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Cursed Slumber: A Dark Sapphic Sleeping Beauty Retelling
I was supposed to wake her. Not fall into her nightmare.
Aurora Sinclair had been cursed, left in an enchanted sleep for a century. The legends called her a victim, a fragile princess trapped in a prison of endless dreams. Breaking curses was my job… Her prince in the form of a demon fighting woman with one simple mission.
One kiss. One moment. One curse broken.
Instead, the second my lips touched hers, the world shattered.
I didn’t wake Aurora. I woke something else.
Now, I’m trapped inside her nightmare—a twisted, shifting realm of shadows and whispers, where nothing is real except the hunger in her golden eyes and the darkness curling at her fingertips. Aurora wasn’t just a girl lost in sleep. She was a queen in her own right, a villain shaped by a century of torment.
And she wants retribution.
The worst part? I think I want it too.
If I was meant to save her, why does it feel so good to fall?
One kiss bound me to her forever. Now, there’s no going back.
A dark, spicy, sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where salvation tastes like sin, and happily-ever-afters are written in blood. Perfect for fans of a seductive villainess, a morally gray heroine, dreamscape horror, and gothic fantasy romance with an edge of madness.
Aurora Sinclair had been cursed, left in an enchanted sleep for a century. The legends called her a victim, a fragile princess trapped in a prison of endless dreams. Breaking curses was my job… Her prince in the form of a demon fighting woman with one simple mission.
One kiss. One moment. One curse broken.
Instead, the second my lips touched hers, the world shattered.
I didn’t wake Aurora. I woke something else.
Now, I’m trapped inside her nightmare—a twisted, shifting realm of shadows and whispers, where nothing is real except the hunger in her golden eyes and the darkness curling at her fingertips. Aurora wasn’t just a girl lost in sleep. She was a queen in her own right, a villain shaped by a century of torment.
And she wants retribution.
The worst part? I think I want it too.
If I was meant to save her, why does it feel so good to fall?
One kiss bound me to her forever. Now, there’s no going back.
A dark, spicy, sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where salvation tastes like sin, and happily-ever-afters are written in blood. Perfect for fans of a seductive villainess, a morally gray heroine, dreamscape horror, and gothic fantasy romance with an edge of madness.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
9 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Luna Lockhardt
6 booksBorn into the dark, dirty, monsterous world of paranormal romance, Luna knew from an early age that normal was (and is) overrated.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 10, 2025
I love this book...and I am conflicted about it. A sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty that turns the princess' curse into a trap? I'm in. Say less.
Except...the author said too little. This was way too short for the story it was trying to tell. When I opened the book, I was hooked from page one. The way the scene was set, the immersive setting, everything. But as Bell is sucked into the nightmare, it quickly begins to go downhill. Multiple phrases were repeated, which lends the feeling that the story wasn't edited much, it was just written and published. For instance, twice in the same chapter, Aurora observes Bell's tattoos as more than art; they are her armor. A fine observation, but why did I need it twice? Aurora could have noticed her tattoos the first time and thought of them as a sort of armor, and then the second time they caught her attention, realized they covered scars, which would lead her to wondering where those scars came from and why Bell hid them. I am disappointed in that lack of effort.
Overall, I love the concept, and the execution was just so-so. I feel like I missed so much of what could have been. How did Aurora become a part of the nightmare and eventually siphon magic from it? Why did the nightmare change with the blood bond? What does this mean for the Sorceress? How did they decide to bind her, and how did they make the runes work when only one of them has magic? And once out of the nightmare, we see no bonding between them. How do they get to know each other? Does Bell still work for the Guild? Also, hello trauma. What is it like for Aurora to be back in the real world after a century? Did she just walk in and regain control as a royal, or did she have to fight for it? I don't know, I wasn't told.
SPOILER:
The end scene kind of just threw me. Humiliation is not just a kink I do not share, it's kind of a turn off. And what was the point? I would think that doing such a thing in front of so many people would hurt their reputations, not help them. At least Bell's. Wouldn't she be less likely to be seen as a strong protector and good guardian after that? She's supposed to be this deadly warrior, and she ends up trussed up and naked in front of a room full of dignitaries! Sorry, no, that wasn't hot. And the magic working her over and not actually Aurora's touch just desensitized the intended impact even more.
Except...the author said too little. This was way too short for the story it was trying to tell. When I opened the book, I was hooked from page one. The way the scene was set, the immersive setting, everything. But as Bell is sucked into the nightmare, it quickly begins to go downhill. Multiple phrases were repeated, which lends the feeling that the story wasn't edited much, it was just written and published. For instance, twice in the same chapter, Aurora observes Bell's tattoos as more than art; they are her armor. A fine observation, but why did I need it twice? Aurora could have noticed her tattoos the first time and thought of them as a sort of armor, and then the second time they caught her attention, realized they covered scars, which would lead her to wondering where those scars came from and why Bell hid them. I am disappointed in that lack of effort.
Overall, I love the concept, and the execution was just so-so. I feel like I missed so much of what could have been. How did Aurora become a part of the nightmare and eventually siphon magic from it? Why did the nightmare change with the blood bond? What does this mean for the Sorceress? How did they decide to bind her, and how did they make the runes work when only one of them has magic? And once out of the nightmare, we see no bonding between them. How do they get to know each other? Does Bell still work for the Guild? Also, hello trauma. What is it like for Aurora to be back in the real world after a century? Did she just walk in and regain control as a royal, or did she have to fight for it? I don't know, I wasn't told.
SPOILER:
The end scene kind of just threw me. Humiliation is not just a kink I do not share, it's kind of a turn off. And what was the point? I would think that doing such a thing in front of so many people would hurt their reputations, not help them. At least Bell's. Wouldn't she be less likely to be seen as a strong protector and good guardian after that? She's supposed to be this deadly warrior, and she ends up trussed up and naked in front of a room full of dignitaries! Sorry, no, that wasn't hot. And the magic working her over and not actually Aurora's touch just desensitized the intended impact even more.
April 6, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free ARC. This review is being left voluntarily and only contains my honest opinions.
✨ Sapphic Dark Fantasy
✨ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
✨ First Person Dual POV
✨ Novella
✨ Mind the Content Warnings
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
This sapphic fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty was a quick, enjoyable read. Great if you’re in the mood for something dark and twisted. The writing style fit perfectly with the story making you feel like you were caught in the cursed nightmare along with Aurora and Bell.
One thing I liked about this retelling was that although Aurora was the “damsel in distress” (seeing as she’s the one that’s been cursed), her dynamic with Bell was the opposite. She was completely in control, and it gave the power dynamics between Aurora and Bell and the Sorceress an interesting spin.
I did find the switching in POV between Aurora and Bell a little confusing at times where I had to go back and re-read a little. Might just be a me issue where the context was slipping a bit. Overall, I enjoyed this dark little novella and would recommend it to those who like books with these themes and are okay with the content warnings.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes:
✨ Possessiveness
✨ Jealousy
✨ Public Claiming
Content Warnings
(this list may not be all inclusive)
self h*rm/c*tting, ch*king, bl*od play, obsessed heroine, possessive heroine, general g*re, attempted m*rder, physical ass*ult, kn*fe play, mental illness, h*stage, abd*ction, profanity, CNC, dubc*n, public s*x, public org*sm, forced org*sm
✨ Sapphic Dark Fantasy
✨ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
✨ First Person Dual POV
✨ Novella
✨ Mind the Content Warnings
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
This sapphic fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty was a quick, enjoyable read. Great if you’re in the mood for something dark and twisted. The writing style fit perfectly with the story making you feel like you were caught in the cursed nightmare along with Aurora and Bell.
One thing I liked about this retelling was that although Aurora was the “damsel in distress” (seeing as she’s the one that’s been cursed), her dynamic with Bell was the opposite. She was completely in control, and it gave the power dynamics between Aurora and Bell and the Sorceress an interesting spin.
I did find the switching in POV between Aurora and Bell a little confusing at times where I had to go back and re-read a little. Might just be a me issue where the context was slipping a bit. Overall, I enjoyed this dark little novella and would recommend it to those who like books with these themes and are okay with the content warnings.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes:
✨ Possessiveness
✨ Jealousy
✨ Public Claiming
Content Warnings
(this list may not be all inclusive)
self h*rm/c*tting, ch*king, bl*od play, obsessed heroine, possessive heroine, general g*re, attempted m*rder, physical ass*ult, kn*fe play, mental illness, h*stage, abd*ction, profanity, CNC, dubc*n, public s*x, public org*sm, forced org*sm
April 3, 2025
Definitely dark and full of confusing developments.
Belladonna is more than adept in the art of breaking curses.
This is something different though and she can't fight it. Everything screams to her and nothing seems as it should. She knows she has to be there.
She knows Aurora is more than just a princess that needs to be rescued. She’s her fate!
Super cool new version of Sleeping Beauty.
With the Sorcerres who cast the curse, of course, but you don't count on Aurora and how she spends decades learning her prison inside and out and even controlling it.
It was gripping from the first page and I read it through in one sitting.
The triggers are helpful, but I personally didn't find anything in the story shocking.
Probably, because I like dark things myself and blood or control don't pose any danger to me, but the triggers still need to be read carefully.
Great, short and definitely dark! I liked it a lot!
Thanks so much to Luna Lockhardt for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Belladonna is more than adept in the art of breaking curses.
This is something different though and she can't fight it. Everything screams to her and nothing seems as it should. She knows she has to be there.
She knows Aurora is more than just a princess that needs to be rescued. She’s her fate!
Super cool new version of Sleeping Beauty.
With the Sorcerres who cast the curse, of course, but you don't count on Aurora and how she spends decades learning her prison inside and out and even controlling it.
It was gripping from the first page and I read it through in one sitting.
The triggers are helpful, but I personally didn't find anything in the story shocking.
Probably, because I like dark things myself and blood or control don't pose any danger to me, but the triggers still need to be read carefully.
Great, short and definitely dark! I liked it a lot!
Thanks so much to Luna Lockhardt for the ARC. This is my honest review.
April 9, 2025
A cursed sapphic story about forced proximity in the Sleeping Beauty's Kingdom of Nightmares. A kiss that could cost a life. A hunter skilled in her craft, a beautiful princess doomed because of her beauty and a Possessive Sorceress. A villainess who doesn't ask, but demands and takes. 'Cursed Slumber' is dark and deliciously spicy unconventional retelling of a well-known fairy tale full of surprising twists and turns, that will immerse you in an erotic world of magic and ecstasy from the power play. Luna Lockhardt manages to draw fabulous images with which she visually captivates the reader. The rich means of expression caress the senses and give rise to real feelings. Her descriptions are so lyrically sensual that you will feel 100% of the atmosphere, the inner turmoil and desire... and if you read really carefully, you will also hear the sounds, taste and scent the action. I recommend the book with a pure heart to readers who are brave enough to cross the threshold of a magical world and surrender to it completely. If you are not afraid of triggers (that I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with before moving forward), you are welcome for an adventure where twilight dreams will tell you a tale as ancient as the world - about jealousy, revenge and the power of love!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2025
ARC review. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions. Thank you to the author for this ARC.
This short story (novella) is a dark and spicy retelling of sleeping beauty where the damsel in distress isn’t very damsel and the "prince" is a bad ass huntress hired to break the curse. This novella is a sapphic dark/paranormal fantasy romance with dual POV. The story was entertaining, I loved reading about 2 women in this nightmare dream taking control of their story.
I did find this novella a bit confusing at times, with the world building and constant changes in scenery. Their insta-love felt a bit forced, I think it needed some more backstory. Overall this novella was a great read, very entertaining and unique I really enjoyed this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It’s a great and quick read for this who love dark romance and fantasy. It left me wanting more! Thank you again to Luna for this ARC and allowing me into the world of Aurora and Bell.
This short story (novella) is a dark and spicy retelling of sleeping beauty where the damsel in distress isn’t very damsel and the "prince" is a bad ass huntress hired to break the curse. This novella is a sapphic dark/paranormal fantasy romance with dual POV. The story was entertaining, I loved reading about 2 women in this nightmare dream taking control of their story.
I did find this novella a bit confusing at times, with the world building and constant changes in scenery. Their insta-love felt a bit forced, I think it needed some more backstory. Overall this novella was a great read, very entertaining and unique I really enjoyed this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It’s a great and quick read for this who love dark romance and fantasy. It left me wanting more! Thank you again to Luna for this ARC and allowing me into the world of Aurora and Bell.
April 6, 2025
Wow, what an interesting take on Sleeping Beauty. Cursed Slumber is a dark sapphic romance retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Aurora Sinclair has been asleep for centuries stuck in a never ending nightmare. Belladonna Moreau has been hired to end a curse with the most common way, a kiss. Expect things don't go as planned and the truth of the nighmare is revealed. The two fight not only for love that blooms between them, but also to break the curse.
This was a short but well put together story. The chaos of the nigthmare was well described. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and thank Luna Lockhardt for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this in exchange for my honest review. If you want sapphic read that is dark with forced proximity, touch her and die possessiveness, and some steamy scenes this is for you.
This was a short but well put together story. The chaos of the nigthmare was well described. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and thank Luna Lockhardt for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this in exchange for my honest review. If you want sapphic read that is dark with forced proximity, touch her and die possessiveness, and some steamy scenes this is for you.
April 16, 2025
Reviewed by Natalie for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
A short but impactful read, a classic story that was anything but a fairytale.
Stuck in an never-ending nightmare asleep for centuries, until she is awoken with a kiss.
But what ensues is a battle for love and an end to the curse.
Twists and turns, around every corner... this book had me on edge the whole way through.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A short but impactful read, a classic story that was anything but a fairytale.
Stuck in an never-ending nightmare asleep for centuries, until she is awoken with a kiss.
But what ensues is a battle for love and an end to the curse.
Twists and turns, around every corner... this book had me on edge the whole way through.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 12, 2025
A dark sapphic Sleeping Beauty retelling I was very curious to read. I was a bit hesitent about the content warning and after reading it I must say it's good they were there and I definitely suggest you read them first.
I enjoyed the world building and the author has a wonderful way with words to give you the feeling that you are a part of that magical world. It was very detailed and beautifully put into words to give the reader the full other-worldly experience. Kuddos to the author for writing so beautifully.
The possessive romance part was not something I enjoyed. Especially the last scene. But I am sure that there are people out there who do enjoy these kind of scenes.
An ARC was provided to me by the author in return of an honest review.
I enjoyed the world building and the author has a wonderful way with words to give you the feeling that you are a part of that magical world. It was very detailed and beautifully put into words to give the reader the full other-worldly experience. Kuddos to the author for writing so beautifully.
The possessive romance part was not something I enjoyed. Especially the last scene. But I am sure that there are people out there who do enjoy these kind of scenes.
An ARC was provided to me by the author in return of an honest review.
April 20, 2025
This was a sideways step in my usual reads and I enjoyed the segue into Luna’s dark romance. Telling the tale of Belladonna, the hunter tasked with freeing Aurora from her slumber, it shows how things aren’t quite as they seem. Far from a fairytale existence, Aurora has been living in a nightmare for the last 100 years. The two of them, inextricably drawn together amongst nightmares and shadows.
It’s a lot more fantastical than I’m used to reading but the writing style made it easy to fall into the different realm with the subtle shift of falling asleep. The imagery was clever and well crafted, and yes there was spice. Very dark-romance, possessive, check the TWs kind of spice. (Bites lip!)
I was very grateful to receive this as an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a lot more fantastical than I’m used to reading but the writing style made it easy to fall into the different realm with the subtle shift of falling asleep. The imagery was clever and well crafted, and yes there was spice. Very dark-romance, possessive, check the TWs kind of spice. (Bites lip!)
I was very grateful to receive this as an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2025
4 stars. This was wild but I really enjoyed it. It’s just so short and I wish there had been more because the story the author was telling needed to be longer than this. Aurora and Bell were both intriguing characters and I was honestly obsessed with their dynamics. It’s kinda toxic and I was so here for it. There’s a lot of fun kinks in this and damn was the spice spicy. This was really good and dark and I want more.
April 15, 2025
You had me at sapphic retelling!
A nice short read, easy to read in one sitting, which I love. Will definitely be a re read in the future, I enjoyed the paced nothing felt rushed or unfinished.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the Bell and Aurora, the writing atmospheric, and kept me hooked from the start.
A nice short read, easy to read in one sitting, which I love. Will definitely be a re read in the future, I enjoyed the paced nothing felt rushed or unfinished.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the Bell and Aurora, the writing atmospheric, and kept me hooked from the start.
April 7, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
A very interesting twist on the story of sleeping beauty. For a short read this book has a lot of depth to it, including excellent imagery. It is a dark sapphic story with a decent amount of spice and will leave you wanting more.
A very interesting twist on the story of sleeping beauty. For a short read this book has a lot of depth to it, including excellent imagery. It is a dark sapphic story with a decent amount of spice and will leave you wanting more.
April 7, 2025
Dark sapphic Sleeping Beauty retelling? Yes, please!
Overall, the novella was entertaining and fast paced. I liked the characters.
Where I got lost was the backstory with [redacted for spoiler-free purposes].
Overall, the novella was entertaining and fast paced. I liked the characters.
Where I got lost was the backstory with [redacted for spoiler-free purposes].
April 8, 2025
Imaginative storytelling and a world of magic is included in this dark sapphic short retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
If you're looking for a quick read and a questionable leading lady, this is the story for you.
If you're looking for a quick read and a questionable leading lady, this is the story for you.
April 11, 2025
Received an ARC and was pleased that it was such a quick read. Definitely dark and twisted and nothing like Sleeping Beauty in a way I’ve imagined. The magic and changing of the scenery was something to keep up with.
October 21, 2025
A short but impactful read, a classic story that was anything but a fairytale. Stuck in an never-ending nightmare asleep for centuries, until she is awoken with a kiss. But what ensues is a battle for love and an end to the curse. Twists and turns, around every corner... this book had me on edge the whole way through.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews