Maiden in the Tower by Heidi Kimball

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages: 92
Series: Forever After Retelling #5
Genre: Historical Romance, Retelling
Published: April 8, 2019
Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis:

He’s the first man she’s ever met. She’s the exact opposite of the woman he’s supposed to marry.

Lisette Hunt has been hidden away her entire life, with nothing but a large window up in the cottage turret to give her a glimpse of the outside world. Until Gerry Worthington stumbles into her garden in search of his runaway dog. 

As a second son, Gerry has never seen the need to take life too seriously. Less than pleased with his frivolity, his mother orders him to marry a woman of means and banishes him to his family’s small, rundown estate. Unfortunately, innocent and penniless Lisette is the very opposite of what he needs.

But Gerry cannot resist the mystery surrounding Lisette, and soon he can no longer resist Lisette and her endearing peculiarity. As Gerry slowly opens Lisette’s eyes to a larger world, she begins to open her heart to him. However, when Gerry uncovers the truth about who Lisette really is, it may cost them a chance at happiness together.

Review:

Gerry comes across a cottage on his land and meets a mysterious woman. Lisette has only known the cottage and Dorthea all her life. Of course, there is their benefactress Lady Garrick who said if Lisette ever left she would leave them penniless. Gerry is trying to figure out who Lisette’s benefactress is and why she didn’t want Lisette to leave.

This is a quick read. I started to get a little bored towards the end, but I think that has more to do with the fact I’m starting to get burnt out of my historical romance mood.

A Beautiful Love by Megan Walker

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages: 116
Series: Forever After Retelling #4
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency, Retelling
Published: March 20, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis:

Preston Blake had it all—wealth, a picturesque estate, and a growing affection with his childhood best friend Caroline Avery—until an unfortunate accident leaves him badly scarred in more ways than one. Isolated by the cruel eyes of society, Preston’s only wish is to find where he now belongs.

Caroline Avery is recently out in society, and thanks to Preston Blake’s broken promises, finds herself being chased by a determined earl instead of courted by her best friend. When, after a year’s absence, Preston finally accepts an invitation to visit her family’s estate, Caroline is determined to feign indifference to his company.

But being back together proves more challenging than either friend conceived. Caroline longs to return to the past, but Preston cannot let go of his fears. How could they possibly have a future together?

Review:

I don’t think I have read an Ugly Duckling retelling before. I thought this was done beautifully. While we don’t get a complete transformation at the end it is beautiful. It almost has a Beauty and the Beast hint I feel like. Because it was more about the heart and not the outward appearance.

This was also almost a second chance. The couple wasn’t officially together before Preston’s accident, but he is also trying to figure out if he is right for Caroline. Either way, they were cute together.