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Hansel 1-4: The Complete Series
FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR ELLA JAMES...
One boy. Mother calls him Hansel.
One girl. Mother named her Gretel.
Locked in little rooms, in the mountainside mansion of a crazy woman.
Until he saws a hole into the wall dividing them.
Then at least, they have each other’s hands.
It doesn’t end well at Mother’s house.
Everything gets…broken.
Ten years later, they meet again in an exclusive Vegas club.
Whips.
Chains.
And most of all, a mask.
What happens to love when it gets twisted?
Fairy tales are cautionary tales, remember?
*This is a dark romance featuring themes some readers might find disturbing. If you don't enjoy dark romance, it may not be for you.
*HANSEL 1-4 IS 99 CENTS FOR A FEW DAYS. After that it will be priced at $3.99.
One boy. Mother calls him Hansel.
One girl. Mother named her Gretel.
Locked in little rooms, in the mountainside mansion of a crazy woman.
Until he saws a hole into the wall dividing them.
Then at least, they have each other’s hands.
It doesn’t end well at Mother’s house.
Everything gets…broken.
Ten years later, they meet again in an exclusive Vegas club.
Whips.
Chains.
And most of all, a mask.
What happens to love when it gets twisted?
Fairy tales are cautionary tales, remember?
*This is a dark romance featuring themes some readers might find disturbing. If you don't enjoy dark romance, it may not be for you.
*HANSEL 1-4 IS 99 CENTS FOR A FEW DAYS. After that it will be priced at $3.99.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
25 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Ella James
75 books5,801 followersElla James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 14, 2016
Finishing the series with my girl Jess. BR to come February 5th!
REVIEW
I'm not sure Jess finished this yet (AHEM), but I couldn't wait any longer! I loved part 1 SO MUCH when I got it as a freebie, and then Shelly's reviews of the rest cinched the deal for me.
How do I feel about this series, you ask?
I WANT TO WRITE MY ENTIRE REVIEW IN CAPS. I want to beat up my couch cushions. I want to throw something on the ground so it breaks and then run around in circles.
HOW DO I EXPRESS MY EMOTIONS?!?!?!?
I loved the characters. I loved their fucked up back stories.
And guess what else? The sex was HOT. Every. Single. Scene. And there was just the right amount.
Yes, there was a shit ton of errors, both of the grammar and formatting variety. But the story was so good I didn't even care. A lot of the story took place in Las Vegas and I'm not even going to criticize how long the author thinks it takes to get to the airport from the Strip.
The ending was a bit cheesy, just the way I like. I don't know what else to say except, if you like dark reads but also romance, GO READ THIS.
REVIEW
I'm not sure Jess finished this yet (AHEM), but I couldn't wait any longer! I loved part 1 SO MUCH when I got it as a freebie, and then Shelly's reviews of the rest cinched the deal for me.
How do I feel about this series, you ask?
I WANT TO WRITE MY ENTIRE REVIEW IN CAPS. I want to beat up my couch cushions. I want to throw something on the ground so it breaks and then run around in circles.
HOW DO I EXPRESS MY EMOTIONS?!?!?!?
I loved the characters. I loved their fucked up back stories.
Her kindness burns, but isn't that the point?
And guess what else? The sex was HOT. Every. Single. Scene. And there was just the right amount.
"Am I your fantasy? Maybe you spent a lot of time thinking about my body when we were on opposite sides of the damn wall?"
"I think about you when I fuck," he says.
Yes, there was a shit ton of errors, both of the grammar and formatting variety. But the story was so good I didn't even care. A lot of the story took place in Las Vegas and I'm not even going to criticize how long the author thinks it takes to get to the airport from the Strip.
The ending was a bit cheesy, just the way I like. I don't know what else to say except, if you like dark reads but also romance, GO READ THIS.
"Okay, Leah. Come along." I nod at the door and laugh, low and dry. "I'm going to Mother's house tonight."
May 10, 2016
Editor Needed ASAP
This book needs an editor. It's a grammatical mess, particularly when it comes to punctuation. The author, thankfully, tends to keep her sentences short, but when a more complex sentence is used, then it's mostly a mess like this:
We shared a king-sized packet of Skittles and a "Monster"- sized Sprite, and we passed the Sprite back and forth, Tiffany made some kind of joke about how we were lovers.
POV & Timeline Switches
The storyline switches back and forth between MPOV & FPOV. It also switches back and forth between current & past timelines. The author actually did a fantastic job transitioning each switch. I had no problems keeping up.
Layout is the book's strongest feature, or at least it was until the end.
Suspense
Suspense...
Every time I get hard, the anxiety begins. I feel the need not for release but for pain. Pain and pleasure go together; when you're taught this, it's impossible to forget or move past it."
Mentally stuttering idget, not suspense...
"Charged with manslaughter.. You weren't... Tell us that you're not considered...other family members.. Shelly's family... Right here... Juvenile detention..or..."
Too Much Superfluous Info
"I was at the skating rink. Sophomore year, second Saturday of September. Just me, and the girl my called my "just-Leah friends." Maura, Kaye, Shayna, Tiffany. Maura was dating Trey Reiss, a junior with a compass tattooed on his back. Kaye had just told me about her crush in Shayna. And Shayna, of course, was wrapped in Eric.
Tiffany and I had been the odd girls out. Although I guess we weren't really odd or out, because we had each other. We shared a king-sized packet of Skittles and a "Monster" - sized Sprite, and we passed the Sprite back and forth, Tiffany made some kind of joke about how we were lovers. I saw Kaye blanch out of the corner of my eye.
I remember I felt pretty that night. I think it was the brand new, lime green Chucks. I wore them with a short, black taffeta skirt that kind of flounced around me when I skated. I remember the shirt I had on: a floral pattern with little shoelace bows perched on each sleeve. The way it made my boobs look bigger than they were. I was pretty sure the left one was bigger than the right, but that night, they were looking even. "
TEN more pages of ^that^ type of info dump within a SINGLE memory to get to the SINGLE fact that this was the night she was kidnapped 10 years ago.
Do I care who is dating who and eating what amongst people NEVER mentioned in the book again?
Inner Rambling Galore
The long inner monologues are irritating.
For example: She's questioned being his sub a dozen times already; she's there and about to go in to see him, but we have to have one last mental hoorah first...
As I change into my royal blue outfit, I wonder one last time if this is the way to go about it.
^ Cue 14 pages of what ifs and description of the royal blue outfit.
And, no, it was not the last time she questioned her decision.
Asking oneself a series of rhetorical questions, the same questions reworded in mantra, or ho-hum type questions for pause on EVERYTHING slows the reading progress down and gives the book an immaturity that's often associated with YA books.
There are long periods without dialogue. I get the history had to be a mental narrative because this is first-person POV, but break that shit up or condense it without so much frivolous detail.
By the end of the book, it feels like the characters have talked circles around each other, leaving them with just a handful of meaningful conversations and leaving me with no connection to either of them.
Plot
Condensed version...
They became friends through a hole in the wall. They were kidnapped by "Mother," a sexual predator who named them after fairytales. The horrors of the house are slowly revealed throughout the book.
10 years after they escape....
Longer version ....
He's a rich Dom only interested in Gretel/ Leah doppelgängers as his subs. Basically he's obsessed with the fantasy of her.
She's a recovering addict who's never gotten over her Hansel.
Can he handle the real thing 10 years later?
Not so much.
She's no sub and can't hurt him. He can't seem to be a dom to her - period. He tells her to fuck off for his sanity and for her own good. She won't take no for an answer - begs, cries, pouts, etc etc.
The first plot problem for me came at 41% when the FMC (Leah) & MMC (Lucas) still aren't on the same page mentally and are each missing different pieces of the puzzle.
He's Hansel (the captive)
He's Edgar (the Dom)
He's Lucas (the man)
She's Gretel (captive)
She's Lauren (doppelgänger Sub For Leah)
She's Leah ( woman)
Over 50 % of the plot revolves around the 'match the she and he' parallels
NEVER fucking lining up. He thinks she's Lauren until he discovers she's really Leah. She doesn't know he knows she's Leah. He calls her Leah, but then can't remember it, but she doesn't know he can't remember it. He then calls her Lauren because he thinks she's playing a game with him. She in turn thinks he's afraid to call her Leah and further pretends to be Lauren. On and on it goes over a small technicality as they both think what they should just say.
Finally, identities come into the open and now it's like these two are bipolar.
Plot And Characters Become A Manic Mess
Personality shifts are manic - from lust to panic to anger to kindness to guilt to lust to panic to anger to kindness to guilt and so forth. No new info to cause this shit. He simply can't handle the fantasy come to life and she can't accept that he can't accept it.
Fetishes come and go. One minute he has to have serious pain to get off and the next he doesn't. No worries it's a
"God, that fucking magic pussy."
"Your cunt is magic."
It'll make a mofo shoot his load NINE TIMES in one night.
She can do prostate stimulation after once having "heard her sister talk about it."
She can swallow a 91/2 inch dick like a porn star but has very limited sexual experience.
He's so fucking panicked, eager to rid himself of her. He doesn't talk about the past. BUT, he agrees to a road trip to tackle that past head-on at the house of horrors. Huh?
Despite the whiplash, I'm still willing to overlook a lot of this and continue reading because clearly the dude has some serious guilt concerning her and his own fucked up demons eating at him.
Then You Fucking Lose Me Completely
Turns out, there is a good reason for his guilt and anxiety.
The way it's written, though...
BigFoot is more likely to have boarded a unicorn and tossed a glitter bomb in the Loch Ness monster's pudding than the content of this book.
That last 20% is tainted with fantastical and unbelievable info dumps, and I do mean FANTASTICAL! It's the kinda shit that you gotta reorient your ass after reading....
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His connection to Leah's aunt and that he is directly responsible for Leah specifically being kidnapped by Mother... Fine enough, and so his guilt and anxiety becomes understandable.
What's NOT understandable is this sudden MASSIVE info dump in the last 15-20% that's beyond fantastical....
• He has an adoptive kid who's been with a nanny this entire time (80 percent of the book) and he hasn't once even had a mental thought on the kid?!? What the fuck kinda adoptive agency would let someone with his past and profession adopt a kid?
• Leah's mom gave him to Mother.
• He has a biological child that he never knew about until stumbling upon her a YEAR OLD in a closet. WTF he didn't notice the bitch was pregnant in 9 months time? CTFO.
• His daughter's adoptive parents are a-okay with Dom, sex club owner coming by to visit her?!? Hell, they all sit around drinking beer and talking about the weather. I. Shit. You. Not.
• Nothing is explained how this dude goes from an emaciated, penniless, sex slave who spent five years in captivity -to- a rich Dom, sex club owner, real estate investor, ghost writer 10 years later. Nothing!
• His hands and wrists that were so BROKEN he had to have surgery and may never write again miraculously healed in THREE WEEKS.
• Leah has NO negative feelings at all about him telling Mother about her because he was lonely and waned his own little sex toy. None. It was all fate for them to meet.
• Leah doesn't blame him at all for being indirectly responsible for her aunt's murder.
• He all but tells her he'd rather drive himself off a cliff than to be with her and she latches on to him like a leech chasing blood. Yet, when she thinks he is bringing donuts to another woman, she is willing to walk away.
Wtf kinda BS is this?
Bottom Line
Great story idea.
I applaud the author for keeping the storyline flowing through all the POV & timeline changes.
I'm not a fan of the author's over-tell, fluffy writing style.
While the characters have had a hard life, there is absolutely no character arc here. Aside from the sporadic disappearance of his need for pain, the most absurd forgiveness I've ever seen, and a weak proclamation that they'll give a relationship a go, these two end basically the same as they began.
I lost all respect for the book when it threw the kitchen sink of unbelievable, fantastical BS at the reader in the last 20%.
Weak 2 stars ... only for the idea itself and the organization the author maintained for 80% of the book.
January 4, 2016
Hansel and Leah’s story was riveting because it was so riddled with pain. They found each other under the worst circumstances and after years of being separated neither forgot the other. They had been hope for one another while trapped in Mother’s house.
Leah was persistent in her pursuit of Hansel. Once she found him again she was determined to see him again even if that meant their reunion was brief and contrived. Though Hansel consistently tries to push Leah away she remains rather steadfast. She knows that there’s no one else who can understand her life Hansel because he was at Mother’s house with Leah. But Hansel has a lot of secrets of his own and once Leah learns them all she may be reluctant to stay.
Hansel was kind of a dick. He was much more emotionally traumatized than Leah. His life before he got to Mother’s house was terrible and the events that lead up to Hansel being at Mother’s house were inconceivable. Then on top of that he endured years at Mother’s house and once he left Mother’s house he had no one. His lack of coping led to him being emotionally closed off and he as unable or unwilling to reconnect with Leah.
Hansel and Leah’s story was a good story, there was a bit in the middle that dragged on some but overall it was an engaging read. I loved the Hansel flashback chapters, we learned so much about his painful past. This was my first read from this author but I look forward to exploring the rest of her fairytale stories.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
It seems to me like love should be a literal shield. It should offer physical protection; it should be a balm that heals real wounds. I lay back down beside him, and I wonder why the opposite is true—why loving someone almost always leads to pain.
Leah was persistent in her pursuit of Hansel. Once she found him again she was determined to see him again even if that meant their reunion was brief and contrived. Though Hansel consistently tries to push Leah away she remains rather steadfast. She knows that there’s no one else who can understand her life Hansel because he was at Mother’s house with Leah. But Hansel has a lot of secrets of his own and once Leah learns them all she may be reluctant to stay.
I want to be in charge of him. To make him happy. Fix him. Because he's mine. Because he's broken. I can't stand it.
Hansel was kind of a dick. He was much more emotionally traumatized than Leah. His life before he got to Mother’s house was terrible and the events that lead up to Hansel being at Mother’s house were inconceivable. Then on top of that he endured years at Mother’s house and once he left Mother’s house he had no one. His lack of coping led to him being emotionally closed off and he as unable or unwilling to reconnect with Leah.
As if under some terrible spell, he sinks to his knees, and I finally notice that his hands are stained bright red.
Hansel and Leah’s story was a good story, there was a bit in the middle that dragged on some but overall it was an engaging read. I loved the Hansel flashback chapters, we learned so much about his painful past. This was my first read from this author but I look forward to exploring the rest of her fairytale stories.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
dnf
September 18, 2015DNF @ 50%
I was intrigued by the storyline, but I just wasn't feeling it.
This was a tough one that I don't think I can say much without a spoiler, so if you're like me and sometimes need a spoiler to decide if the book is worth pursuing -- here you go...
By 50% there had been some steamy sex and flashbacks into both of their pasts, but I didn't feel any other connection with them. Sorry...I had to put it on my DNF shelf
I was intrigued by the storyline, but I just wasn't feeling it.
This was a tough one that I don't think I can say much without a spoiler, so if you're like me and sometimes need a spoiler to decide if the book is worth pursuing -- here you go...
By 50% there had been some steamy sex and flashbacks into both of their pasts, but I didn't feel any other connection with them. Sorry...I had to put it on my DNF shelf
August 28, 2015
I loved the intertwined ....connected.....past of Luke & Leah....I enjoyed the story and want to know more.....it makes you believe in fate...Loved it !!!
March 24, 2016
Nope. Just... Nope. Story was all over the place. Too many open ended plotlines. And way too dark for me. Gave me the creeps.
December 24, 2019
(Read as part of the collection).
This is my favorite. My absolute favorite, even if I haven’t finished the last twisted fairy tale retelling.
This dark stuff is right up my ally, and even though some of it was so horrible and surprising — I just loved it.
This one kind of reminded me of one of Tillie Cole’s books (one of my favorite authors) who also dwells into the really dark stuff.
Despite being hard to read some parts, I feel like they give a whole new side to the story.
I will admit though, that some parts got a little annoying with all the repeating and no move forward, but at the same time it made sense. And I think that’s the brilliant part. The frustration and annoyance is necessary, because it means you’re immersed.
However, this is on the darker side, so it’s not everyones cup of tea — but if you can handle the twisted parts, I absolutely recommend you give this a try.
This is my favorite. My absolute favorite, even if I haven’t finished the last twisted fairy tale retelling.
This dark stuff is right up my ally, and even though some of it was so horrible and surprising — I just loved it.
This one kind of reminded me of one of Tillie Cole’s books (one of my favorite authors) who also dwells into the really dark stuff.
Despite being hard to read some parts, I feel like they give a whole new side to the story.
I will admit though, that some parts got a little annoying with all the repeating and no move forward, but at the same time it made sense. And I think that’s the brilliant part. The frustration and annoyance is necessary, because it means you’re immersed.
However, this is on the darker side, so it’s not everyones cup of tea — but if you can handle the twisted parts, I absolutely recommend you give this a try.
February 13, 2017
Not sure about this one yet. The characters just didn't grab me like I hoped they would. I felt Leah was a little pushy at times but also understood why. I didn't feel that chemistry between Leah and Luke. I know they both went through a lot, him more than her and that part of the story was gripping and interesting. It was the present time they spent together that I found was a little flat. I feel it was a little rushed and didn't like how it just ended. No Epilogue or anything.
Overall I liked the story but didn't love it.
Overall I liked the story but didn't love it.
October 4, 2015
My first Ella James book and I quite enjoyed it. Will read more from this author.
September 4, 2017
PART 1:
This time around Ella's fairytale is more dirty, gritty and surprisingly there was something I didn't like about it and I kept waiting for that problem to change but it never did. I wish I could say what it was but I think it would be a spoiler, it's nothing major I still enjoyed the book I was just upset that by the end of this part no one knew who they were (I hope that makes sense). Hansel or Lucas as the boy likes to go by is a dirty boy, "I want you to blow me," I tell her, stroking my hard c***. "I'll give you instructions if you need them." In one line I saw hope that the next book I will like more because I think the boy will start to figure his s*** out.
PART 2:
Apparently a drunk Hansel is still a very well endowed functioning Hansel, "his vacant gaze clings to mine. "I can still eff you." He reaches down between his legs, and I'm shocked to find he's hard." He's so different with Leah, he's gentle, "you're new at this," he murmurs, nipping at me. "I don't want to hurt you. Only pleasure for you, baby." I enjoyed this installment and I'm looking forward to the next one.
PART 3:
Each installment gets more darker and twisted and Hansel oh I mean 'Edgar' what the hell is wrong with that boy? "You don't have a boyfriend now. I can believe that. You've been effing me. But there must have been someone before. Who was the last?" I cross my arms, mirroring her stance. "What was the last?" He was just ruder than usual this time around, "Jesus, Leah. I don't want to talk about this s***. I don't want to get to know you. Grown up Leah. I effed you. You didn't do it my way. I don't effing blame you, but let's let this die." Then we kind of see a change in him when he realizes (or I think he realizes) that she's going to need his support, "yes," she whispers. He gaze clings to mine. "But...can I hold your arm?" I hold my arm out to her, effing glad to be of use in some way." I can honestly say I'm ready for the final installment I'm ready to see how this ends.
PART 4:
In order to understand people sometimes you have to look into their pasts and let me tell you what Hansel's ain't pretty but you can read that for yourself. I loved seeing the caring and loving Hansel, "do you want me to hold your hand?" he asks in a low voice. His face is solemn. Concerned, I think." There's a lot more emotion in this book from both Leah and Hansel, "don't move, okay. Don't move. Baby, please." She's sobbing as she pulls onto the mountain road. "Just hang on. I'll take you somewhere good. Somewhere they can help you. I'll go with you. I won't let anybody treat you bad. I'm sorry I'm crying." Also a big a** secret is revealed I kinda can't say I saw it coming but with the way Hansel's mother was I kinda wasn't surprised. Both Leah and Hansel have come a long way and I'm glad to see them get the ending they deserved.
This time around Ella's fairytale is more dirty, gritty and surprisingly there was something I didn't like about it and I kept waiting for that problem to change but it never did. I wish I could say what it was but I think it would be a spoiler, it's nothing major I still enjoyed the book I was just upset that by the end of this part no one knew who they were (I hope that makes sense). Hansel or Lucas as the boy likes to go by is a dirty boy, "I want you to blow me," I tell her, stroking my hard c***. "I'll give you instructions if you need them." In one line I saw hope that the next book I will like more because I think the boy will start to figure his s*** out.
PART 2:
Apparently a drunk Hansel is still a very well endowed functioning Hansel, "his vacant gaze clings to mine. "I can still eff you." He reaches down between his legs, and I'm shocked to find he's hard." He's so different with Leah, he's gentle, "you're new at this," he murmurs, nipping at me. "I don't want to hurt you. Only pleasure for you, baby." I enjoyed this installment and I'm looking forward to the next one.
PART 3:
Each installment gets more darker and twisted and Hansel oh I mean 'Edgar' what the hell is wrong with that boy? "You don't have a boyfriend now. I can believe that. You've been effing me. But there must have been someone before. Who was the last?" I cross my arms, mirroring her stance. "What was the last?" He was just ruder than usual this time around, "Jesus, Leah. I don't want to talk about this s***. I don't want to get to know you. Grown up Leah. I effed you. You didn't do it my way. I don't effing blame you, but let's let this die." Then we kind of see a change in him when he realizes (or I think he realizes) that she's going to need his support, "yes," she whispers. He gaze clings to mine. "But...can I hold your arm?" I hold my arm out to her, effing glad to be of use in some way." I can honestly say I'm ready for the final installment I'm ready to see how this ends.
PART 4:
In order to understand people sometimes you have to look into their pasts and let me tell you what Hansel's ain't pretty but you can read that for yourself. I loved seeing the caring and loving Hansel, "do you want me to hold your hand?" he asks in a low voice. His face is solemn. Concerned, I think." There's a lot more emotion in this book from both Leah and Hansel, "don't move, okay. Don't move. Baby, please." She's sobbing as she pulls onto the mountain road. "Just hang on. I'll take you somewhere good. Somewhere they can help you. I'll go with you. I won't let anybody treat you bad. I'm sorry I'm crying." Also a big a** secret is revealed I kinda can't say I saw it coming but with the way Hansel's mother was I kinda wasn't surprised. Both Leah and Hansel have come a long way and I'm glad to see them get the ending they deserved.
October 21, 2021
Dark Fairytale made into real life Lucas Lenore had no one. Till Shelly gave him hope then she was taken away and Mother took him and made him her first child aka Hansel. Over the years Hansel wanted a friend and Mother got him his own sister Gretal aka Leah
"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply"
"Let me tell you about a princess renowned for her fair hands"
"God I'm nothing but a warm, wet pussy stretched around him"
"God, he's so deep inside me, we feel like one person."
"He never really called me Gretel- even now, it takes me to a dark place- but I called him Hansel. The twisted fairy tale names are ours, and so it turns me on to be called Gretel."
"Have no fear of perfection.You'll never reach it."
https://i.gifer.com/QTHy.gif
"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply"
"Let me tell you about a princess renowned for her fair hands"
"God I'm nothing but a warm, wet pussy stretched around him"
"God, he's so deep inside me, we feel like one person."
"He never really called me Gretel- even now, it takes me to a dark place- but I called him Hansel. The twisted fairy tale names are ours, and so it turns me on to be called Gretel."
"Have no fear of perfection.You'll never reach it."
https://i.gifer.com/QTHy.gif
March 14, 2018
Wow. This was a seriously messed up story, but so good!
July 17, 2018
Painful to read. Poorly written, characters were whiny and not fun to read. A complete waste of time.
October 4, 2015
Love it!!!
What a fairy tale! ;) Instead of hidden passage ways, wicked witches, dragons and talking donkeys. This Series gave you much more and a bit of a difference in a fairy tale for the adult.
Sure there was dungeons and a wicked witch and a king and Queen, but in reality they were real people who were put in charge of the lives of young people and determined their life in the future, whether it was bad or good or hideous. In Luke and Leah's case down right awful and a child in this world should never go through life with what they had to endure and yet it's happening in real life even as I type out this review and it's absolutely sad.
I have to admit I wasn't fond of the story line but the message and reality what actually does happen when a child is taken is harsh and sad. And though these two people found solace in each other the likelihood that actually happens is rare. Mrs. James did a great job in writing this story and making us feel the story, though sad and very adult written. I did feel the ending left me short and definitely wanting more which she has promised in a news letter so I will wait for that.
What a fairy tale! ;) Instead of hidden passage ways, wicked witches, dragons and talking donkeys. This Series gave you much more and a bit of a difference in a fairy tale for the adult.
Sure there was dungeons and a wicked witch and a king and Queen, but in reality they were real people who were put in charge of the lives of young people and determined their life in the future, whether it was bad or good or hideous. In Luke and Leah's case down right awful and a child in this world should never go through life with what they had to endure and yet it's happening in real life even as I type out this review and it's absolutely sad.
I have to admit I wasn't fond of the story line but the message and reality what actually does happen when a child is taken is harsh and sad. And though these two people found solace in each other the likelihood that actually happens is rare. Mrs. James did a great job in writing this story and making us feel the story, though sad and very adult written. I did feel the ending left me short and definitely wanting more which she has promised in a news letter so I will wait for that.
October 16, 2015
I will start off by saying I absolutely fell in love with this story.. This is Lucas (a.k.a. Hansel) and Leah's (a.k.a. Gretel) story. While trying not o give too much away, this story is a bit dark as both the characters have gone through quite a bit. Lucas and Leah met years before but Leah never knew Lucas's real name. Their situation at the time was difficult for lack of a better word. Years later they meet again. Leah had searched years for Lucas but never found him until a chance meeting. As the story progressed we were let into their life as younger kids and what all they went through also at the hands of "Mother Goose". I was able to feel the attraction, passion and love they had for one another. They both had demons but I loved how Leah stood by Lucas and helped him overcome his demons. Knowing Lucas's secrets brought me even more into the story. Hansel has been nicely written and goes at a steady pace , never once did it feel stagnant. This has become another one of my favorite stories.
September 2, 2015
This series is just WOW!!!
Ella James takes a Fairy Tale & turns it into a modern erotic story about Leah & Lucas.
This series draws you in from the very first page. It's a very emotional read. Sometimes you hate Hansel/Lucas/Edgar but then you fall in love with him time & time again.
Leah & Lucas only meet because of some very sick, crazy messed up woman who calls herself Mother Goose. She kidnaps children to complete her fairy tale world. Leah & Lucas are two of these children. During this stressful time they comfort each other the best they can but how can two people come out of this unscathed. They just can't and 10 years after being rescued they're both messed up & in Lucas' case thinks he is beyond reach. Can these two help heal each other & repair some of the damage caused by this sick sadist monster, Mother Goose.
This is one phenomenal series. Get it, read it, love it!!!
Ella James takes a Fairy Tale & turns it into a modern erotic story about Leah & Lucas.
This series draws you in from the very first page. It's a very emotional read. Sometimes you hate Hansel/Lucas/Edgar but then you fall in love with him time & time again.
Leah & Lucas only meet because of some very sick, crazy messed up woman who calls herself Mother Goose. She kidnaps children to complete her fairy tale world. Leah & Lucas are two of these children. During this stressful time they comfort each other the best they can but how can two people come out of this unscathed. They just can't and 10 years after being rescued they're both messed up & in Lucas' case thinks he is beyond reach. Can these two help heal each other & repair some of the damage caused by this sick sadist monster, Mother Goose.
This is one phenomenal series. Get it, read it, love it!!!
October 30, 2015
YES! My Gawd, a fairytale of wicked proportions, I adore this Authors wonderful creative mysterious genius mind!
So shrouded in suspenseful, magical, folklore and packed full of erotic charm, I could not put this Series down and when I did I was heartbroken, I just want more.
This story will tear your heart out and yet make your thighs go up in flames! This is what happens when two broken damaged people find each other in the dark web of deceit and comfort each other in the flames of hell.
Ella James created a fantastic edgy thriller with a consuming romance hall of famer in this one.
You just put a big fat stamp of the horrors and destruction abduction does to a persons psyche and thank you for bringing awareness in this abhorrent abuse.
Me love you love time sister! xo
So shrouded in suspenseful, magical, folklore and packed full of erotic charm, I could not put this Series down and when I did I was heartbroken, I just want more.
This story will tear your heart out and yet make your thighs go up in flames! This is what happens when two broken damaged people find each other in the dark web of deceit and comfort each other in the flames of hell.
Ella James created a fantastic edgy thriller with a consuming romance hall of famer in this one.
You just put a big fat stamp of the horrors and destruction abduction does to a persons psyche and thank you for bringing awareness in this abhorrent abuse.
Me love you love time sister! xo
February 9, 2016
Total mind*uck of a take on a classic fairy tale. Hansel and Gretel are young children each abducted by Mother Goose who make a bond between the walls of their captivity. Years later after freedom and adulthood both struggle to come to terms with their time as captives. Can finding each other as adults put back the pieces of themselves they lost as children? I recommend picking this series up, especially if you can get them all at once for a good deal. They are all short stories that make one novel. The main reason I gave Hansel 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the end. I felt like it ended a bit quick....
September 1, 2015
Amazing erotic thriller
This was really an amazing book series that could stand alone as just a thriller if the sex scenes were toned down. Not sure how much that would affect the story, though. My point being, it does not rely on the hot sex to make it a great read. And the sex is hot! The characters are real and flawed, and trying to make their lives work after the horrors they faced. My only complaint is that the author could have gone into more depth with how they worked out their problems, especially in part four. But overall, a compelling read.
This was really an amazing book series that could stand alone as just a thriller if the sex scenes were toned down. Not sure how much that would affect the story, though. My point being, it does not rely on the hot sex to make it a great read. And the sex is hot! The characters are real and flawed, and trying to make their lives work after the horrors they faced. My only complaint is that the author could have gone into more depth with how they worked out their problems, especially in part four. But overall, a compelling read.
September 1, 2015
First of all love this author, she has amazing writing skills! I wish I could give this a 5 star review I just had a hard time getting over the whole Hansel & Gretle fairytale, it's just a creepy tale IMO! But the further I got into this story the more I wanted to know and the more you find out about their lives the more it started falling into place which is why I say she has amazing writing skills, it keeps you hooked makes you think & you are either wanting to slap the characters or lock them up or bring in a shrink!! Then the sex scenes....wow! All in all it was a very good read!
September 8, 2015
OMG WHY WHY did I wait so long to read this. This book was freaking amazing. Like balls to the wall amazing. Hansel.....Gretel .... Mother and The House. The tangled webs that were weaved. The hurt, the love the utter heartbreak. Lives turned upside down by a woman who lived in a Fairy Tale ( the wrong kind of fairy tale) The journey was tough and the road was dizzy, but the answers, the ending.... ALL WORTH IT. I would seriously give this 4 book series 6 FAT FREAKING FANTASTIC STARS!!! Yes, it was THAT good! I'll just leave it at that.
August 29, 2015
I really like the premise of this story, however, I would have liked more about the whole 'Mother Goose' angle, and more about the other children caught up in this tale.
There were a few surprises that really came out of left field, and I would have liked more clues before they were sprung on the reader.
It was a good story, but not brilliant.
There were a few surprises that really came out of left field, and I would have liked more clues before they were sprung on the reader.
It was a good story, but not brilliant.
September 3, 2015
LOVED IT
It was great to see all four parts in one box set at a great price. I began reading and easily fell into a plot so juicy I could not put it down. What Leah and Lucas went through in their youth was pure bell, and it stayed with them into adulthood. I can't wait for the follow-up short coming.
It was great to see all four parts in one box set at a great price. I began reading and easily fell into a plot so juicy I could not put it down. What Leah and Lucas went through in their youth was pure bell, and it stayed with them into adulthood. I can't wait for the follow-up short coming.
September 19, 2015
A messed up story with a twist....
I read the 1st book on it's own. I really wasn't sure how much I would want to read number 2 etc. I am so glad I did. Some twists I saw coming and others not so much.
Hansel & Gretel ... lil boyblue, snow white sleeping beauty.... hmmmm mother Hubbard was not what mother was.
All in all a great hot read. Suggest keep going after the 1st book.
I read the 1st book on it's own. I really wasn't sure how much I would want to read number 2 etc. I am so glad I did. Some twists I saw coming and others not so much.
Hansel & Gretel ... lil boyblue, snow white sleeping beauty.... hmmmm mother Hubbard was not what mother was.
All in all a great hot read. Suggest keep going after the 1st book.
September 22, 2015
This is a series that I avoided ever since it came out as I thought it might be too dark for me. I'm not going to say there wasn't a bit of darkness going on, but I have to say this series was one that held my interest all the way through and a few days after I finished, I'm still struggling to pick up another book as I loved the series so much.
August 27, 2015
This is a story of fate.. Or an accident depending on what you believe in. A horrible situation that changes two lives forever. I enjoyed this book. My only gripe about it is that it ends so suddenly. There's not even an epilogue.
August 30, 2015
Must read!
I love Ella James's erotic fairy tales but Hansel has to be my favorite. Lost of twists and turns which keep you guessing and lots of hot scenes along with great love story.
I love Ella James's erotic fairy tales but Hansel has to be my favorite. Lost of twists and turns which keep you guessing and lots of hot scenes along with great love story.
August 30, 2015
Very very good
This was a true surprise for me , i really ejoyed reading ... The finish was a bit haste though ...and i wish that the author would have explained a bit more about mothers house .... Theres quite the story there! Bus all in all was really great read !!
This was a true surprise for me , i really ejoyed reading ... The finish was a bit haste though ...and i wish that the author would have explained a bit more about mothers house .... Theres quite the story there! Bus all in all was really great read !!
December 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this erotic, twisted take on this fairytale. It was a little dark with all sorts of surprises and revelations. I would have loved an epilogue or some other glimpse into their happily ever after.
October 20, 2015
*Review for entire series*
This was a completely unique series and I loved it! The past and how Hansel and Gretel met was crazy and how they came together many years later was heartbreaking. I enjoyed this series and love Ella James' writing.
This was a completely unique series and I loved it! The past and how Hansel and Gretel met was crazy and how they came together many years later was heartbreaking. I enjoyed this series and love Ella James' writing.
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