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The Heartwood Box: A Fairy Tale
BEWARE THE GIFTS OF THE FAE. Battered by the attacks of the demon king, the Fae Queen, Titania, promised her greatest warrior, Declan, that his line would never fail. To keep her promise, she made a bargain with a human village. She would gift each girl with a magical heartwood box. When it came time to marry, the girl’s box would change color to reveal her true love. But there was a catch: in each generation, one girl’s box would turn black. She must give herself as a bride to a member of the Black family.
When Genevieve Miran arrives for the first event of the Bridal Week, the other girls are in a panic. Damian Black has joined this year, and one of them will have to marry him. Genevieve is too inexperienced to see what is obvious to the others: that Damian Black is a man who will demand complete submission from his wife. When the gorgeous warrior sets out to charm her, Genevieve can’t resist: her heartwood box turns black the same afternoon.
After his brothers failed to find brides, Damian Black knows he must be ruthless. If he fails to marry, Faerie may fall. The moment he sees Genevieve, his path is clear: marry her and get her safely locked up in his castle before she can escape him. But Damian never dreamt that he might have rivals for the shy Genevieve—or that the rivals might be his own brothers.
Warning: this novel contains graphic sex, spanking, bondage, three smoking hot alpha brothers, and a shy heroine who must learn when to say, “no!” and when to say, “yes, yes, yes!”
When Genevieve Miran arrives for the first event of the Bridal Week, the other girls are in a panic. Damian Black has joined this year, and one of them will have to marry him. Genevieve is too inexperienced to see what is obvious to the others: that Damian Black is a man who will demand complete submission from his wife. When the gorgeous warrior sets out to charm her, Genevieve can’t resist: her heartwood box turns black the same afternoon.
After his brothers failed to find brides, Damian Black knows he must be ruthless. If he fails to marry, Faerie may fall. The moment he sees Genevieve, his path is clear: marry her and get her safely locked up in his castle before she can escape him. But Damian never dreamt that he might have rivals for the shy Genevieve—or that the rivals might be his own brothers.
Warning: this novel contains graphic sex, spanking, bondage, three smoking hot alpha brothers, and a shy heroine who must learn when to say, “no!” and when to say, “yes, yes, yes!”
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2012
About the author
Lilia Ford
15 books198 followersReally short official-sounding bio: Lilia Ford lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.
Life on Goodreads:
I'm very active on Goodreads, mostly as a reader. I taught 18th and 19th century literature and GREAT BOOKS for many years, but these days, I read almost exclusively in the various permutations of fantasy, M/M, Sci-Fi, and erotica. There are really only two types of books for me: those I like enough to finish, and those I don't. If I like it enough to finish, I will usually give it at least four stars (I don't rate books I don't finish). The ratings are primarily a measure of how much I enjoyed a book--and only secondarily a measure of how much I admired it. I read and adore a lot of trashy books, and can't seem to finish many worthier (more literary, impressive, critically acclaimed) titles. I am slowly adding reviews of books that stand out for me. Unless the book is very popular and my views won't make a difference, I avoid trashing stuff since I now appreciate how hard it is to publish a novel.
Friending: Though I am overjoyed when people discover my books on Goodreads or want to talk to me about them, I am primarily here to find titles to satisfy my book-a-day reading habit. I generally opt to follow people whose reviews I like, not wanting to come off as a pushy author. However, I am psyched to be friends with people whose reading taste aligns with mine.
Final Note: I have a large and always growing number of titles on my "Kindle Lendable" shelf." Just send a personal message if you want to borrow something.
http://www.liliafordromance.com/
http://lilia.booklikes.com/
http://liliaford.tumblr.com/ (NSFW)
http://www.pinterest.com/liliaford/bo...
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Lili...
Life on Goodreads:
I'm very active on Goodreads, mostly as a reader. I taught 18th and 19th century literature and GREAT BOOKS for many years, but these days, I read almost exclusively in the various permutations of fantasy, M/M, Sci-Fi, and erotica. There are really only two types of books for me: those I like enough to finish, and those I don't. If I like it enough to finish, I will usually give it at least four stars (I don't rate books I don't finish). The ratings are primarily a measure of how much I enjoyed a book--and only secondarily a measure of how much I admired it. I read and adore a lot of trashy books, and can't seem to finish many worthier (more literary, impressive, critically acclaimed) titles. I am slowly adding reviews of books that stand out for me. Unless the book is very popular and my views won't make a difference, I avoid trashing stuff since I now appreciate how hard it is to publish a novel.
Friending: Though I am overjoyed when people discover my books on Goodreads or want to talk to me about them, I am primarily here to find titles to satisfy my book-a-day reading habit. I generally opt to follow people whose reviews I like, not wanting to come off as a pushy author. However, I am psyched to be friends with people whose reading taste aligns with mine.
Final Note: I have a large and always growing number of titles on my "Kindle Lendable" shelf." Just send a personal message if you want to borrow something.
http://www.liliafordromance.com/
http://lilia.booklikes.com/
http://liliaford.tumblr.com/ (NSFW)
http://www.pinterest.com/liliaford/bo...
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Lili...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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August 18, 2012Well, only two years and ten days late, I've finally gotten around to putting together a Pinterest Board for The Heartwood Box. I found some lovely images of conservatories and English gardens, some possible pictures of the Black brothers, and a surprisingly perfect picture of Genevieve's wedding dress. I also added a few pictures of cave dwellings which did not really fit my image of the cave hideout, but I thought were cool and "cavey." Also, Reese Witherspoon, who was always my image for Sally. Anyway, here is the link for the board:
http://www.pinterest.com/liliaford/bo...
Feel free to add any questions or comments or "hi there's" on this thread. Hope you enjoy.
http://www.pinterest.com/liliaford/bo...
Feel free to add any questions or comments or "hi there's" on this thread. Hope you enjoy.
August 19, 2012
Amazing! I read the book in one sitting -- I could not put it down. I am a reader of both romance and fantasy -- and I have never found a book that melds them so beautifully. The book is a great read for lovers of both genres -- but it is something so much more. The author clearly has lived a life and mined it in order to share with us some incredibly profound thoughts on (dare I say!) the human condition. I found myself close to tears as the story and characters and arcs unfolded.
The romance was pretty hot too!
The romance was pretty hot too!
May 14, 2018
Loved this story and felt like it was take on May Day with young women of the village spending a week of festivities to find their one true love. This journey is made easier by the Heartwood box they have that turns to the color of their one true love once their hearts have found each other. The boxes were created by the Queen of the Fae to help Declan Black and his ancestors find true love. He and his ancestors guard the opening to the demon realm and are all dominants.
Damian Black attends the festivities and meets Genevieve, the girls of his and his brothers dreams. This is where their love story begins. Lilia Ford does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story and creating a world of magic, demons and love. Her characters are rich and developed and you can't help but love them.
Damian Black attends the festivities and meets Genevieve, the girls of his and his brothers dreams. This is where their love story begins. Lilia Ford does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story and creating a world of magic, demons and love. Her characters are rich and developed and you can't help but love them.
July 25, 2016
I see this book as a take on Pandora's box. In a celebration reminiscent of May Day, young women from a human village have a box that is saved and brought out during the festivities each year. The "lore" is the box will change colors reflecting the color of their true love. Damien Black travels to the festivities seeking to secure a bride and meets Genevieve and the tale begins.Three brothers sharing the love of one young woman. Absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written and I want more from the author right now!
November 5, 2012
I couldn't put this book down. Three brothers and one wife. My imagination ran wild, but this book surprised me with the super steamy sex scenes. They were fantastic and left me wanting more. I have to admit that I fell in love with one of the brothers. I wish I were Genevieve!!
I've read a lot of this type of book, and this one is the most beautifully written one I have come across. I was totally immersed in the world of Derek, Damian, and Donal and can't wait for a sequel!!!!
I've read a lot of this type of book, and this one is the most beautifully written one I have come across. I was totally immersed in the world of Derek, Damian, and Donal and can't wait for a sequel!!!!
February 13, 2017
Very hot!!!
I read this in one day because I fell in love with the characters and couldn't get enough of them. Hot and dark at times. Definitely gave me my dominating male fix, times 3!!!.
I read this in one day because I fell in love with the characters and couldn't get enough of them. Hot and dark at times. Definitely gave me my dominating male fix, times 3!!!.
August 26, 2012
I'm sort of super embarrassed that I read this book. On the other hand, every now and then, one just wants to read a sex book. And that's what this is. And I always finish books like these and wonder why they even bother with a plot. Whatever -- the sex scenes were super hot.
October 3, 2012
I really did enjoy this book. A little BDSM mixed with erotic Faerie lore and 3 HOTT brothers. My only reason of leaving off a star is that I feel that it just ended, when there was more that could have been written.
December 31, 2012
3.5 Stars. This was a well constructed erotic fairy tale with larger than life characters. The interaction between characters sizzles and the plot is different to those I have previously read. Well worth a read for lovers of this genre
June 11, 2024
I was excited to read this, but after the first couple pages I had to FORCE myself to keep giving it time to get better. Completely awful. Story makes no sense and jumps around without explaining anything. It also feels like it was written by an eighth grader. Poor sentence structure, grammar and just messy all around. Sorry to the author, but I have to be honest.
April 16, 2023
Genevieve and Donal should have run away together. Don't @ me.
Donal was the only love interest who was actually interesting. This is partly due to his charm and humor, but also the fact that he's *not* abusively misogynistic. The bar is low, but I would have liked him even if his insufferable brothers didn't exist in this story. And frankly, in my opinion, the book would have been better if it was about him and Genevieve.
I really liked Gen's best friend (whose name escapes me). But I wanted to throw my Nook across the room each time the non-Donal boyfriends made misogynistic comments about her - literally only because she possesses a brain and isn't submissive to men. If I didn't already hate them, that did it. I don't expect fictional stories and fictional characters to fit my real-life morality. I have high tolerance when reading erotic romance. But I don't care how "hot" these guys are. Their personalities suck.
What I do appreciate is that the author tried to develop each of the relationships individually, as most authors who write reverse harem don't even bother to do that much. But they still fell flat for me. I wanted more Donal, and the other two love interests were dull or deserved to get slapped. Can you tell that I loathe Damian?
I think this book has confirmed my suspicions that reverse harem is not for me.
Donal was the only love interest who was actually interesting. This is partly due to his charm and humor, but also the fact that he's *not* abusively misogynistic. The bar is low, but I would have liked him even if his insufferable brothers didn't exist in this story. And frankly, in my opinion, the book would have been better if it was about him and Genevieve.
I really liked Gen's best friend (whose name escapes me). But I wanted to throw my Nook across the room each time the non-Donal boyfriends made misogynistic comments about her - literally only because she possesses a brain and isn't submissive to men. If I didn't already hate them, that did it. I don't expect fictional stories and fictional characters to fit my real-life morality. I have high tolerance when reading erotic romance. But I don't care how "hot" these guys are. Their personalities suck.
What I do appreciate is that the author tried to develop each of the relationships individually, as most authors who write reverse harem don't even bother to do that much. But they still fell flat for me. I wanted more Donal, and the other two love interests were dull or deserved to get slapped. Can you tell that I loathe Damian?
I think this book has confirmed my suspicions that reverse harem is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2013
(review originally posted on The Self-Publishing Experiment October 9th, 2012)
Okay, so I'm all for good sex in a book, but I do like a little bit of plot with my porn, cause I'm that kind of girl. This book was suggested to me by a friend, because it is a BDSM based book and that is what my SPE is. The Heartwood Box, written by Lilia Ford, at least had some BDSM ideas, control, bondage, punishment, reward, which was nice to see. The book is based in a fantasy world, so I didn't expect there to be any accuracy to the actual Lifestyle.
As far as plot, there wasn't really any. The first part of it moved slow, but it at least had a point to it. The characters met, they found that they were fated together and they married. After the marriage, you got a brief glimpse of a war that was supposed to be going between the Fae and the Demons, which could have been expanded on much more instead of used to only to get Damien out of the way so Genevieve was left alone with Derek (one of Damien's brothers). The idea of the Heartwood box itself was fascinating and was executed well, a little more description of it would have been nice, because I was envisioning a small box, but this was supposed to big enough to hold a riding crop and a few other large items. There were a couple big time jumps that felt like the author just didn't have anymore information to put in there.
The male characters could have been better, they were hot, they were brothers and they were all doms. Three doms in a household, poor Genevieve. Though, there's not much else a girl could ask for, really. Each had their own part to play, but the two older ones (Damien and Derek) could have been developed better. Damien's reasons came from a tragedy in the past, which is where Derek's anger came from (at least from what I understood), but that's really as far as it went. Donald (the third brother) had the most personality to him, and I believe that was probably the intention of the author since he was not 'scared' by the tragedy). Genevieve did have more back story than most female character, however no reason was really given for her 'demon' (which is what makes her crave extreme pain).
Writing wise, it wasn't bad, and for being self-published it was polished and didn't have any weird errors, or formatting issues. The sex scenes were awesome, but the 'plot' parts were slow moving and very much all tell and no show. I did enjoy it, but it showed potential for more plot and better characters. If you like more porn than plot, pick it up, if you want an easy, sexy read, go for it and enjoy.
Okay, so I'm all for good sex in a book, but I do like a little bit of plot with my porn, cause I'm that kind of girl. This book was suggested to me by a friend, because it is a BDSM based book and that is what my SPE is. The Heartwood Box, written by Lilia Ford, at least had some BDSM ideas, control, bondage, punishment, reward, which was nice to see. The book is based in a fantasy world, so I didn't expect there to be any accuracy to the actual Lifestyle.
As far as plot, there wasn't really any. The first part of it moved slow, but it at least had a point to it. The characters met, they found that they were fated together and they married. After the marriage, you got a brief glimpse of a war that was supposed to be going between the Fae and the Demons, which could have been expanded on much more instead of used to only to get Damien out of the way so Genevieve was left alone with Derek (one of Damien's brothers). The idea of the Heartwood box itself was fascinating and was executed well, a little more description of it would have been nice, because I was envisioning a small box, but this was supposed to big enough to hold a riding crop and a few other large items. There were a couple big time jumps that felt like the author just didn't have anymore information to put in there.
The male characters could have been better, they were hot, they were brothers and they were all doms. Three doms in a household, poor Genevieve. Though, there's not much else a girl could ask for, really. Each had their own part to play, but the two older ones (Damien and Derek) could have been developed better. Damien's reasons came from a tragedy in the past, which is where Derek's anger came from (at least from what I understood), but that's really as far as it went. Donald (the third brother) had the most personality to him, and I believe that was probably the intention of the author since he was not 'scared' by the tragedy). Genevieve did have more back story than most female character, however no reason was really given for her 'demon' (which is what makes her crave extreme pain).
Writing wise, it wasn't bad, and for being self-published it was polished and didn't have any weird errors, or formatting issues. The sex scenes were awesome, but the 'plot' parts were slow moving and very much all tell and no show. I did enjoy it, but it showed potential for more plot and better characters. If you like more porn than plot, pick it up, if you want an easy, sexy read, go for it and enjoy.
March 8, 2013
I did love this book but after all the ones I've read this one just didn't hit the right spot for me.
I like fact the pov's change and I really got drawn in but mid way I kind of lots interest and by the end I really just wanted to put it down.
Worth a read if you like something naughty with a plot with the fantasy mix in but I really would recommend something else.
I like fact the pov's change and I really got drawn in but mid way I kind of lots interest and by the end I really just wanted to put it down.
Worth a read if you like something naughty with a plot with the fantasy mix in but I really would recommend something else.
September 3, 2017
I liked the story and the characters, but the way the domination was explained in the book felt a little flat to me.
Read
December 13, 2017Couldn't get in to it. The writing was broken and hard to follow. The characters reaction was unbelievable. DNF
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews