Book Review: The Cinderella Princess by Melissa McClone

the cinderella princessThe first book of the “Royal Holiday” series, “The Cinderella Princess ” by Melissa McClone combines reality TV and royalty.

The premise is simple; find a bride for the youngest prince from a small European kingdom via a reality TV show.

Told in a whispery voice reserved for those nights when our parents tuck us in to bed and read us a fairy tale, “The Cinderella Princess” lives up to its titular character’s reputation of “one who unexpectedly achieves recognition or success after a period of obscurity and neglect.” Though, you will be surprised who Cinderella refers to in the story.

The book more than lived up to the allusions and tropes usually associated with Cinderella. For that, I would have given it 5 stars. But, I have to take down one star because an Edward VIII sacrifice was not needed nor warranted.

For everything they had gone through, the hero and heroine have earned their happily ever after fair and square. They did not need another event to prove their love for each other.

The Cinderella Princess is Rated PG 13 due to some adult situations. There are no sex scenes in this book.

4
DescriptionThanks to a philandering father, ad exec Emily Rodgers knows happily ever after doesn’t exist. Relying on a man only leads to heartache. She takes care of herself, and work defines her life. But Emily soon finds herself in the hands of a real-life prince who defines the words charming and sexy. Not to mention reckless. If Prince Lucas doesn’t find a royal bride, Emily’s dream of being named a partner at the advertising firm will die.

Luc’s fun-loving ways have made him a magnet for scandal. His father gives Luc an ultimatum—find a wife on a reality TV show or be disowned. Rules require him to marry nobility, but after he meets the uptight American sent to find him find a princess bride, his search for Cinderella might be over. Too bad Emily wants nothing to do with him. Perhaps he can show her that fairytale endings can happen in real life…