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Twisted Tales Novellas
Gingerbread: A Twisted Tales Novella
When step-siblings (& secret lovers) Hudson and Gabby's parents die under tragic circumstances, they're left with the task of looking after their eccentric grandmother. Can the pair save themselves from her radical paranoia, or is something more sinister bubbling under the surface?A Hansel & Gretal re-imagining; part of the Twisted Tales Novella Collection.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2023
9 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Kell Frillman
29 books100 followersKell Frillman resides in Seattle. She works in animal rescue and enjoys spending time with her rescue pets, her horses, and her friends. She has been writing fiction since she was ten years old. The Surface Girl is her first published novel. She loves worldbuilding and her focus is on dystopian fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 17, 2023
There’s Dark Romance, And Then There’s Whatever This Is
Quote:📖
Gross – but also, props to Granny.
Thoughts: 💡
This book is beyond crazy twisted. It mixes the horror, thriller, and romance genre to create this… masterpiece? Monstrosity? Brilliantly wicked plot? Honestly, the book has me so wrecked that I’m still struggling to describe it. It’s 60 pages of whack. And I guess my prevailing question is, “May I have some more please?”🥺
Writing Mechanics: ✍️
Well written and super compelling. I didn’t know where the story was going until the last few chapters and Kell still managed to throw in some shock factors. There is a vulgar frankness to the way she stated things that added to the story’s vibe. This book is NOT for anyone that is easily offended, but if you like weird and depraved stories that delve into why in the world a character would think or act a certain way then this is perfect.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ Twists Your Brain
⚜️ Dark Themes
⚜️ Is it romance though?
⚜️ Fairytale Retelling
⚜️ Chapter Titles!
⚜️ Engaging and Compelling Writing
Important Note:✨
Sixty page standalone short story, other standalone stories will be added to the series.
Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Thriller Horror📕
Tropes: Fairytale Retelling, Step-sibling Romance, Everything Is Not What It Seems📘
POV: Dual 👩❤️👨
CW: Blood, Gore, Violence, Death, and Twisted Smut⚠️
Quote:📖
Gross – but also, props to Granny.
Thoughts: 💡
This book is beyond crazy twisted. It mixes the horror, thriller, and romance genre to create this… masterpiece? Monstrosity? Brilliantly wicked plot? Honestly, the book has me so wrecked that I’m still struggling to describe it. It’s 60 pages of whack. And I guess my prevailing question is, “May I have some more please?”🥺
Writing Mechanics: ✍️
Well written and super compelling. I didn’t know where the story was going until the last few chapters and Kell still managed to throw in some shock factors. There is a vulgar frankness to the way she stated things that added to the story’s vibe. This book is NOT for anyone that is easily offended, but if you like weird and depraved stories that delve into why in the world a character would think or act a certain way then this is perfect.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ Twists Your Brain
⚜️ Dark Themes
⚜️ Is it romance though?
⚜️ Fairytale Retelling
⚜️ Chapter Titles!
⚜️ Engaging and Compelling Writing
Important Note:✨
Sixty page standalone short story, other standalone stories will be added to the series.
Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Thriller Horror📕
Tropes: Fairytale Retelling, Step-sibling Romance, Everything Is Not What It Seems📘
POV: Dual 👩❤️👨
CW: Blood, Gore, Violence, Death, and Twisted Smut⚠️
December 18, 2023
What can I say other than “wow”!? This novella had me feeling all kinds of ways. First, I was a little weirded out about the “siblings” then I got over it. Then I realized that the taboo was definitely worth the spice and visa versa. It was well written and not too much. It was perfect. Loved the world building and the backstory of the parents,grandparents and step parent. What I will say is that I did not see that plot coming but holy crap was it good! It really is a little bit of horror,gore and romance rolled into one and it was executed flawlessly. This book literally made me shiver. I wish this was a full novel because I need more lol absolutely depraved but I loved every second of it. There are triggers for sure so make sure to check those but if you aren’t squeamish or have no triggers this is a must read! Kell freakin Frillman… you have done it again! Bravo! Don’t ever change because I love your twisted little mind!
December 20, 2023
In order to receive this book earlier, I agreed to give an honest review. I loved every thing about this novella. It was fast paced and you never would have guessed the outcome. BONUS; it even has scary movie references.
January 7, 2024
Oh gosh! This book was just amazing! I was skeptical if I would like it due to the fact that they are step siblings but I quickly grew to like it.
When Gabby and Hudson’s parents end up dying in a fatal crash, they head out to check on gabby’s grandmother Jean after the funeral and turns out, maybe her grandmother has a couple screws loose….. and the ending of this book is absolutely unexpected. Kell Frillman absolutely did a stupendous job with this one.
When Gabby and Hudson’s parents end up dying in a fatal crash, they head out to check on gabby’s grandmother Jean after the funeral and turns out, maybe her grandmother has a couple screws loose….. and the ending of this book is absolutely unexpected. Kell Frillman absolutely did a stupendous job with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Honest ARC Review.
Honestly, I’m not a fan. I feel like the author sacrificed details and quality to save word count. I mean, this novella is only 17,000 words. She could've definitely added more details and done a few more rounds of editing.
I feel like I'm being harsh, but I was really looking forward to this one. The plot was so interesting, but the story and writing fell short. And at least a third of the story was raunchy sex scenes that could've used more romance, dialogue, and much different word choices. I'm usually pretty lenient with the sex scenes, but I was cringing the whole time.
All that being said, I did like the plot and the twisted ending! It was good and I love gory dark romances. I just think another 5k-10k to add to the detail and writing quality would help immensely.
2/10 Recommend!
Genre - Thriller/Horror - Dark Romance - Fairytale Retelling
1/5 Stars ⭐
1.5/5 Spice 🌶️.5
2.5/5 Comprehensible ✍️🏽✍️🏽.5
Predictability - Below Average
Honestly, I’m not a fan. I feel like the author sacrificed details and quality to save word count. I mean, this novella is only 17,000 words. She could've definitely added more details and done a few more rounds of editing.
I feel like I'm being harsh, but I was really looking forward to this one. The plot was so interesting, but the story and writing fell short. And at least a third of the story was raunchy sex scenes that could've used more romance, dialogue, and much different word choices. I'm usually pretty lenient with the sex scenes, but I was cringing the whole time.
All that being said, I did like the plot and the twisted ending! It was good and I love gory dark romances. I just think another 5k-10k to add to the detail and writing quality would help immensely.
2/10 Recommend!
Genre - Thriller/Horror - Dark Romance - Fairytale Retelling
1/5 Stars ⭐
1.5/5 Spice 🌶️.5
2.5/5 Comprehensible ✍️🏽✍️🏽.5
Predictability - Below Average
December 24, 2023
Gingerbread a Twisted Tales Novella by Kell Krillman was a wild and crazy thrill ride of a read. If you enjoy dark romance you will definitely enjoy this short novella.
First though PLEASE check your TWs!! This is definitely a very dark and twisty novella so before you dive into it check the list she provides you.
Gabby and Hudson are step siblings but wait they are so much more. They are secret lovers behind closed doors. When tragedy strikes they have to take care of their zany grandmother. All is not as it seems and as the story unfolds and unravels, the reader can prepare for a surprising but interesting ending!
I enjoyed this short novella. It was dark and twisty and held my attention all the way through. I am a huge fan of the author’s Alice readaption books so I am definitely happy to continue reading other stories written by her. Great job! I highly recommend but also PLEASE check your TWs!!!!
First though PLEASE check your TWs!! This is definitely a very dark and twisty novella so before you dive into it check the list she provides you.
Gabby and Hudson are step siblings but wait they are so much more. They are secret lovers behind closed doors. When tragedy strikes they have to take care of their zany grandmother. All is not as it seems and as the story unfolds and unravels, the reader can prepare for a surprising but interesting ending!
I enjoyed this short novella. It was dark and twisty and held my attention all the way through. I am a huge fan of the author’s Alice readaption books so I am definitely happy to continue reading other stories written by her. Great job! I highly recommend but also PLEASE check your TWs!!!!
December 24, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐️(4/5 Stars)
🌶️ It's spicy
Kell Frillman’s novella, Gingerbread, was one heck of a thrilling ride. I really don't know what genre this would fall under. Let's just say, if a psychological thriller had a baby with a dark romance you’d get Gingerbread. It's spicy. It’s twisty. It's more than I expected and I loved every bit of it. If your into thrillers and enjoy a little dark romance this book is for you. I highly encourage you to give it a go. It's less than 100 pages, what have you got to lose?
🌶️ It's spicy
Kell Frillman’s novella, Gingerbread, was one heck of a thrilling ride. I really don't know what genre this would fall under. Let's just say, if a psychological thriller had a baby with a dark romance you’d get Gingerbread. It's spicy. It’s twisty. It's more than I expected and I loved every bit of it. If your into thrillers and enjoy a little dark romance this book is for you. I highly encourage you to give it a go. It's less than 100 pages, what have you got to lose?
December 21, 2023
I picked this up, not entirely sure what to expect when I read it.
It. Did. Not. Disappoint! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The ending was a twist I never expected, and man was it good!
If you like horror, and taboo subjects with crazy twists make sure you pick this up! It's short, and a perfect end of the year read for anyone trying to squeeze in a couple more reads to meet their goal!
It. Did. Not. Disappoint! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The ending was a twist I never expected, and man was it good!
If you like horror, and taboo subjects with crazy twists make sure you pick this up! It's short, and a perfect end of the year read for anyone trying to squeeze in a couple more reads to meet their goal!
January 10, 2024
From step-siblings Gabby and Hudson, who get down and dirty with one another, to a fateful car crash, to a grandmother who’s seemingly losing her marbles, this little novella is wonderfully dark and twisted.
The story is good, and worth reading, even though the plot and twists are not as intricately set up or unveiled like in Frillman’s other works ( Tragic Kingdoms comes to mind, as it’s just that good).
The story is good, and worth reading, even though the plot and twists are not as intricately set up or unveiled like in Frillman’s other works ( Tragic Kingdoms comes to mind, as it’s just that good).
December 20, 2023
My honest ARC review:
If you like:
- self referential characters
- Campy slasher vibes
- Step siblings that immediately get it on
- Twisted stories that border on diet splatterpunk
Then this holiday novella is for you! It is not for me. It was fun to see how it ended but the whole premise was a bit too gross for me to enjoy.
2.5 rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like:
- self referential characters
- Campy slasher vibes
- Step siblings that immediately get it on
- Twisted stories that border on diet splatterpunk
Then this holiday novella is for you! It is not for me. It was fun to see how it ended but the whole premise was a bit too gross for me to enjoy.
2.5 rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 1, 2024
*****ARC REVIEW*****
This story was the twisted retelling I needed to end the year on! When I say I was not suspecting the ending, I mean it. It was a short read, but definitely fun, spicy, and twisted: all the things I love in a novella!
This story was the twisted retelling I needed to end the year on! When I say I was not suspecting the ending, I mean it. It was a short read, but definitely fun, spicy, and twisted: all the things I love in a novella!
January 7, 2024
This book is not for everyone! But if you have a twisted mind , then welcome! You should love this book! A very different twist on an old tale! You will have e to read it for yourself to find out all the naughty details but like I said it’s not for the light hearted!
December 18, 2023
3.5/4
It was a super easy and chilling read. I really liked the spin on a old childhood tale, and how creepy it was.
The most that got me was the end. I wasn't expecting that at all. Made the read even more chilling.
**Thank you to Kell Frillman for the ebook in exchange for a honest reveiw**
It was a super easy and chilling read. I really liked the spin on a old childhood tale, and how creepy it was.
The most that got me was the end. I wasn't expecting that at all. Made the read even more chilling.
**Thank you to Kell Frillman for the ebook in exchange for a honest reveiw**
December 21, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
“Men are willing to do anything for a warm, wet hole”
This story delivered! Only 77 pages and did not disappoint! I loved the balance between plot and spice. This is a dark reimagining of Hansel and Gretel with a very unique twist. I especially loved the ending 😈
Thank you to Kell Frillman for sharing this ARC with me! All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
“Men are willing to do anything for a warm, wet hole”
This story delivered! Only 77 pages and did not disappoint! I loved the balance between plot and spice. This is a dark reimagining of Hansel and Gretel with a very unique twist. I especially loved the ending 😈
Thank you to Kell Frillman for sharing this ARC with me! All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2023
Please please read trigger warnings before reading this!!
This is like 60 page of of something I was not prepared for.
It's spicy it's twisted .I just can't wait to see what else this author comes up with
This is like 60 page of of something I was not prepared for.
It's spicy it's twisted .I just can't wait to see what else this author comes up with
December 20, 2023
Very hot, steamy and a very good twist at the end. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it within an hour or two. A very interesting take on Hansel and Gretal.
December 27, 2023
This is a dark and twisted Hansel and Gretel reimagining and man is it twisted. Perfect novella to read for the holiday season. I did NOT see the ending coming! Add this to your holiday TBR.
January 9, 2024
A Grown-up Take on Handel and Gretal
Hudson and Gabby are 19-year-old step-siblings who have been sleeping together since their parents got married when they were 15. After the death of their parents, they go to check on Gabby’s grandmother, who appears to be not doing well mentally. While spending time at her house, the teens make some some shocking discoveries and begin to fear that she may be trying to kill them.
‘Gingerbread’ is a short, steamy, twisted take on Hansel and Gretal. However, there is some gore, so be warned. The steamy scenes are definitely erotic and slightly taboo in nature, since they occur between step-siblings. The ending was definitely unexpected. I rate this book three stars.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Hudson and Gabby are 19-year-old step-siblings who have been sleeping together since their parents got married when they were 15. After the death of their parents, they go to check on Gabby’s grandmother, who appears to be not doing well mentally. While spending time at her house, the teens make some some shocking discoveries and begin to fear that she may be trying to kill them.
‘Gingerbread’ is a short, steamy, twisted take on Hansel and Gretal. However, there is some gore, so be warned. The steamy scenes are definitely erotic and slightly taboo in nature, since they occur between step-siblings. The ending was definitely unexpected. I rate this book three stars.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
December 18, 2023
Oh holy moly 😳 I loved this book 📖 😍 kell I need more woman, I devoured this book
December 24, 2023
My honest ARC review:
Wow!
I was totally not expecting what I just read!
I devoured this novella within an hour. It was a great quick read with a twist. Loved it!
Wow!
I was totally not expecting what I just read!
I devoured this novella within an hour. It was a great quick read with a twist. Loved it!
December 29, 2023
I received this as an arc for an honest review.. first of all I liked the idea of and twisted Hansel and Gretel retelling. There was a mystery element and obviously the forbidden taboo romance. I enjoyed the story as a whole but some of the scenes/language was just not my cup of tea.. but just because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean someone else won’t!!
January 23, 2024
Um okay
That wasn't an ending I could've ever predicted. This is probably a good example of horror romance done right. There is some on page and off page unaliving and su1c1de. So be aware of that going in.
That wasn't an ending I could've ever predicted. This is probably a good example of horror romance done right. There is some on page and off page unaliving and su1c1de. So be aware of that going in.
dnf
January 8, 2024Kell Frillman is an amazing author and I really tried to get into this book. I read about 40% and I just couldn’t anymore. It may not have been my cup of tea but I’m sure others will love it.
Edit to add that Kell Frillman liked this post! This just shows what kind of author she truly is! Be sure to check out her other work!
Edit to add that Kell Frillman liked this post! This just shows what kind of author she truly is! Be sure to check out her other work!
January 25, 2024
This twisted and taboo spin on Hansel and Gretel will definitely have it's readers and I had been very eager to read it...
...but in the end it left me unsatisfied. The plot was too underdeveloped to me and because of that a lot of what happened just felt randomly thrown in there. Where the story was going was good and the twist at the end had me going "huh??", but it just wasn't flushed out enough for me.
This is the second book I have read by this author and absolutely not hate towards them, but I think their style of writing just isn't for me.
Please check for content warnings.
...but in the end it left me unsatisfied. The plot was too underdeveloped to me and because of that a lot of what happened just felt randomly thrown in there. Where the story was going was good and the twist at the end had me going "huh??", but it just wasn't flushed out enough for me.
This is the second book I have read by this author and absolutely not hate towards them, but I think their style of writing just isn't for me.
Please check for content warnings.
January 19, 2024
This is a modern twist on the story of Hansel and Gretle but one that would make the Brothers Grimm blush for sure! Once I started I couldn’t put it down!!! The twists and turns in this book had me 😳🥵🤯😱!!! This was a quick read but so good. If you like fast paced stories that literally keeps you on your toes I absolutely recommend this one! There are points that will make you blush, turn your stomach and make you say WTF!?!
Favorite quote: “So now you have a choice to make; You’re either with me, or you’re dead.”
Favorite quote: “So now you have a choice to make; You’re either with me, or you’re dead.”
January 18, 2024
Wow!!! This was amazing! Such a quick read with alittle thriller thrown in and that twist at the end!!
January 12, 2024
ARC read:
As promised I am here to give my honest review of Gingerbread: a twisted tales novella.
Honestly i really enjoyed the plot and the storyline. I found it to be extremely unique and different from all of the other retellings I have read of Hansel and Gretel. The twist at the end I had not been predicting.
However I do feel like this would be better suited as a full length novel and not a novella. It feels rushed and like the author was trying to speed the story through which left out a lot of details. I also personally would have used some different words, as there was one point in the story where the character used medical anatomy terminology and it was so different from the rest of the writing it kind of makes it stand out as being a little out of place.
I didn't mind the spice, didn't mind the gore, everything else was okay. My only real complaints was what i listed above.
I look forward to seeing what else this author comes out with because this storyline and plot is truly unique.
As promised I am here to give my honest review of Gingerbread: a twisted tales novella.
Honestly i really enjoyed the plot and the storyline. I found it to be extremely unique and different from all of the other retellings I have read of Hansel and Gretel. The twist at the end I had not been predicting.
However I do feel like this would be better suited as a full length novel and not a novella. It feels rushed and like the author was trying to speed the story through which left out a lot of details. I also personally would have used some different words, as there was one point in the story where the character used medical anatomy terminology and it was so different from the rest of the writing it kind of makes it stand out as being a little out of place.
I didn't mind the spice, didn't mind the gore, everything else was okay. My only real complaints was what i listed above.
I look forward to seeing what else this author comes out with because this storyline and plot is truly unique.
January 16, 2024
Gingerbread is WILD y'all. If you enjoy dark romance then you will definitely like this novella. Check your trigger warnings folks, this is not for the weak.
Gabby and Hudson are step-siblings (and also lovers behind closed doors). After their parents die in a horrific car crash, they decide that they have to take care of their eccentric grandmother who may be a little on the crazy side. Be prepared for shocks and twists and enjoy this crazy ride like I did. I do wish the novella was a little longer so that I could get more of Gabby and Hudson!
Gabby and Hudson are step-siblings (and also lovers behind closed doors). After their parents die in a horrific car crash, they decide that they have to take care of their eccentric grandmother who may be a little on the crazy side. Be prepared for shocks and twists and enjoy this crazy ride like I did. I do wish the novella was a little longer so that I could get more of Gabby and Hudson!
December 29, 2023
thriller that is a fresh take on Hansel and Gretal. Make sure you check the trigger warnings prior to diving in because there is a plethora. Gabby and Hudson are step siblings who have been in a secret relationship for years. After the death of their parents Gabby insists that they take a trip to check on her Grandma Jean. Once there strange things start happening and the craziness just escalates. The ending is absolutely mind-blowing! I definitely recommend this book!
December 29, 2023
This is a dark retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel story. This story follows step siblings who get lost in the woods by grandma's house. Its got a good amount of spice for a short story and some unexpected twists. Really good story and a quick read. I was able to read this all in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews