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To Win a Dark Heart
Falling for the Huntsman: A Villainous Twist on Snow White and Hansel & Gretel
Two villains. One shipwreck. A queen’s betrayal that could ruin them all.
Alaric, the infamous huntsman who once saved Princess Sereth, has built a brutal whaling empire without her crown or favor. Feared, powerful, and as untouchable as the sea, he’s the kind of man no one crosses. But when a mysterious ambush leaves him shipwrecked, he wakes in the care of a quiet woman who seems to loathe him on sight.
Malia has spent years in exile, her name twisted into legend after two lost children fled her forest home and never returned. She lives with pain and guilt, hidden far from the queen’s reach… until the sea tosses a wounded whaler onto her shores.
He’s sharp edges and control. She’s soft silence and secrets. But the more time they spend together, the more their guarded hearts begin to unravel. And when the truth surfaces—about the ambush, the queen, and their own pasts—they’ll have to decide if love is enough to survive what comes next.
Falling for the Huntsman is a lush, no-spice romantic retelling that weaves together Snow White and Hansel & Gretel. After betrayal, exile, and near-death, a ruthless whaler and a reclusive witch are forced together on a faraway island, where old wounds burn and forbidden feelings spark. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, cozy danger, and villain redemption arcs, "Falling for the Huntsman" is the twelfth book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairytales as old as time—but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
Alaric, the infamous huntsman who once saved Princess Sereth, has built a brutal whaling empire without her crown or favor. Feared, powerful, and as untouchable as the sea, he’s the kind of man no one crosses. But when a mysterious ambush leaves him shipwrecked, he wakes in the care of a quiet woman who seems to loathe him on sight.
Malia has spent years in exile, her name twisted into legend after two lost children fled her forest home and never returned. She lives with pain and guilt, hidden far from the queen’s reach… until the sea tosses a wounded whaler onto her shores.
He’s sharp edges and control. She’s soft silence and secrets. But the more time they spend together, the more their guarded hearts begin to unravel. And when the truth surfaces—about the ambush, the queen, and their own pasts—they’ll have to decide if love is enough to survive what comes next.
Falling for the Huntsman is a lush, no-spice romantic retelling that weaves together Snow White and Hansel & Gretel. After betrayal, exile, and near-death, a ruthless whaler and a reclusive witch are forced together on a faraway island, where old wounds burn and forbidden feelings spark. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, cozy danger, and villain redemption arcs, "Falling for the Huntsman" is the twelfth book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairytales as old as time—but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
3 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The slow burn. The perfect blending of two separate fairy tales. The disability rep. *chef's kiss* I read an arc and am severely tempted to buy the final proofread version just so I can enjoy the story all over again without the silly typos that always hide from the author and editor!
Most authors who write novellas hurry the romance too quickly since they only have a limited number of words to develop the love interest, even when the trope is enemies to lovers, but this book leaned into that slow burn like it was December 1st simmering Christmas magic. So when the inevitable finally happened...🥵 Definitely a no-spice book, but that doesn't mean the author has no imagination!
The twist at the end I saw coming a mile away, so I do wish the characters had also figured it out sooner than they did, but their reactions were understandable and relatable, and them learning this twist earlier would have thrown the entire ending off, so I guess the author knew what she was doing here. 😄
I love that the author included a bonus chapter that takes place several months later and teases other stories. I will definitely be checking out her other books!
Content warning for witches, but this seems to be more a case of the commoner not understanding how science works so labels everything unexplainable as magic. It's not, actually.
I usually reserve 5 stars for books that made me laugh *and* cry (and was great in every other way), and I didn't cry with this one, but I also wasn't able to read it in one sitting. I think if I had, I would have. So, I'm making an executive decision and giving this 5 stars because really there's absolutely nothing to complain about here.
Most authors who write novellas hurry the romance too quickly since they only have a limited number of words to develop the love interest, even when the trope is enemies to lovers, but this book leaned into that slow burn like it was December 1st simmering Christmas magic. So when the inevitable finally happened...🥵 Definitely a no-spice book, but that doesn't mean the author has no imagination!
The twist at the end I saw coming a mile away, so I do wish the characters had also figured it out sooner than they did, but their reactions were understandable and relatable, and them learning this twist earlier would have thrown the entire ending off, so I guess the author knew what she was doing here. 😄
I love that the author included a bonus chapter that takes place several months later and teases other stories. I will definitely be checking out her other books!
Content warning for witches, but this seems to be more a case of the commoner not understanding how science works so labels everything unexplainable as magic. It's not, actually.
I usually reserve 5 stars for books that made me laugh *and* cry (and was great in every other way), and I didn't cry with this one, but I also wasn't able to read it in one sitting. I think if I had, I would have. So, I'm making an executive decision and giving this 5 stars because really there's absolutely nothing to complain about here.
Review of advance copy
Reader’s Notes:
*Series or Connected Books?* is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Alaric & Malia
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are about 9 mentions of characters cursing, but no actual curse words used on page
*Romance?* Yes, just kisses!
*Things To Know:*
–the story opens with a thief being branded
-a character is a whaler (which means they kill whales for their oil which is seen on page)
-it is mentioned that a character has limited eyesight
-there is some fantasy violence & injuries
Review:
This was soo good! I loved getting to know Alaric, Malia, and the other characters we came across throughout the story. I loved not getting all the details of Alaric & Malia’s pasts right away, as well as not getting all the details to their connected fairytales right away! There were a lot of twists added into the tales and I had so much fun seeing them unfold. I also loved how the relationship between Alaric and Malia developed! I loved that they took care of one another, even when it was discovered that the other person thought something that they didn’t agree with at all. I also enjoyed seeing Alaric’s two closest friends and their teasing of Alaric when they found him with Malia.
Summary:
Alaric has built his vast whaling empire to be independent of any kingdom, though Princess Sereth tried convincing him after he saved her. But when his ship is attacked by a mysterious assailant, Alaric finds himself injured and without his crew. Yet, he is saved and safe in the care of a woman who has decided on site that she hates him. No matter what he does to try convince her otherwise of his character, Alaric can’t seem to be given the trust of knowing her name.
Malia has had the name ‘witch’ thrown at her for years, but especially after two children left her home and never returned. All Malia wishes for is to live a quiet life outside of the princess’s pull. But when a wounded whaler ends up on her shores, Malia finds herself wishing for more. Because Alaric doesn’t look at her like the others on the island – as if she is to be avoided. No, he wants to get to know her and treats her as a human being. Even after she made her disdain for his occupation clear to him.
*Series or Connected Books?* is part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Alaric & Malia
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are about 9 mentions of characters cursing, but no actual curse words used on page
*Romance?* Yes, just kisses!
*Things To Know:*
–the story opens with a thief being branded
-a character is a whaler (which means they kill whales for their oil which is seen on page)
-it is mentioned that a character has limited eyesight
-there is some fantasy violence & injuries
Review:
This was soo good! I loved getting to know Alaric, Malia, and the other characters we came across throughout the story. I loved not getting all the details of Alaric & Malia’s pasts right away, as well as not getting all the details to their connected fairytales right away! There were a lot of twists added into the tales and I had so much fun seeing them unfold. I also loved how the relationship between Alaric and Malia developed! I loved that they took care of one another, even when it was discovered that the other person thought something that they didn’t agree with at all. I also enjoyed seeing Alaric’s two closest friends and their teasing of Alaric when they found him with Malia.
