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Once Upon A Twist
When the sun goes down, guess what's coming out to play... ?
Once upon a time in a land far, far away, the creatures are coming...
In a land run by misogynists, where fair maidens are deemed liable to fall in a dead faint at the sight of blood, Prince Charming is worried – the creatures that have destroyed their neighboring kingdoms are coming for them. He judges it imperative to get all the females to safety, but first he needs to break the enchantment enslaving his One True Love to her hateful home. Oh, and there’s the small matter of the Ball to get through too.
But when the creatures reach them ahead of their expected time, all plans are foregone. Can Ella break her wicked stepmother’s enchantment? Can she save her handsome Prince and the kingdom before midnight strikes? And can she show his soldiers what it really means to kick a monster’s butt? The clock is ticking…
Many, many years later…
When Ruby visits her grandmother in the deep, dark forest, she stumbles into a nightmare. Her grandma’s been attacked by a wolf-like creature, and an ancient disease that turned people into monsters is back… and so is the cold-hearted ex she walked out on a year ago.
Now she has to either accept Jeremy’s help or face becoming a monster herself. Fighting alongside the man she once loved isn’t easy, especially when she discovers there’s more to Jeremy than the cheating bastard she took him for.
As they fight to survive the disease and save those they love, can they keep from falling for each other all over again?
Once upon a time in a land far, far away, the creatures are coming...
In a land run by misogynists, where fair maidens are deemed liable to fall in a dead faint at the sight of blood, Prince Charming is worried – the creatures that have destroyed their neighboring kingdoms are coming for them. He judges it imperative to get all the females to safety, but first he needs to break the enchantment enslaving his One True Love to her hateful home. Oh, and there’s the small matter of the Ball to get through too.
But when the creatures reach them ahead of their expected time, all plans are foregone. Can Ella break her wicked stepmother’s enchantment? Can she save her handsome Prince and the kingdom before midnight strikes? And can she show his soldiers what it really means to kick a monster’s butt? The clock is ticking…
Many, many years later…
When Ruby visits her grandmother in the deep, dark forest, she stumbles into a nightmare. Her grandma’s been attacked by a wolf-like creature, and an ancient disease that turned people into monsters is back… and so is the cold-hearted ex she walked out on a year ago.
Now she has to either accept Jeremy’s help or face becoming a monster herself. Fighting alongside the man she once loved isn’t easy, especially when she discovers there’s more to Jeremy than the cheating bastard she took him for.
As they fight to survive the disease and save those they love, can they keep from falling for each other all over again?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2013
92 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Duffy
24 books235 followersAimée writes steamy, contemporary romance for the 21st century woman who enjoys the 21st century alpha male. She's addicted to reading, shopping and can't go a day without music.
When she's not writing you can find her traipsing up the Ochils (weather permitting of course) or procrastinating on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aimeeduffyx) and Twitter (@aimeeduffyx).
When she's not writing you can find her traipsing up the Ochils (weather permitting of course) or procrastinating on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aimeeduffyx) and Twitter (@aimeeduffyx).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 11, 2013
This was a totally fabulous little read from two great authors. Taking the world of fairy tales and fantasy and serving it up with a large dose of kick ass heroines that do not faint in the face of danger and can fight with the best of them. The authors gave a whole new meaning to the words "I will fight for my happy ever after".
Cinderella in Combat Boots
We meet a version of Cinderella like no other.Yes she is still the same mistreated and abused woman from the original fairy tale, but she is smart and no mere weakling as she can stare into the eyes of evil and slash off it's head in seconds, unlike the original version that was simply a weak woman in need of a Prince to save her.
And Price Charming is much more than a charmer, he is like the original strong confident and ready to protect his beloved but the difference with this version is that the man is as more of a man on all levels than the original Price that simply comes in and "saves" the woman with the glass slippers.
I loved that the author really focused on both characters instead of like in the original read we got more about Cinderella and her life and only a very tiny glimpse into who and what the Prince it. I adored the kick-ass attitude of Cinderella and that the author also incorporated other fairy tale elements such as references to Goldilocks and the three bears and the witch from Hansel and Gretel.
The sexual level was of this read was of the over before it really starts kind but enough to give you the wild and crazy emotion of heat between the characters, and added a very nice spice to the read . The author did a terrific job of taking a old tale blending in some action and giving me as reader a entertaining read that had me laughing out loud and on the edge of my seat to see what comes next!
And Michelle I totally adore those glass slippers I must have a pair!
"Price Charming can fight but his darling Cinderella can kick some serious ass"
xxxx 0000 xxxx
Reunited with Red
In this version of Little Red Riding Hood we meet Ruby, she had to walk away from the love of her life and in the process all but turned her back on her only living family, her grandmother. Walking away from Jeremy however was the hardest thing she has ever done and it has left her weak, scarred and not so much loving herself.
When he grandmother sends word she is ill, Ruby embarks upon the trip back to a world she never thought she would go as there is the risk of running into Jeremy and her heart just cannot stand it. But the wolf in this tale is no ordinary wolf and Jeremy is the only one that can save her.
I liked that the author gave the old tale a new twist with the wolf being much worse than in the fairy tale. It gave the words "What hides in the deep dark forest is never to be spoken of " a whole new meaning, as the read was all about covering up a secret that not only destroyed Ruby and Jeremy's relationship but also brings them back together.
The character of Jeremy was terrific , he is definitely so much more than just a "woodcutter", he is the ultimate hero in doing everything to protect his secrets in order to not let the love of his life be hurt. I loved that the author also takes Ruby and makes her so much stronger to face what needs to be done in the name of love, showing the scarred running away from it all woman is no more and is ready to take on the worst of the worst.
The sexual level of this read was hot, sensual and blazing! Classic Aimèe Duffy and let the full emotions of the characters be bared to me as reader. I adored the moment of truth being revealed and felt myself tearing up as Jeremy bares his soul.
I was entertained at all times and could not wait to see what happens, close to the end the author actually had me holding my breath to see who lives and who dies!
Aimèe you must write us more Jeremy's !
5 star review
"Seeing red has nothing to do with blushing, but all to do with passion and the blood it can let flow"
I highly recommend this read for lovers of reading romances with a remarkable twist of the paranormal kind but also action and intrigue. I truly hope these two authors take more fairy tales and re-writes them for us! I loved it!
June 6, 2013
I grew up loving and adoring Disney Princesses stories...
and I think my love for reading started with fairy tale books which resulted my love for HEA stories up to now..so imagine my delight when I was given the chance to read Once Upon A Twist, Kick-ass Cinderella and Red Riding Hood version? count me in!
_________________________________
When the first story which is the Glass Slippers and Combat Boots started with "Once upon a time in a land far, far away, the creatures are coming..." I knew right then that I am going to enjoy reading it..and I wasn't disappointed.
Our heroine, new and improve Cinderella is definitely not a martyr, nope..she was force to servitude only because her Stepmother placed her under an enchantment that prevents her from leaving. I loved this version of Cinderella, she's a fighter and refuse to be treated as a weak girl. And the Prince Charming is a handsome, charming, witty and fierce warrior hottie guy..I loved that we actually get to know him better in this version and see him fight..he is more than a pretty face here..I am seriously crushing on him!
Overall, I can say that I am loving this version of Cinderella, we got to know more of Cinderella and the Prince ..and lets not forget the Queen! I liked her... plus I loved that some other fairy tale characters were mention here..like Goldilocks and the bears... sleeping beauty..it brings back this good old feeling of knowing this characters..we grew up loving this characters and it's nice to be reminded of this characters again.
________________________________
In Reunited with Red, we meet a hotter and sexier version of the woodcutter...yum! lols and uhm ofcourse Red Riding Hood's older version, she's all grown up here..and she's hurt and mad.
The story started just like the children's version..Red's visiting her sick grandmother and then finding a wolf..that's where the similarities ended and story takes a darker twist.
I love the chemistry between Red and Jeremy here, enjoying that Red hated herself for finding Jeremy attractive even after all the years she spent hating him..well, no one's blaming her. I loved that Jeremy's all protective with Red and that even though he tries hard to stay away from her..he's feeling eventually won..and we get to witness their hot and sweaty reunion lol.
I enjoyed reading both stories..it brings back the good old memories of being just a little girl and finding happiness with fairy tale stories..I'm glad we get to have this adult version story of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. I'm giving this 4 awesome stars.
This review can also be found at Talking Sushi Monster blog: http://tinyurl.com/l3av8h6
and I think my love for reading started with fairy tale books which resulted my love for HEA stories up to now..so imagine my delight when I was given the chance to read Once Upon A Twist, Kick-ass Cinderella and Red Riding Hood version? count me in!
_________________________________
When the first story which is the Glass Slippers and Combat Boots started with "Once upon a time in a land far, far away, the creatures are coming..." I knew right then that I am going to enjoy reading it..and I wasn't disappointed.
Our heroine, new and improve Cinderella is definitely not a martyr, nope..she was force to servitude only because her Stepmother placed her under an enchantment that prevents her from leaving. I loved this version of Cinderella, she's a fighter and refuse to be treated as a weak girl. And the Prince Charming is a handsome, charming, witty and fierce warrior hottie guy..I loved that we actually get to know him better in this version and see him fight..he is more than a pretty face here..I am seriously crushing on him!
Overall, I can say that I am loving this version of Cinderella, we got to know more of Cinderella and the Prince ..and lets not forget the Queen! I liked her... plus I loved that some other fairy tale characters were mention here..like Goldilocks and the bears... sleeping beauty..it brings back this good old feeling of knowing this characters..we grew up loving this characters and it's nice to be reminded of this characters again.
________________________________
In Reunited with Red, we meet a hotter and sexier version of the woodcutter...yum! lols and uhm ofcourse Red Riding Hood's older version, she's all grown up here..and she's hurt and mad.
The story started just like the children's version..Red's visiting her sick grandmother and then finding a wolf..that's where the similarities ended and story takes a darker twist.
I love the chemistry between Red and Jeremy here, enjoying that Red hated herself for finding Jeremy attractive even after all the years she spent hating him..well, no one's blaming her. I loved that Jeremy's all protective with Red and that even though he tries hard to stay away from her..he's feeling eventually won..and we get to witness their hot and sweaty reunion lol.
I enjoyed reading both stories..it brings back the good old memories of being just a little girl and finding happiness with fairy tale stories..I'm glad we get to have this adult version story of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. I'm giving this 4 awesome stars.
This review can also be found at Talking Sushi Monster blog: http://tinyurl.com/l3av8h6
June 12, 2013
Once Upon A Twist
I have always loved fairy-tales. Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood are given a modern interpretation by Michelle and Aimee which makes entertaining reading. Their independent heroines Ella and Red lead the way in this twenty-first century makeover of these ancient tales.
'Glass Slippers and Combat Boots.' Zombie like creatures invade the prince's ball with predictably disastrous results. Only Ella has the guts and intelligence to save the kingdom from extinction. This story has everything you would expect from the living dead,plenty of gore and horror. This is skillfully tempered with hot romance and dry humour. All I can say is poor 'Scratchy' As you can see I got very involved with the story.
'Reunited with Red' is full of suspense and danger. Aimee's writing transports you to the dark wood with danger round every corner. The themes of this story are contemporary but they fit well with the original tale. Steamy love scenes and lots of fast paced action make this story well worth reading.
Wonder what they can do with 'Snow White'?
I have always loved fairy-tales. Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood are given a modern interpretation by Michelle and Aimee which makes entertaining reading. Their independent heroines Ella and Red lead the way in this twenty-first century makeover of these ancient tales.
'Glass Slippers and Combat Boots.' Zombie like creatures invade the prince's ball with predictably disastrous results. Only Ella has the guts and intelligence to save the kingdom from extinction. This story has everything you would expect from the living dead,plenty of gore and horror. This is skillfully tempered with hot romance and dry humour. All I can say is poor 'Scratchy' As you can see I got very involved with the story.
'Reunited with Red' is full of suspense and danger. Aimee's writing transports you to the dark wood with danger round every corner. The themes of this story are contemporary but they fit well with the original tale. Steamy love scenes and lots of fast paced action make this story well worth reading.
Wonder what they can do with 'Snow White'?
July 23, 2013
Take a couple of traditional fairy tales, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, a pair of innovative romance authors, a dollop of paranormal and heaps of attitude not too mention two kick ass heroines and what have you got? ONCE UPON A TWIST, that's what.
ONCE UPON A TWIST by Aimee Duffy and Michelle Smart is a two-in-one, two novellas in one volume, each one giving us a traditional fairy tale with a modern twist. As these fairy tales were always out of the realm of fantasy anyway, the paranormal aspect is accentuated. Our heroines are not the fairy princess types for sure, they're modern, kick ass women. Don't mess with them whatever you do. In fact, they fairly leave Prince Charming and the Woodcutter in the shade.
So if you enjoy fairy tales and fantasy stories and would like to see them get a bit of modern treatment, pick this one up, satisfaction guaranteed.
ONCE UPON A TWIST by Aimee Duffy and Michelle Smart is a two-in-one, two novellas in one volume, each one giving us a traditional fairy tale with a modern twist. As these fairy tales were always out of the realm of fantasy anyway, the paranormal aspect is accentuated. Our heroines are not the fairy princess types for sure, they're modern, kick ass women. Don't mess with them whatever you do. In fact, they fairly leave Prince Charming and the Woodcutter in the shade.
So if you enjoy fairy tales and fantasy stories and would like to see them get a bit of modern treatment, pick this one up, satisfaction guaranteed.
June 4, 2013
See this review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com
Two clever, romantic and sexy fairytale re-tellings, each unique and entertaining in its own right; Oh, and ZOMBIES!!! Because I love fairytales and zombie books with kick-ass heroines, this pair of stories is right up my alley!
The first story is a re-telling of Cinderella, written in more of a “classic” fairytale style: complete with castles, a fairy godmother, a pumpkin carriage, and the handsome Prince Charming. And did I mention zombies?!? I just love Ella in this story! Instead of acting the delicate flower this time period requires, she stands up to the men, the knights, and her Prince, and kicks some zombie ass… and this only endears her more to her handsome betrothed.
“No wonder all the women he had met before her had bored him to tears. Marriage to Ella might be a headache but at least it would never be boring.”
The second story, a modern re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood is a bit darker and gorier. Jeremy and Ruby, past loves that still have strong feelings for one another, must fight a zombie-wolf and multiple undead. When tragedy strikes they must confront a dark past and an uncertain future, in order to save each other and have a second chance at love. I love this couple and thoroughly enjoyed their journey back into each other’s arms.
“And he was falling, deeper in love with her, so fast and hard he couldn’t stop it. He knew as heat flooded down his spine and spread through his balls that their next separation would cost him, but he accepted that. This was about her, giving Ruby what she needed. If his heart had to shatter all over again then he’d deal with it. It was no less than he deserved.”
Both sexy stories are packed with intense action and romance (and zombies!) I highly recommend this two-for-one special on grown-up fairytales.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Two clever, romantic and sexy fairytale re-tellings, each unique and entertaining in its own right; Oh, and ZOMBIES!!! Because I love fairytales and zombie books with kick-ass heroines, this pair of stories is right up my alley!
The first story is a re-telling of Cinderella, written in more of a “classic” fairytale style: complete with castles, a fairy godmother, a pumpkin carriage, and the handsome Prince Charming. And did I mention zombies?!? I just love Ella in this story! Instead of acting the delicate flower this time period requires, she stands up to the men, the knights, and her Prince, and kicks some zombie ass… and this only endears her more to her handsome betrothed.
“No wonder all the women he had met before her had bored him to tears. Marriage to Ella might be a headache but at least it would never be boring.”
The second story, a modern re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood is a bit darker and gorier. Jeremy and Ruby, past loves that still have strong feelings for one another, must fight a zombie-wolf and multiple undead. When tragedy strikes they must confront a dark past and an uncertain future, in order to save each other and have a second chance at love. I love this couple and thoroughly enjoyed their journey back into each other’s arms.
“And he was falling, deeper in love with her, so fast and hard he couldn’t stop it. He knew as heat flooded down his spine and spread through his balls that their next separation would cost him, but he accepted that. This was about her, giving Ruby what she needed. If his heart had to shatter all over again then he’d deal with it. It was no less than he deserved.”
Both sexy stories are packed with intense action and romance (and zombies!) I highly recommend this two-for-one special on grown-up fairytales.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 6, 2013
Such a great read! This satisfied both child and adult me, with emphasis on the adult. I mourn the loss of those childhood fairytale reads that give you those first hopes of happily ever afters. It's tough saying goodbye - until you read adult versions.
Once Upon A Twist takes you back to a time when fairytales are magical and dreamy, but adds its own kick in more ways than one.
Michelle Smart's story in this anthology Glass Slippers and Combat Boots is dark, yet fun and entertaining with a kick-ass heroine who drags you into the modern age with her wit and feistiness.
Aimee Duffy's Reunited With Red adds a lot of heat into the woods of fairytale land with her steamy and emotional take on Red Riding Hood.
Go on read it and have fun!
Once Upon A Twist takes you back to a time when fairytales are magical and dreamy, but adds its own kick in more ways than one.
Michelle Smart's story in this anthology Glass Slippers and Combat Boots is dark, yet fun and entertaining with a kick-ass heroine who drags you into the modern age with her wit and feistiness.
Aimee Duffy's Reunited With Red adds a lot of heat into the woods of fairytale land with her steamy and emotional take on Red Riding Hood.
Go on read it and have fun!
June 2, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
When I think of fairytales I automatically think of the Disney endings, because they are happy and cheerful. How many you actually know the real endings of the fairytales that you have come to know and love. Well, I'm not going to spoil that for you, because if you wanted to read the Grimm tales go for it. Really, they are truly not happy endings.
Anyways, I just finished Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) by Aimée Duffy and Michelle Smart. First these twisted fairytales do have a happy ending. Nothing like the Grimm Tales, but they are a little bit twisted from the Disney version. I must say they are an interesting twisted to the two fairy tales that are used in the story.
In Michelle Smart's story Glass Slipper and Combat Boots we find a very different twist on the classic Cinderella story we have all come to love. Yes, you will still find a wicked step-mother and step-sisters, a fairy god-mother and of a course a prince. However, there are other things you will find in the story that you certainly will not find in Disney. Yet, the main point of the story is Cinderella does get her prince.
In Aimée Duffy's story Reunited with Red we find a seriously different twist on Little Red Ridding Hood. First off, when we think of Little Red Ridding Hood we automatically think little girl (well, at least I do). Anyways, Red in the story is a bit older and has an interest in the "so-called" huntsman. However, what lies beneath are secrets that need to stay hidden. No, this isn't the typical Little Red Ridding Hood. Believe me you wouldn't want to be caught by the wolves in this story.
I must say that these ladies have done a marvelous job reinventing these classic fairytales into something a little different, but at the same time keeping the integrity of the story. So, if you a tired of same old remake of a classic fairy and would like to try something a little different, I would suggest giving Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) a try. I'm sure you won't look at Cinderella and Red the same again.
Copy provide by the author
When I think of fairytales I automatically think of the Disney endings, because they are happy and cheerful. How many you actually know the real endings of the fairytales that you have come to know and love. Well, I'm not going to spoil that for you, because if you wanted to read the Grimm tales go for it. Really, they are truly not happy endings.
Anyways, I just finished Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) by Aimée Duffy and Michelle Smart. First these twisted fairytales do have a happy ending. Nothing like the Grimm Tales, but they are a little bit twisted from the Disney version. I must say they are an interesting twisted to the two fairy tales that are used in the story.
In Michelle Smart's story Glass Slipper and Combat Boots we find a very different twist on the classic Cinderella story we have all come to love. Yes, you will still find a wicked step-mother and step-sisters, a fairy god-mother and of a course a prince. However, there are other things you will find in the story that you certainly will not find in Disney. Yet, the main point of the story is Cinderella does get her prince.
In Aimée Duffy's story Reunited with Red we find a seriously different twist on Little Red Ridding Hood. First off, when we think of Little Red Ridding Hood we automatically think little girl (well, at least I do). Anyways, Red in the story is a bit older and has an interest in the "so-called" huntsman. However, what lies beneath are secrets that need to stay hidden. No, this isn't the typical Little Red Ridding Hood. Believe me you wouldn't want to be caught by the wolves in this story.
I must say that these ladies have done a marvelous job reinventing these classic fairytales into something a little different, but at the same time keeping the integrity of the story. So, if you a tired of same old remake of a classic fairy and would like to try something a little different, I would suggest giving Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) a try. I'm sure you won't look at Cinderella and Red the same again.
Copy provide by the author
July 9, 2013
I preferred Red's story to Cinderella's, but not something I would read again.
November 21, 2015
Two short stories. One about Cinderella, the other about Red Riding Hood. Entertaining and a fast read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews