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After Dark
Favourite fairytales get a grown-up makeover. Exciting plots, sizzling passion and memorable love stories. includes: The Ugly Duckling, Goldie Locks, Robin Hood, The little Mermaid, Aladin, Mother Hulda, Rumplestiltskin,
Pinocchio, The Goblin King, and Snow White.
Whether contemporary, magical fantasy or paranormal, they're all romantic, passionate, sometimes funny always moving.
Pinocchio, The Goblin King, and Snow White.
Whether contemporary, magical fantasy or paranormal, they're all romantic, passionate, sometimes funny always moving.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2019
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April 20, 2019
This is a book full of different stories that we grew up with told in a very different unique way. I did enjoy each story and how well written each one is. Each one has a different twist that makes each one unique in their own way...Each one makes you feel like you are a part of the story. I enjoyed reading each and every one of these . I absolutely love how the writers took a story I loved when I was little and throw a twist to it. Highly recommend reading this book. You will be taking on a unique ride with each one.
April 21, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. The writing was amazing by each one of these authors. Always fun to read rewritten fairy tales. Loved this book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy.
I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy.
April 8, 2019
The Goblin King, you get a small intro to Fairy in this bit slow story, tells of a Goblin who steals children, a human female making a deal with the King and he sends her on a journey where she will need to figure out what's good and what's bad for her or she very well could be lead astray. His whispered name brings him forth and they both feel of sense of knowing and longing but what will it cost them? and are they willing to pay for it? Tame read in the sense of what I'm used to reading, I think the chemistry between the characters could have popped more. enjoyable and worth the read.
Always the Swan, Hollywood and the movie life isnt for the faint of heart. Eve is learning that the hard way, a spur of the moment marriage to an well know actor as her crowded in by his manager and the need of her husband getting the starring role. Lack of trust and really not knowing each other puts Jasen and Eve on a rocky path.
A sweet story that hit the mark in the telling how life is for an actor. They had a bit of chemistry between them, a warm scenes or two but very sweet it made it very worth reading. Enjoy
Forever, I'd give this 5 stars. I so enjoyed this story overly sweet which isn't normally my thing. But the drama and mystery mixed in with the sweet made for a great read. Mean stepmom's aren't just for fairy tales. A young horse lady making a name for herself finds her usual horse taken out the race due to an illness and she's left to ride a horse with no ring experience. The seasoned riders around knows a young inexperienced horse is just a bad ticket. A tragic accident leaves the young lady in between the real world and the dreamworld with more than a few questions and no answers as to what happened. Great story, tame love scenes. enjoy
The Girl with no Name: Based on The Little Mermaid, didn't finish reading it just wasn't for me.
Always the Swan, Hollywood and the movie life isnt for the faint of heart. Eve is learning that the hard way, a spur of the moment marriage to an well know actor as her crowded in by his manager and the need of her husband getting the starring role. Lack of trust and really not knowing each other puts Jasen and Eve on a rocky path.
A sweet story that hit the mark in the telling how life is for an actor. They had a bit of chemistry between them, a warm scenes or two but very sweet it made it very worth reading. Enjoy
Forever, I'd give this 5 stars. I so enjoyed this story overly sweet which isn't normally my thing. But the drama and mystery mixed in with the sweet made for a great read. Mean stepmom's aren't just for fairy tales. A young horse lady making a name for herself finds her usual horse taken out the race due to an illness and she's left to ride a horse with no ring experience. The seasoned riders around knows a young inexperienced horse is just a bad ticket. A tragic accident leaves the young lady in between the real world and the dreamworld with more than a few questions and no answers as to what happened. Great story, tame love scenes. enjoy
The Girl with no Name: Based on The Little Mermaid, didn't finish reading it just wasn't for me.
April 7, 2019
This was an amazing retelling of fairy tales I enjoyed them all some more than others. Forever by R A Winter was a favourite of mine Savanna and Tootall were perfect for each other hated her stepmother enjoyed the supernatural part it captured my interest. Also loved Spun Gold by Roxanna Hayley this was quite erotic but still a great romance.Cock-A-Doodle-do by Vianne Sophie may was also a good story about family and what Carly and what she did for her family which I thought used her to much I'm so glad she met Sven and got her happy ending. All the stories have happy endings it's a brilliant collection of stories I would love it if the author's got together and wrote another collection and I got to read books from author's I never knew. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
April 11, 2019
After Dark
the ten short stories that are in this book were well written. Some of them I wish would be a longer story. All of them have happy ever afters.
I enjoyed how each story was a recreation of a fairy tell. I think the one story I enjoyed the most was "The Girl With No Name" by Rose Amberly. It is a retelling of "The Little Mermaid" and the way Rose wrote it, makes you feel that you are apart of the story and wishing that she could speak so they could have loved each other sooner.
the ten short stories that are in this book were well written. Some of them I wish would be a longer story. All of them have happy ever afters.
I enjoyed how each story was a recreation of a fairy tell. I think the one story I enjoyed the most was "The Girl With No Name" by Rose Amberly. It is a retelling of "The Little Mermaid" and the way Rose wrote it, makes you feel that you are apart of the story and wishing that she could speak so they could have loved each other sooner.
April 11, 2019
I absolutely loved the story of the goblin king that she wrote is was amazing I could not put it down it was so good
April 22, 2019
Title: After Dark Anthology
Author: Amberly, Rose et al.
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
This Anthology is composed of ten stories by ten authors who have based their short story and/or novella on a fairytale. This was a treat because I love fairytales and I got to discover ten new authors. Yay me. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
• Title: The Goblin King by Lena Maye. This is a retelling of The Labyrinth. You may never have read the story but we have all seen the cult classic movie with David Bowie. For the most part this is a sweet retelling of the story. No gratuitous stuff. Teaching people not to judge a book by its cover. A solid 3.5/5 stars.
• Title: Always A Swan by Lizzie Hermanson. This is a retelling of the ugly duckling. It starts off in the most confusing manner. They are already hitched? He's a movie star and she isn't. It is a sweet romance meaning nothing gratuitous. But truthfully I would have liked that because I was too busy trying to figure out their relationship. 2/5 stars.
• Title: Forever by RA Winter. This is a retelling of Snow White set in a modern rodeo with Native American mythology thrown in. This was a fascinating work. An aging rodeo queen can't stand her stepdaughter is outshining and out winning her. The seven dwarves are male nurses and orderlies and one brilliant doctor. And let's not forget our huntsman. A Native American on the circuit who is in love with the rodeo princess. I loved this adult adaptation. 5/5 stars.
• Title: The Girl With No Name by Rose Amberly. A retelling of The Little Mermaid. For the most part this stayed true to the Little Mermaid. Except there is no Sea Witch. It does teach you that what you thought you wanted was never what you needed. A solid 4/5 stars.
• Title: A Touch Too Hot by Polly J Brown. This is a retelling of Goldilocks. I am still on the fence about this story. Too hot, too cold, just right? At first I thought reverse harem but nope. Not that I minded. I don't really know why I am wishy washy over this one. So I will give it a 3/5 stars.
• Title: The Wood That Would by Stella Knights. This was a Pinocchio retelling and I hated it. Gepetta carves and sells wooden pleasure aides to the women of her village. She is lonely so she carves a man who is well endowed. He wakes and pleasuring ensues. No talking. Just sex. He wants more so while she sleeps he leaves to tomcat around. In the end comes home telling her he didn't know what he had and all he could ever want is her. He then becomes a real boy. So. The moral of the story is if you love it let it go to play around until they realize how great they have it at home? 2/5 stars.
• Title: Robin Hood, Inc. By KC Freeman. A tale of Robin Hood. Now this was interesting. Marion does the saving but both she and Rob like a good full moon. Still, the plot/storyline was a little bit disjointed. 3/5 stars.
• Title: Spun Gold by Roxanna Hayley. This is supposed to be a retelling of Rumplestiltskin. But, other than getting inspiration to finish her book each week when her love interest shows up I really don't get the Rumplestiltskin part. Also, there is no story. Her lover turns out to be her boss whom she never met. She never got to know him. When they got together he lived out her sex scenes in her stories. End of story. This story is erotica nothing more. Then at the end for each character to say they want love with each other and breakfast in bed, etc...just stop. Call a spade a spade please. The story is erotica and nothing else. If the author had left it at just an erotic story 3/5 stars. But she tried to put a romantic spin at the end. So 2/5 stars.
• Title: Cock-A-Doodle-Do by Vivianne Sophie May. A retelling of Mother Hulda. Now this was a new tale for me. I had never heard of Mother Hulda. So, this girl must do three acts of selflessness to get her reward. In our story Carly helps her stepmom and in the end gets the guy. Oh, her three acts you ask. She cooked, cleaned, and dressed her step mom's client. I still don't really understand Mother Hulda so I may look it up. A solid 4/5 stars.
Fairytales are a way for cultures to codify their beliefs in a verbal manner. It teaches and spreads morals, values, morays of a culture especially if the culture is a melting pot. Fairytales are the verbal symbols of our world.
Overall I give this Anthology a very sold 3.4/5 stars. I really did enjoy the book and loved finding new authors to read.
Author: Amberly, Rose et al.
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
This Anthology is composed of ten stories by ten authors who have based their short story and/or novella on a fairytale. This was a treat because I love fairytales and I got to discover ten new authors. Yay me. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
• Title: The Goblin King by Lena Maye. This is a retelling of The Labyrinth. You may never have read the story but we have all seen the cult classic movie with David Bowie. For the most part this is a sweet retelling of the story. No gratuitous stuff. Teaching people not to judge a book by its cover. A solid 3.5/5 stars.
• Title: Always A Swan by Lizzie Hermanson. This is a retelling of the ugly duckling. It starts off in the most confusing manner. They are already hitched? He's a movie star and she isn't. It is a sweet romance meaning nothing gratuitous. But truthfully I would have liked that because I was too busy trying to figure out their relationship. 2/5 stars.
• Title: Forever by RA Winter. This is a retelling of Snow White set in a modern rodeo with Native American mythology thrown in. This was a fascinating work. An aging rodeo queen can't stand her stepdaughter is outshining and out winning her. The seven dwarves are male nurses and orderlies and one brilliant doctor. And let's not forget our huntsman. A Native American on the circuit who is in love with the rodeo princess. I loved this adult adaptation. 5/5 stars.
• Title: The Girl With No Name by Rose Amberly. A retelling of The Little Mermaid. For the most part this stayed true to the Little Mermaid. Except there is no Sea Witch. It does teach you that what you thought you wanted was never what you needed. A solid 4/5 stars.
• Title: A Touch Too Hot by Polly J Brown. This is a retelling of Goldilocks. I am still on the fence about this story. Too hot, too cold, just right? At first I thought reverse harem but nope. Not that I minded. I don't really know why I am wishy washy over this one. So I will give it a 3/5 stars.
• Title: The Wood That Would by Stella Knights. This was a Pinocchio retelling and I hated it. Gepetta carves and sells wooden pleasure aides to the women of her village. She is lonely so she carves a man who is well endowed. He wakes and pleasuring ensues. No talking. Just sex. He wants more so while she sleeps he leaves to tomcat around. In the end comes home telling her he didn't know what he had and all he could ever want is her. He then becomes a real boy. So. The moral of the story is if you love it let it go to play around until they realize how great they have it at home? 2/5 stars.
• Title: Robin Hood, Inc. By KC Freeman. A tale of Robin Hood. Now this was interesting. Marion does the saving but both she and Rob like a good full moon. Still, the plot/storyline was a little bit disjointed. 3/5 stars.
• Title: Spun Gold by Roxanna Hayley. This is supposed to be a retelling of Rumplestiltskin. But, other than getting inspiration to finish her book each week when her love interest shows up I really don't get the Rumplestiltskin part. Also, there is no story. Her lover turns out to be her boss whom she never met. She never got to know him. When they got together he lived out her sex scenes in her stories. End of story. This story is erotica nothing more. Then at the end for each character to say they want love with each other and breakfast in bed, etc...just stop. Call a spade a spade please. The story is erotica and nothing else. If the author had left it at just an erotic story 3/5 stars. But she tried to put a romantic spin at the end. So 2/5 stars.
• Title: Cock-A-Doodle-Do by Vivianne Sophie May. A retelling of Mother Hulda. Now this was a new tale for me. I had never heard of Mother Hulda. So, this girl must do three acts of selflessness to get her reward. In our story Carly helps her stepmom and in the end gets the guy. Oh, her three acts you ask. She cooked, cleaned, and dressed her step mom's client. I still don't really understand Mother Hulda so I may look it up. A solid 4/5 stars.
Fairytales are a way for cultures to codify their beliefs in a verbal manner. It teaches and spreads morals, values, morays of a culture especially if the culture is a melting pot. Fairytales are the verbal symbols of our world.
Overall I give this Anthology a very sold 3.4/5 stars. I really did enjoy the book and loved finding new authors to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
This anthology is 9 new to me authors retelling stories in their own unique ways.
You cant help but get taken in by their tales and fall in deep with the characters.
All are different writing styles yet all perfectly belong together.
It's definitely an entertaining anthology.
The Goblin King by Lena Maye 3 stars
This is a retelling of The Goblin King from Labyrinth.
It had a great backbone to the story and I feel had it been longer I would have given it 4 stars.
I enjoyed reading this novella and its magical moments.
It's all snowflakes and fireflies which shouldn't go together but are in fact perfect for the other.
Always A Swan by Lizzie Hermanson 4 stars.
A contemporary retelling of The Ugly Duckling.
Jasper and Eves story is so cute and sweet it definitely gives you all the feels whilst reading it.
I really enjoyed this novella and couldn't get enough of their story.
Forever by RA Winter 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Snow White.
This is a short and sweet novella that has Savanna and TooTall dream walking and falling in love.
It's filled with betrayal and deceit and wrapped up in a warm fluffy blanket.
The rodeo queen meets her sexy saviour.
The Girl With No Name by Rose Amberly 4.5 stars
A magical retelling of The Little Mermaid.
I really enjoyed this novella and it's my favourite in the anthology.
The tale of true love is worth giving everything up for.
Mermaids and Princes can make good matches if they sacrifice everything for each other but what they get in exchange is by far more worthwhile.
A Touch Too Hot by Polly J Brown 3.5 stars.
A contemporary retelling of Goldie Locks.
Violet goes into the mountains and finds her bear who's just right for her.
Who needs boring insurance policies when you can have love on a mountain.
This novella is sweet and flows really well. It really has you praying Voilet gets her man in the end.
The Wood That Would by Stella Knights 3 stars
A fantasy retelling of Pinocchio.
Love can blossom in mysterious ways and it definitely does for Pinocchio and Geppetta.
She finally gets the love she desires.
This is a sweet novella that has good ending.
You really want Geppetta to get her HEA.
Robin Hood,Inc- Prince of Hackers and Hearts by KC Freeman 3.5 stars
An urban fantasy retelling of Robin Hood.
This has a little bit of everything in this story and I couldn't get enough of it.
Adeline and Rob met in a bar and had an instant attraction.
A meeting by chance turns both worlds upside down and secrets are revealed that will change everything.
I enjoyed this story and thought it flowed really well.
Spun Gold by Roxanna Hayley 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Rumplestiltskin
Wow this is filled with steamy fun.
I really enjoyed this novella and all its kinky moments.
When you are up against a deadline sometimes research can be so much fun and inspiring.
These two definitely know how to push the boundaries.
Cock-A-Doodle-Do by Vianne Sophie May 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Mother Hulda.
I really enjoyed this novella and with the tale being new to me I had nothing to compare it to.
The storyline flowed really well and I loved Carly and Sven falling in love on the first meeting.
It's just a shame that they had many hurdles to overcome.
It definitely kept me glued to my kindle.
You really need to one click this anthology as soon as you can.
All 9 stories are unique and entertaining.
You cant help but get taken in by their tales and fall in deep with the characters.
All are different writing styles yet all perfectly belong together.
It's definitely an entertaining anthology.
The Goblin King by Lena Maye 3 stars
This is a retelling of The Goblin King from Labyrinth.
It had a great backbone to the story and I feel had it been longer I would have given it 4 stars.
I enjoyed reading this novella and its magical moments.
It's all snowflakes and fireflies which shouldn't go together but are in fact perfect for the other.
Always A Swan by Lizzie Hermanson 4 stars.
A contemporary retelling of The Ugly Duckling.
Jasper and Eves story is so cute and sweet it definitely gives you all the feels whilst reading it.
I really enjoyed this novella and couldn't get enough of their story.
Forever by RA Winter 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Snow White.
This is a short and sweet novella that has Savanna and TooTall dream walking and falling in love.
It's filled with betrayal and deceit and wrapped up in a warm fluffy blanket.
The rodeo queen meets her sexy saviour.
The Girl With No Name by Rose Amberly 4.5 stars
A magical retelling of The Little Mermaid.
I really enjoyed this novella and it's my favourite in the anthology.
The tale of true love is worth giving everything up for.
Mermaids and Princes can make good matches if they sacrifice everything for each other but what they get in exchange is by far more worthwhile.
A Touch Too Hot by Polly J Brown 3.5 stars.
A contemporary retelling of Goldie Locks.
Violet goes into the mountains and finds her bear who's just right for her.
Who needs boring insurance policies when you can have love on a mountain.
This novella is sweet and flows really well. It really has you praying Voilet gets her man in the end.
The Wood That Would by Stella Knights 3 stars
A fantasy retelling of Pinocchio.
Love can blossom in mysterious ways and it definitely does for Pinocchio and Geppetta.
She finally gets the love she desires.
This is a sweet novella that has good ending.
You really want Geppetta to get her HEA.
Robin Hood,Inc- Prince of Hackers and Hearts by KC Freeman 3.5 stars
An urban fantasy retelling of Robin Hood.
This has a little bit of everything in this story and I couldn't get enough of it.
Adeline and Rob met in a bar and had an instant attraction.
A meeting by chance turns both worlds upside down and secrets are revealed that will change everything.
I enjoyed this story and thought it flowed really well.
Spun Gold by Roxanna Hayley 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Rumplestiltskin
Wow this is filled with steamy fun.
I really enjoyed this novella and all its kinky moments.
When you are up against a deadline sometimes research can be so much fun and inspiring.
These two definitely know how to push the boundaries.
Cock-A-Doodle-Do by Vianne Sophie May 4 stars
A contemporary retelling of Mother Hulda.
I really enjoyed this novella and with the tale being new to me I had nothing to compare it to.
The storyline flowed really well and I loved Carly and Sven falling in love on the first meeting.
It's just a shame that they had many hurdles to overcome.
It definitely kept me glued to my kindle.
You really need to one click this anthology as soon as you can.
All 9 stories are unique and entertaining.
April 22, 2019
Read The Goblin King and enjoyed the story. I was a bit confused at the start because I didn't understand why human kids were taken, but that question does get answered and it makes a surprising amount of sense when the truth is revealed.
April 4, 2019
These were excellent retelling. I really enjoyed them
May 2, 2019
I've had the pleasure of editing several stories in this anthology. Each one captivating me more and more. For each one was a little glimpse into worlds I cannot wait join.
KC Freeman's take on Robin Hood was both sexy and intriguing and I look forward to meeting more of this world later this year.
When I think of RA Winter's retelling of Snow White, it still brings a smile to my face. And I read it months ago. Its a lovely introduction to a world I already love.
Roxanne Hayley's retelling of Rumplestiltskin will melt your kindle. A little mystery, a dash of menage and a delicious HEA.
The Little Mermaid was had fresh take. Rose Amberly used a mix of myths and legends to bring us a tale that we're all familiar with, and still give us fresh twist at the end.
Lizzie Herman's sweet and sophisticated retelling of The Ugly Duckling, is equal parts lovely and angsty. The modern twists she worked to merge a classic story with a elegant writing style.
I cannot wait to read the rest of them. These authors have really added fresh twists to some classic tales while making me fall in love with their worlds.
KC Freeman's take on Robin Hood was both sexy and intriguing and I look forward to meeting more of this world later this year.
When I think of RA Winter's retelling of Snow White, it still brings a smile to my face. And I read it months ago. Its a lovely introduction to a world I already love.
Roxanne Hayley's retelling of Rumplestiltskin will melt your kindle. A little mystery, a dash of menage and a delicious HEA.
The Little Mermaid was had fresh take. Rose Amberly used a mix of myths and legends to bring us a tale that we're all familiar with, and still give us fresh twist at the end.
Lizzie Herman's sweet and sophisticated retelling of The Ugly Duckling, is equal parts lovely and angsty. The modern twists she worked to merge a classic story with a elegant writing style.
I cannot wait to read the rest of them. These authors have really added fresh twists to some classic tales while making me fall in love with their worlds.
May 3, 2019
This is a compilation of 10 different stories based on existing fairytales.
I absolutely adored the Goblin King. It was such an interesting take on the Labyrinth while still keeping the integrity intact of the original story. It seemed different, yet like it perfectly fit into the world. I just wish it were longer.
The other stories, while I did try to read them, weren't really for me. The tropes and premises didn't suit me. But nonetheless it's a good anthology, and I highly recommend it.
I absolutely adored the Goblin King. It was such an interesting take on the Labyrinth while still keeping the integrity intact of the original story. It seemed different, yet like it perfectly fit into the world. I just wish it were longer.
The other stories, while I did try to read them, weren't really for me. The tropes and premises didn't suit me. But nonetheless it's a good anthology, and I highly recommend it.
May 13, 2019
How can you not love an anthology that is based off of our childhood fairytales?!
I really enjoyed how each author took their own collaboration and spun it, making it their own unique piece. Showing their creative and imaginative work. Also, each of these authors were new to me, so for me to gain more authors to my realm was a huge plus.
*ARC provided by BMBB review team in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed how each author took their own collaboration and spun it, making it their own unique piece. Showing their creative and imaginative work. Also, each of these authors were new to me, so for me to gain more authors to my realm was a huge plus.
*ARC provided by BMBB review team in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews