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I used to dream of being a princess. Might have been my fascination with Disney movies. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White...I thought my prince would come and the world would be a happily ever after. But then, I was able to read a variety of anti-fairy tales where the happily ever after wasn't there or the characters were a little confused.It was then that I finally got to see that being a princess might not be what it was cracked up to be. And I love that Ashley Brooke Robbins' latest release shows an unique tale of being a princess. One for a modern age and for every girl who dreams about life in a castle.  The Royal Family Just Got a Little Bigger…. My name’s Baily King and I’ve always considered myself different—liking dead roses, cemeteries, reading fully clothed in the bathtub, and howling at the moon whilst dancing naked under it. But, when my grandma, a woman I scarcely remember, comes for a visit, she opens her mouth and my weird world crashes down all over my combat-booted feet. See, dear Gram is dying and wishes for me to accept my royal name. Turns out she finally left a small village south of Ireland—a village that her and her husband rule. Pfft. No pressure. Bam, you’re a Princess. Wear your tiara and shut up. Excerpt 1 The last image I saw of the woman sitting across from me now was tears streaming down her porcelain cheeks, and she held her hand out to me as my dad carried me out of some weird place. “My dad brought me to visit you?” I can’t stop myself. Her eyebrows lift slightly, and, after a moment, “Yes.” “But my dad’s girlfriend was being her usual thunder-twat self. Shocker. He had shit taste until he met her.” I jerk my chin to my stepmom. Dear Stepmom elbows me, a clear sign for me to watch my language. “Yes.” The corners of her glossed lips pull upwards. “I won’t waste any more time, then.” She clasps her hands together in her lap. “Baily, my dear, my full name is Elisabeth Eleanor King,” she informs me, like such an insight would have some special meaning. “Okay?” I don’t know what to say. Do you want a cookie? seems a little too rude. We just met. I can’t spout bullshit until, at least the second date. “I am currently the queen of a small village to the South of Ireland. Your father, Richard, was destined to be a king. But he, Lord rest his soul, was unable to fulfill his duties and take his rightful place after my husband and I are to step down from the throne.” She glances over at Tina and takes her hand when Tina’s eyes brim with tears. She adds sincerely. “He was a wonderful man and loved you both dearly.” With that her gaze returns to mine. “I beg your pardon?” I didn’t hear her right. I know I didn’t. I wait an extra minute for someone to crack up. Maybe I got my humor from Dad’s side? The room’s not quiet; you can hear the tension, and yet, no one laughs. I turn to look at the Hulks. Some are staring off into space, others are watching me, but there’s no amusement present. “You’re shitting me, right? You might need to run that by me one more time ’cause I just don’t think I heard you right.” You may think you’re a queen… Now Available in Ebook |
Melissa KeirGator Girl Extraordinaire Archives
October 2023
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