A Court of Hearts and Hunger: A Wonderland Retelling

Wicked Darlings #2

by Rebecca F. Kenney

This special hardcover edition contains chapters of bonus content at the end of the book.
Just as Clara and her sister are settling into their new life, Drosselmeyer sends a desperate message to the Seelie Court. With Lir and Louisa occupied elsewhere, Clara and Finias (the Sugarplum Faerie) have no choice but to respond and forge deep into Unseelie Territory, where a cruel Queen, known as the Eater of Hearts, has taken the throne. As they infiltrate the Court of Dread, Finias and Clara are forced to keep their relationship a secret. Meanwhile, the ravenous victims of the Queen, called the Heartless, turn the Unseelie kingdom into a far more dangerous place than usual.

Brimming with drama, horror, and spice, this sequel to "A Court of Sugar and Spice" brings back Clara and Finias, while introducing new characters like the fiendishly hot Cheshire Cat, the enigmatic Rabbit, the terrifying Queen, and more.


Trigger and content warnings are available on the author's website and in the front matter of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Retellings, Dark Romance, Fae, Audiobook

405 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2023

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Koisty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Heartless Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Rebecca Kenney does it again!!! MY GOSH! This was appetizing, delectable, delightful, exquisite, rich, spicy, tasty, scrumptious, DELICIOUS, and mouth-wateringly sinful. It left me with this insatiable craving for a peppermint creampuff or a sugarplum that changes flavour!!!

This is the second book in the Wicked Darlings series and it is a triple POV story with two characters we already know and love (Clara and Fin) and a new naive girl, who follows a white rabbit down a hole to a "Not-So-Wonder" Land - The Unseelie Kingdom. Drosselmeyer (Clara's Godfather) sees the "kidnapping" and notifies Fin and Clara as Alice has with her a powerful dark spellbook of Unseelie Magic that could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. Our "heroes" worried that the human girl is in grave danger as the White Rabbit is known for experimenting on his victims, go on a mission to free her from the clinical sadistic White Rabbit and sexual little pussy Cat with a mischievous grin. The quest is dangerous as they have to enter deep into the Unseelie Kingdom, a place now ruled by the Eater of Hearts. The Queen with a ravenous appetite who devours the hearts of her victims and turns them into Heartless. (No we are not playing Kingdom Hearts)

I absolutely love Clara and Fin. So given the opportunity to spend more time with our naughty little Sugarplum Fairy and his coy mischievous little Clara was fantastic! Alice in Wonderland also happens to be one of my favourite stories. I know this is a Wonderland retelling, but take it with a pinch of salt, as the world is somewhere in between the traditional Wonderland, American McGee's Wonderland and a Sex Dungeon. Everything is dark, gory, messy, trying to kill you and there might be debauchery happening on the steps in front of you.

I love Rebecca Kenney's writing. She has such a miraculous way of being so vivid in her descriptions that you can see, smell and experience the world, but also she creates complex, multi-faceted and layered characters that you can instantly fall in love with. The new characters introduced into this series were spectacular!

Alice: She was a naive, innocent, sweet, sweet girl who is just curious and wants to learn and hasn't been given the opportunity to. And the way that her curiosity sparks an interest in our clinical rabbit and the curious cat was fascinating. I also really enjoyed the White Rabbit and Cat as characters. Our Rabbit is not the best of people. He is Unseelie and did initially kidnap Alice to experiment on her and harvest her parts for science, but I still really enjoyed his dark and twisted nature. But I really do have a soft spot for anyone using the word "kitten" as a pet name as I am a girl of simple pleasures. And the same with our horny little kitty cat and his playful grin. He was adorable, even though he was super kinky and just wanted to snuggle.

I think this is probably the darkest, sexiest or kinkiest story I've read of Rebecca Kenney as it takes things a little bit deeper on the smut and triggers, and there were a couple of trigger warnings I wasn't expecting, but I still really, really enjoyed it! I just love the way that she manages to take an idea and inspiration of something and make a story uniquely her own while still incorporating a couple of quotes or phrases within the story you know, love, and recognise from your favourite tale. It's stories like this that solidly emphasise my love for retellings.

The Tropes from this lovely tale:
▶ You touch her you die
▶ Fae/Human Romance
▶ Only one for me
▶ Captor/Captive Relationship
▶ Love Triangle (but as Lia coined the phrase previously...it's more like a Penrose tribar)
▶ Retelling

If you want something that is delectable, and spicy; while still giving you that perfect balance of plot, this is the book for you! The storytelling is brilliant, it's action-packed, emotional, engaging and has a way that makes you want to keep reading!!! - (Officially out 31 March 2023)

Thank you Rebecca for an eARC in exchange for a review!
All thoughts and feelings are my own

A Court of Sugar and Spice - 4 Peppermint Stick Stars ★★★★☆ my review

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is addicting. The writing, the story, the spice - 🤌🏻🤌🏻

Summary:
A Court of Hearts and Hunger takes readers on a perilous, Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired adventure. Featuring Clara and Fin from A Court of Sugar and Spice, the couple must venture into the Unseelie capitol Mallaithe on a dangerous mission.

Banished from Faerie, Uncle Drosselmeyer begs Fin and Clara to rescue his maid, Alice, who has been kidnapped by the White Rabbit--an Unseelie scientist with a sinister reputation for experimenting on and dissecting humans. Not only that, but Alice holds the Tama Olc, a book of Fae spells so powerful that a malevolent possessor could cause unprecedented destruction.

With Lir and Louisa gone on royal business, F + C know they are the only ones who stand a chance of saving Alice. However, returning to Mallaithe means Fin must face serious past trauma. Still, with no alternative options and with Clara's support, he steels himself for the challenge.

Entering Mallaithe, F + C discover that the Unseelie kingdom has become even more dangerous than anyone in the Court of Dreams realized. A new ruler has ascended the Dread Court throne--a "Heart Queen" who LITERALLY eats hearts. Her victims, the "Heartless", are terrorizing the land, and the insatiable queen is seemingly invincible--posing a threat to all of Faerie.

Meanwhile, Alice is being held captive by the White Rabbit and the [Cheshire] Cat. The Unseelie males menace Alice but are also irresistibly drawn in by her curiosity and innocent charm. As they explain to Alice, her human essences and the Tama Olc are essential to finding a way to defeat the monstrous Heart Queen.

Will Clara and Fin save Alice? Will Alice save herself? Will the Heart Queen be defeated? Or will she subjugate all of Faerie with her indomitable, ever-growing Heartless army? You HAVE to read this book to find out!!!

My Thoughts:
HIGHLY CREATIVE & ENTERTAINING; I didn't want to put this book down. Cannot wait to read the JUST RELEASED third book in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🫑/5 (check TWs)

Add me on Instagram | StoryGraph | Fable

[nelka9books · Rating 3 out of 5]

alicja debilka i bohaterka z najgorszym rozdziewiczeniem znanym literaturze

ale bawilam sie przednio!!

[Lyra (Cardan's tail's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

—♥️ 4 stars ♥️—

“Are you ready for that, dearest? Are you ready to dredge up the darkest impulses of your wild heart, stir up every naughty compulsion, voice every cruel thought? Are you ready to step with me into the darkness? Because if you aren’t, you may tell me anytime, and I will take you home. Forget the kidnapped girl and the stolen spellbook. You are my entire realm, and I will commit any atrocity to secure your happiness.”

————about the book————

Age: NA/A
Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark Fantasy Romance, Fae, Retellings,
Writing: 8/10
Quotes: 8/10
World building: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Romance: 9/10
My rating: 8.5/10

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Gore, Murder, Violence, Light bondage, Public activities, Primal play, Sexual threat, References to past sexual assault, References to rape, Cannibalism, Drug use, Etc.

———my thoughts———

Clara and Finias are just settling into their new life, when an urgent message from Drosselmyer arrives.
A young woman, Alice, has been kidnapped by the nefarious White Rabbit and taken to the Unseelie court.
Clara and Fin must infiltrate the court to save Alice...but as the cruel queen known as the Eater Of Hearts begins to take over, the stakes grow ever higher.
And if you add that Alice might not want to leave after all...that Alice perhaps found a place with the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat...is there any chance of the mission succeeding?

The Cheshire Cat’s tail might be fluffy...but this book isn’t.
It’s a cross between the original Wonderland, and a horror movie.
It’s creepy and dark and spicy.
And utterly delicious.
Rebecca Kenney is fast becoming one of my go-to authors...there’s just something entirely enjoyable about her writing!
Her books aren’t long, but they seem to manage to pack so much into them.
There’s always a plot, and while it may not be the most fleshed out—it’s fun.
I couldn’t tell you how happy I am to be back with my favourite characters: Clara and Fin.
I was so excited when I saw their names...and the Fin POV is everything I didn’t know I wanted!
Seeing Clara from Fin’s perspective—seeing how much he adores her—I love it.
Clara’s character arc continues to be amazing.
You wouldn’t believe that this whip-fighting spy is the same timid meek Clara from the start of the series.
And unalike to Clara...Alice isn’t exactly meek.
She’s brave, and possibly a little too fond of her captors...
I liked Alice. If you imagine that the little girl Alice had grown up...that would be this Alice.
Again, like the last book, there’s the little nods to the original fairytale.
I think they’re a little more subtle here, but there’s definitely a eat me and drink me.
The other Wonderland aspects are perfectly twisted...and I didn’t know it was possible, but The Queen Of Hearts is even MORE terrifying here.
The main love interest focuses are the Rabbit...and the Cheshire Cat.
I wouldn’t say it’s a love triangle, nor would I say it’s poly.
It’s somewhere in the middle.
But out of the two, my favourite is probably the Rabbit.
For other reasons than he calls Alice “kitten” I swear.
I felt like he had more depth than the Cat...but I don’t know.
I tend to get attached to the wrong people.
All in all, this was exactly what I wanted, and I devoured it!

————quotes————

"I love you." 
The words are a rope thrown to a drowning man. They are life and truth. They are victory. “Clara.” I clutch her shoulders, seeing my strength in those brave brown eyes. “Dearest, I love you."

“I’ve enjoyed our time together, kitten."

 “It was a metamorphosis of sorts, I think. Qualities that were always inside me began to emerge, unfold, and grow stronger. I let myself be passionate. I let someone see me. And now I am Clara, lover to Finias, painter of Faerie, sister to the human Queen. And I am myself, more thoroughly and vividly than ever before.”

“Where are we going?”
“To a place where everything you know will be flipped upside down.”

————songs————

Tainted Love -Holy Wars
Wicked Ones -Dorothy
Mad Hatter -Melanie Martinez

———random extra thoughts———

The amount of times my phone autocorrected ‘Alice’ to ‘alive’ is disturbing

Thanks for reading ❤️

[mag_book_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Alicja została uprowadzona do świata fae przez białego królika, który potrzebuje jej do walki z bezlitosną królową. A raczej niż jej pomocy, potrzebuje... jej ciała. Klara i Fin gdy dowiadują się, że śmiertelniczka potrzebuje pomocy, decydują się na misję ratunkową i zdetronizowanie władczyni siejącej postrach w królestwie.

To było niepokojące i z pewnością dla mnie odkrywcze doświadczenie, a ten tom zdecydowanie pozytywnie zaskoczył wprowadzając świeżość w postaci nowych bohaterów. Oczywiście, że zapałałam sympatią do najbardziej przerażającej postaci - białego królika, którego celem było zabicie, a wcześniej wykorzystanie do zaklęć różnych części ciała Alicji.... która nie protestowała, a co więcej, bardzo ją to podniecało. Cóż, mogę powiedzieć, mój szok i zwątpienie wraz z kolejnymi rozdziałami tej bohaterki, zmieniło się w napięcie i ekscytację bo ogromnie zaangażowałam się w tę nietypową parę, do której swoje trzy grosze dokładał też kot. Alicja nie grzeszy rozumiem, ale to dobrze, bo został zachowany realizm jej postaci, a rozwój sytuacji relacja z porywaczami bardzo naturalnie i w ciekawy sposób się rozwinęła.
Perspektywa Fina i Klary przełamuje dreszcz obawy nad życiem Alicji swoją słodkością. Ci dwoje są słodcy niczym cukiereczki, które fae wyciąga ze swojej kieszeni. Możemy liczyć na pikantną kontynuację rozwoju ich związku, z nowymi fantazjami i... kolczykami tu i tam. Będzie też powrót do mrocznych wspomnień Fina oraz aspiracji Klary co finalnie rzutuje na całą rozgrywkę w tym tomie. Ogromnie dobrze bawiłam się na tej części i tak jak w poprzednim tomie, nie zabrakło akcji, walki z potworami i magicznych sztuczek fae. Jest to jednak fantastyka z elementami dark romansu więc proszę zapoznajcie się z TW.

[Bean]

okay so i promise that im reading normal books and just not logging them. this account is unfortunately becoming a bit of a confessional. but also we must remember that im an anthropologist. a woman in stem. this is research. an academic study.

how did we end up here. well, it began with dorian gray. or more specifically, straight dorian gray.

i don’t know how charming devil by rebecca kenney landed on my radar, but the plot summary made me cry my eyes out. tldr; it’s a modern dorian gray sequel reimagining or whatever about dorian gray romancing basil’s descendant except she’s a girl. it’d be one thing if it was dorian gray in any old straight relationship, but the fact that it’s specifically referencing and invoking his gay relationship. it’s also cannon in that book that he is bisexual and had a relationship with basil except instead of killing basil, basil left him and broke his heart to conform to heteronormative standards.

“people thought i killed him”. well. i wonder why they’d think that. what happened to the original plot of the movie?

that book was so ridiculous. i cry laughed all the way through. it ended with like 3 people on a remote island pointing guns at each other and a villain monologue about curing humanity by making everyone a vampire that feeds off other immortal people whose souls are bound by paintings. apparently this ties into kenney’s gatsby retelling, which involves vampires. do i understand what the fuck happened? no. am i mad at it? also no. i’m reading straight dorian gray. there was a flamethrower. i must be realistic.

but, this begged the question, if you’re making dorian gray a straight romance, where are the gay people? this is how i found out this is not her first offense. she also has a little mermaid retelling situation where ursula is a guy. like, damn. what’s going on? are there any gay people here?

my friend was reading the tea leaves of kenney’s ouvres as represented by her instagram account. it’s possible that her wonderland retelling might, just might, be gay. between the white rabbit and the cheshire cat.

so yes, yaoi has led me to places i wouldn’t normally travel with a gun.

but, the tea leaves were mistaken.

everybody’s fucking everybody in this fairy realm EXCEPT the white rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. which is insane. im sorry. they refer to each other as a partners though the cat does fuck all so i know they’re not business partners. it’s domestic as fuck. they live together, rely on one another, and are fond for one another. but they denounce any gay allegations between them multiple times. it feels a little homophobic #to me. you don’t mind having fan favorite sugarplum mention that he’s fucked the white rabbit in passing because it’s hot but you won’t have an actual gay relationship with #true love on page? you’re joking.

the whiplash between fairytale descriptions and hardcore smut had me cry laughing multiple times. there’s one point at the end where alice is going to die and the white rabbit is like “i might be able to save you when the time comes. it’ll be very gross though.” he remains evasive until the time comes. when she’s dying, heart ripped out of her chest cavity, writhing in pain and bleeding all over the place, he goes. “i must act now or you’ll be lost forever. i have to fuck you to save you. do i have your consent?”

i laughed SO hard. I HAYGHED SO HARD. first of all, you could’ve easily told her this earlier and gotten consent when she was in a position to give it. second of all, if it was really that serious and time sensitive, why wasn’t your dick out already? it should’ve been lubed up and on standby. is this amateur hour?

if i respect anything, it’s how alice doesn’t end up with the rabbit and the cat at the end. it’s always been weird to me how a happily ever after is a part of dark erotica. can’t two people just have nasty unethical sex and then go their separate ways? why do they have to be in true love at the end? more of that please. but next time, don’t be afraid to make EVEN A LITTLE gay.

i understand i sound insane but the straight bending must end. it doesn’t have to be this way. katee roberts goes gay for the love of the game. i have entered this corner of romance-ville, i have studied it appropriately, i have recorded my conclusions, and now i leave. do with this information what you will.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟
3/5 ❤️‍🩹
3/5 🥰
5/5 🌶️
0/5 🔎
2/5 😰A
2/5 🎭C
3/5 🎭T
0/5 👻

⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️

Sexual Content
Sexual Violence
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Assault
Rape
Violence
Cannibalism
Gore
Blood
Injury/Injury Detail
Body Horror
Confinement
Death
Murder
Torture
Kidnapping
Physical Abuse
Domestic Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Medical Content
Medical Trauma
Toxic Relationship
Profanity
Drug Use
Profanity
Mental Illness
Gaslighting
Toxic Friendship
Alcohol Use
War
Addiction
Grief
Fire/Fire Injury
Light Bondage
Primal Play
Public Activities
Reference to past Sexual Abuse
Sexual Threat

🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️

Just as Clara and her sister are settling into their new life, Drosselmeyer sends a desperate message to the Seelie Court. With Lir and Louisa occupied elsewhere, Clara and Finias (the Sugarplum Faerie) have no choice but to respond and forge deep into Unseelie Territory, where a cruel Queen, known as the Eater of Hearts, has taken the throne. As they infiltrate the Court of Dread, Finias and Clara are forced to keep their relationship a secret. Meanwhile, the ravenous victims of the Queen, called the Heartless, turn the Unseelie kingdom into a far more dangerous place than usual.

Brimming with drama, horror, and spice, this sequel to "A Court of Sugar and Spice" brings back Clara and Finias, while introducing new characters like the fiendishly hot Cheshire Cat, the enigmatic Rabbit, the terrifying Queen, and more.

🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph

COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 352 REVIEWS

Moods
dark 92%
adventurous 88%
tense 49%
emotional 39%
mysterious 26%
challenging 15%
funny 14%
sad 11%
hopeful 9%
inspiring 4%
lighthearted 4%
informative 1%
Pace
medium 59%
fast 40%
Plot- or character-driven?
A mix: 66% | Plot: 24% | Character: 8% | N/A: 1%
Strong character development?
Yes: 69% | It's complicated: 21% | No: 7% | N/A: 2%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 65% | It's complicated: 28% | No: 4% | N/A: 2%
Diverse cast of characters?
Yes: 77% | It's complicated: 12% | No: 7% | N/A: 2%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 56% | It's complicated: 27% | No: 15% | N/A: 1%
Average rating
3.91

🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔

I was prepared for this one! I am enjoying the story and our characters of Clara and Finias aka Sugarplum and Louisa and King Lir. In this book they adventure through The Looking Glass and must put a stop to the Queen of Hearts eating the hearts of her subjects. The Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter also keep us entertained in this one.

I wouldn’t classify this as creepy or spooky but it is definitely macabre where the Eater of Hearts is concerned. There are a few more books in this series and I hope I’m able to get my hands on them so I can read more about the adventures of our 4 main characters.

RATING KEY:

🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️‍🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared/Anxious - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy/Tragedy- based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky/Creepy -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!

[Ratebookswithashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m speechless. This series is 100% not what I would normally read, but it was so good 😭

[Ty · Rating 1 out of 5]

there’s just no way to explain how horrible this was and I regret every page of this book

[Mimisays411 · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I didn’t think Rebecca could outdo herself after a court of sugar and spice but her writing keeps getting better and better! This Alice in wonderland retelling is the best, Alice in Wonderland retelling I have read yet! if you have read the book before this, a court of sugar and spice, then you’ll be excited to know that you get to see some familiar faces and you get to meet new ones! I have to say this is probably one of the darker Books that Miss. Kenney has written, but it is so well done, and it will definitely captivate you! Never a dull moment, and a complete page turner! Each chapter ended on a cliffhanger, which will keep you enthralled! There’s some hard subjects and some deep emotional things that happen, so please check your true warnings. If you are into dark and kinky and classic retellings, this is 100% for you! 4/5⭐️ 4/5🌶 Enjoy and Happy reading, and remember; if you love/like a book, talk about it!

[Tarryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nearly 450 pages long and I desperately needed at least 100 more.

A Court of Hearts and Hunger is chock full of incredibly descriptive language, world building and holy hell, some spicy, spicy smut. And the TENSION, phew it had my heart palpitating, whether it was because I was waiting for someone to get murdered or someone to get fucked. I don't have the coherency currently to fully flesh out how surprisingly great this was as both a reimagination of a classic story and smut, but it really checked all the boxes for me. I'm DYING for book 3.

[nico · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,75 ⭐️ pierwszy tom podobał mi się bardziej ale duet fina i Klary >>>>>

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was really into this one

Much better than book 1 imo, i like alice/rabbit/cat relationship/character development more and the plot felt more complicated

[Wiktoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Za mocne. O wiele za mocne. Kanibalizm w romansie to już była o jedna granica przekroczona za dużo. Torturowanie i romantyzowanie bólu. 🤢🤮 Nie spodziewałam się tego po pierwszym tomie. Okropieństwo

[Andrea (andrea.bookster) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[saralouisereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌶️ i loved this! i’ve always loved alice in wonderland. rebecca did this retelling perfectly! fin and clara just melt my heart 🥹🩷🤍

[Langleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was genuinely hilarious in a good way, like I was laughing out loud at multiple parts. I really enjoyed the first book. This second one was a great continuation of that story and it is leading well into the third book all while having a complete story and plot. The characters are interesting and extremely unique, but it’s fun seeing how they were inspired by well known fairy tale characters, like Alice in wonderland. This book is definitely a spicy book but it’s done tastefully, which is crazy to say because of the kind of sex the characters are having constantly. 💀 I probably wouldn’t tell my real like friends how much I enjoy this series because it’s so corny to enjoy but I loved this book. Honestly, I wouldn’t change it. Hell, I’m giving this book a perfect score. 10/10 it was hilarious with fun, witty characters, a well developed plot, and a dynamic magical world. 10/10

[anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’m seriously obsessed with this series - it’s so addicting! Clara and Fin still have my heart, but Alice, White Rabbit, and Cat very nearly stole the show this time. This book was much darker than the previous one, (so remember to check the TWs) but it was absolutely incredible. I loved every moment!

[Keri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice in Wonderland + fairies = such a unique take on a beloved classic. The characters come to life in the most creative way. And the twists and turns will keep you coming back for more.

[Delta DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

** spoilers were avoided like red flags on a hot fictional boy, with a lot of help **

We love a good, classic story reimagined don't we? Of course we do. But you know what we don't want? A thousand versions of Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Hades & Persephone… You get where I'm headed so I'll stop here. So I'm just really excited my Queen, Rebecca, is cooking us up some fresh takes in ways we never could have imagined.

Speaking of imagination can we please take a moment to appreciate the lush, unique, and creative descriptions found in these pages? The Unseelie lands and the Dread Court simply came to life and it felt so effortless and flowed so well despite the incredible tension from the plotline.

We revisit two characters from the previous book, though I'm still mighty curious what our Louisa and Lir were up to during Clara and Fin's little adventure, and meet many more familiar, yet brand new faces as well. (But we don't give away faerie names without their permission.)

Alice, however, grew on me so quickly– she was like a little psychotropic mushroom, herself. I have to admit I really, truly loved her and her journey and I really, really do not want it to end here. I need and am so excited for more from her, the Rabbit, and their Cat.

I will note this installment felt a notch or so more intense in terms of dark themes as well as spice– but you won't find me complaining just be sure to check the list of trigger warnings before deep diving, of course.

To sum it up– we've got another fresh one from the Queen, herself. If you loved the first you're sure to love the second (character development and redemption for our baby Sugarplum!) because it's served up just as hot and delicious. Even if it's a little less…sweet this time around. Like the Sugarplum Faerie, it's a different flavor this time, but just as tasty.

Themes
• multiple POVs
• wonderland retelling
• kidnapping
• piercing kink
• size play

Ratings
Plot: 4 ⭐
Character: 5 ⭐
Style: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4 ⭐
Overall: 5 ⭐

[Kailey Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to explain myself so this is me in horny jail because yes it has detailed spice but also strong storytelling, character motivations, and stakes. If the first book was too much for you, the restraint in this one is *chefs kiss*.

[zaczytana_julcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,75⭐️
zdecydowanie bardziej wolę luizę i lira niż klarę i fina, więc dużym minusem tego tomu było to, że ich to praktycznie w ogóle nie było. ale perspektywa alicji wszystko nadrabiała i teraz nie mogę się doczekać 3 tomu.

[pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

hear me out— again

😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩

[Jessica Clawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an Alice in Wonderland retelling, I’m surprised Alice wasn’t the main focus.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3.5🌶️

A clever interweaving of classic stories set in a Fae realm and all grown up! It was such a joy seeing all the nods to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and also all the ways it was changed up. A must read for lovers of adult fairy tales.

I adore Rebecca Kenney’s writing and my favourite classic stories are Alice in Wonderland and the Nutcracker so you know I had high expectations for this mash-up and it more than exceeded them 😍

Clara and Fin return from Book 1 to rescue a human girl from the White Rabbit who in this version is sort of a magical mad scientist. On the way they visit with several other classic Wonderland characters and learn more about the evil queen, the Eater of Hearts, who has taken over after the Rat King’s death and her army of undead who stand in their way.

So fast paced and fun, I loved getting POV chapters from all the main characters. They all have such unique perspectives that it never got confusing and instead really drove the story forward. Clara and Fin were the highlight of Book 1 for me so it was great to have them as an established couple still navigating trust and vulnerability, and then to have Alice’s slow-burn, will they won’t they relationship with her captors (both the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat) kept me on the edge of my seat.

It does end somewhat unresolved but in a way that will lead perfectly into the next book - and there are plenty of hints as to what fairy tale we’ll be jumping into next!

Thanks to the author for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the first book in this series! But this one topped it! It’s dark and tormenting but also fun.

It’s a wonderland retelling which is super different from the first book and so amazing! All the characters are there but they’re darker and more twisted than the fairy tale were used to.

And you still get the fun of Sugarplum and Clara but now you get to hear some of his dark history.

This one is a must read if you like Alice in Wonderland!

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lola Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wyrzucenie z treści Luizy sprawiło, że ten tom wyszedł o jakieś 95% mniej krindżowo niż poprzedni. Alicja sama w sobie była najgłupszą postacią, która nie potrafiła się zdecydować czego chce, a na końcu syndrom sztokholmski uderzył mocno. Pojawiła się jedna rzecz, krzycząca deus ex machina. Poza tym uważam, że w pewien sposób Królestwo serc i pożądania wyszedł lepiej od Królestwa słodyczy i rozkoszy.

[Mackenzie Derderian · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW way better then the first book!!! I actually would recommend it…only down fall is that you have to read the first book to know the characters

Excited to see how the storyline continues in the next book

[AlenGarou · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Per certi versi mi è piaciuto di più del precedente.
E per altri mi è piaciuto di meno.
Il che ci porta al problema del: non so che voto dargli perché sono puntigliosa e si va con la classica lista della spesa per chiarirsi le idee.
È meno caotico del precedente. Sebbene abbia più pov, la trama è lineare e si segue bene, senza deragliare in sottotrame inutili. Inoltre, ho apprezzato il modo in cui l’autrice ha usato gli elementi della storia originale e li ha riadattati per contestualizzarli nella sua visione dark e lasciva. Il che ci porta al vero motivo per cui ho adorato questo libro: il pov di Fin.
Ho amato il fatto che lui e Clara potessero avere una continuazione, così come un ulteriore sviluppo per la loro ship. E devo delle scuse a Fin, dato che in tutto ciò sono finalmente venuti alla luce i suoi segreti più reconditi e io avevo inteso tutt’altro. Ma almeno è riuscito ad aprirsi del tutto a Clara e a coronare il suo sogno d’amore.
E, sempre parlando di personaggi, ho adorato le new entry e il rapporto tra Alice, il Gatto e il Bianconiglio. La loro caratterizzazione è on point, così come il legame che li unisce. E bisogna dirlo: è quella tossicità scritta bene.
Tuttavia, le note negative non sono da meno.
Soprattutto il finale.
Dire che è accelerato è un eufemismo e manda un po’ all’aria tutta la preparazione fatta in precedenza. Speravo di scoprire molto di più sulla Regina e tutta la solfa per spezzare la maledizione non mi ha convinta. E non parliamo di come si sono separati i pg! Grazie al cielo c’è un seguito o scleravo male. Per quanto riguarda Fin e Clara… mi aspettavo un finale più soddisfacente data la loro evoluzione. E vogliamo parlare delle scene spicy?
Per quanto fossero ben fatte, nel contesto erano inutili, tanto che gli stessi personaggi erano perplessi nel sfogare i loro istinti nei momenti meno opportuni.
Quindi ottime premesse, ma caduta di stile sul finale.
Speriamo con il terzo.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

It’s official! This series has become my guilty pleasure!

There’s something about the writing, the characters and the tow curling spice that gets me every time. It’s so addicting! I love that this book picked up right where the last book left off and that everything takes place in the same world. We felt the elements of Wonderland in a darker way while remaining in Faerie, a world we already know and understand, versus having to learn the dynamics of a new land. Getting to see Fin again made me so giddy and Clara had some INSANE character development in this book!

One thing about these books is they have me questioning some things about myself. How is it that I’m lusting over a man with rabbit ears, holes cut into his cheeks to reveal sharpened teeth, and a wicked desire to disassemble humans?! Could possibly be because I’m a sucker for a grumpy sunshine trope and this delivered in spades!

We definitely got some insanely good spice in this book also but I wish more of it was With Alice and the White Rabbit. I love Fin and Clara, they have my entire heart, but this story felt very centered around them rather than Alice’s story. If the next book in the series follows the same pattern then I’m sure we’ll see more of them so I’m trying not to be too disappointed.