The Toad Prince

Cowboy Fairytales #3

by Lacy Williams

From a USA Today bestselling author comes Book 3 in the Cowboy Fairytales series

He’s on a mission for revenge...
Prince Pieter of Glorvaird has never met his royal cousins, but he’s determined to find a way to hurt them the way he’s been hurt. On his mission for revenge, he finds himself traveling a stretch of Texas highway, where he finds a beautiful and stranded young woman. The last thing he needs is a distraction, but McKenna is guileless, nothing like the women who chase his title. He is instantly drawn to her.
Hometown girl McKenna Cline has hedged all her bets on becoming rodeo queen. Four events are all that stand between her and the scholarship she needs to start living her dream of attending law school. She accepts Pieter’s offer of help and can't help falling for the man who exudes confidence but has given her glimpses of his vulnerable side.
When the rodeo princess kisses the toad, will he become the prince he was born to be?

The Toad Prince is a contemporary western retelling of the Frog Prince fairytale and Book 3 in the Cowboy Fairytales series.

Other titles include:
*Once Upon a Cowboy (1)
*Cowboy Charming (2)
*The Beastly Princess (4)
*The Lost Priness (5)

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Novella, Fairy Tale Retellings, Westerns, Royalty

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should've gone with my gut and skipped this one. At 43%, the H's past has been mentioned a lot: he's dated lots of models and actresses, all of whom were stunning. Blah blah blah. And the poor heroine is completely inexperienced for good reason. Meh.

Upon finishing, other than the frequent reminders of how much dating the hero had done in the past, this was sweet. The epilogue, instead of promoting the next addition to the series, should've given us some insight into the future of the MCs. Although with the way this series has been shaping up, I'm sure we'll see them in future installments. Unfortunately, although this was developed enough for a novella, it couldn't stand up to a full length work, so I'm giving it two stars. (I'm docking a quarter star for all the mentions of his past.) There was enough of the MCs' backstories to warrant a novel, for sure.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Toad Prince continues the very enjoyable Cowboy Fairytales series. This was an interesting tale with a hero that took a bit of time for me to warm up to. Prince Pieter had a lot of baggage and a need for revenge. I wasn’t sure that I could learn to like him…but the author proved me wrong. By the end of the book, I was encouraged with the growth and change in this character.

I did like the heroine of the novel right from the start! McKenna had a tough life, yet she remained a loving and caring person. I thought her journey and determination was a great touch to the story. These two characters were very opposite from each other in the way they processed hurt and anger, yet McKenna was exactly the woman Pieter needed to fall for.

The audio book version was beautifully read, just as in the previous novellas. I’m looking forward to the next story in the series, which features the crown princess and oldest sister to the leading ladies of books one and two.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[T. Rosado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Rating = 4 Stars (average)
(4.5 Stars - First Half
3.5 Stars - Second Half)

The Toad Prince is book three in the Cowboy Fairytales Series. This third book focuses on Prince Pieter, cousin to Allesandra and Mia from the previous books. As a child, Pieter's mother was exiled by the king. Now an adult, He is feeling angry and shafted and seeks to exact revenge on the Royal family. Yet, while on his mission, he meets rodeo princess McKenna who might just change his motives.

I enjoyed the premise of the story and backstory. The first half of the book developed the characters nicely and gave valid reasons for their actions. Allesandra and Gideon play a large role in this book as they continue to look for the "lost princess" and plan their wedding. I only wish less time was spent on their story so that more time could have been devoted to Pieter and McKenna. In the second half of The Toad Prince, everything rushed to a happily-for-now ending. Unlike the previous books, Pieter and McKenna's story didn't tie up as nicely. That being said, I still enjoyed the inclusion of Pieter's story in the Cowboy Fairytales series and look forward to the next book.

Audiobook Rating = 4 Stars

The Toad Prince employs the same narrator as the previous books in the series. She has done a fine job, but I really didn't like the voice, tone and cadence she used for Pieter. I truly felt if I had been reading, I would have liked his character much more. Unfortunately, the narrator made him sound pompous and unlikable even as he started falling for McKenna and changed his vengeful demeanor.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute read. I adored McKenna and how she helped Peter to step up and act like the Prince he is. I loved the make-up scence.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3. Book 3: The Toad Prince: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella The Toad Prince: McKenna and Pieter in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Full of tension and family drama. Alessandra and Gideon return to America to find her missing half-sister before her father the king dies and, her cousin Prince Pieter comes to the USA for vengeance only to find peace with abuse surviving, rodeo queen hopeful 19-year-old McKenna Cline


4. Book 4: The Beastly Princess: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella The Beastly Princess: Eloise and Cody in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
This is a drama and tension filled episode with only a small portion focused on Eloise’s poignant life and romance. Lacy Williams seamless blends a wedding for Alessandra, the death of the king, a pregnancy for Mia, an unexpected romance forburn scarred Eloise with medically sidelined professional bull rider Cody Austin, the locating of the “lost Princess” Kylie Winters, and the continued concerns regarding the unstable escaped Aunt.

5. Book 5: The Lost Princess: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella The Lost Princess: Kylie and Nick in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Contains a fair amount of violence and a heartwarming ending. Set mainly in America this sequel combines Gideons search for Kylie, Pieter’s search for his mother, Kylie’s reunion romance and brief updates on the other princesses.
Feeling adrift after her estranged mother’s sudden death, Chicago CPA Kylie Harris takes her mother’s dog snow on a one year cross country trip retracing the homes of her youth hoping to find peace and closure only to wind up in Bear Lake, Oklahoma, stopped by the Police, reunited with her childhood neighbor, and a target of violent crime.

6. Book 6: Kissing Kelsey: 3 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Kissing Kelsey: Kelsey and Matt in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Bittersweet and poignant featuring the heartbreak and rocky relationships of the two remaining Triple-H Texas Ranch siblings Matt and Carrie, this sequel proposes a happy ending for Matt but more disquiet and self-inflicted heart ache for Carrie.
Feeling adrift after being medically discharged with amnesia from a TBI, former Air Force Sergeant Matt Hale returns home to the Triple-H ranch in Texas where his first memory is of “his girlfriend” Olympic Silver Medalist runner Kelsey Whitley prior to their breakup ten years ago. While at the same time, hairdresser, abuse survivor and single mom Carrie struggles to raise her asthmatic young daughter Scarlet while fighting her attraction to Trey, her fear of losing her independence and her distrust of Alpha men.

7. Book 7: Courting Carrie: 4 Stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Courting Carrie: Carrie and Trey in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A Poignant story of love and homecoming with some drama and a happy ending.
Heartbroken but still loving Carrie almost two years after she has broken up with him, ranch hand Trey Reynolds finds himself leaving the woman, family, and land he loves in hopes of reducing Carrie’s stress and pain only to have Scarlet’s plot to gain a husband for her mother by Christmas and the unexpected appearance of her abusive father push Trey and Carrie together.
Provides glimpses into the disintegrating relationship of Carrie’s best friend veterinarian Sarah Campbell and, of a friend from high school,ranch hand Chase’s feelings for Carrie.
8. Book 8: Stealing Sarah: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Stealing Sarah: Sarah and Chase in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A tension filled sequel with some violence, the themes of abandonment, foster care and reduced sense of self- worth which are blended with Sarah and Chase’s friends to more romance and, with glimpses into her sister Kayla’s unsettled life.
Veterinarian Sarah Campbell’s life is turned upside down when her assistant goes on maternity leave, Sarah suffers a brutal attack, her fiancé breaks up with her on her 30th birthday and, she finds herself attracted to her a former high school friend, Triple-H ranch hand Chase.
Contains a suspenseful teaser for the sequel which involves Café Owner and dog rescue hopeful Kayla.
9. Book 9: Keeping Kayla: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Keeping Kayla: Kayla and Nate in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
A short fast paced story containing wonderful characters and some drama.
A rash action at age nineteen comes back to haunt Kayla Campbell but turns out to be a blessing in disguise when she decides to foster ten-year-old orphan Miles.
After ten years, a technicality reunites Triple H Foreman Nate O’Malley with his childhood bride, dog rescuing former foster child Kayla Campbell, reinforcing his determination to win her back.
.
10. Book 10: Melting Megan: 4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novella Melting Megan: Megan and Dan in the Cowboy Fairytales books 1-10 boxset by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely.
Interesting characters and a bit of drama.
Former Triple H ranch hand and reformed gambler Dan Evans receives early parole, is welcomed back to the ranch, struggles with his sense of self worth and need to pay the Hale’s back while falling in love with single guardian Dr. Megan Fuller.

[Esmare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this western styled twist on the Frog Prince fairytale

I really liked how Lacy Williams wrote her characters so that you can be both mad at and with the characters or happy or upset with them, all of them, not just mad at the perceived 'villain/bad guy ' and happy for the 'hero/good guy', but also vice versa. Not just that, but she wrote the story that I was scared about the planned revenge and then the character who appeared to be the bad guy actually turned into a good guy, and there ended up almost not really being a bad guy in the story even though it started with one.
On that note as well, the guy didn't change for the girl specifically, he chose to change regardless of whether he will ever see her again or not, and he changed because of knowing her and the fact that she believed he could be better and told him so. Which to me was very powerful, because often characters (and people in real life) try to change people or get people to change so they can be together not for the other person's benefit, or they change in hopes of someone sticking around, they change for the person not because of knowing the person. Which may sound the same, but they are not.

Changing for someone may not be sustainable or could just be as long as they are together and can lead to feeling like you have to give up who you are for the person and not receiving the same in return. Changing because of knowing someone means that regardless of whether they stick around or you never see them again, you remain changed, because something about them or how the live or something the said left an impact on you and made you want to change or maybe made you change without realising it.

Sadly, it both forms of change can be for the better or for the worse, it's something I recently learned more about, and in this story it's an example of a good way it can happen.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok now I am invested in all these characters. This book was mighty excellent with a poor but beautiful wanna be rodeo queen and a rude prince used to the fine things in life. Every single book has a clash of poverty levels, cultures, and personalities and I am here for it. Who would have thought that foreign royalty and down to earth American cowboys/cowgirls could make such good matches?

SPOILERS and book notes:
Ok I like that we have a bad boy prince. A toad in disguise if you will. I love that she can tell right from the beginning that he is a city boy playing cowboy. And that he wasn’t a gentleman. She is one tough cookie though. I love that she changed that tire off his truck like a bad A and he was slack jawed impressed. And I love how poor she is but how much she wants this rodeo queen for the scholarship. She has cheap make up and gets ready in a public restroom and does a horrible job with it that Peter has to help. Awww what this poor Peter had to go through in his childhood. An abusive mother. Aww peter stood up for her and punched her cousins for her. Love that. And now they have to leave each other for now and he gives her his ring. Awwwww. I love that he started out this book seeking revenge, but he turned it into forgiveness and he got a possible relationship out of his cousins instead.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story
The title is perfect because the hero really starts out as a toad! But a sweet Texas gal totally changes his mind...and heart. This book is charming addition to the series!

The Audiobook
This collection is a fun escape from the humdrum of everyday life and into the world of princesses and knights in Stetsons, not shining armor. Each one is a fairly quick read, or as in my case, listen.

I listened to the audiobook version of Cowboy Fairytales: The Complete Collection and I really enjoyed it. The narration was good, in fact, the same person narrated the entire collection which lent an air of continuity.

Sweet cowboy romance with a dash of whimsy and suspense. If you are looking for a good, clean, read or listen with a touch of faith, definitely check out this neat series from Lacy Williams.

(I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
Audiobook:
This romance took a little time to get rolling. I loved McKenna, and I look forward to getting to know Pieter better in future books. He isn’t still a “toad” by the end of the book, but I want to see how his story gets fleshed out.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The villain decides to become more Prince-like after meeting a girl who recognized some of his story.
This is book 3 of the set & is a clean story.
Although this story doesn show the natural thought progressions from seeking revenge to being honest, enough is shown so that a transformation seems possible. The girl succeeded in getting to the rodeo safely. The conversations with the Prince helped both of them to see that the family tales were not true. They began to seek honesty.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Price Pieter really needs a knock upside the head. He is arrogant, judgmental, pretentious and focused one only one thing himself. The knock comes in the form of McKenna. She tells it like she sees it. She has been knocked down for so long she is fighting to break away. Pieter comes along and rescues her. It isn't long before Pieter sees that maybe there is more than just his agenda. Characters are easily relatable and although the situation is a bit unusual, I could picture it well.

Only complaint: I felt like I was left hanging.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet! And as unlikely as any fairy tale, but that’s the fun, right?! A nice fantasy and escape from the real world, suspend your disbelief and enjoy!! ;) Also, you really do need to read them in order, these books are all short and more like a serial novel than separate books. They are all available in one book called Cowboy Fairytales Omnibus. (True confession: I am reading them from the collection but logging them separately so that if I had decided to bail out on it I wouldn’t have to mark it unfinished.)

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Toad Prince. McKenna's hero really is quite the guy once he gets past his need for revenge. I loved how he saw his past in her present and was able to help her because of his own experiences. Looking forward to seeing how things turn out. Lacy Williams is doing a great job with these fairytale stories!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Modern Fairytale

The Toad Prince is the third book in the Cowboy Fairytales series. It's a fun modern twist to a traditional fairytale. Characters from the first two books continue in this book as well. I love to read series for this reason alone. If you are looking for a sweet fairytale romance then this is the story for you.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Cowboy Fairytale Series. I am really enjoying this series. I wanted a little more of Makenna and Pieter's story. It seemed a little rushed to me. I do like it when previous characters from a prior book make an appearance. We get to learn a little more about the three Princess Sisters. I am pretty sure we will learn more about them too in future stories.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter is ready to enact revenge on his cousins, who he thinks deserve a sample of the pain he grew up with. McKenna grew up without the love from parents and with disapproving cousins. An unlikely pair, but there is more to McKenna than even she knows. I hope to hear more about the couple from the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toad Prince was another great read by Lacy Williams. This is book three in the Cowboy Fairytales series. Prince Pieter is on a mission of revenge against his royal cousins. On his way to Texas to get revenge, he meets Mckenna stranded on the side of the road. I loved Pieter and Mckenna’s Story and can’t wait to finish this series.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toad Prince

Pieter and McKenna have a sweet fairytale like story. McKenna is stranded on the side of the road with her horse when her truck died and she had no way to get to the rodeo. Pieter is also headed to the rodeo to intercept his cousin when he happens upon McKenna. He offers a ride and she accepts leading to their adventure. Read to find out what happens.

[~Bellegirl91~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
This one was good, but not as good as the other two. It did clear some things up dealing with one of 2 sides of this ongoing 5 Glorvaird royal family story which was interesting. Now I'm actually excited to get to The Beastly Princrss [finally] and see what's in store for Eloise, the Crown Princess of Glorvaird.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author includes a wide variety of characters in her stories as well as bringing back ones from previous stories. In other words, you need to read the next in the series to truly finish previous stories.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in a series of interrelated romances, each featuring a different couple but describing an overall story arc. Certainly it can be read alone! Our Toad Prince is a cousin to the princesses in books one and two, but it's the Rodeo Princess who must kiss the frog.

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book

This book teaches us about our outer presence and how it affects others around us. The kindness McKenna showed Pieter was a saving grace for him. Read this book to see how everything unfolds. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Great job Lacy.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book better than number 2, not as much as number 1. I felt that Pieter's character had more depth and that McKenna was a good compliment to him. I also liked that it didn't end in marriage, but that there was hope and that they did not give up living to accommodate a new relationship.

[Sharon Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

If kissing a road and turning him into a prince is your favorite fairy tale than you will enjoy the twist on this story. The prince might not be a real road but it takes a real cowgirl to bring out the best in him.

[Charlotte Runnels · Rating 5 out of 5]

fairy tale 3

As I read each book they just get better. It has been books that you wander how everything ties together than when it does you have just a great feeling about it. Great job Lacy Williams excited about the next one.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Fantastic Continuation of the Sweet Cowboy Fairytale series! The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanie Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

What?

I was just left hanging, looking for another chapter to at least give the book an ending. Why not at least have some finale???

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

I'm really enjoying this series. A royal family with issues just like the rest of the world. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this serious, but this book was way to short and left way to many things unanswered.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

Wow! Loved how this story came together! Introducing the cousin is a great addition! And we hear more of Gideon and Allessandra. Great read!