Cursed Princess Club Vol. 2 by LambCat

Though her friends and family see the beauty within Gwen, she is still having trouble seeing it herself. It is showing up in the cracks that she sees when she looks in the mirror. But there is a new man in her life, a portrait artist who is bored by the regular beauty he sees in the world. In Gwen, he has found a new muse and a flavor of beauty that sates his jaded palate. 

At the same time, the pastel king has finally allowed his princesses a bit more freedom. They can go on dates with their fiances from the plaid kingdom. But does Frederick still want to be engaged? He isn't sure but he doesn't want to give up. 

The Cursed Princess Club is dealing with a lot. They were sure that Gwen wasn't cursed but, after looking at her family portrait, they aren't so sure as they once were. Oh, and Nell's had a premonition that one of them will die before the new moon passes. 

Four stars

This book comes out July 4, 2023

Follows Vol. 2

ARC kindly provided WEBTOON Unscrolled and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Cursed Princess Club Vol. 2 by LambCat

In the first volume we met three sisters. The oldest two are absolutely lovely and accomplished. The third, Gwendolyn, is everyone's favorite. She has a giant heart and is an accomplished cook but she is just not pretty. In fact, she is rather ugly. She never knew until her father wants to make an alliance with the Plaid Kingdom by marrying his daughters off to the other king's sons. That's when Gwendolyn found out how other people see her. Luckily, she also discovered the Cursed Princess Club which was open to all princesses (and a prince, because why discriminate?). 

This time, we're seeing some growing pains. Someone is leaving Gwendolyn notes asking her to meet them in the barn. And it's there that she discovers one of the secrets of the club. She also discovers that there is a club for cursed princes. However, the curses may be more of their own making. 

This book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger with the Argyle Prince seemingly attracted to Gwen and asking her out. But are his motives pure?

An absolutely lovely addition to the series. I cannot wait for book three.

Four and a half stars

This book comes out July 4, 2023

Follows Vol. 1

Followed by Vol. 3

ARC kindly provided WEBTOON Unscrolled and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Cursed Princess Club by LambCat

What a cute start to a new series! There was a little too much drama for me and just so many stumbling points in Gwendolyn and Frederick but overall a modern reimagining of some fairy tale tropes.

Once upon a time in the Pastel kingdom lived three princesses with their father and brother. Two of the three princesses (and their brother) are conventionally beautiful while Gwendolyn is often compared to a withered crone or a witch. But her family only sees how beautiful she is on the inside and luxuriate in her amazing cooking. However, when the three princesses meet the brothers of the Plaid kingdom to whom they have more or less been betrothed, things start to go awry. The youngest, Frederick, is assumed to be marrying Gwendolyn but he is repulsed by her outward appearance. This leads to Gwendolyn running away and discovering the Cursed Princess Club where princesses (and princes) who have been cursed can learn to live their lives without waiting for some nebulous "Charming." Because this is the first book in the series, we concentrate a lot more on Gwendolyn than the club but I'm assuming that we will see more of the club in future books in the series.

Four stars

This book comes out January 3, 2023

Followed by Vol. 2

ARC kindly provided WEBTOON Unscrolled and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne

The subtitle for this book is "Once. A pun. A time." I think that give fair warning that this book is not going to be a very traditional fairy tale nor is it going to be very serious.
When the book opens, we are treated to a glimpse of a fairy castle that is under a spell that has made everyone (except one troubadour) fall into a deep sleep. They are waiting for someone to rescue the princess. It is possible that it might be the farm boy, Worstley (his brother Bestley was killed for being too handsome). At least, the pixie, Staph, tells him that he is the Chosen One. But is he?
Filled with puns and plays on the most popular fairy tale tropes; this was an interesting story that dragged in a few places and got a little long in others but was overall a pretty enjoyable read.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out July 17
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley