Category: Movie / Story Retelling

Kiss Me, Kitty by Shana Galen – A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

On By TracyIn Anthology, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Movie / Story Retelling, Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance AnthologyA Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance Anthology by Shana Galen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

Release Date: February 14, 2025

NOTE: I only read Shana Galen’s contribution “Kiss Me, Kitty”, so my general rating of 4.5 stars for the book is based on that story.

When Edmund Peters learns that his family’s neighbor, the Viscount Featherswallow is trying to marry off his eldest daughter, Miss Katherine “Kitty” Featherswallow, he rushes to London to stake his claim before she is betrothed to another. Edmund has loved Kitty for years, but it never seemed like the right time to tell her, but now that her father has decided that she must marry before her younger sister, he knows he has to speak up or risk losing her. And knowing Kitty as he does, he knows he has his work cut out for him, but he also knows she is worth the effort.

With her younger sister Bianca, being endangered by fortune hunters, their sends her to the country and makes it known that Bianca cannot wed until Kitty is married. Bianca and Kitty are as different as night and day, Bianca is petite, soft-spoken and kind, Kitty is not, she is tall, voluptuous and aggressive. Most men are terrified of her and she is fine with that, but when Edmund arrives and makes it clear that he wants to marry her, it terrifies her. And despite her feelings for him, she doesn’t believe that he could really love her. Will she take a chance or will she let her fears ruin her chance for true love?

This was a very cute short story twist on the “Taming of the Shrew” is part of the “A Duke by Any Other Name” Anthology. Kitty and Edmund have been friends for most of their lives and it is clear that their relationship was established long before this story begins, so despite being a short story, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. This story is tied to the Twenty-One days with the Lyon novella and if you are reading both, I would recommend reading that book first. Overall, this was a cute story that was a quick, fun read and one I would be happy to recommend.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Queen Takes Hook by Kirsten S. Blacketer

On By TracyIn Fairytale Retelling, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Movie / Story Retelling, Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Queen Takes Hook (Pirates and Persuasion Book 1)Queen Takes Hook by Kirsten S. Blacketer

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Pirates and Persuasion, #1

Release Date: April 23, 2024

When Princess Celeste of Nevarro learns of her father’s death, she is heartbroken and a bit suspicious of her Uncle’s story. She tries to ignore her instincts and be supportive of her sister Caroline, who will now be Queen. But when she overhears her Uncle plotting to kill her and her sister, she knows she can’t fight him alone and only knows of one man who can help her. The notorious Captain James Hook, a pirate with no allegiances and even fewer morals. She strikes a deal with Hook – but is certain she can’t trust him and has another plan just in case. The problem is, she never anticipated being attracted to the scoundrel or falling in love.

Captain James Hook’s luck seems to have deserted him, he lost his ship the Jolly Roger, ticked off his father Admiral Tiberius Hook, and lost his hand to a crocodile. He is drowning his sorrows in a tavern in Port Royale when the last person he ever expected to see approaches him and requests his help offering a treasure that would set any pirate’s heart aflutter. Princess Celeste is not what he expected, not only is she beautiful, but she is clever and devious to boot! With a bounty on her head and his father demanding he turn her in, James will have to play this just right to get the treasure really he wants.

I absolutely loved this book; it is a fun and sexy read with a twist that turns the villainous Captain Hook into a dark anti-hero. The book is non-stop action from the first page and delighted this reader with steamy love scenes, witty banter, a heroine who can save herself, betrayal, treason, shocking revelations, more betrayal, hard choices and finally a well-deserved HEA complete with the promise of more adventures to come! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an anti-hero or storybook retellings or steamy romances –read it, you won’t be disappointed!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *