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Originally included in the Royally Mine Anthology

Review

4.5 “happily-every-after” stars!

Shear Heaven by Katy Regnery is a beautiful twist on the classic fairytale, Rapunzel. This original, sweet little novella is sure to warm your heart and place a smile to you face. Though short in length, it is not short on feels. Captivating and fast-paced, it was easy to get lost in this fairytale, dreaming of a happily ever after.

Since her parents passed away four years ago, Bella has been living with and working for her godmother, the owner of the world-famous Innsbruck Salon and Spa. Understaffed and overworked, it’s a less than ideal situation for Bella who dreams of better things.

One evening while closing the spa, a man shows up in need of a hair stylist for his twin sister’s engagement party. After Bella hears the desperation in Nico’s voice, she is unable to refuse his request and comes to their rescue unaware that Nico is an Italian prince.

The moment Bella and Nico meet, there’s a spark. They have a connection that is simple and pure, yet the situation couldn’t be more complicated. His family has hit hard times and their fortune is not as large as it once was. Marrying for love is out of the question when a royal union would fix all of Nico’s problems.

I loved this novella. It’s a charming story with wonderful characters. Bella was beautiful inside and out. She had a huge heart and was genuinely sweet. She was innocent and naive but still had hopes and dreams. I loved that she did not shy away from her attraction to Nico even if she knew they couldn’t be together.

She was discovering, minute by minute, that it wasn’t his love for her that would hurt her in the long run. No. It would be her love for him that could destroy her, that could leave a lasting and agonizing mark on her soul.

Nico made me smile and I absolutely adored him. He is so sweet and totally swoony worthy. The way he treated Bella and the things he did for her warmed my heart. I loved that even though he had a soul crushing decision to make he still went all in for Bella knowing it would end in heartbreak.

Nico and Bella are a match made in heaven. Though they are from two different worlds, they fit together perfectly. It was easy being together and each one was exactly what they other wanted out of life. I loved that Bella’s calmness and sincerity was what Nico needed, and Nico gave Bella the experiences she longed for. Their desires were so beautifully described that I felt their yearning deep down. They have a whirlwind romance full of passion where love conflicts with duty and yet, they made the most of their time together.

“Let’s not ask for eternity,” she said softly, “when we have now.”

I felt the devastation when they could not be together and I had tears glistening along with Bella and Nico. I was nervous as the ending neared praying for an answer to their heartbreak.

She would choose wonderful with him, and suffer unwonderful without him later.

Though I’m not always a fan of love at first sight, when it’s done right, it’s beautiful. I loved watching Bella and Nico fall in love and I fell right along with them. My heart fluttered and my breath hitched. The emotions were strong and realistic even if it was insta-love. As a short story it’s understandable that things had to progress quickly and I loved the way they did.

Shear Heaven is romantic and sweet. It’s a wonderful addition to Katy’s ~a modern fairytale~ collection and will make you believe in fairytales.

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*