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Sapphic Fairy Tales #2
Fairest
Mirror, mirror, on the wall… who is fairest of them all?
Everyone says Luma has the world at her fingertips. Her trust fund can buy anything she wants, there’s a modeling agency courting her, and most people would kill for her life – especially her stepmother, Tabitha.
When Tabitha comes home mangled from a botched cosmetic procedure and finds out Luma’s been offered a prestigious gig, jealousy rears its aging, puffy head. Tabitha wants Luma dead and she’s got no choice but to flee. Alone and cut off from her resources, Luma’s last refuge is a remote cottage where she prays Tabitha won’t find her.
Charlie is the newest addition to her family’s lumberjack business in the forest, whittling away her emotions as she works through a broken heart. Beauty really is skin deep because no woman can look past the birthmark on her forehead. Charlie is ready to forget about love… until she finds Luma asleep in her bed. She’s in danger, vulnerable, and also the most beautiful woman Charlie has ever seen.
When the lumberjacks take Luma under their protection, she finds more than just safety. She finds Charlie and a new purpose in the forest – until Tabitha comes back to finish her kill.
From Amazon bestselling author Cara Malone comes a modern retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ classic Snow White. Each book in the Sapphic Fairy Tales series can be read as a standalone novel.
Everyone says Luma has the world at her fingertips. Her trust fund can buy anything she wants, there’s a modeling agency courting her, and most people would kill for her life – especially her stepmother, Tabitha.
When Tabitha comes home mangled from a botched cosmetic procedure and finds out Luma’s been offered a prestigious gig, jealousy rears its aging, puffy head. Tabitha wants Luma dead and she’s got no choice but to flee. Alone and cut off from her resources, Luma’s last refuge is a remote cottage where she prays Tabitha won’t find her.
Charlie is the newest addition to her family’s lumberjack business in the forest, whittling away her emotions as she works through a broken heart. Beauty really is skin deep because no woman can look past the birthmark on her forehead. Charlie is ready to forget about love… until she finds Luma asleep in her bed. She’s in danger, vulnerable, and also the most beautiful woman Charlie has ever seen.
When the lumberjacks take Luma under their protection, she finds more than just safety. She finds Charlie and a new purpose in the forest – until Tabitha comes back to finish her kill.
From Amazon bestselling author Cara Malone comes a modern retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ classic Snow White. Each book in the Sapphic Fairy Tales series can be read as a standalone novel.
312 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2019
About the author
Cara Malone
73 books484 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 19, 2021
I enjoy speculative fiction, especially the re-telling of fairy tales. Fairest by Cara Malone is a modern Snow White and Seven Dwarfs; one of the 'dwarfs' in this story is Charlie, sister to six lumberjacks, who is also a lumberjack in the family business. The irony of these 'dwarfs' is that they are not small, but meaty, beefy guys, much like college football mates. Charlie, of course, is the beauty, and the brains, of the bunch, who comes across Luma, an escaping heiress. Luma's very evil stepmother, Tabitha, is jealous of her, and wants her totally out of the picture.
I love Cara Malone's novel, Fixer Upper, as well as, her Rules series, but I am not fond of Fairest. It seemed rushed because there are so many plot holes in this story. I was constantly questioning why the characters did this, and not that. I am not a fan of arbitrary actions being created just to keep the plot going in a particular direction. That happens a lot in Fairest, and for me, it takes away from the authenticity of Charlie and Luma. Nonetheless, they are likeable women, and I found myself rooting for them and their romance throughout the novel. Tabitha is the kind of stepmother who belongs in a soap opera, as there are no limits to her immorality. If this were a true fairytale, and not a romance novel, I would not expect more, however, it is, and I do.
I listened to the audiobook by Emily Beresford. Some novels are perfect for her vocal intonations, Fairest is not. Her voice tends to be flat and impassioned while reading this story. The sex between Charlie and Luma, at best, feel like a journal entry from a teenager, or possibly read from a medical book.
I apologize for such a harsh review. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into writing and producing a novel (and an audiobook), but I have to be honest with my review, and it is just one of many. This does not draw me away from reading Cara Malone, and I plan to eventually bave her other books on my shelf. I wish, perhaps, in the future, Cara Malone would re-publish Fairest with a much tighter plot. I had to give it four stars. For now, it's fun, and should be read (listened to) lightheartedly.
I love Cara Malone's novel, Fixer Upper, as well as, her Rules series, but I am not fond of Fairest. It seemed rushed because there are so many plot holes in this story. I was constantly questioning why the characters did this, and not that. I am not a fan of arbitrary actions being created just to keep the plot going in a particular direction. That happens a lot in Fairest, and for me, it takes away from the authenticity of Charlie and Luma. Nonetheless, they are likeable women, and I found myself rooting for them and their romance throughout the novel. Tabitha is the kind of stepmother who belongs in a soap opera, as there are no limits to her immorality. If this were a true fairytale, and not a romance novel, I would not expect more, however, it is, and I do.
I listened to the audiobook by Emily Beresford. Some novels are perfect for her vocal intonations, Fairest is not. Her voice tends to be flat and impassioned while reading this story. The sex between Charlie and Luma, at best, feel like a journal entry from a teenager, or possibly read from a medical book.
I apologize for such a harsh review. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into writing and producing a novel (and an audiobook), but I have to be honest with my review, and it is just one of many. This does not draw me away from reading Cara Malone, and I plan to eventually bave her other books on my shelf. I wish, perhaps, in the future, Cara Malone would re-publish Fairest with a much tighter plot. I had to give it four stars. For now, it's fun, and should be read (listened to) lightheartedly.
January 17, 2023
OK, it’s the retelling of the Snow White Fairy tale, bringing it all upto date with the internet, mobile phones and trust funds. It’s fine.
July 13, 2020
The last in the trilogy of Grimm fairy tales reimagined, sapphicly.
I enjoy the character of Charlie the pottery throwing lumber-jill and Luma White the beautiful, on the run from her jealous stepmother.
Yes suspension of belief is needed but the story is told well and entertaining. Just a fun casual read.
I enjoy the character of Charlie the pottery throwing lumber-jill and Luma White the beautiful, on the run from her jealous stepmother.
Yes suspension of belief is needed but the story is told well and entertaining. Just a fun casual read.
September 24, 2022
A nicely entertaing little re-telling of a contemporary sapphic Snow White and her lumberjack princess (?).
April 22, 2019
I think this is my favorite in the series
I really enjoyed Cinder and Malone has easily become one of my go to authors to read. This one is possibly my favorite so far in the series. I really liked all the characters, supporting and mains. Luma (this version of Snow White) and Charlie (I think she is suppose to be Dopey/Prince Charming) are great characters. The are 18 and 19 respectively so pretty young but still interesting characters. The story was good although I almost think Luma has like 9 lives or something as I read it. And for some reason kept calling her Luna instead of Luma (that name was just odd to me). Anyway, the story moved along quickly and some things that were done really did show the age of the characters. It was a fun read and anyone who is a fan of Malone will enjoy it. Plus kU!!!!
I really enjoyed Cinder and Malone has easily become one of my go to authors to read. This one is possibly my favorite so far in the series. I really liked all the characters, supporting and mains. Luma (this version of Snow White) and Charlie (I think she is suppose to be Dopey/Prince Charming) are great characters. The are 18 and 19 respectively so pretty young but still interesting characters. The story was good although I almost think Luma has like 9 lives or something as I read it. And for some reason kept calling her Luna instead of Luma (that name was just odd to me). Anyway, the story moved along quickly and some things that were done really did show the age of the characters. It was a fun read and anyone who is a fan of Malone will enjoy it. Plus kU!!!!
Want to Read
August 29, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/29/2019)! 🎁
March 25, 2021
Sapphic Snow White
This amazing trilogy ends with a Snow White version, just with two women loving each other. Cara Malone brings Snow White into the 20th century with solid chemistry. This book and series is very enjoyable.
This amazing trilogy ends with a Snow White version, just with two women loving each other. Cara Malone brings Snow White into the 20th century with solid chemistry. This book and series is very enjoyable.
November 12, 2021
This Snow White retelling was cute af
March 5, 2025
Anotha one 🤌🏻
June 21, 2020
Malone rarely disappoints and certainly didn’t this time. This tale of Snow White is retold with lumberjacks, not gem miners, it does have a jealous, wicked stepmother, but not a queen. Sometimes it seems like the author is stretching to fill the plot, but if you like the literary trend in retold fairy tales, give this a try. A thank you to the author for including the Grimes brothers original story at the end of the book. Those guys were gruesome!
April 7, 2022
I definitely preferred Cinders to Fairest. Here are a few reasons why this book just didn't hold me in quite the same way.
1. Structural/adaptational issues
For this particular entry, the Snow White theme/structure was really difficult to translate to the story's format. It's just a hard one to adapt. Trying to be too faithful did the story an injustice. The first half was a bit better than the second, although I will say that using a phone is a great idea, Luma. Just use the library phone to call your dad's cell? If anyone but him picks up, don't say anything! Sorted! Oh lord. But that's besides the point. The repeated murder attempts crossed credulity into just fully wild territory. Not a fan of that. What kind of poison? It doesn't matter—it's the poison necessary to do the story. That's fine with me. What about the paramedics who didn't spring into action before a teenager told them to? It would have been simple (in my opinion) to have thesecondthird murder attempt go a different way. If Luma was still breathing when they found her, or if Tabitha had been caught in the act, or if Luma had gone into a coma perhaps too obvious, but people do sometimes survive those as compared to surviving a 30 min anoxic brain injury.
2. Underage main characters
Ok, so not 'technically' underage, but 18 and 19 for main love interests. Maybe I'm just showing my age and grey hairs when I say I don't like reading romance between teenagers. I guess that's what happens when you hit a certain age. Just kinda squicked me out. However, they are very charming as a pair.
The ending is sweet and I was happy I read this book. As stated, the first half of the book was better than the second, but I powered through and who doesn't want the wish fulfillment of a lovely cabin in the woods for your pottery studio? Very charming and sweet (aside from the literally evil stepmother).
1. Structural/adaptational issues
For this particular entry, the Snow White theme/structure was really difficult to translate to the story's format. It's just a hard one to adapt. Trying to be too faithful did the story an injustice. The first half was a bit better than the second, although I will say that using a phone is a great idea, Luma. Just use the library phone to call your dad's cell? If anyone but him picks up, don't say anything! Sorted! Oh lord. But that's besides the point. The repeated murder attempts crossed credulity into just fully wild territory. Not a fan of that. What kind of poison? It doesn't matter—it's the poison necessary to do the story. That's fine with me. What about the paramedics who didn't spring into action before a teenager told them to? It would have been simple (in my opinion) to have the
2. Underage main characters
Ok, so not 'technically' underage, but 18 and 19 for main love interests. Maybe I'm just showing my age and grey hairs when I say I don't like reading romance between teenagers. I guess that's what happens when you hit a certain age. Just kinda squicked me out. However, they are very charming as a pair.
The ending is sweet and I was happy I read this book. As stated, the first half of the book was better than the second, but I powered through and who doesn't want the wish fulfillment of a lovely cabin in the woods for your pottery studio? Very charming and sweet (aside from the literally evil stepmother).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2019
I love Cara’s different takes of well-known stories. This time with a great new vision for snow white. I absolutely like this modern lesbian view of the story.
Luma White is a wealthy, beautiful, young woman, who apparently has it all. But her step mother Tabitha is envious of Luma. As jealousy consumes her, she sends her body guard to kill Luma. She escapes and ends up in a cottage in the forest, home of seven lumberjacks. They protected her, mostly Charlie (Charlotte), who lives there with her six brothers. The more time they spent together, their chemistry and love for each other grows
I loved the story, the intrigue, mystery, romance, page-turning plot and chemistry between the two main characters. It’s refreshing to see the development so different, it is very engaging. The storyline moved along perfectly and kept me completely involved.
I truly enjoyed this book; it’s a beautiful love story with the perfect fairy tale ending.
If you are looking for a feel-good tale of lesbian love with a happily ever after, this is a definite must read.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
Luma White is a wealthy, beautiful, young woman, who apparently has it all. But her step mother Tabitha is envious of Luma. As jealousy consumes her, she sends her body guard to kill Luma. She escapes and ends up in a cottage in the forest, home of seven lumberjacks. They protected her, mostly Charlie (Charlotte), who lives there with her six brothers. The more time they spent together, their chemistry and love for each other grows
I loved the story, the intrigue, mystery, romance, page-turning plot and chemistry between the two main characters. It’s refreshing to see the development so different, it is very engaging. The storyline moved along perfectly and kept me completely involved.
I truly enjoyed this book; it’s a beautiful love story with the perfect fairy tale ending.
If you are looking for a feel-good tale of lesbian love with a happily ever after, this is a definite must read.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
April 13, 2019
In this very interesting take on Snow White, Cara weaves another imaginative tale. Luma, a very beautiful and wealthy young woman, has to escape her twisted, jealous stepmother, Tabitha, from killing her. Taking her in are the seven lumberjacks, only one of which is a woman, Charlie, who wants to protect Luma at all costs. Spending so much isolated time together, their connection to one another blossoms. Tabitha's inept henchman certainly brings some comic relief as do the lumberjacks marching and humming off to work each day. As a reader, I found myself singing "hiho, hiho" every time they marched up the path!!! I seem to be running out of descriptors for Cara Malone's books without being repetitive because I truly love all her books. In this story, Cara's writing style is filled with mystery, love and hope for a bright and worthy future. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today!
April 15, 2019
This is a completely charming story. It follows the fairy tale of Snow White, but with a modern-day twist: Snow White is Luma White, a beautiful, wealthy socialite daughter of Lucca White and his second wife Tabitha (the wicked step-mother). Tabitha is so envious of Luma's beauty that she orders her bodyguard to take Luma into the forest and kill her.
Enter Charlie (Charlotte), the lumberjack/potter who lives in the forest and has six brothers. They all live together in a cabin and come home one day to find Luma asleep in one of their beds. Luma awakes to this rowdy group, and tells them the story of how she escaped being killed. They all vow to protect her. Charlie is particularly taken with Luma, and within a week, finds herself irresistibly drawn to Luma and determined to keep her safe.
You're sure to enjoy the parallels to the original fairy tale, while reading a lovely love story!
Enter Charlie (Charlotte), the lumberjack/potter who lives in the forest and has six brothers. They all live together in a cabin and come home one day to find Luma asleep in one of their beds. Luma awakes to this rowdy group, and tells them the story of how she escaped being killed. They all vow to protect her. Charlie is particularly taken with Luma, and within a week, finds herself irresistibly drawn to Luma and determined to keep her safe.
You're sure to enjoy the parallels to the original fairy tale, while reading a lovely love story!
October 25, 2022
I went into this knowing I was probably going to have to suspend my disbelief for a moment, and I really tried. But oh, the cheesiness! The attempt to keep it somewhat close to the revised fairytale while still making it a story worth telling was there, but I laughed more than a few times. I didn't hate it, it was just a little...lacking. I love a good fairytale retelling, but I think I prefer them to have a little more originality. Think Marissa Meyer original.
I did like Charlie, though. Despite some of the plot holes and the overall cheesiness of the story, I liked at least one of the characters, so there's that.
I did like Charlie, though. Despite some of the plot holes and the overall cheesiness of the story, I liked at least one of the characters, so there's that.
May 9, 2024
Audiobook:
I truly, deeply did not enjoy the narrator. I think the audiobook called for a lighter, more feminine voice as the narrator instead of this one. I found it to be too harsh, too monotone, too boring. Even the AI voice with it's mispronouncations has more life to it and has more of an appropriate feminine tone for this kind of story. First audiobook I put into speeding up until I settled on 2.0x.
Narrator: 0 stars actually.
I liked the characters and their romance. I did find parts of it unbelievable though in this day and age that had me rolling my eyes.
Story: 3 stars.
Overall, 2.75 stars or 3 to round up.
I truly, deeply did not enjoy the narrator. I think the audiobook called for a lighter, more feminine voice as the narrator instead of this one. I found it to be too harsh, too monotone, too boring. Even the AI voice with it's mispronouncations has more life to it and has more of an appropriate feminine tone for this kind of story. First audiobook I put into speeding up until I settled on 2.0x.
Narrator: 0 stars actually.
I liked the characters and their romance. I did find parts of it unbelievable though in this day and age that had me rolling my eyes.
Story: 3 stars.
Overall, 2.75 stars or 3 to round up.
May 26, 2019
Just when I thought that I couldn't be surprised by another lesbian retelling of a fairy tale, here comes this talented author with this delightful story! Luma and Charlie led completely different lives yet they both shared the same problem—they wanted to find their purpose in life and they were searching for something meaningful and wholesome. I really adored Charlie and Luma because even though they were struggling with their own personal baggage, they were able to push back against family expectations and what society thought femininity should look and be like.
April 20, 2019
Fairest is an excellent, well-written and very imaginative re-telling of Snow White, with two wonderful young women - Luma and Charlie - in starring roles. The story is enjoyable and easy to read, caught my attention very quickly, and had good secondary characters. The first-time love scene in particular is real, intimate, and hot!
This was an enjoyable and easy read. The difference between liking a book very much, and loving it, is slim, but this one gets five stars. Recommended!
This was an enjoyable and easy read. The difference between liking a book very much, and loving it, is slim, but this one gets five stars. Recommended!
September 3, 2021
Closest to the fairytale it's based on and slightly more heat than the other two in the series. Not a bad read, just not fantastic. I'm interested in reading more Cara Malone in the hopes that maybe if I read something from her different series they might have a slightly more adult feel. Teen novels are fine, but reading about 18 year olds promising eternal love before a hookup makes me roll my eyes so hard on afraid they'll get stuck.
September 26, 2022
Suspend your disbelief!
** Minor spoilers ahead **
The story is ok if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and ignore all the plot holes. I mean, there were literally dozens of different ways that Luma could have contacted her father, there was absolutely no need to wait a whole week to do it and the whole “no police” thing was just dumb. The romance itself between Luma and Charlie was quite cute and the main reason for the 3 stars rate. Otherwise it would have been less.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
The story is ok if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and ignore all the plot holes. I mean, there were literally dozens of different ways that Luma could have contacted her father, there was absolutely no need to wait a whole week to do it and the whole “no police” thing was just dumb. The romance itself between Luma and Charlie was quite cute and the main reason for the 3 stars rate. Otherwise it would have been less.
June 4, 2023
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
There are seven of them but they're not exactly dwarfs and they're not all guys. This sapphic take on Snow White is a fun read, also a little hot in places. All the elements of the original story are here with a few twists to bring it up to date. Like many of the original Grimes tails it isn't very PG. All in all Cara has once again given us a very enjoyable story.
There are seven of them but they're not exactly dwarfs and they're not all guys. This sapphic take on Snow White is a fun read, also a little hot in places. All the elements of the original story are here with a few twists to bring it up to date. Like many of the original Grimes tails it isn't very PG. All in all Cara has once again given us a very enjoyable story.
April 16, 2019
This is my favorite of Cara Malone's Sapphic Fairy Tales series thus far. Luma and Charlie are immediately likable characters. The love scenes are both sweet and steamy. The story itself is well-written and engrossing. I look forward to (hopefully) reading more in this series.
This book was provided to me at no charge. My review is voluntarily given.
This book was provided to me at no charge. My review is voluntarily given.
April 21, 2019
Luma White is the Fairest in the Land
Luma’s stepmother is so angrier by Luma being offered a modeling contract that she orders her bodyguard/chauffeur to kill her. He crashes her car and leaves her in a forest. Can a lumberjack family keep her safe? A tun modern telling of a Grimm’s Fairytale. Recommend.
Luma’s stepmother is so angrier by Luma being offered a modeling contract that she orders her bodyguard/chauffeur to kill her. He crashes her car and leaves her in a forest. Can a lumberjack family keep her safe? A tun modern telling of a Grimm’s Fairytale. Recommend.
May 5, 2019
Hi hope, hi how
Lovely story using the guideline of snow white with a modern day twist. Lumberjack and clay workers. Good combination.
Luma the socialite who knew how to cook was charming. Charlie one of seven lumberjack who quit college because of her complex appearance. Nice reading.
Lovely story using the guideline of snow white with a modern day twist. Lumberjack and clay workers. Good combination.
Luma the socialite who knew how to cook was charming. Charlie one of seven lumberjack who quit college because of her complex appearance. Nice reading.
May 9, 2019
Delicious!
This is a well written modern Sapphic twist to the classic Snow White story. The 7 dwarfs have morphed into 7 sibling lumberjacks and Snow White is a young rich socialite. True to the original is the evil and vain step-mother. This delightful Sapphic Fairytale belongs on your must read list.
This is a well written modern Sapphic twist to the classic Snow White story. The 7 dwarfs have morphed into 7 sibling lumberjacks and Snow White is a young rich socialite. True to the original is the evil and vain step-mother. This delightful Sapphic Fairytale belongs on your must read list.
May 9, 2019
I enjoyed reading this retelling of Snow White & the seven dwarfs. Here, the dwarfs are lumberjacks and #7 is a girl. Cara Malone doesn't disappoint me-again. I enjoy reading her work. Here, the writing's tight and unencumbered by unnecessary descriptive pieces or dialogue. The wicked stepmother was truly wicked. Loved the writing and the story and recommend it to others.
July 28, 2019
It's not you, it's me.
I love previous books by this author but this one just didn't work for me. I've sat on my review for a while trying to work out what didn't work. Ultimately I think it's the fairy tale elements that just aren't working for me. I'll definitely keep reading this author but I'll stick to traditional contemporary stories.
ARC provided by author.
I love previous books by this author but this one just didn't work for me. I've sat on my review for a while trying to work out what didn't work. Ultimately I think it's the fairy tale elements that just aren't working for me. I'll definitely keep reading this author but I'll stick to traditional contemporary stories.
ARC provided by author.
January 7, 2026
No Snow for this Ms White
Providing the Grimm Fairy tale before the story made an excellent primer on what was going to happen in the story.
The character touches for both Charlie and Luma make it so much more than a simple retelling.
A super cozy reimagining in the modern smartphone era that will leave you fully satisfied
Providing the Grimm Fairy tale before the story made an excellent primer on what was going to happen in the story.
The character touches for both Charlie and Luma make it so much more than a simple retelling.
A super cozy reimagining in the modern smartphone era that will leave you fully satisfied
April 21, 2019
Another fantastic modern fairy tale
This newest story set in Grimm Falls is a wonderful addition to Cara Malone's series of standalone novels based on original Grimm Brothers stories. The way she weaves together a modern story that has echoes of the original tale is fantastic!
This newest story set in Grimm Falls is a wonderful addition to Cara Malone's series of standalone novels based on original Grimm Brothers stories. The way she weaves together a modern story that has echoes of the original tale is fantastic!
May 2, 2019
This was a cute interpretation of Snow White. I have to admit that I prefer the first two books Seeing Red and Cinders but I did like Luma and Charlie as the main characters. Also, Luma's stepmother is one bloody psycho.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews