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Temperance
A Dark Retelling of The Ugly Duckling
Not every bird fits perfectly in the cage they live in.Some little birds live ashamed, cast out because of their past. Because of their looks. Out of fear and ignorance. And when the cage begins to cave in, some little birds simply... snap. Restraint is a constant in Fiona's life. But sometimes something else inside of her pushes to the surface. Something that can't be restrained. A darkness that needs to be unleashed. And just like that... an Ugly Duckling becomes a swan.With a leather switch and a penchant for playtime.Temperance is a dark contemporary retelling of the classic fairytale, The Ugly Duckling. This is book two in the Virtues Fairytales shared world collection and features characters, locations, and story details from the books in this series but can be read independently with no issues. Temperance is dark, vivid, and not for young audiences. Our girl Fiona gets a transformation worthy of her pure heart, but it comes with the help of three men who need her in their life just as much as she needs them. Enjoy.
Not every bird fits perfectly in the cage they live in.Some little birds live ashamed, cast out because of their past. Because of their looks. Out of fear and ignorance. And when the cage begins to cave in, some little birds simply... snap. Restraint is a constant in Fiona's life. But sometimes something else inside of her pushes to the surface. Something that can't be restrained. A darkness that needs to be unleashed. And just like that... an Ugly Duckling becomes a swan.With a leather switch and a penchant for playtime.Temperance is a dark contemporary retelling of the classic fairytale, The Ugly Duckling. This is book two in the Virtues Fairytales shared world collection and features characters, locations, and story details from the books in this series but can be read independently with no issues. Temperance is dark, vivid, and not for young audiences. Our girl Fiona gets a transformation worthy of her pure heart, but it comes with the help of three men who need her in their life just as much as she needs them. Enjoy.
- GenresWhy Choose
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
7 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 21, 2023
so many twists and turns
Fiona works in a courthouse and meets Bixby, Kregg, and Trent. She is attracted to them and they are all attracted to her. They are all broken with physical and emotional scars. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. I absolutely love the dynamic and character development of Fiona, Trent, Bixby, and Kregg. Great supporting characters. This book has a lot twist and turns. Check your trigger warnings. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
Fiona works in a courthouse and meets Bixby, Kregg, and Trent. She is attracted to them and they are all attracted to her. They are all broken with physical and emotional scars. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. I absolutely love the dynamic and character development of Fiona, Trent, Bixby, and Kregg. Great supporting characters. This book has a lot twist and turns. Check your trigger warnings. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
October 20, 2023
OH MY GOSHHH
EJ really did it this time! What an absolutely breathtaking story! I feel like I was living as Fiona, and boy was living as Fiona wonderful 😉. Best book I have read in a long time!
EJ really did it this time! What an absolutely breathtaking story! I feel like I was living as Fiona, and boy was living as Fiona wonderful 😉. Best book I have read in a long time!
October 20, 2023
This book was absolutely phenomenal! I felt like I was living in Fiona’s story! I have always loved everything EJ writes but this one takes the cake! I can’t recommend this book enough!
October 13, 2023
The ugly duckling has never been so good
When you spend your whole life thinking you are nothing. It is hard to see yourself as anything else. But when the new and old people start breaking down those thoughts a whole new world is opened up.
Go and read it. This book is amazing.
When you spend your whole life thinking you are nothing. It is hard to see yourself as anything else. But when the new and old people start breaking down those thoughts a whole new world is opened up.
Go and read it. This book is amazing.
October 16, 2023
“People hide their evil with pretty smiles, false truths, and deceptive stories that manipulate those around them until finding the truth is practically impossible.”
-Fiona
“He thrusts into my hand like he is a fucking god. But I am the only god in this space.”
-Fifi
**Spoilers**
Being a smartass by nature, this story made me laugh due to the normalcy of conversation that involved sex puns, sarcastic flirting, and Princess Bride references. This story also had parts that made me want to curse out the author for making my heart ache with sadness, while also wanting to thank her for that wonderful filth that took place at the opera.
Fiona came into her own throughout this story and it was great to watch. She started off as this incredibly meek and timid shell of a human and turned into a person who understood that a tragic past doesn’t define you. It makes you stronger by using it to become the person you want to be. It does help that her men are there to help reminder her of her worth when she is is having a bad day.
Something that isn’t down a lot in books is how this ended. Most are people meet, fall in love, then get married. Here, the meet, do filthy things, fall in love, then they are just happy. No marriage proposals. No weddings with gowns and tearful vows. Just happiness. It may happen for them later on, but for now, they just are. Kinda love that. Not a Disney HEA, but one that has possibilities and gave the characters a promise of more. A promise of what they dreamt of is obtainable.
-Fiona
“He thrusts into my hand like he is a fucking god. But I am the only god in this space.”
-Fifi
**Spoilers**
Being a smartass by nature, this story made me laugh due to the normalcy of conversation that involved sex puns, sarcastic flirting, and Princess Bride references. This story also had parts that made me want to curse out the author for making my heart ache with sadness, while also wanting to thank her for that wonderful filth that took place at the opera.
Fiona came into her own throughout this story and it was great to watch. She started off as this incredibly meek and timid shell of a human and turned into a person who understood that a tragic past doesn’t define you. It makes you stronger by using it to become the person you want to be. It does help that her men are there to help reminder her of her worth when she is is having a bad day.
Something that isn’t down a lot in books is how this ended. Most are people meet, fall in love, then get married. Here, the meet, do filthy things, fall in love, then they are just happy. No marriage proposals. No weddings with gowns and tearful vows. Just happiness. It may happen for them later on, but for now, they just are. Kinda love that. Not a Disney HEA, but one that has possibilities and gave the characters a promise of more. A promise of what they dreamt of is obtainable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
This is EJ's first contemporary romance? No fricken way!
I felt so much of Fiona's pain throughout this book. I have always felt like the ugly duckling myself, so I related to all those emotions. VERY well wrtlitten FMC!
Randall can suck eggs.
Mal can be my bestie too!! I love his energy! And his devotion to Fiona.
Bix. Bixley. Mr. Clark. My man! I loved him from his first scene *swoons* he was so sweet and gave off the best teddy bear vibes.
Kregg is so lovable, it's hard not to smile during his scenes! And the way he treats his angel *chef's kiss*
Trenton. Mr. Trent. Sir, I see you! All of you. And yes, yes, sir, I will get on my knees for you whenever you ask. Because I'm a good girl *wink wink*
Damn, EJ. The character development was SUPERB! The poly relationship was excellent. When it got hot, it got HOTTTTTTTT.
The twists and the turns. The dark corners. Damn, this book has it all. Oh, and an HEA!
I know, I know, say less. Go read it!
I felt so much of Fiona's pain throughout this book. I have always felt like the ugly duckling myself, so I related to all those emotions. VERY well wrtlitten FMC!
Randall can suck eggs.
Mal can be my bestie too!! I love his energy! And his devotion to Fiona.
Bix. Bixley. Mr. Clark. My man! I loved him from his first scene *swoons* he was so sweet and gave off the best teddy bear vibes.
Kregg is so lovable, it's hard not to smile during his scenes! And the way he treats his angel *chef's kiss*
Trenton. Mr. Trent. Sir, I see you! All of you. And yes, yes, sir, I will get on my knees for you whenever you ask. Because I'm a good girl *wink wink*
Damn, EJ. The character development was SUPERB! The poly relationship was excellent. When it got hot, it got HOTTTTTTTT.
The twists and the turns. The dark corners. Damn, this book has it all. Oh, and an HEA!
I know, I know, say less. Go read it!
October 27, 2023
I can't say enough good things about this book. I could put it down! Didn't want to put it down. The story pulled me in, wanting to know more about these characters and was never left wanting. I adored reading their journey and seeing such strong characters with flaws of their own and working past those flaws to find their own strength and letting others see the beauty that strength gives them. It was dark, light, grey and red! It had nearly every troupe I love and gave me something more I never considered or knew I needed! This was such a joy to read and I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!
October 14, 2023
Wow.
I. Am. Blown. away.
I know this was a new take for this author
But i LOVE her writing style n was excited to read.
I LOVE dark romance and why choose. And this... this was an amazingly balanced book
The TW are hard core. It's been an incredibly long time since I've seen it done this well.
This book blew away all expectations and exceeded them.
I think it's maybe the top 3 I've read this year.
Plot is amazing. Just wow. 6 🌟
Spice is also ridiculous, good. 5 🌶
Blown away. But please check those TW⚠️
I. Am. Blown. away.
I know this was a new take for this author
But i LOVE her writing style n was excited to read.
I LOVE dark romance and why choose. And this... this was an amazingly balanced book
The TW are hard core. It's been an incredibly long time since I've seen it done this well.
This book blew away all expectations and exceeded them.
I think it's maybe the top 3 I've read this year.
Plot is amazing. Just wow. 6 🌟
Spice is also ridiculous, good. 5 🌶
Blown away. But please check those TW⚠️
October 19, 2023
This book blew my mind so I am currently at a loss for words so if I sound like a lunatic forgive me.
This was my first EJ Everette book and it had me in a chokehold I couldn’t put it down! It was so fantastically written I felt all of Fiona’s pain and sobbed my eyes out for her. And the character development of these characters are just *Chefs Kiss*
Being an ugly duckling myself and reading the love and self confidence grow with Fiona and her men had me in tears. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
If you’re into
🖤Why Chose
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Work Place/Office Romance
🖤Fairy Tale Retellings
🖤Smedium Burn
🖤Age Gap
🖤Psychological Suspense
🖤MM in Group Activities
You’ll love this!
This was my first EJ Everette book and it had me in a chokehold I couldn’t put it down! It was so fantastically written I felt all of Fiona’s pain and sobbed my eyes out for her. And the character development of these characters are just *Chefs Kiss*
Being an ugly duckling myself and reading the love and self confidence grow with Fiona and her men had me in tears. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
If you’re into
🖤Why Chose
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Work Place/Office Romance
🖤Fairy Tale Retellings
🖤Smedium Burn
🖤Age Gap
🖤Psychological Suspense
🖤MM in Group Activities
You’ll love this!
April 1, 2024
A great retelling of the ugly duckling! But if the ugly ducking had 3 suitors and a bad@as alter personality!!!
Lots of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and definitely lots of 🍆🍆🍆😘🥰🤣
If you’re a fan of SMUT GALORE and looking past outside appearances for the gold that is in all of us, please give this book a read! You won’t regret I promise!!!
Lots of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and definitely lots of 🍆🍆🍆😘🥰🤣
If you’re a fan of SMUT GALORE and looking past outside appearances for the gold that is in all of us, please give this book a read! You won’t regret I promise!!!
October 14, 2023
interesting take on this fairytale
Great characters and story. I had an inkling about the twist very early on, but it was really well done. I loved the guys. I took one star off only because I was not happy about the ending living arrangements, but I’ll survive another day to read more from this amazing author.
Great characters and story. I had an inkling about the twist very early on, but it was really well done. I loved the guys. I took one star off only because I was not happy about the ending living arrangements, but I’ll survive another day to read more from this amazing author.
October 12, 2023
I've read everything this author has published, and the transformation she makes with this 9th book is outstanding. The depth of the characters, the twists, and the angst... it all melds with a wonderfully spicy romance with the MMCs that is truly a HEA. I highly recommend this standalone where the FMC doesn't have to choose her MMC; they all choose her. 🖤🤍🖤🤍
October 22, 2023
🖤
Fantastic book. I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. It's got all the feels and I couldn't recommend it more.
Fantastic book. I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. It's got all the feels and I couldn't recommend it more.
October 13, 2023
Temperance
I loved this book! This is a slow burn and heavy plot book of finding love and family. The writing was so good! Original plot and fantastic twist of an ending.
I loved this book! This is a slow burn and heavy plot book of finding love and family. The writing was so good! Original plot and fantastic twist of an ending.
October 15, 2023
This was my first book by EJ Everette. Girl this book was nothing but amazing. The depth of the characters and plot. The character growth of Fiona.
October 14, 2023
Lemme tell you...if you absolutely love a book that has both steamy romance (with several amazing men) while getting treated with bread crumbs to something going on during it all--you're going to love this book.
When you first meet Fiona, she's going through Hades. Literally experiencing the worst moments of her life. How she escapes that changes her forever and her entire adulthood has been shaped by those nights. I teared up the more I learned about her (while I was LIVID at a certain...man).
It was amazing to watch as three amazing men took the chance to show her just how beautiful she was and how much she deserved to be SEEN and LOVED for who she was. Of course, Fiona is still going to have her low moments when her past tries to rear its ugly head. No one could fault her for falling off the wagon after what she dealt with as a kid.
EJ left so many breadcrumbs that it was amazing to watch everything fall into place. The questions I was asking myself in the beginning--when I realized what was going on, I was floored and so excited to hit another twist. Heck, even in the final chapters, EJ managed to get me with several more surprises! I absolutely love it when a book can catch me off guard like that and I find myself saying "THAT'S why this happened?". The big explanation. I absolutely love it.
Hardcore recommend this book and I plan on buying a physical copy for my desk ASAP!!!
I can't wait to read more by EJ!!
When you first meet Fiona, she's going through Hades. Literally experiencing the worst moments of her life. How she escapes that changes her forever and her entire adulthood has been shaped by those nights. I teared up the more I learned about her (while I was LIVID at a certain...man).
It was amazing to watch as three amazing men took the chance to show her just how beautiful she was and how much she deserved to be SEEN and LOVED for who she was. Of course, Fiona is still going to have her low moments when her past tries to rear its ugly head. No one could fault her for falling off the wagon after what she dealt with as a kid.
EJ left so many breadcrumbs that it was amazing to watch everything fall into place. The questions I was asking myself in the beginning--when I realized what was going on, I was floored and so excited to hit another twist. Heck, even in the final chapters, EJ managed to get me with several more surprises! I absolutely love it when a book can catch me off guard like that and I find myself saying "THAT'S why this happened?". The big explanation. I absolutely love it.
Hardcore recommend this book and I plan on buying a physical copy for my desk ASAP!!!
I can't wait to read more by EJ!!
October 16, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Please check TW.s/CW's before reading.
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by the author, and I'm glad I took the plunge to read it. Everette has a way of writing the dark and the twisted and using it to fuel great character development. Fiona had certainly lived an awful, harrowing life, and at points, I was in near tears as she recounted her struggles, but to see her grow, to see her make realisations and choices for her? That's what kept me reading.
The twists that occurred - they were kind of predictable, yet still kept me reading. I honestly probably had the twists figured out by half-way through, if not earlier, but the need to know how Fiona resolved her story was what kept me going.
The puns, the jokes and the smattering of cute references kept me going, especially Mickey the Mouser. I grinned so hard when I read his name the first time - definitely Fiona's little ray of sunshine, too.
Definitely an interesting take on a well known, but lesser re-told fairytale.
Please check TW.s/CW's before reading.
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by the author, and I'm glad I took the plunge to read it. Everette has a way of writing the dark and the twisted and using it to fuel great character development. Fiona had certainly lived an awful, harrowing life, and at points, I was in near tears as she recounted her struggles, but to see her grow, to see her make realisations and choices for her? That's what kept me reading.
The twists that occurred - they were kind of predictable, yet still kept me reading. I honestly probably had the twists figured out by half-way through, if not earlier, but the need to know how Fiona resolved her story was what kept me going.
The puns, the jokes and the smattering of cute references kept me going, especially Mickey the Mouser. I grinned so hard when I read his name the first time - definitely Fiona's little ray of sunshine, too.
Definitely an interesting take on a well known, but lesser re-told fairytale.
October 14, 2023
Fiona is a survivor - she was tortured and abused when she was young. She is a survivor and has created a life for herself, where she basically tries to be unseen, but after her boyfriend breaks up with her, three men decide to take their chances with her. There are twists that I wasn’t expecting. The side characters were great and added to the story (I kinda hope we I loved the guys, they each were broken in their own way. I especially loved Bixley:) FiFi and Mickey the Mouser were awesome, this is a contempt why choose, with dark elements, twists, kinks and all around deliciousness.
October 18, 2023
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐦 𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤?
I don’t know why I slept on this author’s books for so long! Temperance is an Ugly Duckling retelling and it was AMAZING ✨
Fiona’s story is heartbreaking and full of trauma, while everything starts looking… not that good, I loved how EJ manages her self-growth and romance with the guys. Their relationship isn’t an easy one but they always work things out, I LOVE how good they are to each other.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬.
I don’t know why I slept on this author’s books for so long! Temperance is an Ugly Duckling retelling and it was AMAZING ✨
Fiona’s story is heartbreaking and full of trauma, while everything starts looking… not that good, I loved how EJ manages her self-growth and romance with the guys. Their relationship isn’t an easy one but they always work things out, I LOVE how good they are to each other.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews