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Stiltz

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Cameron Darke is a dhampir—half-vampire and half-human.
She's also the firstborn child her mom promised to give up.

Rather than sacrifice her only daughter to the immortal assassin known as Rumple Stiltz, Cam's mother went on the run, moving them from old trailers to rusted cars, under bridges or onto park benches.

Cam's never known anything but poverty and desperation.
But at twenty-five, she's an adult who's ready to make her own choices.

The Vampire King is looking for a queen, and Cam intends to take the throne. The immortal bachelor has declared he'll only wed a woman who can spin straw into gold.
A seemingly impossible task for some, but Cameron Darke knows exactly who can help.

Rumple Stiltz' kin.

The firstborn sons taken by Rumple in his many bargains are now adults, known as the Stiltz Brothers, and the three assassins are exactly what Cameron is looking for.

Once upon a time, their leader spun straw to gold for Cam's mother, and now she intends to use his kin to win her crown.
But this time, the Stiltz' boys don't want to take Cam's firstborn child—they want to give her one … personally.

Cam enters a fool's bargain with three dark, deadly men.
But it's she who intends to double-cross them.
She just never expected to find her heart on the line.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

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About the author

C.M. Stunich

160 books14.5k followers
C.M. Stunich is a self-admitted bibliophile with a love for exotic teas and a whole host of characters who live full time inside the strange, swirling vortex of her thoughts. Some folks might call this crazy, but Caitlin Morgan doesn't mind - especially considering she has to write biographies in the third person. Oh, and half the host of characters in her head are searing hot bad boys with dirty mouths and skillful hands (among other things). If being crazy means hanging out with them everyday, C.M. has decided to have herself committed.

She hates tapioca pudding, loves to binge on cheesy horror movies, and is a slave to many cats. When she's not vacuuming fur off of her couch, C.M. can be found with her nose buried in a book or her eyes glued to a computer screen. She's the author of over thirty novels - romance, new adult, fantasy, and young adult included. Please, come and join her inside her crazy. There's a heck of a lot to do there.

Oh, and Caitlin loves to chat (incessantly), so feel free to e-mail her, send her a Facebook message, or put up smoke signals. She's already looking forward to it.

Stalk me, please!
www.cmstunich.com
www.facebook.com/cmstunichauthor
www.twitter.com/CMStunich

I'm also on Goodreads, Spotify, Google +, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
145 (39%)
4 stars
113 (30%)
3 stars
72 (19%)
2 stars
26 (7%)
1 star
12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews664 followers
Did Not Finish
May 9, 2018
No rating
DNF... i don't remember where exactly


I was very excited to read this one because I really liked Snow and the Shadows and more RH retellings? Yes please.

But I disliked it, period,
It's cursing, sex, cursing, sex, cursing, sex and more cursing. A whole book and I would probably have put something on fire.
Profile Image for Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads.
1,281 reviews649 followers
July 9, 2018
4.25 Stars
I really liked this book. For something so small, it certainly packed a punch and I wanted to keep reading it when it was over. I wish that this would have been a full length book because I would love to see this world and these characters flushed out more.
I liked Cameron. She was badass and knew how to take care of herself. She was an independent and strong female character and I honestly enjoyed my time in her head. I would have liked to see more of her childhood/backstory as I think that would have endeared her more to me.
I liked all of the guys. They were all different and they each caught my attention in their own ways. I would have liked to get more of their backstories as well and I just wish there would have been more time to really get to know their characters. Wolfe especially since there wasn't a lot of time spent on him.
I took stars away for the ending. It felt extremely rushed and I didn't get to enjoy it because things were moving so quickly. Things in the plot weren't completely explained and it made the ending feel cheap. I would have liked the last two chapters or so to be slowed down and for C.M. Stunich to give more details.
SIDE NOTE: Did anyone find the dhampir and strigoi references odd? I have read the Vampire Academy Series and I have NEVER seen another author use those titles for vampires before now. I thought that Richelle Mead completely made those terms up, but now I am not so sure.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found C.M. Stunich's retelling of Rumpelstiltskin refreshing and certainly entertaining. I would love to see her do more retellings in the future as I am sure I would enjoy those as well.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,922 reviews57 followers
April 22, 2018
Cameron Darke is a dhampir—half-vampire and half-human. She is also the one that got away. The only deal ever made with Rumple Stiltz not fulfilled. Her mother promised her to Rumple the world's most powerfully dangerous assassin as payment for a deal we've all heard about; the one about spinning gold. Instead of making payment, however, Cam's mom went on the run with her daughter. They stayed on the move until Cam's mom was brutally murdered. Now she's all alone with only a half-ogre bartender as a best friend and a job as a killer for a local vampire house. As a dhampir, she's disrespected and abused by the vampire world. She barely makes ends meet but an opportunity has come up that may offer her a new life. The Vampire King needs a queen to make his people happy but as a reluctant groom, he has set the requirement impossibly high. He'll only wed a woman who can spin straw into gold. Fortunately, Cam knows how to make this happen. Time to make a deal with Rumple's kin. The same deal her mother once made. So she turns to the Stiltz' Brothers for a deal to win the crown. This time the deal has a twist. She must turn over her first born and that first born will also be fathered by one of the brothers. Cam agrees, ready to double-cross Rumple like her mother did. It should be easy but she never expected to fall for the brothers.

Stiltz is wildly imaginative and highly original. CM Stunich's mind is a wonder to me. She is a clever, creative artist. Each book is a well-written, legitimate one-of-a-kind adventure. Her imagination verges on brilliance. This book is a perfect example. She has taken a well-known fairy tale (one of my least favorite) and put her spin on it. A league of assassins. Rumple's Kin. Amazing. Add in her always vivid characters and her trademark steamy scenes and you have a very entertaining book!
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,667 reviews62 followers
April 22, 2018
Another phenomenal read by CM that I absolutely love and that I didn’t want to put down. I love CM spin on a classic and I devoured every word. Cameron, Vyce, Wolfe & Sorrow ( love his name) I couldn’t get enough of. This story will capture your attention from page one and have you hooked until the end. Every time I one click one of CM’s books I know I will never be disappointed and I’ll love every minute of the story and absolutely love every character. Brilliant 5 Star read that everyone must read.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
233 reviews
July 23, 2018
This was a cute book. I am not big on books that are solo because they often don't actually give you a full conclusion and leave you hanging. This book did that too, but although it would be nice to know what happens after it was still a fun little read. It was good enough to have me thinking of reading a few of the other OUAH books, but I am a big fan of Stunich's writing style so that may be why I liked this book so much.
Profile Image for Katie.
625 reviews166 followers
July 26, 2018
I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I thought the idea of a twist on the Rumple Stiltzkin fairy tale was quite appealing but the actual story, I didn't find that interesting. It is only told from the perspective of Cameron (main female character) and I think if the chapters had been told from a mixture of the main characters' points of views, I might have enjoyed this book slightly more than I did.
Profile Image for Chelsey Nixon.
531 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2018
Boom

So I haven’t read any of the other OUAH books yet, because I’m not super into fairytales or novellas and these are both but I like CM and her work is always BA so I read this one and man, did it not disappoint. Like what a good story.
Profile Image for Crystal Gaitan.
349 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2018
Yes!!!

I adore C.M. Stunich. I devoted this book in a matter of hours. Brilliant take on Rumple Stilz’ kin. Great addition to the series!
Profile Image for Jordan.
310 reviews
May 1, 2018
C.M. Stunich's take on the Rumpelstiltzkin fairytale was amazing!

Cameron Darke has avoided her fate as a child owed to the assassin Rumple Stiltz for over twenty years. On the run for her entire life with her mom, she never had much as a child; and even now that her mom is gone and she's an adult, Cam still doesn't have much. She's a dhamphir, looked down on in Vampire society as a half breed and forced to serve royals. But when the king makes a proclamation, to marry a woman who can turn straw to gold, Cam decides to make the same deal her mother made years before, to finally gain the power and respect she has sought her entire life. But this time, instead of Rumple himself she'll be dealing with Stiltz' kin.

Vyce, Sorrow, and Wolfe are three men who were stolen by Rumple in his deals. All at least part vampire and highly trained, these men are deadly assassins who make and ensure deals are kept for Rumple. When Cam goes to them to make a deal, for the power to turn straw to gold in exchange for her first born child, it comes with one stipulation: the child will be one of theirs.

Stiltz is just another of C.M.'s amazing creations. She never fails to amaze me with her books. This story is so original and creative. Not many authors can create stories based on fairytales, with somewhat common creatures such as vampires, and come up with something completely unique and entertaining. This story was an adventure from start to finish! I can't wait to read more from C.M. and the other authors in the Once Upon a Harem series!
Profile Image for Taylor Renee.
26 reviews
May 3, 2018
A unique twist

I liked this book, and I liked the Stiltz kin.

I gave it four stars because I would have liked to see a lot more character development. It was a quick read and a standalone, so I definitely understand the limitations, but I did think there was room for more.

The other reason I gave it four stars is because I'm not sure I really liked the main character much. I usually love CM's heroines, but this one didn't quite meet the mark for me. Again, this may because of lack of character development, so there wasn't much room for redemption, but I felt the MC took every opportunity to rant and then flounce off. I would have liked to see more measured responses from a MC painted as a badass vampire hunter.

Overall, a fun read with an interesting world full of supernatural creatures, half breeds, blood, and sex. I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, fun take on a classic.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 128 books5 followers
September 9, 2019
Although this was a great story, wonderfully told, I found it difficult to get lost in. The story begins with a well thought out hook, grasping the reader and hold their attention. The characters are realistically written, making their personalities seem familiar. Yet, there was something about how the story played out that didn't hold my attention after the first few chapters. I did persevere, I did follow the storyline, I did find myself eager to understand the hidden secrets within the book, but I was left without that discovery as the story continues in book two.

If you like fairy tales with a twist, well written stories, and like to read over multiple books, then this is for you. Erin Bedford is an amazing writer, I'd buy books solely on her name. The next book in the series will have to be read, as I want to know what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
540 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2018
Can I have more

This book was so good. It had action, suspense, romance with lots of spicy times really a little of a lot of things. Loved the stiltz'kin and the little twist that happens in the hea. This was a great retelling of fairytale that threw in some dark and kinky-ish take on things; in their words if you like closed doors of fade to black missionary this book may not be up your alley. But I really liked how the more primal, and bloody side of the vampires and magic was kept and it wasn't all prettied up with glitter. And while we are told all the once upon a harem books are standalones, this book could easily be a series. I know I'd love to hear more about how Cameron and the stiltz'kin get on and what the future holds for them. So I'm so wishing for another book or novel for these characters it was a good book would recommend.
37 reviews
June 4, 2018
Wanting more.

I loved the premise of this story! But I felt the ending a cliche and predictable. Why couldnt the bad guy be someone else...and Rumple be like the 4th love interest....date I say the most important love interest? Basically I wanted the story to end differently, introduce Rumpel and have a woo'd love affair. Maybe keeping the strained relations between the men....?? It was a classic story with a ton of potential....I really wanted to love this book and liked it despite my hope and dreams being dashed to the ground. Also Rumple being the bad guy and ugly......just...troupy...not sure if it's a word...but thats how I feel. People aren't automatically good because thier hot and their not automatically bad cuz they're ugly. Anyways 3 stsrs, only cuz I love Stunich.
Profile Image for JW.
638 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2018
This RH PNR (bordering on erotica)is a unique retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. It’s the third stand alone book in the Once Upon a Harem series. For those unfamiliar with the series, a group of authors are retelling fairy tales and setting them as reverse harems. They’re available via Kindle Unlimited.

This retelling was sexy and gritty. I imagine the heroine’s personality and talking style will not be for everyone. I was fine with her, especially within the context of her world, but I didn’t exactly like her. The three male leads were different enough to be interesting, and the chemistry between Cam and the guys was great.

This was my first time reading this author, so I don’t know how this compares to her other works.
Profile Image for Kristy Darcy.
89 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2018
Urgh... so I finished it but honestly, it was tough going. Overzealous descriptions of sexual acts and constant gratuitous use of words I don't care to type. Whilst I appreciate the imagination of the story, I like more subtlety in my stories and considering all of the rest in this series have been reasonably tame this just seemed to go a bit overboard.

Cameron's internal monologue was almost entirely in expletives and whilst I respect the author's decision to make the character more open to sexual encounters than many other heroines, I didn't like the fact that she was practically a slave to it.

I don't know... I want to pursue the rest of the series, but this has slightly dampened my enthusiasm for it.
Profile Image for BookLover89.
344 reviews
May 5, 2018
Was a DNF for me.
I stopped reading at 84%.
I liked the synopsis and the interesting take on Rumple.

But I HATE the word cunt and it was used over and over again.

I also hate Anal and that showed up so I just quit reading at that point.
I was just cringing way to much through reading.

Also there was more sex then story. If they weren’t having sex, they were talking about or thinking about it.

The Rumple storyline and even the relationship was just in the background with Sex and bad sex at that being the main focus.

For a female Damphir who is so hated in the world she sure gets a lot of sex.
20 reviews
May 11, 2018
As always I can't get enough

God, I missed stunich's amazing story telling skillz! She's honestly one of my favorite writer's of all time and if you aren't reading her books you are doing a serious injustice to yourself. Stunich has a serious talent, especially when it comes to paranormal romance and RH. IMO she is unrivaled in blending compelling storylines and seriously steamy sexy times, I ALWAYS have a book hangover after the story ends. I honestly wish there was two of her so she could get her books out pronto!😩 I cannot wait for pack ivory emerald and the 2nd alice in underland book, I hate being patient. If you enjoy reverse harems then C.M. Stunich is your girl!
190 reviews12 followers
September 25, 2018
The thing that drew me to this book was that it’s a fairytale re-telling. I love when authors take things that we’ve grown up with and twist them on their heads. This author has done a brilliant job with this story. The female protagonist is witty, sarcastic, caustic at times. In general, she’s a bad @$$, and the guys that she meets in the story can go toe to toe, tit for tat with her (no one likes a simpering male lead, let’s be honest). Also, there are some very steamy scenes in this book, but this author is very, very good at that. Genuinely, there wasn’t a whole lot I felt was wrong with this book - maybe that I wish it was a bit longer?
Profile Image for Rebecca.
447 reviews
April 24, 2018
This was a neat take on the Rumplestiltskin tale. First off, I thought the play on words was fun - Rumple Stiltz' kin. Cute. But what I really love is that Cam, our female lead, is the one that got away. Well, maybe not her perse but Rumple definitely wants her back regardless.

This is a short tale, but no less intriguing for its length. It's fun and a fairly quick read. A standalone too. Plus apparently vamps and dhampirs have some really hottt.... fun! ;-) So really its the perfect little read, and I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2018
Another smashing book by CM Stunich! This one was a quick read but was jammed packed with awesomeness. Cam is a kickass chick hiding in plain sight and has to deal with tons of drama and discrimination. Vyce, Wolfe, and Sorrow are hawt! Together the foursome are magnetic and explosive. What will happen when the secrets come to light? Things get real, real quick! Loved it! Truly wished it were longer or possibly reading more about them in the future...they are sure to have some more epic adventures, at least in my head lol
Profile Image for Vanessa Vargas.
302 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2018
5☆ Great Read.

Cameron is a dhamphir who is and has been on the run/hiding her entire life. When an opportunity arises for her to become someone important with the power to live a better life, she make a deal with the Stiltz brothers, she expects to go her separate ways when the deal has been settled but that's not how the story ever goes, does it? In the end she ends up with a very shocking surprise and the Stiltz brothers are there for her when it counts. I love C.M. Stunichs' work and this is one of her many books I read that I absolutely love.
557 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2018
Loved this take

I’ve never really been into fairytale retelling, but I’m thinking I should really re-evaluate that stance. I really enjoyed the authors story and play on words to make this an RH (for those that don’t know, that’s Reverse Harem - meaning FMC with multiple love interests with no choosing between them). I found myself wishing this wasn’t a stand-alone and that I could get more from this MC. I loved her brash, this is who I am, no apologies attitude. Definitely recommend
Profile Image for SJ.
2,451 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2018
A great take on rumplestiltskin! Cameron is an Dhampir vampire half vamp half demon and full time fiesty firecracker

She decides to make a deal with rumple stiltz’kin but things do not go completely to plan, and the three sexy vamps she meets certainly make her life just that little bit more interesting

Well written this is a great modern day fantasy take on a childhood classic, packed with action adventure and some steam, I thoroughly enjoyed this read
Profile Image for Tristin.
37 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2018
Awesome play on a classic..!!
CM Stunich does it again with this awesome spin of a classic fairytale. This standalone book is a rather quick read but it doesn't fail to deliver the fun and creative story that I've come to trust CM will deliver. I recommend to anyone that is looking for a one of a kind adventure that is funny, imaginative and sexy to read this book. You won't be disappointed!
137 reviews10 followers
May 5, 2018
What a great take on the Rumplestiltzkin fairytale. Cameron Drake is a dhampir, half vampire half human. She is also the one that got away. Her mum made a deal for her first born child and then ran away with her. Cam ends up deciding o make a deal with the Stiltz kin, but of course she has a plan, will she be able to get away like her mum. This book is well written, great modern day twist on a childhood classic. Packed with action and some steam, I really enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Jodie-Leigh.
141 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2018
Such an amazing twist on a very popular fairytale, Rumpelstiltskin!

I loved everything about this book. I'm such a huge fan of retellings of fairy-tales and classic child stories, and this book didn't disappoint! I loved the twist CM put on the popular fairytale and very much made it her own. The characters were intriguing and the storyline was very unique and interesting. In short, it was another excellent book written by the very talented CM Stunich!
Profile Image for Beth C..
1,886 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2018
Fan-freakin-tastic!!

OMG! C.M. is a genius! I don't know how she comes up with all her amazingly creative stories, but she rocks every one. This was a fantastic take on Rumplestiltskin...and the the puns throughout the book - just hilarious! But Rumple as a vampire king...loved it!
I'm so glad she was included in the OUAH series! It wouldn't have been the same without her amazing writing.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
200 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2018
Sexy and funny!

What I liked most about Cam was her sarcasm and inner dialogue which were funny. She can fight but is at a disadvantage because she is at The bottom of the food chain in The vampire world and has had no training at all. The pace, the dialogue, descriptions and the storyline of the book were great!
Profile Image for Chelsey.
769 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2018
Stiltz kin

I loved the play on Rumplestiltskin. The guys were unique and totally lovable. My only real disappointment is that it ended very abruptly. I really wanted some more commitment between Cam and the guys. I got the impression that they were choosing to stay with her but it's never actually said. Just needed more closure.
Profile Image for Samantha.
89 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2018
I loved this dark fairytale remade into something even better! I always thought Rumpelstiltskin was an odd story, but this book changed my mind! I loved Cameron and her guys and only wish I could read more about them! Is there going to be a book 2? 🤔
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews