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Romance a Medieval Fairytale #17
Roar: Goldilocks Retold
Three bears. Two enemies. One winter that will change everything.
Once upon a time...
Ursula thought her biggest worry was hiding her magic powers long enough to catch a husband, until Lord Vauquelin invades and slaughters her whole family. When she emerges from hiding, she finds she's snowed in with a wounded enemy soldier, in a valley full of bears.
Can a girl who can't even make porridge survive until spring?
Once upon a time...
Ursula thought her biggest worry was hiding her magic powers long enough to catch a husband, until Lord Vauquelin invades and slaughters her whole family. When she emerges from hiding, she finds she's snowed in with a wounded enemy soldier, in a valley full of bears.
Can a girl who can't even make porridge survive until spring?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2019
16 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
933 books3,880 followersUSA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 6, 2019
This was such a different take to this fairytale, a little more darker and gruesome.
But what can I say? I expected nothing less from Demelza!
I loved how it starts off! We see a family living in their home, Ursula, the firstborn, and yet she has no inheritance because of her gender!
Her father has already made plans for her, a marriage between Ursula and the son of their neighbouring Lord, Lord Vauquelien. With this marriage alliance, their can unite these two nations and protect her castle home from invasion by Lodd Vauquelin.
But on the eve she was suppose to meet Vauquelin's son, her betrothed, Lord Vauquelien attacks and slaughters everyone in her family. But what he doesn't realise is that, even though he sent his son Bernard to kill any maidens in the castle, Bernard does not kill Ursula. Instead he ends up injured and incapable of moving
Ursula and Bernard find themselves in a dilemma, its winter and hardly any food. But they must take their chances on working together to survive in a valley that is home to the biggest and deadliest bears. But will they work together a bit too much?
Wonderful, delightful and just such a passionate love story!
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
But what can I say? I expected nothing less from Demelza!
I loved how it starts off! We see a family living in their home, Ursula, the firstborn, and yet she has no inheritance because of her gender!
Her father has already made plans for her, a marriage between Ursula and the son of their neighbouring Lord, Lord Vauquelien. With this marriage alliance, their can unite these two nations and protect her castle home from invasion by Lodd Vauquelin.
But on the eve she was suppose to meet Vauquelin's son, her betrothed, Lord Vauquelien attacks and slaughters everyone in her family. But what he doesn't realise is that, even though he sent his son Bernard to kill any maidens in the castle, Bernard does not kill Ursula. Instead he ends up injured and incapable of moving
Ursula and Bernard find themselves in a dilemma, its winter and hardly any food. But they must take their chances on working together to survive in a valley that is home to the biggest and deadliest bears. But will they work together a bit too much?
Wonderful, delightful and just such a passionate love story!
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
April 10, 2019
Intense!
This book was not all of what I expected. It was a bit more... Romantic, sexual than I thought it would be. That said, it was really good!
This book was not all of what I expected. It was a bit more... Romantic, sexual than I thought it would be. That said, it was really good!
July 23, 2019
OK.. wow! I have never read a retelling like this before. I had this on my list to read for awhile as I adore the fairytales I grew up with and fairytale retellings. Although the foundation or inspiration for this story is the tale we all know and love “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, the author created her own intense story that was set on the backdrop of the tale. I enjoyed following Ursula’s story and seeing how her character developed, how she deals with the fact that she’s the last surviving member of her family that was murdered by the very kingdom she was due to form an alliance with through marriage. In a land surrounded by bears, forced to survive on her own whilst suppressing her own power, she meets Bernard and the pair form the most unlikely.. bond.. A fast paced story more suitable to an adult audience that is written very well and engaging from the start. Very interesting ‘rendition’ of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
January 18, 2019
An amazing story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Such a delightful version. Truly enjoyable
January 6, 2025
In Romance a Medieval Fairytale book 17, as the only daughter of the Baron of Berehaven, Ursula has no choice but to hide her magical power and to marry whatever nobleman her father chooses. Unfortunately, the very people who he was arranging a marriage alliance with attack her home and slaughter her family. After she escapes an attacker and nearly kills him, she flees the castle for the hidden bear caves.
Bernard wants to prove his usefulness and make his father proud, but he despises the man. He’s the nobleman’s youngest son and has suffered much abuse at his father’s hands and those of the king. Even though he agrees to kill an innocent woman at his father’s behest, his intended victim puts up more of a fight than he bargained for.
I really enjoyed this story. Ursula and Bernard were damaged characters in desperate need of kindness, love, and understanding. They had great chemistry and developed a strong friendship before moving their relationship to a physical level. The sex scenes were both hot and romantic. I was definitely rooting for this couple to find their happily ever after.
Ms. Carlton crafted a wonderful and well-paced story. Her writing style drew me in. I would love to read more of her work, in particularly the fairy tale books.
4 Stars
Bernard wants to prove his usefulness and make his father proud, but he despises the man. He’s the nobleman’s youngest son and has suffered much abuse at his father’s hands and those of the king. Even though he agrees to kill an innocent woman at his father’s behest, his intended victim puts up more of a fight than he bargained for.
I really enjoyed this story. Ursula and Bernard were damaged characters in desperate need of kindness, love, and understanding. They had great chemistry and developed a strong friendship before moving their relationship to a physical level. The sex scenes were both hot and romantic. I was definitely rooting for this couple to find their happily ever after.
Ms. Carlton crafted a wonderful and well-paced story. Her writing style drew me in. I would love to read more of her work, in particularly the fairy tale books.
4 Stars
March 1, 2019
My latest read from prolific author Demelza Carlton, an interesting re-telling of Goldilocks. The thought of reading a “fairy tale” doesn’t normally appeal to me but I’m glad I did read it, Carlton does a wonderful job with this genre and her spin on this fairy tale makes for can’t put down reading. But I don't restrict myself to a particular genre. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing. Extremely well written, the characters well developed. By the end of this book, I couldn't turn pages fast enough to see how Carleton's carefully crafted tale would unveil. I’ll be reading more from this author! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 22, 2019
Didn't like the language or immorality. The characters were lively and the imagery was very creative.
May 13, 2019
Wow
Another great story, a really lovely twist on the Fairytale. I really can't wait to read the next one, this series is great
Another great story, a really lovely twist on the Fairytale. I really can't wait to read the next one, this series is great
March 29, 2021
Very sweet
I really liked this story of Bernard and Ursuala...it was very sweet...There were not quite as many cross-over characters on this one but at least we got one for sure...
I really liked this story of Bernard and Ursuala...it was very sweet...There were not quite as many cross-over characters on this one but at least we got one for sure...
January 16, 2024
I was looking for shorter audibooks that I could listen to during my commute to work. The few reviews I read (on another app) made it seem like Ursula was trapped in the valley with a family of bears and the man who tried to kill her.
While that is *somewhat* true, they left out that she falls in love with her would-be killer, and he betrays his father to join Ursula's side.
While I wouldn't have picked up a romance novel by choice (this was listed as a Thriller in the app I borrowed it from), I liked the twist on one of the fairy tales I read as a kid. Demelza's writing style kind of makes me want to listen to some of the others in this series.
While that is *somewhat* true, they left out that she falls in love with her would-be killer, and he betrays his father to join Ursula's side.
While I wouldn't have picked up a romance novel by choice (this was listed as a Thriller in the app I borrowed it from), I liked the twist on one of the fairy tales I read as a kid. Demelza's writing style kind of makes me want to listen to some of the others in this series.
January 2, 2019
🐻Who's calling Ursula Goldilocks and can they together save her beloved valley from marauders?!😲
January 2, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍💕🔥❄🏰🐻
Great adventure, despite its nebulous connection to the traditional Goldilocks fairytale. This Goldilocks aka Ursula is smart, brave and blessed with magical powers over the residents of her remote little🏰 Barony. She is not a gatecrasher and has her hands full keeping nasty invaders at bay. And her first sight of her romantic interest is not a meet-cute by any stretch of the imagination!
Author Demelza Carlton has written an extensive catalog of twisted fairytales and I think, like this one, the best of them are standalone stories. There's violent fighting, loss of loved ones, resourceful survival, magic and, above all, a 💙romance that turns 🔥steamy with a hero who has major flaws but lack of tenacity, inconstancy and cowardice are not amongst them. He is also very resourceful in the amatory arts!;-)
In sum, imaginative, well-written and a rollicking good tale with the bad guys fully routed by the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 2, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍💕🔥❄🏰🐻
Great adventure, despite its nebulous connection to the traditional Goldilocks fairytale. This Goldilocks aka Ursula is smart, brave and blessed with magical powers over the residents of her remote little🏰 Barony. She is not a gatecrasher and has her hands full keeping nasty invaders at bay. And her first sight of her romantic interest is not a meet-cute by any stretch of the imagination!
Author Demelza Carlton has written an extensive catalog of twisted fairytales and I think, like this one, the best of them are standalone stories. There's violent fighting, loss of loved ones, resourceful survival, magic and, above all, a 💙romance that turns 🔥steamy with a hero who has major flaws but lack of tenacity, inconstancy and cowardice are not amongst them. He is also very resourceful in the amatory arts!;-)
In sum, imaginative, well-written and a rollicking good tale with the bad guys fully routed by the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 12, 2024
This latest story in the Romance a Medieval Fairytales series by Demelza Carlton is an excellent story. First released as part of the 20 Shades of Shifters boxset, it's lovely to finally see it reworked as a standalone book, weaving its own tale. Beautifully written and full of character, drama, action and intrigue, with a twist of romance, and a sprinkle of magic, I highly recommend this awesome book to all lovers of adult fairytales with a Happy Ever After. And for those who've read the other books in the series, look out for characters and storylines that cross over! But don't worry if you haven't, this story can be read and enjoyed entirely in isolation... Just be warned, it'll leave you wanting more! Can't wait for the next one to be released!!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
January 2, 2019
Cute retelling of the familiar fairy tale. Ursula founds herself the only member of her family to avoid being slaughtered by a greedy Lord and his army. Fortunately the valley where her family castle is located gets closed by snow every winter and the invaders must leave or take a chance on getting snowed in for months. The Lord leaves his son, Bernard, who has broken leg and cannot be moved, to live or die.
Ursula finds herself caring for a man she thinks is just wounded soldier left behind to die. Can these two make it through the long winter alone? Whatever will they get up to? Tee hee. I am not going to ruin the "bears" part of the story for you, but there will be more than three!
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Ursula finds herself caring for a man she thinks is just wounded soldier left behind to die. Can these two make it through the long winter alone? Whatever will they get up to? Tee hee. I am not going to ruin the "bears" part of the story for you, but there will be more than three!
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
January 5, 2019
This is a fantastic retelling of Goldilocks! It drew me right in and kept me there. It begins with the castle being attacked and Ursula finding a place to hide. She eventually finds the few townspeople who had also hidden and survived. So begins a wonderful tale. I love the characters in this book. Whether good or bad, they are well written. And the plot? The twist at the end is simply wonderful. Parts of the book are naturally sad, but the whole thing comes out as a feel good fairy tale and there's even a love interest. If you like adult fairy tales with a few 'R' rated scenes, then you'll love this!
January 5, 2019
With her family slaughtered, Ursula was alone to face the enemy, but a twist of fate brought her an ally and much more. All Bernard had known was abuse and betrayal, but he had a chance to be someone new. Liked Ursula’s character, strong, witty, smart and passionate. Sorry for Bernard and his lot in life. Interesting narrations and descriptions that kept me captive guessing how the main characters were going to deal with their situation. Action, suspense, magic, mystery, violence and hot passion. Enjoyed how the author crafted this Goldilocks and the bears retelling that left me eager for more stories.
January 24, 2019
This was another interesting take on a fairytale from the imagination of Demelza Carlton. All of her retold fairytales are fabulous. This one connects to some of the others, distantly, and includes magic, fair maidens, princes, and so forth — all of the makings of a fairytale. I like how the female lead characters are portrayed as strong and formidable women despite the societal tendency for them to be regarded as less important than the men. Naturally, these women find men who value their contributions. The role of magic in this story was surprising and unusual. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I recommend it.
January 7, 2019
This retelling of Goldilocks is unique and dark. Like all of her heroines, Carlton creates an independent, fierce woman in Ursula. Bernard is a caring, sensitive man with a tragic past that still haunts him. Their relationship is well developed and the romance does not disappoint. The addition of the bears adds a magical dimension to the story, but you’ll have to read to find out the integral parts they play. As a caution, there are quite a few intimate love scenes and conversations throughout the novel.
January 1, 2019
Demelza Carlton has done it again. Once you start this book you cannot put it down. An excellent read. Love Ursula and Bernard. He is sent to kill her on orders from his father but she ends up hurting him and getting away. She comes back to the castle after the army is gone and finds him injured and unable to help himself. The love scenes are hot and the I like how Demelza works in the Bears. I received an ARC, the comments and opinions are my own. Would recommend this book to all who love romance and fairytales.
January 2, 2019
It took me a while to warm up to Bernard, but I liked Ursula from the start. The very beginning was intense, then a little after that things were a bit more religious than I prefer, but that faded as the rest of the story came through. I love the conclusion and the references to the other books in the series. With most of this series, I feel like each book can stand alone well. And that still holds true here, but I would suggest reading Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold first. There were a few things that would have mildly confused me if I hadn't read that story first.
May 22, 2024
This retelling of "Goldilocks" was interesting and the characters were well written. The ending came together really well and I am glad it ended on a positive note after all that Ursula and Bernard went through. I also look forward to reading more about this world and the characters in it.
Series Character and Story Connections for Roar: Goldilocks Retold
Rosamond and Siward's Tale: Awaken (Book #06)
Series Character and Story Connections for Roar: Goldilocks Retold
Rosamond and Siward's Tale: Awaken (Book #06)
January 10, 2019
I love what Demelza Carlton does with established fairytales and this one was no exception. A brilliant retelling with a very different Goldilocks and people that can change into bears. I also loved the references to Sleeping Beauty and the appearance of Rosamond. I have read all these tales and they are all excellent. Cannot wait for the next one.
I received an ARC but have voluntarily left a review.
I received an ARC but have voluntarily left a review.
January 1, 2019
An adult fairy-tale. A closer approximation to a Grimm's Fairy Tale than any of Demelza's stories which I've read before: very dark beginnings. A sense of dread caught me about two thirds through. Overall, a great tale.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.
June 30, 2019
Found this tale to be an interesting twist on the old fairy tale, A story about a woman whose family was destroyed around her, a man who was mistreated by his father and his king, their discovery of each other, a touch of magic to save the people that survived, their trust for each other tested and revenge for both of them
January 8, 2019
Overall rating: 4.8
This storyline had me captivated from chapter one! This adult version of Goldilocks screams of passion, loyalty , and devotion. Each time that I read these fairytales retold, I am always left feeling as though it can’t be retold any better than this! Once again I am amazed by the ingenuity of this author! Brilliantly done! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
This storyline had me captivated from chapter one! This adult version of Goldilocks screams of passion, loyalty , and devotion. Each time that I read these fairytales retold, I am always left feeling as though it can’t be retold any better than this! Once again I am amazed by the ingenuity of this author! Brilliantly done! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
January 9, 2019
A delightful adult fairy tale dealing with loss, hidden secrets, love and finally getting what is deserved. Ursula and Bernard have one thing in common and that is that both their fathers rule their lives, but Ursula's family is brutally slaughtered and when the winter snows melt and spring returns Bernard finally gets to stand up to his father. This dark retelling of Goldilocks is a great read.
January 14, 2019
I’ve always been a fan of fairy tales and these grown up versions are just wonderful! Roar is a great re-imagining of the old story of Goldilocks, but there are a lot more than 3 bears in this tale by the talented Demelza Carlton! The characters are well crafted and the writing enjoyable to read. I highly recommend!
January 1, 2019
Roar: Goldilocks Retold is a newfangled adult fairtytale with a paranormal twist of the classic fairytale Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Brimming with romance, fighting & bear shifters twist. A dark suspenseful tale.
January 8, 2019
Goldilocks was ever my fav story and I never got it as a kid. Here happened the same thing - I had lost the ideas when some unexpected things happened. It was well written and intriguing - especially the ending, so I recommend reading it as it was just not my cup of tea.
January 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this well-written, entertaining retelling of the Goldilocks fairy tale. It featured a strong female lead, had twists and turns I did not expect, and was very cohesive and hard to put down! It was excellent from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and this author.
January 13, 2019
I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review this book. I love this author’s version of her fairy tales. She didn’t disappoint but it was not as close as some of her other fairy tales. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews