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Entangled : A Cozy Fantasy Rapunzel Retelling
Heavy is the head that grows the crown...
Princess Ciara never wanted to be a princess and now she wants to be Queen even less. For the last five years, Ciara's life has been a carefully scripted tale of duty and destiny, but she's always felt like the forgotten character in her own story. Banished to her tower by her power hungry stepfather, she's resigned to her role as figurehead. Cryptic prophecies woven into her hair by the Wise Women serve as Ciara’s only connection to the outside world. When the ruling council decides her stepfather must step down as regent and pave the way for Ciara, a plan is devised that she’ll be coronated in name only. For the plan to succeed, everything must go off without a hitch.
Enter Sir Gavin, a valiant knight whose unwavering loyalty to the crown is matched only by his relentless pursuit of perfection. Just when he thinks his shining military career is over, he’s summoned to the capital and given one final order. His to guard and tutor a spoiled princess until her symbolic coronation. Once that's over, he can finally retire. Gavin envisions a peaceful retirement by the seaside once his ridiculous task is complete. Ciara, on the other hand, sees the impending coronation as the only true way to fulfill her duty to her kingdom. Fate, it seems, has a different plan when Ciara and Gavin find themselves thrown into a reluctant partnership as they prepare for the event.
Two weeks, two separate goals, and two people from entirely different worlds. What could possibly go wrong?
Entangled weaves together a tale of unlikely love, humor, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for fans of both cozy fantasy, and romance. Please note that Entangled is a low spice novella with a guaranteed HEA.
Princess Ciara never wanted to be a princess and now she wants to be Queen even less. For the last five years, Ciara's life has been a carefully scripted tale of duty and destiny, but she's always felt like the forgotten character in her own story. Banished to her tower by her power hungry stepfather, she's resigned to her role as figurehead. Cryptic prophecies woven into her hair by the Wise Women serve as Ciara’s only connection to the outside world. When the ruling council decides her stepfather must step down as regent and pave the way for Ciara, a plan is devised that she’ll be coronated in name only. For the plan to succeed, everything must go off without a hitch.
Enter Sir Gavin, a valiant knight whose unwavering loyalty to the crown is matched only by his relentless pursuit of perfection. Just when he thinks his shining military career is over, he’s summoned to the capital and given one final order. His to guard and tutor a spoiled princess until her symbolic coronation. Once that's over, he can finally retire. Gavin envisions a peaceful retirement by the seaside once his ridiculous task is complete. Ciara, on the other hand, sees the impending coronation as the only true way to fulfill her duty to her kingdom. Fate, it seems, has a different plan when Ciara and Gavin find themselves thrown into a reluctant partnership as they prepare for the event.
Two weeks, two separate goals, and two people from entirely different worlds. What could possibly go wrong?
Entangled weaves together a tale of unlikely love, humor, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for fans of both cozy fantasy, and romance. Please note that Entangled is a low spice novella with a guaranteed HEA.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2023
12 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 23, 2024
I would have loved a bit more lore and background, maybe even a bit higher stakes, but apart from that it was a very cute love story. They were so freaking adorable together I wanted to cry.
Actual rating: 4.75 stars.
Actual rating: 4.75 stars.
November 13, 2023
This short story only took me about an hour and a half to read but what a treat! I will say that if you desire a quick romance with some smiles, laughs, and peaceful love, this is the book for you. It has a quaint fantasy setting that isn't expended upon a whole lot, but for the length of the book, it makes sense. Ciara and Gavin's story is a short one, sure, but you can tell they truly care for each other and learn from each other during their time together. It's so sweet. I'm a sucker for a sweet guy and Gavin is just that.
This was a cozy and caring read that I may return to every once in a while for a bit of peace and refreshment.
That aside, I was curious about the prophecies and the politics and would have liked a further explanation, but it didn't ruin my experience with the story. It was built up just enough to make me want more, but it didn't truly deliver so I have my rating at 4 stars rather than 5. However, the focus of the story was on the relationship between Ciara and Gavin, and it did very well in that aspect. I didn't think I'd be satisfied with such a short romance, but the pacing was well done!
The story felt very Rapunzel-like due to Ciara's isolation, but very fresh at the same time. It feels like it was more Tangled inspired rather than the original fairy tale seeing as her hair holds some kind of magic quality.
Now, let's get into the fun stuff!
Some of my favorite quotes/scenes:
"I would sharpen the axe for you."
(Like AHHHHH are you kidding?!)
The bracelet scene, like COME ON. How frickin sweet. I'm a sucker for a cute crafty moment. I love how crafty he is throughout the story. Just so cute.
The stone skipping scene.
"No, you've pelted me with it so now it belongs to me."
(I laughed. It was funny and cute.)
"Did you think I had left you?" "Never."
(A king.)
"I have you. I'll always have you."
(Kicking my feet over here!)
"I'm content to hold you the whole night. It would be the best night of my life."
(My ace heart loved this line. My demisexual heart loved Ciara's response.)
The garden scene.
(Just how insanely cute and attentive was that!?)
"These flowers must have cost a fortune."
"Well thank goodness I have several."
(Well excuse me moneybags bunny lol)
Overall, I had wayyyy too much fun and it's now 3:45am so goodnight. I loved it! Happy Reading.
This was a cozy and caring read that I may return to every once in a while for a bit of peace and refreshment.
That aside, I was curious about the prophecies and the politics and would have liked a further explanation, but it didn't ruin my experience with the story. It was built up just enough to make me want more, but it didn't truly deliver so I have my rating at 4 stars rather than 5. However, the focus of the story was on the relationship between Ciara and Gavin, and it did very well in that aspect. I didn't think I'd be satisfied with such a short romance, but the pacing was well done!
The story felt very Rapunzel-like due to Ciara's isolation, but very fresh at the same time. It feels like it was more Tangled inspired rather than the original fairy tale seeing as her hair holds some kind of magic quality.
Now, let's get into the fun stuff!
Some of my favorite quotes/scenes:
"I would sharpen the axe for you."
(Like AHHHHH are you kidding?!)
The bracelet scene, like COME ON. How frickin sweet. I'm a sucker for a cute crafty moment. I love how crafty he is throughout the story. Just so cute.
The stone skipping scene.
"No, you've pelted me with it so now it belongs to me."
(I laughed. It was funny and cute.)
"Did you think I had left you?" "Never."
(A king.)
"I have you. I'll always have you."
(Kicking my feet over here!)
"I'm content to hold you the whole night. It would be the best night of my life."
(My ace heart loved this line. My demisexual heart loved Ciara's response.)
The garden scene.
(Just how insanely cute and attentive was that!?)
"These flowers must have cost a fortune."
"Well thank goodness I have several."
(Well excuse me moneybags bunny lol)
Overall, I had wayyyy too much fun and it's now 3:45am so goodnight. I loved it! Happy Reading.
September 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun, quick read that was a bit of an original twist on rapunzel. I really enjoyed the writing style and certain descriptions the author used and the characters she created, but I do think I would’ve enjoyed it more if it were a bit fleshed out and longer to allow more space for the characters to bond and for the story to flourish. While being a nice easy read, I did want more from the story and felt the ending was a bit rushed and thought that could’ve been a twist for the stakes to rise and add a bit more conflict to the story, but I’m still glad I found the story and enjoyed the dialogue and writing.
-It is Twelve days before Princess Ciara’s coronation to be Queen; but it is in title only that the honor is bestowed upon her, her step father will remain ruling as she becomes the face of the Kingdom. With no real power or authority, she is left to her tower, a rule upon her that she shall not be touched by anyone or herself touch another person. Leaving her feeling isolated and lonely, she’s taken aback when she finds a connection with the guard sent to prepare her for the coronation and get her to the palace safely. In the span of twelve days, she starts to question whether or not she wants to stand idly by as a Queen with no power as this guardsman empowers her to go for whatever it is she wants as they fall in love.
This was a fun, quick read that was a bit of an original twist on rapunzel. I really enjoyed the writing style and certain descriptions the author used and the characters she created, but I do think I would’ve enjoyed it more if it were a bit fleshed out and longer to allow more space for the characters to bond and for the story to flourish. While being a nice easy read, I did want more from the story and felt the ending was a bit rushed and thought that could’ve been a twist for the stakes to rise and add a bit more conflict to the story, but I’m still glad I found the story and enjoyed the dialogue and writing.
-It is Twelve days before Princess Ciara’s coronation to be Queen; but it is in title only that the honor is bestowed upon her, her step father will remain ruling as she becomes the face of the Kingdom. With no real power or authority, she is left to her tower, a rule upon her that she shall not be touched by anyone or herself touch another person. Leaving her feeling isolated and lonely, she’s taken aback when she finds a connection with the guard sent to prepare her for the coronation and get her to the palace safely. In the span of twelve days, she starts to question whether or not she wants to stand idly by as a Queen with no power as this guardsman empowers her to go for whatever it is she wants as they fall in love.
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April 7, 2025A short, Black Rapunzel reimagining about a budding romance between the main character Ciara and the guard Gavin who's arrived at her tower to help her prepare for and escort her to her upcoming coronation. The story was cute and had some great banter on account of Ciara's feistiness and wit. It was extremely cozy though, with no real plot or conflict, for which strong fans of cozy fantasy may consider this a selling point.
There was an interesting concept about Ciara's hair and how she had to interpret prophecies that were routinely braided into it, but it wasn't fully explained or overly important to the story as I wish it had been. Since the defining characteristic of Rapunzel is her long hair, a Black Rapunzel retelling is a ripe venue to examine the politics of Black women's hair in society and to redefine them, but that’s not the type of story that this was. This story is best for those who enjoy sweet romance with low stakes.
There was an interesting concept about Ciara's hair and how she had to interpret prophecies that were routinely braided into it, but it wasn't fully explained or overly important to the story as I wish it had been. Since the defining characteristic of Rapunzel is her long hair, a Black Rapunzel retelling is a ripe venue to examine the politics of Black women's hair in society and to redefine them, but that’s not the type of story that this was. This story is best for those who enjoy sweet romance with low stakes.
August 10, 2024
This is a very light, cozy, romantic and quick read. Perfect for an afternoon at the beach type book. I enjoyed Ciara and Gavin's love story and I thought the change from the original Rapunzel story (having it be her stepfather who locks her away instead of a witch) was an interesting twist on this classic fairytale. The world building was a bit underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed more info on the magic system/importance of the prophecies, but all in all I really enjoyed it.
January 20, 2025
This was so sweet and exactly what I love in a retelling.
The food descriptions made me want to eat IMMEDIATELY. The description of the setting was super clear and beautiful and I loved how soft the MMC was for the FMC.
The pacing was a little wonky but a novella is hard to pace.
The food descriptions made me want to eat IMMEDIATELY. The description of the setting was super clear and beautiful and I loved how soft the MMC was for the FMC.
The pacing was a little wonky but a novella is hard to pace.
January 25, 2024
Was pretty calm read. Perfect if I just want something fast and with some fantasy elements.
December 15, 2024
This was such a nice read! It was a lovely story and the perfect length, for a quick cozy romance story.
February 5, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews