Once Upon A Temptation

by Kaye P. Hallows

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful executive named Juliana Crowne, whose life appeared to be charmed, right down to her seemingly perfect boyfriend. But long-denied forbidden fantasies have a way of bubbling to the surface and refusing to be ignored. When Juliana succumbs to her dark desires one day at work, believing her internet travels to be untraceable, her online journey into BDSM is discovered by dangerously attractive Alexander Knight, the one man capable of exposing her or bringing all her fantasies to life. Ruggedly handsome, self-assured and mischievous, Alexander launches a game of cat-and-mouse from the bowels of the corporation to ensnare the lovely Juliana. But will Alexander become entangled in the web of decadent desires and succumb to Juliana's considerable charms? With everything on the line, can they trust each other and earn their chance at Happily Ever After? A modern-day, upside-down BDSM Cinderella story told in exactly 100-word drabble chapters.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, M F Romance, Fan Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Novella

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2012

About the author

Through royalties and direct donations for written works, Kaye has helped raise over $13,000 for cancer research and a local LGBTQ shelter and will continue to find ways to use writing to further important social causes.

Reviews

[Kaye Hallows]

From Kirkus Reviews:
A nuanced, deeply sensual fairy tale of erotica set in modern-day corporate America.

Written in 100-word “drabble” chapters, the story revolves around the relationship between Juliana Crowne, a beautiful executive whose father is CEO of the company (she’s “de facto princess of the realm”), and Alexander Knight, a guy with midnight hair and penetrating eyes who works in the IT department. A single dominant into BDSM, Knight is searching for a woman to share his darkest desires. After a routine security review in which he inadvertently uncovers Juliana’s erased internet history—she’s viewed submissive photo galleries and posted dominance and submission stories on an erotica website—he devises a cunning plan to win the heart of the “heiress to the throne.” But with a holiday ball quickly approaching, not to mention that Juliana’s boyfriend is ready to pop the question, Knight must act quickly and decisively. This short novel’s charm comes from its fairy-tale tone and delightful fusion of unbridled sexuality and enchanting ambiance. (It even begins with “Once upon a time….”) Even though the sexual content tends to be understated—in an early scene, Juliana’s boyfriend is described thusly: “Thrusting politely, he climaxes”—the attraction and connection between Juliana and Knight is palpable.

Pleasingly erotic and romantic, without being gratuitous. Available on Amazon and B&N, paperback and e-book.

[Alicia (is beyond tired of your *ish)]

Yet another precious jewel from the Twilight fandom who thinks it's okay to "publish" her fan fiction. It was, apparently, a drabble fic and each chapter is 100 words. $7.99 for a less than two hundred page story... [see comments]

[rameau]

See comments.

[Heather Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like stumbling upon a secret desire.....

A sexy twist on the Cinderella story that will leave you begging for more.

With 100 words chapters it is a fantastic quick read and you won't be disappointed.

[Chartwilightmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

just a wonderful dip into the kinky pool, brilliant with witty banter between the two main character

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this online as fanfiction. Not gonna read or rate it in its published version, but $7.99 for a book with drabble like, 100-word chapters is a wee bit much. At a total of a little over 20K word, this price is just too steep. Even the Kindle/Nook versions at $2.99 respectively is asking too much for what amounts to less than a novella.


ETA 5/15/12: The original fanfiction is still available online at fanfiction.net under the title "Once Upon A Desire". I feel compelled to applaud the author for not pulling her FF story, and understand her intent of bringing her writing to a wider audience, while still allowing her fans to re-read the fanfiction story for free.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn't often you find a BDSM romance that isn't erotic, but that is exactly what this book is. The author has written a cute and clever, modern day switch, based very loosely on Cinderella.

I would give 4 points for the clever method of imparting the story, by alternating back and forth from her POV to his, at each new chapter. Unfortunately, although it was clever, it was also rather confusing at times. The chapters are very short, and the POV switch is rapid. Adding to the confusion was an on-line and real life identity for both the hero (Alexander Knight) and heroine (Juliana Crowne). It frankly bordered on schizophrenic at times, with Alexander arguing with his on-line identity.

Between my confusion as to who was saying what and the virtual absence of any erotic content, I give this a solid 3 stars. I did enjoy the story and recommend it to anyone who likes (or is occasionally in the mood for) a quick, light, easy read.

[F loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Once upon a Temptation. Ms. Hallows certainly has an amazing way with words. I believe it is not easy to write chapters of only 100 words each and manage to grab you so hard you just want to read more, more, more. Pure Genius in my opinion...
Once upon a Temptation is a quick read and I promise you won't be disappointed. Well maybe at the end, since it will leave you wanting to read more and to know what happens next to Juliana and Alexander. The dynamic between the two is sizzling, fun and overall such a joy
to read from the beginning until the end. Kaye P. Hallows is a wonderful writer and I can't wait to read more of her beautiful stories. thank you Kaye for sharing your incredible talent with us!!! xxx

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book. I got it for a Prime read and wished it was longer. At some points I didn't know which person was talking or thinking. AAARRGG!! I hate when they switch perspective every other chapter it drives me CRAZY!!!.

[Kitkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously quick read. An amazing love story that makes you desperate for more than those 100 words per chapter. The juxtaposition of the geeky Alex and the sensual and powerful Dark Prince is almost too much to take!

[Sandy Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I just realized this book was on GOODREADS!! Go Get this book and read it right now! You can put it on your kindle or get a hard copy. But you are gonna LOVE IT!! It is a fantastic read by a wonderful author!

[Rubell]

That cannot be it!!!!!

awesome story...loved every single bit...too bad I will always want so much more...I feel like I want part two through five to be satisfied...I even want the prince (charming that is) to have a HEA

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what i needed! This short but sexy story is just what the Doc. ordered to get get me out of reading rut ;D

[Sandy Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are gonna love this one!! You should definitely read this book it is Fantastic and the author is AMAZING!! You will want more from Kay P. Hallows!

[Tori Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short fairy tale with a twist. I'm hoping there's more to come, I'd love to read about the developing relationship between J and A.

[Melanie Moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, sexy and smart

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read her fan fiction and having loved every word, this lovely first of three in that arena to be published is smart, sexy, and leaves me hoping she will publish the other two parts someday!

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story about secret, sexy desires told in 100 word chapters!

[Arthur King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book and enjoyed every line.

[Joy]

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