Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
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The Dreaming Beauty
(Standalone follow-up to The Masked Baron)
By Anneka R. Walker
Historical Romance, Retelling, Fairy Tale
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, Pages
July 11, 2022 by Covenant Communications
Summary
Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love . . .
Tansy White doesn’t want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts’ suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.
Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother’s estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she wakes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their pasts, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams . . . or their fate?
My Review
THE DREAMING BEAUTY is a Regency romance twist on Sleeping Beauty. There are several endearing characters found in the heroine's aunts as well as a hero and a damsel in distress. An overall light, quick and sweet read.
There were some fun characters in this story. I liked Marcus from the start, although his personality was inconsistent once he is back home compared to how he is introduced in the opening chapter and I kind of wanted to see that intelligent, confident man back. He does eventually appear again, thank goodness. Tansy was a sweet girl. I wanted more personality from her as she felt a bit flat. The aunts were a riot and a good mix of personalities. The setting was enjoyable and there were a lot of fun nods to the fairy tale throughout the story. There was quite a bit of drama and back and forth towards the end but then everything concludes sweetly. Marcus was still my favorite character and I always seeing characters find happiness.
I have loved other books by this author, but it seems this series doesn't quite work for me. She almost feels like a different writer and the characters and plot feels more flat to me. I have to suspend belief a lot because the actions of the characters, particularly for the time period, don't make sense. This one was equal parts enjoyment as it was me wanting to roll my eyes at the characters and drama, and scoff at the absurdity of certain things. I also think I would have liked it better with no references to the first book as that aspect didn't really add to the story and felt a forced in.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a sweet story with a good mix of characters. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea but others might enjoy it, especially if they're looking for something light and sweet.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. Also purchased my own copy. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
(Linked to my review.)
About the Author
Connect with Anneka by visiting annekawalker.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Schedule
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Tour-Wide Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, The Dreaming Beauty, signed book plate, matching bookmark, stickers, and button!
Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight August 15, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 22, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
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Are you a fan of fairy tale retellings? Have you or will you be reading this one?
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