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The GriMM Tales
Hansel and Gerhardt
Oh look! A house made entirely of sweets! Things finally seem to be looking up for Hansel and Gerhardt…
Dropped into a lonely cottage deep in the woods as a boy, Gerhardt would give anything to escape. He hates his life, he hates his abusive step father. He’s sure his irritatingly handsome step brother despises him for the share of food he takes, and even more for frequently angering their dangerous father. But Gerhardt’s never once learned to back down from a fight, no matter what it costs him.
Hansel is riddled with guilt for the life Gerhardt’s been forced to live. He knows his father’s actions aren’t his fault, but he’s sure Gerhardt hates him for it. Still, he can’t help but secretly adore the ferocity and defiance of his gorgeous step brother, even if it is likely to get them both killed any day now.
When their father finally snaps and chases them into the forest with an axe, Hansel and Gerhardt are forced to rely on each other in an incredibly dangerous place that’s bereft of food, inhabited by hungry wolves, and cursed by dark magic. As one adventure after another tests their bravery and their bond, Hansel and Gerhardt discover that maybe they don’t hate each other as much as they thought they did. In fact, maybe they even like each other. A lot. More than step brothers probably should… But who’s there in the forest to stop them exploring their explosive attraction?
And when they stumble upon the adorable little house made entirely of sweets… Well, what could possibly go wrong?
Hansel and Gerhardt is the spicy, action-packed, heart-wrenching, enemies to lovers, step-brothers MM Romance fairytale retelling of your most twisted and delightful imaginings. Light a candle, brew a hot cup of something tasty, and snuggle down beside the fire. It’s time for a queer spin on an old classic.
Each book set in the GriMM fairytale world can be read as a standalone and contains its own Happily Ever After story. But we do recommend reading each one, as the tales are connected to each other in multiple magical ways.
Dropped into a lonely cottage deep in the woods as a boy, Gerhardt would give anything to escape. He hates his life, he hates his abusive step father. He’s sure his irritatingly handsome step brother despises him for the share of food he takes, and even more for frequently angering their dangerous father. But Gerhardt’s never once learned to back down from a fight, no matter what it costs him.
Hansel is riddled with guilt for the life Gerhardt’s been forced to live. He knows his father’s actions aren’t his fault, but he’s sure Gerhardt hates him for it. Still, he can’t help but secretly adore the ferocity and defiance of his gorgeous step brother, even if it is likely to get them both killed any day now.
When their father finally snaps and chases them into the forest with an axe, Hansel and Gerhardt are forced to rely on each other in an incredibly dangerous place that’s bereft of food, inhabited by hungry wolves, and cursed by dark magic. As one adventure after another tests their bravery and their bond, Hansel and Gerhardt discover that maybe they don’t hate each other as much as they thought they did. In fact, maybe they even like each other. A lot. More than step brothers probably should… But who’s there in the forest to stop them exploring their explosive attraction?
And when they stumble upon the adorable little house made entirely of sweets… Well, what could possibly go wrong?
Hansel and Gerhardt is the spicy, action-packed, heart-wrenching, enemies to lovers, step-brothers MM Romance fairytale retelling of your most twisted and delightful imaginings. Light a candle, brew a hot cup of something tasty, and snuggle down beside the fire. It’s time for a queer spin on an old classic.
Each book set in the GriMM fairytale world can be read as a standalone and contains its own Happily Ever After story. But we do recommend reading each one, as the tales are connected to each other in multiple magical ways.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2025
62 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
W.H. Lockwood
16 books121 followersAuthor of the Endymion College series, W. H. Lockwood writes gothic romance, MM action-romance, historical fiction, dark academia and cosy horror.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
September 5, 2025
What a smorgasbord of food and fucking, fucking on food, and fucking with food!
I can't wait to write this ARC review! 4.5 stars rounded up, because smorgasbord of food and fucking.
I can't wait to write this ARC review! 4.5 stars rounded up, because smorgasbord of food and fucking.
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars)
This one surprised me. The first 30% dragged for me—Hansel and Gerhardt were both so frustrating, constantly throwing tantrums, and the shifting third-person POV made it hard to follow who I was with. But once things picked up, I was hooked.
The candy house scenes were incredible—so vivid I could practically taste the decadence. I loved how their love really blossomed there, even with Gerhardt in a drug haze and Hansel determined to fight for them both (or maybe because of that). And Herr Candy was delicious, just ask the guys 😅
And the sex? Volcanic hot. All that food, the whipped cream as lube—pure indulgence. Yum yum.
I still don’t quite know how to feel about the ending. The killing and eating of the bad guys—yes, cannibalism, and without a trigger warning—left me unsettled. I get that it’s a fantasy setting, but… still, ewww.
What I did love: cameos from Zel and Ulrich, and that playful beginning scene with Wim and Red. And speaking of Wim and Red—the bonus the author sent to the ARC team with that snowed-in foursome? Omg. They melted the snow for miles. Unexpected, but absolutely delicious 🧊🥵🧊🥵🧊.
A strange, dark, decadent ride that took some patience at the start, but in the end, I enjoyed it far more than I expected.
With a few missed steps I’m having a blast with this series, the retellings twists are incredible and I’m getting to know author in never read but I’m sure as hell going to ❤️ can’t wait for the rest of them 🤞🙏
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This one surprised me. The first 30% dragged for me—Hansel and Gerhardt were both so frustrating, constantly throwing tantrums, and the shifting third-person POV made it hard to follow who I was with. But once things picked up, I was hooked.
The candy house scenes were incredible—so vivid I could practically taste the decadence. I loved how their love really blossomed there, even with Gerhardt in a drug haze and Hansel determined to fight for them both (or maybe because of that). And Herr Candy was delicious, just ask the guys 😅
And the sex? Volcanic hot. All that food, the whipped cream as lube—pure indulgence. Yum yum.
I still don’t quite know how to feel about the ending. The killing and eating of the bad guys—yes, cannibalism, and without a trigger warning—left me unsettled. I get that it’s a fantasy setting, but… still, ewww.
What I did love: cameos from Zel and Ulrich, and that playful beginning scene with Wim and Red. And speaking of Wim and Red—the bonus the author sent to the ARC team with that snowed-in foursome? Omg. They melted the snow for miles. Unexpected, but absolutely delicious 🧊🥵🧊🥵🧊.
A strange, dark, decadent ride that took some patience at the start, but in the end, I enjoyed it far more than I expected.
With a few missed steps I’m having a blast with this series, the retellings twists are incredible and I’m getting to know author in never read but I’m sure as hell going to ❤️ can’t wait for the rest of them 🤞🙏
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… I’ve officially fallen in love with Lederhosen. 🤣
This book was such a ride! Hansel and Gerhardt’s story had me hooked from start to finish. What makes it even better is how the whole series plays with the German language and twists familiar tales while still weaving them all together through clever crossovers.
It really had everything—an engaging storyline, hilarious banter (Hansel and Gerhardt made me laugh out loud more than once), plenty of spice, and an ending that completely caught me off guard. I also admire how the authors managed to keep the essence of the original story while still creating something entirely new.
Now I’m beyond excited to see what the rest of the series will bring!
This book was such a ride! Hansel and Gerhardt’s story had me hooked from start to finish. What makes it even better is how the whole series plays with the German language and twists familiar tales while still weaving them all together through clever crossovers.
It really had everything—an engaging storyline, hilarious banter (Hansel and Gerhardt made me laugh out loud more than once), plenty of spice, and an ending that completely caught me off guard. I also admire how the authors managed to keep the essence of the original story while still creating something entirely new.
Now I’m beyond excited to see what the rest of the series will bring!
November 28, 2025
3.25⭐️ 2.5🌶️
📝 REVIEW & THOUGHTS:
Interesting writing style, it is dual POV, but not the usual kind. We keep switching POV inside the same chapter, from paragraph to paragraph. Although it wasn’t always easy to understand in who’s head we were at the time.
I gotta say that what I found confusing were some descriptions of actions, like a moment before Hansel’s knees are between Gerhardt’s thighs, and then a moment later Hansel squeezes him with his legs? Make it make sense.
That ending though. I was partially aware of it because of other reviews I’ve read. But still, ewwwww.
🏷️ TROPES & TAGS (possible spoilers):
Genre/subgenre: fairy tale retelling with a supernatural horror flair
Pairing: MM
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: medium
Burn: medium/slow-ish
Vibe/mood: horror-ish, sweet in its twisted way
Pet names: love
Characters’ ages: 22/not mentioned but I assume of similar age
HEA: yes
Book type: novel
Series structure: interconnected standalones
Twisted Hansel and Gretel retelling
Stepbrothers
Journey through the Dark Forest
🌶️ SPICE & K!NKS (possible spoilers):
Strict top/bottom or versatile: vers
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
Handjøbs
Bløwjobs
Food sēx
Rimming
Anāl sēx
Power bottom
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS (‼️possible spoilers‼️):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Breakup: no
OM/OW: no
Hunger, starvation and famine
Poverty
Vıolence and gore
Domestic vıolence (father, past and on page)
Abusıve and vıolent father (on page)
Mentions of dead mothers/parents
Mentions of father abusıng and being vıolent with their moms (past)
Attempted mūrder of MCs by their father
Some suıcidal ideation (comments like “do you think I care if I dıe?”) and mention of past suıcıdal thoughts
Mentions of father pımping out MC’s mom when he was a kid (forcēd sēx work)
Cursed/magic dark forest with horror elements
Cannıbalısm (MCs ate the demon/witch, their father and continued with other bad people after)
Mūrder
Non-graphic animal deāth
Mention of sēxual coercıon of a mınor
😤 LITTLE RANT (‼️spoilers‼️):
I’m still confused how they suddenly had fire to cook the meat, and how they cut it considering they didn’t have a knife.
How did the tie of Gerhardt’s breeches get stuck on Hansel’s erectıon? 🤔 and then it became Hansel’s cøck stuck in Gerhadt’s breeches? 🤔 I’m still confused about this one.
Oh well, I guess don’t ask yourself too many questions 😆
Also, pls don’t eat that much if you’re ever starving, there’s this thing called “refeeding syndrome”. This book totally forgot about that 🙈
I’m not entirely sure I’m into the ending and how they started eatıng people. Totally get the demon/witch situation, but dāmn they didn’t stop 😅
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. Kınks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non kınky books.
📝 REVIEW & THOUGHTS:
Interesting writing style, it is dual POV, but not the usual kind. We keep switching POV inside the same chapter, from paragraph to paragraph. Although it wasn’t always easy to understand in who’s head we were at the time.
I gotta say that what I found confusing were some descriptions of actions, like a moment before Hansel’s knees are between Gerhardt’s thighs, and then a moment later Hansel squeezes him with his legs? Make it make sense.
That ending though. I was partially aware of it because of other reviews I’ve read. But still, ewwwww.
🏷️ TROPES & TAGS (possible spoilers):
Genre/subgenre: fairy tale retelling with a supernatural horror flair
Pairing: MM
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: medium
Burn: medium/slow-ish
Vibe/mood: horror-ish, sweet in its twisted way
Pet names: love
Characters’ ages: 22/not mentioned but I assume of similar age
HEA: yes
Book type: novel
Series structure: interconnected standalones
Twisted Hansel and Gretel retelling
Stepbrothers
Journey through the Dark Forest
🌶️ SPICE & K!NKS (possible spoilers):
Strict top/bottom or versatile: vers
Heat: 3 scenes, medium heat
Handjøbs
Bløwjobs
Food sēx
Rimming
Anāl sēx
Power bottom
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS (‼️possible spoilers‼️):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Breakup: no
OM/OW: no
Hunger, starvation and famine
Poverty
Vıolence and gore
Domestic vıolence (father, past and on page)
Abusıve and vıolent father (on page)
Mentions of dead mothers/parents
Mentions of father abusıng and being vıolent with their moms (past)
Attempted mūrder of MCs by their father
Some suıcidal ideation (comments like “do you think I care if I dıe?”) and mention of past suıcıdal thoughts
Mentions of father pımping out MC’s mom when he was a kid (forcēd sēx work)
Cursed/magic dark forest with horror elements
Cannıbalısm (MCs ate the demon/witch, their father and continued with other bad people after)
Mūrder
Non-graphic animal deāth
Mention of sēxual coercıon of a mınor
😤 LITTLE RANT (‼️spoilers‼️):
I’m still confused how they suddenly had fire to cook the meat, and how they cut it considering they didn’t have a knife.
How did the tie of Gerhardt’s breeches get stuck on Hansel’s erectıon? 🤔 and then it became Hansel’s cøck stuck in Gerhadt’s breeches? 🤔 I’m still confused about this one.
Oh well, I guess don’t ask yourself too many questions 😆
Also, pls don’t eat that much if you’re ever starving, there’s this thing called “refeeding syndrome”. This book totally forgot about that 🙈
I’m not entirely sure I’m into the ending and how they started eatıng people. Totally get the demon/witch situation, but dāmn they didn’t stop 😅
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. Kınks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non kınky books.
September 13, 2025
3.5⭐
The beginning of the story was a bit slow and I already started to lose interest when finally the plot reached the candy house, and the real claustrophobic horror begins. The finale of the events in that house was macabre, decadent, and strange. Part of me loved it, while part of me is here still shaking my head. I don't know. But that's definitely the reason why this originally very mid book is suddenly reaching for the 4th star.
I don't quite feel satisfied about the romance. I'll take some stepbrothers angst and smut any day, and there's bit of something for the people craving for those, but this would not be on top of my recommendations for stepbrothers romance. The most disappointing thing is that even in this creepy fairytale setting I just found it implausible how both of the leads were simultaneously overcome by a sudden lust.
That really was the biggest thing that threw me off in this book. Possibly because so many other things were actually portrayed well - perhaps not always in an enjoyable way, but in a way that felt true. This is a gruesome fairytale, but it's not told in the broad lines of a quick tale around the fire, so when we're really living in these moments, we need a bit more details and feelings, and they need to make sense.
For example, in the beginning Hansel and Gerhardt are experiencing an extreme domestic violence situation which was heavy, but on point with the fairytale setting. In a similar way encountering the candy house and really not being able to resist due to starvation felt realistic. Even the life in the epilogue makes sense even if some steps were skipped there.
I really feel that revamping the beginning of the story with some of the dragged out parts and the instalust would improve this book tremendously. I feel a bit like I was robbed of the buildup (and possibly also some groveling at the end). I'm definitely not hating this pair, I just don't feel that romance is the strongest aspect of this story. (The rapidly shifting PoV could also use some work.) Still, a definite recommendation for anyone curious about some twisted fairytales.
My thanks to the author for the ARC.
The beginning of the story was a bit slow and I already started to lose interest when finally the plot reached the candy house, and the real claustrophobic horror begins. The finale of the events in that house was macabre, decadent, and strange. Part of me loved it, while part of me is here still shaking my head. I don't know. But that's definitely the reason why this originally very mid book is suddenly reaching for the 4th star.
I don't quite feel satisfied about the romance. I'll take some stepbrothers angst and smut any day, and there's bit of something for the people craving for those, but this would not be on top of my recommendations for stepbrothers romance. The most disappointing thing is that even in this creepy fairytale setting I just found it implausible how both of the leads were simultaneously overcome by a sudden lust.
That really was the biggest thing that threw me off in this book. Possibly because so many other things were actually portrayed well - perhaps not always in an enjoyable way, but in a way that felt true. This is a gruesome fairytale, but it's not told in the broad lines of a quick tale around the fire, so when we're really living in these moments, we need a bit more details and feelings, and they need to make sense.
For example, in the beginning Hansel and Gerhardt are experiencing an extreme domestic violence situation which was heavy, but on point with the fairytale setting. In a similar way encountering the candy house and really not being able to resist due to starvation felt realistic. Even the life in the epilogue makes sense even if some steps were skipped there.
I really feel that revamping the beginning of the story with some of the dragged out parts and the instalust would improve this book tremendously. I feel a bit like I was robbed of the buildup (and possibly also some groveling at the end). I'm definitely not hating this pair, I just don't feel that romance is the strongest aspect of this story. (The rapidly shifting PoV could also use some work.) Still, a definite recommendation for anyone curious about some twisted fairytales.
My thanks to the author for the ARC.
September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️This series is turning out to be so good! W H Lockwood plunges us right into the middle of emotion, action and lore as they kick off this tale with an evil father, two men running away to the dense arms of the dark forest that all but swallows them up, is full of horrors at every turn, it’s a harsh fight for survival, some cross overs and landing right in the lap of darkest demon of all.
The pace is fast and gripping, it retains the dark nature of the original brothers Grimm tales and honestly is told very much like an adult fairy tale. Expect things to get uncomfortable and out of the norm. The world building is spectacular and there are sweet emotions swiftly turning to heretofore unrealised deeper feelings and a ton of chemistry, lots of delicious food and chemistry crossing over with some of the food 😋😋!
Did I mention the LoLs … Lockwood writes with a cheeky humour, mostly coming out in Gerhardt’s shenanigans (the hare 🤣) but still imbues all the feels and swoon … Hansel is a born caretaker.
That ending omg I did not know what was going to happen, it just looked so hopeless, but spoiler alert there is an HEA just really really hard won. Loveeeed the epilogue.
Gerhardt is a bit of a brat and jumps in with both feet and Hansel is an angel … a hot, muscular towering wood cutting angel who may be my favourite.. prepare for some epic thighs
The pace is fast and gripping, it retains the dark nature of the original brothers Grimm tales and honestly is told very much like an adult fairy tale. Expect things to get uncomfortable and out of the norm. The world building is spectacular and there are sweet emotions swiftly turning to heretofore unrealised deeper feelings and a ton of chemistry, lots of delicious food and chemistry crossing over with some of the food 😋😋!
Did I mention the LoLs … Lockwood writes with a cheeky humour, mostly coming out in Gerhardt’s shenanigans (the hare 🤣) but still imbues all the feels and swoon … Hansel is a born caretaker.
That ending omg I did not know what was going to happen, it just looked so hopeless, but spoiler alert there is an HEA just really really hard won. Loveeeed the epilogue.
Gerhardt is a bit of a brat and jumps in with both feet and Hansel is an angel … a hot, muscular towering wood cutting angel who may be my favourite.. prepare for some epic thighs
August 31, 2025
”The sight of Hansel drenched in every food imaginable was more than his wildest fantasies come to life. But the way Hansel had suffered for him. Starved for him. And even now, in the centre of this abundance, he had only eyes and mouth for Gerhardt.”
Hansel & Gerhardt is a mouth-wateringly delicious Hansel and Gretel retelling with two step brothers as our main characters 🤤 This story had me hooked from start to finish! There was sexual tension, world building, sneak peeks into the other characters of the GriMM universe, horrors lurking in the dark woods and of course, scrumptious stepbrother smut (let’s just say they make great use out of the whipped cream in the candy house 👅) This tale has me so excited to dive into the rest of this universe of classic fairytale mm retellings 🍭✨
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy, it was my absolute pleasure to read this gem early!
Hansel & Gerhardt is a mouth-wateringly delicious Hansel and Gretel retelling with two step brothers as our main characters 🤤 This story had me hooked from start to finish! There was sexual tension, world building, sneak peeks into the other characters of the GriMM universe, horrors lurking in the dark woods and of course, scrumptious stepbrother smut (let’s just say they make great use out of the whipped cream in the candy house 👅) This tale has me so excited to dive into the rest of this universe of classic fairytale mm retellings 🍭✨
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy, it was my absolute pleasure to read this gem early!
September 4, 2025
“What kind of messed-up fantasy required both Gerhardt and Hansel to walk around half naked doing chores for a demonic creature in the woods?”
Sorry if that is a spoiler, but I think we all know how this particular Grimms’ Fairy Tale goes. However, it has never been re-told this way before. As always, Lockwood’s writing makes me so happy. The balance of horror and humor is unmatched and it shines in this book.
Now, while the major theme of this book is:
“I’ve been so hungry. Please. Feed it to me, Hansel.”
There is also a dark adventure in a magic wood, a few creepy monsters, serious food insecurity and all that that might bring in a house made of candy, and one very loyal step-brother.
Lockwood balanced her abundance of sweet with some very spicy scenes. I have fallen victim to her ability to edge her readers before and her talent is exhibited here again. But don’t worry, the pining finally pays off in a very messy way. She writes smut with the best of them!
Gerhardt thrilled to be scrubbing a floor in lederhosen may be a visual I never forget?
And Hansel might be the most loyal man I have ever read?
Ultimately, I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book and of course Lockwood knocked me right over with the way she creeps me out and makes me swoon from one page to the next. What a perfect start to the spooky season. This was such a fun little tale.
“I see you. Here in my hands. Here and now and all I want. I would be stupid if I didn’t hold on to you.”
Thank you WH Lockwood for this ARC! A pleasure, as always.
Sorry if that is a spoiler, but I think we all know how this particular Grimms’ Fairy Tale goes. However, it has never been re-told this way before. As always, Lockwood’s writing makes me so happy. The balance of horror and humor is unmatched and it shines in this book.
Now, while the major theme of this book is:
“I’ve been so hungry. Please. Feed it to me, Hansel.”
There is also a dark adventure in a magic wood, a few creepy monsters, serious food insecurity and all that that might bring in a house made of candy, and one very loyal step-brother.
Lockwood balanced her abundance of sweet with some very spicy scenes. I have fallen victim to her ability to edge her readers before and her talent is exhibited here again. But don’t worry, the pining finally pays off in a very messy way. She writes smut with the best of them!
Gerhardt thrilled to be scrubbing a floor in lederhosen may be a visual I never forget?
And Hansel might be the most loyal man I have ever read?
Ultimately, I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book and of course Lockwood knocked me right over with the way she creeps me out and makes me swoon from one page to the next. What a perfect start to the spooky season. This was such a fun little tale.
“I see you. Here in my hands. Here and now and all I want. I would be stupid if I didn’t hold on to you.”
Thank you WH Lockwood for this ARC! A pleasure, as always.
August 26, 2025
4.5 stars!
Who hasn't heard the tale of Hansel & Gretel at least once in their life? I'm sure most people have. In the third GriMM Tales book, W.H. Lockwood takes that story, puts her own spin on it and turns it into Hansel & Gerhardt. A funny, but also dark, a tad gory, quite creepy, at times disturbing, and yet utterly enchanting MM romance.
Hansel and Gerhardt are stepbrothers, both fearing their horrible father. When he snaps and comes at them with an axe, the two make their escape and end up in the dark forest. If you've read the previous books in this multi-author series (which you should), then you know that all kinds of things lurk in this forest. Well, you're about to get a bit more up close and personal with the horrors that await in it in this book. This story is, at times, high in creep levels and definitely disturbing, especially once the two reach the candy house owned by Herr Candy. Good lord, that was... Whew. That was something, alright. This story is not for the faint of heart, just saying.
W.H. Lockwood did just a phenomenal job with this one. She perfectly captured the fear and dread and anger Hansel & Gerhardt feel towards their father. I know what it's like to have those feelings when you hear someone come home, and she put it on the page perfectly. And yet the story also never lost its fairy tale feel. From start to finish, the writing was utterly magical. And I loved the humor in it too! There's also a quite humerous scene with a certain wolf from the first book in this series. If you've read Little Red Riding Hood, you know this scene is coming and having read Little Red first made this scene even more hilarious. Seriously though, read the series in order. Just trust me on that.
Fans of fairy tale retellings who don't mind a bit of horror mixed in should definitely check this one out. But... do mind the trigger warnings, lovelies. And if you ever come across a house made of sweets... I don't care how hungry you are, just run. Run far and fast. You'll thank me later.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
Who hasn't heard the tale of Hansel & Gretel at least once in their life? I'm sure most people have. In the third GriMM Tales book, W.H. Lockwood takes that story, puts her own spin on it and turns it into Hansel & Gerhardt. A funny, but also dark, a tad gory, quite creepy, at times disturbing, and yet utterly enchanting MM romance.
Hansel and Gerhardt are stepbrothers, both fearing their horrible father. When he snaps and comes at them with an axe, the two make their escape and end up in the dark forest. If you've read the previous books in this multi-author series (which you should), then you know that all kinds of things lurk in this forest. Well, you're about to get a bit more up close and personal with the horrors that await in it in this book. This story is, at times, high in creep levels and definitely disturbing, especially once the two reach the candy house owned by Herr Candy. Good lord, that was... Whew. That was something, alright. This story is not for the faint of heart, just saying.
W.H. Lockwood did just a phenomenal job with this one. She perfectly captured the fear and dread and anger Hansel & Gerhardt feel towards their father. I know what it's like to have those feelings when you hear someone come home, and she put it on the page perfectly. And yet the story also never lost its fairy tale feel. From start to finish, the writing was utterly magical. And I loved the humor in it too! There's also a quite humerous scene with a certain wolf from the first book in this series. If you've read Little Red Riding Hood, you know this scene is coming and having read Little Red first made this scene even more hilarious. Seriously though, read the series in order. Just trust me on that.
Fans of fairy tale retellings who don't mind a bit of horror mixed in should definitely check this one out. But... do mind the trigger warnings, lovelies. And if you ever come across a house made of sweets... I don't care how hungry you are, just run. Run far and fast. You'll thank me later.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
Incredible. Hilarious.
Listen I don’t know these fairytales tbh, so these twists and turns AND THE ENDING had me screaming WTF!!!!! LOL. I had no idea what was going on ever and it was so great. The birthday candle of it all sent me into fucking orbit. HILARIOUS.
Listen I don’t know these fairytales tbh, so these twists and turns AND THE ENDING had me screaming WTF!!!!! LOL. I had no idea what was going on ever and it was so great. The birthday candle of it all sent me into fucking orbit. HILARIOUS.
September 15, 2025
This is my second favorite book of the year (first place is still LOVE BENEATH THE GUILLOTINE, I’m apparently in love with WH Lockwoods writing! 💖🤣)
This is the third book in the GriMM series, and each one has gotten better and better. They can each be read as a stand alone, but there are bread crumbs in each novel, and character crossovers, so you’ll have a better experience if you read them all in order!
I have read all of the original Grimm fairytales at some point, but Hansel and Gretel is one of the more memorable ones for me. As with the previous novels in the series, they take the story, deconstruct it and then build it back up to fit into this MM Fairytale World. What WH Lockhood has done here is actually insane and I love the changes she made for this retelling. Hansel and Gerhardt are a couple of “Idiots to Lovers” for the ages. Their banter between each other and cluelessness had my chuckling and laughing out loud. “Idiots to Lovers” is my favorite trope in romance, and these two are some of the biggest dumb dumbs ever to be put on page! I just love them! Oh and did I mention, that Hansel has more legs than a bucket of chicken? YUM 🤤
I wasn’t feeling myself when I read this, so it took me a little longer to read. I was so annoyed I just wanted to crawl into this book and finish it asap. Had I been at my best, I know I would’ve devoured this deliciously delectable tale of fuckery in the forest in one sitting.
There are quite a few twists, and some of them may be triggers so check the trigger warning! If you’re a psycho like me and see triggers as “fun tags”, then go forth and read this knowing as little as possible.
This was the most fun I’ve had reading all year, and I will be revisiting this one again in the future. Grab a copy and enjoy the journey.
Thank You to WH Lockwoods and their team for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👬🪓🍭🍬🍫🏡🍫🍬🍭🪓👬
This is the third book in the GriMM series, and each one has gotten better and better. They can each be read as a stand alone, but there are bread crumbs in each novel, and character crossovers, so you’ll have a better experience if you read them all in order!
I have read all of the original Grimm fairytales at some point, but Hansel and Gretel is one of the more memorable ones for me. As with the previous novels in the series, they take the story, deconstruct it and then build it back up to fit into this MM Fairytale World. What WH Lockhood has done here is actually insane and I love the changes she made for this retelling. Hansel and Gerhardt are a couple of “Idiots to Lovers” for the ages. Their banter between each other and cluelessness had my chuckling and laughing out loud. “Idiots to Lovers” is my favorite trope in romance, and these two are some of the biggest dumb dumbs ever to be put on page! I just love them! Oh and did I mention, that Hansel has more legs than a bucket of chicken? YUM 🤤
I wasn’t feeling myself when I read this, so it took me a little longer to read. I was so annoyed I just wanted to crawl into this book and finish it asap. Had I been at my best, I know I would’ve devoured this deliciously delectable tale of fuckery in the forest in one sitting.
There are quite a few twists, and some of them may be triggers so check the trigger warning! If you’re a psycho like me and see triggers as “fun tags”, then go forth and read this knowing as little as possible.
This was the most fun I’ve had reading all year, and I will be revisiting this one again in the future. Grab a copy and enjoy the journey.
Thank You to WH Lockwoods and their team for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👬🪓🍭🍬🍫🏡🍫🍬🍭🪓👬
September 13, 2025
The third installment of the Grimm series, Hansel and Gerhardt, does not disappoint. The story first draws you in by exploring the traumatic relationship between the stepbrothers and their father. Their subsequent adventure into the Black Forest leads to the most agonizing chapters, where they discover the candy house and the warlock who owns it. This part of the story is claustrophobic and psychologically torturous. The book preserves the fairy-tale quality of the narrative but with a delicious twist that is seasoned to perfection.
September 6, 2025
Candy AND cake? Yes please! Hansel and Gerhardt is the next spectacular offering in The GriMM Tales retellings. These guys are definitely sweet as sugar and will have your heart racing like you ate too many sweets while you read. They're fleeing one evil just to end up in one that may be worse. Their relationship is tested and changes and I love it! W. H. Lockwood has done an amazing job with this retelling and I'm definitely going to be indulging in this dessert again!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
August 29, 2025
I was at the edge of my seat the whole time as I gobbled this book up in one sitting. This is one of those five star books that sit with you well after the final page has been read.
This is my first work by W. H. Lockwood and WOW. I’m speechless. The writing was engaging and transported me into the fairytale. Refusing to let me go and urged me to keep turning the page. I laughed, I cried and I yelled at the characters in hopes they would listen to me.
Hansel and Gerhardt are two lovable characters. Their dynamic was fantastic. The bickering was hilarious. Their backstory while tragic was captured in a realistic and human way that made it beautiful telling of their story.
W. H. Lockwood was able to take the source material and really turn it into her own beautiful and magically piece of work while never loosing the fairytale feeling.
This book does have spice, 🌶️ 🌶️.5. I would say explored some darker and heavy themes than the previous books in the GriMM fairytale world, so definitely check the CW before reading. If you are able to read it, it is well worth the read.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
This is my first work by W. H. Lockwood and WOW. I’m speechless. The writing was engaging and transported me into the fairytale. Refusing to let me go and urged me to keep turning the page. I laughed, I cried and I yelled at the characters in hopes they would listen to me.
Hansel and Gerhardt are two lovable characters. Their dynamic was fantastic. The bickering was hilarious. Their backstory while tragic was captured in a realistic and human way that made it beautiful telling of their story.
W. H. Lockwood was able to take the source material and really turn it into her own beautiful and magically piece of work while never loosing the fairytale feeling.
This book does have spice, 🌶️ 🌶️.5. I would say explored some darker and heavy themes than the previous books in the GriMM fairytale world, so definitely check the CW before reading. If you are able to read it, it is well worth the read.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
Loved this one! I really hate horror books and I was pretty concerned about how graphic the gore and cannibalism would get, so I was a little concerned going into the book. But mostly it was a really fun read. There were tense/suspenseful bits, but it was really more interesting that actual horror. The book was nonstop peril for our MCs, with seemingly endless terrors waiting to get them in the Dark Forest. Every scene and danger had so much description:
I also don't like that tree, Gerhardt! I think all the time they spent in near-total darkness just trying to navigate the forest would have messed with my brain haha. It was stressful! The descriptions of the setting, the dangers, their starvation, and the food and candy they had was fantastic. It was just such a fun, captivating book.
For their romance: I enjoyed the two together, even though at times I kinda wanted to smack Gerhardt in the head. He kept jumping ahead into danger, it turns out badly, they barely escape with their lives...then the next moment he's jumping straight into danger again! Geez Gerhardt, you gotta give Hansel a break!
I loved their conversations. These two were ridiculous at times (especially Gerhardt):
I couldn't put it down. I loved these two MCs and I was so glad they found the HEA they had dreamed of.
Shards of bark jutting from root to tip, silvery brown and jagged, corrupt rivulets coated the wood like misshapen scales, all the way to a gaping hollow that loomed black and evil. The edges of the hole were spiked sharp with broken wood that appeared as two rows of enormous teeth grinning back at them. “I also don’t like that tree,” Gerhardt whispered.
I also don't like that tree, Gerhardt! I think all the time they spent in near-total darkness just trying to navigate the forest would have messed with my brain haha. It was stressful! The descriptions of the setting, the dangers, their starvation, and the food and candy they had was fantastic. It was just such a fun, captivating book.
For their romance: I enjoyed the two together, even though at times I kinda wanted to smack Gerhardt in the head. He kept jumping ahead into danger, it turns out badly, they barely escape with their lives...then the next moment he's jumping straight into danger again! Geez Gerhardt, you gotta give Hansel a break!
I loved their conversations. These two were ridiculous at times (especially Gerhardt):
“Your thighs are wonderful!”
The wide eyes gaped at him. “You think they’re wonderful?”
“They’re… uh…” Panic, blinding him to everything but Hansel’s dick and thighs so that he slapped two hands over his eyes, “To a wolf! A wolf! A wolf might think those thighs… Well, I’d sink my teeth into them.”
“You’d…” The gorgeous mouth dropped wide open.
Fuck. That mouth was really gorgeous. And round and hot and… Fuck! “If I was a wolf… If-if I was a wolf, and a hungry wolf. Um.” He strode over to the boar, his back to Hansel and his voice unusually high-pitched. “I’m just saying that if I was a wolf, and if I was hungry, I would definitely eat your thighs. And there’s nothing weird about that!”
“I didn’t say there was.”
“There’s not. That’s normal. We’re all meat out here, after all.”
I couldn't put it down. I loved these two MCs and I was so glad they found the HEA they had dreamed of.
September 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I felt very immersed in Hansel and Gerhardt’s world and their struggle for survival. From their courage to enter the dark forest to escape their abusive murderous father, to their desperate trek through the forest trying not to starve, to surviving their encounter with Herr Candy. These two should’ve died many different times throughout this book but they persevered and ultimately built the life they both craved by the end.
This story is darker and had some disturbing themes so I highly suggest if readers are not used to reading darker books they review the author content warnings.
I found Hansel to be the responsible brother. The more level headed, think before you do and evaluate consequences brother. Gerhardt was more fly by the seat of your pants, spoiled (I don’t know how cause they had nothing but be he had that vibe), instant gratification, the world owes me chip on the shoulder brother. It made for a combative dynamic while they travelled the forrest together trying not to die. It created conflict and problems and really made me go through a gauntlet of feelings as I read the book which I loved.
I read some other reviews and a lot of readers felt the romance between H&G seemed rushed and out of the blue and I totally get where they are coming from. I agree it seemed a little sudden. It didn’t have much build up but I also thought that in their environment they grew up in, they were in constant survival mode, living in a state of fear and starvation so I chalked it up to they can finally breathe a bit being away from their father. It didn’t really detract from the read for me but I can see how it could. I think the emotional roller coaster I felt as they were trapped by Herr Candy negated that for me.
The part of the book where they come across the candy house was my favorite. It was so emotional and devastating. I actually started to wonder if they were going to survive it. Hansel’s devastation during their capture is palpable along with his devotion to saving Gerhardt. The glimpses of clarity from Gerhardt were heart wrenching, the hope given then cruelly taken away. Herr Candy was a villain through and through but in the end, he met his match in H&G.
The cannibalism (seriously, check those triggers) was surprising but didn’t bother me at all and just enhanced the read for me. These are dark times and the kingdom is starving and dying. Even when they are on their feet and making money once you get a taste…😆 I read a lot of dark books so this didn’t even phase me.
This was book 3 in the GriMM Fairytale series and I’ve been loving how the books all intertwine despite each book having different authors. It’s been a great collab so far and the visit from Zel in the epilogue was so fun. Onto the next tale!
This story is darker and had some disturbing themes so I highly suggest if readers are not used to reading darker books they review the author content warnings.
I found Hansel to be the responsible brother. The more level headed, think before you do and evaluate consequences brother. Gerhardt was more fly by the seat of your pants, spoiled (I don’t know how cause they had nothing but be he had that vibe), instant gratification, the world owes me chip on the shoulder brother. It made for a combative dynamic while they travelled the forrest together trying not to die. It created conflict and problems and really made me go through a gauntlet of feelings as I read the book which I loved.
I read some other reviews and a lot of readers felt the romance between H&G seemed rushed and out of the blue and I totally get where they are coming from. I agree it seemed a little sudden. It didn’t have much build up but I also thought that in their environment they grew up in, they were in constant survival mode, living in a state of fear and starvation so I chalked it up to they can finally breathe a bit being away from their father. It didn’t really detract from the read for me but I can see how it could. I think the emotional roller coaster I felt as they were trapped by Herr Candy negated that for me.
The part of the book where they come across the candy house was my favorite. It was so emotional and devastating. I actually started to wonder if they were going to survive it. Hansel’s devastation during their capture is palpable along with his devotion to saving Gerhardt. The glimpses of clarity from Gerhardt were heart wrenching, the hope given then cruelly taken away. Herr Candy was a villain through and through but in the end, he met his match in H&G.
The cannibalism (seriously, check those triggers) was surprising but didn’t bother me at all and just enhanced the read for me. These are dark times and the kingdom is starving and dying. Even when they are on their feet and making money once you get a taste…😆 I read a lot of dark books so this didn’t even phase me.
This was book 3 in the GriMM Fairytale series and I’ve been loving how the books all intertwine despite each book having different authors. It’s been a great collab so far and the visit from Zel in the epilogue was so fun. Onto the next tale!
September 1, 2025
Too many emotions. 😭 I laughed, I teared up, I grinned like a fool because Hansel and Gerhardt were just so ridiculously adorable together. Their bond was powerful, messy, complicated, and yet utterly beautiful. 💕 The ending? Completely unexpected and absolutely amazing—I sat there stunned and smiling through tears.
This story took me on a wild ride through dark woods, hungry wolves, twisted magic, and a candy house that was far more dangerous (and delicious 🍭) than it first appeared. Oh look, a house made entirely of sweets—what could possibly go wrong, right? Well, plenty. From the moment their abusive father snapped and chased them into the forest with an axe, Hansel and Gerhardt’s lives became one dangerous adventure after another. 🌲⚔️ What surprised me most was how their hatred, guilt, and misunderstandings slowly unraveled into something far deeper, softer, and breathtakingly passionate.
The way the German language wove itself through the story made everything feel richer, like a nod to the roots of the fairytale. 🇩🇪 And when characters from the previous stories made their appearance, I actually squealed—it tied everything together in such a magical way. ✨ The crossovers in this series are one of my favorite parts, and they made this story feel even bigger than just Hansel and Gerhardt’s journey.
What also blew me away was the balance:
• Hilarious banter (these two made me laugh out loud more than once 😂).
• Intense spice (let’s just say whipped cream will never look the same again 😏🍦).
• Heart-clutching angst (my chest actually hurt for them 💔).
• And a plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.
📚 Tropes you’ll find in here:
💥 Enemies to Lovers
🫣 Forbidden Romance (stepbrothers)
🔥 Forced Proximity (survival in the woods)
🌲 Dark Fairytale Retelling
✨ Hidden Softness under all the bickering
🍬 Candy house chaos (with extra spice!)
This book was everything I could have hoped for in a Hansel and Gretel retelling and more—spicy, emotional, clever, and so deliciously queer. Now I’m beyond excited to see what the rest of the series will bring!
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy—it was an absolute pleasure to fall headfirst into this gem early. 💖
This story took me on a wild ride through dark woods, hungry wolves, twisted magic, and a candy house that was far more dangerous (and delicious 🍭) than it first appeared. Oh look, a house made entirely of sweets—what could possibly go wrong, right? Well, plenty. From the moment their abusive father snapped and chased them into the forest with an axe, Hansel and Gerhardt’s lives became one dangerous adventure after another. 🌲⚔️ What surprised me most was how their hatred, guilt, and misunderstandings slowly unraveled into something far deeper, softer, and breathtakingly passionate.
The way the German language wove itself through the story made everything feel richer, like a nod to the roots of the fairytale. 🇩🇪 And when characters from the previous stories made their appearance, I actually squealed—it tied everything together in such a magical way. ✨ The crossovers in this series are one of my favorite parts, and they made this story feel even bigger than just Hansel and Gerhardt’s journey.
What also blew me away was the balance:
• Hilarious banter (these two made me laugh out loud more than once 😂).
• Intense spice (let’s just say whipped cream will never look the same again 😏🍦).
• Heart-clutching angst (my chest actually hurt for them 💔).
• And a plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.
📚 Tropes you’ll find in here:
💥 Enemies to Lovers
🫣 Forbidden Romance (stepbrothers)
🔥 Forced Proximity (survival in the woods)
🌲 Dark Fairytale Retelling
✨ Hidden Softness under all the bickering
🍬 Candy house chaos (with extra spice!)
This book was everything I could have hoped for in a Hansel and Gretel retelling and more—spicy, emotional, clever, and so deliciously queer. Now I’m beyond excited to see what the rest of the series will bring!
Huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy—it was an absolute pleasure to fall headfirst into this gem early. 💖
September 15, 2025
As the GriMM series continues, WH Lockwood doesn't disappoint. This book is everything I love about her writing and I've loved it since the first page.
Lockwood manages to make a fairytale gruesome, scary, and wonderful. (Yes, I know the original Grimm fairytales are full of horror. This book wouldn't be out of place on the same shelf.)
There's really not a lot more to say. Emotions run high, conflicts are devastating, the horror is creative, and there's not a boring moment. In other words, this is like Monstrous Travels. (I loved that one so much that I'm *still* playing Stardew Valley as Percy Ashdown. And yes, you should read that too.)
Thank you to WH Lockwood and the rest of the GriMM Authors for the eARC!
Lockwood manages to make a fairytale gruesome, scary, and wonderful. (Yes, I know the original Grimm fairytales are full of horror. This book wouldn't be out of place on the same shelf.)
There's really not a lot more to say. Emotions run high, conflicts are devastating, the horror is creative, and there's not a boring moment. In other words, this is like Monstrous Travels. (I loved that one so much that I'm *still* playing Stardew Valley as Percy Ashdown. And yes, you should read that too.)
Thank you to WH Lockwood and the rest of the GriMM Authors for the eARC!
September 16, 2025
Book 3 in the Grimm tale series brings us the stepbrothers Hansel and Gerhardt.
This one surpassed my expectations ❤️. Hansel's kind, sweet, and innocent nature makes him a gentle giant in many ways. Gerhardt, meanwhile, is driven by passion and fire, sometimes acting without thinking, but Hansel will always stand by him, no matter what.
This retelling brings some of the classic story with some fun and, in this case, a taboo twist that I personally could not wait to read. The plot, story building, and spice were all perfectly written and balanced to leave you loving the characters and wishing for even more.
This one surpassed my expectations ❤️. Hansel's kind, sweet, and innocent nature makes him a gentle giant in many ways. Gerhardt, meanwhile, is driven by passion and fire, sometimes acting without thinking, but Hansel will always stand by him, no matter what.
This retelling brings some of the classic story with some fun and, in this case, a taboo twist that I personally could not wait to read. The plot, story building, and spice were all perfectly written and balanced to leave you loving the characters and wishing for even more.
September 18, 2025
Another amazing book in an amazing series!
Hansel and Gerhardt are stepbrothers living under the iron fist of Hansel’s father. For most of the time, they only have each other. At other times, they have their father: a cruel man who works them to the bone and gives very little in return. Hansel is willing to take anything on himself, but it tears him apart to see Gerhardt being treated so badly. Until one day he’s had enough, and he and Gerhardt take their chances in the fabled dark forest.
With danger at every turn, they start to realize how much they truly depend on each other, and how much they care about each other.
Then they stumble upon a dream for two starving men: a house made completely of sweets. What starts as a dream quickly becomes a nightmare, as they discover the horrible downfalls of magic.
Their story is full of banter, snark, steamy scenes, threats, and…candy!
It’s a sexy, gay twist on the original fairytale, with some really fun Easter eggs from previous books (and some really good thighs!)
Thank you to WH for the arc!
*arc provided in return for honest review
Hansel and Gerhardt are stepbrothers living under the iron fist of Hansel’s father. For most of the time, they only have each other. At other times, they have their father: a cruel man who works them to the bone and gives very little in return. Hansel is willing to take anything on himself, but it tears him apart to see Gerhardt being treated so badly. Until one day he’s had enough, and he and Gerhardt take their chances in the fabled dark forest.
With danger at every turn, they start to realize how much they truly depend on each other, and how much they care about each other.
Then they stumble upon a dream for two starving men: a house made completely of sweets. What starts as a dream quickly becomes a nightmare, as they discover the horrible downfalls of magic.
Their story is full of banter, snark, steamy scenes, threats, and…candy!
It’s a sexy, gay twist on the original fairytale, with some really fun Easter eggs from previous books (and some really good thighs!)
Thank you to WH for the arc!
*arc provided in return for honest review
September 8, 2025
Hansel's and Gerhardt's life has been hard. Abused and almost starved to death by their father, they take a chance and flee into the Dark Forest. Even more danger awaits the step brothers there, worst of all, Herr Candy who lures them in and almost destroys their newly blooming relationship.
I had such a good time reading this retelling!! Hansel and Gerhardt are put through the wringer again and again (everyone who read a book by W. H. Lockwood before might not be surprised 😂) but come through on the other side, thanks to their special bond and their growing feelings for each other. I LOVED the ending, hehe.
The GriMM Tales is such a fantastic series and I can't wait to read all the other books set in this world 🥰
I had such a good time reading this retelling!! Hansel and Gerhardt are put through the wringer again and again (everyone who read a book by W. H. Lockwood before might not be surprised 😂) but come through on the other side, thanks to their special bond and their growing feelings for each other. I LOVED the ending, hehe.
The GriMM Tales is such a fantastic series and I can't wait to read all the other books set in this world 🥰
September 8, 2025
Hansel and Gerhardt is part of the multi author The GriMM Tales series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the MM retelling of Hansel and Gretel. This is the story of Hansel and Gerhardt who are step brothers. They both think the other hates them but you never really know until their father snaps. I couldn't put this book down once I started. I just love the characters and world building that went into this book. I loved the spice level in the story. We get so much so much in this book, humor, fear, spice, and surprises. This whole series is just perfect. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
September 4, 2025
Ok, NOW we finally reached the darker part of these dark romances. I dig it. My parents would be shocked and appalled. Great stuff. Hansel and Gerhardt is the first book in the GriMM Tales series that I knew was going to exist and I have WH Lockwood to thank for this entire journey as a result. This book gave me a big plot twist at the end and my mouth was agape lol.
Honestly, I love a stepbrothers to lovers story when they’ve essentially been enemies the entire time. Just enough separation to keep me from rewriting the circumstances in my head. And as a fellow member of the thick thighs club, Hansel is my fave! Even the animals get it so you know he’s got some incredible legs. H and G are so protective of each other (mostly). And it’s SO much fun recognizing other characters as they’re mentioned!!
I received a copy of this book from the author, WH Lockwood, via the GriMM Tales ARC team and this is my honest review. Whew lawd, it’s 5 stars with just a smidge of a side eye from me.
Honestly, I love a stepbrothers to lovers story when they’ve essentially been enemies the entire time. Just enough separation to keep me from rewriting the circumstances in my head. And as a fellow member of the thick thighs club, Hansel is my fave! Even the animals get it so you know he’s got some incredible legs. H and G are so protective of each other (mostly). And it’s SO much fun recognizing other characters as they’re mentioned!!
I received a copy of this book from the author, WH Lockwood, via the GriMM Tales ARC team and this is my honest review. Whew lawd, it’s 5 stars with just a smidge of a side eye from me.
September 6, 2025
Trauma bonding, forbidden romance, and sensual food play? These boys are downright delectable.
Don't read on an empty stomach...The saccharine sins in these pages take no prisoners. I had to break out my emotional support caramel apple or risk throwing my wallet at the nearest bakery.
I noticed the GriMM crossovers more often in this book. While these are standalones, I like the flow of reading in release order so far. After reading Little Red and Zel, these more obvious intersections felt like a natural progression of the series.
I'm planning to read the Little Red x Hansel and Gerhardt short, A Bite for a Bite, next...and I'm already salivating.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Don't read on an empty stomach...The saccharine sins in these pages take no prisoners. I had to break out my emotional support caramel apple or risk throwing my wallet at the nearest bakery.
I noticed the GriMM crossovers more often in this book. While these are standalones, I like the flow of reading in release order so far. After reading Little Red and Zel, these more obvious intersections felt like a natural progression of the series.
I'm planning to read the Little Red x Hansel and Gerhardt short, A Bite for a Bite, next...and I'm already salivating.
Thanks so much to the author for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
December 7, 2025
I’m just reading this series based on vibes, since I started with Snow White (the last book) and now I’ve read this one. I was excited and had high hopes going in, and not only were my hopes met, but this book blew me out of the park! Reading this book felt like every single page was made for me. Gerhardt might be one of my favorite fictional characters ever. Everything he did was like looking in the mirror: his rage, his insecurities, his tenderness beneath it all. Every character whose coping mechanism is to lash out goes straight into my pocket. Gerhardt says hi to Dean Winchester and Kaz Brekker. Now moving on!
The way these two loved each other was so beautiful. The absolute devotion of them both. I loved the scene of them swimming in the river. The wholesomeness of it and them finally getting to spend quality time away from their abuser. That was honestly the best part of this story was getting to know them and watching them get to know each other. I knew I was absolutely smitten with this book when Gerhardt was examining the magical leaf and Hansel thought “He couldn't recall ever having seen such curiosity and wonder in those eyes”.
I can’t forget Hansel with his fierce protectiveness and his big ol heart. He was such a golden retriever and his unwavering loyalty to Gerhardt made me melt. I could go on and on about the smut scenes! Gerhardt spoiling and praising Hansel while they did it on the table of treats made me so happy. He absolutely deserved that!!
Also the last bit of the book!? Them becoming cannibal vigilantes was amazing!! The ending was perfect! A bit of humor, smut, cannibalism, love, and all together a happy ending. I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m on an absolute roll with this series. I’m not sure if I’ll dive into another one next or take things slow and steady. I just know I’m reading every single one of them!
The way these two loved each other was so beautiful. The absolute devotion of them both. I loved the scene of them swimming in the river. The wholesomeness of it and them finally getting to spend quality time away from their abuser. That was honestly the best part of this story was getting to know them and watching them get to know each other. I knew I was absolutely smitten with this book when Gerhardt was examining the magical leaf and Hansel thought “He couldn't recall ever having seen such curiosity and wonder in those eyes”.
I can’t forget Hansel with his fierce protectiveness and his big ol heart. He was such a golden retriever and his unwavering loyalty to Gerhardt made me melt. I could go on and on about the smut scenes! Gerhardt spoiling and praising Hansel while they did it on the table of treats made me so happy. He absolutely deserved that!!
Also the last bit of the book!? Them becoming cannibal vigilantes was amazing!! The ending was perfect! A bit of humor, smut, cannibalism, love, and all together a happy ending. I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m on an absolute roll with this series. I’m not sure if I’ll dive into another one next or take things slow and steady. I just know I’m reading every single one of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
2,5 ⭐️ great banter, very spooky dark forest and that house of horrors… damn. After that though, the way they dealt with the situation, I couldn’t stomach certain things. It went downhill from there.
November 16, 2025
The first half of this book is pretty normal dark fairy tale. The second half is the kind of Weird the I live for.
September 7, 2025
oh W.H Lockwood my dairy lube QUEEN
Another really fun book in this series. and that ending, DAMN I loved it.
spooky, gory, macabre and perfect for the season!!!!
also tiny leather lederhosen? slay
3.75
Another really fun book in this series. and that ending, DAMN I loved it.
spooky, gory, macabre and perfect for the season!!!!
also tiny leather lederhosen? slay
3.75
September 4, 2025
what crack are you on Lockwood. pass it around. RTC
September 30, 2025
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Why was this so much scarier or intense than any other retellings of Hansel and Gretel I’ve ever encountered!? If you enjoy macabre, you’ll enjoy this (VERY) twisted remix. However, if torture porn is a turn off for you; I cannot recommend avoiding this one enough.
I put in genuine effort to finish this book. It was really difficult for me to enjoy, mainly due to the content. I’m not a fan of certain… kinks. Step sibling tropes are a chore for me to not spend the entire time cringing through. The fact that Hansel and Gerhardt are not biologically related (sharing one parent) as so many step brother cests are, made this much more palatable for me. Imagining Hansel and Gerhardt as childhood friends rather than siblings was also helpful.
Generally speaking, I don’t read horror. Suspense? Sure. But not on this level. This book got dark. And scary. I needed to step back a few times before proceeding, I was so uncomfortable. To my chagrin, readers are immersed in the twisted game Herr Candy plays out with the boys. I felt like Candy was crawling through my doorway while reading those scenes. I suppose this means W. H. Lockwood is a very talented author if they can evoke such emotion from me?
It’s unclear to me why trigger warnings, even for ARC copies, were not as thorough as they should have been. There’s unsurprisingly quite a lot of domestic violence in classic fairytale literature, so that was to be expected (and is mentioned in the content warning). What I was NOT expecting, however, was the cannibalism. I would have greatly appreciated a bit of forewarning. Yes, I imagine it’s not included in the content warnings as a potential spoiler, but I feel like readers may just assume that warning is for Candy (whose character is a canonical cannibal). But I digress.
Triggers and personal feelings aside, this was a solid read for me. Honestly, the boys could have stumbled upon the house right after escaping their father and no character growth would have been lost. Their escape through the forest was tedious and angsty (and not in the good way) and I found my mind wandering (and wondering) when they were gonna stop whining and pining and start fucking. Candy preying upon both boys’ insecurities was deliciously cruel. And as much as I struggled with the horror, I loved reading their love blossom through adversity. That was a shining beacon through the darkness, for me. Hansel’s desperation to outwit Candy and save Gerhardt. Gerhardt’s internal battle to overcome Candy’s mind control.
I don’t know what’s scarier: the torture of watching my loved one being manipulated or being tortured through manipulation.
We love a power bottom and submissive top. And we of course love a vers. Their victory session after Candy is defeated was so satisfying. Well, almost. I was not expecting cannibalism as the cherry on top. I suppose I understand when they were on the verge of starvation just days ago… but how are they fucking while Candy’s still screaming in the oven!? What!? And the epilogue!? 25 murders!? You’ve eaten 25 people!? WTAF!? I don’t know, that felt forced for shock factor. Hansel is disgusted when he learns that Candy has murdered and eaten countless people, so it’s rather hypocritical to immediately turn around and do the same. Even if it’s someone who has tortured and abused you.
While a bit unconventional, another worthy addition to the GriMM universe.
Your Esteemed Reviewer
Why was this so much scarier or intense than any other retellings of Hansel and Gretel I’ve ever encountered!? If you enjoy macabre, you’ll enjoy this (VERY) twisted remix. However, if torture porn is a turn off for you; I cannot recommend avoiding this one enough.
I put in genuine effort to finish this book. It was really difficult for me to enjoy, mainly due to the content. I’m not a fan of certain… kinks. Step sibling tropes are a chore for me to not spend the entire time cringing through. The fact that Hansel and Gerhardt are not biologically related (sharing one parent) as so many step brother cests are, made this much more palatable for me. Imagining Hansel and Gerhardt as childhood friends rather than siblings was also helpful.
Generally speaking, I don’t read horror. Suspense? Sure. But not on this level. This book got dark. And scary. I needed to step back a few times before proceeding, I was so uncomfortable. To my chagrin, readers are immersed in the twisted game Herr Candy plays out with the boys. I felt like Candy was crawling through my doorway while reading those scenes. I suppose this means W. H. Lockwood is a very talented author if they can evoke such emotion from me?
It’s unclear to me why trigger warnings, even for ARC copies, were not as thorough as they should have been. There’s unsurprisingly quite a lot of domestic violence in classic fairytale literature, so that was to be expected (and is mentioned in the content warning). What I was NOT expecting, however, was the cannibalism. I would have greatly appreciated a bit of forewarning. Yes, I imagine it’s not included in the content warnings as a potential spoiler, but I feel like readers may just assume that warning is for Candy (whose character is a canonical cannibal). But I digress.
Triggers and personal feelings aside, this was a solid read for me. Honestly, the boys could have stumbled upon the house right after escaping their father and no character growth would have been lost. Their escape through the forest was tedious and angsty (and not in the good way) and I found my mind wandering (and wondering) when they were gonna stop whining and pining and start fucking. Candy preying upon both boys’ insecurities was deliciously cruel. And as much as I struggled with the horror, I loved reading their love blossom through adversity. That was a shining beacon through the darkness, for me. Hansel’s desperation to outwit Candy and save Gerhardt. Gerhardt’s internal battle to overcome Candy’s mind control.
I don’t know what’s scarier: the torture of watching my loved one being manipulated or being tortured through manipulation.
We love a power bottom and submissive top. And we of course love a vers. Their victory session after Candy is defeated was so satisfying. Well, almost. I was not expecting cannibalism as the cherry on top. I suppose I understand when they were on the verge of starvation just days ago… but how are they fucking while Candy’s still screaming in the oven!? What!? And the epilogue!? 25 murders!? You’ve eaten 25 people!? WTAF!? I don’t know, that felt forced for shock factor. Hansel is disgusted when he learns that Candy has murdered and eaten countless people, so it’s rather hypocritical to immediately turn around and do the same. Even if it’s someone who has tortured and abused you.
While a bit unconventional, another worthy addition to the GriMM universe.
Your Esteemed Reviewer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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