Heartfall

by Lisette Marshall

A divine accident gave Rapunzel the power to create gemstones. Locked up in a tower for her own protection, she spends her days scaring off money-hungry visitors ... until a particularly arrogant warrior catches her eye in an entirely different way. But will he stop trying to kidnap her long enough to fall in love?

This steamy Rapunzel retelling features stabby enemies to lovers romance, gemstone magic, meddling gods, and a guaranteed HEA. While it is distantly related to the Fae Isles series, it can very well be read as a standalone.

Genres: Retellings, Novella, Fantasy Romance, Fantasy, Fairy Tales

ebook

About the author

Lisette Marshall is a fantasy romance author, language nerd and cartography enthusiast. Having grown up on a steady diet of epic fantasy, regency romance and cosy mysteries, she now writes steamy, swoony stories with a generous sprinkle of murder.

Lisette lives in the Netherlands (yes, below sea level) with her boyfriend and the few house plants that miraculously survive her highly irregular watering regime. When she’s not reading or writing, she can usually be found drawing fantasy maps, baking and eating too many chocolate cookies, or geeking out over Ancient Greek.

To get in touch, visit www.lisettemarshall.com, or follow @authorlisettemarshall on Instagram, where she spends way too much time looking at pretty book pictures.

Reviews

[MusingsofRu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart Fall is a fun spicy take on Rupunzel and with only 50 pages it can easily slip into your TBR.
The greater mythology was really interesting paired with an inquisitive and intellegent Rapunzel who captured everyone’s hearts, even the God Orin.

[romantasy girlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this novella! I honestly wish it was a full book lol Lisette only writes masterpieces I swear to fucking god, I would read a full retelling of rapunzel from Lisette Marshal any day 💕

[ChellesOfBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Content warning: injury detail, attempted kidnapping

I didn't remember that I had previously read this novella in an anthology until I was halfway through and decided to complete it anyway. I had a prompt for the shortest book on my TBR, so I checked my kindle for novellas and picked this up.

It's a little bit of everything in 47 pages - spicy, cheeky, emotional, and heartfelt. I gave it 3.5 stars though, because it wasn't as memorable as it could have been since I've inadvertently had a reread here, and because the ending conclusion is a little too rushed and perfect in resolving any mild obstacles. But given it manages to tell a story well within the page count, I recommend this to others looking to get something read quickly in between other stories, or for prompts you need to complete.

[Michaela Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐½

Sweet, spicy, and a little bit dangerous 🌶️

“Heartfall” is a quick, steamy, and emotionally rich short story that packs a surprising punch. In just a few chapters, Lisette Marshall delivers her signature mix of fantasy, heat 🔥, and heart—complete with sweet moments 💕, sharp humor 😏, and just the right touch of betrayal 😮.

It’s perfect for fans of her Fae Isles series or anyone looking for a fast read with romantic tension, a dash of magic ✨, and characters that feel real despite the brevity. A tiny taste of Marshall’s world—and it absolutely delivers ✍🏼

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny, and sexy, Rapunzel retelling novella

After the appearance of a valiant knight close to her tower, Rapunzel realizes she has it all, witt and intelligence, the care of the God Orin, Gothel's protection, the tower for shelter.

And yet, the only thing that's been denied her, is everything he is... A man.

[Maaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, if a little forgettable.

For a 50 page novella, I like how much we got to know the characters and there was an emotional connection between the main couple. Though at 50 pages, you can't really get too deep with depth and layers but what the author has done here is good.

I'm glad to have read it!

[Talia C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short but steamy romance retelling of Rapunzel. It leaves you with a shocking ending that you don't see coming!

I recommend this book to people who need a quick read of something else to reset you for your next read.

[Courtney Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Rapunzel retelling! Parts of their back and forth reminded me of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. She’s so sarcastic. I’m sad it was so short. I believe this is part of a series but can be read without reading the others.

[Hollie Dingus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply perfect,

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and enchanting retelling.

[Zia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute little spicy Rupunzal retelling. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements and the characters were fantastic.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, funny read!

[alondrasbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and short retelling of Rapunzel’s fairytale.

[S.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very sweet.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartfall is an enchanting Rapunzel retelling that’s witty, spicy, and tender. It is a sweet fun read ✨

[Krita Crossheart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more
Mostly predictable ended, kinda felt let down

Felt more like a fantasy for men than women
Would have liked a bloodier outcome
And a More experienced (yk ;) FMC