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To Win a Dark Heart
Falling for the Sorcerer : A Villainous Rapunzel and Swan Lake Second Chance Romance
Not yet published
Expected 27 Feb 26Once upon a time, he would have burned the world for her
But she ran away from their happily ever after.
Now they must find a way to work together if they want to break twin curses.
Gothel was once the most eligible maiden in the Empire. But when her little sister is endangered, she has no choice but to steal her away. Abandoning the man who claims to love her, Gothel dedicates herself to raising her sister in an isolated tower where no one can ever find them. Her enchantments further protect them from any intruder. Or so she thinks . . .
Rothbart was once the most feared sorcerer in the land. But when his gamble to win the hand of the woman he loves backfires, he's left with nothing but a broken heart and a feathered prince in need of a guardian. Swearing off love, Rothbart has no choice but to exchange his plans of world domination for an honest trade to support the family he never asked for. At least he never has to see Gothel again . . .
Everyone's plans go out the window when their teenage charges cross paths and trigger twin curses. Now Gothel and Rothbart must find a way to work together if they want to save their families. If they can put their bitterness aside, they might just be able to survive their joint quest. But resisting falling back into love? That is another matter entirely.
Falling for the Sorcerer is a retelling that combines elements of Rapunzel and Swan Lake. Part quest and part awkward-family-road-trip, this no-spice romantasy is brimming with magic, humor, and swoony second-chance kisses. It is the seventh book of the To Win a Dark Heart series retelling tales as old as time, but this time it's the villains' turn to get a happy ending.
But she ran away from their happily ever after.
Now they must find a way to work together if they want to break twin curses.
Gothel was once the most eligible maiden in the Empire. But when her little sister is endangered, she has no choice but to steal her away. Abandoning the man who claims to love her, Gothel dedicates herself to raising her sister in an isolated tower where no one can ever find them. Her enchantments further protect them from any intruder. Or so she thinks . . .
Rothbart was once the most feared sorcerer in the land. But when his gamble to win the hand of the woman he loves backfires, he's left with nothing but a broken heart and a feathered prince in need of a guardian. Swearing off love, Rothbart has no choice but to exchange his plans of world domination for an honest trade to support the family he never asked for. At least he never has to see Gothel again . . .
Everyone's plans go out the window when their teenage charges cross paths and trigger twin curses. Now Gothel and Rothbart must find a way to work together if they want to save their families. If they can put their bitterness aside, they might just be able to survive their joint quest. But resisting falling back into love? That is another matter entirely.
Falling for the Sorcerer is a retelling that combines elements of Rapunzel and Swan Lake. Part quest and part awkward-family-road-trip, this no-spice romantasy is brimming with magic, humor, and swoony second-chance kisses. It is the seventh book of the To Win a Dark Heart series retelling tales as old as time, but this time it's the villains' turn to get a happy ending.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 27, 2026
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jes Drew
86 books530 followersJes Drew is the author of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor Series, the Sunset at Dawn trilogy, The Samurai's Student saga, the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga/The Man on the Run series, the Castaways trilogy, The Dystopian Takeover trilogy, Summers of Yesteryear series, The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novellas, the Legends of the Master Spy series, The New ESE Files series, Tales from Parallel Worlds, Genie and Serena, Accidentally on the Run, This Side of Heaven, and The Death of a Hero.
She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.
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She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.
Sign up to Jes' newsletter to read Entreaty of Shadows for free!
https://mailchi.mp/ddd429767392/untit...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Forget everything you know about the stories of "Swan Lake" and "Rapunzel" because this book takes both in a completely new direction. Falling for the Sorcerer is a second-chance romance about two worldly parental figures who put their caretaker duties before romance, even if it means needing to dabble in dark magic in the process. It introduces a young and more glamorous version of Gothel, the older sister of Rapunzel, who brings her to a tower to protect her from their greedy parents, who want to marry them both off to wealthy strangers. Rothbart works for Gothel's betrothed and is determined to protect her from her wicked fiancé until she runs away, forcing him to devote his energy to raising his daughter, Odile, and the cursed younger brother of his former employer.
Although this is a clean retelling, it feels more mature than other fairy tale retellings due to the advanced ages of the protagonists, who differ from the typical wide-eyed, innocent ingénues these stories often focus on. Both Gothel and Rothbart are cynical and jaded from their experiences and fully devoted to protecting their young charges. When they reunite, they have lots of baggage and adult responsibilities standing in their way. It takes time for them to realize that they can tackle these responsibilities together instead of stubbornly refusing their own happiness in favor of the younger generation.
This was certainly the most original take I have ever read of either one of these stories, but the vast differences made it difficult for me to enjoy as a fairy tale retelling. These characters and their stories diverge so far from the classic fairy tales that if the names had been changed, it could have worked as an original fantasy or even a contemporary romance for adult readers. Still, the little nods to the fairy tales were fun and clever as these two dark magic users struggled to see the light and allow themselves a chance at happiness.
Falling for the Sorcerer is a unique villainous retelling that offers a fresh take on "Swan Lake" and "Rapunzel," with complex and relatable protagonists who will resonate with older readers. While it may not be a traditional fairy tale retelling, Jes Drew's story shines as an original fantasy romance, exploring themes of love, protection, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a mature and atmospheric read with a focus on character development, Falling for the Sorcerer is definitely worth checking out.
Although this is a clean retelling, it feels more mature than other fairy tale retellings due to the advanced ages of the protagonists, who differ from the typical wide-eyed, innocent ingénues these stories often focus on. Both Gothel and Rothbart are cynical and jaded from their experiences and fully devoted to protecting their young charges. When they reunite, they have lots of baggage and adult responsibilities standing in their way. It takes time for them to realize that they can tackle these responsibilities together instead of stubbornly refusing their own happiness in favor of the younger generation.
This was certainly the most original take I have ever read of either one of these stories, but the vast differences made it difficult for me to enjoy as a fairy tale retelling. These characters and their stories diverge so far from the classic fairy tales that if the names had been changed, it could have worked as an original fantasy or even a contemporary romance for adult readers. Still, the little nods to the fairy tales were fun and clever as these two dark magic users struggled to see the light and allow themselves a chance at happiness.
Falling for the Sorcerer is a unique villainous retelling that offers a fresh take on "Swan Lake" and "Rapunzel," with complex and relatable protagonists who will resonate with older readers. While it may not be a traditional fairy tale retelling, Jes Drew's story shines as an original fantasy romance, exploring themes of love, protection, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a mature and atmospheric read with a focus on character development, Falling for the Sorcerer is definitely worth checking out.
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January 22, 2026Full review and rating to come!
January 15, 2026
(3.5) ARC Review- Falling for the Sorcerer by Jes Drew.
I struggled to get through this one a bit but it picked up in the end and I’m glad I finished it.
I think the extreme stubbornness of the characters was a bit too much for me and got annoyed at some point, especially at Gothel.
It was a nice mix between Rapunzel and the Swan lake stories which just fitted seamlessly. Jes’s writing is easy to read and follow.
I will recommend this one to any reader who enjoys clean fairytale retellings.
I struggled to get through this one a bit but it picked up in the end and I’m glad I finished it.
I think the extreme stubbornness of the characters was a bit too much for me and got annoyed at some point, especially at Gothel.
It was a nice mix between Rapunzel and the Swan lake stories which just fitted seamlessly. Jes’s writing is easy to read and follow.
I will recommend this one to any reader who enjoys clean fairytale retellings.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Falling for the Sorcerer was an unexpectedly fun and intriguing story to read.
A retelling of "Rapunzel" in which Gothel is not a kidnapper obsessed with being young but a fierce older sister who will do anything to protect Rapunzel, even if it means abandoning the man she loves.
Unlike in "Swan Lake", Rothbart isn't a villainous sorcerer but a dedicated father who doesn't curse Odile but Siegfried in an attempt to save the woman he loves.
Unfortunately, both for Gothel and Rothbart, fate forces them apart for sixteen years before an incident compells them to travel together.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. Gothel and Rothbart had moments of humour but also tragedy and tension. This is a second-chance romance, and I think the author did an amazing job of portraying their complex relationship, as well as their relationships with other characters. The last couple of chapters had me in such a suspense I couldn't put the book down.
A clean romance that felt so much mature because of our protagonists' ages and their willingness to put their children (or sister, in Gothel's case) before anyone else (as any good parent should do).
The characters were written so well, the world-building was interesting, and the humour made everything better. Plus, Rothbart is a green flag, which only made me love this story even more (because, seriously, how can you not love a green flag?).
I did not read the previous books, but I have to say this story convinced me to add the others to my TBR, as well as leading me to notice that this series is written by less known authors, so this will be an amazing opportunity to discover more books.
Falling for the Sorcerer was an unexpectedly fun and intriguing story to read.
A retelling of "Rapunzel" in which Gothel is not a kidnapper obsessed with being young but a fierce older sister who will do anything to protect Rapunzel, even if it means abandoning the man she loves.
Unlike in "Swan Lake", Rothbart isn't a villainous sorcerer but a dedicated father who doesn't curse Odile but Siegfried in an attempt to save the woman he loves.
Unfortunately, both for Gothel and Rothbart, fate forces them apart for sixteen years before an incident compells them to travel together.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. Gothel and Rothbart had moments of humour but also tragedy and tension. This is a second-chance romance, and I think the author did an amazing job of portraying their complex relationship, as well as their relationships with other characters. The last couple of chapters had me in such a suspense I couldn't put the book down.
A clean romance that felt so much mature because of our protagonists' ages and their willingness to put their children (or sister, in Gothel's case) before anyone else (as any good parent should do).
The characters were written so well, the world-building was interesting, and the humour made everything better. Plus, Rothbart is a green flag, which only made me love this story even more (because, seriously, how can you not love a green flag?).
I did not read the previous books, but I have to say this story convinced me to add the others to my TBR, as well as leading me to notice that this series is written by less known authors, so this will be an amazing opportunity to discover more books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Sorcerer ended up being far more heartfelt than I expected. While there’s plenty of magic, curses, and fairy-tale flair, the story is really about people who’ve lived a bit, made mistakes, and are trying to do better — even when it’s uncomfortable.
Gothel is easy to understand, even when you don’t fully agree with her choices. Her protectiveness over her sister feels real, not exaggerated, and her isolation makes emotional sense. Rothbart completely won me over. Watching a once-terrifying sorcerer swap world domination for responsibility, steady work, and reluctant parenthood is both funny and surprisingly touching. His dry humour pairs perfectly with Gothel’s sharper edges.
The cursed-quest storyline keeps things moving, but it never overwhelms the characters. The forced-together, awkward family road-trip vibe gives the book its charm, with plenty of small moments where old feelings resurface — usually at the worst possible time. The romance is gentle and slow, with no spice, but it doesn’t feel lacking. The longing, regret, and second-chance tenderness carry far more weight than anything explicit ever could.
The Rapunzel and Swan Lake influences are woven in naturally, and the idea of giving the “villains” their own happy ending feels both clever and comforting. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained — I genuinely cared. It’s warm, funny, and quietly romantic, the kind of book that leaves you smiling once you’ve turned the last page.
Gothel is easy to understand, even when you don’t fully agree with her choices. Her protectiveness over her sister feels real, not exaggerated, and her isolation makes emotional sense. Rothbart completely won me over. Watching a once-terrifying sorcerer swap world domination for responsibility, steady work, and reluctant parenthood is both funny and surprisingly touching. His dry humour pairs perfectly with Gothel’s sharper edges.
The cursed-quest storyline keeps things moving, but it never overwhelms the characters. The forced-together, awkward family road-trip vibe gives the book its charm, with plenty of small moments where old feelings resurface — usually at the worst possible time. The romance is gentle and slow, with no spice, but it doesn’t feel lacking. The longing, regret, and second-chance tenderness carry far more weight than anything explicit ever could.
The Rapunzel and Swan Lake influences are woven in naturally, and the idea of giving the “villains” their own happy ending feels both clever and comforting. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained — I genuinely cared. It’s warm, funny, and quietly romantic, the kind of book that leaves you smiling once you’ve turned the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed 'Falling For The Sorcerer'. The story is engaging, and world building and characterisation are fantastic. I loved Gothel and Rothbart and their romance, as well as the fact that an older couple - and parents - got to fall in love and have an adventure. There are plenty of surprises and laughs along the way.
I am not a fan of dual perspective or current tense, but it was done well and the story was engaging enough that I overlooked the former and barely noticed the latter. However, these combined with the flashbacks and an intricate world I was not familiar with did make the story harder to understand at some points (luckily there is an index, though).
I recommend it for fantasy fans looking for a world with a bit more depth than the usual fantasy romance, and romance lovers who enjoy realistic characters. There is a lot here to explore!
I also highly recommend reading the whole multi author series - they are nearly all similar and fantastic. If you like one, it is a great way to find a new author that you will love!
I am not a fan of dual perspective or current tense, but it was done well and the story was engaging enough that I overlooked the former and barely noticed the latter. However, these combined with the flashbacks and an intricate world I was not familiar with did make the story harder to understand at some points (luckily there is an index, though).
I recommend it for fantasy fans looking for a world with a bit more depth than the usual fantasy romance, and romance lovers who enjoy realistic characters. There is a lot here to explore!
I also highly recommend reading the whole multi author series - they are nearly all similar and fantastic. If you like one, it is a great way to find a new author that you will love!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Sorcerer was a really well written Mashup of Rapunzel and the Swan Princess. I loved the world that the author created and thw magic system. The relationship between Gothel and Rothbart was so fun and I loved all the banter in the book. I also really liked the family dynamic that was presented in both Gothel and Rothbart with their charges. There was no swearing, some violence and a level 2 intimacy. I can't wait to read this book again and I sincerely hope that the author writes more stories in this world! I did receive an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2025
Well written, exciting and really surprising!
It's very sad that it takes the lovers 16 years to come together. And the tales from before interwoven with today's take you always back and explain the reason why something happened then. Problems with teenagers are so true if you are a parent, so I had a good laugh and thought of my own kids.
For me the nicest surprise was the Emperor I remembered and loved from the trilogy "Sunset at Dawn". It's lovely to meet old acquaintances! 😁
I got an ARC book and this is my honest opinion.
It's very sad that it takes the lovers 16 years to come together. And the tales from before interwoven with today's take you always back and explain the reason why something happened then. Problems with teenagers are so true if you are a parent, so I had a good laugh and thought of my own kids.
For me the nicest surprise was the Emperor I remembered and loved from the trilogy "Sunset at Dawn". It's lovely to meet old acquaintances! 😁
I got an ARC book and this is my honest opinion.
December 27, 2025
A wonderful take on classic stories! Never would I have thought that Rapunzel could get a villainous twist with Swan Lake, but this book turned my world around. I thoroughly enjoyed the complex character woven into a unique plot. Their history with one another made for a perfect character arc for everyone. The plot was quick paced, perfect for the characters and premise, making it an exciting read!
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
December 17, 2025
Action packed and engaging. I liked the dual POV and relationship dynamics between all of the characters. I love a good villain story, and this did not disappoint.
Definitely a great read and would recommend.
Definitely a great read and would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love how Gothel and Rothbart deeply care about their kids and want to protect them and thus play the villian part. How they both want redemption but don't feel they are worthy of it ❤️ Rothbart is so protective over Gothel. I love the parts where they had to 'fake'their feelings during their trip😂 Also the trips under the bed🤭🤣
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this mashup retelling of Rapunzel and Swan Lake, deliciously twisted but cosy and killer dialogues, too.
What if Gothel isn’t the villain but the original Rapunzel? What if there are two Rapunzles, not one? What if it’s not “mother knows best”, but “sister knows best”? What if it’s a prince who is turned into a swan, not a princess and the turning was a gamble that didn’t pay off? What if the paths of Sorcerer Rothbart and Gothel crossed and it was instalove?
I enjoyed this fast-paced mashup retelling - the characters, the story, the banter, the magical world, all of it. Keen to read more of this author’s fairytale universe. Gothel grappling with her looks and feels was adorable. What kind of mother wouldn’t teach her daughter rejuvenation magic until the eve of her wedding? Possibly a mother who was trying hard for the dad not to exploit his daughters as well. Rothbart as a single dad of two was such a cinnamon roll, yum! Odile was still a darkling, thank goodness. Rapunzel was her Disney self with a good explanation as to why. The swan-prince provided a comedy element. And entertaining and amusing story, I can totally see this as a movie or a cartoon series. Will definitely keep an eye out for this author.
Fave quote: “She stole my book, my money and my heart before vanishing.” - love the priorities here.
Recommended for lovers of clean mixed gen (YA/NA) mashup retellings, especially Swan Lake and Rapunzel with elements of 12 Wild Swans mixed in.
What if Gothel isn’t the villain but the original Rapunzel? What if there are two Rapunzles, not one? What if it’s not “mother knows best”, but “sister knows best”? What if it’s a prince who is turned into a swan, not a princess and the turning was a gamble that didn’t pay off? What if the paths of Sorcerer Rothbart and Gothel crossed and it was instalove?
I enjoyed this fast-paced mashup retelling - the characters, the story, the banter, the magical world, all of it. Keen to read more of this author’s fairytale universe. Gothel grappling with her looks and feels was adorable. What kind of mother wouldn’t teach her daughter rejuvenation magic until the eve of her wedding? Possibly a mother who was trying hard for the dad not to exploit his daughters as well. Rothbart as a single dad of two was such a cinnamon roll, yum! Odile was still a darkling, thank goodness. Rapunzel was her Disney self with a good explanation as to why. The swan-prince provided a comedy element. And entertaining and amusing story, I can totally see this as a movie or a cartoon series. Will definitely keep an eye out for this author.
Fave quote: “She stole my book, my money and my heart before vanishing.” - love the priorities here.
Recommended for lovers of clean mixed gen (YA/NA) mashup retellings, especially Swan Lake and Rapunzel with elements of 12 Wild Swans mixed in.
Review of advance copy
Sixteen years ago, Gothel had to make a hard decision to protect her sister and herself from both of their betrothed. If she had to betray the man she thought loved her, it was worth it for the safety she created with her tower. But now, sorcerer Rothbart, the man she betrayed, finds her due to their teenage wards enacting two curses. Can the two work together to cure both of their loved ones, without their past resurfacing?
Falling for the Sorcerer is such a creative tale! Both Gothel and Rothbart are extremely sympathetic characters even if their methods are a bit morally suspect. I loved to see the two soften toward each other as they moved beyond their past grievances. I particularly enjoyed that both main characters struggled with control, and had to learn how to let the people they loved turn into the adults they needed to be.
A fantastic read with a wonderful twist on two classic fairy tales.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Falling for the Sorcerer is such a creative tale! Both Gothel and Rothbart are extremely sympathetic characters even if their methods are a bit morally suspect. I loved to see the two soften toward each other as they moved beyond their past grievances. I particularly enjoyed that both main characters struggled with control, and had to learn how to let the people they loved turn into the adults they needed to be.
A fantastic read with a wonderful twist on two classic fairy tales.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for the To Win a Dark Heart series. This one was Falling for the Sorcerer.
This is a mix of Rupunzel and Swan Lake.
Gathel and Rothbart.
This story was amazing. I love when mashed up fairytales are done well.
Gathel isn't the villain the stories make her out to be yes she did bad things but they were all to protect her little sister Rupunzel.
Rothbart is a villain. He curses a young boy Siegfried to turn into a swan to protect Gathel.
They planned to runaway together but Gathel leave to protect her sister.
16 years later both Rupunzel and Siegfried meet. And Siegfried Curse gets worse so the go to the tower Gathel and Rupunzel are hiding in and Rupunzel is accidentally cursed. So fix both curses they must work together.
I love them together no matter how are they fight it they cant forget their feelings for eachother or stop them. I love their banter.
I hope we get more books in the world.
This is a mix of Rupunzel and Swan Lake.
Gathel and Rothbart.
This story was amazing. I love when mashed up fairytales are done well.
Gathel isn't the villain the stories make her out to be yes she did bad things but they were all to protect her little sister Rupunzel.
Rothbart is a villain. He curses a young boy Siegfried to turn into a swan to protect Gathel.
They planned to runaway together but Gathel leave to protect her sister.
16 years later both Rupunzel and Siegfried meet. And Siegfried Curse gets worse so the go to the tower Gathel and Rupunzel are hiding in and Rupunzel is accidentally cursed. So fix both curses they must work together.
I love them together no matter how are they fight it they cant forget their feelings for eachother or stop them. I love their banter.
I hope we get more books in the world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely lived up to my high expectations
From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I had to pick up this book. Gothel and Rothbart is not a combination I thought about, but it's a match made in heaven. Odile, Rapunzel, and Siegfried's friendship is incredibly entertaining to watch develop. Jes Drew is one of the few authors who can do timeline hopping and make things make sense. I could do with a little jumping around in the timeline, but I did like the idea. Gothel and Rothbart's first attempt at love is revealed gradually as we see them fall in love the second time. It was refreshing to see a fairy tale retelling where the leads in the present day are older adults rather than teenagers or twenty-year-olds. I highly recommend this book. From the characters to the plot to the worldbuilding, this book has it all.
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I had to pick up this book. Gothel and Rothbart is not a combination I thought about, but it's a match made in heaven. Odile, Rapunzel, and Siegfried's friendship is incredibly entertaining to watch develop. Jes Drew is one of the few authors who can do timeline hopping and make things make sense. I could do with a little jumping around in the timeline, but I did like the idea. Gothel and Rothbart's first attempt at love is revealed gradually as we see them fall in love the second time. It was refreshing to see a fairy tale retelling where the leads in the present day are older adults rather than teenagers or twenty-year-olds. I highly recommend this book. From the characters to the plot to the worldbuilding, this book has it all.
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I'm going to start this review by saying this might be my favorite book by Jes Drew that I have read so far! I loved the premise of this story and how it focused on the villains from Rapunzel and Swan Lake. It made the story more interesting than if it had just been told from the traditional characters' points of view. I also really enjoyed Gothel and Rothbart's romance and the struggles they had to overcome to end up together. It was all very sweet and beautiful. Falling for the Sorcerer was also easy to read, and I easily got caught in the world. It was also fun to see a few characters from some of Jes' other novels come back and have small roles in this one!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: None
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: None
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2025
How did the author turn two potentially disastrously tragic tales into a comedy of errors? The way that Gothel and Rothbart fenced with each other over misunderstandings, misplaced intentions and misbehaving youngsters was hilarious! I spent more time giggling than swooning. The romantic scene following the werewolf attack, the inadvertent blindman's bluff game in the imperial garden - there are such ingeniously riotously funny vignettes in this novel. I won't say more - too much chance of revealing spoilers - but anyone loving fantasy romcom needs to read this book.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This uses the Swan Lake and Rapunzel element perfectly to create this fairy tale retelling, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the journey of this book. The characters worked well in this universe and was engaged from start to finish in their romance. I enjoyed this as a seventh entry in the To Win a Dark Heart series and thought the romance worked well with the overall concept. I was glad I got to read this and enjoyed the way Jes Drew wrote this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun book but I think it should have been entitled Falling for the Sorceress! Gothel's heart in this book is definitely darker than Rothbart's. Rothbart has never gotten over Gothel and she spends a lot of time either not answering his questions, being sarcastic, or just mouthy to him. Thank goodness that ultimately ends! Rothbart is thr reason for the five stars, a truly good and loyal man! The supporting characters are strong and play good roles in this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very intriguing mashup of A villainous Rapunzel and Swan Lake by He's Drew. The story has action, adventure, twists and turns, and surprises you don't see coming and magic. The characters are all well written and resonate. Jes's brilliant world building weaves beautifully and magically throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I couldn't put it down!! Gothel is Rapunzel's sister, and stole Rapunzel to keep her from becoming a child bride. A sorcerer raised the young boy he cursed as his own son, and so much going on!!!
I love Jes Drew's writings and will be looking for more of these fairy tale retellings.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Jes Drew's writings and will be looking for more of these fairy tale retellings.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was a quick, quirky, cute read. I gave it 3 stars because it felt lacking a little in depth, and I wished there were more, especially a ending were they all moved and started the academy. More characters development woud have been good, but for a quick cute rapunzel retelling it was okay.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn't sure what to expect from this combination and it was FANTASTIC!!! I couldn't put this story down! A villainous fairytale retelling adventure not to be missed!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
December 22, 2025
A fascinating and engaging twist on the classic stories. You sympathize with the villains, and their stories are compelling.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a fantastic Villian duo who aren't quite what you might think. I adored this second change love story and the hard earned but perfect happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews