Her Mad Hatter by Marie HallKingdom Novels #1
Release Date: July 7, 2012
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling, Contemporary Romance
Source: Freebie from Amazon
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Synopsis
Alice is all grown up. Running the Mad Hatter's Cupcakery and Tea Shoppe is a delicious job, until fate -- and a fairy godmother with a weakness for bad boys -- throws her a curveball. Now, Alice is the newest resident of Wonderland, where the Mad Hatter fuels her fantasies and thrills her body with his dark touch.
The Mad Hatter may have a voice and a body made for sex, but he takes no lovers. Ever. But a determined fairy godmother has forced Alice into Wonderland -- and his arms. Now, as desire and madness converge, the Hatter must decide if he will fight the fairy godmother's mating -- or fight for Alice.
First of all, I have to admit to never having read Alice in Wonderland. *gasp* But I am familiar with the story and the characters. Despite not having read it, I quite enjoyed this twist on the original.
Mad Hatter is cursed and he must find his mate before the insanity of Wonderland consumes him. His fairy godmother, Danika, has been trying to find his mate but has been unsuccessful - until now. However, it remains to be seen if Hatter and Wonderland will accept her. Hatter has been burned too many times and he's jaded about love. He vows not to give the new Alice a chance. But she is different from all the others before her.
Alice has been in love with the Mad Hatter since she was 13. He appeared to her, spoke with her. Of course, no one believed Alice so she eventually stopped talking about him. But now she's ended up down the rabbit hole and according to Danika she has 3 days to make Hatter fall in love with her.
While I liked watching as Alice and Hatter got acquainted, I would've liked a little more depth. I know this is a novella but a little more in the way of character development would have enhanced the story. Also, I found myself having to really focus on Hatter's ramblings - trying to decipher his riddles. This slowed me down. I liked the world building a lot. Ms. Hall's description of Wonderland, the doors to anywhere, the changes made at Hatter's whim, were fascinating. And the romance between Alice and Hatter was sweet.
I found my introduction to Ms. Hall's Kingdom series pleasant. And I'm eager to read them all.
I admit I didn't know this one and I'm happy you found it pleasant, even if it lacked of character development. Believe it or not, I read novellas in which the development was done better than in certain novels. As I see it, although considered tricky, it's not a mission impossible. Still, I'm happy the read worked out well and you got me curious, Brandee! :)
ReplyDeleteI have read a few like that too, Silvia. I did like this one and it was Ms. Hall's first book, so... I will definitely check out more. :)
DeleteI'm not a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland, but this sounds neat. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think this one works best for those of us who didn't read Wonderland, Andrea. I think you'd like this one.
DeleteI have this book! I couldn't resist the cover, the title, plus it was free! Don't feel bad 'cause I haven't read Alice in Wonderland either, lol. There's a gorgeous special hardcover edition at Barnes & Noble I've been wanting for a long time. One day I'll buy it - it's hot pink, how can you beat that? ;)
ReplyDeleteI think with novellas they can be good but also a bit unsatisfying because there isn't a lot of time to develop the characters. I'm glad you enjoyed it and want to read the series. I'm looking forward to reading this. Awesome review, girl! Hope you're enjoying summer, too! :D
The bundled set of the first 3 is free right now, Jennifer. You're welcome. :) LOL I know the book you're talking about. It is pretty and pink. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this when you get to it. :)
DeleteHappy you liked this! It's insta-love and a bit underdeveloped in some parts but I guess it's expected given the length and the type of fantasy she's trying to "sell us"
ReplyDeleteExactly. But I liked it enough to continue... This was her first published work, I believe, so I'm hoping it gets even better. :)
DeleteYou know . . . if I had done the COYER thing, I definitely would have finally read this too. BUT, I'm lazy and uncooperative when it comes to reading books that I'm probably should read, but don't really feel like it, so I didn't, and I haven't, LOL. But go you!! Glad you liked it enough to want to continue the series. Maybe you'll motivate me as well ;)
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up, Jessica. You're doing your best to convince me you're a crankypants...but I don't believe it. ;)
DeleteOMG an Alice and Wonderland retelling? I MUST have it! Especially since it is a novella and therefore a quick read! Thank you thank you thank you for introducing me to this one. Great review!
ReplyDeleteTeresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives
LOL I'm actually surprised you haven't read this one, Teresa! It's a freebie on Amazon - actually the bundled set of the first 3 in the series is free right now. :)
DeleteI must admit I haven't read Alice in Wonderland, but I loved the movie as a kid. I know what you mean about novellas. Sometimes I think that a good story like this needs more depth and character development so that it can be a better story. Great review though!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Thanks, Naomi. Yep, sometimes novellas are really satisfying and sometimes they're just good. I hope you'll give this one a try. ;)
DeleteBrandee, sorry I have been MIA but I am bacccck. I have not read Alice In Wonderland either. I have it at home, but I kinda got the gist of the story, lol!!! I saw this somewhere as a set of 3 for 0.00. Maybe it was Amazon? Novella's can be hit and miss with me, I do enjoy reading them . I liked your honest review. Cute calling a guy Hatter :D
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Michelle! I understand. :) Thanks for letting me know about the bundled set - I one-clicked, naturally. ;)
DeleteOk so I love alice in Wonderland and I HATED this book lol. It was lacking so much, I know this was her first book but everything felt so rushed to me. The relationship between Alice and the Hatter was so forced and it never screamed love it was like all just forced. I was disappointed with this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I had given ot 3 starts but I still think I should have rated 2.
LOL Berls told me about your *ahem* feelings about this book. :) I think it's probably a good thing I hadn't read Wonderland. Have you read any more in the series?
DeleteNo not yet. I know Berls loves her and I do want to read more of the series but it's not top on my list :)
DeleteI've read this one for #COYER (though my review hasn't posted yet) and though it was lacking character development I actually really enjoyed it, I just started the second book in the series and already its seeming better, the Wolf is getting some characterisation even though its not even 'his' story!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad the second one is even better, Laura. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. And reading more MHall - since Berls loves her so much. :)
DeleteOh my goodness I need this book!!! Phenomenal review Brandee! Thank you so much for sharing this book and awesome review. 8D
ReplyDeleteIt's free, Sharrice...so go one-click! ;)
DeleteI think I commented on your goodreads review because I know I commented and yet, I don't see my comment LOL I completely agree with everything you said. I haven't read Alice in Wonderland either, something (or someone... named Michelle) tells me that's in our favor when reading this book, since I really liked it. I haven't read more of the series, but I do plan to. I think it must get better, since this was one of her earliest books.
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