Made the Grade: The Duke of Snow and Apples by Elizabeth Vail

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1433 KB | Expected Release Date: August 26, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Duke of Snow and Apples" by Elizabeth Vail

Author's Book Description : Frederick Snow, first footman, is the perfect servant: efficient, hardworking, and completely bereft of emotion. Unbeknownst to his employers, he’s the lost Duke of Snowmont, on the run from a suspicious stepfather and a powerful magic he can only control by burying his passions beneath his frosty demeanor. He’s managed to hide behind his carefully ordered life until an impertinent miss arrives and challenges everything he thought he wanted.

If Charlotte Erlwood wants to land a wealthy, titled husband at her great aunt’s house party, she has to stop losing her temper – especially with inordinately handsome footmen. Perhaps if she recruits Frederick for her matrimonial schemes, she’ll be able to direct her attention toward suitable single noblemen and away from inappropriate dalliances. But Frederick’s frigid control is no match for Charlotte’s irrepressible spirit, and her passionate kiss could summon the darker side of his magic...or wake his heart from its frozen sleep.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, a darker version of the Snow White fairytale with unique twists! Set in a historical feyish world, this dynamic novel gets you hooked from the beginning with its intriguing plot and entertaining characters.

I truly liked the idea of how the roles in this novel were switched from the original story, making Frederick to be "Snow White" and Charlotte to be "the Prince." Yet, even though that is what it seems they both end up saving each other while turning each other’s worlds’ upside-down in the process. Together they prove that you can fall in love no matter what the circumstances, as what is inside you matters more then anything else.

In addition to the main characters, I liked Charlotte's Aunt Hildy and the other "Dowagers/Diamonds." They keep up the humor throughout this novel while giving you different glimpses as to what the rest of society is like for where they live.

The only reason I didn't give this novel a higher rating was because of how much Charlotte and Frederick annoyed me at times with the refusal of their feelings. Also, because of how Frederick seemed to be a bit oblivious as to everyone around him (a little too much in my opinion) when all the pieces of "his mystery" were finally adding up. I guess I just wish it wasn't as dragged out as it was.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy this novel and hope there will be a sequel or another book to turn this into a series!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading twists on fairytales and/or fantasy romances!

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Author's Novel Extras : "The Duke of Snow and Apples" and the End of Aspiration

Book Teaser(s) :

An overpowering urge to laugh rose from his belly, the kind of wild, uninhibited laughter that clenched the body like a fist to wring as much mirth as possible from every pore. He hadn’t laughed that way in such a long time he had a sudden fear he might forget how and end up howling or screaming instead, so when the laughter seized his throat he spat it out as words.
“I’m sorry I kissed you,” he said. Vivid hues bloomed in the air between them, rich, varied shades of longing, most of them his.
Charlotte cocked her head to one side. Her lips bowed into a slow, lopsided smile. “Liar.”
“God help me.” He chuckled weakly. “I’m not very good at being a rapacious footman.”
“True. But I can always use a friend. So could you, it seems.” ~ within Chapter 11

“I see you’ve met Quicksilver,” she said. The mare in question whickered as the lady approached. “Isn’t she fine? When I heard you were coming to hunt today, I knew I couldn’t allow you to ride any other. Smart as a whip, but patient as well, if you’re not sure of your seat. Don’t just stand there gawking, Freddy—mount my grandniece!” She turned to examine her harness, only to be distracted by frantic coughing sounds. “My word, Freddy, whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing,” Frederick wheezed. Charlotte, however, thought she heard, “just swallowed my tongue, is all,” muttered under his breath. She stifled a laugh into the back of her glove. ~ within Chapter 12

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For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.