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Locks and Lies

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A deliciously dark and twisted contemporary romance inspired by Rapunzel.

She’s his greatest mistake… and the one he’d risk everything for.

Ryder Finn is as charming as he is ruthless, and has built a life stealing from others. So when an opportunity arises to make some quick money, he takes it. Except the woman he’s meant to find isn’t just missing, she’s hiding. And Ryder isn’t the only one tracking her down.

Violet Sonne’s life is a fragile balance between a failing art career, and caring for a mother slipping deeper into paranoia and delusion. Until the day Violet realises the monsters her mother fears might actually be real. Desperate, she turns to the last person she should trust–the same man who was paid to find them. Ryder may be her stalker, but he’s also the only shot she has at uncovering who’s hunting her mother… and surviving it herself.

Because the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the lies become.
And in a world where loyalty is bought and sold... can you ever really trust a thief?

Stalker - Enemies to Lovers - Forced proximity - Obsession - Betrayal & Redemption - Fairytale reimagining
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Locks and Lies contains explicit content, graphic violence, profanity, and topics that may be sensitive to some readers. Full details can be found listed inside the book. Recommended for 18+.

This novel is written in British English including spelling and grammar.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

20 people are currently reading
828 people want to read

About the author

Taylor Aston White

35 books393 followers
Taylor Aston White writes deliciously dark fantasy & romance, where tension burns, secrets break, and love always wins. Based in the UK with her childhood sweetheart and their two children, she's the author of several bestselling series and loves to explore mythology and European faerie tales to create her own, modern twists.

Follow her on Instagram - @taylorastonwhite, and join her newsletter on www.taylorastonwhite.com

Be sure to follow Taylor on BookBub for the latest on sales https://bit.ly/3rNVVlm

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Darkest Bellé.
216 reviews130 followers
March 26, 2026
5 ⭐️s!

This Rapunzel-inspired dark romance doesn’t just retell a fairytale—it tears it apart and rebuilds it into something sharper, darker, and completely addictive.

Violet Sonne is a heroine that lingers with you long after the final page. She’s been hidden away most of her life, but there’s nothing weak about her. There’s a quiet strength in the way she sees the world—through art, through color, through hope—even when everything around her has been built on fear and secrets. She’s not waiting to be saved… she’s searching for answers.

And then there’s Ryder Finn.

Controlled. Detached. Dangerous in that quiet, calculated way. He has a job to do and no room for distractions—until Violet becomes exactly that. What starts as a mission quickly turns into something far more complicated, because she’s not what he expected… and definitely not someone he can ignore.

Their dynamic? Immediate tension.

It’s in the sharp dialogue, the lingering looks, the way they push and pull like they’re both fighting something inevitable. Ryder is all walls and rules, the kind that have kept him untouchable for years—but Violet slips past them without even trying. Watching him slowly lose control, piece by piece, was honestly one of the most satisfying parts of the story.

The romance leans into that enemies-to-lovers edge with a slow, simmering burn that builds into something intense and consuming. Every moment between them feels charged—like one wrong move could either ruin everything… or change it completely.

And when the story shifts into suspense? It hits.

The mystery surrounding Violet’s past and her mother’s secrets adds a constant undercurrent of tension. There’s danger, twists, and that lingering feeling that something bigger is always just out of reach. It never takes away from the romance—it elevates it. Every choice feels heavier, every connection more fragile.

What really stood out is how seamlessly it blends that fairytale foundation with darker, grittier elements. You’ll catch the familiar threads if you’re looking—but this story very much stands on its own.

And that ending…

Absolutely unhinged in the best way. The kind that makes you sit there for a minute just processing everything you just read.

If you’re into dark romance with a soft-but-strong heroine, a morally gray love interest who falls harder than he should, and a plot that keeps you on edge the entire time—this one delivers.

It’s not about being rescued.

It’s about breaking free—and deciding who’s worth the fall.


Thank you Taylor for the ARC
Profile Image for Dani's  Shelf Indulgence.
16 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2026
A huge thank you to Twisted Tales PR for this ARC. This has to have been the best ARC I've read this year!

Lock & Lies had everything in it that I love in dark romance, and I literally did not want it to end!

I went into this book blind, knowing only that it was "Tangled", reimagined and retold as a dark romance.

Our FMC, Violet, is described as the real-world version of Pixar Rupunzel, and our MMC is literally called Ryder Finn. (The little Easter eggs from the movie that are spread throughout this book were such a treat, I absolutely loved it! )

Violet is sweet and innocent, an artist, and helps take care of her mentally unwell mother. But you see her strength and attitude come to light when Ryder comes barging into their lives.

And Ryder OMG, he is the very definition of morally grey! One of my absolute favourite tropes is when the MMC fucks up and you hate him and then somehow he wins you over and you love him again. Ryder was the epitome of that trope. At one point, I genuinely hated him. He truly was an asshole, but of course, he won me over with his wit and charm.

This book started off like a dark rom-com with some light stalking, witty humour, and lots of banter between Ryder and Violet. However, from the 50% mark, I knew this was not a dark rom-com. This was a dark romance with very heavy content and triggering themes. It's not often that a book starts off light and just gets darker and darker the further along you read. With that being said, the banter from Ryder lasts the entire book to lighten the heaviness just a bit.

The emotions that this book pulled out of me had me literally sobbing and wanting to hug fictional characters. I loved this story, I loved our MMC & our FMC, and genuinely did not want to stop reading. This is actually book two in this series and, so having not read the first one, I can tell you that is exactly what I'm going to do, and then patiently wait for the third instalment that comes out later this year!

Absolute banger of a read 5 ⭐️s all the way!!!!
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
524 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
This Rapunzel retelling takes what you know from the beloved fairytale and absolutely flips it upside down. You see the familiar themes or details but in a totally reimagined way.

Violet Sonne is the kind of FMC you can’t help but fall in love with, she’s sheltered but not naïve, soft but not fragile, sunshiney in a way that makes you believe in all the good in humanity, even when life hasn’t been fair to her. She’s an artist who sees the world in color and possibility, even though her life has been shaped by her mother’s fear that someone is coming for them. Violet is resilient and determined to uncover the truth.

“This wasn’t some fairytale, and I wasn’t the damsel in distress.”

Then we have our MMC, Ryder Finn who is charming, closed‑off, and hired to find a missing USB drive… not a girl with paint‑stained fingers and a smile that knocks the air out of him. He’s supposed to be tracking down Violet’s mother, but instead he finds Violet herself, tucked away like a secret. And from the moment they meet, the chemistry is instant and impossible to ignore. Ryder becomes obsessed with Violet. There’s this draw to her that can’t explain. As much as he wants to say he doesn’t care, he really does.

“Beautiful, broken, and mine to ruin.”

Ryder has rules, no touching, no kissing, no repeats and he clings to them like armor. For him, the only person he can trust is himself. These notions have kept his life simple, predictable, and safely detached. But Violet breaks every single one of those rules without even trying. The more time he spends with her, the more those boundaries start to feel flimsy, like they were never meant to withstand someone with her kind of light. Watching him unravel slowly, reluctantly, and completely against his own intentions becomes one of the most satisfying parts of the story. Their banter is sharp, it’s the kind that sparks chemistry long before either of them is willing to acknowledge what’s happening between them. The enemies to lovers is in full force. They hate that they care so much about the other.

“I didn’t kiss. In fact, I’d never kissed, but I did with her. She’d tasted of honey and sin, and after just one taste I was already thinking about the next.”

Once Violet teams up with Ryder to help save her mom, the story kicks into full suspense mode. There are plot twists, danger, and moments where you’re not sure who to trust. The mystery around her mother’s paranoia and the missing drive keeps the tension high, but it never overshadows the emotional tether between Violet and Ryder. Instead, it amplifies it.

Loved the sunshine girl meets the emotionally guarded boy, the forced proximity, and slow‑burn tension that builds into something undeniable. This retelling delivers all of it. It blends fairy‑tale roots with grit, heart, and a suspense plot that keeps you guessing, making the romance hit even harder against the backdrop of danger and twists.

Lock & Lies doesn’t feel like just another retelling. It’s a story about choosing freedom, choosing trust, and choosing each other even when the world feels like it’s closing in.

A huge thank you Taylor Aston White for the early copy! Can’t wait the Little Mermaid retelling next!!
Profile Image for Sarah .
327 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW

Locks and lies by @taylorastonwhite

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you for the ARC read @taylorastonwhite and @twistedtalespr - I do love a grumpy MMC who falls hard and bless him Ryder is down so bad for Violet.

I love a fairy tale retelling so much and Blood and Thorns (book 1 in the series) is an absolute favourite of mine. When I heard that @taylorastonwhite was moving on from beauty and the beast (book 1) to Rapunzel for book 2 in the series I was beyond excited.

I would say the fairy tale theme is less immediately obvious in locks and lies and while still present it’s not as strong in its theme as book 1 but that doesn’t make it any less of a good read. We have a sweet and always optimistic FMC and a grumpy MMC with a heap of childhood baggage. Forced together as a result of the FMC needing protecting and the MMCs job going all a bit wrong.

It’s a super easy read but with some good angst and tension. I would have happily read another 100 pages of more exploration of that tension, the banter between Violet and Ryder and getting into some more gritty aspects of their relationship. There are some darker themes within it but as you can tell from my other reviews, I eat up dark romances so I would say this is on the lighter side of a dark romance.

The plot has some good twists and turns and at times I was like 💥 I wasn’t expecting that. Book 1 will@forever have my heart but book 2 is a good read too. Now we wait for book 3 - the little mermaid!!! I can not wait!!!
Profile Image for Mikayla Jordan.
176 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
March 26, 2026
💜💛ARC Review💛💜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I had the pleasure of beta and ARC reading this book, and holy hell, it’s amazing!! Also, did I tell you it’s a Tangled retelling? I couldn’t believe the twists and turns that Taylor put in it; they had me shocked!! This book will break you; the back story of both characters breaks your heart, especially Ryder. That man has gone through so much, and seeing the rules he has because of the trauma— no touching, no kissing, and no repeats. He sticks to these rules because it’s his only way to control his life, but you realize really quickly that Violet is an exception. This man is obsessed with Violet. Violet is sheltered, but she isn’t naive; she’s the type of character that you just fall in love with. I love seeing these two fall for each other, especially since the chemistry between these two is explosive. And the banter had me dying!!! These characters have motives and flaws and darkness in them, and it makes them feel real, and your heart gets broken for them. But watching these two fall for each other is beautiful and real. The way the author is able to add the tangled elements is beautiful, and you wouldn’t be able to tell it was a retelling with how she writes. If you want a book that will tear your heart out and make you throw your Kindle across the room because your heart is breaking but then put back together, this book is for you!! You will laugh and you will cry, but oh, it’s soooo good.

💜💛Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion💛💜
Profile Image for whatmrsdobbsreads.
8 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
🔐 Locks & Lies by Taylor Aston White
📅 Publishing 26th March 2026
First off, a huge thank you to the Twisted Tales PR team for the ARC — and WOW, what a read this turned out to be.
From the very first chapters, this book had me completely hooked. The writing is expertly done, with rich, immersive storytelling and character development that genuinely brings every single character to life — not just the leads. You feel their motives, their flaws, and their darkness.
This is a true dark romance, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice 🌶️ and layered with a subtle but gripping thriller edge that keeps you questioning everything. The tension? Unreal.
I absolutely loved the not-so-subtle nods to Tangled — such a clever and fun touch that adds another layer to the story without taking away from its darker tone.
And can we talk about that ending?! Because the entire book had me in a chokehold, but the last 10%… WOW. Completely elevated the whole story and left me reeling.
Honestly? This NEEDS to be a movie. I’ve already cast it in my head and I’m not ready to let these characters go 😩🎬
If you love dark romance with depth, twists, and characters that stay with you long after the final page — this one needs to be on your list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#BookTok #DarkRomance #ARCReview #LocksAndLies #BookReview #SpicyReads
Profile Image for Danni.
153 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 28, 2025
This twisted take on a classic Tangled x Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder story, or in this case Violet Sonne and Ryder Finn is one I tried not to devour but to rather savor.

Greta is running from a past haunting her in more ways than one, Ryder is looking to cash in on a bounty, and Violet is the unfortunate one caught in between the chaos and the lies.
Violet finds herself torn between the safety of herself and Greta, or the infuriating man trying to cash in on the bounty.
As the lies unravel Violet finds it difficult to trust those around her but somehow survival depends on picking your poison and hoping you live to tell the tale.
The secrets run deep and the scars, possibly even deeper.
Will the truth set Violet free or ruin everything she's ever known?

A classic enemies to potential lovers... or is it? You'll have to read it and find out.

This is the second book I've read by Taylor Aston White, and it definitely won't be the last.
I absolutely loved this, and I sat laughing out loud more times than I could count.

The line that now lives rent free in my head has to be: “You’re up in bum-fuck nowhere playing babysitter while the rest of us are cleaning up your mess.”
Honestly 10/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rhamstine.
195 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
Thank you to the author and @twistedtalespr for this amazing eARC!!

This book had me in a chokehold from the start....dark, gritty, and just the right amount of unhinged. The Rapunzel-inspired twist pulled me in immediately, but it was the tension, obsession, and constant what is happening next energy that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Ryder and Violet are so incredibly multi-dimensional. He’s morally gray in the way I live for, and she’s strong in a quiet, desperate, survival-driven way that made me root for her from the beginning.
Their dynamic? Messy, intense, and addictive. Stalker to protector with enemies-to-lovers tension and forced proximity… yeah, I ate that up. 🤭

The suspense in this one is SO well done. The twists kept coming, and not the predictable kind...you genuinely don’t see half of it coming. There’s a heavy, dark undertone throughout (definitely check triggers), especially with the trafficking elements, but it adds so much depth and stakes to the story.
This was one of those books I kept saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it was 2am. I was fully invested in Violet and Ryder and needed to see how it all unraveled. I’ll absolutely be picking up Blood & Thorns next because I need more of this series immediately.
Profile Image for lobelianne.
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
March 25, 2026
“You called me heartless, and maybe you’re right. But I don’t know if I want to be anymore. Not for you.”

Having already had the chance to read the beta version of Locks and Lies by Taylor Aston White, I can honestly say I cannot wait for everyone else to finally experience this book.

The MMC? Wonderfully obsessed. The yearning? Off the charts. The tension? Absolutely insane.
And the spice… let’s just say it’s on a whole different level. Every scene feels soo intense and while I would have happily taken a few more (because they were that good), the ones we do get absolutely deliver.

The plot is genuinely engaging and refreshingly different. It doesn’t feel like one of those fantasy retellings you’ve already read a hundred times. You really root for the characters, even when you want to shake them, hoping they’ll grow and somehow find their way to a happy ending.

If I had to mention one thing, the kidnapping element isn’t quite my personal preference (I might still be a little influenced by Haunting/Hunting Adeline) but that’s entirely on me and didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.
I loved it and already can’t wait for the next books in this series!! 4,5 ⭐
44 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
I loved this book. It was my first time reading this author, and now I’m already planning to go back and pick up their earlier work.

Going in, I wasn’t sure how a Rapunzel retelling would play out. I expected a few familiar things but instead the story kept surprising me and was so unique. There are subtle nods to Tangled which I loved but the direction it takes with Rapunzel feels fresh and completely its own.

The story follows Violet, an artist trying to carve out her place in the art world while also caring for her mother Greta who struggles with delusions. Then we have Ryder who is a morally grey thief, driven by greed and always chasing his next payday. When he takes on a job to retrieve something valuable, his path crosses with Violet and in order to get the job done he makes a deal with Violet.

Once they start working together they begin to realise that her mother’s delusions might not be delusional after all...

The plot moves quickly and never feels predictable. Forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes, and it works perfectly here. Ryder and Violet have incredible chemistry, and the tension ands spice between them was amazing

Ryder is the definition of morally grey and I loved him!
Profile Image for Angie.
1,424 reviews236 followers
March 27, 2026
"And I know that you're so fucking hopeful it drives me mad. You believe everything will work out, even when it shouldn't. And because you believe it... I almost believe it too."

4.75 stars

I LOVE the story of Rapunzel, so I was so excited for this sequel by Taylor and she did not disappoint! This story was familiar enough in its Rapunzel references and characters, while still holding its own and adding a much darker spin to the Disney classic. Ryder was definitely my favorite part of this book; his character was so cocky yet charming and I loved his inner dialogue. Violet was a chaotic and optimistic balance to his cynicism and need for control, and their chemistry slowly grew into something neither could live without. The momentum slowed a little for me in the third act, but overall I devoured this dark retelling and cannot wait for the next!🖤

Tropes: opposites attract, dark Rapunzel retelling, charming morally grey hero, sunshine heroine-in-danger, who hurt you, forced proximity, he falls first and hard, touch her and die, hate-to-love-you, stalker vibes, good girl, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 / 5

*ARC provided by the author,and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Amanda Richard.
138 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 26, 2026
Locks & Lies by Taylor Aston White

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

I was so excited to dive into this book, and I devoured it in less than two days! I loved this retelling of Rapunzel and also appreciated that it was a dark romance. I hadn’t read book one, but I didn’t feel lost at all.

A grumpy MMC who doesn’t want to find love but is now obsessed with Violet — hello Ryder!

Violet is such an optimist; I just wanted to hold her hands through all the craziness she became a part of. Ryder was hilarious, and I loved watching him struggle with his feelings for Violet.

I would have been happy to read more about their relationship after the conflict was resolved, but I am very pleased with how it ended.

The twists and turns in the story were phenomenal; it kept me hooked the entire read! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!


“Violet tasted like an addiction. Something I’d carve into my next breath. And the only way to kill an addiction like that is to cut it off cold.”
“You called me heartless, and maybe you’re right. But I don’t know if I want to be anymore. Not for you.”
“You’re the sunshine in a storm.”
Profile Image for Allie DeMars.
243 reviews9 followers
March 27, 2026
3.75 ⭐️

I try not to compare books to the prior ones in the series. But I cannot help it with this one because I was basically obsessed with book 1: Blood and Thorns. It was sooo good.

With this one I had a hard time staying connected to the plot and the characters. The modern twist on a Rapunzel retelling/inspo was super fun. The mystery behind the hard drive and the FMCs mother was super intriguing and I liked that the pacing never let up.

I just wanted more from the characters. They were all very superficial and I really wanted more from the FMC. I did enjoy Ryder’s character the most. I mean he rides a motorcycle, he’s pierced 👀 and he has major computer hacking skills. So basically he’s super hotttt. His ties to the Russian mob kept it fun and I loved the unhinged texts throughout.

If you want a fun spicy/dark romance with a spin on a modern Rapunzel story… this is the one for you!

Thank you Twisted Tales PR and Taylor Ashton White for an eARC.
Profile Image for Desiree.
213 reviews
March 27, 2026
The way Taylor Aston White can write fairytale inspired dark romances is amazing! There were hints of the fairytale here and there but done in a unique way to the story.
Ryder felt like a mix of Deadpool and Flynn Rider, a golden retriever that’s kind of psychotic.
Violet is a soft and sweet artist just trying to care for her mother and Ryder comes into her life like a tornado.
This book is fast paced and focuses more on the plot than the romance, Ryder is also someone who doesn’t love easily so we watch that struggle unfold with his feelings for Violet adding some angst to the book.
At times some of the scenes felt more outlandish than expected for a dark romance and would kind of pull me out of the book but I’d suggest this to anyone who loves fairytale inspired books and dark romance!
This book is DARK so please check the TWs.
Thank you so much Twisted Tales PR and the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Justine.
65 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
March 21, 2026
This was a good read with a few forgivable flaws. The writing was great and the plot was definitely not predictable. However, this was extremely dark and it didn’t really feel realistic that this could turn into a romance after some of the events in the middle of the book. I did enjoy the characters and this book handled some very sensitive topics extremely well but I do feel like there needed to be some more relationship building between the romantic leads in the middle of the book in order to convince me that the romance made any sense by the end. The spice was done very well but be forewarned this was definitely not just a smut book so if that is what you are looking for, this isn’t it. 4 stars because I would pick up another book by this author but I do wish the romance had some more depth in a story as heavy as this.

Thank you to Twisted Tales PR for this gifted eARC.
9,086 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy
March 24, 2026
Ryder is a man lacking a moral compass, a thief at heart and led by greed, when a bounty comes in promising quick money he takes it not knowing it will lead him to Violet. Violets doing her all to care for her mother Gretas failing mental health and keep up her fading art career, when she gains a stalker in Ryder, and soon discovers her mothers delusions have some truth, even though its been a lil warped to say the least. And now Violet faces having to trust Ryder, the man sent to collect them with uncovering the truth and saving them, but can a thief change? Especially when its the only thing hes ever known and is faced with feelings hes never felt before? Well written the story is dark and utterly captivating!
Ryder and Violets characters are a great knod to the classic tale and also the animated film, with a darker take on the story, filled with twists you dont see coming.
Profile Image for Kelsi.
572 reviews29 followers
March 26, 2026
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you’re looking for a dark and twisted Rapunzel retelling then look no further than Locks and Lies! This book has crazy characters, one our FMC, an optimistic ray of sunshine who just wants to see the good in the world… and her complete opposite a cynical, care-free, thief who is truly only out for number one. When their paths cross though both of their lives are thrown into a tailspin that just may not leave them chasing their dreams after all! This was such an enjoyable read that is full of enemies to lovers romance, all of the spice, twists and turns, lies and betrayals, a bit of groveling and more than a few moments that will have you on the edge of your seat! Definitely check the trigger warning man for this one as it is a dark romance but if all of that sounds like your favorite next read then Locks and Lies should be on your TBR!

17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
This Rapunzel retelling had me hooked from the start.
You can definitely see the threads of the original tale woven in, but this story takes on a life of its own in the best way. It feels familiar while still being fresh and unpredictable.
Ryder Finn, a thieving playboy with a dark past, crashes into Violet’s life thinking she’s just part of another job, a means to an end to get to her mother. But as secrets unravel and truths come to light, things get complicated fast.
What starts as calculated quickly turns into something real, and watching Ryder break his own rules for her? So satisfying.
The twists, the tension, and the way their relationship develops kept me completely invested.
A fresh, darker take on a classic story with just the right amount of chaos and heart.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
228 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2026
Locks & Lies was one of those books that completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.

The story starts with tension and deception, but what made it stand out was how everything unfolded and connected as the plot progressed. The reveal surrounding Violet’s family added a powerful emotional layer and made the stakes feel deeply personal.

Ryder’s character arc was one of the strongest parts of the book. Watching him go from someone with an agenda to someone willing to sacrifice everything for Violet made his journey feel impactful and real.

I also appreciated how the story balanced suspense with emotional depth. The danger, the twists, and the character growth all worked together to create a story that was both engaging and emotionally driven.

⭐️ 6/5 | 🔥 6/5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 💧 6/5
Profile Image for Ruby Ellis.
Author 10 books6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐
4 🌶️

Locks & Lies is part of the Twisted Ever After series. This is a dark Rapunzel/Tangled retelling with a stalker and trafficking twist. Definitely check your triggers before reading this book. There is on page sexual assault as well as discussions of child abuse and child sexual assault.

Locks & Lies was a gripping story that kept me reading as one twist led to another. I do not want to say too much, because (other than the trigger warnings—protect your mental health!) I truly do think that it is best to go into this one blind.

I will be adding Blood & Thorns (the other released book in this series) to my TBR and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Holly Aimee.
57 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
March 22, 2026
A massive thank you to Twisted Tales for this ARC! ✨🏰🥀

As someone who considers Tangled their favourite Disney film of all time, I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book ever since Ryder’s introduction in Blood and Thorns

I loved how Taylor blended in the aspects of the Tangled characters and personalties and Ryder was the perfect example of how I would imagine him in real life and if he was a dark and twisted.

There's something about the way Taylor writes, it pulls you instantly and I'm always being kept interested in every single page.

If you like your fairytales spicy, thrilling, and morally gray, you need this in your life immediately. 🍳✨
Profile Image for Anna Bacon.
46 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
ARC REVIEW: Thank you Taylor and a twisted Tales for sending me an early copy of Locks and Lies! I really enjoyed this next story in Taylor’s Disney retellings! The best part for me was Violet and Ryder’s banter throughout and while this did have Rapunzel elements to it, the story did really take on a life of its own and wasn’t copy and paste of the original version which I appreciated.

What I’ve learned from Taylor’s books thus far is that I never know what to expect until the end. Blood and Thorns still does have my top spot in the series so far but if you loved that one, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with Locks and Lies!
Profile Image for thevelvetthorn.
121 reviews3 followers
Read
March 25, 2026
thank you twisted tales for providing me with this ARC

I was really intrigued by the premise and the darker Rapunzel retelling concept. There were elements I enjoyed, especially the idea behind the story and the twist on familiar themes. However, the execution didn’t fully work for me.

I struggled to connect with the characters, and the dialogue and emotional depth felt a bit flat at times. While the plot had potential, I personally wanted more tension, stronger development, and a deeper exploration of the dynamics between the main characters.

That said, I can see how readers who enjoy lighter, fast paced romantic suspense with a fairy tale twist might enjoy this more than I did.
Profile Image for Lexxi Cain.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
I loved this book! But Rapunzel is probably my top princess story. With that being said check the triggers, this is probably one of her darkest books she’s written so far. With the theme hitting a little bit with current problems that may trigger more than some others.

BUTTTTTT don’t let it scare you too much it’s a wonderful story with some good spice.

**The alley scene 🥵🤤😅 iykyk**

I also love when a don’t touch me turns into only your touch will do!! Great read can’t wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for ashp_reads1875.
138 reviews12 followers
March 27, 2026
I am a sucker for a fairytale retelling. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a Rapunzel version but I loved it. The story flowed so well and I was in love with Violet from the beginning. She is such a great FMC. The MMC Ryder is a morally grey thief who gets in over his head when told to track someone down. The chemistry between the two was electric. Forced proximity at its best I swear. I haven’t read anything from this author but I immediately downloaded all her earlier work and ordered some special editions to pick up at AATA 😂

Profile Image for Melissa Anderson.
139 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
March 19, 2026
** Recieved as an ARC, Thank you **

This series has been sooo good!!

This story will break you OMG!! I’ve never been so torn as to how I wanted it to end!!

The twists are sooo goood!!

She writes such strong side characters that I want more, I am hoping one day Roman gets a story because OMG!!

Book 1 has been my favorite so far but this is certainly up there!! I am super excited for book 3!!!

10/10 recommend
Profile Image for Marina.
87 reviews
March 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
4 stars!
Locks & Lies is the first book I've read by Taylor Aston White. It's a Rapunzel retelling and what can I say? I love the movie Tangled so I just knew I would love this book too. The parallels are amazing! I fell in love with Violet and Ryder from the beginning. The story is great, the characters so likeable and the writing style is amazing.

A huge thank you to the author and Twisted Tales PR for this arc!
Profile Image for Dani ..
3 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
Was really good read, devoured it in a couple of days, wasn’t sure what I was expecting but thoroughly enjoyed it, only bit I was a little disappointed in is that the MMC was meant to be this real bad ass broad man but often lost his fights and couldn’t really hold his own. Just seemed a bit disillusioned
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
109 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2025
Another wonderful adventure from Taylor. I just love how multi dimensional the characters are. The suspense is perfection along with the character development. There are twists and turns you just don’t see coming!
35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
this book was a BEAUTIFULLY DARK retelling of Tangled/Rapunzel. Violet and Ryder have a dynamic that took my breath away. Beware of TRIGGERS please read those before reading this story but I absolutely loved this book 🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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