Summary:
Alaric has built his vast whaling empire to be independent of any kingdom, though Princess Sereth tried convincing him after he saved her. But when his ship is attacked by a mysterious assailant, Alaric finds himself injured and without his crew. Yet, he is saved and safe in the care of a woman who has decided on site that she hates him. No matter what he does to try convince her otherwise of his character, Alaric can’t seem to be given the trust of knowing her name.
Malia has had the name ‘witch’ thrown at her for years, but especially after two children left her home and never returned. All Malia wishes for is to live a quiet life outside of the princess’s pull. But when a wounded whaler ends up on her shores, Malia finds herself wishing for more. Because Alaric doesn’t look at her like the others on the island – as if she is to be avoided. No, he wants to get to know her and treats her as a human being. Even after she made her disdain for his occupation clear to him.
April 14, 2026
*4.5 stars*
{220 print pages including bonus chapter}
Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White]
Tropes: Touch her and die, on the run, misunderstood
Setting: Tower, castle
Writing style: Dual POV (alternating chapters), 1st person, past tense
Tone: Heartbreaking, ambiguous, evasive, twisty
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 instance of moderately-described kissing including bracing, nose brush, gripping shoulders/waist/back, “trying to memorize shape,” followed by ragged breathing and foreheads pressed together
• 1 mildly-described mouth kiss with the less-clean description of his mouth moving over hers and including her hands in his hair, preceded by his hand brushing her cheek and thumb tracing jaw, followed by foreheads resting against each other and her breath “trembling against his skin”
• 1 mildly-described mouth kiss including him turning her chin to him, brushing hair from her face, their heads resting against each other and her hand sliding up his chest
• 1 instance of barely-described kissing, 1 sentence
• 1 instance of him kissing her temple, cheek, and jaw and rubbing her arm
• 1 jaw kiss, 2 sentences
• 1 cheek kiss and desire to kiss, a couple paragraphs
• 1 non-described kiss to the temple, 1 sentence
• 1 hand kiss and desire to be kissed, barely described
• 2 mouth kisses with zero description
• 1 desire to kiss her cheeks
• 1 instance of carrying her inside including her head resting on his chest and his chin on her hair, “trying not to enjoy” her scent, her fingers stroking his cheek; 3 paragraphs
• 1 instance of her falling into him with hands “splayed” against his bare chest, 2 short paragraphs
• 4 instances of noticing and reacting to the new sensation of physical contact between the protagonists, a few mildly-described sentences each
• 1 hug including him burying his face in her neck and breathing her in
• 2 instances of tucking hair behind ear, 1 sentence reaction each
• 1 instance of him weaving fingers through her hair; “could get lost in his husky voice, soft touches, and sea scent all day”
• 1 instance sitting together with his arm around her and thumb circling her shoulder, her head nearly on his chest
• 1 instance of thinking she will kiss him
• 1 instance of thinking about how it feels to be in his arms
• 1 instance of sitting on his lap, no detail
• 1 instance of playing with his hair, zero description
• 1 instance of resting her head on his shoulder, 1 sentence
• 1 instance of her clutching his shirt, drawing close, and smelling his scent
• “Hand on my waist, as if memorizing my shape” and rubbing his hand across her back
• 1 instance of pressing her head against his chest and grabbing his shirt and noticing his smell, his hand on her hip and then stroking her cheek
Sensitive aspects:
• A scene where he’s chopping wood without a shirt on: she is flustered and asks if he always chops wood like he’s “going for a swim” and there is some mild attraction-based (nonsexual) innuendo
• 1 minimally-described kiss includes taste
• 1 instance of her feeling awkward treating him with his shirt off, and 1 instance noticing how muscular he is
• 1 moment when she’s repeatedly touching his scars while treating him he asks her if she’s enjoying herself
• Female protagonist wonders in passing if her mother conceived her through an affair
• She twice falls asleep with her head on her chest, though nothing happens
• 1 instance of her feeding him fruit with a “shared fork”
*There is a minor faith element that uses the traditional Hawaiian term for G-d but is otherwise generic.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The protagonists’ relationship as it grows and evolves
• The intrigue of the Huntsman being the Snow White villain and the twist on the two tales
• The themes
Thoughts on main characters:
• Malia is full of love for all living creatures, not least of all other people. Regardless of how she is treated, when someone needs her, she is there. She cannot be faced with suffering without doing what she can to relieve it.
• Alaric’s near-death experience shakes his hubris, and the unfolding events and his bond with Malia ultimately dispel it. He respects Malia’s boundaries and doesn’t force her to share anything about herself, letting her do so in her own time.
This after-original-events retelling flips both tales completely on their head in a riveting way. Before reading, I was intrigued by the idea of the Huntsman as the Snow White villain, and curious to see what the author would do with the witch’s backstory. Just like in Humpherys’s Displaced Fairy Tales series entry, a key relationship links one character from each of the original fairy tales. While some elements became clear early on, others remained ambiguous until the very end. Although a few significant questions were ultimately left unresolved, with details puzzlingly murky , the overall reading experience was still satisfying.
The central theme is that of control and accepting human vulnerability. As a child witnessing his father’s drowning, Alaric interpreted his father’s lack of omnipotence as a moral failing rather than basic human limitation. This childhood understanding took root so deeply that it became his guiding principle. He built up his whaling empire to the point where he convinced himself that he is invincible — until he nearly dies in the same way his father did, the father he had vowed never to resemble. Over the course of the story, his rigid worldview gradually collapses, finally allowing him to recognize its folly, including how it shapes his ideas about being with Malia.
The other overarching theme is that of purpose and human worth. Both protagonists survive threats to their lives against overwhelming odds and are forced to confront the possibility that there must be a reason they are still here— that they are still needed. They come to recognize that their lives have inherent value, and that they matter not just to those who love them, but to the world itself. As they begin to see themselves through each other’s eyes, they gain a deeper understanding of their own significance and the impact they do and can have.
____________________________________
Taking this slightly out of context, this is an important ethical distinction. You have to have a sense of overriding principles to be followed no matter what anyone of subjective authority says. When discussing whether someone would obey authority no matter how harmful or evil their instructions, the question is to what do you attribute ultimate authority. If that is a person or group, there is only blind obedience. If that is a higher set of morals, there is the capacity to consider whether compliance to the ruler is actually the correct thing to do. If right and wrong is more objectively established, rulers are meant to uphold them and if they don’t they are not to be obeyed.
Because it’s the kind of person you are. You see people as human first and foremost, and you care because how can you not?
She just said she’s already yours. That’s not assuming her feelings.
Favorite Quotations:
• My breath came out ragged, my strength slipping like water through cracked fingers.
• “Life’s like a wild garden—you think you’ve learned every leaf and root, and then a new bloom rises from the soil, one you’ve never seen before. Just when you think you know it all, you find out how much you never really did.”
• Maybe that was the secret all along. To win a dark heart… you don’t conquer it. You love it back to life. And that’s exactly what we did.
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
{220 print pages including bonus chapter}
Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling [of Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White]
Tropes: Touch her and die, on the run, misunderstood
Setting: Tower, castle
Writing style: Dual POV (alternating chapters), 1st person, past tense
Tone: Heartbreaking, ambiguous, evasive, twisty
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 instance of moderately-described kissing including bracing, nose brush, gripping shoulders/waist/back, “trying to memorize shape,” followed by ragged breathing and foreheads pressed together
• 1 mildly-described mouth kiss with the less-clean description of his mouth moving over hers and including her hands in his hair, preceded by his hand brushing her cheek and thumb tracing jaw, followed by foreheads resting against each other and her breath “trembling against his skin”
• 1 mildly-described mouth kiss including him turning her chin to him, brushing hair from her face, their heads resting against each other and her hand sliding up his chest
• 1 instance of barely-described kissing, 1 sentence
• 1 instance of him kissing her temple, cheek, and jaw and rubbing her arm
• 1 jaw kiss, 2 sentences
• 1 cheek kiss and desire to kiss, a couple paragraphs
• 1 non-described kiss to the temple, 1 sentence
• 1 hand kiss and desire to be kissed, barely described
• 2 mouth kisses with zero description
• 1 desire to kiss her cheeks
• 1 instance of carrying her inside including her head resting on his chest and his chin on her hair, “trying not to enjoy” her scent, her fingers stroking his cheek; 3 paragraphs
• 1 instance of her falling into him with hands “splayed” against his bare chest, 2 short paragraphs
• 4 instances of noticing and reacting to the new sensation of physical contact between the protagonists, a few mildly-described sentences each
• 1 hug including him burying his face in her neck and breathing her in
• 2 instances of tucking hair behind ear, 1 sentence reaction each
• 1 instance of him weaving fingers through her hair; “could get lost in his husky voice, soft touches, and sea scent all day”
• 1 instance sitting together with his arm around her and thumb circling her shoulder, her head nearly on his chest
• 1 instance of thinking she will kiss him
• 1 instance of thinking about how it feels to be in his arms
• 1 instance of sitting on his lap, no detail
• 1 instance of playing with his hair, zero description
• 1 instance of resting her head on his shoulder, 1 sentence
• 1 instance of her clutching his shirt, drawing close, and smelling his scent
• “Hand on my waist, as if memorizing my shape” and rubbing his hand across her back
• 1 instance of pressing her head against his chest and grabbing his shirt and noticing his smell, his hand on her hip and then stroking her cheek
Sensitive aspects:
• A scene where he’s chopping wood without a shirt on: she is flustered and asks if he always chops wood like he’s “going for a swim” and there is some mild attraction-based (nonsexual) innuendo
• 1 minimally-described kiss includes taste
• 1 instance of her feeling awkward treating him with his shirt off, and 1 instance noticing how muscular he is
• 1 moment when she’s repeatedly touching his scars while treating him he asks her if she’s enjoying herself
• Female protagonist wonders in passing if her mother conceived her through an affair
• She twice falls asleep with her head on her chest, though nothing happens
• 1 instance of her feeding him fruit with a “shared fork”
*There is a minor faith element that uses the traditional Hawaiian term for G-d but is otherwise generic.
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The protagonists’ relationship as it grows and evolves
• The intrigue of the Huntsman being the Snow White villain and the twist on the two tales
• The themes
Thoughts on main characters:
• Malia is full of love for all living creatures, not least of all other people. Regardless of how she is treated, when someone needs her, she is there. She cannot be faced with suffering without doing what she can to relieve it.
• Alaric’s near-death experience shakes his hubris, and the unfolding events and his bond with Malia ultimately dispel it. He respects Malia’s boundaries and doesn’t force her to share anything about herself, letting her do so in her own time.
This after-original-events retelling flips both tales completely on their head in a riveting way. Before reading, I was intrigued by the idea of the Huntsman as the Snow White villain, and curious to see what the author would do with the witch’s backstory. Just like in Humpherys’s Displaced Fairy Tales series entry, a key relationship links one character from each of the original fairy tales. While some elements became clear early on, others remained ambiguous until the very end. Although a few significant questions were ultimately left unresolved, with details puzzlingly murky , the overall reading experience was still satisfying.
The central theme is that of control and accepting human vulnerability. As a child witnessing his father’s drowning, Alaric interpreted his father’s lack of omnipotence as a moral failing rather than basic human limitation. This childhood understanding took root so deeply that it became his guiding principle. He built up his whaling empire to the point where he convinced himself that he is invincible — until he nearly dies in the same way his father did, the father he had vowed never to resemble. Over the course of the story, his rigid worldview gradually collapses, finally allowing him to recognize its folly, including how it shapes his ideas about being with Malia.
The other overarching theme is that of purpose and human worth. Both protagonists survive threats to their lives against overwhelming odds and are forced to confront the possibility that there must be a reason they are still here— that they are still needed. They come to recognize that their lives have inherent value, and that they matter not just to those who love them, but to the world itself. As they begin to see themselves through each other’s eyes, they gain a deeper understanding of their own significance and the impact they do and can have.
____________________________________
I followed laws, not rulers.
Taking this slightly out of context, this is an important ethical distinction. You have to have a sense of overriding principles to be followed no matter what anyone of subjective authority says. When discussing whether someone would obey authority no matter how harmful or evil their instructions, the question is to what do you attribute ultimate authority. If that is a person or group, there is only blind obedience. If that is a higher set of morals, there is the capacity to consider whether compliance to the ruler is actually the correct thing to do. If right and wrong is more objectively established, rulers are meant to uphold them and if they don’t they are not to be obeyed.
I still knelt there and waited, not knowing why I ached to help, why I ached to comfort him.
Because it’s the kind of person you are. You see people as human first and foremost, and you care because how can you not?
He must’ve loved Malia longer. And now that she might become the next queen of Moanalei… For a breath, I believed I would lose her. And this wouldn’t be the first time. I had just claimed her as mine and now… was I a fool to say such words? A fool to think she’d want me?
She just said she’s already yours. That’s not assuming her feelings.
Favorite Quotations:
• My breath came out ragged, my strength slipping like water through cracked fingers.
• “Life’s like a wild garden—you think you’ve learned every leaf and root, and then a new bloom rises from the soil, one you’ve never seen before. Just when you think you know it all, you find out how much you never really did.”
• Maybe that was the secret all along. To win a dark heart… you don’t conquer it. You love it back to life. And that’s exactly what we did.
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Huntsman is the final book in To Win a Dark Heart and the last ARC I have left to review in the series. After being introduced to Leialoha Humpherys's heartfelt writing in Transformed Tail, I had a feeling they were saving the best for last. This book has everything you could possibly want in a fairy tale retelling, from surprising twists on familiar characters to swoony romance with just a touch of magic. This book combines "Snow White" with "Hansel and Gretel" in a new and creative way, bringing back the characters from both for an unexpected epilogue to their tales.
Alaric is not the typical forest-dwelling huntsman. Instead, he is a whaler who spends most of his time at sea. When he is rescued from a near-death experience by a healer named Malia, he begins to question his life choices as her kindness guides him onto a new path. Malia is not without secrets of her own. The townsfolk view her as a witch who tried to eat two innocent children she once had under her care, but the reality is quite different. She seeks a quiet life serving others in a humble attempt to hide her great destiny.
Like most books in To Win a Dark Heart, this story takes place after the events of the two fairy tales that inspired it and reintroduces those stories later in a new way. Sereth, this book's version of Snow White, is a stark contrast to the wide-eyed innocent character she is typically portrayed as. She is manipulative and calculating after undergoing a messy divorce with Prince Elias, with whom both Alaric and Malia have dealings. The Hansel and Gretel archetypes are introduced as a pair of misguided twins who don't know who to trust after being taken advantage of for most of their lives.
My favorite thing about this book is the love story. Alaric and Malia undergo a full romantic arc together, starting out as reluctant allies, progressing to friendship, and ultimately discovering true love. Malia makes Alaric a better person with her strong morals and environmental activism. Alaric helps Malia see her true value and stand up to those who want to oppress her. Together, they are an unstoppable force that can hardly be seen as villains by any means.
Falling for the Huntsman is a lovely finale to the To Win a Dark Heart series, weaving together elements of "Snow White" and "Hansel and Gretel" into a captivating tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery. Leialoha Humpherys's masterful storytelling brings complex characters to life, making it impossible not to root for Alaric and Malia's heartwarming romance.
Alaric is not the typical forest-dwelling huntsman. Instead, he is a whaler who spends most of his time at sea. When he is rescued from a near-death experience by a healer named Malia, he begins to question his life choices as her kindness guides him onto a new path. Malia is not without secrets of her own. The townsfolk view her as a witch who tried to eat two innocent children she once had under her care, but the reality is quite different. She seeks a quiet life serving others in a humble attempt to hide her great destiny.
Like most books in To Win a Dark Heart, this story takes place after the events of the two fairy tales that inspired it and reintroduces those stories later in a new way. Sereth, this book's version of Snow White, is a stark contrast to the wide-eyed innocent character she is typically portrayed as. She is manipulative and calculating after undergoing a messy divorce with Prince Elias, with whom both Alaric and Malia have dealings. The Hansel and Gretel archetypes are introduced as a pair of misguided twins who don't know who to trust after being taken advantage of for most of their lives.
My favorite thing about this book is the love story. Alaric and Malia undergo a full romantic arc together, starting out as reluctant allies, progressing to friendship, and ultimately discovering true love. Malia makes Alaric a better person with her strong morals and environmental activism. Alaric helps Malia see her true value and stand up to those who want to oppress her. Together, they are an unstoppable force that can hardly be seen as villains by any means.
Falling for the Huntsman is a lovely finale to the To Win a Dark Heart series, weaving together elements of "Snow White" and "Hansel and Gretel" into a captivating tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery. Leialoha Humpherys's masterful storytelling brings complex characters to life, making it impossible not to root for Alaric and Malia's heartwarming romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a ARC copy of this book from the author and though a review wasn’t required, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of this book and this series as this is the final book.
Lei has written a wonderful story combining elements of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel but here the villains and the real heroes are not what you’ve come to believe from those beloved tales!
Malia is in hiding after a kindness she thought she was doing turned out not to be so- in fact a kindness she extended to two others also resulted in her being scarred permanently and running for her life!
Enter Alaric who was charged with killing Snow White but didn’t and now she as queen is determined to silence him permanently!
During a battle Alaric’s ship is badly damaged and miraculously a whale comes to his rescue and brings him to shore. This is hard for him to comprehend because he has spent his life hunting and killing whales and becoming rich as a result.
Wounded he makes it to Malia’s cabin where she sees and knows who and what he does and she is opposed to his way of life vehemently! Still she is compassionate and nurses him back to health and their close proximity causes them to have heart to
heart conversations while he heals and they find a strange attraction towards each other!
Then the people from their pasts shows up and things get complicated and secrets come out which may ruin the budding friendship between them!
This was a enjoyable read which I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend to one and all! People who are soft spoken and who don’t want to cause waves or hide because of what they’ve done finally realize if someone is in their corner and believes them, that they can find that courage to finally stand up for themselves and the truth!
I really enjoyed this book of two people who were complete opposites but find a connection they never intended and how it changes their lives in ways they never imagined!
I know you’ll love this book, the concepts within it as well as this series! Read these fresh new takes on beloved fairytales and watch the villains get their happily ever afters!
Lei has written a wonderful story combining elements of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel but here the villains and the real heroes are not what you’ve come to believe from those beloved tales!
Malia is in hiding after a kindness she thought she was doing turned out not to be so- in fact a kindness she extended to two others also resulted in her being scarred permanently and running for her life!
Enter Alaric who was charged with killing Snow White but didn’t and now she as queen is determined to silence him permanently!
During a battle Alaric’s ship is badly damaged and miraculously a whale comes to his rescue and brings him to shore. This is hard for him to comprehend because he has spent his life hunting and killing whales and becoming rich as a result.
Wounded he makes it to Malia’s cabin where she sees and knows who and what he does and she is opposed to his way of life vehemently! Still she is compassionate and nurses him back to health and their close proximity causes them to have heart to
heart conversations while he heals and they find a strange attraction towards each other!
Then the people from their pasts shows up and things get complicated and secrets come out which may ruin the budding friendship between them!
This was a enjoyable read which I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend to one and all! People who are soft spoken and who don’t want to cause waves or hide because of what they’ve done finally realize if someone is in their corner and believes them, that they can find that courage to finally stand up for themselves and the truth!
I really enjoyed this book of two people who were complete opposites but find a connection they never intended and how it changes their lives in ways they never imagined!
I know you’ll love this book, the concepts within it as well as this series! Read these fresh new takes on beloved fairytales and watch the villains get their happily ever afters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fantastically dark Snow White retelling mashed up with Hansel&Gretel - you’ll never look at those two fairytales the same ever again. So, if you love your Disney, this one is not for you.
What if Snow White was as ugly inside as she was beautiful on the outside? What if everything you thought you knew about the witch from Hansel&Gretel was untrue? What if the prince did marry Snow but didn’t stay?
Loved the rollercoaster feels of this mashup retelling and boy, what a ride this was! Some villains were villains, but reformed and some goody-two-shoes were no good at all.
Alaric, the former huntsman who let Snow go turned whaler. En route to a neighbouring kingdom on a mission from Sereth (Snow), his ship is attacked and he stumbles on a scarred healer who loves whales and still nurses him back to life. A battle of wills - mostly against their own nature - and rollercoaster feels ensue.
I absolutely loved how Alaric and Malia fell for each other, the one step forward, two back dance was awww. The conniving, manipulative Snow made me rethink that entire fairytale and how things can seem - and be told countless times for countless generations. Brill! And a bit of emotional damage over Hansel & Gretel, too - jawdropping. I really enjoyed how the author took all the elements of those two tales and found new meaning for them, weaving thrm into a fantastically dark new story for the ages.
Recommended for lovers of mixed gen (NA/YA) dark and twisted mashup fairytale retellings, especially Snow White and Hansel&Gretel.
What if Snow White was as ugly inside as she was beautiful on the outside? What if everything you thought you knew about the witch from Hansel&Gretel was untrue? What if the prince did marry Snow but didn’t stay?
Loved the rollercoaster feels of this mashup retelling and boy, what a ride this was! Some villains were villains, but reformed and some goody-two-shoes were no good at all.
Alaric, the former huntsman who let Snow go turned whaler. En route to a neighbouring kingdom on a mission from Sereth (Snow), his ship is attacked and he stumbles on a scarred healer who loves whales and still nurses him back to life. A battle of wills - mostly against their own nature - and rollercoaster feels ensue.
I absolutely loved how Alaric and Malia fell for each other, the one step forward, two back dance was awww. The conniving, manipulative Snow made me rethink that entire fairytale and how things can seem - and be told countless times for countless generations. Brill! And a bit of emotional damage over Hansel & Gretel, too - jawdropping. I really enjoyed how the author took all the elements of those two tales and found new meaning for them, weaving thrm into a fantastically dark new story for the ages.
Recommended for lovers of mixed gen (NA/YA) dark and twisted mashup fairytale retellings, especially Snow White and Hansel&Gretel.
Review of advance copy
Warnings: whaling, attempted assassinations, some violence
This was a wonderful mix of Snow White and Hansel & Gretel! The villains from each story were well represented and I enjoyed learning about their pasts in this world. Malia was a misunderstood herb witch with circumstances that were stacked against her. Alaric was a whale-hunting ruffian that just wanted to belong and do more with the wealth and power he possessed. I loved their dynamic; how they took care of each other, and slowly fell in love was heartwarming. I really felt a connection to both of them and was drawn to the overall story as it progressed. The twists were shocking, and the tension that came with them made me anxious for what was to come. The world-building was richly descriptive and complemented the story well. I highly recommend this to any no-spice fantasy reader!
Malia has been hiding from her past and the townspeople that call her a witch. If only they knew who she really was and what she ran from. Alaric has also been hiding from his past amongst his whaling crew and behind the power that comes with his fleet. When an assassin almost succeeds, he finds himself at Malia's cottage, on the brink of death. Nursing him back to health was a challenge for the whale-loving herb witch. But when their pasts collide with each other they work together to right the wrongs that have been done. Little did they know that falling for the villain in someone's story was where their happily ever after would be.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
This was a wonderful mix of Snow White and Hansel & Gretel! The villains from each story were well represented and I enjoyed learning about their pasts in this world. Malia was a misunderstood herb witch with circumstances that were stacked against her. Alaric was a whale-hunting ruffian that just wanted to belong and do more with the wealth and power he possessed. I loved their dynamic; how they took care of each other, and slowly fell in love was heartwarming. I really felt a connection to both of them and was drawn to the overall story as it progressed. The twists were shocking, and the tension that came with them made me anxious for what was to come. The world-building was richly descriptive and complemented the story well. I highly recommend this to any no-spice fantasy reader!
Malia has been hiding from her past and the townspeople that call her a witch. If only they knew who she really was and what she ran from. Alaric has also been hiding from his past amongst his whaling crew and behind the power that comes with his fleet. When an assassin almost succeeds, he finds himself at Malia's cottage, on the brink of death. Nursing him back to health was a challenge for the whale-loving herb witch. But when their pasts collide with each other they work together to right the wrongs that have been done. Little did they know that falling for the villain in someone's story was where their happily ever after would be.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So, Falling for the Huntsman is only the second book that I’ve read by Humphries. Do you know what this book makes me realize? I need to read more of her stories! I mean, how does she have so many books out and I’ve only read two?! As someone who loves fairytales and world building, it is now my mission to fit her books in whenever I can.
Another world building rant incoming in 3… 2… 1. I just want to say that the mix of Hawaiian and old style fairytale atmosphere is fabulous! It has a very nautical and tropical feel. And how often do we see whalers in present day fantasy novels? It felt like a unique concept, especially considering Alaric is also the huntsman from the tale Snow White.
Speaking of Alaric, he and Malia open up some good questions about morals and how we see ourselves. I loved Alarics character arc. He starts off as callous and almost hopeless. His actions leave much to be desired and I wasn’t sure if I could like him. I was very wrong! And Malia! She’s so sweet. I immediately sympathized with her. In reality, I wouldn’t call her a witch. She seems like an herbalist that has succumbed to people’s allegations because she’s different. I love how protective Alaric is of her and how healing Malia is for him. All in all, I really loved Falling for the Huntsman!
Thank you to Leialoha Humphries for an ARC of Falling for the Huntsman! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 (lighter kissing)
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: references to Akua the Creator
Another world building rant incoming in 3… 2… 1. I just want to say that the mix of Hawaiian and old style fairytale atmosphere is fabulous! It has a very nautical and tropical feel. And how often do we see whalers in present day fantasy novels? It felt like a unique concept, especially considering Alaric is also the huntsman from the tale Snow White.
Speaking of Alaric, he and Malia open up some good questions about morals and how we see ourselves. I loved Alarics character arc. He starts off as callous and almost hopeless. His actions leave much to be desired and I wasn’t sure if I could like him. I was very wrong! And Malia! She’s so sweet. I immediately sympathized with her. In reality, I wouldn’t call her a witch. She seems like an herbalist that has succumbed to people’s allegations because she’s different. I love how protective Alaric is of her and how healing Malia is for him. All in all, I really loved Falling for the Huntsman!
Thank you to Leialoha Humphries for an ARC of Falling for the Huntsman! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 (lighter kissing)
Language: Clean
Faith-Elements: references to Akua the Creator
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Huntsman
To Win a Dark Heart #12
By Leialoha Humpherys
Have you ever hidden yourself away? Malia has done just that. She's lived with the guilt of what she's done, but not of what she was accused of doing. No, she never sank that low. She's called "witch" and viewed with suspicion by the villagers, who should call her neighbor and healer.
Alaric never wants to be poor or suffer again, and the means to his goal is whaling and building a fleet of ships around it. Alaric is not just good at his job; he's the best, and he has built an empire that is known across the seas. But when his ship is attacked, Alaric nearly pays for the treachery with his life. His rescue is the talk of legends, but only if he recovers to speak of it. And it is here that our two wounded "villains" come together. Malia is a healer and Alaric is nearly mortally wounded.
Falling for the Huntsman is such a good read. It is one of those books that once you open it, you don't want to put it down. And when forced to do so, you just want to return to this faraway island world and dive back in. This was a wholly unique blending of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel set in an exotic, tropical location. I love it when a book makes me want to find more titles set in its story world, and Falling for the Huntsman does just that.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
To Win a Dark Heart #12
By Leialoha Humpherys
Have you ever hidden yourself away? Malia has done just that. She's lived with the guilt of what she's done, but not of what she was accused of doing. No, she never sank that low. She's called "witch" and viewed with suspicion by the villagers, who should call her neighbor and healer.
Alaric never wants to be poor or suffer again, and the means to his goal is whaling and building a fleet of ships around it. Alaric is not just good at his job; he's the best, and he has built an empire that is known across the seas. But when his ship is attacked, Alaric nearly pays for the treachery with his life. His rescue is the talk of legends, but only if he recovers to speak of it. And it is here that our two wounded "villains" come together. Malia is a healer and Alaric is nearly mortally wounded.
Falling for the Huntsman is such a good read. It is one of those books that once you open it, you don't want to put it down. And when forced to do so, you just want to return to this faraway island world and dive back in. This was a wholly unique blending of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel set in an exotic, tropical location. I love it when a book makes me want to find more titles set in its story world, and Falling for the Huntsman does just that.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 4, 2026
What a sweet story! I enjoyed the fairytale and Hawaiian inspiration and the cozy cottagecore vibes.
I really felt for Malia! She was so hurt by her past and resigned to her solitary life. She felt so deeply and it had left her scarred. Alaric’s arrival threw off her routine and brought her past back to her doorstep. I admired her choice to care for people even in the face of their fear. She was a healer and caretaker. Malia learned to choose courage and found those who supported her.
Alaric was an interesting character. He had created a life for himself of power and wealth, yet he was also looking for something else. Washing up on Malia’s doorstep was not part of his plan, however, he found a peace and connection with Malia. I love the way she soften his rough edges and how he protected her. They were so supportive with each other even as they pushed the other forward.
I loved the twists on the story! It has inspiration from from Snow White and Hansel and Gretel and it was really cool to see threads of those stories in it. I was not sure how things would play out as secrets came to light. Malia and Alaric had to decide what their future would look like, would they choose to face their past and hope for a new future or continue clinging to what they had?
This is a romantasy is a standalone in the To Win a Dark Heart series. It has some nongraphic injuries, violence, and plots and only kisses.
I received an ARC
I really felt for Malia! She was so hurt by her past and resigned to her solitary life. She felt so deeply and it had left her scarred. Alaric’s arrival threw off her routine and brought her past back to her doorstep. I admired her choice to care for people even in the face of their fear. She was a healer and caretaker. Malia learned to choose courage and found those who supported her.
Alaric was an interesting character. He had created a life for himself of power and wealth, yet he was also looking for something else. Washing up on Malia’s doorstep was not part of his plan, however, he found a peace and connection with Malia. I love the way she soften his rough edges and how he protected her. They were so supportive with each other even as they pushed the other forward.
I loved the twists on the story! It has inspiration from from Snow White and Hansel and Gretel and it was really cool to see threads of those stories in it. I was not sure how things would play out as secrets came to light. Malia and Alaric had to decide what their future would look like, would they choose to face their past and hope for a new future or continue clinging to what they had?
This is a romantasy is a standalone in the To Win a Dark Heart series. It has some nongraphic injuries, violence, and plots and only kisses.
I received an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Malia is living in isolation for a good reason. She fled from her homeland due to danger and in the new country she is in, the town people think she is a witch. Malia is not a witch, but there isn't anything she can do, say, or try that would change their mind.
'I want freedom so bad. Just the freedom to walk without people calling me names. Without my past haunting me.' - Malia
So, Malia lives her life how she can quietly in her cottage in the woods. Until, one night a great storm changes the fate of two people. Alaric's ship capsizes and he is washed to the the shore where he is found by Malia who nurses him back to health.
Throughout the book, Malia and Alaric come to know each other and especially themselves and the capabilities they have. Each strengthening each other's weaknesses and working through secrets and pains that are always near. Once those are exposed, the story took on many twists with family turmoil, assassins, and redemption. This story is full of growth, hope, faith, and had many twists that kept me reading.
The book is a clean, maybe slow burn, with just a tad bit of kissing. I received this copy as an ARC from the author, but the review is my own. I really enjoyed this fairy tale shift on Snow White and Hansel & Gretel
'I want freedom so bad. Just the freedom to walk without people calling me names. Without my past haunting me.' - Malia
So, Malia lives her life how she can quietly in her cottage in the woods. Until, one night a great storm changes the fate of two people. Alaric's ship capsizes and he is washed to the the shore where he is found by Malia who nurses him back to health.
Throughout the book, Malia and Alaric come to know each other and especially themselves and the capabilities they have. Each strengthening each other's weaknesses and working through secrets and pains that are always near. Once those are exposed, the story took on many twists with family turmoil, assassins, and redemption. This story is full of growth, hope, faith, and had many twists that kept me reading.
The book is a clean, maybe slow burn, with just a tad bit of kissing. I received this copy as an ARC from the author, but the review is my own. I really enjoyed this fairy tale shift on Snow White and Hansel & Gretel
April 27, 2026
This is an arc review.
Malia is the main female character and in all honesty is really a very sweet and caring girl if you get to know her. Unfortunately due to her bad eyesight and the fact that “everyone knows people with bad eyesight are witches” no one is willing to get to know her.
Meanwhile Alaric is a whaler as well as a bit of a man for hire. Technically whaling is illegal in many a harbor but most ports are willing to pay handsomely for the oil so long as it doesn’t come from their shores.
When Alaric is hired by the Queen aka Snow White to take two children to another island he agrees no questions asked. He is then attacked by assassins and thrown to the ocean half dead. When he wakes up on shore he stumbles to a house that smells of gingerbread and begs for help. The owner of the house (you guessed it it’s Malia) hurries to help him even if she doesn’t agree with his line of work.
Can this hardened sailor and herbalist baker uncover the truth about each others past, why Alaric was attacked, and who’s behind it? As well as why Snow White wants these two children gone? If you want these questions answered I recommend you read the book.
Malia is the main female character and in all honesty is really a very sweet and caring girl if you get to know her. Unfortunately due to her bad eyesight and the fact that “everyone knows people with bad eyesight are witches” no one is willing to get to know her.
Meanwhile Alaric is a whaler as well as a bit of a man for hire. Technically whaling is illegal in many a harbor but most ports are willing to pay handsomely for the oil so long as it doesn’t come from their shores.
When Alaric is hired by the Queen aka Snow White to take two children to another island he agrees no questions asked. He is then attacked by assassins and thrown to the ocean half dead. When he wakes up on shore he stumbles to a house that smells of gingerbread and begs for help. The owner of the house (you guessed it it’s Malia) hurries to help him even if she doesn’t agree with his line of work.
Can this hardened sailor and herbalist baker uncover the truth about each others past, why Alaric was attacked, and who’s behind it? As well as why Snow White wants these two children gone? If you want these questions answered I recommend you read the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not my cup of tea. Probably quite enjoyable for those who prefer romance.
Malia is mistreated by the locals save for those who need her skills as a herb-witch. She spends most of her time alone in her small remote cottage, but things change when a handsome, injured whaler shows up on her doorstep. Malia hates whalers but nurses the man back to health.
Alaric meanwhile, thinks he’s finally lost Sereth (Snow White’s) ire, as he’s agreed to deliver two children to the neighboring kingdom. The huntsman spared Sereth’s life years ago and now she’s on the throne, but when assassins attack his vessel he barely survives, but stumbles to a cottage at the mercy to whoever opens the door.
Not my usual romp, but it was kind of fun with the Polynesian/tropical vibes. The story is that Malia is both the woman responsible for making Snow’s Poisoned apple as well as the witch from Hansel and Gretal, but she’s really a misunderstood victim who refused to play power games. Her knowledge of herbs as well as vision problems only confirm her burn scars to most around her: she is a witch but, with the exception of the whales, I for one don’t think anything magical happened in the entirety of the story.
Oh, the whales? Hope you like hearing about them. They are brought up a lot.
Basically the story is about a misunderstood exiled princess hiding from her evil sister who has seized the throne, and her taming the whaler/huntsman that is Alaric. Malia of course loves whales and hates the whaling industry, but the two fall in love. I didn’t understand why it wouldn’t be obvious he couldn’t shift his focus from whaling to trade or anything else, but hey we need conflict and she couldn’t be happy living in luxury knowing this was from blood money.
Go in knowing it’s a romance between two characters and the two leads aren’t that bad in spite of being told it’s a villainous retelling. I liked the Snow White parts better than integrating the Hansel and Gretal parts, but let’s be honest it’s really hard to justify trying to eat children so I understand why Malia had to be misunderstood as opposed to a reformed baddie. It’s fun to think of Hansel and Gretal becoming witch hunters later in life, but the focus is of course on the relationship between the two leads and the whales. As said, the fun lies in the tropical setting and seeing how the author ties in the original tales, but it’s not an overly deep storyline.
Malia is mistreated by the locals save for those who need her skills as a herb-witch. She spends most of her time alone in her small remote cottage, but things change when a handsome, injured whaler shows up on her doorstep. Malia hates whalers but nurses the man back to health.
Alaric meanwhile, thinks he’s finally lost Sereth (Snow White’s) ire, as he’s agreed to deliver two children to the neighboring kingdom. The huntsman spared Sereth’s life years ago and now she’s on the throne, but when assassins attack his vessel he barely survives, but stumbles to a cottage at the mercy to whoever opens the door.
Not my usual romp, but it was kind of fun with the Polynesian/tropical vibes. The story is that Malia is both the woman responsible for making Snow’s Poisoned apple as well as the witch from Hansel and Gretal, but she’s really a misunderstood victim who refused to play power games. Her knowledge of herbs as well as vision problems only confirm her burn scars to most around her: she is a witch but, with the exception of the whales, I for one don’t think anything magical happened in the entirety of the story.
Oh, the whales? Hope you like hearing about them. They are brought up a lot.
Basically the story is about a misunderstood exiled princess hiding from her evil sister who has seized the throne, and her taming the whaler/huntsman that is Alaric. Malia of course loves whales and hates the whaling industry, but the two fall in love. I didn’t understand why it wouldn’t be obvious he couldn’t shift his focus from whaling to trade or anything else, but hey we need conflict and she couldn’t be happy living in luxury knowing this was from blood money.
Go in knowing it’s a romance between two characters and the two leads aren’t that bad in spite of being told it’s a villainous retelling. I liked the Snow White parts better than integrating the Hansel and Gretal parts, but let’s be honest it’s really hard to justify trying to eat children so I understand why Malia had to be misunderstood as opposed to a reformed baddie. It’s fun to think of Hansel and Gretal becoming witch hunters later in life, but the focus is of course on the relationship between the two leads and the whales. As said, the fun lies in the tropical setting and seeing how the author ties in the original tales, but it’s not an overly deep storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Malia is mostly blind, disfigured by fire, and feared as a witch by most of the local islanders. Alaric is a cruel, strict whaler and the most successful businessman in the realm. There's an attack, and he washes up to Malia's door.
I liked the character progression for both main characters. He softened and she came out of her shell and learned her place in the world.
There were some times that I got pulled out of the story a little, by bits of inserted opinions from the characters. They seemed almost political in nature, and I didn't feel like I was the intended audience. The opening was also jarringly cruel, which caught me off guard.
Four out of five stars stars for me- the story was lovely, but I don't think it would be a re-read for me. This is a good book for readers that love and understand life on the pacific islands, and love a love story with some villain redemption for those that earn it. Strong themes of a Creator that loves you, and anti-animal cruelty.
I liked the character progression for both main characters. He softened and she came out of her shell and learned her place in the world.
There were some times that I got pulled out of the story a little, by bits of inserted opinions from the characters. They seemed almost political in nature, and I didn't feel like I was the intended audience. The opening was also jarringly cruel, which caught me off guard.
Four out of five stars stars for me- the story was lovely, but I don't think it would be a re-read for me. This is a good book for readers that love and understand life on the pacific islands, and love a love story with some villain redemption for those that earn it. Strong themes of a Creator that loves you, and anti-animal cruelty.
April 6, 2026
This was an interesting story. The combination of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel was unique and I liked seeing how all the pieces connected. I also liked how this story twisted those timeless tales to give the villains their happy ending.
While the story was overall enjoyable, I noticed a few things that could've been improved. There were several inconsistencies in some of the smaller details. And Malia's eyesight problem could have been fleshed out better. I found it easy to forget that she couldn't see things straight on.
I really enjoyed Malia and Alaric's romance. It was sweet to see him so protective of her, especially when the townspeople didn't treat her well. And I loved watching her take care of him despite her misgivings about his trade. It was sweet to see Alaric help Malia overcome her insecurities.
This book was a heartwarming, clean, fairytale mashup.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
While the story was overall enjoyable, I noticed a few things that could've been improved. There were several inconsistencies in some of the smaller details. And Malia's eyesight problem could have been fleshed out better. I found it easy to forget that she couldn't see things straight on.
I really enjoyed Malia and Alaric's romance. It was sweet to see him so protective of her, especially when the townspeople didn't treat her well. And I loved watching her take care of him despite her misgivings about his trade. It was sweet to see Alaric help Malia overcome her insecurities.
This book was a heartwarming, clean, fairytale mashup.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 1, 2026
This book was sweet and had twists and turns that kept you needing to find out more.
Malia lives in exile from her past. She is heading many secrets that we slowly discover throughout this book. She might not like whalers but she made an exception for Alaric and seeing them as he was getting better was so sweet.
Alaric is a whaler just trying to do what he was paid to do when he ends up washing ashore and almost dying. He was ruthless but softened for her.
Their story is a slow burn and all that happens is they kiss so don’t go in expecting spice because you won’t find it.
I found the characters interesting and loved how not only did we learn about the main characters but also the side characters too.
This story was interesting and a fun take on Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. I read this book as an arc.
Malia lives in exile from her past. She is heading many secrets that we slowly discover throughout this book. She might not like whalers but she made an exception for Alaric and seeing them as he was getting better was so sweet.
Alaric is a whaler just trying to do what he was paid to do when he ends up washing ashore and almost dying. He was ruthless but softened for her.
Their story is a slow burn and all that happens is they kiss so don’t go in expecting spice because you won’t find it.
I found the characters interesting and loved how not only did we learn about the main characters but also the side characters too.
This story was interesting and a fun take on Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. I read this book as an arc.
April 3, 2026
I really liked this book a lot! I’ve been into villainous retelling lately and this one was fantastic! Everyone was not quite who they seemed to be at first. The mashup of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel was creative and made a fascinating tale that melded together perfectly. It was compelling and attention grabbing. The character development was well written. I loved the redemption arc for Alaric and Malia. More so on Alaric’s part. Malia was more misunderstood by people. Alaric and Malia was great chemistry and really complimented each well. The romance was spice free and a few swoony kisses. I hope there will be more books in this world! Elias need a happily ever after. Falling for the Huntsman was a fantastic story a recommend!
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is part of the To Win a Dark Heart series. This is a multi-author series of fairy tale retellings in which the villain gets their Happy ending. This story is a retelling of Snow white and Hansel and Gretel. This is a great retelling and I loved the characters. The ending is perfect. This book has strong, well-developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. Great characters that make the story come alive. Pain and passion radiate from them. The plot draws you in so that you can’t put the book down because you need to know what will happen next. This review is based on an early review copy I was sent by the publisher, but this didn't affect the content of my review that I am voluntarily providing.
April 25, 2026
Snow White and Hansel & Gretel Intertwined retelling.
The beginning of the story starts with a harsh punishment, so I had difficulty getting into the reading. I was glad to see the character development in the main characters. Each grew in their own way; Malia’s confidence grew stronger and she became less afraid and ashamed, but continued to be caring for others. Alaric grew less mean and more caring; he discovered what was most important in life. Destin and Thatcher are a lot of fun, and it looks like either they or the two princes have their own exciting adventures ahead in other stories. There was a satisfying conclusion to the story, although I didn’t really like the twist in the story about the revelation of the true villain. I received an ARC copy from the author.
The beginning of the story starts with a harsh punishment, so I had difficulty getting into the reading. I was glad to see the character development in the main characters. Each grew in their own way; Malia’s confidence grew stronger and she became less afraid and ashamed, but continued to be caring for others. Alaric grew less mean and more caring; he discovered what was most important in life. Destin and Thatcher are a lot of fun, and it looks like either they or the two princes have their own exciting adventures ahead in other stories. There was a satisfying conclusion to the story, although I didn’t really like the twist in the story about the revelation of the true villain. I received an ARC copy from the author.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this almost-pirate tropical romance. The author's twist of making the Huntsman a hunter of the seas rather than the forest made for a truly original twist to the Snow White tale, giving it a strong whiff of Moby Dick. Giving Snow White a prince who appears to be Polynesian was a nice tropical touch. Giving Snow White a sister hiding on a tropical island kingdom was another original twist which turned the original European story into a tale of political intrigue, assassins and forbidden romance, making this novel interestingly relevant for a fairy tale retelling fan like me.
I received an ARC via Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC via Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
A powerful story that has deep meaning woven into it.
I love how the author was able to show how God never forgets us even in our lowest moments and that we are never truly alone even if the world seems to be against us.
With the retelling aspect of this story, this is the first Snow White retelling that I have read that Snow White is the villain which is interesting.
I also love Malia and Alaric’s love story because even though they have every reason not to be together, they are so perfectly made for each other.
I definitely want to read more from this author! She did a wonderful job writing this book and showing God’s love in the most beautiful way!
I received this as an ARC.
I love how the author was able to show how God never forgets us even in our lowest moments and that we are never truly alone even if the world seems to be against us.
With the retelling aspect of this story, this is the first Snow White retelling that I have read that Snow White is the villain which is interesting.
I also love Malia and Alaric’s love story because even though they have every reason not to be together, they are so perfectly made for each other.
I definitely want to read more from this author! She did a wonderful job writing this book and showing God’s love in the most beautiful way!
I received this as an ARC.
April 3, 2026
Falling for the Huntsman.
This is a fantastic mashup of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel.
Alaric is a whaler and a huntsman. He is strong, brave, respected and feared. He is a hard man but underneath has a kindness waiting to be unleashed.
Malia is an herb witch, with poor vision. She is kind, beautiful and helps others even though they fear her and are unkind. She has a past she is hiding from
She heals Alaric after he is attacked by an assassin. Their bond begins to grow as they help each other see themselves as more than what they seem.
This book is beautiful, thrilling and action packed. I loved it! 🩷
This is a fantastic mashup of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel.
Alaric is a whaler and a huntsman. He is strong, brave, respected and feared. He is a hard man but underneath has a kindness waiting to be unleashed.
Malia is an herb witch, with poor vision. She is kind, beautiful and helps others even though they fear her and are unkind. She has a past she is hiding from
She heals Alaric after he is attacked by an assassin. Their bond begins to grow as they help each other see themselves as more than what they seem.
This book is beautiful, thrilling and action packed. I loved it! 🩷
April 4, 2026
I received an ARC for the To Win a Dark Heart series. This one was Falling for the Huntsman. This one was a Mix of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel
This is Alaric and Malia's story...
Alaric is the huntsman. He is a whale and Captain.
Malia is a Witch. What made snow whites apple and from Hansel and Gretel. I dont know. And dang they blend so well together.
They meet after Alaric is shipwreckes after his ship is Attacked. She saves his life. They are polar opposites but somehow they just fit. They are so cute together. I loved this one. Im sad this is the last one. But im glad I got to read them. I hope we get more.
This is Alaric and Malia's story...
Alaric is the huntsman. He is a whale and Captain.
Malia is a Witch. What made snow whites apple and from Hansel and Gretel. I dont know. And dang they blend so well together.
They meet after Alaric is shipwreckes after his ship is Attacked. She saves his life. They are polar opposites but somehow they just fit. They are so cute together. I loved this one. Im sad this is the last one. But im glad I got to read them. I hope we get more.
April 26, 2026
Falling for the Huntsman by Leialoha Humpherys
Malia lives with pain and guilt, hidden far from the queen’s reach… until the sea tosses a wounded whaler onto her shores...
Lots of unique elements here! This one is a retelling of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel but from the villains' perspective. This author takes her own unique twist by having the huntsman be a whaler! Malia definitely has secrets that were fun to uncover. I definitely sympathized with her vision problems. Overall, a unique twist that combined the two tales very well.
Genre: Fairytale retelling
Standalone in To Win a Dark Heart
Favorite character: Elias (side character)
Favorite scene: Malia meeting the crew
4 stars
Malia lives with pain and guilt, hidden far from the queen’s reach… until the sea tosses a wounded whaler onto her shores...
Lots of unique elements here! This one is a retelling of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel but from the villains' perspective. This author takes her own unique twist by having the huntsman be a whaler! Malia definitely has secrets that were fun to uncover. I definitely sympathized with her vision problems. Overall, a unique twist that combined the two tales very well.
Genre: Fairytale retelling
Standalone in To Win a Dark Heart
Favorite character: Elias (side character)
Favorite scene: Malia meeting the crew
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored 'Falling for the Huntsman.' It is a thrilling yet cozy tale of romance, in an immersive setting where Humphreys' once again sets herself apart with a unique Hawaiian inspired island. It is completely clean, and very romantic with a mysterious backstory driving it forward.
I highly recommend it to all cozy fantasy fans. If you have read too much YA fantasy (haven't we all?) then Humphreys' worlds manages to meet that desire for more and yet be something entirely new.
I recommend checking out the whole series, too. They are nearly all similar and great!
I highly recommend it to all cozy fantasy fans. If you have read too much YA fantasy (haven't we all?) then Humphreys' worlds manages to meet that desire for more and yet be something entirely new.
I recommend checking out the whole series, too. They are nearly all similar and great!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've not been a huge fan of Leialoha Humpherys' books in the past. I have found her worldbuilding to be a bit lackluster and her writing not particularly engaging. I am pleased to say I found no such issues with this book. It is a creative mixing of 'Snow White' and 'Hansel and Gretel' where the roles of heroes and villains are mixed and blurred. It is a little darker than some of the other books in this series, but manages to remain cosy despite this.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy
From the first page I was sucked into a magical story that tugged at every heartstring! We are told that the villains are simply that and nothing else. This story reveals what happened to the witch who supposedly tried to eat children, but the truth isn’t what it seems. The huntsman we are told to fear brings a new light to who he really is. This villainous retelling is filled with humor, high stakes, and real plot twists that have me begging for more!! The characters are so well written that I have a real attachment to them with every page!
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very interesting!
A heartfelt and exciting book! This story is told from dual POV from the FMC and the MMC and is no-spice, kisses only. This is a mash up of Hansel and Gretel with Snow White with a lot of interesting changes. It doesn’t seem like the two stories would mesh well but the author combines them very well!
I love the character growth that both the FMC and MMC go through. The struggles they’ve had in life are daunting and difficult but they have learned to persevere and grow to a better place.
A heartfelt and exciting book! This story is told from dual POV from the FMC and the MMC and is no-spice, kisses only. This is a mash up of Hansel and Gretel with Snow White with a lot of interesting changes. It doesn’t seem like the two stories would mesh well but the author combines them very well!
I love the character growth that both the FMC and MMC go through. The struggles they’ve had in life are daunting and difficult but they have learned to persevere and grow to a better place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a unique take on the Snow White theme in the setting and in the characterization of the Snow White character, Queen Sereth. Malia is a very sympathetic character and you get caught up in her history and in how the story unfolds. Alaric has a heart of gold but a reputation as a vicious whaler, which he cultivated in the past, but his encounter with Malia sets a whole other set of feelings in action. Enjoyed this book very much and was very satified with its plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This clean romance fairytale story had an island version of Snow White mixed with Hansel and Gretel with little hints of Moby Dick. There was so much more going on in this story than the original fairytales that I could see a sequel or two in time! The romance was sweet and clean, their relationship had plenty of angst, and the world that they inhabited had so much island flair! I loved the Christian references and the character growth! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
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