At First Sight

What I look for in a good read Regnery has delivered to me tenfold. Losing myself in this novella, disconnecting from the world around me, especially in these difficult times, was music to my ears. And one thing that she does exceedingly well is character development. The traits of her Irish and Italian protagonists come across strongly and the dual narrative in present tense not only balances the story, but I also loved exploring Ian and Valentina’s thoughts through their eyes. The title couldn’t have been better and I know one shouldn't make up their minds before time but after reading the first chapter, I was sold. The beauty of this Modern Fairytale series is each book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone; however, you can also meet Valentina in Shear Heaven, her twin brother Nico’s story.

‘I realize how little I actually know this man.’

My question was if instalove exists! Valentia Di’ Medici and Ian Ladd fall hard for each other at first sight, the author doing an excellent job convincing me that it is possible. Trying not to let on too much, poor boy meets rich girl and sparks fly but in this case, destiny is a double-edged sword. These two youngsters who’d found their soulmates were to be ripped apart...for how long is for you to discover.

‘But would he save me from harm only to hurt me himself?’

I loved the man Ian had grown into. Hot-headed as a teenager, he’d been given the opportunity of a lifetime and got his act together. On the other hand, I thought Valentina had chosen the easy way out to please others for reasons I cannot possibly mention. Over time the solution worked well but beneath her layers, she’d become bitter, distrustful and although she wants for absolutely nothing, feels that true love is for others. Now then, this contrast was bitingly realistic. It happens, it is life and here Katy really got the message home. Once bitten, twice shy.

“You neither trusted nor sought true love in your life. You only gave me your heart because you knew I couldn’t break it.”

The letter...what foresight, the lingos...perfectly conveyed, and her quotes from Romeo and Juliet couldn’t have been more fitting. Regnery has a way with words and her note to readers about how she’d tackled the retelling was for me, enlightening. I’m sure her storytelling would excite even the most skeptical of readers since I am one! Being pulled in from the beginning, I dreaded the ending. The nearer I got to it, the less I wanted this enchanting retelling of Aladdin to end. It’s dead easy to read At First Sight in one sitting and if you’re in want of pure and utter distraction, this book is for you! Bravo, Regnery!

Heather

1,388 reviews24 followers

modern-retelling rags-to-riches rich-girl-poor-boy

Aladdin has always been one of my favorite Disney movies so I really enjoyed how Katy Regnery retold the story in a modern setting with her own twists. Ian Ladd (Aladdin) is a young Irish "street rat" while Valentina Yasmina De'Medici (Princess Jasmine) is an Italian princess. But can a street rat and a princess really find love, especially love at first sight?
My only complaint about this book is that it is a novella. I would have loved even more of Ian and his Princess!!!! Overall, however, this was a very enjoyable romance and a perfect addition to her modern fairytale series. This story is connected with Shear Heaven, the hero is Valentine's twin brother but this novella can be read as a stand alone. However, I recommend it simply because Valentina is in that story as well.

reviewed

EpicRomanceReviews

745 reviews137 followers

June 3, 2020

❤~🌟~❤ 4.5. MAGICAL STARS! ❤~🌟~❤

“Once upon a time, long ago and far away…..a street rat fell in love with a beautiful princess.”

Get ready to take a Magic Carpet ride that will leave you DIZZY WITH DELIGHT! AT FIRST SIGHT, a wildly original spin on the beloved Aladdin fairytale, is a fanciful story of first love, second chances and of a forbidden, FATEFUL passion that triumphs against all odds!

PREMISE:
For loyal Modern Fairytale followers who have read Ms. Regnery’s Rapunzel-themed novella, SHEAR HEAVEN, the heroine, Princess Valentina, was first introduced in in that book as Nico’s twin sister. But while it’s recommend to have read that book prior to this one, I can personally attest that it’s not crucial.

16-year-old Ian Ladd is starring as Mercutio in the Limerick Youth Theatre’s production of Romeo & Juliet, which has received a lot of fanfare, and rumor has it that there is a real Italian princess in the audience! But nothing prepares him for the moment he locks eyes with Valentia Yasmina De’Medici. The charming, rough around the edges hooligan is completely transfixed by the stunningly beautiful Her Serene Highness. And to his shock and delight, Tina feels the same powerful pull towards him! Their connection is combustible, and they both fall hopelessly in love AT FIRST SIGHT. And after Valentina finds herself in danger and he bravely defends her honor, they both spend a magical evening together, discovering a whole new world through each other’s eyes!

But, alas, as happens in these kinds of timeless fairytales, the cruel hands of fate intervene. For Nico and Valentina’s stolen moments together result in life altering consequences…and their happiness is woefully short-lived.

However, even though they are torn asunder for over a decade and a half, the love and passion they feel for each other cannot be severed! And when they cross paths by chance fifteen years later, lightning strikes twice for this hopelessly enamored duo!

“I recognize him. I see him. I see the boy I knew in the man before me.”

But it won’t be easy for this trouble-prone, tough talkin’ former “street rat” from the back alleys of Limerick to claim his beautiful royal highness once and for all. For can Ian truly ever fit into Valentina’s grandiose world…and will she ever be able to free her heart from a cage of her own making? You gotta read to find out but prepare to be spellbound as they embark on a breath-stealing romantic odyssey of a lifetime!

MY MUSINGS:
Katy Regnery bewitches our hearts once again with this eagerly anticipated installment in her beloved Modern Fairytale series! I was enthralled by this wildly whimsical and enchanting novella from page one and raced through the kindle pages at breakneck speed. Spanning fifteen years and transporting us from the Emerald Isle to Brooklyn, NY this short novella is brimming with so much beauty and passion, heart and soul, vibrancy and vitality that it left me BREATHLESS. There is nothing more intoxicating about a story featuring a filthy rich princess and street-smart pauper who come from drastically different worlds, and when you add the Aladdin twist, it’s even headier! Each and every word Ms. Regnery pens in this masterfully woven tale sparkles and shines with her trademark charm and sheer glittering majesty!

The richly detailed world she concocts is guaranteed to sweep you up and away but beyond all the pomp and circumstance, at the core this is an enduring love story about a perfectly imperfect princess who yearns to regain control of her life, and a gruff, yet gold-hearted Irishman with dark skeletons in his past who fight for a second chance at love together! Their connection is captivating, heart wrenching, passionate and so rousingly romantic your pulse will be racing a mile a minute!

“My heart remembers yours.”

I absolutely adored both these characters! I loved how coarse and uncouth Ian was in Part One as a teenage gang member fighting for survival on the streets, yet despite his brash and brutish persona, deep down he possessed a gentle, loving soul. And HOLY SMOKES…when we see his transformation from Irish street thug to scrappy Irish Restaurateur in Part Three he truly embodies the roguishly sexy prince of our feverish fantasies!! This tall, dark and muscular hottie with the navy blue eyes and cocky smirk oozes testosterone, simmering intensify and raw potent masculinity! And sure he’s seen his share of hardship and tragedy—and one loss in particular decimated his entire world—but with the help of his own special “genie” he got his three wishes granted and was able to miraculously turn his life around. But he's still haunted by dark demons in his past. Will he ever be deemed worthy of the beautiful royal princess of his dreams? My lips are sealed on that front, but I will say that I swooned and exalted and just plain coveted this roughhewn hero with every beat of my heart!

As for Tina, she is so sweet and angelic, spirited and adventurous and brave. And while in the present day she “radiates composure, sophistication and grace,” there’s still an aura of aching vulnerability and fiery sass about her that is reminiscent of the girl that Ian first fell in love with. Yet even though she was left devastated and emotionally shattered by the turn of events that ripped Ian away from her all those years ago, hereby resigning herself to make the ultimate sacrifice to elude a royal scandal, her heart always panged for one boy. Ian. But their passionate reunion is fraught with complications, especially since she’s vowed to never trust in love again. However, there’s just SOMETHING about Ian that is like a potent balm to her wounded soul.

Sighh! You CAN’T HELP but root hard for this star-crossed couple who loved one another so passionately for one unforgettable night and finally get a second shot at deep, everlasting happiness! They undoubtedly come from different walks of life, but Valentina and Ian are truly a match made in heaven! And while this fabled story of love and loss, hope and healing sure has its fair share of grim twists and turns, they are prepared to fight for a future together at all costs!

BOTTOM LINE:
Katy’s Regnery’s modern-day Aladdin retelling is simply GLORIOUS!

A MUST READ!

Auj

1,439 reviews112 followers

February 14, 2022

The first chapter with Ian's POV in the weird Irish slang threw me off and I thought about dropping the book right away. However, it only lasted, or bothered me, for a chapter.

The insta-love is strong in this book. Rather than talk much the first time they met, we just hear about their experiences in hindsight and then Ian's suddenly in her hotel and they have sex for the first time. I was thinking to myself, "Damn, the princess gave it up in one night." 😂 That is fast, especially considering she was a virgin, but maybe I shouldn't be talking because I considered doing it with this guy I really liked at the time the night after I met him.

Then I wasn't too happy when Ian also had a kid, though it did make for a good reason why they ran into each other again 15 years later. I thought that maybe Carina, Valentina's daughter, was Ian's, but then I realized that the time didn't match up. Okay, but how many men was Valentina fucking with at the time she fell pregnant with Carina?? (She had no idea who the father was.)

I was annoyed too how Ian didn't tell Valentina right away why he stood her up that second night.

I would love a book with the children falling in love with each other. Some people I know would find that taboo because though they aren't blood related, they will be raised as brother and sister. Even the author hinted that they liked each other. I liked how Valentina & Ian named their child together Romeo. So now we have Carina, Dylan (?), and Romeo... Cute!

child-from-previous-relationship contemporary-romance insta-love

Lori R.

1,340 reviews68 followers

I loved this so much! To say I was excited to read it would be an understatement.

This retelling of Aladdin with the Katy Regnery touch was absolutely magical!

This beautifully written novella is packed full of emotion and carries as much delightful enchantment as the movie. The characters stepped off the page and felt so real, the story grabbed ahold of my heart and didn’t let go, and the happily ever after gave me blissful satisfaction with a big smile on my face.

I was swept away with the love and passion and all of the heart-fluttering goodness. This twist on Aladdin was pure genius and utter perfection. I can’t recommend it enough!

*Katy’s novella, Shear Heaven, takes place right in the middle of At First Sight. (It’s Valentina’s twin brother’s story). It doesn’t have to be read in order to enjoy this story. But IMHO, I think you should. I hadn’t read it yet, so I stopped where I needed to, went and 1-clicked, and read it before I went back to At First Sight. And I’m so glad I did!

Michele

1,464 reviews

4 1/2 Magical Stars

I love the Fairytale books by Katy Regnery and At First Sight is a great addition to the series. It checked many of my boxes: Second chance romance, forbidden love, and of course the most obvious "Love at First Sight."

Valentina and Ian have both experienced difficulty in their lives. Ian comes from the streets of Ireland where violence is a way of life. Valentina is literally a princess. They experience "love at first sight" and as a reader, I was pulled right into their romance with no reservations.

This book is based on Aladdin and the way Ms. Regnery accomplishes it is quite unique and creative. I truly enjoyed each and every word. At First Sight is a quick and easy read that pulls the reader in and keeps them mesmerized until the end. As always, it was a pleasure to read this latest entry.... it was a whole new world.

Thank you to Ms. Regnery for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Isha Coleman

7,585 reviews154 followers

At First Sight (A Modern Fairytale #7) by: Katy Regnery

At First Sight by Katy Regnery

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The greatest tragedies make for the most haunting stories. At First Sight is the kind of heartache that leaves an impression on the soul. Regnery takes a tale of young love and what ifs and turns it into a bumpy, yet magical carpet ride. From bruised hearts to shattering revelations, Ian and Tina find a chance at forever, buried within the healing power of love. Beautiful tragedy packs an uplifting message.

first-reads

Patti

1,171 reviews9 followers

contemporary fairytale-remake novella

Another fabulous fairytale that is definitely a must read!! Katy Regnery totally hooked me from start to finish in this spectacular Aladdin take off!! If you have read Shear Heaven, you will remember Valentina as Nico's sister, than you are set to go and you will learn all of Valentina's secrets past and present!! I love the way that Katy weaved this story over 15 years of love, pain, loss and acceptance!! In a twist of fate these two love birds find love and many years later they try to fight to have their second chance at love again!! What a beautiful fairytale that will stay with me for some time!! Don't hesitate to get your copy soon!!

melanie

338 reviews39 followers

June 2, 2020

Loved this story
Ian and Valentina met in the most unusual of circumstances. She was in Ireland with her family at a play. Ian was in the play. She came to meet him and for them both it was love at first sight, but after a sweet night everything came tumbling down and he never returned to her. Years later they meet again through their children. If you want to know the rest of this story. Please read this book. You will not be disappointed.

Stacie

2,191 reviews246 followers

June 4, 2020

3 1/2 "At first sight.

This was very good. I loved reading Ian and Valentina's story. Especially Valentina's after meeting her in Shear Heaven (I recommend you read that first. But you don't have to, to enjoy this one. But I still recommend it. It's really short too so it wouldn't take long. Besides, it's sweet.) She certainly deserved her HEA. But there was just a wee part that I feel was not quite fleshed out and left me with niggling questions. Overall tough, I enjoyed it. Happy reading!

Tammy

959 reviews112 followers

June 3, 2020

From rags to riches. From street rat to princess. From tragedy to happily ever after. We are given a story of star-crossed lovers tragically ripped apart.

At First Sight is one hell of an introduction to a new to me author!

I'll admit I was nervous going in. This book had two things that would normally have me running in the other direction: 1. crazy insta-love and 2. it's a novella. Novellas are so hard for me because I want all the things. I prefer full length stories, especially if I'm enjoying the ride. I don't want it to end so quickly. Hell, I'm so picky that if the book is under so many pages I won't even consider it.

Anyway, I'm glad I gave At First Sight a chance. I quickly found neither was an issue. The insta didn't bother me as much as I worried it would, maybe because I got that things had to happen pretty much immediately. Maybe because somewhere deep down inside I want to believe in the power of intuitively knowing your soul mate. Like Ian and Tina. Either way, this is one instantaneous love I didn't have any troubles sinking my teeth into.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Katy Regnery can write her ass off. Not sure what took me so long to get on the bandwagon, but now that I am, I'll be devouring all her words!

Usually, I have a favorite by the end of the book and it's usually the hero. Not this time. Ian and Valentina were everything, equally. Both were lovable characters. Both had me rooting hard for them. Both left me wanting more. More of them as a couple. More of them individually. More of them in their previous lives. More of them learning and growing as a family. Just more of every little thing. I truly hope Ms. Katy will consider giving us a full-length book featuring Ian and Tina, in the future.

I know. I know. I am greedy. LOL

It's just, I was truly moved by how their young love stood the test of time, spanning 15 years, even amidst the adversities. In such a short span of words Regnery made me feel the power of their connection. Their devotion. Their inevitability.

I hope if you decide to read this you fall in love with this gorgeous couple as much as I did.

FYI: I didn't need to read Shear Heaven in order to fully understand At First Sight. Although, I will be going back and reading it.

Bring on everything Katy Regnery!!

2020 4-stars worthy-reads-of-2020

Kim

2,631 reviews164 followers

This is a story about how one look, one night can change everything.

We met Valentina De'Medici in her twin brother, Nico's book Shear Heaven. This novella takes place before and after his book with a time jump.

Ian Ladd was an Irish street lad destined to live the life of all the men around Limerick with family gangs and infighting. But one summer he and the other teens were in the play of Romeo and Juliet in an effort to keep them off the streets and from fighting. One night a princess was in the audience and their eyes met across the crowded room. An innocent meeting then sets off a chain of events. One night together is the best they ever spent. But by the next day, everything had changed and two hearts would be broken.

Fifteen years later, life circumstances bring the more mature Valentina and Ian together again. They have grown and changed, and their lives are much different.

Is it fate and a chance for a new beginning or just time to get closure and heal old wounds? They both have plenty of secrets that they have been keeping, but can they trust each other enough to share them?

This is a short, sweet, and heartfelt story of love at first sight, soul mates, and second chances. I liked the characters and how their lives evolved over fifteen years. The author used a creative approach not to be redundant with the events of Shear Heaven but gives enough information so new readers will not be lost. It is a novella so some things are not explored that in-depth and it moved at a fast pace, but it was enjoyable and unique.

I love these modern fairytales for engaging, easy, uplifting reads even though this one did also have some tragedy built in as well. But it shows how even in the darkest times, there can be light and hope for better things.

Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter

4-stars

Karen

32 reviews30 followers

╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺

We first met Her Serene Highness Valentina Yasmina De’Medici in Shear Heaven as Nico’s twin sister. We knew part of her story. But it takes a master like Katy Regnery to weave back in time to create another fantastic fairy tale romance. So from Rapunzel’s story, Tina comes into her own in the retelling of Aladdin. And what a magic carpet ride it is! (If you have not yet read Shear Heaven, grab it and read it before this one comes out in a couple days. You can thank me later!) Street-wise Ian Ladd (cute, huh?) sees his princess and it is love At First Sight. Then things happen. Then more things happen. Then time passes. And finally they have their second chance (one of my favorite tropes).

"Because when God sees fit to place an angel in your life, you don't ask how much it will cost."

The cost might have been high, but angels are always worth it. Ian and Tina are a match made in heaven. I have loved all of Katy’s fairy tales and was so excited to read her latest. From Limerick, Ireland to Brooklyn, New York, you are in for a heartwarming story of first love and second chances. Well done, Katy!

1,262 reviews121 followers

I got an ARC!!!!
Thank you!

I read this this afternoon, it's a really sweet short story, about what else, but love at first sight!
Sometimes it happens, and then real life happens and messes with the happiness.

This is another from Katy's Modern Fairytale series. But there was no issue with reading it as a stand alone....A warning, so far through you get a message suggesting you read SHEAR HEAVEN. It is relevant to this story, so, as I haven't read all the books in this series yet, I guess I better do something about that!

So, to the story.
Ian is in a play at the youth center, and rumor has it, there's a princess in the audience, on this their last night!

Honest-to-God royalty visiting from Italy with her parents.
And I can’t speak for the other lads, but I wouldn’t mind a gawk at her.
Well, mate, Princess Valentina feels the same way!

The couple's eyes meet through the crowd and the rest, as they say is history.
But, this is fantasy land, and things don't always go as we would like, and our couple are separated by circumstances out of their control, not to see each other again for 15 years! and then it's only by a shear fluke, fate was waiting for the perfect moment!

I really enjoyed following the story of Ian and Tina, and the lead up to their well deserved HEA.
What a delightful story!

Thank you for the ARC!

Alexis

34 reviews1 follower

Patricia Rohrs (Spellbound Stories blog)

I’ve been reading Katy Regnery books for years and for a long time “Vixen & the Vet” has held the top spot. Until now, Aladdin has been my favorite Disney story and this just adds to that. To have a grown up version I jumped at the chance to read it, and I was hooked from the very beginning. I never believed in love at first sight, but seeing it happen with Valentina and Ian gives me hope.

“Do ya trust me, Tina”

When I heard that I could see his hand out begging for him to take it. I’m not gonna spoil anything because this deserves to be experienced one on one. However I can tell you this is the best book I’ve read this year. She brought the characters to life and it was like I could see all this happening in my mind like a movie with all the details she provided.

Katy Regnery has done it again. So do you trust me? If so buy this book and get ready to experience a whole new world.

Xoxo’s

Carly Wilson

596 reviews41 followers

May 29, 2020

I had been eagerly awaiting another Fairytale retelling book by Katy Regnery, after previously reading the other six in this collection. With ‘At First Sight’ Regnery continues to deliver an incredibly detailed and passionate romance that had me engrossed since I received it.

The book is about Valentina ‘Tina’ Di’ Medici, an Italian Princess who very much has high expectations from her parents resting on her shoulders. So when she one night falls madly in love with an Irish Street Rat of a boy, she cant help but determined that she wants to have control over one element in her life for a brief moment, her heart.

Their romance is spontaneous, exciting, but fleeting, and it all takes a rather strange turn leaving Tina devastated. Certain to never trust or allow herself to love anyone, she is then compliant to the wishes of her family in order to avoid scandal.

Ian Ladd is a handsomely charming Irish Man, who has a penchant for trouble and is rough around the edges. When he spots Tina in the audience of his play, their eyes connect, and he is done for. But what began as an exiting teen love, went horribly wrong, and Tina becomes ‘the one that got away’.

But what happens when lightning strikes twice in love?

This story is so beautiful, I absolutely adored both characters, I was rooting for them all along. Ian is so brutally vulgar in comparison to Tina, and her sweet naive innocence endears you to her more. Regnery writes chemistry, love, passion and pain in a way that made the story so vivid and entertaining.

I’d recommend to anyone who loves fairytales and Happily Ever Afters, and those just looking for an incredibly well-written and beautiful story.

2,265 reviews105 followers

A romantic second chance romance that will fill your soul with hope! Valentina and Ian’s story was one filled with intense action, strong desires and filled with the type of hope that only fate can carry out! Sometimes things happen at the right time and though circumstances may seem grim, fate won’t leave us in the dark forever! Katy did a beautiful job showing us how determination, strength and love can carry us out of dire situations and place us right where we need to be!

Kristy Odom

1,413 reviews34 followers

I loved this version of Aladdin. They were young, and that one night meant everything. I loved Ian had someone that cared enough to help him. I loved the little kids. They were the sweetest thing ever. I love these fairytale have new life! ❤️❤️❤️

Mel

756 reviews66 followers

2020-read arc fairytale-stories

4 stars!

Inspired by the story “Aladdin,” we have Ian and Tina, a “street rat” and a princess, who fall in love in a single night only to be torn apart the next day. It wouldn’t be a fairytale if they don’t find love again, and so with At First Sight, we get a heartwarming second chance romance with a classic fairytale ending

When Ian and Tina meet as teens, their lives couldn’t be more different. There is a spark though that blurs the line between worlds and Tina and Ian share a life changing night with each other. Then stripped of a future together, there is little hope that they will ever see the other again. As they grow up, things for both of them change drastically, and the only thing that remains the same is the memory of the unforgettable and passionate night long ago.

Fifteen years later they are brought together again, and pain and anger aren’t the only things that resurface. The connection they had at first sight is as strong as ever and they have to decide if they can have a future together, or if the past is too hard to overcome.

Though At First Sight is only a novella, it gives us a wonderful story full of emotion. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, painful and full of healing. I loved seeing Tina and Ian together as teens because they grow so much as they become adults. The things they go through to finally make it back to each other are hard but they wouldn’t change a thing because of the life they’ve made when they were apart.

The character growth is well developed. Ian changes so much from the hot tempered child and takes his second chance to become the patient man he was always meant to be. Tina’s idea of love was crushed years ago, and it takes time to break down the walls she built up around her heart but Ian doesn’t give up. I love watching them trust again and seeing them together. It’s beautiful how they fit into each other lives and I loved that they knew what they wanted went after it.

“You were the brightest light my dark life had ever known. Because I didn’t know what beauty was, what love was, what was possible, until I met you. Because when God sees fit to place an angel in your life, you don’t ask how much it’ll cost.”

This story is not angsty but there is conflict that the characters must face. Everything is resolved rather quickly but I liked the way the story progressed. It’s sweet, swoony, and uplifting, and a wonderful addition to the Modern Fairytale Collection. I really enjoyed this one!

Note: Though you don’t need to read Shear Heaven before At First Sight, I am glad I did. Tina’s brother’s story takes place between the time Tina and Ian first meet as teens and when they reconnect as adults. I loved getting a glimpse of Tina’s life in that novella because I saw everything in a whole new light when I finally got her complete story.

*ARC generously provided by the author*

Vivian

769 reviews12 followers

June 7, 2020

I have a few of this author's books on my TBR pile and when the opportunity came about to win an ARC copy of her latest release, I thought why not try her out now? I was not impressed. In fact, if I hadn't won the ARC and felt compelled to at least finish the book, I wouldn't have read beyond the first few chapters. Overuse of the F-bomb, a second chance meeting that was too coincidental to even be believable and I just had no emotional connection to the characters. An epic love story to be cherished on my keeper shelf? Not in the least.

Crystal

1,096 reviews30 followers

In this modern retelling of Aladdin, Ian Ladd is a young Irish gang member who is participating in a program to get the two main gangs in Limerick, Ireland working together on stage. Just before they go on for their final performance, the cast learns that the Italian royal family will be in attendance. As he scans the seats, Ian’s eyes lock with the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen, and he knows that she’s the princess. Her Serene Highness Valentina Yasmina De'Medici is excited to be away from the drudgery of formal occasions, even though the play is amateurish at best. That is, until she meets the eyes of one of the actors, a cheeky boy who looks at her with longing. She’s riveted during his performance of Mercutio, and afterwards she schemes with her brother so that she can sneak off and meet the young man that’s caught her eye.
After one secretive night together, Ian’s hit with devastating news. After attempting to exact revenge for the cause of his devastation, he flees Ireland for the safety of NYC, changing his name and vowing to never go back to the land of his birth. With no time, and no way to connect with the princess who owns his heart, he takes off.
Fifteen years later, a bitter Valentina and her young daughter are now living in NYC after the death of her best friend and husband. When she gets called into her daughter’s school because her daughter has been bullied, she is stunned to know that the little boy at the center of the event belongs to none other than Ian Ladd, the young Irishman who took her heart when she was a teen.
This is a very enjoyable retelling. Thoroughly modern in this telling, yet with a nod to past masters, Ms. Regnery has a habit of pulling you into the characters lives. You want to know more about their history and want to see more of their future. Great writing, enjoyable story arc, and wonderful characters all come together in this story to give you a happily ever after for the ages.
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Sylvia Clail

237 reviews6 followers

Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket

The commencement of this book teased me and won me over from the first chapter - a little sprinkling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to introduce the characters and set the scene. What a genius start to the story.

Being Irish myself I loved how the author used some Irish slang and touched on the troubles and accurately added in the fact many young Irish people moved to the USA due to wanting to escape the troubles or escape arrest from the troubles.

Ian Ladd is an unfortunate boy who practically has to rare himself and look after his little brother. His character is very realistic and I can see the link with Aladdin as he is rough and ready, a 'street rat'.

The princess 'Tina' is not your typical princess she is fiesty and likes to break the rules. These character traits end up causing some serious problems for everyone in the story. Again, I can see the link to Aladdin in the princesses strong beliefs and the fact she will fight for what she believes or wants, even breaking the rules if needed.

Tina and Ian meet while the family are visiting with from Italy and watching the show at the theatre. Once their eyes lock there is no denying the sparks between them.

I was intrigued by the character Steve and absolutely adored the letter he left for Tina, I would love to know more about Steve!

This is a beautiful first love story with believable characters, some iconic pieces of history and really is a magical fairytale.

Katy Regnery has nailed it again with another epic fairytale story and the epilogue is just swoon but I won't give it away and encourage you to one click to get lost in the magic.

AC Book Blog

979 reviews130 followers

June 2, 2020

"Once upon a time, long ago and far away, in a magical city by the River Shannon, a street rat fell in love with a beautiful princess ... at first sight"

WOW! This was so WORTH the wait you guys! I was always curious about Valentina and finally the author give her a sweet HEA. We met Valentina in Shear Heaven. She is Nico’s twin, a princess. Valentina and Ian’s love story began when they met as teenagers. It was love at first sight. They have one unforgettable night together but an unfortunate event happened that separated them for 15 years. They are now both living in New York, a meeting brought them back together. Was it destiny? Faith? We’ll have to read and find out. My only regret is that Ian and Valentina’s love story was over so quickly. I could read about them forever. Although this is a novella, I feel that the characters are developed and their past stories are deeper than expected. Ian has a bit of a colorful past but he is loyal to a fault. When he loves, he loves hard. Valentina was an innocent princess who had her heart broken. She turned somewhat hardened by what happened with Ian all those years ago. She is a bit jaded but with Ian back in her life Valentina finally has a chance to find her fairytale ending. They both deserved it and they are perfect for each other. This love story is based on Disney’s Aladdin. Absolutely love the heartwarming fairytale retelling, the magic, the love at first sight, the two little nuggets, and the emotional second chance. Short and sweet and beautifully written as always! Love this author!!! <3

2020

2,099 reviews85 followers

January 15, 2022

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

It is no secret that I love these books and I love this series. And I have to say I really love this novella because it continued the feel and the story that I fell in love with in Shear Heaven and just increase that love even more. I would definitely recommend reading the books in order so that way you really get the full impact of what these characters share in their story together. Like every book by Katy Regnery, this book was romantic, it had so much connection and fire, it was consuming in every way, and I was blown away by what I got with these characters. I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. It was a phenomenal quick read that just encapsulated everything I have loved about this author and her books.

The story is a twist on Aladdin and this author always does a great job of making the story modern, of capturing those aspects of the retelling that make you remember why you loved the original so much, while also giving it a modern twist that will give you at all. This one was phenomenal and it just made me eager to read more of everything by this author. Her stories in this series are fantastically written, full of amazing characters that will steal your heart from the very first page, and they have such a romantic deep level of love to them that jump off the page. I truly cannot get enough of these books and I just want more!

I can’t wait to continue on with this series. This novella was exactly what I needed and I am excited to see what will happen next as the series continues. These modern fairytales are absolutely fantastic and this author truly continues to mesmerize me with everything she creates.

Elaine Coghlan

1,048 reviews8 followers

At First Sight by Katy Regnery.
I'm so glad Katy said three years ago "Never say Never" because here we have Her Serene Highness Valentina Yasmina De'Medici's story,we met her in "Shear Heaven" inspired by Rapunzel twin brother Nico's story Can you believe that was 3 years ago!!

At First Sight...a modern day fairytale is inspired by Aladdin.

Katy's writing is exceptional,the way Tina's (Valentina) story is told, you are taken back before Nico's story and then after his.So you may want to read his before this, but you dont have to. However, this will explain Tina's behaviour during Nico's story.
So, backup 15 years, we have two young teenagers who eyes meet across the theatre one on stage in a play of Romeo and Juliet a street rat on stage and a Princess in the audience. Whst happens next is....

So after that night 15 years ago a chance second meeting will Tina find her HEA? Will Ian find his?sorry you will need to purchase the book to find out.
I definitely recommend At First Sight by Katy Regnery, her writing is simply amazing,she brings out the very best in her characters and make them real, the plot is always strong and meaningful. I guarantee you'll fall in love with them.

A huge thank you, Katy, for bringing this back after three years of waiting, and for the advance copy,in which I was lucky to have been chosen to win a copy.
Again Katy "Never say Never" I think you'll know what I mean;)

Susan

10 reviews