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The Princess Diaries
Le roman d'une princesse
Un chevalier, brave et séduisant, de retour de croisade et le coeur à prendre. Une jouvencelle farouche, parée de ses plus belles flèches et d'une vieille paire de chausses. Elle ne rêve que d'aventure et de justice ; il ne connaît que les plaisirs et les intrigues de cour... Qui aurait cru que ces deux-là en viendraient à s'aimer ? Ils n'auraient même jamais dû se rencontrer !
384 pages, Pocket Book
First published January 6, 2009
131 people are currently reading
5616 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
185 books35.4k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews
February 20, 2009
Just because Meg Cabot is primarily known as a YA author and the "author" of this book is Mia Thermopolis (the main character of Cabot's YA Princess Diaries series), does not mean that this is a YA book. It's not. It's an adult romance.
The story was cheesy, cliche and comical. I laughed out loud A LOT ... and the scenes I was laughing at were probably not supposed to be as humorous as I found them! And the idea that it was a common practice for maidens to kidnap men for ransom to pay their dowries? Really? I don't know if I believe that it was so common that every man in the near vicinity had already been ransomed back to his family at least once already. The language was pretty bad ... lots of silly phrases that might have been true to the time period, but felt like they didn't belong.
It was a cute story with a lot of potential to be a lot better if the first half had 100 pages cut out and the second half had about 100 added to the story. Finnula was fun, but really I don't think she would have been accepted in that time period running around in pants and hunting and wandering around in the forest by herself. I liked Hugo, but really, all he could think about was getting into bed with Finnula. And while I know that guys have a reputation for having only one thing on their minds, there has got to be some other thoughts rolling around in their heads once in a while!
The story was cheesy, cliche and comical. I laughed out loud A LOT ... and the scenes I was laughing at were probably not supposed to be as humorous as I found them! And the idea that it was a common practice for maidens to kidnap men for ransom to pay their dowries? Really? I don't know if I believe that it was so common that every man in the near vicinity had already been ransomed back to his family at least once already. The language was pretty bad ... lots of silly phrases that might have been true to the time period, but felt like they didn't belong.
It was a cute story with a lot of potential to be a lot better if the first half had 100 pages cut out and the second half had about 100 added to the story. Finnula was fun, but really I don't think she would have been accepted in that time period running around in pants and hunting and wandering around in the forest by herself. I liked Hugo, but really, all he could think about was getting into bed with Finnula. And while I know that guys have a reputation for having only one thing on their minds, there has got to be some other thoughts rolling around in their heads once in a while!
February 20, 2020
A book by Mia Thermopolis (Meg Cabot)? I thought when I first saw this. So being the Meg Cabot fan, I checked out this book from the library and began reading it that night. The first shock came on the very first page with the date: England, 1291. Holy cow this was long ago. But I read on and on. By the time I was finally able to stop reading, it had been well over an hour.
Mia's (Meg's) writing abilities continue to blow me away. It was just amazing. No, telling you it was amazing doesn't do it any justice because it truly was a great book. I mean seriously good. I've read this book THREE TIMES! That's how good this book is!
Finnula is just like she is described above. She a fearless, fun, and very loving heroine. She's a heroine like none other that I've read about. She's feisty, annoying, very stubborn and will probably kick any guy or gals butt! She's one of those girls who you love in the beginning, love in the middle and love till the last pages. I loved reading about her and how she interacted with the people around her. Her relationship with her sisters' was interesting to read about, as was her relationship with Robert, her brother and especially Hugo.
Ah Hugo. At first, I thought Hugo was a big ass snob. Seriously. Plus, I expected the hero to be hot. Hugo, when we meet him has a beard. And then there's Peter. We learn that Hugo is a Earl and Peter is his squire. One of the most annoying characters ever. Peter seems to moan and groan and complain about everything! I wanted Hugo to kick that little boy's ass. But he didn't so I wanted to do it. Anyhoo, Hugo was the perfect hero, the beard aside. He was chivalrous, loving, passionate and imperfect, which made his even more appealing. By the end, I wanted to have Hugo for myself.
All I can say is that Meg Cabot has yet to disappoint me. I loved this book! The characters, the plot, the dialogue, it was all Meg Cabot! This was a highly enjoyable historical romance novel about two very different people falling in love. Though we've heard the kidnapper falling in love with the hostage, this book takes it to a whole new level. Its well written, has wonderful characters, takes place long ago, and is just a great book in general.
Mia's (Meg's) writing abilities continue to blow me away. It was just amazing. No, telling you it was amazing doesn't do it any justice because it truly was a great book. I mean seriously good. I've read this book THREE TIMES! That's how good this book is!
Finnula is just like she is described above. She a fearless, fun, and very loving heroine. She's a heroine like none other that I've read about. She's feisty, annoying, very stubborn and will probably kick any guy or gals butt! She's one of those girls who you love in the beginning, love in the middle and love till the last pages. I loved reading about her and how she interacted with the people around her. Her relationship with her sisters' was interesting to read about, as was her relationship with Robert, her brother and especially Hugo.
Ah Hugo. At first, I thought Hugo was a big ass snob. Seriously. Plus, I expected the hero to be hot. Hugo, when we meet him has a beard. And then there's Peter. We learn that Hugo is a Earl and Peter is his squire. One of the most annoying characters ever. Peter seems to moan and groan and complain about everything! I wanted Hugo to kick that little boy's ass. But he didn't so I wanted to do it. Anyhoo, Hugo was the perfect hero, the beard aside. He was chivalrous, loving, passionate and imperfect, which made his even more appealing. By the end, I wanted to have Hugo for myself.
All I can say is that Meg Cabot has yet to disappoint me. I loved this book! The characters, the plot, the dialogue, it was all Meg Cabot! This was a highly enjoyable historical romance novel about two very different people falling in love. Though we've heard the kidnapper falling in love with the hostage, this book takes it to a whole new level. Its well written, has wonderful characters, takes place long ago, and is just a great book in general.
January 12, 2009
Normally I'm a huge Meg Cabot fan. I picked up this book and liked the main character immediately. And the knight's character too. However, it turned out to be more like a Harlequin romance. I hate to say it. But I wasn't expecting so much sensuality. It could have been such a wonderful book, but there was far too much sex in it. I'd hoped that most authors would learn from Stephenie Meyer that having tension in a book is much better than sex scenes. It makes me sad, since I have almost all of Cabot's other YA books.
May 1, 2024
It is a charming, sweet, adventurous historical romance with lots of humor, mystery, and loveable characters.
Finnula is kind, generous, witty, and stubborn. I really liked her relationship with her siblings and the villagers.
Hugo's so gallant, quick-witted, and open about his feelings and intentions.
Both Finnula’a and Hugo’s personalities and motivation are nicely elaborated, and the secondary characters are also well-drawn, and distinguishable: Finnula’s family members, Peter, the Laroche family, the troubadour, Brissac sheriff, even the sheriff’s mom.
The dialogues are sparkling, the banter between Finnula and Hugo are delightful, and very enjoyable.
Wholeheartedly recommended to historical romance readers.
Finnula is kind, generous, witty, and stubborn. I really liked her relationship with her siblings and the villagers.
Hugo's so gallant, quick-witted, and open about his feelings and intentions.
Both Finnula’a and Hugo’s personalities and motivation are nicely elaborated, and the secondary characters are also well-drawn, and distinguishable: Finnula’s family members, Peter, the Laroche family, the troubadour, Brissac sheriff, even the sheriff’s mom.
The dialogues are sparkling, the banter between Finnula and Hugo are delightful, and very enjoyable.
Wholeheartedly recommended to historical romance readers.
March 9, 2019
I'd check it out just to support Greenpeace, but I expect it'll be fun.
***
Fun, indeed. It's an historical romance, and a whodunnit, and the cast of characters is engaging. Pure pleasure-reading. And no guilt to it, either.
***
Fun, indeed. It's an historical romance, and a whodunnit, and the cast of characters is engaging. Pure pleasure-reading. And no guilt to it, either.
July 8, 2011
Another book in the summer of romance novels - this one will set a high bar for the others to attain, however. Reading through it brought me back to the basic principle that a good book does not need to be high literature if it it makes you want to stay up for hours to finish reading this one. And I certainly did with this book - much more so than almost any of the others I've plowed through recently.
High spirited heroine who is just beginning to recognize the effect that men have on her. A hero who is not a jerk. A story line that involves more than just describing their physical attributes and the tingly feelings that each one gets when looking at the other. A few of the factors that combine to make it a great summer read.
One thing I found curious about this boo is that it was classifed as "Young Adult" The pretense is that it was written by the Princess of Genovia Mia Thermopolis, the heroine of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries. The main character is 17 or 18, so perhaps that qualifies it as young adult - but some of the sex scenes. Not sure mothers who let their daughters read some of the other Meg Cabot books want them reading those scenes. I did not mind them, but just hope my nieces don't pick up this book anytime soon. Of course I remember receiving the book forever as a gift when I was in 8th Grade and my mother immediately took it away from me. She did not hide it well, so I snuck in her room and read it whenever she left the house! This book is probably at about the same level as that one. Maybe I'm just getting old.
High spirited heroine who is just beginning to recognize the effect that men have on her. A hero who is not a jerk. A story line that involves more than just describing their physical attributes and the tingly feelings that each one gets when looking at the other. A few of the factors that combine to make it a great summer read.
One thing I found curious about this boo is that it was classifed as "Young Adult" The pretense is that it was written by the Princess of Genovia Mia Thermopolis, the heroine of Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries. The main character is 17 or 18, so perhaps that qualifies it as young adult - but some of the sex scenes. Not sure mothers who let their daughters read some of the other Meg Cabot books want them reading those scenes. I did not mind them, but just hope my nieces don't pick up this book anytime soon. Of course I remember receiving the book forever as a gift when I was in 8th Grade and my mother immediately took it away from me. She did not hide it well, so I snuck in her room and read it whenever she left the house! This book is probably at about the same level as that one. Maybe I'm just getting old.
January 16, 2009
Purportedly written by "Princess of Genovia Mia Thermopolis", who I understand to be a popular movie character, this book is a typical bodice-ripper, airport-novel read. Or more properly, a "braies-ripper", since the main female character has a propensity for wearing this form of late-medieval menswear, and the main male character spends most of the book fantasizing about removing them (spoiler alert: he does). Though interspersed with the occasional "God's teeth" and "Nay, my lord", the dialogue is typically anachronistic and post-feminist, with most of the focus on saucy descriptions of improbably impressive medieval physiques and equally improbably tarty medieval womenswear. In the one (for this genre) unusual twist, the sheriff in the story is depicted as intelligent and kindly, while - more usually - the evil nemesis is named Laroche, an unsubtle rendering of his despicable nature. To be fair, readers of this sort of book generally are not looking for subtlety, and therein the author generously complies.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Natalie Tsang for TeensReadToo.com
Girls will laugh and swoon with RANSOM MY HEART. Princess Mia Thermopolis, heroine of Meg Cabot's THE PRINCESS DIARIES, pens a fun, flirty debut novel that's spiced with the occasional mishap.
Finnula Crais is out to catch a rich man. Why has Fair Finn switched from hunting game to hunting men? To help out her beloved sister, of course!
The family beauty, Mellana, has spent her entire dowry and needs Finn to capture and ransom some poor unsuspecting fool so she can marry the man of her dreams. As luck would have it, her prey is none other than the new local lord, Hugo Fitzstephen, a seasoned knight and womanizer who has just returned from the Crusades.
Inevitably, things begin to heat up as Finn uses herself as bait to lure Hugo. Her hostage is all too happy to find himself the center of attention of such a determined huntress.
I blushed and giggled my way through their mutual and often awkward physical attraction as it blossomed into a romantic but still comedic courtship. I really liked that there were quite a few rocks and some hard slogging to get to true love. There were moments when I envied Finn, but there were also times when I was so glad that I was not in her shoes.
While RANSOM MY HEART has its share of historical romance tropes - scheming teenage girls, corrupt bailiffs, mistaken identity, and disastrous miscommunication - readers will find these as familiar landmarks rather than repetitive scenery. Meg Cabot seems to have a lot of fun playing with our expectations and then subverting them.
Finn may be a seventeen-year-old tomboy, but even when head-over-heels in love, she knows better than to compromise herself or her family over some guy. Likewise, it's super-refreshing to have a hero and heroine who have lives and dreams outside of each other.
Readers, beware! There is a high chance of silly smiles, laugh-out-loud moments, and holding your breath as you frantically turn the pages. Five Stars!
Girls will laugh and swoon with RANSOM MY HEART. Princess Mia Thermopolis, heroine of Meg Cabot's THE PRINCESS DIARIES, pens a fun, flirty debut novel that's spiced with the occasional mishap.
Finnula Crais is out to catch a rich man. Why has Fair Finn switched from hunting game to hunting men? To help out her beloved sister, of course!
The family beauty, Mellana, has spent her entire dowry and needs Finn to capture and ransom some poor unsuspecting fool so she can marry the man of her dreams. As luck would have it, her prey is none other than the new local lord, Hugo Fitzstephen, a seasoned knight and womanizer who has just returned from the Crusades.
Inevitably, things begin to heat up as Finn uses herself as bait to lure Hugo. Her hostage is all too happy to find himself the center of attention of such a determined huntress.
I blushed and giggled my way through their mutual and often awkward physical attraction as it blossomed into a romantic but still comedic courtship. I really liked that there were quite a few rocks and some hard slogging to get to true love. There were moments when I envied Finn, but there were also times when I was so glad that I was not in her shoes.
