What do you think?
Finding Ever After
Once Bitten
Once Bitten is a nod to Snow White that includes a fake date with a handsome woodsman, seven geeks, and the world's best apple tarts.
Experience a touch of magic with these four fairytale-ish novellas that span over one hundred years. Linked by an illustrated book of fairytales, each novella is an enchanting combination of a beloved classic sprinkled with the author’s own brand of fairy dust.
Part of the Finding Ever After collection
Experience a touch of magic with these four fairytale-ish novellas that span over one hundred years. Linked by an illustrated book of fairytales, each novella is an enchanting combination of a beloved classic sprinkled with the author’s own brand of fairy dust.
Part of the Finding Ever After collection
ebook
First published February 1, 2019
About the author
Betsy St. Amant
49 books896 followersBetsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of almost thirty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. When she’s not suffering through a CrossFit workout or baby talking her dog, she can usually be found in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2019
A fake boyfriend always works out well, right?
In desperation, Maggie convinces (aka bribes) Griff to pretend to be her boyfriend for a weekend with her stepmother and stepsister. Feeling as though she never measures up, she wants one thing in her life for them to be proud of. But Griff has another motive all together—one that could ruin whatever is growing between him and Maggie.
Betsy St. Amant serves readers the perfect treat with the sugary sweet romance, the spice of attraction, and the salt of family dynamics that can either enhance or ruin any dessert. This bite-sized delight is one you will want to savor but will probably inhale instead, wishing there was more.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In desperation, Maggie convinces (aka bribes) Griff to pretend to be her boyfriend for a weekend with her stepmother and stepsister. Feeling as though she never measures up, she wants one thing in her life for them to be proud of. But Griff has another motive all together—one that could ruin whatever is growing between him and Maggie.
Betsy St. Amant serves readers the perfect treat with the sugary sweet romance, the spice of attraction, and the salt of family dynamics that can either enhance or ruin any dessert. This bite-sized delight is one you will want to savor but will probably inhale instead, wishing there was more.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 23, 2019
Maggie Craft thought she was going to avoid the annual winter cabin get-away with her stepmother and stepsister this year. No constant reminders of all the ways she never measures up to their standards of perfection, no pointed remarks about her continuing single status. But alas, she receives the dreaded invitation—and rashly says she’ll be bringing a plus one before she can think better of it. Surely, out of seven geeky book-club guys and a handsome handyman, she can come up with a date for the weekend, even if she has to bribe them with her famous apple tarts.
You know what one of my favourite things was about this novella? Griff “didn’t feel that zing of attraction” for Maggie in the beginning. She was “someone you wanted to be near and enjoyed,” but “more like a comfortable quilt.” His attraction to Maggie only developed as he spent time with her and got to know her, and that doesn’t happen often enough in romance novels if you ask me. But Griff’s also got a little secret of his own that complicates things, particularly once their faux relationship doesn’t seem quite so faux after all.
This novella was a great combination of sweet and sassy, funny and sincere, and often made me think I knew what was coming only to do something completely different—and better—at the last minute. I loved that too. In fact, I loved the whole thing.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
You know what one of my favourite things was about this novella? Griff “didn’t feel that zing of attraction” for Maggie in the beginning. She was “someone you wanted to be near and enjoyed,” but “more like a comfortable quilt.” His attraction to Maggie only developed as he spent time with her and got to know her, and that doesn’t happen often enough in romance novels if you ask me. But Griff’s also got a little secret of his own that complicates things, particularly once their faux relationship doesn’t seem quite so faux after all.
This novella was a great combination of sweet and sassy, funny and sincere, and often made me think I knew what was coming only to do something completely different—and better—at the last minute. I loved that too. In fact, I loved the whole thing.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 24, 2019
I really enjoyed Once Bitten by Betsy St. Amant! This story, inspired by Snow White, complete with 1 woodsman, 7 um...dwarfs, yummy apple tarts (recipe included), and, of course, Snow White, made me laugh, cry a little, and give a big happy sigh when it was all done. I was also craving apple tarts and hot chocolate!
One of the things I really liked is that this story was not totally predictable. Of course, there is a happy ending, but there was no immediate attraction, no big misunderstanding, and when a few secrets came out, there was no anger for pages and pages and pages! I loved it! I am really hoping for a couple of spin offs!
This is the fourth and final story in the Finding Ever After compilation, which includes stories by Pepper Basham, Rachel McMillan, Ashley Clark, and Betsy St. Amant. This compilation is awesome and well worth the price!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
One of the things I really liked is that this story was not totally predictable. Of course, there is a happy ending, but there was no immediate attraction, no big misunderstanding, and when a few secrets came out, there was no anger for pages and pages and pages! I loved it! I am really hoping for a couple of spin offs!
This is the fourth and final story in the Finding Ever After compilation, which includes stories by Pepper Basham, Rachel McMillan, Ashley Clark, and Betsy St. Amant. This compilation is awesome and well worth the price!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
February 15, 2019
I read this novella as part of the collection Finding Ever After. I absolutely loved it! Leaning on the fairy tale of Snow White, it was absolutely delightful! The ‘dwarves’ were a hoot. Perfection. I loved every single minute.
May 14, 2019
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Once Bitten by Betsy St. Amant is a root beer barrel hard candy. This candy is sweet yet packs a punch of flavor all at once. Sure, you can crunch through it quickly, but you can also slow savor.
Maggie is tired of her stepmother's and stepsister's teasing about her always-single status so she invites Griff on their annual visit to the winter cabin as her fake boyfriend. Though Griff isn't so sure about the whole scenario, he has his own reasons for showing up to the charade.
Although this premise of fake significant others is not a new one, I really enjoyed this author's take on it with a slight head nod to the fairytale of Snow White. I also enjoyed a line near the end of the book that said, "Nothing made sense anymore, and the villains suddenly had soft sides." That's what I love about a well-written story...when you can see that the "villain" is multi-faceted too. While much of this story and conflict was built on assumptions, it still felt believable because we are prone to making assumptions about other people and their motivations.
If you enjoy fairytales, romance, and fake relationships, Once Bitten is definitely for you.
Maggie is tired of her stepmother's and stepsister's teasing about her always-single status so she invites Griff on their annual visit to the winter cabin as her fake boyfriend. Though Griff isn't so sure about the whole scenario, he has his own reasons for showing up to the charade.
Although this premise of fake significant others is not a new one, I really enjoyed this author's take on it with a slight head nod to the fairytale of Snow White. I also enjoyed a line near the end of the book that said, "Nothing made sense anymore, and the villains suddenly had soft sides." That's what I love about a well-written story...when you can see that the "villain" is multi-faceted too. While much of this story and conflict was built on assumptions, it still felt believable because we are prone to making assumptions about other people and their motivations.
If you enjoy fairytales, romance, and fake relationships, Once Bitten is definitely for you.
February 18, 2019
Once Bitten is a modern day story of Snow White. There are no dwarfs but there is the geek squad and Griff. Maggie Craft is a bookstore owner with a stepmother and stepsister who inadvertently are mean to Maggie. Maggie has a group of men in her book club that try to help her out. When Maggie is invited to the cabin for the weekend, she decided to ask Griff to go with her as a fake boyfriend. Will they be able to pull off the fake relationship, or will this weekend show them how much they need each other.
Ms. St. Amant did a great job incorporating Snow White into this book. I loved that the book club members were funny and just about as helpful as the dwarfs. The storyline and character development were really good. I could picture the differences of Harper and Maggie. I loved how thoughtful Griff was and that kiss was amazing. I recommend picking up a copy of this book.
Ms. St. Amant did a great job incorporating Snow White into this book. I loved that the book club members were funny and just about as helpful as the dwarfs. The storyline and character development were really good. I could picture the differences of Harper and Maggie. I loved how thoughtful Griff was and that kiss was amazing. I recommend picking up a copy of this book.
March 9, 2019
This novella has so much going for it in a short amount of time. First, you have two people brought together by circumstance. Of course in a short romantic novella you know that is no coincidence, but it was still enjoyable to read. This is one of those stories that is not love at first sight, which made it so much better!
Griff and Maggie didn't seem like they would be compatible in the beginning, and in fact, there wasn't a lot of chemistry (to them anyways, I could totally see it coming). But as the story went on, you could see some walls coming down, and Griff and Maggie found themselves in a totally new situation. Yes there is a Hallmark feel to this story, but I totally loved it. I laughed, giggled, and swooned, as I'm sure you will too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Griff and Maggie didn't seem like they would be compatible in the beginning, and in fact, there wasn't a lot of chemistry (to them anyways, I could totally see it coming). But as the story went on, you could see some walls coming down, and Griff and Maggie found themselves in a totally new situation. Yes there is a Hallmark feel to this story, but I totally loved it. I laughed, giggled, and swooned, as I'm sure you will too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2019
I read Once Bitten in the Finding Ever After book set. Here is my review of the set: Readers who love a "happily ever after" will find this sweet set of fairytale based stories full of challenges that life can bring, faith that brings hope, and courage to face the challenges and overcome. Oh and let us not forget the kiss that unites the hero and heroine to their "together ever after." Each story moves from the past to a current point in time with a book of fairytales passing from one story to the next adding a bit of magical wisdom to each story. The great thing about a novella collection is that it allows the reader to try new authors as you enjoy your favorites. And for readers who like historical settings or prefer contemporary settings this book set has it all. Final thought? Making up and kissing over a book of fairytales is very romantic.
March 3, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
Part of the Finding Ever After novella collection: These stories are everything we love about fairytales... sprinkled with just enough reality to make them genuinely tempting.
Once Bitten receives automatic bonus points for acing the mountain man hero. Griff's quasi-stoic demeanor is the perfect contrast for bookish, insecure Maggie. St. Amant's delightful sense of humor and sweetness soften the classically villainous bent of the stepmother with a thoughtful perspective shift.
Perhaps those wishes our hearts make aren't so impossible to grasp after all! I highly recommend this collection!
I borrowed an ebook copy of this collection through a paid subscription service. The opinions expressed are my own.
Part of the Finding Ever After novella collection: These stories are everything we love about fairytales... sprinkled with just enough reality to make them genuinely tempting.
Once Bitten receives automatic bonus points for acing the mountain man hero. Griff's quasi-stoic demeanor is the perfect contrast for bookish, insecure Maggie. St. Amant's delightful sense of humor and sweetness soften the classically villainous bent of the stepmother with a thoughtful perspective shift.
Perhaps those wishes our hearts make aren't so impossible to grasp after all! I highly recommend this collection!
I borrowed an ebook copy of this collection through a paid subscription service. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2019
Once Bitten was such a cute story and a nice take on Snow White. It was a breath of fresh air that put a big smile on my face. I love a good “fake boyfriend” story and this one was done really well. Maggie and Griff were so great and felt like real people. I liked that there wasn't an insta-love connection. It felt real, not forced. Just right. I can't forget to mention the seven dwarfs, or rather, the seven geeks. They were awesome and hilarious!
March 3, 2019
Read this is part of the Finding Ever-After novella collection
March 22, 2019
My favorite story in this outstanding collection!
May 26, 2024
This conclusion to the Christian Fairytale adaptation anthology, Finding Ever After, was fantastic! The story was believable and the characters heartwarming. I especially loved the character growth that happened. This different take on Snow White had enough of the expected elements, plus a few surprises, that I am voting the author consider a sequel! I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
Read
February 22, 2019I bought this after reading a quote from it on Facebook. So fun. And I love the seven dwarfs!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews