Beyond the Cottage

by Kristen Handevidt

Once upon a time, a boy and girl escaped a child-eating witch, but the fairytale didn’t end there.

It’s been fourteen years since Gretta and the boy she loved fled a witch, and it broke her heart that she never saw him again. Now she dedicates her life to destroying magic and hunting the evil crones who wield it. When a hunt goes wrong, Gretta wakes in a crumbling prison and discovers she’s captive…again. This time, to a man as arresting as he is sinister, one whose haunted eyes dredge up memories she thought she’d buried.

Ansel never wanted to be a villain, but after spending years trapped by a wicked witch and losing the girl who helped him survive it, he’ll do anything to complete his anti-magic research. Even steal from a woman and lock her in his dungeon. But Ansel doesn’t expect to be so captivated by his prisoner—or to have the uncanny sense he’s met her before.

When the truth is revealed, past affection and newly smoldering attraction blur the lines between love and hate. But the battle between Gretta’s wrath and Ansel’s regret could destroy a bond that once seemed unbreakable.

Beyond the Cottage is a Hansel and Gretel romantasy retelling, but if they weren’t siblings and they grew up without each other. It’s the first in a series about storybook characters falling in love once the fairytale is over, and it can be read as a standalone. Look for slow burn with a high-heat payoff, no cliffhanger, and HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings

Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

I write romance novels inspired by Grimm fairytales, 80s fantasy movies, and all things dark and whimsical.

By day, I sell vintage clothing on the internet and write scripts for a podcast about cults. I grew up in Wisconsin (GPG!) and live in Chicago with my husband and two tuxedo cats.

Reviews

[Tanisha FantasyBooksandBudgets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE lover of fairytale retellings, and this book did NOT disappoint. Highly recommend!

The tension, the angst, and the banter are SO well done.
The story is so original while still following the fairytale, and I was fully immersed in this world.
The trauma representation is on point, and I loved seeing these characters develop and grow.
It is a slow burn but was so worth the wait 🥵

[Alisha Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond The Cottage is a Hansel & Gretel retelling with a twist! The two main characters aren’t siblings in this book but were once co-captives of the witch’s cottage of horrors. The story actually takes place years later, after the two main characters have escaped and returned to their families. After years of being separated, they reconnect in an unconventional way, as enemies on opposite sides of the law.

When I initially decide to read this, I was super intrigued. I love fairytale retellings with an adult twist. This story was all that and more.Then I started reading and for me, it was a slow go. That being said, it wasn’t a bad time.

Did I enjoy this book? Sure, it was well written and the story was definitely unique. There was fantastic chemistry between the two main characters and the characters were well developed. There was banter and angst and villainous deeds. All good characteristics of a book I want to read.

So what made it a slow read? Thanks for asking, I will be glad to elaborate on that! First let me preface by saying that I absolutely LOVE a slow burn, enemies to lovers situationship. Love them! In fact, they’re my favorite books to read. This book though! THIS. BOOK! This was 10000% the slowest slow burn, in the history of slow burns, to slow burn ever! The build up started early on and it felt like 84 years passed before it got to ignition. Then, it immediately flickered out, only to start again, and again. Rinse and repeat. All the edging eventually paid off, but mylanta it seemed never ending.

That aside, the story was good. The two main characters have shared trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms with which to deal with them, but they persevere. I enjoyed their journey and the unique representation. There was good plot and maybe a chili 🌶️ and a half of spice, though that spice was well deserved and hard fought to get.
If you love a never-ending slow burn, then this is the book for you. It just threw me for a loop.

This would’ve been a four star read for me had the on again off again slow burn not going from hot to cold over and over. It threw me out of sync with the story, which in turn took me way longer to finish reading it. I got bored and I hate that because otherwise the book was great. That may be a me thing and not an author thing. Unfortunately, what should’ve taken me a day to read ended up taking me five days because I didn’t want to give up on it. Ultimately, I’m glad I finished it and I’ll continue the series for sure.

[Caty Rogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Beyond the Cottage, and wow—this book absolutely blew me away. Handevidt has crafted an incredible, one-of-a-kind world and proven herself a master of the fairytale retelling. Her twist on Hansel and Gretel isn’t just clever—it’s wholly original and entirely her own.

This romantasy has everything I crave: tension, high stakes, immersive magic, and a cast of secondary characters I couldn’t stop thinking about—some I adored, others I loved to hate.

And the romance? It’s the perfect mix of spice, second-chance sweetness, and slow-burn tension. Handevidt takes you on a full emotional journey before delivering a HEA that felt so satisfying.

I can’t wait to see what else Handevidt has in store for us as she continues this series, and digs into "after the fairytale" for other classics.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Gretta and Ansel escaped the clutches of a cannibal witch. Since then, Gretta has become a seasoned witch hunter with a drinking problem, and Ansel has become a morally bankrupt scientist determined to develop anti-magic defenses. When a witch hunt goes wrong, Gretta is kidnapped and held hostage by none other than Ansel for his illicit pixie dust operation. Once the two realize their connection, they have to work together to bring Ansel's magic repellant to the general public. But can either of them move past Gretta's rage or Ansel's guilt?

Beyond the Cottage is an extremely creative take on Hansel and Gretel after they have grown up. The story takes a detailed look at the long term effects of childhood trauma, survivors guilt, and coping mechanisms while still telling an enjoyable tale of forgiveness and healing. A complex book with fantastic characterization.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[book._.lover2210 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Cottage is a fairy tale reimagining with heart, depth, and just the right amount of swoon. Kristen Handevidt takes the bones of Hansel and Gretel and gives them an adult twist—this time, Hansel and Gretel aren’t siblings, but two survivors forever connected by a childhood trauma that shaped who they became.

Years later, fate brings them back together, and what unfolds is the slowest of slow burns (in the best possible way). The chemistry crackles just beneath the surface, and the banter is sharp, witty, and full of emotion. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for healing as much as you root for love.

What I adored most was how the author wove in fairy tale nostalgia while still creating something entirely her own—haunting yet hopeful, sweet yet layered with depth. If you love second chances, found family, and slow-burn romance that lingers, Beyond the Cottage is a must-read.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I am so happy I was able to read and review Beyond The Cottage! This Hansel and Gretel retelling was so very good! I’ve had a lot of 2- and 3-star reads lately, so I was thrilled to find something worthy of 5 stars ⭐️ This book was so much more emotional than I was expecting and the author did a great job of handling the trauma Ansel and Gretta experienced. I love how much the MCs grow throughout the book. The plot was super imaginative and the world-building was wonderful. The sex scenes were so hot because they were soooo descriptive. The BJ tutorial scene? 🥵 I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Well done!

I received a copy of Beyond The Cottage from BookSirens and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Matt Stroud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t even know that this genre — whatever the sub genre of fantasy that this inhabits in the Amazon category scheme or whatever — existed. And then I read this book and it opened my eyes to a new world of writing that I now can’t stop thinking about.

“Beyond The Cottage” is a well-crafted, genre-defying, thoughtful, complicated, often funny and surprising work of literature. You should read it.

[Sarah Heinbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve honestly rarely found a fairytale retelling that I enjoyed until I read this book. The characters were messy, broken and traumatized and were so at odds with each other. I loved how throughout the story, they made their way back to each other, while still healing, but promising to work through their past as a couple.

This book was engaging and kept me hooked the entire time. I‘m so looking forward to the next book ✨

Thank you Kristen and Booksirens for this arc 🫶🏻

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm having trouble deciding whether I liked this book or not. I'm a fan of any sort of fairytale retelling or fairytale inspired book, so that aspect of the book is what sparked my interest. This book had sort of a different take on a fairytale inspired book, which is what initially intrigued me. It was described as Hansel and Gretel inspired, but what if they were never siblings and the events take place years after they escape the cottage. I liked the idea of the book because it seemed like something new I that I wasn't expecting the setting to be so contemporary and modern so it kind of threw me off a bit when I first started the book. It took me a bit to warm up to, and I liked that there were different magical beings, but I think I just wasn't into the overarching plot of the book all that much. I also feel like it leaned a bit heavy on the smut for my liking, and I didn't like the back and forth with the relationship between the main characters. There were ideas and moments that I really enjoyed, but I didn't consistently enjoy the book. I'm not sure if this is one where I would pick up the sequel. It wasn't bad, just not really what I was expecting, and I think that's the reason I feel a bit unsure about this book.

[Flor PL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 de 5

"I can't believe it turned out like this. How the hell did you end up as the villain of our story?"

forgive each other, learn to heal, but in between they have adventures worthy of a fairy tale, with lovable characters and not much, as they decide whether to be honest or not, with a dynamic that I adored.
I was only annoyed by so many twists in their personal relationship, they were the ones that made me have to pause to keep reading.
Pd: I'm really looking forward to reading Seven and Brand's book.
A retelling?
Yes, a very well worked one.
Ansel and Gretta have the same childhood trauma that marked them forever, but they never see each other again.
Only now it seems that destiny got bored, because years later they cross paths in the most villainous way possible and the chemistry is there from the second zero, even with the dust thief.
Everything is slow, very slow but always on the verge of breaking those lines, throwing everything up in the air because of its tension.
What I did like a lot were the descriptions of the world of these characters, although I know I'm missing information (which can easily be given in future books).
The story comes together as they recognize each other, broken and traumatized. They hate each other, love each other, desire each other, forgive each other, learn to heal, but in between they have adventures worthy of a fairy tale, with lovable characters and not much, as they decide whether to be honest or not, with a dynamic that I adored.
I was only annoyed by so many twists in their personal relationship, they were the ones that made me have to pause to keep reading.
Pd: I'm really looking forward to reading Seven and Brand's book.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

°°°°°
"No puedo creer que resultara así. ¿Cómo demonios terminaste como el villano de nuestra historia?"

¿Un retelling?
Sí, uno muy bien trabajado.
Ansel y Gretta tienen el mismo trauma de la infancia que los marcó para siempre, pero nunca se volvieron a ver.
Sólo que ahora parece que el destino se aburrió, porque años después se cruzan de la forma más villana posible y la química está ahí desde el segundo cero, incluso con el ladrón de polvo.
Todo es lento, muy lento pero siempre a punto de romper esas líneas, lanzando todo al aire por su tensión.
Lo que sí me gustó mucho fueron las descripciones del mundo de estos personajes, aunque sé que me falta información (que fácilmente se puede dar en futuros libros).
La historia va encajando a medida que se van reconociendo, rotos y traumatizados. Se odian, se aman, se desean, se perdonan, aprenden a sanar, pero en el medio tienen aventuras dignas de un cuento de hadas, con personajes queribles y no mucho, mientras deciden si ser honestos o no, con una dinámica que adoré.
Solo me molestaron tantos giros en su relación personal, fueron los que me hicieron tener que hacer una pausa para seguir leyendo.
Pd: Tengo muchas ganas de leer el libro de Seven y Brand.

[Lise · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a fairytale retelling lover, I was delighted to pick up this unique take on Hansel and Gretel. However, the cover vastly led me astray. The character depictions are not accurate (they're like a foot apart in height for one thing) and this is not the sweet, romantic pairing I was expecting. The FMC is vulgar but in a way that she's like a teenager trying hard to prove she's mature enough to be an adult. It's completely unbelievable that she's twenty-six. She uses cursing, particularly religious based curses which makes no sense because there's no religion in the story, to appear gritty but it really just makes her unlikeable. On top of this character flaw, she and the MMC barely have an ounce of self control, and this in combination with the fear of being vulnerable, honest, and communicative leads us to having a bunch of back and forth reiterations rather than an actual story. There were moments of excitement where we were finally getting somewhere new only to be flung back into their nonsense once again.
I am curious to discover further about Nat and his future. This author definitely has potential. I would love to see more with the protective layers stripped away and really diving into the hearts of these characters without all the armor holding them back.
Recommended for those who enjoy more spice than plot and who don't mind morally gray characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Romi Is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌲✨ 4/5 stars
Reading Beyond the Cottage by Kristen Handevidt felt like stepping into a misty fairytale woods… except instead of skipping along in a ball gown, you’re running barefoot, heart pounding, chasing something that might just break you open in the best way.

This is a fairytale retelling with claws—angsty, a little prickly, a lot emotional. The vibes? Immaculate. I wanted to wrap myself in the banter and tension like a blanket and never come out. There's pain, there's longing, and oh yes—there's that delicious thread of slow-burning "will-they-won't-they" that had me yelling at my Kindle at 1AM. (Spoiler: they will, obviously.)

I ate it up. Kristen really said, “You want romance, tension, and a little ache? Here, cry about it.”

But okay, full honesty? The pacing dipped a few times—like we were sprinting, then suddenly wading through syrup. I wanted just a little more space for some plot points to breathe. Still, the characters stole the show and made me forgive every flaw. (Except that one twist—I’m still side-eyeing that.)

If you're into fairytales with bite, slow burns that make you scream, and stories that blur the line between hurt and healing… this one's for you.

✨ Save it for your next moody weekend read. Just don’t blame me when you’re sleep-deprived and emotionally wrecked.

Thank you that I was able to read this as part of ARC readers.

[Dionne Muller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Beyond the Cottage," the first book in Kristen Handevidt's "After the Fairytale" series, the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel is reimagined in a dark, gritty, and utterly captivating way.

Rather than siblings, Hansel and Gretel are unrelated youths who, after narrowly escaping their harrowing ordeal at the witch's cottage, go their separate ways only to cross paths again years later under the most volatile of circumstances. Gretel has grown into a hardened, whiskey-swilling witch hunter, relentlessly pursuing practitioners of the dark arts, while Ansel, brilliant but ethically unmoored, pushes the boundaries of science in unsettling ways.

Handevidt's richly developed world and complex, flawed characters immediately draw the reader in as the protagonists' fraught reunion unfolds with all the explosive tension of a powder keg ignited. Though the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc occasionally meanders, the story remains a compulsively readable page-turner thanks to the author's vividly evocative prose and deft pacing.

A thought-provoking meditation on trauma, morality, and the true meaning of happily ever after, "Beyond the Cottage" puts a strikingly original spin on the age-old question of what becomes of our fairy tale heroes after their stories end.

[Céilidh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Okay this won’t be for everyone, but I enjoyed it.

I loved the premise, the fairytale world, the side characters, and the writing was very bingeable.

At times, I really wondered why the connection between the MCs was said to be so strong when they barely knew each other, it was definitely insta-love / insta-lust, but I do think I liked their dynamic, in the end. Especially once the FMC reigned in her attitude and actually started behaving like a rational person (a bit harsh, because she did go through a LOT of trauma, but I really thought I was starting to hate her near the middle)

I’ll say that if you’re someone who cares a lot about detailed world-building, good pacing, or a plot that makes sense 100% of the time, then this one might be a bit frustrating for you. But truly, I did have fun reading this and I’ll be reading book 2!

[c_reads_books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️: 8 on RCRS (explicit open door spicy scenes)

If you’re a sucker for fairytale retellings and also enjoy a good kidnapping trope, then this one is for you! Both Ansel & Greta have grown into jaded, angry adults when they cross paths again, and while that part of the story was sad, I felt it was a pretty accurate portrayal of what could have happened to the original Hansel & Gretel.

Without giving too much away, I felt the way Handevidt handled Ansel’s betrayal of Greta, and her subsequent anger was well done. This story is a pretty slow burn because it takes her an appropriate amount of time to build her trust in him again before even starting to acknowledge any feelings for him. By the end of the book he has definitely made up for his transgressions!

The flashbacks to the witch’s house, and the lore around their magic was really cool. There was 1 character that I felt fell by the wayside with answers left in the air, but perhaps they will be back in the next instalment.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and will be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series. Thank you to Handevidt and BookSirens for the opportunity to read & review Beyond the Cottage prior to its release.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because it reminded me of the Brothers Grimm version. Upon reading it, there were similarities. I enjoyed Ansel's character, but sometimes Gretta got on my nerves, but as a whole she was decent. I did expect a little more... I don't know... Something? I'm guessing there will be another novel because the ending left everything open, NOTHING was wrapped up. If so, then this is a decent opening novel, and I think I would probably read the sequel when/if she writes it. A solid 3 Stars. I did find some grammatical errors while reading, but they didn't take away from the reading experience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure after Ansel and Gretta's first meeting in the book, but with the massive ration of grief she gave him, I went with it, and I'm so glad I did! This was a fascinating reimagining of a Grimm fairytale and I really enjoyed exploring the world and characters. The emotions of the two leads were vibrant and varied the whole gamut between humor and heartache. The supporting characters were all super engaging, whether you loved or hated them.

This was a great first read from the author and I cannot wait to see which fairytales she takes on as the series continues! Thanks to BookSirens for the review copy.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a great start for this new series !!! re-telling fairy tales after... this one is Hansel and Gretta grown up and separate... escaping the witch after years of horror... separated... she became a witch hunter, he became the villain.. an evil scientist developing anti-magic... Gretta is captured when a mission goes horribly wrong, she ends up in Ansel's dungeon... he's not the boy she remembers at all... this is where it gets interesting ... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sk Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of fairytale retellings and this retelling of Hansel and Gretel was everything I wanted and more! Definitely one of my favorites!

I am not the biggest fan of slow burns but the banter and tension is so well written and when you get there….. SO WORTH THE WAIT!! This story was very creative and unique! I adored the characters and the storyline was very captivating, I was fully invested in this book.

HEA guarantee is always my favorite way to end a book and this checked all my boxes! Highly recommended to fairytale lovers!

[Rachel (Get Booked with Rae) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very imaginative retelling of Hansel and Gretel. I was intrigued from the start. The author did a fantastic job with setting the stage of this world. The trauma of Ansel and Gretta ( I loved the name adjustment) the tension between them is intense. He story moved well and it held my attention through the friends to enemies to lovers adventure. If you love fairy tale retellings, then this one is for you!

[Edith-Marie Buonacore · Rating 3 out of 5]

As reading the story of Ansel and Gretel, parts of the book reminds you of the original fairy tale. But there is definitely a twist in this fairy tale. The relationship between Ansel and Gretel is a rocky one, but you are drawn in to that journey. While the book was good, it wasn't what I had expected.

[Blaque Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, the smut was smutty and that is a fucking compliment. I just wish other elements of the plot were stronger and not just filler but whatever. Ansel's devotion was a little too over the top and almost a turn off but Greta seems into it so... good for them, I guess. It was cute, though and I would definitely be reading the next book in the series.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Hansel & Gretel with a major twist! They aren't brother and sister but both victims of the same evil witch. And that's not the only difference. Handevidt did a great job and I am ready for book 2.

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read has become one of my comfort reads in spite of not being cozy. Lately, I'm being afraid of retelling aspect but... I've loved this twist on Hansel and Gretel story. I've loved Gretta and Ansel - the main characters. I've enjoyed a lot with some characters and elements here. I recommend it

[Sydney Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read and I absolutely loved it!! I love retelling of classics! This book had me hooked from the first page and will definitely be reading the second book! Ansel and Gretta are the greatest couple and I am so glad they found the second chance!

[Door Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hansel and Gretel was one of my favorite stories growing up and although it was kinda weird to see two characters who were siblings in the original story date I thought this story was rlly cute.