Aside from the heroine's extemely long golden locks, her perpetual confinement in a 'tall tower', and a determined hero to the rescue, Lock bore no reAside from the heroine's extemely long golden locks, her perpetual confinement in a 'tall tower', and a determined hero to the rescue, Lock bore no resemblance to the original tale of Rapunzel... and I liked that!
Zell - a naive, teenaged girl who knew nothing of the world around her but what she was exposed to. Growing up in a brothel, her only companions were the women who were forced to work there. Her mother, a woman who demanded to be called 'Madam', wasn't a source of companionship or affection so Zell got what she needed from her friends. How she longed to experience a bit of the world she could see out of her window.
Frankie - a teenaged boy who happened to be the son of a notorious and deadly gangster. For his eighteenth birthday, his father decides to gift him with an experience that will launch him into manhood - a trip to his brothel. Surrounded by beautiful women, Frankie only has eyes for Zell. Once he realizes that she hasn't even been outside for years and that they are being held captive, he sets out to make things right. As his father starts to hand him the keys to his kingdom, Frankie puts his haphazard plan to free himself and the others in motion.
There is definitely a dark and macabre tone to this read. Between the horrifying deeds Frankie's father was responsible for, the lives of the women who lived in the gilded cage, and the events that took place to liberate everyone, this ended up being a tense, suspenseful, and electrifying read. I was gripped by the helplessness of the characters, the almost futility to their plans, and the hope that blossomed even in the midst of certain defeat.
Merged review:
Aside from the heroine's extemely long golden locks, her perpetual confinement in a 'tall tower', and a determined hero to the rescue, Lock bore no resemblance to the original tale of Rapunzel... and I liked that!
Zell - a naive, teenaged girl who knew nothing of the world around her but what she was exposed to. Growing up in a brothel, her only companions were the women who were forced to work there. Her mother, a woman who demanded to be called 'Madam', wasn't a source of companionship or affection so Zell got what she needed from her friends. How she longed to experience a bit of the world she could see out of her window.
Frankie - a teenaged boy who happened to be the son of a notorious and deadly gangster. For his eighteenth birthday, his father decides to gift him with an experience that will launch him into manhood - a trip to his brothel. Surrounded by beautiful women, Frankie only has eyes for Zell. Once he realizes that she hasn't even been outside for years and that they are being held captive, he sets out to make things right. As his father starts to hand him the keys to his kingdom, Frankie puts his haphazard plan to free himself and the others in motion.
There is definitely a dark and macabre tone to this read. Between the horrifying deeds Frankie's father was responsible for, the lives of the women who lived in the gilded cage, and the events that took place to liberate everyone, this ended up being a tense, suspenseful, and electrifying read. I was gripped by the helplessness of the characters, the almost futility to their plans, and the hope that blossomed even in the midst of certain defeat....more
I love retellings and this one was quite enjoyable. It was a bit darker than The Little Mermaid tale we all know and love. For one, Princess Maren wasI love retellings and this one was quite enjoyable. It was a bit darker than The Little Mermaid tale we all know and love. For one, Princess Maren wasn't a mermaid. She was a Syren—vicious, man-eating, creature of the sea. She felt unloved and ignored and wanted more. After a glimpse above the sea, she found the sea witch and made a fool's bargain to get legs, have the prince fall in love with her, and get her happily ever after.
Too bad nothing happened the way she wanted them to.
Prince Aerik was abusive and after 10 years of it, Maren had practically accepted her lot in life. When they're captured by pirates, she finally had a taste of freedom. And the first person to see her, to actually see her is the captain of the ship, Ramsay.
I loved Ramsay. He was hilarious, without intending to be. He was loyal, honorable, and yet he was an outcast leading a group of outcasts. There is so much more to learn about him, but I'll let you discover all of the magic of him and this story for yourself. Enjoy!...more
Wretched was a play on the Wizard of Oz, but I didn’t really SEE it. Ah well, no matter. I enjoyed it just the same.
What I liked: * Evelina being the ‘Wretched was a play on the Wizard of Oz, but I didn’t really SEE it. Ah well, no matter. I enjoyed it just the same.
What I liked: * Evelina being the ‘bad guy’ made me smile. I loved that the woman was the one causing trouble, being on the wrong side of the law, ruling from the shadows. It gave this story a unique twist. * The whole enemies-to-lovers and forbidden vibes of this story kept me engaged with the plot. I’m a sucker for a protective hero and while Nicholas was undercover in this crime family, his true nature always had a way of shining through.
However, as much as I enjoyed this book, I was also bored. I skimmed through a lot of it. So please take my rating with a grain of salt....more
What if the Beast that Belle fell in love with never turned into the handsome prince? Well, you get this incredibly filthy retelling of a monster who What if the Beast that Belle fell in love with never turned into the handsome prince? Well, you get this incredibly filthy retelling of a monster who is determined to claim his beauty. I was very entertained by the naughty bits, how these characters maneuvered their different parts to mesh so well, and the happy ending that every kind monster deserves....more
I must admit, although I found myself frustrated with this story, I couldn’t stop reading. This author sure can write and grab my attention. The heroiI must admit, although I found myself frustrated with this story, I couldn’t stop reading. This author sure can write and grab my attention. The heroine, Francis, was a petulant brat for most of this book, but by the end I came to finally like her. As for Charlie, he was a seemingly unkillable werewolf enforcer for the mob, who was also a Beta and a consigliere. See that right there? That confusion… that was me! I didn’t really understand the motives for most of this story except for how Francis’s brother died, and that scene was A LOT. Probably the best scene out of the book because it was all there. I didn’t have to question anything because it was all laid out for me. As for the rest of the book, I’m still unclear how Francis’s dad is the Alpha, yet she’s human and she also rules them all. But clearly I enjoyed this story well enough....more
I’m a huge fan of retellings and this one had a unique premise. Imagine if Rapunzel ended up with a different guy. And instead of being in the tower bI’m a huge fan of retellings and this one had a unique premise. Imagine if Rapunzel ended up with a different guy. And instead of being in the tower because of the witch, Mother Gothel, but because of another source. This mashup was totally unexpected and it worked. It was a bit corny, super sweet, and even during the dark moments, so much light shone through that I didn’t really feel the angst. This was a very easy read and I think I’m in for some very cute surprises as the series continues....more
This was such a cute read and I believe that it should be listed as a book for all ages. If you would allow your child to watch the movie, The Little This was such a cute read and I believe that it should be listed as a book for all ages. If you would allow your child to watch the movie, The Little Mermaid, then they would be absolutely fine reading this. It wasn't as dark as the movie.
Ursula has always been one of my favorite Disney villains and the author only made me love her more with the way she was re-imagined. She had Eric and his entire kingdom under her thrall while she waged war with everyone else. She was hilarious!
Obviously the good guys won and the journey was such fun!...more
I absolutely love retellings and this one is loosely based on Peter Pan. I really enjoyed experiencing the nostalgia for one of my childhood classics.I absolutely love retellings and this one is loosely based on Peter Pan. I really enjoyed experiencing the nostalgia for one of my childhood classics.
James "Hook" Barrie was driven by the dark deeds that happened in his past. His family was assassinated. He was terrorized by his hateful uncle. He was surrounded by the criminal underworld and flourished. He had the makings of an intriguing and mysterious villain and with his British accent... let's just say that I had no trouble liking this character.
Wendy was another story. Incredibly naive and sheltered, she lived a life of privilege, blissfully unaware of where her wealth and influence actually came from. All she knew was that her loving father was suddenly distant. He was hardly around and all she wanted was to draw him closer. She wasn't prepared for a man like Hook and who she became when she was with him.
It all started with a little bit of faith. Misplaced trust. Missing pixie dust. And a villain who just needed to steal a little love.
Betrayal was everywhere, but together, these two found a freedom neither had ever known. For the first time, Hook found himself caring about something more than his thirst for revenge. And Wendy was becoming the woman she always dreamed of being. Someone who's thoughts and concerns mattered to someone. With Hook prepared to give her everything she wanted and needed, she only had to sacrifice one thing... her father.
This was my least favorite book of the bunch. I didn't like Trishelle when she was introduced in Gerard's Beauty and I liked her even less here. WhichThis was my least favorite book of the bunch. I didn't like Trishelle when she was introduced in Gerard's Beauty and I liked her even less here. Which sucked because I was hoping this book would make me like her more. As pathetic and sad as she was, I figured I would feel an ounce of pity or compassion. I was just annoyed. The only thing that saved this book was the magic of Neverland and the wonder of James Hook. Dude was delicious!!...more
This may have been the most magical book of the series thus far. The love that developed for both Jinni and Paz happened in the inbetween. She was hovThis may have been the most magical book of the series thus far. The love that developed for both Jinni and Paz happened in the inbetween. She was hovering at death's door and he was slowly slipping away. Only what they felt for each other kept them tethered to our world. Their story was beautiful, painful, eerie, and lovely. I'm really enjoying myself with these books!...more
This was my favorite story of the series so far. Where the other books were light and humorous, this one was dark and mysterious. Violet was pure magiThis was my favorite story of the series so far. Where the other books were light and humorous, this one was dark and mysterious. Violet was pure magic. She was the result of dark magic being purged from the fairies and all dark emotions are what fueled her. Know the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Well, you've never heard it like this. What if the wolf didn't do the awful things that myth made up? What if he was meant to be with Red?
That's what this book was about... and so much more! Red hated Ewan for what she believed he had done. And when she learns the truth, she has to fight against everything she thought she knew and believed. Her story was all about turning that love into hate and destroying the darkness. It was such a beautiful and unique way of telling this fairytale and I was far too infatuated with Ewan. He was everything that was good and kind and sweet and sexy... he was yummy. And if you love retellings, you need to read this one!...more
A new-to-me author just found a new fan! I loved the way she captured the Hatter, how she illustrated the madness of Kingdom and all of its creatures.A new-to-me author just found a new fan! I loved the way she captured the Hatter, how she illustrated the madness of Kingdom and all of its creatures. This story was unlike anything else I've ever read before and I'm in love with the magic of it all. Alice was nothing like the Alice of storybooks. And the Hatter... he gave me the deliciousness that Johnny Depp gave this character. It's no wonder that Alice saw the same thing. He was a nut, but Alice was able to see beyond his mad utterings into the amazing man he truly was. There was some push and pull, some major resistance, but in the end this was an entertaining story....more
Up for some action and adventure with a strong dose of mythological retelling thrown in?
I don't usually pay attention to what Amazon recommends to me.Up for some action and adventure with a strong dose of mythological retelling thrown in?
I don't usually pay attention to what Amazon recommends to me. Seriously, I do not understand their algorithm because most of what they send me is nothing I would want. But this book... kudos to Amazon for getting it right!
After a lifetime trapped underground, becoming a monster of lore, Asterion is finally free to live the life he was always meant to thanks to his uncle Hades. Yes, that Hades. Unfortunately for him, there's a human militia group out there who believe they are monster killers and he's been made their latest target. And Ariadne is the assassin they manipulate to get the job done.
All Ariadne wants is to be free of her master. If that means she's got to kill another bad guy, then that's what she'll do. But why doesn't she get bad guy vibes from Asterion?
Because someone is working behind the scenes to manipulate them all!
Throw in an instant connection between Ariadne and Asterion and you've got the makings of a great story. To say I was entertained would be an understatement. I've already got the next book loaded up. I want to learn more about everyone. There's Hades, of course, and Medusa, Erebus, Thanatos, Charon and I'm sure so many more I'll get the chance to meet soon.
I love when a new-to-me author draws me in right from the start. I'm recommending this series!!
I actually haven't read an Anastasia retelling before and I think Cora Kenborn did a beautiful job with it! This story was dark and twisted and utterlI actually haven't read an Anastasia retelling before and I think Cora Kenborn did a beautiful job with it! This story was dark and twisted and utterly heart breaking... and sweet? Kenborn illustrated what some may see as the ugly and unseemly underbelly of life in Hollywood. As they say... not all that glitters is gold. Honestly, with how shattered and confused this story made me feel, I was startled by the warmth and kindness that blossomed amidst the depravity.
Dominic - a celebrity news heavy hitter, he had hit rock bottom and he had plans to get back on top. Those plans included finding a missing person, the lone survivor of a horrific homicide. There's a $1 million reward and there's a lot he can do with that money. When he happens upon a sarcastic, confident waitress in a rundown bar, he thinks he's found his shot. Little did he know how much this slip of a girl would change him.
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Angel - a girl who doesn't remember her past, she's found her way in the world. She doesn't have much, but she does have hope. Hope that things will get better. Hope for her future happiness. Hope that won't quit. When Dominic offers her an opportunity that could bring some of her dreams to reality, she grabs on with both hands. How was she supposed to know that it would be a breeding ground for her nightmares? How could the glitz and glamor of Hollywood hide the most wicked and evil of deeds? How far would she have to go to find her true happiness? What would she have to sacrifice?
I found this story to be a bit too long and it seemed to drag in parts. The writing was beautiful though, so while I didn't love this story, I can tell that Kenborn is a brilliant storyteller....more
I'm not sure I'll ever look at the Disney flick Moana the same way again!
Mona and her older sister, Clara, grew up on an island run by their fatheI'm not sure I'll ever look at the Disney flick Moana the same way again!
Mona and her older sister, Clara, grew up on an island run by their father. Their congregation is viewed as a cult and the sisters aren't blind to how corrupt and hypocritical their father's preachings and rules are. They know that the world outside of theirs is a world of many wonders and despite how much their people fight against that influence, despite the punishment for even having such thoughts, these sisters can't wait to escape the island and discover the world beyond. They were born for adventure and the island just can't hold them. When Clara disappears and then shows up murdered, it was never more clear that Mona's life would never be the same again.
❥ It's a cult. With a cult mentality. There's even a character (Eli) who wholly believes in 'the word' and tries to inhibit Mona's quest for freedom ❥ Secrets galore. Who murdered Clara? Mona's desperation and determination for answers leads her into the arms of Colt and Cash ❥ I'm still not sure which of the brothers Mona is with... Colt? Cash? Both?
If you're a fan of fairy tale retellings, I'm sure you'll get a kick out of this one!
Mulan happens to be one of my family's favorite Disney movies. We know all the songs by heart and can recite quite a bit of tFind the full review HERE
Mulan happens to be one of my family's favorite Disney movies. We know all the songs by heart and can recite quite a bit of the script too. So I was beyond happy to find a dark retelling of that particular story. In Zhànshì, Lia always knew that she was destined for a life far different than what her parents imagined. They wanted her to be the perfect lady, content with being a housewife to whoever ended up being her husband. However, Lia was a skilled warrior and she knew that she was meant to fight. When the war between the Triads really heats up, a mandate goes out that the eldest male in the family must join the battle. Lia's father had already done his time and came home with an injury and yet he was still willing to go. Lia wasn't having it and came up with her own plan to go in his place.
Jaxon was taken in by the Yu Shi triad when he was small. When the order goes out, he's the one in charge of training the men. There was something about Zhàn that wasn't quite right. Why does he feel an attraction for him? Despite his misgivings, Jaxon realizes that Zhàn may be the difference between triumph and defeat. When Lia's truth comes out, it introduces a horror show but also unleashes a destiny. These lovers were so strong together and I think the author did a great job of bringing this modernized version of a classic to life. The villain was truly villainous and the heroes weren't exactly pure, but they were in the right. I only wish the major story, the actual love story, got more time....more
Winter's Arrow is an incredibly delicious retelling of Snow White set in the Omegaverse and I was hooked on its ever word! Snow was the princess of WiWinter's Arrow is an incredibly delicious retelling of Snow White set in the Omegaverse and I was hooked on its ever word! Snow was the princess of Winter Sector, the rightful heir, and the last member of her family's line. When her parents died, she was left in the care of a female Alpha, one who took care of her despite her Beta shortcomings. However, not everything was all smiles and rainbows in the kingdom. Something was wrong. Snow overheard a murder plot. Her caregiver wanted to kill her. She had only her loyal seven (like the dwarves but these guys were sexy wolf shifters) to help her. After a night of welcoming guests to her impending nuptials, alongside the Alpha who seemed to long to claim her, Snow had had enough. She subtly challenged Alpha Kazek of Norse Sector, second in command, which only cemented his hunger for her. And then he finds her stowed away on his plane...
I'm new to this omegaverse genre, but if this book is anything to go by, I'm all for it. Once I had it firmly in mind that this was a story of an Omega, a natural submissive, and her extremely Alpha protector, I was all over it. Sign me up for all the knots and slicks and smells and yum. While Snow wasn't completely submissive, with her snark and her regal attitude, Kazek definitely knew how to 'put her in her place' and I enjoyed every minute of their connection. Her coming to terms with her new omega status, him coming to terms with what it meant to be Snow's alpha, plots for revenge, tons of hot sex, and everything in between, Winter's Arrow was one hell of an entertaining read!...more
Dark, suspenseful and gripping... this story was unlike any Beauty and the Beast tale I've ever read. Aside from the heroine calling herself 'Ella' anDark, suspenseful and gripping... this story was unlike any Beauty and the Beast tale I've ever read. Aside from the heroine calling herself 'Ella' and a dying rose, there were no similarities. Ella, after running away from the prison of her home, lived her first taste of freedom, away from her father and his tyranny. However, the mafia never lets you go and her father wasn't letting her get away. One night her carefree life ends and she finds herself trapped in a cage, at the mercy of men who trade in flesh. Once a princess, now a slave.
The Beast, la Bestia, was a man named Domenico. He walked with an air of authority and an intensity that was impossible to resist. While Ella hungered for the man in the shadows, I found myself anticipating his every move. Was it possible he was the dark hero she was waiting for? Amidst family secrets and betrayals, infighting and petty squabbles, and the destiny of two mafia legacies, Ella and Domenico found love. It was twisted and bloody and glorious! I had no idea what would happen next and that's just what I was looking for. If you like suspenseful stories, then Abducted is the book for you....more
A damaged hero A broken heroine A fancy charity ball A case of mistaken identity A kidnapping Cinderella's story has never been this delicious!
Ella's life A damaged hero A broken heroine A fancy charity ball A case of mistaken identity A kidnapping Cinderella's story has never been this delicious!
Ella's life was the stuff of nightmares. She lost her mother as a little girl and her father was murdered by thugs right before her eyes. Destined to a life of servitude and abuse at the hands of her step-mother and step-sisters, she couldn't see a way out. Her only moments of peace and serenity were the times when she was among the animals at the shelter she volunteered at. However, the shelter is about to close down and her only solace will soon disappear. Desperate to keep those doors open, she takes the chance to attend a ball she isn't welcome at - her family made sure of that. It's a masquerade ball for charity and if she can just get the attention of a certain prince, maybe some of her dreams can come true. What happens when she catches the eye of the wrong prince?
Her innocence speaks to me on a primal level, and I can't wait to destroy it.
Prince Thorsen, heir to the throne of Norway, had it all - good looks, money, prestige, etc. A childhood trauma continues to haunt him, leaving him unable to enjoy anything. He's completely shut down and has no intention of thawing. In his eyes, his remaining time is limited. He's only holding on for his dying mother. Nothing and no one can change his mind. He no longer cares. It all changes when a spitfire of a woman, who is unlike anyone he's ever met, challenges him and calls to a part of his soul he had thought long dead.
He isn't just inside of my body. He's in my mind. My blood. My beating heart. And when I look up into his beautiful, tormented eyes, I don't know how I'm ever going to survive him.
Stealing Cinderella was a familiar yet so intensely different story than the fairy tale I remember. It was somber and heart wrenching and left me clutching at my imaginary pearls right up to the end. It had a suspenseful edge that really fed the character and plot development, forcing me to choose sides and made it easy to fall in love with what was growing between Ella and Thorsen. At first it was an almost adversarial relationship with plenty of erotic elements that played on dominant and submissive roles. It changed into something that explored the walls built up from pain and heartbreak and the determination to break through. It then grew into something beautiful when Thorsen was given no choice but to face everything he was thinking and feeling for Ella. A little depraved, beautiful and a bit fanciful, with the perfect broken hero and damaged heroine, this story was well-written and a must-read for anyone who loves the darker side of romance....more
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