Princess Fuzzypants here: I don’t read a lot of romances but with a black kitty on the cover, I was willing to give it a try. I am glad I did. Whilst the title and the cover might make you think there is some paranormal aspect, it is just a fresh look at the Cinderella story set in Georgian England. Adelaide lives with her half brother and his family. To say she is mistreated would be an understatement. The best she can expect from them is negligence.and dismissal. The worst is cruelty and malicious intent. When her beloved cat Tabby is catnapped, she stumbles over a stranger- literally- who is there to meet her niece, a spoiled nasty piece of work.

Meet her he does and he is not impressed but as he gets to know Adelaide, the two discover they have much in common and she helps him avoid a trap the niece has set to ensure her betrothal to him. Adelaide rescues him from the clutches of her niece and he rescues Adelaide from her family. Little did they know, when they first made plans, but Adelaide’s fortunes had changed for the good. The reader might be forgiven for wondering which one is the real “”Prince Charming””. Well matched and likely to make each other very happy after a serious of trials and tribulations, it would be hard not to cheer them on.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Five purrs and two paws up. .

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. this is a really good mystery very well written with great characters I highly recommend for all mystery lovers.

Thank you Netgalley and The Wild Rose Press for access to this arc.

It was the cat who caught my eye. Yes, I will at least read the blurb of a book with a cat on the cover. I wish that there had actually been a little magic in the story but when I discovered it’s a Georgian era romance, I was delighted for the chance to read it. At this point, I believe this will be the last A grade book to make it to my Best of list for 2022.

As I got further into the story, it began to remind me more of the Fawcette Crest books of old that I used to read in the 70s. There are no secret societies of women, Adelaide doesn’t long to be a scientist, Gervase doesn’t act as a spy for the Home Office, both are quite willing to enter into a marriage without falling in love first, and there is no sex on page. Okay all that has probably dulled a lot of people’s interest but I loved that I could sink into this book and feel like it was an old friend.

It is a book of manners which pays close attention to how people acted, dressed, interacted, were placed in society, and of the things expected of them in the positions they held. Most of the main characters are aristocracy and by gum they act as if they are. Certain things were done in certain ways. But they also had noblesse oblige and were supposed to treat those who worked for them with consideration. Good landlords cared about their tenants and ensured that their servants were also taken care of. As Adelaide moves out into the world, she realizes how badly run her brother’s household is and how much she enjoys properly taking care of hers.

The romance is a slow, delicious burn. Gervase treats Adelaide well from the moment he meets her because that is what a well mannered gentleman does. He is baffled by the way her family disdains her – as are the other guests who are invited to the estate party. Adelaide is amazed to be accepted by her peers as an equal in a way her family never accorded her. Watching her begin to flower into her own was wonderful. Seeing Gervase take her concerns seriously and act quickly made me cheer. As they begin to work together, they talk and reveal more of themselves to the other – far more than most new acquaintances would normally do – but the circumstances demanded it and made sense to me. They discover a mutual love of country living and estate management. No, they’re not saving England but I also didn’t roll my eyes – over plot improbabilities – until they hurt .


So fair warning to readers, this is a minuet of a story. It is stately, mannered, and much is performed before the critical eyes of Society. Sparks don’t immediately strike between the heroine and hero and they control many of their interactions, with each other and with Society, carefully – Gervase because he doesn’t want to accidentally commit himself to an engagement and Adelaide because of the way her family has always treated her. The way Society viewed one mattered and one’s actions could reverberate positively or negatively on one’s family. I know it will probably not be to the tastes of readers looking for a more “modern” historical but for those wanting something else, it might just fit your bill perfectly. A-

I really don't have many negative things to say about this book. It got a bit long winded, and I wish there was a bit more centered in magic and whimsey but not a bad read at all. I enjoyed the resiliency of the fmc. She never appeared weak even though her family was absolutely terrible to her. She proved to be cunning, witty, and found strength within herself before the tale ended. This was really her story to win or loose. With historical romances it is common to see the mmc as the strong, wealthy, bodice ripping, alpha hero. I certainly cant accuse Gervais of being most of those things. He was also cunning, and witty, he could easily have been a villain in different circumstances with his ability to sneak and manipulate, but those characteristics served as a benefit to the fmc and her escape from her dreadful existence. I think the real hero in this novel is Tate, in my opinion he saved them both and I applaud his character. This was a very traditional romance, the author captured the emotions of the characters falling in love so sweetly. Don't expect any steam to tarnish the beauty of this sweet story. Which is really fine for all ages. So cozy up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate and engross yourself in to this long past time.
Story:4 out of 5 stars
Spice: 0 out of 5 peppers

This is a good book to read. Action, magic, romance and intrigue. Interesting storyline with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the page.

Jane Austen meets Cinderella in a finely crafted Victorial tale of annoying stepmother, two equally annoying stepdaughters, the intelligent and enlightened half sister, and the complex confounds in snagging a husband and pushing aside the competition. Great fun and, yes, a happy ending for those that deserve it!