Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold

Romance a Medieval Fairytale #9

by Demelza Carlton

Three sisters. An absent prince who promised to protect them. And the wolf is at the door...

Once upon a time...

When war breaks out, Rudolf promises Portia and her sisters he will protect them. But his father falls in battle, and Rudolf is forced to return home to command his father's armies.

Shifting alliances turn Portia and her family from friends to sworn enemies. To win the war, Rudolf must conquer her home, and risk losing her forever.

When the wolf is at the door, who will win - love or war?


Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to retell the Three Little Pigs. Loved it, couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss out on this superb story.

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasant read! I loved it, i loved the setting, the characters and even the misinterpretations!

As many may know we were introduced to Rudolf in the previous novel, Appease, and we get some clashed between the two stories. But what I loved about this book was that we got Rudolf's history and his present life in a good flow.

Rudolf was exiled as a young boy by his aunt when he sat on the throne that wasn't his. Fearing that he wanted the thrown his aunt sent him away to the Isle, where Lord Angus took him under his wings, and here he meets the triplets sisters, Portia, Lena and Arlie, which when he met them he found them playing in the mud, which led him to nickname them three little pigs

Together, we see all of them grow up from being children to adolescents to adulthood and it is quite obvious we see tension rises between Portia and Rudolf, but because Portia is the firstborn, she is not allowed to marry for love but for political reasons, especially since there are invaders who threaten to take the lands of her father. Her father believes a political marriage may be in used if war has to happen. So with heavy hearts they both know that what they wish for can never be.
And because of this Rudolf swears and oath to Portia that he will be her protector over invaders and unwanted suitors but as we saw in "Appease" his cousin Riedar, now King, needs Rudolf to return and help command his father's armies since both Riedar and Rudolf father died. And this is when Rudolf must leave Portia behind and follow his duties

Years go by and life becomes difficult for Portia and Rudolf, and it seemed that as I read, there seemed to be little hope that they would be together, especially since Rudolf returns, Portia's life is threatened and rumours of a Wolf Prince is destroying Portia's home.

But Rudolf is determined to see that Portia is safely back in his arms and he will do anything to see it done.

This was such a beautiful story, it kept me wanting more and more after each page. I loved how balanced the story is told by Rudolf's and Portia's perspective, it all fits perfectly well. The only thing I'll like differently is if there was dates mentioned on each chapter, since it expands over years and months at a time we quickly lose how much time actually passe. And I can only assume how much time passes.

But overall is was a wonderful story! Loved everything Carlton writes so again I was not disappointed, can't wait to read more of this series!

Received a copy from the author herself in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

[Murielle Kaatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I could not put this book down. It was such a good read, fast pace and kept you wanting more. As there are two very descriptive sex scenes I’d suggest this book to 18+

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this book I was a tad worried about where it would end up taking me. While I adored the Three Little Pigs in my youth I couldn't imagine a retelling. To my ever increasing enjoyment I was delighted with how things turned out! Demelza took the tale and wove a rather creative rendition- something I didn't think possible. I was enchanted by her approach.

My only real critique is that the passage of time was a unclear. There was nothing to really judge it by. The story flowed but without that key component of a timeline it made it almost seemed jumbled. Almost. There were just enough hints to give the illusion of time passing.

I received this ARC and have voluntarily left this review.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Rudolf and Portia

Romance trope: fairytale retelling
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale
Length: 296 pages

Plot: Rudolf is a Viken who has been fostering in another land for a while. He's not too bothered about it, because Portia, the princess of the land, has his heart. But when war strikes and he has to go home, will she wait for him? Or will the danger be too much?

Commentary: Some of this story is told from different perspectives in Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold. When I read that book, I had the idea that Grieve was gone protecting the princess for months, but in this book, it seemed like it was years. I don't think it was a mistake on the author's part, just that either I missed something or maybe the characters saw it differently.
The idea that this is the three little pigs retold is a little tangential: when they were young, Rudolf caught Portia and her two sisters in the mud and laughed and said they looked like three little pigs (a nickname which followed them into adulthood). Rudolf is also called Wulf later in the story. There is talk of houses - stone fortresses and wood and straw.

Also, *wink wink* to the political references to the great ruler Donald who will make Alba great again. I about died. Perfect touch. Spoiler alert: he does in fact not make Alba great again.

Previous book in the series: Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
Next book in the series: Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent interpretation of the Three Little Pigs. You have a wolf and his mate, an interesting cast of secondary characters, The H/h are well-defined and strong. The storyline is fast-paced with plenty of action to keep the reader engaged. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series of fairytale retellings. This is the story of Rudolf and Portia and a love that is meant to be. There is lots of adventure and heartbreak and battles to keep you reading till the end. I look forward to more of these.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demelza Carlton really does know how to retell some of our all time favourite fairy tales, and although this one wasn't my favourite of hers, I must admit I never really cared for the original either. But I did enjoy this version

[nintoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but, if I'm honest, not as much as the others in the series. As another reviewer has already stated, the link to the original 3 little pigs story is tenuous and almost feels like only the briefest of nods were given to it almost as an afterthought. However, I enjoyed the story; the characters were well-written (as always), the intrigues, politics and "Chinese whispers" misunderstandings were cleverly thought out, and all ended as expected. I'm truly heartbroken that we only have one more in the series to look forward to!

[S.V. Farnsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling book with or without the delightful story elements from the three little pigs.

[TamaraT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorite works from Demelza Carlton. I didn't really like the main characters and there were timeskips that were a bit jarring.

Also there were some inconsistencies. Women of the islands chose their husbands...but Portia was being pressured to marry. Rudolf was fighting to free the islands yet he was fighting the army of tye islands too?

All in all, not my favorite, but not too bad either.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOW is the ninth book in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale. While each stands on its own, there is character interaction that makes it best to read them all and in the order of release.

I loved our introduction to Rudolf in APPEASE and was anxious to read the rest of his story. I absolutely was not disappointed. He and Portia grew up together when he was fostered in her father’s court along with her triplet sisters. Believing they could never belong to one another, they each long for a dream. A dream that only Demelza Carlton could twist so imaginatively to their happily ever after.

When it comes to this series, all I can say is, “More, please!” Not because they aren’t enough, but just because I can be a bit greedy when it comes to the good stuff and this is as good as the best chocolates.

Note: while I was given this book as an ARC gifted copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: BLOW
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #9
Category /Genre: Adult Fairytales; Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Demelza Carlton (as an ARC gifted copy)

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. A remake of the wolf and the three little pigs. I enjoyed this remake. I like Rudolf and Portia. It took a while to get those two together. I have to say I like what happened to Mason. I would recommend this book to all who like romance with their fairy tales.

[Dannielle Line · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exiled from his family home for offending the reigning queen, young Rudolf finds refuge in the house of a warlord who teaches him how to fight. In return, Rudolf promises to protect the warlord’s three young daughters with his life. Growing up together, his relationship with the triplets was more like sibling rivalry, but there’s always been something special between he and the oldest, Portia.

When war breaks out, Rudolf must return to his homeland only to discover that where once Portia was an ally, now she’s the enemy. And if he is to reclaim their love and end the war, he has little choice but to ‘blow her house down.’

Rudolf was meant to protect Portia, but she’s doing a good job keeping herself and her virtue safe. And now the wolf is at the door, promising an end not only to her home, but also her innocence and the heart that beats for a man she’s certain has betrayed her. A man she can never claim because she must marry someone worthy of her station, never for love. As far as she’s concerned, Rudolf’s little more than a great warrior, not a lord or a prince, is he? And it seems even he’s succumbed to the Wolf.

This is another type of story I find fascinating – the reimagining (retelling) of traditional fairy tales. They’re certainly not the versions the likes of the Brothers Grimm shared. Ms Carlton sets this story against the time of the Vikings yet twists into her tale a cheeky comparison to the three little pigs and the wolf who just might devour them. I liked how she made the story her own.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blow

The author was very political and I felt that it did not belong in the story that she was writing. When I read, I read to get away from the annoyances of the world.

I am not a Trump supporter. Firstly, I live in Canada and could do little about it anyway. Secondly, Trump is a blowhard, yes, I get that is why this book was about him, a name joke. The walls, Make Alban great again, the crudeness towards women, removing foreigners that have been in the islands for generations. It was funny when it was first mentioned, but not when this character became a main part of the book.

If I wanted to read this kind of story I would have read a political satire, not a romance.

The wolf prince was contrived. If he had told the sisters the end would have been easy. Either Portia would have been like, "The wolf Prince is Rudolph? I must speak with him." and taken her men and there would have been a happy ending.

Or she could have snuck out to verify the information and then walked with him, hand in hand to the main gate and said, "the Wolf Prince, he is Rudolph I love him and the rumours are untrue. I will marry him in a big ceremony." Then they all live happily ever after and have great sex without pain.

The enemies had all been defeated by the time they were in the castle, everything after that point was just stupid.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by Demelza Carlton, and I can't wait to continue to read more. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the adventure one takes with the two "leads". While the title indicates it's a "Three Little Pigs" reimagined....it was very very loosely similar. I almost expected this book to be some sort of "shifter" romance, but it was not! Again, loosely based/similar.

The characters are well thought out, and many of the main characters have a decent arc to their individual stories. Perhaps some of them are even in other stories by the author. ?? The only "odd" thing for me, was the sense that I couldn't track the amount of time that had passed. Keep this in mind, as one reference to the passage of time was discussion about a side characters ability to have produced a couple of children. I had to reread to make sure that I mentally followed that several years would have passed. Otherwise, if you're being logical...that type of timeline would make sense for those readers who understand (have read) a lot of Norse or Viking stories. IE: travel by boat would be long and arduous. There was also a sense that the time period could also be similar to the series "Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon" - minus the sex. I personally love "period pieces" and experiencing a different time and culture.

I found the story to be compelling, and I couldn't put it down! Safe for all ages, and preferences of story telling.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Demelza's twists on fairytales, as they're nothing like the originals (though you can identify elements relating to the one it's based on), and yet great stories in themselves. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't tell you about the story itself (you can get a trailer in the book description), but I can tell you it's excellent writing and full of great characters - including a few from previous books - that really keep the action moving. There's plenty of action, adventure, love, loss, and a fairytale ending that would make any fairy godmother proud (as long as she didn't look what was going on, the dirty lady - it's a private bedroom!).
Anyway, I highly recommend this book to any adults who like reading the twisted fairytale books, who like fantasy adventures (that are set in something that remarkably resembles old England, Scotland, Ireland etc), and just a touch of romance to sweeten the load (but not too much cos that's just soppy). Well written Demelza, looking forward to the next one!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Version of Three Little Pigs 4.5 stars

We have three sisters, and a big bad wolf. Rudolf has been sent to the Southern Isles from Viken as a ward to learn to fight. Whoever marries the eldest sister Portia, will rule the Isla; the largest and most powerful of the Southern Isles. So though Rudolf loves Portia, he cannot expect to have a relationship with her. When he is called back to Viken circumstances change for them all.

Portia is protected by a core group of men, as invaders arrive. Rudolf becomes a leader among men back in Viken. When the “Wolf” arrives at Isla and fights the original invaders – what must Portia do to protect those who protect her?

Feisty women, chivalrous men, battles, loyalty, marksmen (and woman) and romance all culminate in an excellent read!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When the wolf is at the door, who will win - love or war?”

All of the books in Demelza Carlton’s Romance a Medieval Fairytale series have been wonderful retellings of classic fairy tales (often better than the originals), but in Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold, book 9 of the series, the author has probably done her most unique retelling yet. Clearly based on the fairy tale, the pigs here are three beautiful red-headed sisters who had been teasingly nicknamed “the pigs” from playing in the mud as children. The Wolf is the nickname of Rudolf, feared military leader and former protégée of the sisters’ father, though wars have a habit of forcing shifts in alliances at times unpredicted. Don’t worry, they get their HEA, bit following along as these characters strive through a pretty neat adventure is total fun.

Highly recommended.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia is the eldest of triplets and Prince Rudolf has promised her and her sisters that he will protect them but he has to go back to his home country for a variety of reasons so has to leave them behind. After many changes she has to conquer her home which means he might lose her forever. When the wolf is at the door, who will win - love or war?

It was nice to read after the Appease story more about Rudolf and more about what happened to him. The story was well told and I enjoyed it right up until near the end when it didn't feel like the ending fit into the story completely. But i was an enchanting story in general and still very enjoyable. It had plenty of action and romance to enjoy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 4.5 star romance, adventure and fantasy tale set in the Scottish isles, I loved the unique spin the author put on yet another fairytale. The Three Little Pigs have become the triplet daughters of an island chief and the eldest, Portia, is caught in the middle of a war for possession of her island home. The man she loves does not appear to be the man that duty commands she marry, but can he overcome the obstacle of his birth and win her anyway? Only the "Big Bad Wolf" that threatens to conquer the Isles can say!! A bit of heat, but mostly a well-written and adventurous fairytale for adults, complete with witches and mystical standing stones.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Hanna Lichacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!!!!

I love the entire series!!!!

I have two certain genres that I usually stuck to but every once in awhile I get bored and can't find something to make me excited, new book by Demelza Carlton comes out and I love it and finish it usually in a day. I seriously don't know how it happens that the books come out right as I get tired of my other books.

Now I only have Enchant and Appease on my list to read, as I have read all the others (sadly I missed the one day that Enchant was free).

Once again, love the entire series (and how they sometimes remotely connect and other times are very related) and can't wait to keep reading!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blow is another clever retelling of a fairy tale by Demelza Carlton. I have read a number of them now (Embellish, Appease and Fly) so far and have enjoyed each one. She weaves so many details into her stories, combining facets from several fairy tales, resulting in an entertaining story complete with action, suspense, danger, the requisite evil character, love interest... once I started reading I didn't want to put the book down. I look forward to reading more in the series. While I did not read these stories in order, I still enjoyed them. I suspect I would have gotten more out of them if I HAD read them in order, but it did not diminish my ability to enjoy each one.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prince, fostered with a noble family falls in love with the Lord's daughter. When a neighbouring King takes a proprietary interest in the noble's lands, he sends the fostered prince home to seek help. This is one of the best of Demelza's Medieval Fairytales; sweet and romantic with a decidedly violent, medieval flavour. Dolf is the ultimate alpha male; strong, wise, a leader and master strategist. Portia, his love is sweet and naive, but just as strong and smart in her way as her wandering prince. Mason, the villain, is thoroughly despicable, as only a fairytale villain can be.
This story stands well alone but links to Appease which is the story of Dolf's cousin/King and his queen.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a part of Carlton's series Romance a Medieval Fairytale and is the re-telling of the classic Three Little Pigs. I went in not really knowing what to expect but loving re-tellings so I was "blown" away at how much I loved this read / listen. First, let me praise the narrator - she has THE perfect voice for fairy tales - smooth and soothing I could listen to her all the time! The actual storyline was fantastic with princes and princesses and a love that stands up to any test. A beautiful tale that gave me all the heart warms you could want in a romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susana Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've listen to this story.
The reading is nice. I love the sound of the pronounce, but is too sweet and it made me sleepy. Some of the sss sounds was a bit too much sometimes too...
As for the story, I have a lot of difficulty to find any resemblance with the original Three Little Pigs story but I have seen this plot in a hole lot of other stories: the lover boy of low rank that goes away only to come back and save the lady after being taken for the bad guy by error.
It's a nice story but I though it ran a bit too longer than expected. The lack of any significant surprises is the biggest handicap to a good enough tale.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clever, unique retelling of the Three Little Pigs set in the fairytale world Demelza Carlton has created. The characters were interesting and well developed, and I enjoyed following Rudolf’s story further. The plot kept my interest, though I do wish the number of years that had passed was mentioned so that we could have a better understanding of how long Rudolf was gone. Overall, I really loved the story and the elements of the Three Little Pigs that were woven into a realistic tale. As a caution, there were a couple of intimate scenes.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rudolf is a Viken prince sent to the islanders as a boy by a jealous queen. He grows up alongside the triplets of Isla and becomes a great warrior under the guidance of Lord Angus. He has eyes only for Lady Portia, but when he is called home all may be lost between them as a ruling king seeks to claim her and her land for his son. This was a great tale and moved at a great pace. Portia is strong and courageous and puts her kingdom first. She's a great ruler. Rudolph is strong, fierce and intelligent. An excellent read. I volunteered to read this book.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adaption of the Three Little Pigs, it's pretty good. As a romance, it's okay. As an overall story, I feel it has problems: lots and lots of unlabelled time jumps, a lot of telling versus showing due to the time jumps, and very very inconstistent characters, again due to time jumps. There's also a build up of a conflict that then never happens in a clumsy way. I didn't hate this book, I actually get some enjoyment out of this series, but I do feel they have a tendency to not hit the marks they go for in a way I find disappointing.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demelza Carlton has put a creative spin on fairytales and produced an enjoyable series. I found this book entertaining and was amazed at her descriptions of battle, which was not something that I had expected to find in a fairytale. She does describe a couple of intimate moments in her narrative which places this tale into a more adult category. Mary Sarah's narration is pleasing and I enjoy her delivery and voice portrayals. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.