I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Celeste Baxendell's writing. This book was a wonderful retelling of Robin Hood, complete with backstories, emotional maturation of both characters, and fun twists to the plot and characters as we know it from popular culture. Switching Robin to be a woman archer and leader of the Merry Men was clever and memorable. Prince John was not likable at first but became endearing. Neither characters were really who they seemed to be at the beginning of the story; John was not the wicked, cruel, cowardly tyrant that Robin believed to be and Robin was not as impenetrable, calculating, and unforgiving as John thought her to be. The politics of running a country was an interesting subplot.
Their marriage of convenience that started them out as enemies had moments of spite, tenderness, longing, acceptance, belonging and regret. Their banter was fantastic and their backstories made my heart ache.
If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )

And yet again, Celeste hits this one out of the park, er forest. Robin Hood had been unmasked and revealed to be a woman. Prince John has been tasked by his brother, King Richard, to take care of the outlaw once and for all. And so, he hatches his most wicked plot yet...to marry Robin Hood.

A series of hijinks ensue in which she and her merry men try to scheme their way out of the deal. It is great fun. The love story is unexpectedly fun as well. Can the wicked prince be redeemed? And can Robin do it, or will she fall prey to yet another of his schemes?

Set in the same world as her fairytale series, this book is particularly special to me because Robin Hood is one of my all-time favorite historical-mythological characters. And no one has ever succeeded in making me like, much less love, Prince John. Unfortunately, now I also want stories about King Richard, Alan, Little Jon, and Will Scarlett, and maybe Robin's cousin Marian for good measure, although hers might have already been established. What am I saying? I want anything that Celeste will write.

I received an ARC of this book as part of the multi author series, Once upon a Prince, and have reviewed it gladly. ( )