Review: My Fair Princess (The Improper Princesses #1) by Vanessa Kelly

Print Length: 352 pages

Publisher: Zebra (August 30, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: Despite being the illegitimate daughter of a prince, Gillian Dryden is happily ignorant of all social graces. After growing up wild in Italy, Gillian has been ordered home to England to find a suitable husband. And Charles Valentine Penley, the excessively proper, distractingly handsome Duke of Leverton, has agreed to help transform her from a willful tomboy to a blushing debutante.

Powerful and sophisticated, Charles can make or break reputations with a well-placed word. But his new protégée, with her habit of hunting bandits and punching earls, is a walking scandal. The ton is aghast . . . but Charles is thoroughly intrigued. Tasked with taking the hoyden in hand, he longs to take her in his arms instead. Can such an outrageous attraction possibly lead to a fairytale ending?

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This is a solidly written story, although there were moments where I just couldn't help but shake my head. The characters were interesting and engaging - I thoroughly enjoyed Gillian's character - although for the life of me I couldn't understand why her mother and grandmother were so dead set on her joining society. If ever there was a woman who wanted nothing to do with society's standards and conformations, it was Gillian - and that was one of the most refreshing things about her character. Added to that she had her own (somewhat bloodthirsty) sense of justice and she is definitely not your average heroine! 

It was interesting watching the relationship bloom between Charles and Gillian as well. Here are two people who not only couldn't be more wrong for each other, but who also aggravate one another at every turn - so watching them balance that delicate edge between friendship and romance was interesting to see (and in my opinion very nicely done by the author). 

Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal to those who enjoy a well written with interesting and unique characters. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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My Fair Princess is available from Amazon.com