| Title | : | Upon a Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1477590803 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781477590805 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 |
| Publication | : | First published May 27, 2012 |
With less than six weeks left, Rosalind has stopped believing in the fairy tale, the prince on the white horse, and the stolen kiss that would awaken her from her worst nightmares. Resigned to her fate, she waits for the inevitable curse to run it’s course.
"We must marry at once!" Stefan declared, fully expecting Rosalind to be delight-ed that he had come to save her, but he was sorely mistaken. Rosalind was no simpering docile female; she was a fiery temptress with a stubborn streak only matched by his horse, Samson. Insulting, infuriating, intoxicating and alluring enough to drive a man mad. Stefan found himself thankful for the curse that re-quired him marry her, thankful for the betrothal contract he had so recently tried to release her from...With the fortitude of a sailor shipwrecked, abandoned, and a solider warring for his life Stefan decides to lay siege to the greatest prize, Rosalind's heart.
Upon a Midnight Dream (London Fairy Tales, #1) Reviews
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FREEBIE!!!!
http://amzn.to/1DLa8BM -
Really really really wanted this to be good. I love a twist on fairytales, but this fell short. It's believed that their family members are dying because of a curse, and the only way to break it is got her to marry the duke. She figures she's dying anyways so she won't get to be courted and fall in love, so she should take advantage of the duke wanting to marry her and make him try to court her, and despite his brother teetering on death's door, wait 20 days to get hitched. If that isn't
enough, she is completely averse to caring for the poor guy and constantly tries to either verbally or physically demean the guy because he is self-confident. Also he's apparently a barbarian because he got shipwrecked a couple months and was on his own. She was difficult for the sake of being difficult, and believing they were affected by a curse- this makes her insanely selfish. I got to just skipping pages to get done with it.
Other people may love this. Definitely not for me.
Can we also note that though redheads only make up 4 percent of the population, they seem to make up 80% of heroines in romance novels? -
Upon a Midnight Dream is a sweet romantic fairy tale meets Regency with some twists that kept me captivated till the very last page. I could not pull myself away from this story to do anyother task. I am still thinking of this story weeks later. I look forward to the next book to see what happens with Rose's sisters. I was left enchanted but with hunger for more from the London Fairy Tale series. Ms. Van Dyken has proven many times she can produce a wide range of stories that leave me entranced!
Stefan is so funny and a sweet brute that has Rosalinds best interest at heart. I loved Stefan's horse Samson he has quite the personality. Rosalind is a strong heroine and likes to make things a little hard for Stefan. Not that I am complaining. I was delighted to see the many exchanges between Rosalind and Stefan. Rosalinds family is crazy and mad. I liked that they were really messed up and not perfect. Stefan's family has got a good mix of drama as well. If you like romance, fairy tales and regency this is a must read.
Just fyi this does not contain any swearing and all sex is behind closed doors. -
This story was strange that it was clean, but it wanted to be dirty. It couldn't make up it's mind. The hero was a rake. I have never been interested in that kind of a character. If a guy released me from a betrothal, then went out on the town to have sex with anyone and everyone... I wouldn't take him back with open arms. I don't have a fantasy to have some sex god who is experienced, but has never loved when he is having sex. I would rather have a man who had been in love and was expressing that love to another woman (or even several women), then to have a man who had no connection to the emotion while he is having sex. The idea that some women actually fantasize about this kind of a hero is disgusting to me. It seems like the perfect set up for abuse, dissatisfaction, betrayal, and heart break. But to each his own. Like I said, there is no sex in this book. But just because the book is technically clean, doesn't mean it is clean in heart. I didn't like this story. The plot wasn't compelling. The relationships were strange and forced. This is what I get reading free eBooks.
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I liked the characters and story; I just thought there was too much innuendo for my taste.
Content: Per
www.likesbooks.com I’d say this would fall under their definition of “subtle." Their wedding night does eventual "fade to black" and is left to the imagination. -
I don't understand the high rating. The premise sounds good but when I started reading I had to myself just to read it. The story just seems so silly. I'll keep pushing myself to read and will update this rating if it improves but for now this is it.
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Upon A Midnight Dream is the first a series of books based on fairy tale stories that Van Dyken has said she’s writing; this one, as indicated by the title, is based on Sleeping Beauty. Rosalind and Stefan are the eldest in their respective families and are honour-bound by a curse to get married; the belief is that unless each generation of the family join together in marriage, all members of both families will die; only they decide that they don’t want to. Fast forward sixth months, several members of both families have fallen ill or died, and Stefan decides to go in search of Rosalind to marry her. Rosalind decides that marrying Stefan is the right thing to do, but doesn’t want to make it easy for him, so she makes him promise to woo her and make her believe that she is not the angry rogue that he has displayed himself to be so far. Alongside this, Rosalind is keeping a secret from Stefan – she herself is dying from an unexplained illness that causes her to fall asleep at random moments. The story follows the couple as they figure out a way to make their upcoming marriage work, and how to overcome Rosalind’s illness.
Rosalind made for great reading, with her sassy attitude and unwillingness to let herself go. From the start, she was a character that didn’t let anyone mess with her, and she was determined to have things go her way as much as possible. This may make her sound a little hard-hearted, but her defensiveness was well-written – all she really wanted was to have an affectionate relationship with the man she was due to marry; her witty remarks and put-downs were a result of her defensive approach against not caring for anyone that could die on her. It was great to read her story, as she fought with what her head said about Stefan, and the conflicting messages from her heart. For the most part, Rosalind came across as a very determined and disciplined individual, but she was given a deep vulnerability in the form of her illness and her lack of understanding around it; all in all, her character was wonderfully well-rounded.
Stefan generally came across as a very gentle hero, with his vulnerability about his family being one of the first things we see of him as a character. As his interactions with Rosalind increase, a cheekier, more defiant side showing through as they drive each other mad; this is the part of his character that I most enjoyed reading. It was great to see the confusion between the two sides of his character and how they were understood – Rosalind saw a brute of a man who wasn’t really interested in her, but the reader got to see a man very much in love and very unsure of how to display his emotions.
The interactions between these two main characters were, by far and away, the most successful element of this book – they made for fascinating reading, with van Dyken really grasping what it takes to make interesting characters come to life. All of the plot-points and other characters, made the story full and complete, but what I kept coming back to was how the two protagonists bounced off each other and learned to balance each other out over time. Their relationship was relatable, which made everything else irrelevant in terms of good writing – a strong relationship between the protagonists is key to a romance novel and Rachel van Dyken really understands that.
In terms of the story, and the theme of “London Fairy Tales”, I really enjoyed what van Dyken did with the story of Sleeping Beauty. She took what was an old-fashioned fairy-tale, and turned it into a mysterious, engaging tale of deception and anger, without relying too heavily on a supernatural theme. It was a clever take on a story that so many know and love, and van Dyken deserves recognition for her creativeness. This book did nothing but increase my respect for, and love of, all things Rachel van Dyken – bring on London Fairy Tale #2 (and whatever else she has up her sleeve!) -
This was the sweetest tale of romance and a little regency added in with a twist of a curse. I loved this story!! Roselyn wants love and to be wooed. She has no desire to marry Stefan just because of a curse.
Stefan has no desire to marry he just wants to be left alone but with a dreaded curse that is threatening to kill his family he must change his mind.
This is not as easy as it sounds to just marry Rose he must work for her affection.
So sweet!! -
This novel was so disappointing! The story itself was cute, but the grammatical and punctuation and spelling errors were abundant to the point of distraction. I would love to say they're probably due to Kindle formatting flubs, but ... whoa. So very many errors.
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Rosalind Hartwell's family has fallen under a curse, and it is all her fault... Well, it's half her fault.
The other portion of culpability falls on Stefan Hudson, the recently returned prodigal, the Marquess of Whitmore and soon to be Duke of Montmouth. It was their responsibility to marry and join the two families in order to avoid bringing the full fury of the family curse crashing down around them.
When Stefan and Rosalind call off their engagement, members of both families start dropping like flies, starting with the fathers of both houses. It seems as though Stefan and Rosalind have no choice but to follow through with marriage after all. But Rosalind insists on being wooed, and Stefan had been stranded on a deserted island for so long, he has all but forgotten most of the social graces.
In their quest to reverse the family curse, they find out there is much more to all the strange sickness and death than meets the superstitious eye. But will they figure out the secret in time to save the rest of their families?
A much-loved favorite fairy tale re-mixed in a new and intriguing story. Rachel Van Dyken was able to weave a brand new story out of the old, which is not easy to do. Between the heroine's narcolepsy and the over-protective, cane-wielding godmother there is a wonderful mix of the original fairy tale with Van Dyken's own inventions.
The hero, who suddenly re-appears after having been presumed dead, is an interesting mix of knight in shining armor and unbearable shipwrecked savage returning to polite society.
The heroine, who is convinced she is dying, is a strong female lead holding out for love even in the midst of the threat of a curse befalling her family. She is a worthy opponent of the stubborn, arrogant Stefan, and often gives him a taste of his own medicine in more ways than one.
This is an enjoyable read, a bit steamy in some places, but clean overall. It was written for an adult audience, and I probably wouldn't recommend it for readers under fifteen. It has mystery, betrayal, romance and suspense all rolled in, so there is a little something for everyone. It is an excellent start for the new series, and I am looking forward to the next installment about Beauty and the Beast. -
Upon A Midnight Dream is the first novel in Rachel Van Dyken’s new London Fairy Tales series. The Fairy Tales series is a spinoff of her highly successful Renwick House series. Upon A Midnight Dream is a re-imagined version of Sleeping Beauty.
Rosalind Hartwell and Stefan Hudson have a duty to their families that they cannot break. They must be wed or a family curse will descend upon both their families. Stefan, the Marquess of Whitmore, seems like an admirable husband by any standards, yet Rosalind and Stefan call off their engagement, throwing both families into chaos. The family curse roars into action and multiple family members from both houses, starting with the fathers of both Rosalind and Stefan, die of a mysterious sickness. In an attempt to ward off even more disaster, Rosalind and Stefan decide to wed after all, but Rosalind insists on being properly courted. Unfortunately for her, Stefan is a little rusty in that department, having been away from proper civilization in his travels and conquests. Will they be able to discover the true cause of the mysterious sickness that is cursing the families? What will become of Rosalind and Stefan's relationship?
Rachel Van Dyken has done it again. I was laughing from cover to cover, especially when she described the hilarious relationship between Stefan and his horse, Samson. This humor definitely made the book fly by, and before I knew it I was finished with the book! Another awesome aspect of this book was Rosalind's character. As you all know, I'm a huge fan of strong female leads in books, and I was glad to see Rosalind make it not so easy for Stefan to come back into her life. Even though he was stubborn, Rosalind stuck to her guns and gave him a taste of his own medicine. They were a perfect match for each other. In all, Van Dyken's work was a fun read, just as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed this spin on a classic fairy tale, and I can't wait to see her re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast next!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted:
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These books are a steal right now. You can get all four for only 2.97! Or you can get the first one for FREE!
This book is a fairy tale re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. It has a historical setting that I have come to love lately. First book in the series, YA genre. It was cute. The way the author wrote the sleeping curse was pretty cool. There was a bit of sleight of hand with this curse, which I liked and I can’t go in to it more because: Spoilers sweetie! The characters were good; but they didn’t really stand out for any particular reason.
Rosalind is the oldest daughter and she is incredibly stubborn, like not in an endearing way. In a nails on a chalkboard way. I found her character to be too picky and almost uppity and a bit self-centered. At first Stefan came off as arrogant and condescending so I wasn’t really digging him either. But then he tried to make things right and go back to her. Which I thought showed some humility. But Rosalind wasn’t having it. And it was never good enough for her. I don’t know if it was some kind of verbal foreplay that the author was going for because he kinda took it in stride. That part of her character really rubbed me wrong. The way that she dismissed everything that he tried.
I bought the whole series because you can get all four books and they are full length novels for like three bucks. I think I’m gonna read the rest because The Sleeping Beauty is my favorite fairy tale with Little Red Riding hood coming in a close second and I want to see what happens. The author alludes to these other stories so I think I’m gonna check them out. -
This was a cute enough story, however I can't say it really stood out to me the same way other books by this author have. I really couldn't understand Rosalind at all. She's convinced that her family is going to perish due to a curse, but yet she won't agree to do the one thing that is said to break the curse? She seemed a little.. selfish. And while the Hero wasn't perfect by any means himself, I felt as though he at least tried. He tried to give her what she wanted, but it never seemed to be good enough.
On the flip side of that, I enjoyed the way the overall curse was presented, and how the author was able to weave real life circumstances into what otherwise may have been a more unbelievable story.
Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to a variety of readers. I would read more from this author. -
So I know on Goodreads there's another version/cover of this book I like men on my covers call me biased or whatever but I need something pretty to stare at, at times so my covers that I choose for this series may not be the right ones on Goodreads or Amazon, but always know my reviews are for the same book just a different cover. Rosalind is such a saucy woman, "forgive me, your Grace, but I doubt even your barbaric virility could last all of fifteen minutes. And I was alluding the time it would take to accompany me on a walk." Stefan that man is determined, "he failed to woo her during their courtship, he would damn well woo her during their lovemaking, until she was marked as his." I love Rachel's fairy tales.
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I really like this book. It was fun, romantic, and pretty clean. I was worried a couple times that it would get too steamy, and then it didn't. I was happily surprised! From the book:With less than six weeks left, Rosalind has stopped believing in the fairy tale, the prince on the white horse, and the stolen kiss that would awaken her from her worst nightmares. Resigned to her fate, she waits for the inevitable curse to run it’s course.
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Fairytales for grownups.
I loved this rendition of sleeping beauty! It was absolutely hilarious and charming and just a all out good time. Of course, there's a good dose of deception and dragons to slay. It was just perfect! I love a book that can make me laugh and make my heart race with anticipation and excitement! This author knows how to captivate your mind! I highly recommend you read this book. I'm excited to read the next one! -
I love Tachel Van Dyken's writting I love that these are spin offs from the House of Renwick series and I really hope there will be more from the House of Renwick, but so far I have fallen in love with the London Fairy Tales.
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3.5/5.0
This is the first book in the London Fairy Tales series and is based upon Sleeping Beauty with the heroine suffering from inexplicable bouts of sleeping.
Full review in
March 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine. -
Delightful ! 4.5 STARS - There were a few issues with an odd word missing (kindle edition) and some issues with the writing style, but my rating is based on the wonderful Fairy Tale story. Just what I like to read to escape for a few hours.
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Fabulous! Very romantic and I actually laughed out loud continuously!
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Always love me a Rachel Van Dyken tale :)
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Buddy read with Nurmawati Djuhawan -
Un peu fouillis et de temps en temps surréaliste. mais dans l'ensemble on se laisse prendre par l'intrigue.
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I have loved all of the London Fairy Tale series. It is too hard to pick a favourite. Beautifully written, very witty, love the humour. Don't stop
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one of my favorites
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This one was had too many majorly heavy innuendos for my taste...going to pass on it.
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Lady Rosalind is tired of the season society gossip. She has been betrothed until Stefan, the future Duke of Montmouth, comes to the ton & announces the release of their marriage contract. Was that a huge mistake! Stefan thought he was doing the Nobel thing by releasing Lady Rosalind.
Unfortunately there is a curse between there families that have been with them for decades.
In the resent years everyone has been ill or died.
Rosalind Father died. Then Stefan's family member dies & another one ill.
Lady Rosalind believes she is dying because of her sleeping attacks that come out of no where.
The only way the curse will end is they get married immediately before someone else dies.
Stefan goes back to lady Rosalind & asks for her hand in marriage. Stefan doesn't know how to be elegant, romantic or spontaneous. When he informs Rosalind of the latest issues in his family. He insists they get married to please their families. He demands they need to get married. Rosalind says no to the arrogant Duke to be. While he gets caned by Mary her godmother.
Due to Rosalind's sleeping illness that she believes she will die.
Her mother who is another victim of sickness is to weak & getting dilutional that her daughter is the one causing the illness. Rosalind gets sent away to be isolate from her sisters & mother.
While Stefan is handsome as a pagan Norse god, in Rosalind's eyes. She wants to be romances, sweep off her feet given a poem & then romanced into a proposal. He doesn't know how to do that. But he is determined to win her love. Stefan has fallen in love with the Sassy, independent, fire Lady Rosalind.
However, in the mean time accidents occur, digging deeper in the curse gives the Duke some concerns that it might not be a curse but planned for many years.
Then the night of the wedding, Rosalind drinks poison to put her to sleep. Her daughter Isabella gets kidnapped by a Russian Lord for 100k. The real secrets come out of the legitimacy of Lady Rosalind parentage.
Read the twists, turns, plots & suspense that happens in this 1st part of the saga.
Can Rosalind & Stefan get a happily ever after. -
I didn't love the beginning of this book. It was a little disjointed and chaotic and I wasn't really following who was who and why they were important when things first got rolling. Eventually things settled down and I realized the lady Stefan was running from in the first chapter was NOT the heroine. Which, honestly, thinking that made things WEIRD for a while. Really weird.
But I got past it. And then things made more sense.
The minor mystery over what was causing Rose's illness wasn't all that hard to suss out, but there was another twist that kind of came out of left field. It worked and it sets up the next book nicely, but...I don't know. Left field. I have more I want to say on that, but I think it will give too much away. So, moving on.
Enjoyable enough--and I do like fairy tale retellings, so the Sleeping Beauty nuggets dropped in made me grin--but that beginning was rough. It also took a lot to get Rose and Stefan to the point they weren't butting heads every time they were in the same room. Stefan might have been sort of unromantic in the way he went about asking Rose to marry him, but for someone who was basically expecting to die before her next birthday, she didn't seem too keen on doing her part to break the supposed curse.
Again, despite my nitpicking, I did enjoy the book. It just doesn't feel like one I'll reread over and over again.
-Kelly @
Reading the Paranormal -
Sleeping Beauty in Regency England. Its a great premise for a great story. And Rachel Van Dyken does adequate justice to it. It's a story about a curse on two families whose first borns have to marry in order to stem the curse. The H/h are betrothed, but neither want to marry each other. He wants her to acquiesce to his every command. She wants him to woo her. It is not the most original of tropes, except the added concern about her "sleeping sickness", and the mysterious deaths which need to be solved.
The plot line is okay, but leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
1. If the families have to have the first borns marry, does that not cause inbreeding?
2. The Hero in the prologue is described as boring. In the present time he is audacious, brash, "barbarian"-- it took me a little while to reconcile these two views. How did he change so much?
3. Did the curse lift? I dunno and I can't say. You'd have to read it to understand the denouement.
Having said that my single gripe is with the language. For the most part, its good but then you have jarring departures into modern terms and phraseology. I wish the proof-reader/editor had done a better job on that.
All in all - a book you could read.
