Rejected

Rejected by WaitingForTheEnd
Prince Damian rejects the girl chosen by his mother without meeting her and without knowing the girl can hear every word of his rejection. Years later he finally meets her again and falls for her without knowing she is the same person.

Banner Credit: Melissa

Ciara Thinks: Without even meeting her, Damien rejects the girl his mother picked to be his bride based upon the superficial rumours and gossip of the court. The girl, Delilah, hears every word and is heartbroken charmed by the stories and pictures of the dashing Crown Prince. When they meet again three years later he is intrigued by her as she ignores him.

What makes this story stand out in particular to me is that Prince Damien is far from the usual dashing Prince and has some genuinely dislikeable traits – he’s arrogant, aggressive, bitter, jealous and disrespectful. Despite that, he does have redeeming qualities such as his loyalty and protectiveness and as the story goes on, it is interesting to see his character change for the better as he slowly learns to recognise the goodness in Delilah that he lacks and is humbled somewhat.

Delilah herself is not a headstrong character by any means, but she strengthens as the story progresses. She is a victim of the superficial society and though she tries to keep up appearances, largely for her younger cousin’s sake, has resigned herself to being unpopular and a spinster. In a way, she is the most frustrating character, as she fails to see the good in most people, or indeed, in herself.

The rest of the characters support Rejected well; particularly Cecilia, Delilah’s younger cousin, whose dynamism brings some colour to our world weary heroine and Lady Beatrice who finally does some justice to the typically antagonistic role of the Prince’s former flame. My main criticism of a character would be the antagonist(s) – they feel too predictable and a little cartoonish.

Despite not being set in any particular time nor place, WaitingForTheEnd has depicted court life in an accurate manner – the frivolity and ceremony intermixed with rumour, intrigue and good old fashioned cattiness.

The story moves at a good pace for the unfolding relationship between Damien and Delilah, however the grammar suffers a little in places, not to a truly distracting level; merely a few dropped words, awkward sentences and the odd error in punctuation.

The generally serious tone of the plot is offset by some touching and light-hearted moments, including the particularly lovable drabbles WaitingForTheEnd continues to publish in place of the traditional epilogue. Thought-provoking at times, if you’re looking for a light-hearted story, Rejected isn’t it, but on the whole, it is an excellent read.

So I was Hit by a Car the Other Day

So I was Hit by a Car the Other Day by Lainiee

Lucky had resigned himself to the life of an observer. The little brother. The best friend. The sidekick. But then life decided to kick him in the balls, and dumped his twitching body into his own crappy soap opera. And a sucky one at that.
Banner Credit: Casey

Ciara Thinks: At 61 chapters long and with over 300,000 words, So I was Hit by a Car the Other Day is certainly not a story that can be read quickly, but don’t let the length put you off. For starters, Lucky’s rollercoaster life makes for an addictive and entertaining read. Lainee’s writing is really expresses Lucky’s thoughts well, with very few distracting grammar mistakes. We’re also given a range of amusing chapter title.

This story is character based and Lainee certainly treats us to a wide variety of vibrant and amusing characters. The main character Lucky (incredibly ironic name) is incredibly refreshing – he has a hilarious, sarcastic inner monologue and a unique outlook on life that comes from his difficult background. His bitterness and lack of drive to do much with his life is relatable and endears him to the reader more as, deep down, he shows that he really is a nice guy (especially in the case of the titular car accident).

Scarfy in the Middle

Scarfy in the Middle by LilyWolfe

A young Muslim woman is tugged in several different directions by her matchmaker mother, creepy neighbourhood watch man, overloaded work schedule, her housemates, her brothers and her Prince Charming...Adam from across the street.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Ciara Thinks: Refreshingly original, that is how I would describe this story. A far cry from the American high school with its social hierarchy, this follows the life of a successful twenty three year old scriptwriter from London called Khalila and her romance with her very attractive neighbour across the street.

This story was quite an eye-opener for me as it provided me with an insight into modern Islamic culture as both Khalila and Adam are Muslim. Throughout the story, Khalila can be seen struggling to strike a balance between modern Western sensibilities and Islamic traditions (she succeeds rather well, I think).

The characters in this story are all so funny, partly because they are realistic and very relatable – every character had some quality or characteristic that reminded me of someone I know.

Adam and Khalila have such a sweet, innocent relationship that starts with her admiring him from afar and being unable to speak in his presence – which I’m sure is a familiar situation to many. Khalila makes for a great narrator as she has a distinctive voice, a cute way of looking at things and a busy life, meaning the story isn’t just about her romance with Adam, it focuses on other aspects of her life such as how her screenwriting career is suddenly taking off.

Scarfy in the Middle is extremely well written and though 50 chapters may seem long, it certainly doesn’t feel it, as the chapters are of a short but decent length, which though they sometimes are just snippets of Khalila’s life, they keep the flow of the story going. LilyWolfe’s excellent writing includes all the Islamic terminology within Khalila’s narration without it ever feeling like a information dump.

So if you have some time on your hands (or even if you don’t) I would definitely recommend giving Scarfy in the Middle a gander.

Quandaries of a Quirky Romantic

Quandaries of a Quirky Romantic by Secretive
She's a hopeless romantic that is terrified of falling in love. Quirky? You have no idea... He's misunderstood purposely so and has a past. A dark one. So...what happens when their small town matchmaker decides they're destined for each other?
Banner Credit: Jacky

Ciara Thinks: Once again the legendary Secretive/Analytical Calico has come out with yet another brilliant story in Quandaries of a Quirky Romantic. The town’s feared matchmaker pairs up the slightly crazy good girl Nadine and bad boy Thatcher and they agree to the match mainly to get her off their backs, but as their relationship develops, it starts to become more real.

Nadine isn’t your typical sarcastic know-it-all protagonist, instead she’s refreshing and just a little bit mad so the comments she comes out with make you snort with laughter at your screen. She loves romance stories, but fears falling in love (and Thatcher). I found her loyalty to her best friend heart-warming, despite Nadine’s tendency to allow her to walk all over her given her best friend has also been paired up by the matchmaker, Megan, and is really condescending about how Nadine does not have a boyfriend.

Thatcher is made likeable the instant you learn of how loving and protective he is of his grandparents, Nonno and Nonna and that he will pretty much do anything for them. The poor guy rally earns your sympathy when you find out about his traumatic past, which comes back with a vengeance at the end of the story.

All the supporting characters are vibrant, particularly Nadine’s family (and her demonic cat) and Thatcher’s best friend Huey, and are well fleshed out. The drama too is realistic and gives our story its bittersweet ending that leaves you shouting ‘why?’ at the screen. Secretive’s writing is excellent as usual, and it really lets you connect with the characters, with only the odd spelling or grammar mistake, that don’t really detract from the flow of the story.

One point to note however is the sequel which carries on where the ending leaves off, hasn’t been updated since 2010. But don’t let that stop you, the story is a good read all on its own too!

Not Crash So Hot

Not Crash So Hot by rosieroo
Regan's life is filled with nasty queen bees, high school parties, discriminative cliques, torturous camps, soccer, her popular brother and sister, and this certain male enemy who won't leave her alone! Logan Williams wasn't prepared to play with fire
Banner Credit: Melissa

Ciara Thinks: Avoiding abuse of Caps Lock is extremely hard when reviewing this story, it’s just that good, but I just about managed it. Not So Crash Hot is about tomboy Regan Shanahan and her love-hate relationship with her brother’s best friend Logan. There is such wonderful chemistry between the two, with lots of hilarious banter and cuteness too.

All the characters are well-rounded and memorable, with realistic relationships, particularly the one between Regan and her ‘golden’ older siblings James and Tori – James she likes, Tori, not so much – as through all the bickering, there is the undercurrent of sibling affection. Regan is very funny, cheeky and slightly crazy, with an aversion to girly things, but she has her insecurities – ‘I swear I look like a piece of poo’ – and they just make her all the more likable. Logan is witty, handsome, arrogant, yet very sweet, with a ‘Mystery Girl’.

Written by our own wonderful Rosie, the diction of the story is excellent - coming from Regan’s very funny viewpoint – with realistic dialogue and very few mistakes, certainly none that distract from the story itself. It flows well, with all the humour, drama, sports, cliques and parties one would expect in a high school story.

Not So Crash Hot is all kinds of wonderful, so I’m going to round off now before this review deteriorates into a fan-girl-ish rant, and say that you should definitely go read it if you haven’t already (and if you have, why not read it again?).

Dear Imagination

Dear Imagination by Loly_Darko
An angry, anthropophobic loner gets thrust into the world of typical teen socialization, aggravating freshmen and unbearable crushes when her new neighbors, a chatterbox and a bully, move in. A darker twist on the bad boy/good girl.
Banner Credit: Anita Darling

Ciara Thinks: Dear Imagination tells the story of Lyn, who has anthropophobia. She writes letters to her imagination, often detailing many vivid ways in which she will kill it, in order to scare away everyone in her school. That is until she gets some new neighbours, Carol, who talks incessantly, and Christopher, your typical silent, chain-smoking bad boy.

Although Lyn and Christopher aren’t the nicest of people, you grow to like them as their surprisingly cute relationship develops. Loly Darko writes really well, with very few mistakes and an almost perfect flow. The story is laced with drama, particularly as Lyn’s struggles with the anthropophobia that overshadows her life.

The humour is very witty and black, reflected in both of the main characters’ personalities. Funnier moments are provided by Lyn torturing her school’s hapless counsellor, Ms. Cybil, letting her think she’s a nymphomaniac along with ‘mentally disturbed’.

Dear Imagination isn’t the type of story I would typically choose, but in this instance, I was glad I stepped out of my comfort zone as I was treated to a really memorable story.

Vandrophobia

Vandrophobia by SammyLi
I have an odd fear. I fear beautiful men. Luckily there aren't many in the world, but when my class receives a transfer student who is a completely beautiful boy and is assigned to sit next to me...I just might crack.
Banner Credit: marta

Ciara Thinks: In Vandrophobia the quirky Lira (who has an incredibly cooking ability) finds her phobia of pretty boys stretched to the limit by the new boy in her class, the utterly beautiful Wintar. This leads to many hilarious moments where Lira tries to confront her fear and avoid Wintar’s many fangirls who don’t like Lira’s sometimes odd reactions to her fear (such as punching Wintar in the face), particularly the female wrestling team who dub themselves ‘Wintar’s Entourage’.

SammyLi has given Vandrophobia a surreal quality (though at one point it does seem quite unrealistic) that makes it all the more humorous. All the main characters have lively and distinct personalities that really make it come to life. Though the grammar does slip occasionally, the writing is of a good standard overall.

Lira has a strong voice and more quirks than you can shake a stick at that really helps give Vandrophobia a completely unique edge to its narrative. Her phobia sticks with her throughout the story and isn’t magically cured at any point (though there are some hilarious attempts at giving Lira therapy via overexposure to pretty boys) and Lira suffers as her phobia influences her behaviour quite often. I also liked how the story deals with some of the pressures of the modelling industry (Wintar’s parents are both models) whilst also being able to poke fun at it.

Vandrophobia reminded me of a sitcom – it’s lighthearted, a little ridiculous (in a good way) and full of laughs.

Sweepers

Sweepers by Minty F
A sweeper is defined as any man that can sweep a woman off of her feet. Instead, Luke Sawyer nearly shoves me to the ground. Either he's a complete jerk, or love just got a whole lot more violent.
Banner Credit: Casey

Ciara Thinks: One thing that really struck me about this story was its realism. It starts with the main character, Adelaide, having a bad day and Luke knocking her over and not apologizing proves to be the last straw. When Luke turns out to be her next student to tutor in Maths, Adelaide is none too pleased, but a friendship develops between the pair that evolves throughout the story. What was brilliant about Minty F’s writing was that it really let you connect with Adelaide, she seems real, with realistic problems, insecurities and an obsession with Quang - a boy she is convinced is her ‘sweeper’ (someone who will you sweep you off your feet). In fact all the characters are made easy to relate to, purely because they all have their own distinctive personalities and flaws, it makes them seem real.
 
The relationship between Adelaide and Luke unfolds at a believable pace, amidst other issues in their lives - families, friends, school - and therefore it is quite often not the focal point.

In terms of the writing itself, it flows just perfectly, with very few grammar mistakes.Though not always funny in the ‘ha-ha, I think I just peed myself’ sense, the story provides us with much humour, in a more subtle form, usually Adelaide’s snark.

The story may seem long, but is very sweet and well worth the read as it is very hard not to love it.

Girl at Heart

Girl at Heart by Promiscuous Geek
My name is Loralai Sterlin.. oh and the guy who has me in a headlock? That's the First Son, James Winters.. he's my soulmate, he just doesn't know it yet. Probably because he thinks I'm a guy, I'm actually a girl. Yea.. welcome to my life..
Banner Credit: marta

Ciara Thinks: There’s been an attempt on the life of the First Son and Loralai, a quirky undercover agent is assigned to be his bodyguard and investigate the case. The only catch? He attends an all boys boarding school.

The cliché of pretending to be the other gender is almost always one filled with hilarious misunderstandings and near misses and Girl at Heart certainly does not disappoint, with more humour than you can shake a stick at.

Loralai does not seem like she would be a good agent – she’s excitable and fun – but she can also take responsibility when the events call for it. Her relationship with James starts out tentatively as he thinks her a little strange (Loralai does introduce herself by talking about Area 51) but the two become friends.

The grammar and pacing of this story certainly aren’t perfect, especially at the start, but they don’t distract from the story too much. Instead, Promiscuous Geek’s style rather suits Loralai’s personality, since she is the main narrator, and her tendency to go off on tangents.

Overall Girl at Heart does what a comedic story is supposed to – it makes you laugh, a lot – and the ending will almost certainly put a cheesy grin on your face for the rest of the day.

Cupid's Granddaughter

Cupid's Granddaughter by GermanSam
I'm like every other person who was forced into their profession. I hate it, the hours are long, I work for my grandfather, and I'm not allowed to fall in love. Piece of cake right?
Banner Credit: marta

Ciara Thinks: One thing that has always struck me about this story is its originality and how well researched it is. GermanSam has cleverly created an Olympia that is both true to its Greek roots and functions like a modern city. The main character Peyton is strong minded and doesn't like working for her grandfather, Cupid (Eros in Greek mythology) but he wants to retire. As a test she must find the true love of a fallen angel called Nate, which will take longer than a match between mortals where the spark is apparent immediately.

Despite their immortal status, Peyton and Nate are both realistically flawed, which allows you to connect to them. Both are very stubborn and frequently butt heads as the friendship develops between them, yet Peyton can be frustrating with her fear to become too close to him.
Eros frequently appears, with his own schemes for everyone, and plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
The story itself is well paced and GermanSam's writing is excellent, interjected with moments of humour that make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster by Lady Femme Fatale

Izzy was trying to seduce her boyfriend, not the guy who had mysteriously ended up in her apartment claiming to be a pirate from the eighteenth century. Could the night get any worse?
Banner Credit: Casey

Ciara Thinks: Lady Femme Fatale’s stories are fairly famous on FP – always well written with excellent characterisation and near flawless grammar. Beautiful Disaster does not disappoint on this front. Full of wit, it tells the story of Izzy and the pirate that shows up in her Californian apartment, Johnny Clover.

Both of the characters made for strong leads with a lot of underlying chemistry. Izzy is a refreshing lead, she is funny, and also plagued with similar insecurities to most women (one particularly memorable quote is:’ Oh my God, is that more cellulite? Shit! How am I supposed to be a sexy kitten with cellulite?’). Johnny is your typical smooth-talking ladies man of a pirate complete with an aversion to love anything but the sea and an arrogant attitude that rubs a powerful witch the wrong way.

My main complaint about the story was that it did feel a little like a Pirates of the Caribbean fanfiction at times, what with Johnny’s character and his exploits, but don’t let that detract you from what is, on the whole, an enjoyable story.

More Than Meets the Ears

More Than Meets the Ears by EruptingFender9

I never, in a million years, would have guessed that Hunter Ashen was interested in playing drums for our band. The guy wasn't mean, necessarily. But the quiet, rocker type boy had everyone in our school intimidated.
Banner Credit: Casey

Ciara Thinks: You know when you see the name EruptingFender9, that you’re in for a witty short story, from someone who should be considered a master of the not-quite-a-oneshot. More Than Meets the Ears certainly does not disappoint, with memorable characters, an imaginative plot and prose that just flows. We see the slow evolution of the relationship between the quirky Nat, who is part of a ska band with her friends and Hunter, the school’s loner and potential new drummer. From the beginning, Hunter has a sweet, subtle attachment to Nat, but things are difficult for him as he has fallen victim
to rumours that he is violent.

Each of the band members have a distinct personality and I particularly liked the interactions between Nat and her best friend Ryan, which are realistic and full of friendly banter. At four chapters long, this story won’t take long to read and will almost certainly put a smile on your face.

Boys Suck

Boys Suck by EruptingFender9

"Would you like anything written on the cake? You know... Happy Birthday, Congratulations so and so?" He asked. "Yeah," I responded. "Do you think you could write something along the lines of 'Boys Suck?"
Banner Credit: Sarah

Ciara Thinks: This is a cute little story, consisting of just three chapters. EruptingFender9’s writing is excellent, with strong dialogue, and is rich is witty humour.

The story starts with Riley, whose friend has just broken up with her boyfriend, buying her an ice-cream cake that says ‘Boys Suck’. Who should sell her this cake? A boy of course, a very likable, slightly dorky boy called Travis.

This is as sweet as an ice-cream cake with plenty of cute and awkward moments between the pair and the ending itself is just perfect, it really is, and it made me giggle incessantly for a while.

The V Word

The V Word by Lulai

Normal? That word barely fits into Kate's vocabulary. She thought her life was the epitome of weird, that is, until a handsome stranger comes into her shop and tells her that she hasn't fed enough.
Banner Credit: Annie

Ciara Thinks: When I first saw this suggestion I was like – ‘Oh no, a vampire story’. Then I realised that not only was it pre-Twilight craze, but also done in a completely original way.

Kate is a admirable strong lead, who has built up a name for herself with her own computer repair shop after her parents and later her foster parents tragically died. That is until a handsome stranger enters her shop and tells her she is looking a bit…starved.

And this sets into motion a story full of vampires locked into a battle of good versus evil with a smouldering hate and love romance on the side between Kate and witty vampire Damien Torres, who’s Spanish to boot (and who doesn’t love an accent now and then).

I must say that some scenes were a little…ahem…steamy for my oh-so British stiff upper lip, however Lulai has written them into the story very well in that they suit the nature of the plot and actually help shift it along.

Overall, despite it not being a story I would typically choose for myself, I did really enjoy it – Lulai’s writing is excellent and blends together romance and action into a killer combination.

Bonded

Bonded by charliej

Reno, a Lycan Enforcer, is drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, a Disaster Control agent, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to.
Banner Credit: Amy

Ciara Thinks: Wow. That is what I thought when reading this. The prose is excellent and the plot is well paced and full of unexpected twists that keep you reading on.

One of my favourite things about this story was the dark undertone, caused by an underground extremist group called the Purists who want to remove all traces humans from within Lycan bloodlines. Fighting the expansion of this group, and also keeping the existence of werewolves secret from humans is Lycan Link, where our two main characters work.

Brandi and Reno have such wonderful chemistry throughout, though it does turn to hate near the beginning as the two are perhaps the most stubborn leads, ever. Though both working to the same ultimate goal, they have such different opinions things that they can’t help but clash heads at every meeting. That aside, however, you can still feel the growing attachment between them as they work together in the fight against the Purists.

In Bonded, charliej has created a realistic, functioning society with its own problems, that are surprisingly relatable. In amongst the romance and threat, there’s also plenty of action, although it does get a little gruesome at times. It is heart-warming in some respects, and heartbreaking in others, to watch how the characters grow and change throughout this emotional rollercoaster of a story. The ending in particular is so beautiful yet bittersweet that I’d recommend several tissues

Cinderella Never Saw This One Coming

Cinderella Never Saw This One Coming by Sally Can Wait

Let me tell you, if Cinderella had tried on MY shoes for a day, she would have gotten her magic pumpkin kicked from once upon a time to happily ever after. But if the shoe fits...
Banner Credit: marta

Ciara Thinks: Words cannot express my feelings for this story properly, each time I have read it, I have found myself crying with laughter.

It starts off with Sadie, the main character, ranting about her large feet (to which I can relate) and launches into a well thought out ‘Cinderella’ story. The main character Sadie is quirky and fun, completely in a world of her own as she twists situations in her life into fairy tale plots (including one amusing incident when a tiny dog becomes a dragon). Sally Can Wait very cleverly deals with Sadie’s slight tendency to be prejudiced, as it provides many humorous moments when she speaks aloud her beliefs that Jerry is a typical bad boy gang member, simply because he has ADHD and she met him in detention.

Jerry himself, really isn’t a bad boy, but a complete and utter sweetheart and it is heart-warming the way his friendship develops with Sadie over time and to watch how they interact.

The rest of the characters are superb, as Sally Can Wait never leaves anyone seeming flat. I particularly liked the conniving twins and the charming Brit, Erik, whom Sadie believes is her Prince Charming (ho hum).

Sally Can Wait’s prose is near flawless. As with anything, it has the occasional typing error, however this doesn’t detract from the story as a whole. And boy, what a story that is. The only thing I have to add is this: Go! Read it and tickle your funny bone (and no, not that one in your arm).

Searching

Searching by Ollie May

Angels are not allowed to fall in love. But two did and they were banished. Forced to search but never find each other, what happens when they finally stop searching?
Banner Credit: Sarah

Ciara Thinks: Before I begin, a word of warning: I would not recommend this story is you are a devout Christian who does not like negative portrayals of any religious figure. In this story,  God's Archangels are not as glorious as they seem.

That out of the way, I can praise this story (no pun intended) and its originality. Ollie May’s grammar is excellent and the story is brought to life with vivid description. Though the story is only five chapters, Ollie May really lets you feel the pain of Lucifer and Nuria as two characters that have given up completely and believably rekindles their relationship after millennia apart.

I particularly liked the characters of Lucifer, who has allowed his title of Satan to consume him, morphing into the monster of legend, and Fate, who continually shows just what a fickle bitch she can be.

As long as the strong religious aspect of this story will not upset or anger you, then I strongly suggest you give it a read, as it is powerful and compelling.

Smooth Move

Smooth Move by DancingChaChaFruit

I was starting to think he was my bad luck charm. After all, it was no coincidence that I embarrassed myself every time I saw him. Just throw in bookstores, sisters, best friends, blind dates, and dentists, and you’ve got my newly complicated life.
Banner Credit: Casey

Ciara Thinks: Of course you know a story is going to be good if it is authored by the genius that is DancingChaChaFruit, and Smooth Move certainly lives up to these expectations.

Firstly, it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, with lots of sarcasm, awkward moments and Rae’s endearing clumsiness. The story starts with Rae lying on the floor of a book store pretending to be dead so she does not have to admit that she fell over, wherein she meets Wes and the story progresses from there as Wes turns out to her blind date later that evening.

Rae makes for a strong, albeit a little irritating at times, protagonist who is convinced that the only males who like her are seriously flawed. She’s independent and always speaks without thinking. Her character progresses nicely over the story as she tries to be less abrasive and not retort sarcastically to everything.

Wes himself is charming yet shy, and he balances Rae well. He has a secret that Rae continually tries to discover that ChaCha keeps you in suspense of throughout that, if possible, only served to make me like him more.

ChaCha’s writing is brilliant with only a few grammatical errors and she fleshes out each character well. I particularly liked Rae’s best friend Izza, as she provides the voice of reason and though the two girls get along splendidly, she does occasionally get rather fed up with Rae.

Though the plot verges on the overdramatic at times, I feel it doesn’t detract from the whole as everything is largely driven by Rae and she reads far too many romance novels (even in my expert opinion).

All in all, this was a very enjoyable story – if you want a light read that is I’m-about-to-wee-myself funny then this is definitely for you.

Of Dukes and Peasants

Of Dukes and Peasants by Lenah. C

On the summer of 1861, six year old Serena Fallows suffered humiliation in the hands of the Duke of Norton. So what's she supposed to do when they meet years after? Why, throw a shoe at one of the most respected gentlemen in English society of course!
Banner Credit: marta


Ciara Thinks: This is one of my favourite stories in the whole of FP-dom and it is easy to see why Lenah C has earned herself over 1,000 reviews, for starters, it has excellent grammar and pacing throughout and a vibrant cast of characters that never feel flat, no matter the size of the role they play.

The two leads, Derek and Serena, have incredibly alchemy (chemistry so good, it’s golden!) as their relationship develops through their many, many spats. It is through this heady mix of wit and beguiling characters that Lenah C keeps you pressing that ‘Next Chapter’ button.

The general feel of the nineteenth century is well captured, especially the close scrutiny of upper class society and the pressures upon young ladies to behave ‘properly’. My main criticism of this story would be in this context, as it does not feel specific enough to the Victorian setting; Serena is allowed to exercise a slightly unbelievable amount of freedom when at home with her Grandpa.

This story seems long at first, but the chapters are of a reasonable length and despite having read it for the umpteenth time, I find it still grips me with the same ferocity as it did on my first read. In short, I love it!

Petals

Petals by Danielle Night

In nineteenth century London, it isn't considered proper for a young lady to send flowers to a healthy young bachelor. But when Adrian Morey receives a bouquet with a challenge, he can't help but be intrigued.
Banner Credit: marta


Ciara Thinks: In Petals, Danielle Night whisks us away to the gossiping ladies and dashing gentlemen of Regency London and tells the story of Annabelle Bradford, a young girl enamoured with a man she dare not approach – Adrian Morey, the Earl of Dunlap.

Annabelle has a great knowledge of flowers, understanding their various meanings, and so, against propriety, sends a bouquet of bluebottles to Adrian to show her timid admirations, unintentionally starting a correspondence through her rough stable hand Jack and many, many flowers. In the meantime Adrian is under pressure from his father to marry, and not captivated by any of the young ladies London society has to offer so far, begins a desperate (and, at times, rather amusing) search to find the Lady.

Petals is a well paced, easy read and the writing is nearly flawless. Danielle Night gives us an idyllic snapshot of society, supported by a vibrant cast of characters. Adrian is everything a gentlemen should be – handsome and benign – whilst Annabelle is a shy, likable young woman who often reacts childishly in situations (making you want to strangle her through your screen), but her insecurity is a trait many can relate to. Overall, Petals is a sweet and charming story that should be considered a classic upon Fictionpress.