While RANSOM MY HEART has its share of historical romance tropes - scheming teenage girls, corrupt bailiffs, mistaken identity, and disastrous miscommunication - readers will find these as familiar landmarks rather than repetitive scenery. Meg Cabot seems to have a lot of fun playing with our expectations and then subverting them.
Finn may be a seventeen-year-old tomboy, but even when head-over-heels in love, she knows better than to compromise herself or her family over some guy. Likewise, it's super-refreshing to have a hero and heroine who have lives and dreams outside of each other.
Readers, beware! There is a high chance of silly smiles, laugh-out-loud moments, and holding your breath as you frantically turn the pages. Five Stars!
March 27, 2009
Alright, once again I would like to know why movies have ratings but with books? You have to guess. Because this book makes you guess the rating WRONG.
Pros: It was a cute fun read. If you are in the mood for moderatly smutty, self indulgent, completely fluffy romance. Which as it happens I sometimes am. It's pretty funny.
Cons: Who in their right mind connects the Princess Diaries (which I'm only on book 4 of but I'm pretty sure I'd let a 12 year old read) with a book like this that is sooo much an adult novel. It's supposedly written by Princess Mia...which is a cute way to have a pen name...IF IN THE SAME AGE RANGE. If I were a Mom and bought this book for my kid I would be seriously pissed off. It doesn't look like a bodice ripper, either.
Also, seriously, it's one of those books that pretends to be historical, but makes the girl have all sorts of modern ideals and habits. Which is a bit cliche. And a pet peeve of mine. Medieval girls don't have to wear pants to be strong.
Pros: It was a cute fun read. If you are in the mood for moderatly smutty, self indulgent, completely fluffy romance. Which as it happens I sometimes am. It's pretty funny.
Cons: Who in their right mind connects the Princess Diaries (which I'm only on book 4 of but I'm pretty sure I'd let a 12 year old read) with a book like this that is sooo much an adult novel. It's supposedly written by Princess Mia...which is a cute way to have a pen name...IF IN THE SAME AGE RANGE. If I were a Mom and bought this book for my kid I would be seriously pissed off. It doesn't look like a bodice ripper, either.
Also, seriously, it's one of those books that pretends to be historical, but makes the girl have all sorts of modern ideals and habits. Which is a bit cliche. And a pet peeve of mine. Medieval girls don't have to wear pants to be strong.
September 15, 2009
So I have always been a big Meg Cabot fan, really I have, whether it was reading about Princess Mia's awkward adventures or some of her other fluffy, light-hearted romances. So I figured when I picked up a novel written by "Princess Mia" with the help of Meg Cabot I was in for a winner...however, this was not the case. The plot reminded me a lot of Roberson's Lady of the Forest but not quite as good. Maybe I have just been in one too many gender classes for my own good, but lots of bits were openly masochistic and repetative. Lastly, I don't mind smut, but at some points this was over done, not to mention used as a means of female control (over an otherwise strong female character)...especially for what the excerpt from the final "Diaries" book claimed was Mia's senior project for high school (ie. handing in to a teacher? That she thought of showing her crush Michael?). Decent plot and romance but it didn't hold up to some of her other work for me. I found myself reading to find out how it would get all wrapped up only to realize it could have ended halfway through to avoid a slew of un-needed plot additons.
October 3, 2024
4✨ 7/10 - Enjoyed from beginning to end
🇬🇧 This one was such a lovely and relaxing read and I even caught myself grinning and laughing like a little tween.
"Ransom My Heart" by Meg Cabot (yet supposedly written by Mia Thermopolis - the Princess of Genovia) is a historical romance that blends charm, adventure, and love. If your reason for picking it up is liking “The Princess Diaries” this is a rather different read in a writing suitable for far older audience. And if you did not even watch the TPD movie(s) you might still very much enjoy this one as it is a standalone book providing a complete and satisfying story in one go.
This adult fiction book is written in dual POV of the main characters, Finulla and Hugo, giving readers a full view of their thoughts and feelings.
Finulla is a rather stereotypical “not like the other girls” & “she doesn’t know she’s pretty” type of heroine. This could be found very annoying, but Cabot writes her so well that she feels real and believable. Finulla’s nature and lack of awareness about herself make her very endearing. Her character is relatable and easy to root for as we get glimpses of her past and get to know her, her motivation and desires. Hugo - witty, broad and all that, is a great match for Finulla. Their romance develops quickly, yet still creating a lot of tension. Despite the fast pace, their relationship feels natural and well-developed. The plot uses tropes like "false identity" and "holding someone for ransom." While some plot points are predictable, there are enough surprises to keep things interesting. When you suspect the book to be over you are met with new stuff to worry about and can play the game of guessing what’s going on again.
In conclusion, "Ransom My Heart" is a charming historical romance that is easy to read and hard to put down. I can only recommend it, especially as a late summer or an early autumn read with a pint of ale in hand.
🇸🇰 Tak toto bola veľmi príjená oddychovka, pri kotrej som sa neraz pristihla, ako sa chichocem ako pubertiačka.
“Vykúp moje srdce” od Meg Cabot (ale teda vraj od Mie Thermopolis - princeznej Ženovijskej) je historická romanca príjemne prepájajúca šarm, dobrodružstvo a lásku. Ak sa pre ňu rozhodujete kvoli tomu, že sa vám páčili Denníky Priceznej toto bude dosť odlišné čítanie pre o niečo starších čitateľov. A ak ste Denník(y) Princeznej ani len nevideli, túto knihu si môžete poriadne užit i osve, nakoľko sa jedná o samostatnú knihu, ktorá ponúka kompletný a uspokojivý príbeh v jednom chode.
Tento kúsok romantickej fikcie pre dospelých je písaný z dvoch uhlov pohľadu Finully a Huga a ponúka čitateľom plný obraz ich myšlienok a pocitov. Finulla je riadne stereotypická hrdinka typu “nie ako ostatné dievčatá” a “nevie, že je pekná”. Toto by mho byť riadne otravné, no Cabot ju píše naozaj bravúrne a uveriteľne. Finullina povaha a nedostatok vedomia o sebe samej ju utvárajú ako svojim spôsobom naozaj rozkošnú postavu. Do postavy Finully sa dá celkom ľahko vcítiť a začať jej fandiť, najmä potom ako máme postupne možnosť nahliadnúť do jej minulosti a spoznať je motiváciu a túžby v živote.
Hugo, so svojím umom, širokými plecami a všetkým ostatným je pre Finullu úplne perfektný. Ich románik sa rozvinie celkom rýchlo, no stále ponúka dosť napätia. Aj napriek celkom rýchlemu spádu pôsobí ich vzťah prirodzene a dobre vyvinuto.
V príbehu sú využité klišé ako falošná identita či únos pre peniaze. Zakiaľ sú niektoré body v deji ľahko predvídateľné, nájdu sa aj prekvapenia, ktoré udržiavajú príbeh naozaj zaujímavým. Keď už predpokladáte, že sa bude príbeh končiť, zrazu sa začnú diať nové veci, vďaka ktorým sa môžete odznovu obávať a hrať sa hru na hádanie, čo sakra sa to zasa deje.
V krátkosti je “Vykúp moje srdce” čarovnou historickou romancou, ktorá sa ľahko číta a ťažko odkladá. Môžem ju len odporúčať, predovšetkým ako neskoré letné či skoré jesenné čítanie s dobrým pivom v ruke.
🇬🇧 This one was such a lovely and relaxing read and I even caught myself grinning and laughing like a little tween.
"Ransom My Heart" by Meg Cabot (yet supposedly written by Mia Thermopolis - the Princess of Genovia) is a historical romance that blends charm, adventure, and love. If your reason for picking it up is liking “The Princess Diaries” this is a rather different read in a writing suitable for far older audience. And if you did not even watch the TPD movie(s) you might still very much enjoy this one as it is a standalone book providing a complete and satisfying story in one go.
This adult fiction book is written in dual POV of the main characters, Finulla and Hugo, giving readers a full view of their thoughts and feelings.
Finulla is a rather stereotypical “not like the other girls” & “she doesn’t know she’s pretty” type of heroine. This could be found very annoying, but Cabot writes her so well that she feels real and believable. Finulla’s nature and lack of awareness about herself make her very endearing. Her character is relatable and easy to root for as we get glimpses of her past and get to know her, her motivation and desires. Hugo - witty, broad and all that, is a great match for Finulla. Their romance develops quickly, yet still creating a lot of tension. Despite the fast pace, their relationship feels natural and well-developed. The plot uses tropes like "false identity" and "holding someone for ransom." While some plot points are predictable, there are enough surprises to keep things interesting. When you suspect the book to be over you are met with new stuff to worry about and can play the game of guessing what’s going on again.
In conclusion, "Ransom My Heart" is a charming historical romance that is easy to read and hard to put down. I can only recommend it, especially as a late summer or an early autumn read with a pint of ale in hand.
🇸🇰 Tak toto bola veľmi príjená oddychovka, pri kotrej som sa neraz pristihla, ako sa chichocem ako pubertiačka.
“Vykúp moje srdce” od Meg Cabot (ale teda vraj od Mie Thermopolis - princeznej Ženovijskej) je historická romanca príjemne prepájajúca šarm, dobrodružstvo a lásku. Ak sa pre ňu rozhodujete kvoli tomu, že sa vám páčili Denníky Priceznej toto bude dosť odlišné čítanie pre o niečo starších čitateľov. A ak ste Denník(y) Princeznej ani len nevideli, túto knihu si môžete poriadne užit i osve, nakoľko sa jedná o samostatnú knihu, ktorá ponúka kompletný a uspokojivý príbeh v jednom chode.
Tento kúsok romantickej fikcie pre dospelých je písaný z dvoch uhlov pohľadu Finully a Huga a ponúka čitateľom plný obraz ich myšlienok a pocitov. Finulla je riadne stereotypická hrdinka typu “nie ako ostatné dievčatá” a “nevie, že je pekná”. Toto by mho byť riadne otravné, no Cabot ju píše naozaj bravúrne a uveriteľne. Finullina povaha a nedostatok vedomia o sebe samej ju utvárajú ako svojim spôsobom naozaj rozkošnú postavu. Do postavy Finully sa dá celkom ľahko vcítiť a začať jej fandiť, najmä potom ako máme postupne možnosť nahliadnúť do jej minulosti a spoznať je motiváciu a túžby v živote.
Hugo, so svojím umom, širokými plecami a všetkým ostatným je pre Finullu úplne perfektný. Ich románik sa rozvinie celkom rýchlo, no stále ponúka dosť napätia. Aj napriek celkom rýchlemu spádu pôsobí ich vzťah prirodzene a dobre vyvinuto.
V príbehu sú využité klišé ako falošná identita či únos pre peniaze. Zakiaľ sú niektoré body v deji ľahko predvídateľné, nájdu sa aj prekvapenia, ktoré udržiavajú príbeh naozaj zaujímavým. Keď už predpokladáte, že sa bude príbeh končiť, zrazu sa začnú diať nové veci, vďaka ktorým sa môžete odznovu obávať a hrať sa hru na hádanie, čo sakra sa to zasa deje.
V krátkosti je “Vykúp moje srdce” čarovnou historickou romancou, ktorá sa ľahko číta a ťažko odkladá. Môžem ju len odporúčať, predovšetkým ako neskoré letné či skoré jesenné čítanie s dobrým pivom v ruke.
September 16, 2017
Meh. All I can think is that I liked the beginning and I liked how badass Finnula Crais was at the beginning. I liked her huntress skills and her leather trousers and her defiance but then along came her pregnant sister Mellana with a ridiculous plan to gain money. I swear I laughed my ass off at the ridiculousness of the whole kidnapping idea, I mean honestly that was just childish.
But ofcoarse the plan went along and Finnula kidnapped Hugo and I got pretty pissed because she started turning soft and coy around him. It was like she became another person entirely and Hugo was basically just a pot full of testosterone, that's all I can think of him. He rages like a baboon and feels clearly nothing but sexual desire for Finnula but she took it to mean true love?
The book should have ended earlier if you ask me but it went on for a hundred more useless pages and made sure that the "bad guy" was silenced for good and the happy couple could live happily ever after.
But ofcoarse the plan went along and Finnula kidnapped Hugo and I got pretty pissed because she started turning soft and coy around him. It was like she became another person entirely and Hugo was basically just a pot full of testosterone, that's all I can think of him. He rages like a baboon and feels clearly nothing but sexual desire for Finnula but she took it to mean true love?
The book should have ended earlier if you ask me but it went on for a hundred more useless pages and made sure that the "bad guy" was silenced for good and the happy couple could live happily ever after.
April 30, 2009
Finnula Crais is in a bit of a quandary. The year is 1291 and her older sister Mellana is pregnant by her lover, Jack Mallory, a troubadour who is dead broke. Mellan begs Finnula to help her and Finnula comes up with a plan. She will kidnap a rich man and use his ransom to pay Mellana’s dowry. Finnula has a low opinion of men in general. She thinks they are useless creatures. The reason she feels this way is because of her first unwanted marriage that ended with her old senile husband dying the night they became man and wife. Finnula is a bit of a tomboy who likes to wear leather braises (pants) and go hunting in the woods and capture game for the poor villagers so they can put food on their tables. If Finnula doesn't find a man to ransom, her older brother Robert will probably kill Jack.
Hugo Fitzstephen has finally returned home after ten years away in Jerusalem fighting in the crusades. He and his squire Peter are on their way to his home where he'll take over the title of Earl since his father, the Earl of Stephensgate, died while Hugo was away. Hugo always had a way with the ladies and longs for some female companionship. He may get his wish when he spies a beautiful young woman bathing naked in a spring. When she disappears into a waterfall, Hugo loses sight of her. The next thing he knows is that the young woman is holding a knife to his throat and makes him her prisoner. Hugo can overpower and escape from the beauty, but he goes along with her game since he is having so much fun.
Finnula has found a rich man to save her sister and her family's name. But she quickly realizes her error because the man she captures is just a poor knight home from the crusades. Hugo is not sure what to make of the sweet Finnula and cannot believe she is allowed to come and go as she pleases all alone and wearing braises instead of dresses. He will stay her hostage just so he can protect her and make sure she returns home all in one piece. Hugo tells Finnula some fibs so she doesn't catch on that he is an Earl. He wants to know more about Finnula without her acting differently towards him because of his title. Finnula is also not truthful to Hugo since her dead husband happened to be his father.
Eventually Finnula will figure out who Hugo is. And even though Finnula has a bad taste about marriage, which at first makes Hugo ill because the groom was his father, he will show Finnula that love and marriage is not such a bad thing, And since Hugo is so skilled in the bedroom, Finnula will be under siege because she is a bit of a lusty woman herself. She really enjoys Hugo’s kisses and making love to him. Hugo is willing to give Finnula is heart. He just hopes that she will want a lifetime with him as his wife.
Ransom my Heart was a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me laughing till the very last page. The dialogue was witty and the situations were laugh-out-loud hilarious. And Meg can sure write some steamy love scenes! Don't be surprised if you find Hugo and Finnula to be one of your favorite couples of the year. Their passion for each other knows no bounds, as well as their mutual love and respect for one another. These two really bring out the best in each other and it was so adorable to see the very independent Finnula fall in love. At times she may seem too innocent, but that is what makes her such an appealing character. She is both strong in body and sweet in her heart, and because of her nature, Hugo finds her to be the perfect woman for him.
Hugo is just as amazingly written as Finnula. At first glance, Hugo may seem to be a womanizer, but that is quickly pushed to the side because he only has eyes for Finnula. He is a very well rounded hero. I also thought it was very telling what type of person he is by how accepting he is of Finnula and her strange family. Each one of Finnula's sister's has very distinct personalities and her brother Robert, who is the patriarch of the family, is just as loving and kind as the rest of his siblings.
Ransom my Heart is everything I am looking for in a great book. There is a romance that will tug at your heart, fun characters, and the mystery of whether Hugo’s father was murdered and by whom. Don’t let Ransom my Heart pass you buy.
Hugo Fitzstephen has finally returned home after ten years away in Jerusalem fighting in the crusades. He and his squire Peter are on their way to his home where he'll take over the title of Earl since his father, the Earl of Stephensgate, died while Hugo was away. Hugo always had a way with the ladies and longs for some female companionship. He may get his wish when he spies a beautiful young woman bathing naked in a spring. When she disappears into a waterfall, Hugo loses sight of her. The next thing he knows is that the young woman is holding a knife to his throat and makes him her prisoner. Hugo can overpower and escape from the beauty, but he goes along with her game since he is having so much fun.
Finnula has found a rich man to save her sister and her family's name. But she quickly realizes her error because the man she captures is just a poor knight home from the crusades. Hugo is not sure what to make of the sweet Finnula and cannot believe she is allowed to come and go as she pleases all alone and wearing braises instead of dresses. He will stay her hostage just so he can protect her and make sure she returns home all in one piece. Hugo tells Finnula some fibs so she doesn't catch on that he is an Earl. He wants to know more about Finnula without her acting differently towards him because of his title. Finnula is also not truthful to Hugo since her dead husband happened to be his father.
Eventually Finnula will figure out who Hugo is. And even though Finnula has a bad taste about marriage, which at first makes Hugo ill because the groom was his father, he will show Finnula that love and marriage is not such a bad thing, And since Hugo is so skilled in the bedroom, Finnula will be under siege because she is a bit of a lusty woman herself. She really enjoys Hugo’s kisses and making love to him. Hugo is willing to give Finnula is heart. He just hopes that she will want a lifetime with him as his wife.
Ransom my Heart was a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me laughing till the very last page. The dialogue was witty and the situations were laugh-out-loud hilarious. And Meg can sure write some steamy love scenes! Don't be surprised if you find Hugo and Finnula to be one of your favorite couples of the year. Their passion for each other knows no bounds, as well as their mutual love and respect for one another. These two really bring out the best in each other and it was so adorable to see the very independent Finnula fall in love. At times she may seem too innocent, but that is what makes her such an appealing character. She is both strong in body and sweet in her heart, and because of her nature, Hugo finds her to be the perfect woman for him.
Hugo is just as amazingly written as Finnula. At first glance, Hugo may seem to be a womanizer, but that is quickly pushed to the side because he only has eyes for Finnula. He is a very well rounded hero. I also thought it was very telling what type of person he is by how accepting he is of Finnula and her strange family. Each one of Finnula's sister's has very distinct personalities and her brother Robert, who is the patriarch of the family, is just as loving and kind as the rest of his siblings.
Ransom my Heart is everything I am looking for in a great book. There is a romance that will tug at your heart, fun characters, and the mystery of whether Hugo’s father was murdered and by whom. Don’t let Ransom my Heart pass you buy.
August 5, 2020
2,5 stars
Curiosity is what made me pick up Ransom my Heart. After reading excerpts of Ransom My Heart in Ten Out of Ten, I wasn't expecting much from it. I expected a bodice ripper romance novel and that's exactly what I got, but I must say that I'm mildly surprised.
The heroine, Finnula Crais, is extremely likable. She's kind, fierce, brave and outspoken. She's good with a bow and arrow, has keen hunting instincts and she wears pants. On the other hand, the hero, Hugo Fitzstephen is extremely boring. He is a handsome womanizer with a knightly heart and he is not much else.
Ransom my Heart has some of my favourite romance tropes such as strangers/enemies-to-lovers, love interests being forced together due to the most absurd circumstances and fake dating (or in this case, fake marriage). However, I've read books that make better use of these tropes. There isn't much chemistry between Finnula and Hugo. From the moment Hugo meets Finnula, he's attracted to her, but that attraction is mostly sexual. All he cares about is getting Finnula into his bed. The sex scenes in Ransom my Heart are also pointless and does nothing to further the plot or develop the romantic relationship between the main characters.
I wasn't expecting much of a plot. The plot is predictable, but it is comical and enjoyable. However, the plot only really appears in the last half of Ransom My Heart and it's extremely clear who the antagonists are.
There are three aspects that stand out for me in Ransom My Heart:
1) The Crais family. Finnula's siblings have distinct personalities and I would have liked to see more of them.
2) I didn't expect Sheriff de Brissac to have a heart. I thought he was going to be an antagonist, but he's a genuine character and a hero.
3) Gros Louis is one awesome dog!
I wasn't really invested in Random My Heart nor was I emotionally attached to the characters or the events that took place.
"Being in love looked rather painful from what she observed." (Finnula Crais)
Curiosity is what made me pick up Ransom my Heart. After reading excerpts of Ransom My Heart in Ten Out of Ten, I wasn't expecting much from it. I expected a bodice ripper romance novel and that's exactly what I got, but I must say that I'm mildly surprised.
The heroine, Finnula Crais, is extremely likable. She's kind, fierce, brave and outspoken. She's good with a bow and arrow, has keen hunting instincts and she wears pants. On the other hand, the hero, Hugo Fitzstephen is extremely boring. He is a handsome womanizer with a knightly heart and he is not much else.
Ransom my Heart has some of my favourite romance tropes such as strangers/enemies-to-lovers, love interests being forced together due to the most absurd circumstances and fake dating (or in this case, fake marriage). However, I've read books that make better use of these tropes. There isn't much chemistry between Finnula and Hugo. From the moment Hugo meets Finnula, he's attracted to her, but that attraction is mostly sexual. All he cares about is getting Finnula into his bed. The sex scenes in Ransom my Heart are also pointless and does nothing to further the plot or develop the romantic relationship between the main characters.
I wasn't expecting much of a plot. The plot is predictable, but it is comical and enjoyable. However, the plot only really appears in the last half of Ransom My Heart and it's extremely clear who the antagonists are.
There are three aspects that stand out for me in Ransom My Heart:
1) The Crais family. Finnula's siblings have distinct personalities and I would have liked to see more of them.
2) I didn't expect Sheriff de Brissac to have a heart. I thought he was going to be an antagonist, but he's a genuine character and a hero.
3) Gros Louis is one awesome dog!
I wasn't really invested in Random My Heart nor was I emotionally attached to the characters or the events that took place.
July 17, 2020
A historical, fun filled romance. This book was "written" by Princess Mia (of course she had help by Meg Cabot)But unlike the Princess Diaries books, this book is NOT YA friendly.
Finnula or Finn as she is known, isn't your typical fair maiden. She would rather be hunting with her faithful compainon Gros Louis. Finn is known around her village and also neighboring ones for bringing meat and meals when needed. She has a kind heart and helps her fellow villgers. Her sister, Mellana, finds herself in trouble and begs her sister for help. Agreeing to help, Finn finds trouble and the handsome Hugo Fitzstephen.
Hugo Fitzstephen has been gone for 10 years fighting in the holy wars. He is just days from his home when he finds himself being held ransom by the beauitful Finn. Hugo soons finds that maybe being held ransom isn't such a bad thing after all.
If you like romance, you will love this book. It makes you laugh, fall in love and smile. Great book!
Finnula or Finn as she is known, isn't your typical fair maiden. She would rather be hunting with her faithful compainon Gros Louis. Finn is known around her village and also neighboring ones for bringing meat and meals when needed. She has a kind heart and helps her fellow villgers. Her sister, Mellana, finds herself in trouble and begs her sister for help. Agreeing to help, Finn finds trouble and the handsome Hugo Fitzstephen.
Hugo Fitzstephen has been gone for 10 years fighting in the holy wars. He is just days from his home when he finds himself being held ransom by the beauitful Finn. Hugo soons finds that maybe being held ransom isn't such a bad thing after all.
If you like romance, you will love this book. It makes you laugh, fall in love and smile. Great book!
February 21, 2015
Lame.
This time was a half hearted re-read. I forgot that I had ever read it in the first place.
The romance element was predictable with little to no real tension. I think Cabot intended to add freshness by creating a wildcat heroine who wants to wear braes instead of pants- annoying and stale. This taming of the shrew took 396 pages to be much ado about nothing.
This time was a half hearted re-read. I forgot that I had ever read it in the first place.
The romance element was predictable with little to no real tension. I think Cabot intended to add freshness by creating a wildcat heroine who wants to wear braes instead of pants- annoying and stale. This taming of the shrew took 396 pages to be much ado about nothing.
February 20, 2023
sorry mia
March 4, 2023
This is supposedly written by Mia Thermopolis, her royal highness Princess of Genovia, fictional character and protagonist from The Princess Diaries novels by Meg Cabot. Somewhere around the last book, Mia wrote a historical fiction novel and got it published. And this is said book.
I was helluva excited to read this when I first got it. I didn't care about the blurb. All it has to say was that 'Mia Thermopolis' wrote it and I was sold. Why? Because I enjoyed The Princess Diaries a lot when I was younger, so I was pretty biased. I hoped and thought it was going to be as exciting(at the very least), and I can very well say it wasn't. As much as I enjoy reading the majority of Meg Cabot's literary works, this book came across as bland, sad, and eye-roll inducing. It wasn't the sex scenes that had me disappointed (because all this while I've been reading PG works from Cabot). The story is the just like a Harlequin historical. But heck, even historical adult fiction can have interesting plots and characters that you won't find annoying. I think I just expected a bit too much.
Much wow. Such sex. So amaze. The sex scenes were there for?
Yeah, just to spice things up when the plotline flew into the commercial dumpster at someone's apartment building.
Like an actor whose accent constantly slips, the dialogue is just like so. It just doesn't seem to work very well when the Early Modern English isn't maintained:
"Go and fill your flask from yon waterfall,"
'Nay," Hugo growled. "She captured me by herself and in all fairness. I will honor her demand for ransom."
"Aye, but I thought 'twas water you were offering to me. Besides, this isn't ale. 'Tis dragon's milk. You bought it in London, I wager?"
I hadn't intended for this book to be so, sad. The situation is saddening. Sad that what I thought this book could be didn't turn out as amazing as some have said it would.It was all very predictable to begin with, I could say I knew it was coming. I couldn't and cannot hate this book. I can only shake my head in disappointment.
January 25, 2026
Wow there was so much happening in this book. I liked it more than I expected to, though!
May 16, 2020
I can't help it; I love this book and I read it again and again. It's set in England in the 1200s and it's historical romance at its very best... amusing, great characters, great dialogue, and I enjoyed the setting too. Finnula, known as the Fair Finn, is an accomplished archer with an interesting past, although she is still a maid living in her brother's house. Lord Hugo is coming back from the Crusades. This is such a fun book and I read it whenever I need something light and entertaining.
May 24, 2017
4 Stars for Finnula and Hugo
This book was wonderful.
For everyone asking what the book has to do with The Princess Diaries Series, it's the book Mia (the protagonist of 'The Princess Diaries') 'wrote' between the 9th and the 10th book of the series. Of course Meg Cabot is the real author here.
I normally don't read Historical Romances, but I really liked the short snippets of this story we got in Forever Princess and I thought that I should give it a go. I was not disappointed.
The novel sets in the Middle Ages and it was so authentic. The language, the names and the descriptions, just everything made me feel as if I really was in the Middle Ages with the characters. You can see that Meg put a lot of research into it.
Finnula is a very fierce young woman. Her hobby is hunting, she's brave, stubborn, outspoken and she prefers trousers over dresses. I really liked her, tho at times she was a little too stubborn.
Hugo is very handsome, cocky, arrogant and just as stubborn as Finnula. But he's also a pretty decent guy for a womanizer.
The romance between them both was very exciting. Tho it moved pretty fast, I never felt like it was unrealistic. We had so many tropes, but I loved them all. Being in love with each other, but not knowing that the other one loves them too, a shorter version of from enemies to lovers, bed sharing and fake marriage.
Unfortunately none of the side characters were developed as well as our two protagonist,which meant that I didn't really liked any of them, especially because the antagonists overshadowed the good/neutral characters.
Fun Fact: Finnula has a dog with the name 'Gros Louis' which is French for 'Fat Louie' (Princess Mia's cat).
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, since it mainly focuses on Hugo and Finnula alone and their romance. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but the romance was so swoonworthy that I didn't care. The second half of the book started out not bad, but still not as good as the first half. I was slightly disappointed. But luckily it got better as the story moved on. Meg reveals in the second half some secrets and more or less immediately creates more mysteries for us. I was on the edge of my seat trying to find out the truth.
Overall the book was a great read and I'm glad that I picked the book up.
This book was wonderful.
For everyone asking what the book has to do with The Princess Diaries Series, it's the book Mia (the protagonist of 'The Princess Diaries') 'wrote' between the 9th and the 10th book of the series. Of course Meg Cabot is the real author here.
I normally don't read Historical Romances, but I really liked the short snippets of this story we got in Forever Princess and I thought that I should give it a go. I was not disappointed.
The novel sets in the Middle Ages and it was so authentic. The language, the names and the descriptions, just everything made me feel as if I really was in the Middle Ages with the characters. You can see that Meg put a lot of research into it.
Finnula is a very fierce young woman. Her hobby is hunting, she's brave, stubborn, outspoken and she prefers trousers over dresses. I really liked her, tho at times she was a little too stubborn.
Hugo is very handsome, cocky, arrogant and just as stubborn as Finnula. But he's also a pretty decent guy for a womanizer.
The romance between them both was very exciting. Tho it moved pretty fast, I never felt like it was unrealistic. We had so many tropes, but I loved them all. Being in love with each other, but not knowing that the other one loves them too, a shorter version of from enemies to lovers, bed sharing and fake marriage.
Unfortunately none of the side characters were developed as well as our two protagonist,which meant that I didn't really liked any of them, especially because the antagonists overshadowed the good/neutral characters.
Fun Fact: Finnula has a dog with the name 'Gros Louis' which is French for 'Fat Louie' (Princess Mia's cat).
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, since it mainly focuses on Hugo and Finnula alone and their romance. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but the romance was so swoonworthy that I didn't care. The second half of the book started out not bad, but still not as good as the first half. I was slightly disappointed. But luckily it got better as the story moved on. Meg reveals in the second half some secrets and more or less immediately creates more mysteries for us. I was on the edge of my seat trying to find out the truth.
Overall the book was a great read and I'm glad that I picked the book up.
August 30, 2015
This was quite an interesting book, a little different from those Princess Diaries that I’ve recently read, with Princess Mia talking and writing on her journal. This time, Ransom My Heart was being narrated by a third person and it was done OK.
Ransom My Heart is about Fair Finn, the youngest among seven siblings, the boyish among the brood. Finnula Crais was born into a really big family but her parents soon passed away. At least, however, she had an older brother who was old enough to raise the rest of the family.
Most of her sisters were married or were planning to have a family, meaning they wanted to have more children. But most of them didn’t have enough money, like Mellana, who was somewhat dim-witted. She begged Finnula to hold ransom on a guy. Finnula, the ever reliable and compassionate sister, soon captured a guy named Hugo Fitzstephen and held him ransom. But instead of holding him captive, she started to fall in love with him. Which was bad because that wasn’t supposed to happen.
Sooner in the story, Finnula and Hugo learned things about each other, good things and shocking news that they can’t fully take all in. Finn, Hugo discovered, was very different from any typical girl, although she looked every bit a girl and had all the skill to be a girl. The only thing that was special about Finn was that she was great with the bow and arrows. Her aim was always perfect and she never missed.
I actually liked the ending of the story, it had me smiling until I went to bed. Of course, this was a Meg Cabot book, so I really had fun reading it, even though this isn’t YA. Ransom My Heart is more mature, more family oriented, more risky and deadly.
Princess Mia and Finnula are two very different ladies, but they had one thing in common. They were both extremely amusing!
Ransom My Heart is about Fair Finn, the youngest among seven siblings, the boyish among the brood. Finnula Crais was born into a really big family but her parents soon passed away. At least, however, she had an older brother who was old enough to raise the rest of the family.
Most of her sisters were married or were planning to have a family, meaning they wanted to have more children. But most of them didn’t have enough money, like Mellana, who was somewhat dim-witted. She begged Finnula to hold ransom on a guy. Finnula, the ever reliable and compassionate sister, soon captured a guy named Hugo Fitzstephen and held him ransom. But instead of holding him captive, she started to fall in love with him. Which was bad because that wasn’t supposed to happen.
Sooner in the story, Finnula and Hugo learned things about each other, good things and shocking news that they can’t fully take all in. Finn, Hugo discovered, was very different from any typical girl, although she looked every bit a girl and had all the skill to be a girl. The only thing that was special about Finn was that she was great with the bow and arrows. Her aim was always perfect and she never missed.
I actually liked the ending of the story, it had me smiling until I went to bed. Of course, this was a Meg Cabot book, so I really had fun reading it, even though this isn’t YA. Ransom My Heart is more mature, more family oriented, more risky and deadly.
Princess Mia and Finnula are two very different ladies, but they had one thing in common. They were both extremely amusing!
October 19, 2009
Care for lusty reading to wild-up your imagination? Ransom My Heart is definitely book for you... Hehehe.. Well, as a beginner for adult-romance novel reader. There's a lot of questions that pop in my head. Such as, is it all sexual intercourse and sexual thoughts in this particular genre always been the main purpose for all the plot-line of the story? Or is it all that stuff are the main purpose for created this genre?
I mean, two main characters in this book are TOTALLY sexual driven person. All attractions are based on a very physical reason... or well, sexual reason. Well described the size of breast, thighs, chest and of course, anything between those male thighs. Yep.
Despite all those facts, the story is pretty much enjoyable with easy-to-like female protagonist. The thing that bothered me there's too many pointless sexual intercourse. It seems the male protagonist can't hardly wait to get into her pants. I don't really mind if the purpose of sex scenes is for spice-up the story, but these sex scenes became the plot-line too. Which is pretty sucks to read! They're mostly fondled (having sex) anytime they want. In the wood, in the night-inn and of course, horse stable. I think, the story is pretty much promising if Meg Cabot eliminated a couples (pointless) sexual intercourse.
FYI, because of Meg Cabot's popularity as the teen-author of Princess's Diaries series. Some of bookstore made a mistake to put this book on teen-lit shelf. Which this book is definitely-NOT-teen literature. Hopefully, parents more carefully not to pick this book as light-reading for their kids...hehe.
I mean, two main characters in this book are TOTALLY sexual driven person. All attractions are based on a very physical reason... or well, sexual reason. Well described the size of breast, thighs, chest and of course, anything between those male thighs. Yep.
Despite all those facts, the story is pretty much enjoyable with easy-to-like female protagonist. The thing that bothered me there's too many pointless sexual intercourse. It seems the male protagonist can't hardly wait to get into her pants. I don't really mind if the purpose of sex scenes is for spice-up the story, but these sex scenes became the plot-line too. Which is pretty sucks to read! They're mostly fondled (having sex) anytime they want. In the wood, in the night-inn and of course, horse stable. I think, the story is pretty much promising if Meg Cabot eliminated a couples (pointless) sexual intercourse.
FYI, because of Meg Cabot's popularity as the teen-author of Princess's Diaries series. Some of bookstore made a mistake to put this book on teen-lit shelf. Which this book is definitely-NOT-teen literature. Hopefully, parents more carefully not to pick this book as light-reading for their kids...hehe.
July 5, 2011
Trashy, smutty, silly and ridiculous. It was a harlequin romance wanna-be but with more slutty behavior and less "good" prose. Pretty terrible all around. I shouldn't have trusted the blurb on the back of the book! That part lasted all of a few pages before it turned into nearly a rape book, then a "I'll just give myself over completely to wanton behavior" book. And for there, the plummet of badness continued, and worsened too. I can't even begin to comment on how bad the prose was, but I will say that I was pretty much sick of all the physical descriptions of the characters on every other page (right before the almost rape/smut parts). How many times do we have to hear that Finnula has a lovely backside, or that Hugo is extremely "well-endowed"? That Finnula has long beautiful red hair and Hugo has well-muscled calves??? And the freaking word "winsome"???? Meg Cabot (or Meg Cabot's editor), invest in a thesaurus.
I completely hated Finn's personality change—going from a 17 year-old virgin who doesn't care for men romantically because none of them can match her intellectually, let alone because she was the "best shot in Shropshire" to a whore who wants to become "womanly" for her new husband. And as for the back of the book making reference to the two of them having secrets of their own—come on. Thinly veiled, one-sided and ultimately ridiculous—it seemed it was just more false advertising to sell a crappy book.
I think I'm done with anything Meg Cabot.
The only good thing I can say about this book is that I'm happy the proceeds went to Greenpeace.
I completely hated Finn's personality change—going from a 17 year-old virgin who doesn't care for men romantically because none of them can match her intellectually, let alone because she was the "best shot in Shropshire" to a whore who wants to become "womanly" for her new husband. And as for the back of the book making reference to the two of them having secrets of their own—come on. Thinly veiled, one-sided and ultimately ridiculous—it seemed it was just more false advertising to sell a crappy book.
I think I'm done with anything Meg Cabot.
The only good thing I can say about this book is that I'm happy the proceeds went to Greenpeace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2013
Loved this book!! This is filled with action, love and betrayal. 17 yr old Finnula needs money for her sisters dowry, but unfortuanetly chooses Hugo Fitstephen a knight coming back from the crusades, and holds him hostage.
She was very unfortunate to have picked him. He was a Medieval sex addict who apparently 'only stayed to keep her safe along the road', but really wanted to take her virginity. He did love her however, but that is no excuse for having sex with her four times in one day. Please, give the poor girl a break!
When he finnaly 'satisfied' himself with Finnula, he was then again, unsatisfied at the same time. Yo! When Hugo wants to marry Finnula she goes all 'oh I don't know'. (Although she was going to marry his father, but thats a diffeent story.) Well a bit too late for having second thoughts. When she refuses to see him, he barges through her bedroom door and has his way with her again.
When they are married she is unhappy, and wants to annul it by not letting Hugo have his way with her on their wedding night (again). But wait, didnt they already to that 3 times that day. Nice try Finnula.
Over all, I actually did enjoy this book, but I thought that Hugo wasn't written very well. The story line was great, it always kept me guessing. Which is what I enjoy in a book. It had me gripped from the start.
She was very unfortunate to have picked him. He was a Medieval sex addict who apparently 'only stayed to keep her safe along the road', but really wanted to take her virginity. He did love her however, but that is no excuse for having sex with her four times in one day. Please, give the poor girl a break!
When he finnaly 'satisfied' himself with Finnula, he was then again, unsatisfied at the same time. Yo! When Hugo wants to marry Finnula she goes all 'oh I don't know'. (Although she was going to marry his father, but thats a diffeent story.) Well a bit too late for having second thoughts. When she refuses to see him, he barges through her bedroom door and has his way with her again.
When they are married she is unhappy, and wants to annul it by not letting Hugo have his way with her on their wedding night (again). But wait, didnt they already to that 3 times that day. Nice try Finnula.
Over all, I actually did enjoy this book, but I thought that Hugo wasn't written very well. The story line was great, it always kept me guessing. Which is what I enjoy in a book. It had me gripped from the start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2019
2.5 stars I think.
I did not care for Hugo at all (I thought he was kind of a tool) and the book seemed to be longer than it needed to be. I didn’t think the character of Jamie served much purpose.
Finnula was an interesting, if anachronistic, character. This is supposed to have been written by Mia Thermopolis, which is cool, and the story has some of Mia’s humor in it. I liked Finnula’s family, especially her overprotective brother.
I did not care for Hugo at all (I thought he was kind of a tool) and the book seemed to be longer than it needed to be. I didn’t think the character of Jamie served much purpose.
Finnula was an interesting, if anachronistic, character. This is supposed to have been written by Mia Thermopolis, which is cool, and the story has some of Mia’s humor in it. I liked Finnula’s family, especially her overprotective brother.
February 14, 2012
hadiah dari secret santa #BBI
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Review on Blog
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Review on Blog
February 27, 2019
This was rough to read. I love Meg Cabot, but this was not great. I see what she was going for, seeing as it's Princess Mia's first novel, but I didn't enjoy it much. Surprisingly, there were too many twists and turns for a romance novel. On the plus side, it was very easy to get through.
June 9, 2019
Historical romance just isn't my jam, but Princess Mia wrote this novel for her senior class project! So of course I had to read it. Overall, a B-minus (but A+ for the mention of the heroine's loyal dog, Gros Louis.)
September 18, 2020
Always a great read! If you just want a nice, funny, Historical Adult Romance, then this novel is a guaranteed win. Meg Cabot seems to shine in every genre she writes in.
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