Category: Fairytale

Release & Review //\\ Zhànshì

Louise H

Zhànshì by Anna Edwards

Collection: Sinister Fairytales Collection

Release: May 26, 2020

Genre: Dark Fairy Tale Retelling

Whilst I’m not quite convinced that this was quite a 4 star read but it was much closer to that than 3 stars, so 4 it is.


Zhànshì is a well paced, entertaining, has a great heroine, a sexy hero and held my interest throughout. The story is set in modern times, though this is only obvious when modern technology is mentioned. Most of the time it had either an historical or a fantasy feel to it, but that made it more interesting not less.


Whilst this didn’t totally absorb me it did retain my attention and, unlike a couple of other recent reads, I never considered DNF’ing it. I appreciated how skillfully the author wove a tale that really did feel like a darker retelling of the Disney fairytale (as opposed to the original Chinese legend). Lia has always felt like an outsider, uninterested in becoming a warriors wife but rather wanting to be the warrior herself. I liked both her and Jaxon, they both held honour, faith and family in high regard and were prepared to die for their principles.


We all have our own interpretation of dark, so for me it was more that this had dark themes. However it does need a trigger warning as it contains one more detailed scene, and another implied, of sexual assault on the heroine. There are also incidences of physical assault too. However I find my darkness in the psychological effects and emotional impact on main characters but Lia was too strong, too much of a warrior to allow the enemy to break her, so for me it made the dark aspects easier to read. It fitted well with Lia’s strength of character so I had no qualms about her response to Wang’s treatment.


I would have liked just a bit more drama, a touch more angst and not quite such a quick resolution (I won’t say easy because it wasn’t). Not so much plot holes as glossing over the difficult parts. However I still enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting, it’s a decent story.

Blurb:

Lia has known she was different since the age of five when her father taught her the skills of her ancestors. His stories of heroic exploits have fueled her fantasies for years. Little did she know that her expertise would be called upon when two cities, two triads, go to war. Will it be a step too far to think she can hide who she really is? 


Jaxon has known his career path since he was a little boy when his father promised his only son to the leader of the Yu Shi triad. Jaxon doesn’t mind—it allows him to center his chaotic thoughts and fight his opponents to the death. But when he’s partnered with a mysterious new recruit, he begins to question everything he knows. What is the young boy hiding from him? 


Zhanzhi is a modern day retelling of the tale of Mulan for the Sinister Fairytales Collection. Warrior Lia must find her inner strength to defeat a deadly enemy, who’s been left bitter by his quest for absolute power, while at the same time falling in love when she least expects it. Nothing will be as it seems in this dark triad world where a moment’s hesitation can be your downfall.

Buy Links:
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bzv6NG
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZtoY1d
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3ed9OkQ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Zu2b5q
ITunes: https://apple.co/2WYhGkt

Author Bio:

All I am a British author, from the depths of the rural countryside near London. In a previous life, I was an accountant from the age of twenty-one. I still do that on occasions, but most of my life is now spent intermingling writing while looking after my husband, two children and two cats (probably in the inverse order to the one listed!). When I have some spare time, I can also be found writing poetry, baking cakes (and eating them), or behind a camera snapping like a mad paparazzi.

I’m an avid reader who turned to writing to combat my depression and anxiety. I have a love of travelling and like to bring this to my stories to give them the air of reality.

I like my heroes hot and hunky with a dirty mouth, my heroines demure but with spunk, and my books full of dramatic suspense.



Social Media:
Website: www.AuthorAnnaEdwards.com
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Email: anna1000edwards@gmail.com

Also Available

Venom (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Dee Garcia
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/32bmFOF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/31fSncd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VC9ns0
iTunes: https://apple.co/32cLzh1

Cold Queen (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by K Webster
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/31XvTxm
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2Wl4qUN
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2pHdlnt
Apple: https://apple.co/2pSa84x
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2niT07e

Sacrifice (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Isabelle N. Blanco
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2CutWhg
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/36LrPUt
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/34M619f
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NApwMs

Insolent (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/37BUdc4
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2RuYCaT
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2rmDusW
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2PjmtrD

Madness (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Kailee Reese Samuels
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/SamuelsMADNESS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/34pNija
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2RUPHjf
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/35qCaDZ

Siren (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Hazel Grace
Universal: https://books2read.com/u/bM9gqV
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2v24KhO
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Os99RT
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2v6rBss
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2UseIDM

Legend (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by M.R. Leahy
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2U6zzeg
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2UwCZbI
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2vTauLr
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3beoEXk

Mirage (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by C.M. Radcliff
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SFshi7
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2HypsJa
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/38Feg9n
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2P4gKqn

Imprisoned (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by KL Donn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2mTCt96 
Apple: https://apple.co/2llcIOv  
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2mQTbpD  
Nook: http://bit.ly/2mV7ytb 
Eden Books: https://edenbooks.org/product/imprisoned/

Lock (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Kimberly Knight
Universal (Books2Read): http://bit.ly/2moQVpD
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QklSqK
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3cZCVYZ
iBooks: https://apple.co/2Wf9qfP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3d4dwxa

Stealing Cinderella (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by A. Zavarelli
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/34bD6fW
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2xJSyDA
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2wVVEVa
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2xKnYd2

Abducted (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by K.I. Lynn
Universal: https://books2read.com/AbductedKILynn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dgX645
iBooks:  https://apple.co/2KSsKIS
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3aTBnO0
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3aXEKDG

LEGEND by MR Leahy

Louise H

Title: Legend

Collection: Sinister Fairy Tales Collection

Author: M.R. Leahy




Release: February 6, 2020

Genre: Dark Fairy Tale RetellingGoodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46260363-legend




A bit (lot?) of a “me not you” situation because technically there wasn’t anything wrong with the technical writing, plot or pace, but this just didn’t engage me emotionally. It’s quite a short read and felt more Lion King than Sinister Fairy Tale but it’s still a decent read and well worth trying for yourself.


It took too long, in my opinion, for the H and h to meet and I know they are fated mates and I know they had dreamed of one another BUT there was no real attempt to develop any other type of connection between them. It was all just very instant (as in next second instant) and I’m just one of those PITA readers who needs convincing of a bond.

The story was nicely written and easy to follow, the world building was decent, though I didn’t care for the overuse of the F word – it didn’t seem to fit the low technology setting. I expect the word in Mafia, MC and even contemporary romance but it felt jarring here. However it’s a fairly minor thing and I’m sure many of you would disagree on that 😊.

Whilst it isn’t a dark read, it is steaming hot (when Karzan and Janey do eventually meet) and entertaining.





Blurb:

Far, far away, hidden on Insula Sacra—Island of the Accursed— lives a forgotten world of man and beast.

Damned by the Gods, and forced to live in everlasting darkness, they continue to fight a war that has long since been buried in time.

With each rise and fall of the cursed moon, they are reminded of all they’ve lost.

Desperate for freedom, they await the night the one true king will rise to power and free them from the curse.

The King, however, cannot rise without his Queen—both blessed with the mark of the Gods, they must end the war to save them all.

Or so the legend says… 



Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39asjnc
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2UwCZbI
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2vTauLr
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3beoEXk




Excerpt:

“They abandoned us, cursed us. An endless war, a dying race…the prophecy states that once united, the chosen one, bearing the mark of the gods, will bring forth the one true king.” Balling my hand into a fist, I turn and face the great room. “I will be that King. No matter what it takes, no matter how many people must burn to make it so, we will rise again and this time, not even the Gods will be able to stop us.” 



Social Media Links:
Author Like pg – https://bit.ly/2uXGHw9
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Twitter – https://bit.ly/2tla35l
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Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/cOoQa1
Bookbub – https://bit.ly/2yL7QoJ
Goodreads – https://bit.ly/2uf1L3K





Also Available

Venom (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Dee Garcia
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/32bmFOF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/31fSncd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VC9ns0
iTunes: https://apple.co/32cLzh1



Cold Queen (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by K Webster
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/31XvTxm
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2Wl4qUN
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2pHdlnt
Apple: https://apple.co/2pSa84x
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2niT07e



Sacrifice (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Isabelle N. Blanco
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2CutWhg
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/36LrPUt
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/34M619f
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NApwMs



Insolent (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/37BUdc4
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2RuYCaT
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2rmDusW
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2PjmtrD



Madness (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Kailee Reese Samuels
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/SamuelsMADNESS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/34pNija
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2RUPHjf
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/35qCaDZ



Siren (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Hazel Grace
Universal: https://books2read.com/u/bM9gqV



Eternal Nightmare by Aria Adams

Louise H




Can you handle a dark twist on a fairytale favourite …

The Darkholm series by Aria Adams is OUT NOW!!




ONE CLICK NOW! Or read for FREE with #KindleUnlimited!


Belle’s Betrayal → https://amzn.to/2J65tCC


“They want to destroy me. Use me. And they have no souls.”

Cast out of her village. Left as a sacrifice on the doorstep of a mysterious castle. Fighting to survive. Marea Belle’s only sanctuary is a mysterious mirror-world buried deep within the castle, where she falls for two men. But when their darkest secrets are revealed, how can she ever hope to redeem them?

This 60,000-word novel is a dark why choose fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The protagonists are the villains. The heroine endures much suffering. If you like your HEAs to come at a great price, this series is for you.


Formerly published as The Belle Jar.

ADD TO YOUR TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48337265-belle-s-betrayal



Torn Apart → https://amzn.to/2Q7QI6Z



“I was an enslaved mermaid. Now I have legs. And my master is coming for me.”

Taken as a child. Trained underwater. Lied to and manipulated. Aylia escapes by accident, but once she glimpses the surface world, she never wants to go back. Although she cannot speak, Prince Edward falls for her, and swears to protect her. But when her evil master returns, how can Edward disentangle Aylia from the dark wizard’s clutches?


This 40,000-word novel is a dark fairytale retelling of The Little Mermaid. The heroine has an unreliable point of view. The hero cannot always save her. And the villain is very evil. If you don’t like your HEAs to come easily, this series is for you.

Formerly published as Grim Mermaid, this version has been vastly expanded and re-written.

ADD TO YOUR TBR: http://bit.ly/2nUimZr





Eternal Nightmare → https://amzn.to/3709fqM




BLURB

“I sleep forever. Dream after dream. Tormented by them. I never get to awaken.”

Lucy has slept for a hundred years. Everyone she ever knew is dead. Her kingdom is in decay. She doesn’t have anything to wake up for, but it has to be better than the nightmares, doesn’t it? Every time she thinks she’s opened her eyes, another nightmare begins. Endless horror. Can anyone help her?


This is a dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The heroine is asleep. The hero can’t save her. The villain is long-gone, but her legacy lives on. If you don’t like your HEAs to come easily, this series is for you.


ADD TO YOUR TBR: http://bit.ly/38tMZqM




About Aria Adams

Aria is an author of dark erotic romance that dances on the boundary between horror and romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there’s a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.

Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas, where she has had USA Today and multiple Number One bestselling books in the US and worldwide.



Follow Aria Online!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Adams/e/B079VFP8CW/
Website: www.ariaadams.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaAdamsDarkER/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KatieAndAriasWildcats/
Newsletter: www.freeeroticabook.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aria-adams  

ETERNAL NIGHTMARE

Louise H



A retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a dark twist you won’t want to miss…

Eternal Nightmare by Aria Adams is OUT NOW!!



Eternal Nightmare is a well written and entertaining read, a dark and twisty retelling of Sleeping Beauty, with a dash of Romeo and Juliet for good measure. I did struggle with the flashback/flashforward aspect at first as I hadn’t had chance to develop an understanding of the world and it’s characters. This left me feeling a little confused and lost at times though once I’d reached about 20%, and had experienced enough of Lucy in the past, I felt the story coming together more.

Whilst Lucy’s passiveness occasionally irritated me I did still find it fitted both her upbringing and character. As the book progresses we do see her growing more of a backbone, which was great. I love to see characters grow and develop.

Even though there were times when I really didn’t understand what was happening, particularly in the ‘present’ dream scenes, I still found the story engaging. I also felt that it was a deliberate technique employed by the author. Not only does it mean we don’t get an unwieldy information dump, it allowed me to appreciate Lucy’s own sense of confusion, frustration and weariness. Details and clues are slowly drip fed to us at a perfect pace, not too quick so as to bombard and not so slow that boredom or irritation sets in.

There were a few occasions when I felt the pace could have been a little quicker, but that might just have been me wanting to get to the HEA, which was great by the way!


ONE CLICK NOW!!

Amazon US → https://amzn.to/3709fqM
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/390TEsU
Amazon CA → https://amzn.to/2rgUGzW
Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2PK9EYK

Or read for FREE with #KindleUnlimited!!!





“I sleep forever. Dream after dream. Tormented by them. I never get to awaken.”


Lucy has slept for a hundred years. Everyone she ever knew is dead. Her kingdom is in decay. She doesn’t have anything to wake up for, but it has to be better than the nightmares, doesn’t it? Every time she thinks she’s opened her eyes, another nightmare begins. Endless horror. Can anyone help her?

This is a dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The heroine is asleep. The hero can’t save her. The villain is long-gone, but her legacy lives on. If you don’t like your HEAs to come easily, this series is for you.

ADD TO YOUR TBR: http://bit.ly/38tMZqM



Read the Darkholm series now:
Belle’s Betrayal → https://amzn.to/2J65tCC
Torn Apart → https://amzn.to/2Q7QI6Z



About Aria Adams

Aria is an author of dark erotic romance that dances on the boundary between horror and romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there’s a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.

Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas, where she has had USA Today and multiple Number One bestselling books in the US and worldwide.

Follow Aria Online!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Adams/e/B079VFP8CW/
Website: www.ariaadams.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaAdamsDarkER/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KatieAndAriasWildcats/
Newsletter: www.freeeroticabook.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aria-adams

Darkholm Pre-order

Louise H

PREORDER ALERT!!!!

Can you handle another dark twist on a fairytale favourite?

The Darkholm series by Aria Adams continues with Eternal Nightmare  … out on January 3!!



AND YOU CAN RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW!!
Amazon US → https://amzn.to/3709fqM
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/390TEsU
Amazon CA → https://amzn.to/2rgUGzW
Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2PK9EYK






BLURB

“I sleep forever. Dream after dream. Tormented by them. I never get to awaken.”

Lucy has slept for a hundred years. Everyone she ever knew is dead. Her kingdom is in decay. She doesn’t have anything to wake up for, but it has to be better than the nightmares, doesn’t it? Every time she thinks she’s opened her eyes, another nightmare begins. Endless horror. Can anyone help her?

This is a dark fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The heroine is asleep. The hero can’t save her. The villain is long-gone, but her legacy lives on. If you don’t like your HEAs to come easily, this series is for you.




ADD TO YOUR TBR: http://bit.ly/38tMZqM

FOLLOW ARIA FOR RELEASE ALERTS: http://bit.ly/2neJCkP






Read the Darkholm series now:

Belle’s Betrayal → https://amzn.to/2J65tCC
Torn Apart → https://amzn.to/2Q7QI6Z



About Aria Adams

Aria is an author of dark erotic romance that dances on the boundary between horror and romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there’s a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.

Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas, where she has had USA Today and multiple Number One bestselling books in the US and worldwide.


Follow Aria Online!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Adams/e/B079VFP8CW/
Website: www.ariaadams.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaAdamsDarkER/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KatieAndAriasWildcats/
Newsletter: www.freeeroticabook.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aria-adams

Dare you fall down the rabbit hole?

Louise H

MADNESS (Sinister Fairy Tale Collection)
by Kailee Reese Samuels



Release: December 17, 2019
Genre: Dark Romance/Reverse Harem
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46260482-madness
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/SamuelsMADNESSbookbub





MY REVIEW – 3.75 stars

Curioser and curioser indeed

This is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland and boy do you descend into Madness as you fall down the rabbit hole. It’s just as odd as the original both in the characters who inhabit it’s pages and in the reality of what is happening. At times is was somewhat esoteric, though still utterly captivating and enthralling.

Madness is a RH but, whilst I could see the chemistry between the different characters, I didn’t feel an emotional investment in them. This was more due to the style of the book, where the prose was often reminiscent of what I imagine a drug induced psychodelic trip would be like. That is an intentional move by the author, a very successful attempt to mimic the original story whilst also making it a very dark, steamy, adult version of Alice in Wonderland.

It’s a strange read where I sort of knew what was happening but didn’t really know. Even at the end, where many things are revealed and resolved, there is still an element of the unknown, an option to intepret as you please. A different read, dare I say a mind-blowing read? A great addition to the series.







As a starry-eyed child, I wanted to believe my shining prince would ride up on a white horse, present a diamond ring, and carry me away to his castle. His love would be endless and our lives would be the happily ever after all girls dreamed about. I never knew the fairytale was nothing more than a lie.

I was a good girl.

Until one night, one tiny trip, one little mistake, one moment of indiscretion. 

When I fell down the rabbit hole, I stumbled into the absolute fantasy, succumbing to their whims and rituals. As their very naughty girl, I embraced the nightmare and refused to ever leave.

The Darkland is mine. 

And those monsters will kneel before their one true Queen.




Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/SamuelsMADNESS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/34pNija
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2RUPHjf
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/35qCaDZ


Also Available

Venom (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Dee Garcia
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/32bmFOF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/31fSncd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VC9ns0
iTunes: https://apple.co/32cLzh1

Cold Queen (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by K Webster
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/31XvTxm
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2Wl4qUN
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2pHdlnt
Apple: https://apple.co/2pSa84x
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2niT07e

Sacrifice (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Isabelle N. Blanco
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2CutWhg
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/36LrPUt
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/34M619f
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NApwMs

Insolent (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/37BUdc4
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2RuYCaT
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2rmDusW
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2PjmtrD



Social Media Links:
Website ➸ http://kaileereesesamuels.com
Newsletter ➸ http://eepurl.com/cCJ9fz
FB Page ➸ http://bit.ly/DirtyPoetry
FB ➸ http://bit.ly/MistressofJuliet
Twitter ➸ https://twitter.com/KRSamuels
Instagram ➸ http://bit.ly/InstaKRS
Pinterest ➸ http://bit.ly/KRSPinMe
Goodreads ➸ http://bit.ly/GoodreadsKRS
BookBub ➸ http://bit.ly/BBKRS

Sinister Fairy Tale Collection #3

Louise H

Sacrifice (Sinister Fairy Tale Collection)
by N. Isabelle Blanco

Release: November 7, 2019 (released early)
Genre: Dark Romance Fairy Tales
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258935-sacrifice

Review

Whilst this is nominally set in the author’s Ryze world, unlike those books it very much read as a stand alone story. It’s more greek mythology than true fairytale but this story is far too good to ever hold a tiny little detail like that against it. Especially since the world building allows even those pretty ignorant of greek mythology (that’s me by the way) to understand who is who and what their history is.

Talking of history, Meg and Kles have it in spades and it’s not the good type. Certainly not after Kles abandoned her for fame, glory and godhood. A move he almost immediately regretted but by then it was far too late. Never once did I begrudge Meg her anger and hatred of Kles, he might not have known just what was going to happen to her but he didn’t choose her either. However not only has he regretted that choice for almost as long as Meg has, the more he learns about what happened to her, the more torn up about it he is.

I loved both these characters though I rather dislike the fates (or should that be author?) who made them endure so much pain, heartache and suffering as they battled the trials set before them.

Despite being very slow burn, the story fairly crackles with heat and the chemistry between this pair. The sexual tension oozes out of every scene and there is just so much action, adventure and story that I, for one, really didn’t miss the reduced ‘bedroom’ action.

This book is ideal for those who love a real action packed fantasy/mythology based romance, a good angry second-chance story, a well written and highly entertaining book. The series has proved to be a fantastic way to discover new authors, I can happily recommend all three books released thus far.

Blurb:

Releasing as part of the 2019 Sinister Fairy Tales Collection and part of the Dark Paranormal Ryze Series, but can be read as a Standalone!

Megara

We all know the story.

How it ended.

He survived and conquered each task.

Became the hero of all heroes.

And in the end he became a legend.

What no one told you is that I was there. I was helping him . . . and when he ascended, I was left behind to rot.

Herakles never knew I sold my soul for his success—he didn’t need to. Had I been enough on my own, he would’ve chosen to stay.

Instead, he rose to full glory.

I was dragged straight to Hades.

Beaten.

Violated.

Broken.

Eventually, mutated.

I lost track of him for nearly three millennia, but I’ve found him.

I will kill him.

He chose to become a god; I was forced to become a nightmare.

Now it’s time for us to meet again.

Herakles

I abandoned my family mere moments before the Greek pantheon fell.

‘Till this day the whispers accuse me.

Had I been there, perhaps they could’ve been saved.

But I no longer gave a fuck.

Funny how vanity can blind a male to what really matters.

It took less than a year on Olympus before I began searching for her again.

I never found her.

Now, two-in-a-half-thousand years later, here I am.

Alone.

Empty.

An immortal ghost, simply getting by.

I should’ve never left her.

The only thing I had was hoping the last of her mortal days, wherever she ended up, were happy . . .

Joke’s on me.

A darkened, twisted version of my female returns, demanding my head for every one of my sins.

And she shall have it.

But first, I’m saving her from her curse.

I’ll sacrifice every ounce of my sanity left to free her . . . right before I let her end me once and for all.  

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2CutWhg
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/36LrPUt
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/34M619f
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2NApwMs

Giveaway ($20 Amazon Gift card):  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e85cc8a141

Author Bio:

N. Isabelle Blanco is the Amazon Bestselling Author of the Allure Series, the Need Series with K.I.Lynn, and many others. At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life. 

That is, until coffee came a long and took over everything else.

Nowadays, N. spends most of her days surviving the crazy New York rush and arguing with her characters every ten minutes or so, all in the hopes of one day getting them under control.

Sign up for the newsletter at http://bit.ly/2ogIF74 to be the first to know how all these arguments turn out 🙂 

Social Media Links
Facebook: http://facebook.com/nisabelleblanco
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nisabelleblanco
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nyddi
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2ogIF74

Also Available
Venom (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Dee Garcia
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/32bmFOF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/31fSncd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VC9ns0
iTunes: https://apple.co/32cLzh1

Cold Queen (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by K Webster
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/31XvTxm
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2Wl4qUN
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2pHdlnt
Apple: https://apple.co/2pSa84x
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2niT07e

Sinister Fairy Tales Collection

Louise H

Cold Queen (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection)
by K Webster

4.25 stars

I’ve only ever read contemporary work by this author so wasn’t sure what to expect here. I have to say I think she did a fantastic job of writing a twisted fairytale. For me it was more grey than truly dark, but the intrigue and fast paced plot was still hugely entertaining and well executed.

Very, very loosely based on ‘Frozen’ this tale of Fire verses Ice is one I can happily recommend. The chemistry between Elzira and Ryke was so powerful it exploded off the page, a violent and compelling attraction that made this book shine.

Rather than being one big plot idea that is gradually built up to, this is more a series of smaller story lines, that are woven into one amazing love story that will span the eons. It worked so well and gave a book that constantly provided the unexpected. Has K Webster written other paranormal/fantasy books I wonder, because if she has I definitely need to read them.

Release: October 29, 2019

Genre: Dark Fantasy/Romance Suspense


Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2nYTIGO

GIVEAWAY – http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78942139

Blurb:

From USA Today Bestselling Author K Webster, comes a dark, fantasy romance standalone novel!


In a cold, empty castle, a young queen is dying.
Weak. Fragile. Disgraced.
But Queen Whitestone is not alone in her final days.
She has her beloved sister.
Until a wicked king rides onto her land.

Arrogant. Insufferable. Demanding.
King Bloodsun has come with an offer…peace in trade for a bride.
He wants the princess.
The fiery king won’t take no for an answer.
He vows to keep the cold queen captive until she gives in to his demands.
A queen bows for no one, though.
Not even when she’s frail and fading away.

She’ll tap into her strength, protecting the only family she has left.
The king is about to learn why they call her the cruel one…

Buy Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YN29ZM3
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YN29ZM3
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07YN29ZM3
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07YN29ZM3
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2Wl4qUN
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2pHdlnt
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1482183987
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2niT07e

Author Bio:

K Webster is a USA Today Bestselling author.  Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks.  She lives in “Tornado Alley” with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens. 

Social Media Links:
Newsletter: https://authorkwebster.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe
Website: http://www.authorkwebster.com/
Email: kristi@authorkwebster.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkwebster
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristiWebster
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10439773-k-webster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkwebster/
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2lnLpPP

Also Available
Venom (Sinister Fairy Tales Collection) by Dee GarciaBooks2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4XZ2P5

DARK FAIRY-TALE REVIEW

Louise H


A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dark twist you won’t want to miss…

Belle’s Betrayal  by Aria Adams is OUT NOW!!

And you can read an EXCERPT below!!


Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2J65tCC
Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/33KcvF7
Amazon CA → https://amzn.to/2VXRG6t
Amazon AU → https://amzn.to/2MZELwD

Or read for FREE with #KindleUnlimited!!!

MY REVIEW – 4.5 STARS

Well, unlike others, I loved this, especially this slightly irreverent and off the wall humour. Perhaps that’s partly due to being British, like the author.

Marea was by parts tough cookie, foolish girl and bewildered captive. That’s not to imply her character felt inconsistent but rather she had depths and layers to her personality. Cole and Brendan were slightly harder to connect to, well their ‘castle’ versions were anyway, which is the whole point of the story.

It’s a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, please don’t expect any of the Disney story line in this! In fact it’s a pretty dark tale for the most part, Cole in particular subjects Marea to some horrific abuse. Some of the scenes/events may push buttons with their very dubious/non-consensual nature. However the whole fantasy/paranormal style setting removes this book so far from reality that personally I find it easier to condone/accept.

I loved how this book didn’t end where so many other books would have done, but actually tied up those loose ends that other authors would have conveniently forgotten/ignored. It meant the book continually surprised me with it’s twists, turns and unexpected plot developments. Alongside the darkness was some very British humour, tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecatory and with more than a hint of sarcasm.

BLURB

“They want to destroy me. Use me. And they have no souls.”

Cast out of her village. Left as a sacrifice on the doorstep of a mysterious castle. Fighting to survive. Marea Belle’s only sanctuary is a mysterious mirror-world buried deep within the castle, where she falls for two men. But when their darkest secrets are revealed, how can she ever hope to redeem them?

This 60,000-word novel is a dark why choose fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The protagonists are the villains. The heroine endures much suffering. If you like your HEAs to come at a great price, this series is for you.

Formerly published as The Belle Jar.

ADD TO YOUR TBR: http://bit.ly/2VYjAi1

EXCERPT

The brute’s muscles actually rippled as he carried her to the stairwell. Marea’s stomach flip-flopped at the idea of being put back in a bell jar. What sort of magic was that, anyway? She’d never seen anything comparable.

In the half-light of the experiment room, Marea saw only glimpses of the items in the room, visual rumors of the things to come. There was a flash of reflected light on a ladder of metal which could only be a chain. A few spindles of wood standing to attention above something indiscernible in the dimness; were they for a rack or something else? The smell was also very telling. Rust and perhaps seawater. Unmistakably blood, although whether it was animal or human, she didn’t know.

The beast was joined by the other one. Marea tried very hard to remain calm as they laid her down on a big wheel. While one man bound her wrists with thick leather straps, the other bound her ankles. The thin spindles of the wheel were uncomfortable to lay on, and she already wished this was over.

“You brought the spark wand?” Coal asked. Brendan nodded and pulled out a long thin stick with a beautiful hexagonal crystal set into the top. Marea wasn’t sure if she imagined it, but there seemed to be tiny bolts of lightning moving through the crystal. What was it for?

“Stupid girl,” Coal began. “The only way you can leave is if you surrender your soul to us.

About Aria Adams

Aria is an author of dark erotic romance that dances on the boundary between horror and romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there’s a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.

Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas, where she has had USA Today and multiple Number One bestselling books in the US and worldwide.

Follow Aria Online!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aria-Adams/e/B079VFP8CW/

Website: www.ariaadams.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaAdamsDarkER/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KatieAndAriasWildcats/

Newsletter: www.freeeroticabook.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aria-adams  

// REVIEW \\ Venom

Louise H

Venom (Sinister Fairy Tale Collection #1)
by Dee Garcia

5 STARS –

This is a twisty, full of mystery, intrigue and lust retelling of Peter Pan. The good guys are no longer good whilst the bad guys are definitely dangerous.

I loved this tale of Tinksley and Callan/Hook, which is surprisingly slow burn but still manages to feel very hot and steamy too. There are some dark elements and some moments of deep despair and bitter betrayal. By getting both Hook and Tinksley’s first person point of view, I found it easy to understand and forgive – particularly Hook with his ulterior motives wrapped around genuine deep feelings for Tink.

Normally I’m not a fan of a book that hinges on a ‘big secret’ that isn’t revealed until near the end of the book. However Dee Garcia executed this one perfectly by giving us plenty of other action, intrigue and romance throughout the story. The plot and pace easily, totally and utterly, held my attention. I couldn’t read it quickly enough, yet wanted to savour every single moment of the story too.

Highly recommend this book and am hoping the rest of the series lives up to this fantastic start.

Release: October 15, 2019

Genre: Dark PNR/UF

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258946-venom

Blurb:

Tink

From the moment I befriended him, I set a conspiracy in motion.

A revolution.

Kill Peter Pan.

And I was their ultimate weapon.

I was also none the wiser, falling hopelessly and irrevocably in love with him as the years went by.

Just as they hoped I would.

But their plan comes to a screeching halt when Peter vanishes into thin air, something I’ll learn has nothing to do with Rosewood at all.

You see, Peter never truly loved me…because he loved a wench instead.

He lied to me, he used me, he left me, and he broke me. 

Forever altering me in ways that incite revenge when Hook sweeps in with revelations and the ultimate truth.

Peter may have turned his back on me, but in the end, he and his precious little Wendy will choke on every last tear I once shed.

And I’ll have Hook to thank for that.

Hook

It’s no secret I always despised Peter Pan.

A common threat amongst the factions, I should’ve killed him when I had the chance, long before he sank his claws deep into Tinksley’s heart.

But his death at my hands wasn’t what the plan called for, despite how I felt for her.

I’d always been drawn to the girl, innocently enough at first…until that vile abomination marked her with his stamp, unleashing a sense of propriety I had no rights to.

Didn’t matter—he had her…and I wanted her.

Then like magic, he disappeared.

I thought my time had come, but the road to owning Tinksley’s heart comes with a price.

A price so dark and depraved it strips her of her purity and awakens the beast within.

All because of the truth.

Sometimes, there is honor in revenge, and it will be my utmost pleasure to watch as Peter Pan finally meets his maker.

His maker who will soon be my Queen.

Buy Links:

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/4XZ2P5

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/32bmFOF

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/31fSncd

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VC9ns0

iTunes: https://apple.co/32cLzh1

Excerpt:

Don’t do it, Tinksley. Turn around, says the angel on my shoulder, a voice I’d forgotten existed amidst the demands of depravity.

Do I listen? Of course not. 

I have to know what’s happening. I’m too intrigued not to. 

 An intrigue that continues amounting as I pass this hand-carved archway with thick spiraled pillars. The pillars themselves aren’t what draws me—it’s the marionette puppets hanging off each one. They’re both female; one blonde, one brunette, both surprisingly quite scantily clad unlike a typical puppet.

I’ve never seen one like this before.

Reaching out to graze the tips of my fingers over one of their wooden bodies, I—

“Boo!” a husky voice ghosts in my ear.

My heart shoots up to my throat as a terrified scream breaks free. Next thing I know, I’m spun around, staring into amused blue eyes.

I literally feel myself deflate in his grip before I can react accordingly.

Bastard.

“What the f*ck!” I shout, wiggling myself free.

Callan chuckles darkly and shakes his head, crossing his arms over his chest. “Look at you. So crass these days.”

I mimic his stance. “What can I say? I learned from the best. You’ve got one helluva sailor’s mouth yourself.”

“I’m not a sailor, love.” He smirks. “A pirate? Yes. The Captain? Obviously. Not a sailor, though.”

Giveaway: https://www.facebook.com/1713382575544586/posts/2352455054970665/

Author Bio: (author logo and photo in drive)

Dee Garcia is a voracious fan of romance novels and a long time lover of the written word. Her mission is to craft unique, compelling stories that will give her readers a place to briefly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday reality. With headstrong heroine’s who don’t need a man to stand on their own two feet, Dee hopes to leave her mark in the Indie world, one plot twist at a time.

Social Media links

Website: authordeegarcia.com

Facebook: facebook.com/authordeegarcia

Instagram: instagram.com/author_deegarcia

Twitter: twitter.com/deegarciabooks

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/dee-garcia

Pinterest: pinterest.com/authordeegarcia

Goodreads: goodreads.com/authordeegarciaAmazon: amazon.com/Dee-Garcia/e/B01N44M7KW