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Sweet Briar
Once upon a time, a prince’s obsession with a beautiful peasant nearly destroyed his kingdom.I am the woman who came within inches of ruining the realm.At a ball in honor of our betrothal, I drank from a poisoned chalice and fell into a dreamless sleep. Now, a century later, another prince’s kiss awakens me from my slumber.
I'm told I have no choice but to become his queen. That's how the story always goes.
But my heart desires a man I can't touch. The knight who was there in the shadows, watching me. The curse isn’t yet fully broken.
I've lived this tale once before. This time, I choose a different ending. I want him. The hard-hearted knight whose kiss awakens me, body and soul. Who protects me from the terrifying monsters that follow me wherever I go. No matter what price I must pay—or what it costs him to awaken me in truth.
This scorching forbidden romance is a Sleeping Beauty retelling intended for mature audiences. For fans of Evie Marceau, Scarlett St. Clair, and Olivia Wildenstein, the Awakened series is a spellbinding fantasy romance collection for spicy romantasy readers. Preorder now.
I'm told I have no choice but to become his queen. That's how the story always goes.
But my heart desires a man I can't touch. The knight who was there in the shadows, watching me. The curse isn’t yet fully broken.
I've lived this tale once before. This time, I choose a different ending. I want him. The hard-hearted knight whose kiss awakens me, body and soul. Who protects me from the terrifying monsters that follow me wherever I go. No matter what price I must pay—or what it costs him to awaken me in truth.
This scorching forbidden romance is a Sleeping Beauty retelling intended for mature audiences. For fans of Evie Marceau, Scarlett St. Clair, and Olivia Wildenstein, the Awakened series is a spellbinding fantasy romance collection for spicy romantasy readers. Preorder now.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2024
97 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
July 5, 2024
This is a really fast paced sleeping beauty retelling. The premise of the story is great and had me flying through the book. I finished this is in a day! I thought the world building was great and really liked the monsters! I really thought the obsession aspect was done really well.
The only reason I gave this 3 stars is I was not a fan of the repeat tellings of Briar's beauty. By chapter 10 I wanted more. Also, not a big fan of insta love. However, I enjoyed the ending.
Thank you, @nerdfam and Joline for the gifted arc.
The only reason I gave this 3 stars is I was not a fan of the repeat tellings of Briar's beauty. By chapter 10 I wanted more. Also, not a big fan of insta love. However, I enjoyed the ending.
Thank you, @nerdfam and Joline for the gifted arc.
October 11, 2025
With any book that I dislike, I try to find some redeeming quality. Here I cannot and will always be honest with my reviews. This could have been phenomenal. A Sleeping Beauty retelling filled with monsters, a tag team duo fighting the trenches of the tower to wake Briar from her curse. The writing is subpar for a fantasy world. At the same time, there is minimal world building. The journey to get to Briar was the most entertaining bit. Then it turns into her trying to find a way out of the marriage and finding her voice to make her own damn decision.
Alistair is a man-child. No if and or buts about it. For a character so insanely obsessed with Briar, he is hardly around after they bring her back. Killian had some promise until he meets Briar and... its insta-love. Not my favorite trope and even so it can be done much better. You want to sit there and tell me that the knight who has slept with hundreds of women suddenly is in love from one look. 🙄 There is even a bet going on in the palace for years on him falling in love. Briar wasn't any better. Her own inconsistent thoughts regarding her fate/future runs between "save me" and "I can save myself". Even in those moments of saving herself, she just reverts to Killian. Almost as if she is thinking "I could save myself but there is a knight here so why try". Killian being a knight you would think had more heroism when it came to something he ACTUALLY care about. Nope. Man doesn't fight, walks away then decides to come back. Felt like I was playing mental ping pong. The chemistry feels forced by pushing the fact the two have darkness inside of them. The old hag was more enthralling than the three MCs put together.
Alistair is a man-child. No if and or buts about it. For a character so insanely obsessed with Briar, he is hardly around after they bring her back. Killian had some promise until he meets Briar and... its insta-love. Not my favorite trope and even so it can be done much better. You want to sit there and tell me that the knight who has slept with hundreds of women suddenly is in love from one look. 🙄 There is even a bet going on in the palace for years on him falling in love. Briar wasn't any better. Her own inconsistent thoughts regarding her fate/future runs between "save me" and "I can save myself". Even in those moments of saving herself, she just reverts to Killian. Almost as if she is thinking "I could save myself but there is a knight here so why try". Killian being a knight you would think had more heroism when it came to something he ACTUALLY care about. Nope. Man doesn't fight, walks away then decides to come back. Felt like I was playing mental ping pong. The chemistry feels forced by pushing the fact the two have darkness inside of them. The old hag was more enthralling than the three MCs put together.
June 22, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun and fast-paced Sleeping Beauty retelling. I definitely joined reading about Killian and Briar’s love story. They had great chemistry and some great spicy scenes throughout the book.
However, I do feel like this book was a little too insta-love for me. If the book had been longer, then I feel like the relationship could have been better developed. I also feel like the beginning part, before Briar was introduced, was dragged on for a little bit too long.
Nonetheless, this was still a very enjoyable read. I loved how everything came together in the end. I’m glad Killian and Briar got their happily ever after and that Alistair got what he deserved.
Thank you so much Joline Pearce for sending me an ARC of this book 🫶
This was a fun and fast-paced Sleeping Beauty retelling. I definitely joined reading about Killian and Briar’s love story. They had great chemistry and some great spicy scenes throughout the book.
However, I do feel like this book was a little too insta-love for me. If the book had been longer, then I feel like the relationship could have been better developed. I also feel like the beginning part, before Briar was introduced, was dragged on for a little bit too long.
Nonetheless, this was still a very enjoyable read. I loved how everything came together in the end. I’m glad Killian and Briar got their happily ever after and that Alistair got what he deserved.
Thank you so much Joline Pearce for sending me an ARC of this book 🫶
June 21, 2024
big thankyou to the nerd fam and the author herself, joline pearce, for providing me with an arc for this book!
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 26TH⭐️🌺
this book was super fast paced and was a really quick read! i wasn’t ever bored as there was always something going on- i think it was paced well (plot wise).
however, due to the length of the book- the romance felt rushed and ‘insta lovey’. towards the end i did see the emotional connection the mc’s had built but during the beginning this seemed to be purely attraction based.
the tension however was amazing! and the spice 🌶️ scenes were filled with it!!
i am definitely interested in reading the second book and would recommend this to anyone interested in dark fairytale retellings!!
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 26TH⭐️🌺
this book was super fast paced and was a really quick read! i wasn’t ever bored as there was always something going on- i think it was paced well (plot wise).
however, due to the length of the book- the romance felt rushed and ‘insta lovey’. towards the end i did see the emotional connection the mc’s had built but during the beginning this seemed to be purely attraction based.
the tension however was amazing! and the spice 🌶️ scenes were filled with it!!
i am definitely interested in reading the second book and would recommend this to anyone interested in dark fairytale retellings!!
July 18, 2024
This was my first book by Joline Pearce & definitely won’t be my last!
Sweet Briar was a dark romantasy retelling of the classic story, sleeping beauty.
I initially picked this one up to read a bit before bed but found myself flying through it & ultimately finishing it in one sitting. I was intrigued from the first page until the very last.
Killian A.KA. Kill: is the broody knight who is the right hand man of the future king. It broke my heart to read Kill’s thoughts & how he saw himself as unworthy of anything good in life and “damaged.” I was instantly drawn to his character and was rooting for him the whole way through!
Briar: is “sleeping beauty” who has been trapped in a tower surrounded by monsters for over a century. Nobody has ever been able to get to Briar alive and break the curse placed on her.
She’s sweet and super strong. I loved that she quickly caught up with her current situation and how she immediately knew what she wanted for herself.
The sexual tension and forbidden love between Briar & Killian was phenomenal!! 🥵
You need to read this one asap!!
Thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest opinions/review!
Sweet Briar was a dark romantasy retelling of the classic story, sleeping beauty.
I initially picked this one up to read a bit before bed but found myself flying through it & ultimately finishing it in one sitting. I was intrigued from the first page until the very last.
Killian A.KA. Kill: is the broody knight who is the right hand man of the future king. It broke my heart to read Kill’s thoughts & how he saw himself as unworthy of anything good in life and “damaged.” I was instantly drawn to his character and was rooting for him the whole way through!
Briar: is “sleeping beauty” who has been trapped in a tower surrounded by monsters for over a century. Nobody has ever been able to get to Briar alive and break the curse placed on her.
She’s sweet and super strong. I loved that she quickly caught up with her current situation and how she immediately knew what she wanted for herself.
The sexual tension and forbidden love between Briar & Killian was phenomenal!! 🥵
You need to read this one asap!!
Thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest opinions/review!
June 26, 2024
I thought this book was freaking great! The most perfect pallet cleanser, fast paced easy to digest and a grumpy knight (with a man bun🤭)
I was sold at sleeping beauty retelling, except in this story our princess takes what she wants and we love that for her!! I loved the twist that was put on this fairytale.
There was a darker feeling to this one, and it was a lil spicyyyyy I was pleasantly surprised.
Getting freaky in the woods >>>>>>
Instead of falling for the handsome prince, she falls for the dark knight, we love an FMC that makes good choices. You go girl.
This book had me so curious about the curse and Briar and it wasn’t what I was expecting which made me enjoy it even more. And I love when there’s a complete story in a shorter book(this one’s 230 pages) the pacing felt really good for insta love ( she wakes up from a curse so the insta love works)
Thank you so much to the nerd fam for this Arc! I really enjoyed it 🌹
I was sold at sleeping beauty retelling, except in this story our princess takes what she wants and we love that for her!! I loved the twist that was put on this fairytale.
There was a darker feeling to this one, and it was a lil spicyyyyy I was pleasantly surprised.
Getting freaky in the woods >>>>>>
Instead of falling for the handsome prince, she falls for the dark knight, we love an FMC that makes good choices. You go girl.
This book had me so curious about the curse and Briar and it wasn’t what I was expecting which made me enjoy it even more. And I love when there’s a complete story in a shorter book(this one’s 230 pages) the pacing felt really good for insta love ( she wakes up from a curse so the insta love works)
Thank you so much to the nerd fam for this Arc! I really enjoyed it 🌹
June 19, 2024
3⭐️
ARC read this one! This book comes out June 26th.
This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, definitely different than the original story but it was an entertaining read nonetheless. A little bit instalove for me, but considering this book is only 228 pages it was a well built story!
I liked the banter between the characters but felt like it was a rushed story a little bit? Honestly if it was longer it could have really built up the relationships between characters and added a bit more depth. Not a bad read at all!
Thank you Joline Pearce & The Nerd Fam for the chance to read this early!
ARC read this one! This book comes out June 26th.
This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, definitely different than the original story but it was an entertaining read nonetheless. A little bit instalove for me, but considering this book is only 228 pages it was a well built story!
I liked the banter between the characters but felt like it was a rushed story a little bit? Honestly if it was longer it could have really built up the relationships between characters and added a bit more depth. Not a bad read at all!
Thank you Joline Pearce & The Nerd Fam for the chance to read this early!
June 19, 2024
This was such an amazing, dark reimagining of the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. I absolutely loved this book and flew through it. This book was full of magic, forbidden romance, and descriptive smut. I had never read anything by this author before, and this definitely won’t be my last time reading their works. I loved it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the copy.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the copy.
July 22, 2025
3.75 stars. This is a different telling of Sleeping Beauty that I found to be a good read.
June 29, 2024
A fast paced Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. This book was such a fun read and I enjoyed the changes to the original story. This story has a variety of different mythical creatures, not just dragons.
Briar and Killian have so much chemistry and the tension between them is unreal.
If you enjoy:
🥀Sleeping Beauty Retellings
🥀Mythical Creatures
🥀Curses
🥀Spice
🥀Forced Proximity
You should check this one out!
Briar and Killian have so much chemistry and the tension between them is unreal.
If you enjoy:
🥀Sleeping Beauty Retellings
🥀Mythical Creatures
🥀Curses
🥀Spice
🥀Forced Proximity
You should check this one out!
July 2, 2024
This was a retelling of sleeping beauty, with a little twist and a sprinkling of spice. Killian can definitely be my knight in dark dragon scaled armor anytime. I think this is a unique spin on the fairytale, giving it a little more of that dark romance filling, and I would highly recommend it.
June 18, 2024
First off thank you Nerdfam & Joline for the ARC!! This sleeping beauty retelling was phenomenal and i haven’t read a book this fast in idk how long. I devoured this up. Do you like a blunt and honest man who takes no shit? The greatest sexual tension you could FEEL through the book? A man who falls first? And a forbidden romance? This book is definitely for you.
Potential spoilers below
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Sweet Briar starts off strong with an intro to Killian aka Kill the main male character. He’s blunt, witty, and takes no shit. Fell in love with him as soon as he said “With all due respect, fuck all the way off, your highness” like 😂. I hate how damaged he is at the beginning because he didn’t deserve the life he was given but seeing him develop into a better man for Briar was chefs kiss. The sexual tension between him and briar had me feeling some type of way wooo man. When it comes to Briar i instantly fell in love with her character as well. She’s funny, strong and such a loving person. Reading her realize she didn’t need to be “rescued” to have the life she wants pulled at my heart. With all of this being said I will be recommending this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading this review! I’ll end it with my favorite quote.
“Fairytales are told after the fact. They’re a gloss of paint over darker truths. We tell the stories as we want to hear them” OO BOY
Potential spoilers below
-
-
-
-
Sweet Briar starts off strong with an intro to Killian aka Kill the main male character. He’s blunt, witty, and takes no shit. Fell in love with him as soon as he said “With all due respect, fuck all the way off, your highness” like 😂. I hate how damaged he is at the beginning because he didn’t deserve the life he was given but seeing him develop into a better man for Briar was chefs kiss. The sexual tension between him and briar had me feeling some type of way wooo man. When it comes to Briar i instantly fell in love with her character as well. She’s funny, strong and such a loving person. Reading her realize she didn’t need to be “rescued” to have the life she wants pulled at my heart. With all of this being said I will be recommending this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading this review! I’ll end it with my favorite quote.
“Fairytales are told after the fact. They’re a gloss of paint over darker truths. We tell the stories as we want to hear them” OO BOY
June 19, 2024
ARC Review:
Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce is a sleeping beauty retelling fantasy romance. I do love fairytale retellings. However, this one was harder to get into for me. I liked the beginning and then I got bored in the middle. I liked the characters but thought the relationship between the main couple was rushed. I would have liked to see more build up to the romance.
Briar was an okay FMC. Killian was okay for me. I was not a fan of his constant resistance of his feelings for Briar because of this supposed friendship with Prince Alistair. Prince Alistair was a horrible person and not even close to being a good friend. This was a huge irritation for me. The overall plot was interesting twist of sleeping beauty. If you like fairytale retellings then you should give this book a chance. Just because this was not for me does not mean you would not like it.
Thank you Joline Pearce and Nerd Fam for an ARC of Sweet Briar
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
HAPPY READING
Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce is a sleeping beauty retelling fantasy romance. I do love fairytale retellings. However, this one was harder to get into for me. I liked the beginning and then I got bored in the middle. I liked the characters but thought the relationship between the main couple was rushed. I would have liked to see more build up to the romance.
Briar was an okay FMC. Killian was okay for me. I was not a fan of his constant resistance of his feelings for Briar because of this supposed friendship with Prince Alistair. Prince Alistair was a horrible person and not even close to being a good friend. This was a huge irritation for me. The overall plot was interesting twist of sleeping beauty. If you like fairytale retellings then you should give this book a chance. Just because this was not for me does not mean you would not like it.
Thank you Joline Pearce and Nerd Fam for an ARC of Sweet Briar
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
HAPPY READING
June 20, 2024
"Men who fight for women’s honor are fools."
⚔️ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
⚔️ Forbidden Love
⚔️ Forced Proximity
⚔️ Spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
⚔️ Dual POV
Short, spicy read that's great if you are looking for a sleeping beauty retelling!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
⚔️ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
⚔️ Forbidden Love
⚔️ Forced Proximity
⚔️ Spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
⚔️ Dual POV
Short, spicy read that's great if you are looking for a sleeping beauty retelling!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
dnf
April 19, 2025DNF @ 76%
I can’t with this. Everyone is hella horny with no buildup
I can’t with this. Everyone is hella horny with no buildup
July 29, 2024
Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce
is an exceptional retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. The story revolves around a beautiful fae princess hunted by monsters, a handsome prince eager to possess her, and a dark knight with a heart of gold. Joline Pearce skillfully reimagines the original fairytale to craft a unique and enthralling story.
What you can expect from this dark romantasy:
📌 a complex love triangle
📌 a resilient heroine seizing control of her destiny
📌 a forbidden yet irresistible attraction between the princess and her dark knight protector
📌 exciting battles against fae beasts
📌 intrigue and spice!!
Sweet Briar is an unforgettable tale that hooked me from the start! The mystery surrounding the princess' curse and the thrilling action scenes involving various monsters made for an unputdownable read. This is a must-read for fans of imaginative fairytale retellings.
📚Standalone with a HEA + epilogue that sets up the next book in the Awakened series: Midnight Deception: A Dark Fantasy Romance Cinderella Retelling
🗣️Dual POV
⚠️Content Spoilers:
💋Safety Spoilers:
What you can expect from this dark romantasy:
📌 a complex love triangle
📌 a resilient heroine seizing control of her destiny
📌 a forbidden yet irresistible attraction between the princess and her dark knight protector
📌 exciting battles against fae beasts
📌 intrigue and spice!!
Sweet Briar is an unforgettable tale that hooked me from the start! The mystery surrounding the princess' curse and the thrilling action scenes involving various monsters made for an unputdownable read. This is a must-read for fans of imaginative fairytale retellings.
📚Standalone with a HEA + epilogue that sets up the next book in the Awakened series: Midnight Deception: A Dark Fantasy Romance Cinderella Retelling
🗣️Dual POV
⚠️Content Spoilers:
💋Safety Spoilers:
June 27, 2024
ARC Review
Sweet Briar
By Joline Pearce
Publish Date: June 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to start off by thanking the Nerd Family for allowing me to review this ARC.
Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce was the perfect palette cleanser. Very fast paced, I read this in one sitting. Also who doesn’t love a fairy tale retelling where the princess actually takes what she wants! Perfect sleeping beauty retelling but with a twist!
Briar (sleeping beauty) has been in a sleeping curse for over a century awaiting true love kiss to awaken her. Killian is the dark knight and protector of Prince Alistair. When Briar is awaken it’s not the prince she seeks but the dark knight. I loved Briar and Killians banter throughout and the burning they had for each other.
Joline Pearce has an engaging writing style and I was hooked from the start. One critique I wish it was longer then it wouldn’t feel like an insta love but for being short she did amazing with the plot progression. Highly recommend if you like dark fairy tale retellings. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Read this book if you enjoy:
✨Forced proximity
✨Fairy tale retelling
✨Forbidden love
✨Dual POV
✨Smut
Sweet Briar
By Joline Pearce
Publish Date: June 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to start off by thanking the Nerd Family for allowing me to review this ARC.
Sweet Briar by Joline Pearce was the perfect palette cleanser. Very fast paced, I read this in one sitting. Also who doesn’t love a fairy tale retelling where the princess actually takes what she wants! Perfect sleeping beauty retelling but with a twist!
Briar (sleeping beauty) has been in a sleeping curse for over a century awaiting true love kiss to awaken her. Killian is the dark knight and protector of Prince Alistair. When Briar is awaken it’s not the prince she seeks but the dark knight. I loved Briar and Killians banter throughout and the burning they had for each other.
Joline Pearce has an engaging writing style and I was hooked from the start. One critique I wish it was longer then it wouldn’t feel like an insta love but for being short she did amazing with the plot progression. Highly recommend if you like dark fairy tale retellings. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Read this book if you enjoy:
✨Forced proximity
✨Fairy tale retelling
✨Forbidden love
✨Dual POV
✨Smut
June 29, 2024
I read this book in less than a day! I saw it mentioned and thought to myself “Oh I’ll check that one out next, I love Sleeping Beauty” and went into it pretty blind and O.M.G. I was not disappointed!
This isn’t the Briar Rose we saw in the Disney version. Even after 100 years asleep, she knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want. She’s not anyone’s pampered princess and she’s much happier in a dark castle full of beasts than she is surrounded by servants and pink frilly dresses.
And that’s exactly why she wants Killian - not the prince who “rescued” her, but his dark knight who fought through the thorns to lead the prince to her. And she makes no secret about it.
I love that in the end Briar saves herself; she doesn’t even need Killian. She chooses him because he lets her be who she is, and the darkness in each of them calls to the other.
As I’ve stated, I can’t recommend this book enough if you want a quick, spicy read with an FMC who’s no meek princess waiting to be rescued!
This isn’t the Briar Rose we saw in the Disney version. Even after 100 years asleep, she knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want. She’s not anyone’s pampered princess and she’s much happier in a dark castle full of beasts than she is surrounded by servants and pink frilly dresses.
And that’s exactly why she wants Killian - not the prince who “rescued” her, but his dark knight who fought through the thorns to lead the prince to her. And she makes no secret about it.
I love that in the end Briar saves herself; she doesn’t even need Killian. She chooses him because he lets her be who she is, and the darkness in each of them calls to the other.
As I’ve stated, I can’t recommend this book enough if you want a quick, spicy read with an FMC who’s no meek princess waiting to be rescued!
June 20, 2024
3.5 ˖⁺‧✮
You had me at fairytale retelling!
Sweet Briar, a dark romantasy loosely inspired by 'Sleeping Beauty'. Short and not so sweet, with a little spice.
You had the OG style evil villains in the form of Alistair & his father, alongside the broody, damaged, dark, blunt, 'touch her and die' attitude of the MMC. 'A dark knight with a heart of gold'. A strong, independent and adaptive FMC with great banter and of course the cursed Queen side character bringing comedic relief. The great makings of a well loved fairytale story!
As fun and absorbing as this read was, parts felt a little rushed, and seemed to be over as soon as it started! It was very much an interesting twist on an old classic, had it been slightly longer I feel this would have been an incredible read.
Thank you to Joline & NerdFam for the opportunity to read and review Sweet Briar - all opinions are my own.
You had me at fairytale retelling!
Sweet Briar, a dark romantasy loosely inspired by 'Sleeping Beauty'. Short and not so sweet, with a little spice.
You had the OG style evil villains in the form of Alistair & his father, alongside the broody, damaged, dark, blunt, 'touch her and die' attitude of the MMC. 'A dark knight with a heart of gold'. A strong, independent and adaptive FMC with great banter and of course the cursed Queen side character bringing comedic relief. The great makings of a well loved fairytale story!
As fun and absorbing as this read was, parts felt a little rushed, and seemed to be over as soon as it started! It was very much an interesting twist on an old classic, had it been slightly longer I feel this would have been an incredible read.
Thank you to Joline & NerdFam for the opportunity to read and review Sweet Briar - all opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
Rating: 4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release Date: 26/6/2024
Trope:
- Sleeping Beauty Retelling
- Spicy
- Forbidden Romance
- Princess x Bodyguard
- Magical Creature
- Dual POVs
- Action Packed
This book takes the classic Sleeping Beauty tale and throws it into a dark and thrilling blender. We follow a valiant knight and a brooding prince as they navigate a cursed castle teeming with monstrous foes. Forget the damsel in distress – this is a story of warriors who fight for their own survival and a happily-ever-after that's anything but conventional.
Let's be honest, the romance here is downright steamy. The author doesn't hold back, delivering a sizzling slow-burn that explodes into passionate encounters. Be prepared to fan yourself – things get hot!
If you're looking for a dark, spicy romance with a healthy dose of action and a unique twist on a classic fairytale, then this is the perfect escape.
Thank you nerdfam for the e-arc.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release Date: 26/6/2024
Trope:
- Sleeping Beauty Retelling
- Spicy
- Forbidden Romance
- Princess x Bodyguard
- Magical Creature
- Dual POVs
- Action Packed
This book takes the classic Sleeping Beauty tale and throws it into a dark and thrilling blender. We follow a valiant knight and a brooding prince as they navigate a cursed castle teeming with monstrous foes. Forget the damsel in distress – this is a story of warriors who fight for their own survival and a happily-ever-after that's anything but conventional.
Let's be honest, the romance here is downright steamy. The author doesn't hold back, delivering a sizzling slow-burn that explodes into passionate encounters. Be prepared to fan yourself – things get hot!
If you're looking for a dark, spicy romance with a healthy dose of action and a unique twist on a classic fairytale, then this is the perfect escape.
Thank you nerdfam for the e-arc.
June 29, 2024
This one is for those who love forbidden romance. A dark sleeping beauty retelling where she falls for the morally grey knight instead of the prince. The tension between them 🔥 The spice 🥵
The fantasy was easy to read and the whole story was so fast paced, I couldn't stop reading
They both would be literally k!lled if they were seen together yet they didn't care. I loved both the characters. Especially the way her curse broke.
Tropes
Dark sleeping beauty retelling
Bloodshed
A touch of fantasy
Forbidden romance
Forced proximity
He's her bodyguard
Spicy
Strong fmc
Morally grey MMC
He k!lls for her
Set in old times
Historical romance feels
HEA
The fantasy was easy to read and the whole story was so fast paced, I couldn't stop reading
They both would be literally k!lled if they were seen together yet they didn't care. I loved both the characters. Especially the way her curse broke.
Tropes
Dark sleeping beauty retelling
Bloodshed
A touch of fantasy
Forbidden romance
Forced proximity
He's her bodyguard
Spicy
Strong fmc
Morally grey MMC
He k!lls for her
Set in old times
Historical romance feels
HEA
June 22, 2024
Thank you to the nerd fam and joline Pearce for the gifted ARC!
This was a fun and quick read—definitely more spice than plot, but sometimes that’s just the vibe I’m going for. This was a very short book, so there wasn’t a lot of space to develop the romance and it came off a bit rushed. I’m not a huge fan of the insta love trope, but that’s just a personal preference. I would’ve liked more backstory too—like how/why was Briar cursed? More info about the land she came from? Overall, I recommend this if you’re just looking for a quick spicy read with fantasy elements but without all the complicated world building that usually comes with the genre!
This was a fun and quick read—definitely more spice than plot, but sometimes that’s just the vibe I’m going for. This was a very short book, so there wasn’t a lot of space to develop the romance and it came off a bit rushed. I’m not a huge fan of the insta love trope, but that’s just a personal preference. I would’ve liked more backstory too—like how/why was Briar cursed? More info about the land she came from? Overall, I recommend this if you’re just looking for a quick spicy read with fantasy elements but without all the complicated world building that usually comes with the genre!
July 5, 2024
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy, Sleeping Beauty fairytale retelling then this is for you!
I enjoyed the fast paced plot, the multiple POV and was happily surprised to see that the characters will continue into the next book with a new fairytale retelling.
My favorite part? Anytime we’re in Killian’s POV and he’s being a possessive mate. I wish there was more of a build up/reveal moment when they talk about how they are mates instead of saying it in passing with the dragon.
Overall, I enjoyed it! Keep in mind that the main plot is the romance and drama there.
Would I recommend? Yes
I enjoyed the fast paced plot, the multiple POV and was happily surprised to see that the characters will continue into the next book with a new fairytale retelling.
My favorite part? Anytime we’re in Killian’s POV and he’s being a possessive mate. I wish there was more of a build up/reveal moment when they talk about how they are mates instead of saying it in passing with the dragon.
Overall, I enjoyed it! Keep in mind that the main plot is the romance and drama there.
Would I recommend? Yes
June 26, 2024
This was really good!! I don't usually read retellings, but this was such an interesting twist. It was fast paced & kept me sucked in the whole time. This was such a fun read.
Plenty of spice, magical beasts! I loved the way the curse had to be broke in this version. And I love that she falls for the dark knight instead of the prince. I love Killian! And I enjoyed the twist at the end. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam foe the gifted!
Plenty of spice, magical beasts! I loved the way the curse had to be broke in this version. And I love that she falls for the dark knight instead of the prince. I love Killian! And I enjoyed the twist at the end. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam foe the gifted!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
read this arc in one sitting. very enjoyable. definitely insta love, but that only really bothers me when it’s a book that’s set in a contemporary modern era lol but since this is fantasy & obviously an old era of fantasy, I didn’t mind it bc it made sense. quick, fast paced read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 6, 2024
Thank you for this ARC through @thenerdfam and @bookfunnel
It was a lovely read. It took a bit of getting into the story but it certainly grew on me. What an original retelling of sleeping beauty. Intense romantasy with explicit sex scenes.
It was a lovely read. It took a bit of getting into the story but it certainly grew on me. What an original retelling of sleeping beauty. Intense romantasy with explicit sex scenes.
April 19, 2025
I love fairytale retellings and this one was a great one. Very nice and with an interesting, strong heroine. Liked it very very much!
July 22, 2025
Insta-love and lots of banging, but I did like that Briar likes her beast powers. I know Alistair is the main in the next book but he was such an incredible ass in this one that I'm not sure I care to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
3.5⭐️
4🌶
I received an ARC from the author and The Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review.
4🌶
I received an ARC from the author and The Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2024
“I don’t want a taste. I want to consume her.“
Guys. This book is FILTHY… in the best way. This Sleeping Beauty re-telling made me laugh, had banter, and had ALL the steam… it’s a short read, so the tension doesn’t last long. The FMC gains her footing pretty quickly, and the MMC doesn’t waste a lot of time before deciding she’s “the one.” Does he go against a life long “friend” in order to have her? Sure, but fantasy.
Guys. This book is FILTHY… in the best way. This Sleeping Beauty re-telling made me laugh, had banter, and had ALL the steam… it’s a short read, so the tension doesn’t last long. The FMC gains her footing pretty quickly, and the MMC doesn’t waste a lot of time before deciding she’s “the one.” Does he go against a life long “friend” in order to have her? Sure, but fantasy.
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