Twice Upon a Time by Kate Forster

Twice Upon a Time
Written by Kate Forster
Published January 27th 2014
377 Pages
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont
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★★★★

Ludo introduces Cinda to the heady world of the super-rich, taking her to parties on yachts and villas all over Europe. Sparks start to fly as Ludo and Cinda spend more and more time together, and even cautious Cinda wonders if there might be something real between them. Then Gus, Ludo's twin brother and heir to the Sardinian throne, arrives to ruin everyone's fun. Gus is obsessed with duty, and having a commoner like Cinda around just isn't part of his plan. But when fate throws Cinda and Gus together, he's astounded to discover that he and Cinda get along well. So well, in fact, that he might be prepared to throw away everything to be with her...

Lucinda had always wanted to see Italy, and at nineteen, she and best friend Jonas now find themselves backpacking through Europe. With very little sleep and not much more money, Cinda enjoys the simple life of travelling, armed with her paints and her imagination. It's painting on the edge of a cliff that she meets Ludo, the Prince of Sardinia, although Cinda has no idea who he is apart from the charming and charismatic young man who smudged her painting. Ludo is instantly smitten with the curvacious, free spirited Australian and opens Cinda up to a world only seen by the wealthy and entitled.

Ludo invites the two backpackers to party with the elite in Sardinia, leaving Italy behind. Ludo's lifestyle is nothing but parties and wild nights, and Cinda is swept away in his lavish lifestyle... Until she meets his twin Gus. Gus is heir to the throne and lives his life accordingly. He has the expectations of a nation on his shoulders and only five years before his mother hands the throne over to him. His life doesn't allow for the carefree existence that Ludo lives, so why does he find himself frustrated and wanting to live as Ludo does?

Cinda has nothing to return to. In Sydney, her mother has met yet another man and decides to move to New Zealand, renting out their home for the next six months. So when Ludo is desperate to keep Cinda close, he commissions the budding artist for a portrait. Sure to keep her busy for the next few months, Ludo believes Cinda is the one. But Gus sees her as one of a long list of beauties that could potentially destroy his family name and wants her and her freeloading companion gone.

If Gus ever forgets his place, his mother and uptight girlfriend Perrette are there to remind him. But Gus longs for something more, so when Ludo is sent to South Africa to sort his life out, Gus is stuck watching over Cinda and standing in as the portrait model. It isn't long before the two begin to find common ground, a love of art, creativity and seeing beauty in the world. With both in respective relationships, future King Gus would never be allowed to share his life with a commoner, but is he willing to give it all up for the chance to live a life with Cinda, and will she want him?

Kelly's Thoughts

It's been far too long since I've read a fun, flirty and romantic contemporary, and Twice Upon a Time was the perfect heartwarming read. It follows the story of Cinda, an Australian backpacking through Europe when she's swept up into a world of royal princes, lavish parties and brooding brothers. Cinda is a fun loving character, she's vivacious and isn't afraid to speak her mind, a quality that both Gus and Ludo both find irresistible. But under the surface, Cinda hides a sadness that even a luxurious lifestyle can't repair. Even though she's technically an adult, her mother has abandoned her for yet another man. This time, her mother plans to marry a man that Cinda has never met, move to New Zealand and entertain a new family that doesn't involve her only child. But Cinda doesn't dwell, and although hurting, she carries on and makes the most of the opportunities life is throwing her way.

I loved Jonas. He's the token sassy gay friend and budding fashion designer. He's fabulous and would love to read his story next. If you're looking for a light and heartwarming read that will sweep you into a lavish world of travel, then Twice Upon a Time is a flirty read that will leave you warm and fuzzy.