900s, in Paris. The main character is Celestine. Through her thoughts and actions, she is well described, making it easy to envision her life journey. Celestine is a young dancer and, because of certain circumstances, a courtesan in a theater in Paris, ran by her father. Her father makes sure to earn as much as possible on her account so only the wealthy patrons can afford to have her. One day, by accident, Adrien (Monsieur Louis) meets Celestine.
“If I want a memory of something sweet and loving, I’ll think of the two of you,” said Celestine after she listened to Adrien’s story about the loss of his wife and their young child. Celestine felt that she will always be a courtesan without ever feeling what it means to love and be loved back.
Adrien will make sure things will not be so foreseen. However, he had no clue how much his decision will impact not only Celestine’s life but also his own.
Many other things are happening in the story. Mainly, I loved the creative way the author populated the story with elements similar to the Cinderella story.
If you love fairy tale romances that are steamy but also heart-warming, a bit sad at times, you’ll enjoy reading Celestine’s story.
February 19, 2021
A Fairy Tale Life💃💘
ADULT Historical Late Victorian Age French Romance💕.
Paris 1900.🗼
This book is a rags to riches fairy tale come true. Celestine 💃💋is a beautiful illegitimate young dancer💃 and courtesan in a Paris🗼 theatre run by her father, a man who pimps her out to one wealthy patron at a time.
Adrien🐺🍆⛲ is an extremely wealthy importer of foreign goods and textiles. He is a sad and lonely widower💔 who has just about given up on life, despite his wealth.
One night Adrien accompanies a client to the theatre where Celestine 💃💋works and is smitten by her beauty, but more by her wonderful character and zest for life, even though she is basically a slave . He knows he must take her away from the life her father is forcing her into. All the money paid by her patrons is kept by her father. She has nothing of her own.
Adrien🐺🍆⛲ wants to help her, not realizing that by changing her life, he will be changing his too!
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
Great book! I was enthralled from start to finish! Of course it's too good to be true, because it's a fairy tale fantasy.
ADULT Historical Late Victorian Age French Romance💕.
Paris 1900.🗼
This book is a rags to riches fairy tale come true. Celestine 💃💋is a beautiful illegitimate young dancer💃 and courtesan in a Paris🗼 theatre run by her father, a man who pimps her out to one wealthy patron at a time.
Adrien🐺🍆⛲ is an extremely wealthy importer of foreign goods and textiles. He is a sad and lonely widower💔 who has just about given up on life, despite his wealth.
One night Adrien accompanies a client to the theatre where Celestine 💃💋works and is smitten by her beauty, but more by her wonderful character and zest for life, even though she is basically a slave . He knows he must take her away from the life her father is forcing her into. All the money paid by her patrons is kept by her father. She has nothing of her own.
Adrien🐺🍆⛲ wants to help her, not realizing that by changing her life, he will be changing his too!
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
Great book! I was enthralled from start to finish! Of course it's too good to be true, because it's a fairy tale fantasy.
September 1, 2021
This was a pretty, little, fantasy-love story with a great historical setting. Though historical romance is not typically my go-to genre, I enjoyed the sweet story of Celestine and Adrien.
As unfamiliar as I am with Paris and the 1900s, I fell into the story pretty quickly. It was neatly done, had a nice flow between the character's perspectives, and was wrapped up nice and tidy without being too long and too wordy. I think the length of the book was perfect, because the author didn't have 300+ pages to use for filler words, and stuck with the storyline, moving it along at a proper pace.
This was a fun read and I'm glad I took the time with it.
As unfamiliar as I am with Paris and the 1900s, I fell into the story pretty quickly. It was neatly done, had a nice flow between the character's perspectives, and was wrapped up nice and tidy without being too long and too wordy. I think the length of the book was perfect, because the author didn't have 300+ pages to use for filler words, and stuck with the storyline, moving it along at a proper pace.
This was a fun read and I'm glad I took the time with it.
to-check-out
March 23, 2021Guest Post with Photo Inspiration @ Let Them Read Books!
November 4, 2021
My full RTC tomorrow morning
December 21, 2021
Celestine is a heart-of-gold courtesan whose exclusive contract with her current patron is about to expire. Adrien is a lonely widower who has lost all lust for life, until a chance visit to Celestine’s show ignites a new interest and a new kinship between these two kindred souls.
Both main characters were very easy to like. Adrien’s love for his dead wife was immediately endearing as was Celestine’s practicality born of necessity. There was instant attraction, but love took longer to build and the journey to it was both believable and enjoyable.
The additional characters of Adrien’s nosy neighbours were a sometimes entertaining distraction, but there was so much build up with them that I expected a bit more drama to their story than there was in the end. That was also true of Celestine’s insecurities about her new position, which were played up quite a bit and then resolved fairly quickly.
But those are fairly minor quibbles in what was a very entertaining story, well told. Overall I’d give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for making me cry a few happy tears. 😊
Both main characters were very easy to like. Adrien’s love for his dead wife was immediately endearing as was Celestine’s practicality born of necessity. There was instant attraction, but love took longer to build and the journey to it was both believable and enjoyable.
The additional characters of Adrien’s nosy neighbours were a sometimes entertaining distraction, but there was so much build up with them that I expected a bit more drama to their story than there was in the end. That was also true of Celestine’s insecurities about her new position, which were played up quite a bit and then resolved fairly quickly.
But those are fairly minor quibbles in what was a very entertaining story, well told. Overall I’d give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for making me cry a few happy tears. 😊
March 18, 2021
3.5
Celestine :A 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance by Azriel Hope is a charming, sweet romance set in Victorian era Paris. I must describe it as "Pretty Woman" in Victorian times: a fairy tale in the sense that well known courtesans rarely evolve from courtesan to wealthy wife by the time they are 20 . It minimized how horrible her life was but hey, it's a romance not a historical treatise. The dialog and emotion between Adrien and Celestine is so sweet and romantic. There is more sexual innuendo than actual overt description which was done well, although many sensual topics were discussed. Their personalities and the evolution of their love was beautiful to watch.
The book illustrates clearly the differences between the classes and the differences in the freedoms of the 2 genders at the time. In another example of the fairy tale aspect, it seems almost impossible that a forward thinking man like Adrien could exist in that culture. Quite a "prince".
The tale of the sisters and their father who reside next door further exemplified the restrictions placed on woman at that time no matter their economic strata.At times , their story line detracted from the flow of the tale yet I understood the reasoning for it's addition. Their story was not totally resolved by the end of the story and I hope Camilla finds her HEA in another story.
The secondary characters were written well and seemed true to the times. One cannot help but love Adrien and Celestine: a tale of 2 of the most big-hearted, caring people. It was an enjoyable read.
A nice find on Kindle Unlimited, too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Celestine :A 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance by Azriel Hope is a charming, sweet romance set in Victorian era Paris. I must describe it as "Pretty Woman" in Victorian times: a fairy tale in the sense that well known courtesans rarely evolve from courtesan to wealthy wife by the time they are 20 . It minimized how horrible her life was but hey, it's a romance not a historical treatise. The dialog and emotion between Adrien and Celestine is so sweet and romantic. There is more sexual innuendo than actual overt description which was done well, although many sensual topics were discussed. Their personalities and the evolution of their love was beautiful to watch.
The book illustrates clearly the differences between the classes and the differences in the freedoms of the 2 genders at the time. In another example of the fairy tale aspect, it seems almost impossible that a forward thinking man like Adrien could exist in that culture. Quite a "prince".
The tale of the sisters and their father who reside next door further exemplified the restrictions placed on woman at that time no matter their economic strata.At times , their story line detracted from the flow of the tale yet I understood the reasoning for it's addition. Their story was not totally resolved by the end of the story and I hope Camilla finds her HEA in another story.
The secondary characters were written well and seemed true to the times. One cannot help but love Adrien and Celestine: a tale of 2 of the most big-hearted, caring people. It was an enjoyable read.
A nice find on Kindle Unlimited, too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
This is a charming and unusual romance, set in Paris in 1900. The Hero, Adrien Louis, meets the Heroine, Celestine, after a friend persuades him to go to a dance hall. She is the star dancer, and he is bewitched. He buys her time just to talk--really!
This is a Cinderella story with twists and turns I won't reveal here. I loved the creative way the author populated the story with all the requisite bad people and a few other good people. The writing was clear, and the plot easily understood. It highlighted the class and gender biases of the time and how they got around them and how horribly hurtful the things people said and did to each other were, and how little the classes understood the suffering and limitations of the others.
Good social commentary, limited overt sexuality but lots of innuendo and frank discussion of sexual issues. Money still rules everything--Adrien can afford for them to live as they wish, while others are not so lucky. The "wicked step-sisters" were not resolved entirely. Perhaps they will get their own book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a Cinderella story with twists and turns I won't reveal here. I loved the creative way the author populated the story with all the requisite bad people and a few other good people. The writing was clear, and the plot easily understood. It highlighted the class and gender biases of the time and how they got around them and how horribly hurtful the things people said and did to each other were, and how little the classes understood the suffering and limitations of the others.
Good social commentary, limited overt sexuality but lots of innuendo and frank discussion of sexual issues. Money still rules everything--Adrien can afford for them to live as they wish, while others are not so lucky. The "wicked step-sisters" were not resolved entirely. Perhaps they will get their own book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2021
A widow named Adrian goes to his parents home on a Postrio Ian just wants to do the business deals and leave. This was the last home his beloved wife was alive in and she loved it so much the memories are severe and very painful to Adrian. He is too young maidens as his neighbors and they ask their dad to invite the handsome neighbor to Christmas dinner. He of course doesn’t want to go to Christmas dinner or anywhere for that matter but when in business associate from Tokyo invites them out to watch the dancers he gets his first glimpse of Celestine. And for the first time in his life he finds himself thinking of something besides his deceased wife. This is a slow build romance, but not unpleasant at all. I wish the neighbors would’ve had a bigger part in the book because they were funny and loved when they were mentioned. There were some things that were mentioned and then never mentioned again and that is why I gave the book 4 stars, because even with these drawbacks the book is still very very enjoyable and well worth the read. I received this book from Books sirens and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2021
Celestine: A 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance by Azriel Hope is a great story set in Paris about a diamond in the rough. The main character Celestine, is a young prostitute; treated poorly by her 'owners', when a man observes her dancing one night is enthralled by her, and decides to get to know her. Azriel Hope does a great job with the writing, there is good flow and character development, a good story, and the story meshes between characters.
When I was reading it, I was reminded of a kind of old-timey Pretty Woman-type story, but I found this one is more romantic with a wide variety of realistic conflict between the patriarchal society of the time and the desire to want more out of life without forgetting who you are and where you came from.
I liked this book, and although not in my genre, I am glad I read it and would recommend it to friends and readers who enjoy this genre!
When I was reading it, I was reminded of a kind of old-timey Pretty Woman-type story, but I found this one is more romantic with a wide variety of realistic conflict between the patriarchal society of the time and the desire to want more out of life without forgetting who you are and where you came from.
I liked this book, and although not in my genre, I am glad I read it and would recommend it to friends and readers who enjoy this genre!
July 7, 2021
Celestine: 1900’s Parisian Fairytale Romance by Azriel Hope is exactly like the title suggests. Any fans of fairy tales and historical romance will find what they’re looking for here. As a bonus, those wanting a festive read will find it in Celestine too.
The novel does start with a lot of telling, rather than an engrossing narrative, but gets better as the plot emerges and the writing was crisp throughout.
This isn’t a sappy romance though, with some explicit scenes shying away from nothing. I was impressed how deeply the characters of Celestine and Adrien were developed. I felt empathy for both and hatred for Celestine’s heinous father.
Celestine is a quick, cosy read that does exactly what is says on the tin.
The novel does start with a lot of telling, rather than an engrossing narrative, but gets better as the plot emerges and the writing was crisp throughout.
This isn’t a sappy romance though, with some explicit scenes shying away from nothing. I was impressed how deeply the characters of Celestine and Adrien were developed. I felt empathy for both and hatred for Celestine’s heinous father.
Celestine is a quick, cosy read that does exactly what is says on the tin.
October 7, 2021
Azriel Hope's Celestine: 1900's Parisian Fairytale Romance is an excellent work that could easily be branded Pretty Woman in 1900 Paris or Cinderella meets Les Miserable (which is ironic since that Hugo work is repeatedly cited in the novella.)
Readers will enjoy the main characters of Celestine and Adrien from when they are first introduced, their first meeting, and the evolution of their relationship to the very romantic ending.
The only potential regret is that two of the antagonists, Celestine's father and one of the women who is a neighbor (Charlotte,) did not truly get what they deserved (although readers will find the irony of Charlotte's reading choices at the end ironic and funny.)
This is an excellent read. Readers will have a hard time putting it down until the end.
Readers will enjoy the main characters of Celestine and Adrien from when they are first introduced, their first meeting, and the evolution of their relationship to the very romantic ending.
The only potential regret is that two of the antagonists, Celestine's father and one of the women who is a neighbor (Charlotte,) did not truly get what they deserved (although readers will find the irony of Charlotte's reading choices at the end ironic and funny.)
This is an excellent read. Readers will have a hard time putting it down until the end.
March 2, 2021
Celestine, Adrien Louis, Charlotte, Camille
Celestine a ballet/dancer/ courtesan who works Palais Rose. Charlotte and Camille nosy neighbors of Adrien Louis. Who both want to marry him and are competing with each other. Celestine who is in between an orphan/ bastard and deserves her own happiness. Adrien Louis a widower whose true love died a few years ago.
I found sympathy with Celestine and Adrien Due to the horrible people they have to deal with. Everyone deserves their true chance at happiness . Everything changes slowly very vivid description and it takes place in Paris.
I received this advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Celestine a ballet/dancer/ courtesan who works Palais Rose. Charlotte and Camille nosy neighbors of Adrien Louis. Who both want to marry him and are competing with each other. Celestine who is in between an orphan/ bastard and deserves her own happiness. Adrien Louis a widower whose true love died a few years ago.
I found sympathy with Celestine and Adrien Due to the horrible people they have to deal with. Everyone deserves their true chance at happiness . Everything changes slowly very vivid description and it takes place in Paris.
I received this advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2021
The story of Celestine and Adrien is well written and very good. I could feel the fear and despair this beautiful woman faced as her father sold her yet again. Adrien arrives in her life and gives her security and choices, but she knows a woman like her is never totally secure. Meeting Adrien neighbors Charlotte and Camille confirm her worst fear that both men and women will never accept her. Azriel writes this story in a thoughtful way and with many details of Paris that I could imagine what it was like to be there. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
May 22, 2021
What a beautiful fairy tale, complete with villains, a knight and a happily ever after. I loved the ending; it was totally satisfying in a way that only true romance lovers can understand. I also fell in love with some of the language the author used: ““I want your soul to dance with mine, Celestine…”. Beautiful!
The characters, Celestine and Adrien, were relatable and their journey from the beginning of the book to the end was a delight to read. If you love steamy fairy tale romances that are also heart-warming and uplifting and don't shy away from the ugliness the real world metes out, you’ll enjoy reading Celestine.
The characters, Celestine and Adrien, were relatable and their journey from the beginning of the book to the end was a delight to read. If you love steamy fairy tale romances that are also heart-warming and uplifting and don't shy away from the ugliness the real world metes out, you’ll enjoy reading Celestine.
February 9, 2021
Thank you Azriel Hope for my advanced review copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
This book was so much fun. I just got done watching Bridgeton on Netflix and was ready for some historical romance. It's set in Paris and is not your typical romance. It's fun and scandalous! Takes place during a time when women were starting to push the boundaries and take charge of their lives. It is flirty and fun, with some steaminess too! Highly recommend.
This book was so much fun. I just got done watching Bridgeton on Netflix and was ready for some historical romance. It's set in Paris and is not your typical romance. It's fun and scandalous! Takes place during a time when women were starting to push the boundaries and take charge of their lives. It is flirty and fun, with some steaminess too! Highly recommend.
February 27, 2021
I really like this book. I loved the characters Adrien & Celestine & how their relationship progresses over the course of the story. It is truly a fairytale romance with a modern twist. Plus, the author has brought Paris in the 1900s to life in a beautiful way. Recommend this book to all fans of historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2021
Raunchy and romantic an unusual theme bit crude in parts however a fascinating story of hope and love born from grief and loss and suffering
I like to believe there are good men like Louis who love with all they have
I also dare to believe that there are couples who love completely emotionally and physically a gripping story
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
I like to believe there are good men like Louis who love with all they have
I also dare to believe that there are couples who love completely emotionally and physically a gripping story
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
August 18, 2021
This was a wonderfully fairytale just as described! It is a beautiful romance and definitely one worth reading. It is historical in its setting, but not in all the mindsets of the characters. However, for me, a good fictional story takes the reader out of the real world and into the one created for the characters. This is one of those books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2022
A truly special book about a special woman and a special man.
Both had known heartache galore. One had lost the desire to live, and the other was trying to look forward to life. One lived at the top of society and the other in the dregs of society. Against all odds, they met. It is a tale to read and savor!
Both had known heartache galore. One had lost the desire to live, and the other was trying to look forward to life. One lived at the top of society and the other in the dregs of society. Against all odds, they met. It is a tale to read and savor!
February 27, 2021
A great read with nice main characters! I especially liked Celestine with her resilience and sunny attitude.The book let me realize how women can be grateful to be born nowerdays in Europe!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2021
A quick read with a ton of charm
Such a good book. It reminded me of Pretty Woman if it was set in Paris in the 1900’s. Adrien is a rich widower who swoops in to save the day. Celestine is pimped out by her own father, but she is going to be rescued while also changing the life of a man you would have thought had it all. I love fairy tale endings. was enthralled from start to finish!
Such a good book. It reminded me of Pretty Woman if it was set in Paris in the 1900’s. Adrien is a rich widower who swoops in to save the day. Celestine is pimped out by her own father, but she is going to be rescued while also changing the life of a man you would have thought had it all. I love fairy tale endings. was enthralled from start to finish!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews