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Dru
Once upon a time….
Dru Marx is on a self-imposed dating hiatus the day she finds herself quite literally in the path of a stranger. A stranger equipped with a broad chest, strong arms and penetrating green eyes.
Ethan Talbot is a man who feels the constant weight of his own guilt. He buries his shame beneath a cold exterior, an existence that has served him well until suddenly, his carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
Dru and Ethan find an unexpected passion between them that grows stronger with every touch. But when Ethan’s past begins to catch up with him and Dru starts asking questions, can he open himself up fully to the woman who has turned his world upside down or will he return to exile?
Sometimes there is no glass slipper. Sometimes you have to write your own fairy tale and fight for your own happily ever after...
18+ Due to content.
The Ever After Duet Series is composed of two sweet, smutty, modern fairy tale romances based loosely on Cinderella and her step sisters. Book one features Dru (aka Drizella) and book two features Anna (aka Anastasia). Deliciously fun Cinderella references are sprinkled throughout each story and although Elle plays a part, she is a side character this time and will not receive her own book.
Dru Marx is on a self-imposed dating hiatus the day she finds herself quite literally in the path of a stranger. A stranger equipped with a broad chest, strong arms and penetrating green eyes.
Ethan Talbot is a man who feels the constant weight of his own guilt. He buries his shame beneath a cold exterior, an existence that has served him well until suddenly, his carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
Dru and Ethan find an unexpected passion between them that grows stronger with every touch. But when Ethan’s past begins to catch up with him and Dru starts asking questions, can he open himself up fully to the woman who has turned his world upside down or will he return to exile?
Sometimes there is no glass slipper. Sometimes you have to write your own fairy tale and fight for your own happily ever after...
18+ Due to content.
The Ever After Duet Series is composed of two sweet, smutty, modern fairy tale romances based loosely on Cinderella and her step sisters. Book one features Dru (aka Drizella) and book two features Anna (aka Anastasia). Deliciously fun Cinderella references are sprinkled throughout each story and although Elle plays a part, she is a side character this time and will not receive her own book.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2018
3 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Stella James
12 books111 followersStella James is a Canadian indie author of the romance variety. She enjoys reading, yoga and fitness, a good rosé and the occasional beer (because, Canada). She currently resides on a small acreage with her husband and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 4, 2018
Dru is book one of The Ever After Duet and it was so good. Stella takes fairytale and turns the sweetness you’re used to, into naughty. Dru is a dancer by night, artist by day. Not really looking for love, but hey, that’s usually when you find it. Ethan doesn’t think he deserves the amazingness that is Dru, but there’s something about her that he can’t ignore, and can’t stay away from. Will they get their happily ever after or will Ethan’s guilt and Dru’s past stand in their way? Maybe they can live naughtily ever after instead?
I really enjoyed this one. The author does a great job keeping Dru and Ethan’s love story sweet and fairy tale-ish while adding just the right amount of hot naughty bits. I also loved the characters back stories. They were emotional and had me a little bit in my feelings.
All in all a great read!
https://instagram.com/p/BdgZbqBA_eu/
https://instagram.com/p/BdgTxE4Anq4/
^a fan edit on instagram!
I really enjoyed this one. The author does a great job keeping Dru and Ethan’s love story sweet and fairy tale-ish while adding just the right amount of hot naughty bits. I also loved the characters back stories. They were emotional and had me a little bit in my feelings.
All in all a great read!
https://instagram.com/p/BdgZbqBA_eu/
https://instagram.com/p/BdgTxE4Anq4/
^a fan edit on instagram!
January 5, 2018
I loved absolutely everything about this reinvented, modern fairytale romance story from Stella James.
Dru was a “pick it up & don’t put down till I’m done” read.
Like anything I read from this author, I effortlessly fell into the story, lost to the pages of perfect words filled with magic - the magic of reality. Real feelings, real people, real relationships, real life.
The beauty of reading a book where the heroine is smart, sexy & looking for “the one”, while being strong & more than capable of saving herself - as well as providing everything her brooding antihero needs to do the same - is just a joy, and not to be overlooked.
Packed to the top of the non-existent pumpkin carriage with feels, you’ll get doses of everything from heart wrenches to thigh clenches as you fall in love with Dru, Ethan & the many fairygodperson-like people in their lives.
Loved it. Must Read. Add to your TBR.
Can’t wait for Anna.
Dru was a “pick it up & don’t put down till I’m done” read.
Like anything I read from this author, I effortlessly fell into the story, lost to the pages of perfect words filled with magic - the magic of reality. Real feelings, real people, real relationships, real life.
The beauty of reading a book where the heroine is smart, sexy & looking for “the one”, while being strong & more than capable of saving herself - as well as providing everything her brooding antihero needs to do the same - is just a joy, and not to be overlooked.
Packed to the top of the non-existent pumpkin carriage with feels, you’ll get doses of everything from heart wrenches to thigh clenches as you fall in love with Dru, Ethan & the many fairygodperson-like people in their lives.
Loved it. Must Read. Add to your TBR.
Can’t wait for Anna.
February 11, 2018
CLEVER!! I LOVED it!
Taking a secondary character from a classic fairytale and put them front and center in this modern spin-off.
DRU gives Once Upon a Time a revamp in this heated Romance.
A perfect bedtime read!
I can't wait for Anna!
Taking a secondary character from a classic fairytale and put them front and center in this modern spin-off.
DRU gives Once Upon a Time a revamp in this heated Romance.
A perfect bedtime read!
I can't wait for Anna!
January 6, 2018
When Stella comes out with something new, I gobble it up like a starving man. So, when she sends me things to read, like, first, I devoooouuuur. I've read this book three time, THREE, and the characters and story are still with me. I can't wait for more. YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE.
January 7, 2018
We all know Stella James can write a compelling love story, and she's done it again with Dru and Ethan. These characters are thoroughly fleshed out, their actions and emotions ring true every time, and the story is engrossing.
But what makes this a 5-plus-star read for me is the attention and development James put into the characters' families, especially Dru's. The backstory on Dru's childhood is heartbreaking and how she comes to be one of the "stepsisters" is really beautiful. My favorite part is the way Esme, her foster mother, is terrific and motherly but not cartoonish. She's not a fairy godmother and she's not Betty Crocker, but she's exactly what those little girls need. It was beautiful to see that kind of character get some dimension and truth.
We all love fairy tales. But how do mere mortals put together some kind of happy ever after without the enchanted animals and the bibbity-bobbity-boo? We give it our best and dig deep, like Dru and Ethan do (with a little magic from Stella James' pen).
Highly recommended.
But what makes this a 5-plus-star read for me is the attention and development James put into the characters' families, especially Dru's. The backstory on Dru's childhood is heartbreaking and how she comes to be one of the "stepsisters" is really beautiful. My favorite part is the way Esme, her foster mother, is terrific and motherly but not cartoonish. She's not a fairy godmother and she's not Betty Crocker, but she's exactly what those little girls need. It was beautiful to see that kind of character get some dimension and truth.
We all love fairy tales. But how do mere mortals put together some kind of happy ever after without the enchanted animals and the bibbity-bobbity-boo? We give it our best and dig deep, like Dru and Ethan do (with a little magic from Stella James' pen).
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2018
L O V E D - L O V E D - L O V E D
Stella James does it again and I’m not surprised. Dru was everything and more. I absolutely 100 percent adored this story from beginning to end. I laughed, choked up a time or two, fanned myself a time or five, gushed, swooned, and wanted to dive into my Kindle to hug all these amazing characters Stella created in that beautiful head of hers.
After finishing Dru’s story, I reminded myself that fairytales do come true, even when you think they don’t. You may have to dig a little, but your Prince Charming is out there.
Stella James, I’ve said this many times, you complete me. Not only did I adore this book, but your writing gets more impeccable with every book you write. Please never stop sharing your stories because I have so much room left in my heart to add so much more of your beautiful words...
Stella James does it again and I’m not surprised. Dru was everything and more. I absolutely 100 percent adored this story from beginning to end. I laughed, choked up a time or two, fanned myself a time or five, gushed, swooned, and wanted to dive into my Kindle to hug all these amazing characters Stella created in that beautiful head of hers.
After finishing Dru’s story, I reminded myself that fairytales do come true, even when you think they don’t. You may have to dig a little, but your Prince Charming is out there.
Stella James, I’ve said this many times, you complete me. Not only did I adore this book, but your writing gets more impeccable with every book you write. Please never stop sharing your stories because I have so much room left in my heart to add so much more of your beautiful words...
January 10, 2018
I LOVED the inspiration for this book! It’s such an interesting take on Cinderella’s step sisters. Now having said that, this is far from the story that we’ve come to love since it’s about Dru and it is definitely A LOT steamier! This story really brought the heat with Dru and Ethan. I loved their love story and their backstories just added more depth to these characters and I for one loved reading about them.
I LOVED this one and I can’t wait to read Anna’s book!
I LOVED this one and I can’t wait to read Anna’s book!
March 14, 2018
Loved the story of Dru and Ethan!
It's shows you that everyone is not perfect,not all circumstances are perfect but they can be overcome and you can move forward in life with the one you love. Dru and Ethan are a perfect match!!
It's shows you that everyone is not perfect,not all circumstances are perfect but they can be overcome and you can move forward in life with the one you love. Dru and Ethan are a perfect match!!
March 29, 2018
Do you ever wonder what happened to Cinderella’s step sister’s? Well they seek their own Ever After’s of course. Stella James has been a favorite since the Blue Falls series. Her stories are complete and standalone in nature so you can start anywhere in a series and she doesn’t leave cliffhangers. Although there is another story hinted at and currently released, Anna.
Dru and Ethan’s relationship is somewhat of a push and pull and plenty of heat from the friction. Dru is an artist who is satisfied making it on her own, but always feels a sense of something missing from her past, having been raised in foster care with her sisters, Anna and Elle.
Ethan has a past he is not too proud of and his familial relationships suffer from it and although him and Dru hit it off instantly, it’s always in the back of his mind he’s not good enough.
When you fear your past will destroy what you have is it better to hide it and give up, or open up and face it? Stella James presents this through both characters and how they need to face the same question for different reasons.
She has always been a one click for me.
Dru and Ethan’s relationship is somewhat of a push and pull and plenty of heat from the friction. Dru is an artist who is satisfied making it on her own, but always feels a sense of something missing from her past, having been raised in foster care with her sisters, Anna and Elle.
Ethan has a past he is not too proud of and his familial relationships suffer from it and although him and Dru hit it off instantly, it’s always in the back of his mind he’s not good enough.
When you fear your past will destroy what you have is it better to hide it and give up, or open up and face it? Stella James presents this through both characters and how they need to face the same question for different reasons.
She has always been a one click for me.
January 9, 2018
Light and Darkness.
Dru is the light to Ethan's self-imposed darkness. This twist on fairy tales is more than I expected. It isn't always about the Cinderellas, Snow Whites, and so forth in life. It's about the characters that don't get a happily ever after.
Dru hasn't always had the good that life has to offer. She doesn't know what a family is until she is thirteen. Life circumstances gave her that and she treasures family. She loves hard.
Ethan comes from the good life...happy family and stable life until his life is changed by two occurrences.
Dru is the happily ever after for those who didn't think they would have it.
My favorite lines:
"And when you love someone with your whole heart, you love more than just the shiny pieces. You love the dark pieces, too and the pieces that don't always fit into a neat little box."
"Sometimes the glass slipper isn't meant for you. Sometimes you have to write your own fairy tale and fight for your happily ever after. And sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll find someone who isn't a prince waiting to sweep you off your feet, but an imperfect man."
That is what Dru is about...imperfect souls finding imperfect love in a society that emphasizes perfection in the world.
Dru is the light to Ethan's self-imposed darkness. This twist on fairy tales is more than I expected. It isn't always about the Cinderellas, Snow Whites, and so forth in life. It's about the characters that don't get a happily ever after.
Dru hasn't always had the good that life has to offer. She doesn't know what a family is until she is thirteen. Life circumstances gave her that and she treasures family. She loves hard.
Ethan comes from the good life...happy family and stable life until his life is changed by two occurrences.
Dru is the happily ever after for those who didn't think they would have it.
My favorite lines:
"And when you love someone with your whole heart, you love more than just the shiny pieces. You love the dark pieces, too and the pieces that don't always fit into a neat little box."
"Sometimes the glass slipper isn't meant for you. Sometimes you have to write your own fairy tale and fight for your happily ever after. And sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll find someone who isn't a prince waiting to sweep you off your feet, but an imperfect man."
That is what Dru is about...imperfect souls finding imperfect love in a society that emphasizes perfection in the world.
February 8, 2018
Charming, heartfelt and wonderfully sexy. Loved the different take on Cinderella's "stepsisters". Can't wait to read about Anna!
January 7, 2018
5 Stars to Dru: The Ever After Series 1 by Stella James.
As usual I look forward to when this author releases a book. With each new book she releases, her writing improves. I find myself turning pages so quickly just to get to the end. This book had me anxious from the beginning because the hero has a secret. In addition, I smiled, I swooned and my heart took a a few kicks as well. I have been reading Stella James from her first book and I am a huge fan. Definitely a favorite author of mine.
Dru and Ethan.......
Dru was a sweet, hard-working character. She was kind and considerate; she had a heart of gold. In addition, Dru was loyal to her friends and family. She had a poor upbringing but despite that, Dru grew into a beautiful, talented young woman. Even in the end when I was hurting for her, her forgiving nature came through and I loved her even more.
Ethan had a secret. A big, heartbreaking one. He decided, that he was undeserving of anything good in life as a result. This broke my heart because Ethan was an amazing hero. His personality was strong and caring. He was loyal and had a large capacity to love and even though he believed he didn't deserve it, he received love as well. I could go on and on but I won't. This book is pretty short and fast paced so you should enjoy every word for yourself without me spoiling anything for you. I will say, though, that I was very satisfied with the HEA. After hearing Ethan's secret, I was floored. Trust me, from the moment I read that he had a secret, and he even hinted about what it was in his inner monologue, I guessed wrong. I loved that surprised. As a reader I found myself constantly trying to guess as I read along what Ethan's secret was. Heartbreaking is the only answer you'll get from me.
The Ever After series will have one more book. Dru's sister Anna will get her story. I sure hope that's soon. Stella James gives us some teasers about Anna's story and I am dying to read it! As you may have figured out, this series is lonely based on a certain fairytale. However this book is not predictable. I truly recommend it as a feel good read; one you can devour in a few hours.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
As usual I look forward to when this author releases a book. With each new book she releases, her writing improves. I find myself turning pages so quickly just to get to the end. This book had me anxious from the beginning because the hero has a secret. In addition, I smiled, I swooned and my heart took a a few kicks as well. I have been reading Stella James from her first book and I am a huge fan. Definitely a favorite author of mine.
Dru and Ethan.......
Dru was a sweet, hard-working character. She was kind and considerate; she had a heart of gold. In addition, Dru was loyal to her friends and family. She had a poor upbringing but despite that, Dru grew into a beautiful, talented young woman. Even in the end when I was hurting for her, her forgiving nature came through and I loved her even more.
Ethan had a secret. A big, heartbreaking one. He decided, that he was undeserving of anything good in life as a result. This broke my heart because Ethan was an amazing hero. His personality was strong and caring. He was loyal and had a large capacity to love and even though he believed he didn't deserve it, he received love as well. I could go on and on but I won't. This book is pretty short and fast paced so you should enjoy every word for yourself without me spoiling anything for you. I will say, though, that I was very satisfied with the HEA. After hearing Ethan's secret, I was floored. Trust me, from the moment I read that he had a secret, and he even hinted about what it was in his inner monologue, I guessed wrong. I loved that surprised. As a reader I found myself constantly trying to guess as I read along what Ethan's secret was. Heartbreaking is the only answer you'll get from me.
The Ever After series will have one more book. Dru's sister Anna will get her story. I sure hope that's soon. Stella James gives us some teasers about Anna's story and I am dying to read it! As you may have figured out, this series is lonely based on a certain fairytale. However this book is not predictable. I truly recommend it as a feel good read; one you can devour in a few hours.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
January 3, 2018
It's no secret that I adore the writings of Stella James and she has once again not disappointed.
From the first page, I was intrigued and by the end of the first chapter I was unable to put this book down. Along with the humor, there is a story here that just pulls at your heart strings but at the same time gives you a new spin on the old fairy tales that we all like to believe. Dru is an amazing woman, who makes me want to be her friend, her creativity and tender heart are such huge draws as well as her ability to speak her mind. Ethan has his own problems and is trying his best to be the person who we all know he can be, with his ability to melt knickers in seconds, you can't help but love this brooding man.
I am so looking forward to Anna's book next as she is probably one of my favourite people in this book too.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
From the first page, I was intrigued and by the end of the first chapter I was unable to put this book down. Along with the humor, there is a story here that just pulls at your heart strings but at the same time gives you a new spin on the old fairy tales that we all like to believe. Dru is an amazing woman, who makes me want to be her friend, her creativity and tender heart are such huge draws as well as her ability to speak her mind. Ethan has his own problems and is trying his best to be the person who we all know he can be, with his ability to melt knickers in seconds, you can't help but love this brooding man.
I am so looking forward to Anna's book next as she is probably one of my favourite people in this book too.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
January 8, 2018
This book is super fun and a great spin on a fairy tale. I love that Ethan and Dru both have a past, and both look past that, but only for each other. I love that Dru is confident in everything she does. Even when most people would second guess themselves or what they perceived to be the right thing, she knew that she was right, and what she had was real. I couldn't stop reading this book. It had so many things that most books just don't have now a days that are running parallel with fairy tales. Loved it. A definite must read. Can't wait for the next one :)
August 2, 2018
It's sweet, sexy & sensual rolled into one magnificent read.
Dru is a force of nature, while Ethan is just existing. From the start there was a tether between them that both wanted to explore.
I can't gush enough about this book and I'm anxious to read Anna's story!
Stella, I love your writing style and I'm officially a fangirl.
Dru is a force of nature, while Ethan is just existing. From the start there was a tether between them that both wanted to explore.
I can't gush enough about this book and I'm anxious to read Anna's story!
Stella, I love your writing style and I'm officially a fangirl.
September 4, 2018
I LOVED the entire idea behind this book! I love that Cinderella’s step sisters are getting their own HEA. And what a Hot, Sweet HEA Dru gets! There was plenty of heat with Dru and Ethan. With well crafted characters, some sweet syrupy goodness and an updated view on the HEA, I can't wait to read Stella's take on the other step-sister, Anna!
January 11, 2018
4.5stars! Stella you delivered another amazing story! Dru & Ethan's journey was fabulous loved them together! We all wish for a fairy tale ending in life! And l believe Dru & Ethan got theirs! A must read! Looking forward to Anna's story!
January 26, 2018
Wonderful book! Loved it so much! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
September 21, 2018
This is a feel good read with insta chemistry.. it has a little drama but the overall feel is light.. Dru is a strong character that knows her worth and what she wants with a good back bone
January 9, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book!! It had it all - heart, heat, and happily ever afters. Dru captivated me from the very beginning. There's a very sexy and sweet tone that immediately draws you in and holds your attention until the very end. It's just so good! I finished it all in one sitting.
Stella James brings us another female to admire and a new man to crush on. I can't get enough of Dru Marx and Ethan Talbot. I am completely gone for this couple. They're so passionate together. So right for each other. Ethan gives Dru a feeling of safety, protection, and a love she's always wanted. While she provides him the second chance he needs to move past the demons that plagued him. Of course, I would not do this book justice if I didn't mention how hot they are together. *fans self* I'm talking out of this world chemistry. What a super sexy read!
If you are looking to lose yourself for a couple of hours in a charming and steamy fairytale, I highly recommend picking this one up.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Stella James brings us another female to admire and a new man to crush on. I can't get enough of Dru Marx and Ethan Talbot. I am completely gone for this couple. They're so passionate together. So right for each other. Ethan gives Dru a feeling of safety, protection, and a love she's always wanted. While she provides him the second chance he needs to move past the demons that plagued him. Of course, I would not do this book justice if I didn't mention how hot they are together. *fans self* I'm talking out of this world chemistry. What a super sexy read!
If you are looking to lose yourself for a couple of hours in a charming and steamy fairytale, I highly recommend picking this one up.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews