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shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Annabelle Quinn is an orphan who was raised within the confines of a girl's academy in Yorkshire. While she dreams of great adventure, she knows her life will remain at the academy. But when an unexpected visitor offers the opportunity for Annabelle to become the governess to an young Nicholas Duke of Kevern, who's lost his parents, she does what she must to ensure she has a chance at the position.
Annabelle takes on her roll as governess with a fortitude that is commendable. She manages to get rid of the horrible Mr. Bunting who believes in ruling the schoolroom with an iron fist and boring lectures and wrangle the Nicholas' uncle, Lord Simon Westbury, into making attempts to connect with the boy. But she also manages to ruffle feathers, not only within the Westbury / Kevern household but also those she wasn't even aware she was ruffling.
Annabelle was a character that, despite of her upbringing (or maybe because of it) was able to take enjoyment in the things other might take for granted. Everything was an adventure to her and she made it a joy for others to enjoy whatever activity she was in participating in. She was also someone who knew what it would take to make a little boy fell loved again. Everything Annabelle did was to ensure Nicholas knew he was loved and always would be.
Simon was a little bit harder connect with. He was cold and hardened by the betrayal of his brother and sister-in-law. He let that coldness he felt for them bleed over into his dealings with his nephew. His lack of sympathy for the little boy was what made it hard to have any kind hope that he would turn into the type of man Annabelle needed. However, once Simon let go of the past and the animosity he held towards two people who where no longer around, he did change into a person that was more likable.
This was a unique and entertaining spin on Cinderella. While we didn't see a lot of the "evil stepmother and step sisters" it was clear who Annabelle's Fairy Godmother was. It will be interesting to see who she slips those jewel encrusted slippers on next.
Annabelle takes on her roll as governess with a fortitude that is commendable. She manages to get rid of the horrible Mr. Bunting who believes in ruling the schoolroom with an iron fist and boring lectures and wrangle the Nicholas' uncle, Lord Simon Westbury, into making attempts to connect with the boy. But she also manages to ruffle feathers, not only within the Westbury / Kevern household but also those she wasn't even aware she was ruffling.
Annabelle was a character that, despite of her upbringing (or maybe because of it) was able to take enjoyment in the things other might take for granted. Everything was an adventure to her and she made it a joy for others to enjoy whatever activity she was in participating in. She was also someone who knew what it would take to make a little boy fell loved again. Everything Annabelle did was to ensure Nicholas knew he was loved and always would be.
Simon was a little bit harder connect with. He was cold and hardened by the betrayal of his brother and sister-in-law. He let that coldness he felt for them bleed over into his dealings with his nephew. His lack of sympathy for the little boy was what made it hard to have any kind hope that he would turn into the type of man Annabelle needed. However, once Simon let go of the past and the animosity he held towards two people who where no longer around, he did change into a person that was more likable.
This was a unique and entertaining spin on Cinderella. While we didn't see a lot of the "evil stepmother and step sisters" it was clear who Annabelle's Fairy Godmother was. It will be interesting to see who she slips those jewel encrusted slippers on next.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
2.0
If the Slipper Fits
2 Stars
Orphaned at birth, Annabelle Quinn was raised in a school for young ladies. Given the opportunity to take a position as governess to a young duke, Annabelle seizes the chance and finds herself in Cornwall matching wits with the duke’s uncle and guardian, Lord Simon Westerly. Simon has no idea how to handle the vivacious addition to his staff, but is determined to have her one way or the other. Unfortunately, someone has other plans for Annabelle…
Fairytale retellings can be entertaining, but this one falls short.
Neither Annabelle nor Simon are particularly likable characters. Annabelle’s resourcefulness borders on the manipulative and the conniving while Simon’s stoicism is more dispassionate indifference than enigmatic alpha. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the chemistry between the couple is virtually non-existent and the love scenes are more mechanical than sensual.
Both the minor mystery plot and the fairytale elements are underdeveloped. The villain is obvious from the start and the surprising revelation at the end lacks foundation and makes no sense historically speaking. The fairytale aspects consist of vague references to the Cinderella tale, which are more window-dressing than substantial content.
Drake’s writing style is also problematic with excessive descriptions of a variety of irrelevant elements, such as Druidic rituals and Cornish superstitions that play little to no role in the story.
All in all, a disappointing read and this will probably be my first and only Olivia Drake book.
2 Stars
Orphaned at birth, Annabelle Quinn was raised in a school for young ladies. Given the opportunity to take a position as governess to a young duke, Annabelle seizes the chance and finds herself in Cornwall matching wits with the duke’s uncle and guardian, Lord Simon Westerly. Simon has no idea how to handle the vivacious addition to his staff, but is determined to have her one way or the other. Unfortunately, someone has other plans for Annabelle…
Fairytale retellings can be entertaining, but this one falls short.
Neither Annabelle nor Simon are particularly likable characters. Annabelle’s resourcefulness borders on the manipulative and the conniving while Simon’s stoicism is more dispassionate indifference than enigmatic alpha. This is further exacerbated by the fact that the chemistry between the couple is virtually non-existent and the love scenes are more mechanical than sensual.
Both the minor mystery plot and the fairytale elements are underdeveloped. The villain is obvious from the start and the surprising revelation at the end lacks foundation and makes no sense historically speaking. The fairytale aspects consist of vague references to the Cinderella tale, which are more window-dressing than substantial content.
Drake’s writing style is also problematic with excessive descriptions of a variety of irrelevant elements, such as Druidic rituals and Cornish superstitions that play little to no role in the story.
All in all, a disappointing read and this will probably be my first and only Olivia Drake book.
geo_ix's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this. The last 10% of the book seemed to be a little rushed to me. We find out the killer, who her parents were and see their future in the epilogue and it just felt like it all happened so fast you couldn't enjoy it all properly.
I wouldn't call it a Cinderella retelling because it's not, more like it has elements and scenes inspired by the story. In fact, they mention Cinderella many times throughout. I didn't quite understand the shoes and borrowing them, and I thought the lady who hired her was weird as shit and it didn't quite make sense to me when she said why she set it all up etc. I would have thrown her out for all the info she DIDNT give but sure.
Loved Nicholas and wish there was more of him, the rest of the story was a little obvious but I was surprised at times, enough for it to not be super cliche and silly.
I wouldn't call it a Cinderella retelling because it's not, more like it has elements and scenes inspired by the story. In fact, they mention Cinderella many times throughout. I didn't quite understand the shoes and borrowing them, and I thought the lady who hired her was weird as shit and it didn't quite make sense to me when she said why she set it all up etc. I would have thrown her out for all the info she DIDNT give but sure.
Loved Nicholas and wish there was more of him, the rest of the story was a little obvious but I was surprised at times, enough for it to not be super cliche and silly.
maryhartleys's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
witandsin's review against another edition
4.0
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
All Annabelle Quinn wants is to see the world outside the girls’ school where she was raised. A stroke of luck lands her the position of governess to an orphaned duke. But while Annabelle finds herself instantly attached to her new charge, it’s the duke’s guardian who piques Annabelle’s interest. Lord Simon Westbury is a mass of contradictions. He’s gruff, distant and seemingly uncaring, but he can also be tender when Annabelle least expects it. The attraction that pulls them together is unexpected, but then again, if Cinderella could capture the heart of a prince, perhaps Annabelle can win the love of a dark and brooding lord.
Cinderella meets Jane Eyre in the charming romance IF THE SLIPPER FITS. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book in the CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD series and the tone set by author Olivia made me eager to read the second book.
Annabelle is a feisty heroine with a big heart and a quick mind. It’s easy to see how she charms Simon, even though he definitely does not want to be charmed. Simon was a bit tougher to get a true feeling for, as we don’t see as much of his thoughts as we do of Annabelle’s. Still, his passion for antiquities and the care he shows those he loves – once he learns how to show it – endeared him to me.
A dash of danger and a dash of fairytale in the form of a very special pair of shoes add to the romance plot, filling out IF THE SLIPPER FITS nicely. I do wish author Olivia Drake had spent a bit more time showing readers why Annabelle and Simon fell in love, but even taking that into account, IF THE SLIPPER FITS is a fun read. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Drake and I’m definitely looking forward to more CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD tales!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Original Review Link
All Annabelle Quinn wants is to see the world outside the girls’ school where she was raised. A stroke of luck lands her the position of governess to an orphaned duke. But while Annabelle finds herself instantly attached to her new charge, it’s the duke’s guardian who piques Annabelle’s interest. Lord Simon Westbury is a mass of contradictions. He’s gruff, distant and seemingly uncaring, but he can also be tender when Annabelle least expects it. The attraction that pulls them together is unexpected, but then again, if Cinderella could capture the heart of a prince, perhaps Annabelle can win the love of a dark and brooding lord.
Cinderella meets Jane Eyre in the charming romance IF THE SLIPPER FITS. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book in the CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD series and the tone set by author Olivia made me eager to read the second book.
Annabelle is a feisty heroine with a big heart and a quick mind. It’s easy to see how she charms Simon, even though he definitely does not want to be charmed. Simon was a bit tougher to get a true feeling for, as we don’t see as much of his thoughts as we do of Annabelle’s. Still, his passion for antiquities and the care he shows those he loves – once he learns how to show it – endeared him to me.
A dash of danger and a dash of fairytale in the form of a very special pair of shoes add to the romance plot, filling out IF THE SLIPPER FITS nicely. I do wish author Olivia Drake had spent a bit more time showing readers why Annabelle and Simon fell in love, but even taking that into account, IF THE SLIPPER FITS is a fun read. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Drake and I’m definitely looking forward to more CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD tales!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
yungokssss's review against another edition
5.0
Such a cute and adorable tale! If you want to take a break from all the popular paranormal and gothic hits, this is just the book for you. Or if you're the romantic out for a nice fairy tale - this is it! I will definitely check out more by this author.
loverofromance's review against another edition
5.0
Originally Posted At My Blog: Addicted To Romance
Quickie Review:
This is the first time reading a book from Olivia Drake, and it has been a long time since I have been so engrossed in a historical romance. The style of the writing reminded me of Karen Hawkins, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries. If The Slipper Fits is one of my favorite historical romances I have read so far this year. I do love a fairy tale theme romance, and this series is based on the story of Cinderella. Annabelle is our Cinderella, a orphan, with no home or family. She is then asked to be a governess to a child who is in great need of a mother. But she clashes with the guardian and uncle, Simon Westbury. Annabelle brings a peace and a softness to their home. This was such a beautiful and tender story that kept me up late reading it, because I was so enthralled by every aspect of this story. The romance between Annabelle was stimulating and sensual. I loved the aspect of the nephew, this darling little boy that just had me wrapped around his finger from the beginning.I enjoyed seeing the intricate play of events, and the way this story is put together. It had a feeling of vibrancy that extends itself to the reader.
Overall If The Slipper Fits swept me away from the first chapter. This author takes us into a world of sizzling passion, charming characters, and a sweet romance to tug at your heart strings. Satisfying until the very end!! MAGNIFIQUE!!!
Quickie Review:
This is the first time reading a book from Olivia Drake, and it has been a long time since I have been so engrossed in a historical romance. The style of the writing reminded me of Karen Hawkins, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries. If The Slipper Fits is one of my favorite historical romances I have read so far this year. I do love a fairy tale theme romance, and this series is based on the story of Cinderella. Annabelle is our Cinderella, a orphan, with no home or family. She is then asked to be a governess to a child who is in great need of a mother. But she clashes with the guardian and uncle, Simon Westbury. Annabelle brings a peace and a softness to their home. This was such a beautiful and tender story that kept me up late reading it, because I was so enthralled by every aspect of this story. The romance between Annabelle was stimulating and sensual. I loved the aspect of the nephew, this darling little boy that just had me wrapped around his finger from the beginning.I enjoyed seeing the intricate play of events, and the way this story is put together. It had a feeling of vibrancy that extends itself to the reader.
Overall If The Slipper Fits swept me away from the first chapter. This author takes us into a world of sizzling passion, charming characters, and a sweet romance to tug at your heart strings. Satisfying until the very end!! MAGNIFIQUE!!!
quinn_0611's review against another edition
3.0
I have always loved fairytales. So it isn’t really a surprise that when I heard about If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake, I knew I had to read it ASAP. Unfortunately I was let down with If the Slipper Fits.
Annabelle Quinn is an orphan with very questionable parentage. She works at a girl’s school and is not treated well there. When the guardian of an orphaned duke comes to the school looking for a governess for the little boy, Annabelle knows this is her chance. And before she knows it she’s off to be governess to a little boy and falling for the boy's uncle and guardian.
I struggled a lot with this book. I did like Annabelle, which is a good thing because she is the heroine of If the Slipper Fits. She really takes to her charge, young Nicholas, and becomes his champion. And Nicholas needs a champion. He’s traumatized after his parents’ sudden deaths, and his current teacher is not the best. To top it off his guardian, his uncle Simon, is very aloof. I loved how Annabelle took it upon herself to ensure the happiness of Nicholas, and found a way to get Simon to agree with her. But, besides that, Annabelle really didn’t stand out to me.
The hero of the story, Simon, was not my favorite. I didn’t like how he initially treated his nephew, Nicholas. While Simon was never mean to him, he wasn’t really all that fond of him either. The reason Simon has an issue with Nicholas is because Simon fell fir Nicholas's mother before she married Simon's brother. Ugh! Why this drama? It’s so not something I like. It was hard for me to like Simon when he was taking out his issues with his sister-in-law on his nephew, especially since it all happened so long ago.
The romance wasn’t very inspiring, either. I couldn’t understand why Annabelle liked Simon. Besides the fact that he’s pretty, why would she fall for him? It was more tell than show, in my opinion.
If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake just didn't impress me. I certainly didn’t hate the book, but I didn’t really like it either. I think it lacked in chemistry, character development and romance. While I didn't outright hate anything about the book, I didn't love anything about it either.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Annabelle Quinn is an orphan with very questionable parentage. She works at a girl’s school and is not treated well there. When the guardian of an orphaned duke comes to the school looking for a governess for the little boy, Annabelle knows this is her chance. And before she knows it she’s off to be governess to a little boy and falling for the boy's uncle and guardian.
I struggled a lot with this book. I did like Annabelle, which is a good thing because she is the heroine of If the Slipper Fits. She really takes to her charge, young Nicholas, and becomes his champion. And Nicholas needs a champion. He’s traumatized after his parents’ sudden deaths, and his current teacher is not the best. To top it off his guardian, his uncle Simon, is very aloof. I loved how Annabelle took it upon herself to ensure the happiness of Nicholas, and found a way to get Simon to agree with her. But, besides that, Annabelle really didn’t stand out to me.
The hero of the story, Simon, was not my favorite. I didn’t like how he initially treated his nephew, Nicholas. While Simon was never mean to him, he wasn’t really all that fond of him either. The reason Simon has an issue with Nicholas is because Simon fell fir Nicholas's mother before she married Simon's brother. Ugh! Why this drama? It’s so not something I like. It was hard for me to like Simon when he was taking out his issues with his sister-in-law on his nephew, especially since it all happened so long ago.
The romance wasn’t very inspiring, either. I couldn’t understand why Annabelle liked Simon. Besides the fact that he’s pretty, why would she fall for him? It was more tell than show, in my opinion.
If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake just didn't impress me. I certainly didn’t hate the book, but I didn’t really like it either. I think it lacked in chemistry, character development and romance. While I didn't outright hate anything about the book, I didn't love anything about it either.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
shelovestoread81's review against another edition
5.0
I got this book free from Heroes and Heartbreakers in a contest that I won. I LOVED IT!!! It was a great take on Cinderella and I guessed a little who it was but no completely. I thought it was so nice to read a good historical with a little twist on history. I loved how Olivia Drake wrote and it was something that I would enjoy reading more of in the future.