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Winterland Tale #2

Ascending From Madness

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Your holiday season is about to get deliciously naughty!
The bad boys and girls of the Winterland are back for the conclusion of Alice and Scrooge’s story. This tale is mad, dark, twisted, sexy, and nothing like the legend you know.

Life for Alice Liddell should be normal. Work, family, and her general sucky life back at her parent’s house, working as a slutty-looking elf in Santa’s shop. But from the moment Alice wakes up from a terrible fevered dream, nothing feels ordinary.
With visions of strange creatures, an obsession with creating top hats until her hands bleed, and an inexplicable attraction to her married neighbor, Matt, she feels like she’s going crazy.
When her illusions of twin elves, singing penguins, and sexy reindeers start to turn into full blown hallucinations, her family feels they have no choice but to find her help.
Her therapist is Matt’s wife, Jessica Winters, someone Alice feels in her gut she shouldn’t trust. But he more Alice loses her touch on reality, the more her parents turn to Jessica.
In one night, Alice loses everything, landing her in an insane asylum where she learns Jessica is not at all who she seems. As Alice’s mind cracks further, her visions feel more like memories.
She’s in a fight for her life against the mad ruler of the institution. Except who will believe her? She’s the insane one, the one who gets visits by ghosts of holiday icons.
But one thing good about going mad? In some places being bonkers is exactly what you need…
To ascend from the madness.

This is a Fantasy/Paranormal ROMANCE.

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About the author

Stacey Marie Brown

65 books6,360 followers
Stacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,869 followers
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October 30, 2019
I refuse to spend my money on an author that makes it a requirement you show proof you pre-ordered this book for a CHANCE to maybe qualify for an ARC. 😠

Just one more reason I am easing out of ARC reviewing and just sticking with author's I know, love, and don't require my first born in exchange for a free book...

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Profile Image for Janine Bürger de Assis.
165 reviews23 followers
November 1, 2019
I didn't think it was possible to love Ascending from Madness more than I loved Descending Into Madness. Love the same? Sure, but love more, Impossible! To quote the book, "Reality is to accept the truth in the unbelievable". And now here I am accepting the truth in the unbelievable. Accepting that this duo is in the top books I've read this year and for sure is in the top books I have read in my life. I love retellings and it's no secret, but this story is so much more than a retelling, it's a labor of love from the author, from all the nuances from the mix of Alice in Wonderland and Christmas legends, to any other number of popular culture inserted seamlessly on this book. From page one you'll be devouring this book, falling down the rabbit hole again and again, trying to make sense of the insanity. So I say to you, let go, let the madness inside of you, and enjoy one hell of a book.
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Profile Image for Angie.
1,399 reviews234 followers
April 17, 2020
I wasn't the same Alice as when I first came through here. This Alice was not to be messed with. She killed for those she loved. Would fight anything coming her way...and she would not leave until she had a jolly fat man and her sexy tight-assed Scrooge.

5+ Naughty List Stars!!

I'll say this again: this duet has been my absolute favorite read of 2020 so far. SMB has weaved together a tale that is so unique and engaging, whose characters are so vivid and colorful and whose story is so well-planned and so amazingly written, that readers cannot help but be sucked into the madness along with Alice, Scrooge, Hare, Nick, Rudy, and the rest of the gang. There are so many brilliant aspects that shine in this novel--the writing, the world SMB created, the banter between characters, the numerous and highly recognizable Christmas personas who all make an appearance here--and blend seamlessly together for an unforgettable novel that I will always remember.
"Scrooge." I lifted my hips, brushing against his erection, the feel of him trembling my muscles. We had been this close before and were stopped. Nothing in the world would stop me now. Not even if Jessica walked in. That bitch could watch.

I love this quote because SMB is seriously the queen of blue balls. She has teased us with Scrooge and Alice getting together for a whole book and a half before they finally stopped being interrupted, but boy was the heat level turned to Supernova when it did finally happen! You will never look at Santa's sleigh the same way again **fans self aggressively** Hare still had some of the best Christmas lines in the book, while every Christmas/Winter related symbol made an appearance or was referenced, even Die Hard which IS a Christmas movie!
"Welcome to the permanent naughty list," Scrooge muttered against the back of my neck. "We have a lot more fun here."

I absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend this duet to anyone who is interested in a unique, funny, sexy, action-packed, and Christmas-themed Alice in Wonderland retelling. I cannot sing enough praises about this duet, and I'm happy that SMB left the ending open just enough to possibly revisit this world later on as we might get to see more from Winterland!!

My Scrooge, with the tight ass and bad boy smirk, ready to stuff your stocking ♡
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
February 15, 2020
Ascending From Madness picks right up where we left off with Descending Into Madness, but with a small twist. Alice is back home, slowly losing her mind because while she can't remember Winterland, its influence and the influence of its people won't leave her alone. She's having what she believes are delusions and her behavior is making her family concerned. Characters that we know have insinuated themselves in her human world, exacerbating her problems. And all too soon she's off to the nut house.

I didn't like authority, my mouth always blurting out my thoughts, and my stubbornness would fight just to spite them.

I enjoyed this part so much more than the first for a whole list of reasons:
🎩 I didn't hate Alice this time, which is a good thing seeing as how the whole story is told from her perspective. While she found little ways to annoy me, I loved her evolution arc, how she grew to accept and live in her truth. I also admired her willingness to fight, whether it was for herself or for those she cared about. She became a true heroine in this book.
🎩 Scrooge and all his fineness. Although I no longer hated Alice and despite the fact that her voice wasn't strong enough to really bring him to life, I still couldn't get enough of him. He was broken and tormented, sexy and fierce, with a strong streak of loyalty and honor that belied his name. I would have given just about anything to get his perspective on some of the situations he and his team faced.
🎩 all of the side characters, good and bad. I absolutely adored Hare, Dee, Dum, Pen, Rudy, Santa, Noel, and even the evil queen. They made this story quite the interesting, entertaining, and hilarious read!
🎩 This story went a bit graphic at times (i.e. the ice pick and the temple), which made it even more enjoyable than the last book. I loved watching these characters tap in to their dark sides.
🎩 There was finally some sex! It wasn't incredibly descriptive, but it was there and I was oh so glad!

"...right now I need you to dig deep and find your inner indestructible fruitcake. Need it to rise right now."
"What?"
"Durable, resilient, tough. All the things I need from you but would also say about a fruitcake."
"Now I know I can't be dreaming." His eye lifted again; his growling timbre vibrated against my hand. "I would never put those two together. Comparing myself to a fruitcake."
"Don't deny your inner fruitcake. I need it right now."

Ascending From Madness was extremely well-written and developed. With a cast of incredibly entertaining characters and a twisted and attention-absorbing plot, Stacey Marie Brown just found a new fan!
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
October 28, 2019
If there wasn’t a limit of five stars I’d give this book every star in the dang universe. Stacey Marie Brown holds nothing back in the second half of Alice and Scrooge’s story. Starting right where Descending Into Madness left off you’re plunged right back into a world filled with twists, turns, romance and utter madness. Stacey has created such an incredibly unique world I don’t have the words to do it justice. The combination of a beloved classic with Christmas and characters that range from smarta#$ to bad@#$ every bit of this book makes it an unputdownable read!
Alice is one of the greatest characters I’ve ever read. What seems like your average girl is actually one of the greatest heroes. Her muchness doesn’t only inspire those of Winterland but also everyone who reads her making you feel like you’re right with her every step of the way.
When I wasn’t completely on edge glued to the pages wondering what would come next and gasping at all that unraveled I was busy falling in love with Scrooge and Alice. In the midst of war and madness these two have a love that transcends all. I truly hope Stacey Marie Brown brings us more from this world because this is hands down one of the greatest books I have ever read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Fusselman.
56 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2019
Santa's sack! This story was dark, & twisty, & somehow in the end it was hopeful too! This world, once again, was set up & spelled out so magnificently that I felt like I was there. From the beginning of DIM, to the last word of AFM, I was transported into one of my favorite places! This is my new favorite series, & Scrooge is my new favorite book boyfriend! I never want to stop being in this world... #LetTheMadnessIn
Profile Image for Kalli Kounavong.
437 reviews19 followers
October 29, 2019
I love this story!! A christmas twist on a classic story (with a few other twists within the pages), Alice and Scrooge have made this story and epic retelling. Its mad, its crazy, its a winter wonderland of darkness and more. This story is so amazing that I couldn't put it down and finished it within hours. You're going to love it. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
November 1, 2019
Let me just collect my thoughts because this book blew my mind! Firstly if you haven't read Descending into maddness STOP RIGHT HERE! This is the sequal and literally picks up directly after the huge cliffhanger DIM left us with.

We are back in the thick of it instantly with this installment, Alice, Scrooge and all the other Winterland creatures we know and love Dee, Dum, Hare, Rudy and Penn. But this sequal gets dark Alice is offically lost with Scrooge in the land of lost mirrors and our heros have ever bigger obstacles to face insanity at it's finest. When everything we think is lost things get weirder! Holy tinsel toes! This story just kept getting better and better. I cheered for our heros and truly wished, the worst on Jessica. Scenes get more heartbreaking we see more into the past and we finally figure out where Alice truly belongs. With new characters and old this story ends with one heck of a bang!

This story I would give 100 stars it's refreshing completely different then anything I've ever read it's intense beautiful heartbreaking and just BLOODY fantastic! I highly recommend it! I've been raving about this series since I stumbled upon it. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with.
Profile Image for Pretty_Book_Whore  Narissa.
374 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2019
Let me start with that I have been waiting impatiently for this story. Ascending from madness is a gripping tale of Alice in Winterland trying to save it from the evil queen. Her bond with the creatures of Winterland gives her a sense of belonging she has never felt before. The war has begun and the evil queen will do anything to win.
Scrooge and Alice continue on the path to bring Santa back. Alice is HER! From candy cane weapons to talking snowmen. Stacey continues the adventure of Winterland with all the dark twists. Reindeer games and mirrors. What is up is down and what is down is up. Embrace the madness for all are bonkers here.
This story was so intense I wanted to devour it in one sitting but then not want the story to be over. I recieved an ARC for my honest opinion and five stars isnt enough for this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristine .
78 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2019
Let the Madness in...immediately! Just like I loved Descending Into Madness, AFM is simply a breath of Christmassy goodness with a whole lot of schmexy and an impressive immersion into the details of what this world is.

Full of giggles, hot moments, action, feelings, and the insanely sane wonderful madness of imagination, I highly recommend this read. The world is magic, the details are stunning, and the wackiness is beautifully intertwined in the wicked darkness of both, villains and heroes alike. Truly wonderful!
Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews43 followers
November 20, 2020
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Usually when stressed out, it's my go-to to chill the fuck down.
With COVID and being perpetually broke, reading hasn't been of much help, lately.
The reason I'm saying this is because it took me a while to finish this book. My headspace was crowded with worries, plus I was always super tired after work. Yeah - I am one of the lucky ones who can still work (distributing food to our students from the World Kitchen).
Anyway... 'Ascending From Madness' was a crazy bat shit read, and I enjoyed it overall. Alice still worked my nerves though, especially with her weird holiday-themed, non-swearing cussing. I wanted her to can it, or at least cuss like her man, Scrooge/Matt Hatter.
There was a lot going on in this book, and the characters were OTT, like the reindeer Blitzen, for example: Picture a Rambo-like deer-man who got off on torturing and killing, or a tiny little kick-ass Cindy Lou Who (of 'The Grinch' fame, I kid you not). I don't really know what to say about this read, as it had a lot going on, and I don't want to mention more spoilers. You just have to read this crazy shit. Suffice it to say that there is an HEA, and the baddies get theirs.
I'm still kinda' out of it, so I may come back later to fix this review, or whatever the hell it is.
(Also - surprisingly - there were some editing issues in this book, like missing words and run-on sentences).
Profile Image for Jessie Sprinkle.
32 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2019
Holy Christmas cookies

Well jingle my bells! There is nothing I love more than Christmas, and this makes my love burn brighter. Though I am not sure which I love more, scrooge or his wife. An amazing kick butt heroin is always great, but when surrounded by amazing characters, COMPLETE PERFECTION! and I'll be friends with Nick any day!
Profile Image for Laura ( Latteandbookz ).
1,385 reviews12 followers
August 11, 2023
When I first finished the first book I was completely in shock, I wanted to have the second book right away so that I knew what was going to happen. So, when this book showed up on my kindle, I was super excited to dive into the book. I didn’t think that I would love this book more than the first one because this was just as amazing. Just like in the last one I loved how Alice would swear with Christmas themes. I was right along with Alice when she fell down the rabbit hole. I read this book in one sitting because I just got completely sucked in and didn’t want to leave.
I loved how Stacey was able to take such a classic book and turn it into something even more amazing and make it Christmas themed.
Alice and Scrooge have made this book one that I will have to read every Christmas to get more into the spirit. I loved everyone in this book Hare, Pen Dee and Dum. They all made this book so amazing.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story because its just that good imo. If you love Alice in Wonderland and Christmas, then you will love this story.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
November 7, 2019
"He claimed me so deep, so thoroughly, I was suspended between lunacy and sanity. Sensible in my utter madness. He made sure if I died tomorrow, or decades from now, I would go with a smile on my face."

I can't even deal with how much I loved this story!! It had absolutely everything and entertained me to absolutely no end. My face hurt from smiling, my hands hurt from gripping my kindle, my brain hurt from the sheer workout my imagination got....just an epic, unforgettable story!! I'm so happy I picked up the first book and binged them both!! I do hope I can return to Winterland sometime soon!!

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Profile Image for Chyenne Bridger.
7 reviews
November 4, 2019
This book was absolutely fantastic. Ms Brown, takes you through a spectacular rabbit hole. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! Both books in this serious are some of my favorites. Very well done!!
Profile Image for &#x1f159;&#x1d532;&#x1d529;&#x1d537;.
970 reviews62 followers
November 29, 2019
While I understood this was a take of Alice in wonderland. I couldn’t get passed a few things.
The constant mention of Scrooge dead wife and son. Him being with Jessica even if he was out of his mind at the time. It really spoilt the romance side for me. All the references to pipes and stocking filler ect. After a while it just became really lame and unfunny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,164 reviews76 followers
November 6, 2019
When I started the first book Descending Into Madness I wasn't sure I would like it as I avoid most Alice in Wonderland type books but as it was SMB I couldn't not read it and she blew me away with it. With this book I was so excited to read the next part and SMB certainly did not disappoint me.

I think my favourite quote from this, and its true
"Reality is to accept the truth in the unbelievable"
Even though I know this book is fantasy SMB had a talented way of making you believe, of drawing you into the madness and feeling like you were there.

In this one you are plunged down the rabbit hole back to where you left off. You are in a world of twists, turns, madness and romance as you get the second part to Alice and Scrooge's story. I never knew which way things were going to go as SMB has shown her pure brilliance in melding two worlds together. War is raging but I loved watching Scrooge and Alice's relationship grow.

How SMB came up with all this twisted goodness I have no idea and I am in complete awe.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Next Step PR

https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Profile Image for Rhonda Richardson.
47 reviews
November 8, 2019
Elfin’ great book!!

I will preface by saying that I love anything by Stacey Marie Brown so when I I initially saw book one come about I happily Descended into Madness with Alice and the crew. IT WAS AMAZING so of course I bought book two as soon as it was live. Such a perfectly insane ascent into sanity (or madness—who’s to say which is which. Curiouser.) this book was. It was HOT (I need a Matt Hatter) and has me on edge until the very last page. I hope that SMB continues with Dinah because I’m not ready to let Winterland go.
Profile Image for Lisa.
447 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2019
This second book was a work of art to write like she does and all the best Christmas sayings it’s the best ever I have to Admit I might be the odd one out here and say hare is my ultimate favourite in these books. The sayings and banter in this book had me laughing a lot do your self a nutcracker favour and read this
Profile Image for Seana.
78 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2019
She's at it again

She's at it again. The story line and plot are fantastic. The characters are so easy to fall in love with, feel sympathy for, or hate with every fiber of your being. I can't believe this is it. The winter wonderful twist of Alice's Wonderland.
Profile Image for Starla B.
549 reviews18 followers
December 18, 2019
I really enjoyed how this series ended. Now that I knew what I was getting into after the first book, I was more prepared. All in all I'm glad I read this.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2019
Wow! I am utterly speechless, I must be completely bonkers because I am so deeply in love with this series. From the very beginning you'll be devouring this book, falling down the rabbit hole and trying to make sense of the craziness. I say let go of logical, let the madness inside, I promise it will be one exciting ride.

Ascending from Madness is book 2 in Stacey Marie Browns Winterland Tale Series, if you have not read book 1 Descending into Madness then you must go right now and read it... what are you still doing here?

I didn’t think it would be possible for Stacey Marie Brown to outdo herself with AFM as DIM was abso-f*cking-lutely awesome but she did and it had so much more “muchness”.

AFM takes off right were DIM ends and things are only going to get curiouser and curiouser. Alice and Scrooge are in the Land of Lost and Broken and valley of Mirrors.

With new characters making appearances some you’ll love some you want to boil in Christmas Pudding but All the Winterland Characters are back, Dee, Dum, Hare 🐇, Rudy and Pen 🐧. When everything we think is lost things get weirder! I cheered for our heros and hoped for the worst on Jessica.

I really can’t put words to truly explain how I feel about this book. It was just phenomenal. This book is chock full of wonderful moments, my face hurts from all the smiling, laughing and grinding of my teeth it has endured while reading this book. My family are about ready to through me in an institute from all the outbursts from me. 😉

I love the banter between Scrooge, Alice and Hare.

“You’re right.” Scrooge nudged me with his elbow. “He is my fucking wife. Nag, nag, nag.”
“Gah!” Anger rolled Hare’s chin, grunting noises coming from his throat, too furious to form words. “Gahhh!”

I have already read this series multiple times and I just can’t get enough of it. This series is going to be one of my all time favourites and definitely one I will continually revisit. That you Stacey for writing such crazy characters and I really do hope to see more of Scrooge and Alice in the future.
Profile Image for MoodyReaderHMB.
289 reviews18 followers
November 7, 2019
“Fudge nuggets” this book was freaking amazed balls. Thanks to Stacey Marie Brown for giving me new phrases I can use around the holidays. I will drive my family bonkers. I just had to get that out of the way! I’m like a little girl hyped up on candy right now. Ascending from Madness is the continuation of Alice’s story. Alice seems like a typical female character at first, but she is so much more. She is a fighter, relentless, and pretty much carries the world on her back with her head held high. Her partner in crime Scrooge holy hell I didn’t think he could get much hotter than the first book, but I was so wrong. He has a domineering alpha of a beast personality, that maybe is every woman’s fantasy at least one time in their life. Together they are hot and heavy once both characters get beyond each of their own issues. The supporting characters Rudy and the gang are all still lovable. Hare still had me laughing out loud, love that dirty rabbit. Stacey writes an incredible villain many times I wanted to reach in the pages and strangle Jessica. She got my blood boiling. The storytelling gave you an emotional high. One minute you were laughing the next you’re were spitting mad. I crave those moments when I read a story. I love her details of the places you will visit in Winterland, feeling like you are right in the middle of everything. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, please do so. This is a perfect holiday read sitting by your tree drinking cocoa.
Profile Image for Heather.
97 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2019
10 STARS!!!!!
Holy Mistletoe! Loved every part of this book. This was a sequel that started off strong and had me hooked. Fun, funny, all the feels, action, and sexy, what more could you ask for. I fell in love this these characters from the very beginning and as a huge Alice in Wonderland fan this was such an amazing and genius interpretation! I loved the banter, sarcasm, and think Hare is my favorite character of the group! Scrooge's rhyming was hysterical as well and just the overall creativity that went into fusing different Christmas characters together to align with the original Alice in Wonderland story line is amazingly done and seamless. I can't find anything negative to say about these books! Stacey is an fantastic story writer!!
Another great adventure! I may even start using some of these phrases this Christmas season :)
Profile Image for Amanda.
12 reviews
November 13, 2019
Holy Mistletoe, when “normal could be abnormal, and abnormal could be quite ordinary to some”, Stacey’s imagination is where I want to be. This story is everything it should be, even when the fantasy is based off of childhood stories. Letting the madness in is just what we all need. I’m just disappointed that I can only give it 5 stars, this series is so much muchness it’s insanity.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
November 8, 2019
“OMG wha have I just read!! This story was dark and twist but simply perfectly unique! This world is something impressive and magnificent! The details, the characters, the emotions everything felt so real, I though I was there! Honestly this book forever change my perspective, it was such a good retelling! Alice and Scrooge made this story majestic. Once I started the hours felt like minutes and before I realized I finished it! You’re so going fall in love with this story! Stacey wrote a marvelous story.”
553 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2019
Holy Jingle Juice

What a wild ride. One I wasn’t ready to get off of. I’m pretty sure I held my breath until about the 50% mark. It was intense, fast paced, and kept you guessing.

I just love her writing. Her humor and the characters she creates... omg, the absolute best. I fell in love with each and every one.

It’s really hard to summarize this book; there was just so much that happened, but honestly, you should just go in blindly and experience it all for yourself.

This was such a fantastic read with a perfect ending. You all will love it
Profile Image for V.readz.
365 reviews7 followers
November 7, 2019
Oh My God !!

I think I just died .. This series was amazing ! Ever since reading the first book I have been waiting impatiently for the second, slowly dying within. Now I am just dead.
Stacey Marie Brown, seriously woman, you are my hero! One of my most favorite authors. I love all the voices speaking in your head because they speak to me too. They give us all such an amazing story and I hope they will never go away. In Winterland language -->> You are absolutely bonkers!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
471 reviews
November 12, 2019
A whirlwind Winterland Tale! The world building and the suspense was amazing and the characters will stick with me for some time! I may never think of Santa, Rudy, Scrooge or any of these characters the same again. Loved it!
Profile Image for BookNerdMommy.
51 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2019
Ruined me for any fantasy now!!

Woah.. this was the best fantasy book I've read by far!! A tale as old as time..she whips in unlike anything you could imagine. She pulls me in with my skin bubbling with heat, forgoing air, and has me wrapped solidly wrapped around her fingers. I never want to return to reality again!! You will love this series hands down!! 5+ a gazillion stars!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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