Desiring Dorothy

by Alana Albertson, Nicole Blanchard

My Uncle Henry was murdered on my 21st birthday. His killer stole my pug Toto and vanished after destroying my uncle’s home, not realizing that there was a witness to his crime.
Me.
I travel to the end of the earth to track my uncle’s killer and discover that he’s a Navy SEAL. I soon realize that I’m in over my head and nothing is as simple as it seems.
A heartless SEAL, a simple farmer, a cowardly bodyguard. But they are just pawns in a billionaire’s game.
This tech wizard is the most powerful man in the world, and he is behind my uncle’s death. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Unfortunately, he wants me.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2019

About the author

Alana Albertson is a multi-award winning author, current President of Romance Writers of America's Contemporary Romance Chapter and the former President of both Romance Writers of America’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance, new adult and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time playing with her sons, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes Homeland, Devious Maids, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is reverse harem and loosely based on the wizard of Oz.
Being a bit of an addict when it comes to anything fairytale retelling I had to read this.
I know that Wizard of Oz isn't technically a fairytale but I thought it close enough you would have to be living under a rock not to have heard of it.
This didn't work for me how I was originally expecting.
Reverse harem can be a bit hit or miss for me and I struggled to feel a connection here with two of the males involved Tin and Lev.
I had no issues with Crow and he redeemed things here slightly for me without him I may have thrown the towel in.
As it was I did finish and if I had to describe this it was a bit like a mad runaway train.
On the plus side, this was very different and unusual.
It's really going to come down to what type of reverse harem you like.
I prefer mine with a tad more emotional connection than what we are given here
This being the first in a new series it may be that emotional connection just needs some further developing.
This is most definitely hot and heavy that I can not fault it on.
Finally, that finish was certainly unexpected.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Desiring Dorothy (Men of Oz #1).



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I have to say that I did not read any reviews going into this book. I was searching through my kindle on the KU part because it was late, and I wanted a shorter book, and I am a cover whore and loved the cover. The blurb was okay, but I just really read it cuz I loved the cover, and I like the authors.

This story is not what you think- not at all. Do not go into this book, thinking it is a regular reverse harem story and that it is going to be all about sex and a girl falling for a group of men. That is not what this is. Alana and Nicole write a strong female that is caught up in a mystery that happens to surround her with men that might help her in strange ways. The secret is also based around her family and Kansas.

I enjoyed this story, but again I had no idea what I was getting into, so it did take me a bit to get into, but once I did, I did enjoy it.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining take on the Wizard of OZ. Dorothy is out to find her Uncle and along the way she meets some interesting characters, each with some issues of their own. This is a fast-paced reverse harem read with plenty of drama and plenty of steam. Looking forward to finding out what happens next in the series. I liked it.

[Keema Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is an amazing book to read. I must say at first I didn’t catch on to the connection with Snow, but I soon realized there connection. That’s is made this story so amazing. I always wondered what happened to her and Tin. Now as I am reading about Dorothy I see she has gone through a hard life and complete shut down from life, but with men like Tin and Lev around she will always be on guard. I like Crow at least with he she is able to be the woman she wants to be, but only time will tell. I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m hoping that they all start to grow and strengthen their weaknesses. Above all before reading this book I would recommend reading The Temptation of Snow if you want to know how Dorothy and Tin meet again. I love the crossover between these to stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.

I have read many of Ms. Alberston's books in the past and this one does not disappoint. The plot is a spin-off of The Temptation of Cinderella which was released shortly before this book. In that one the heroine is presumed dead after an explosion and one of the seals goes MIA at the same time. This book begins with him tracking down her kidnappers. She thought it was a case of mistaken identity, nope it wasn't. The plot is pretty good if somewhat twisted. I look forward to reading what comes next

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy saw her uncle get murdered by a man who turns out to be in the military. On her journey to catch him she meets other men who become special to her. This is a good read with reverse harem but more than just sex.

I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am leaving a review.

[Cecilia Diomede · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book when is the second one come out

I love the book
I can't wait for the second book it was a great book I read it three time over

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Fun! Fun!

What a way to wile away the hours. Come a read the take on The Wizard Of Oz like you never imagined. Cant wait for Men Of Oz Book 2.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this new series and it does end on a cliffhanger in preperation of book two. As a long time fan of both The Wizard Of Oz and romantic fiction, I was very excited and intrigued by the concept of melding these two things together. Now, after reading the first book in this series, I find I have some complex thoughts about it and some pretty complicated feelings. To start at the beginning, I felt that it took some work to get into the book. There was an abundance of details, characters and backstory that really congest the first few chapters of this read. Granted, some of it felt justified and genuinely needed. However, I really think it would have been a big improvement if the introduction to these characters and the world they inhabit had been taken a bit more slowly and paced better. After all these may be familiar characters but they are presented in a much different way. Also, there are a lot of secondary characters dumped into the mix, with a few that seem to serve a purpose but for the most part I felt they were mainly just introduced as possible further spin-off characters for their own books. Again, that is fine if it is one or two characters and if it all seamlessly blends into the current book and you find these characters so appealing you as a reader demand that they deserve their own story. For me, that really wasn't the case. As for the main characters, as I said they may be familiar but for the most part they are extremely different. It was not easy to reconcile the original with the new and make comparisons. Right at the moment I am not really a huge fan of any of the characters; except Crow and I feel very badly for him. To me he seems like a kind, sweet and genuine good guy. He deserves so much better. As for my least favorite I would have to say Dorothy. I know this is a very modern and an adult re-imagining of this character but, I honestly could feel no real connection or characteristics of the original character in this one. The storyline has drama, steam and some mystery. In the end I thought it was an OK read. Maybe the kinks will be worked out and book two will be easier to enjoy, only time will tell. This is my sincere, elective review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desiring Dorothy is a stunningly pulse-pounding and wonderfully entertaining new twist on the Wizard of Oz story. I thoroughly enjoyed the original new twists and the intriguing characters that held my heart hostage the entire time. New stories with a new take on an old tale always peek my interest and make me want to explore them. This one was no different especially since it is written by two fabulous authors who have both stolen my heart with their incredible talent. Mix those two phenomenal talents together, and you get a life-changing story that will not leave your heart the same even again.

Dorothy made the best out of the life that she was handed. She had good friends, a good job, and was sure that her future was only going to get better. It only took one fateful evening to burn her life to the ground. Now, all she has left is a mystery to solve and vengeance to dole out. She never expected for life to hand her a nightmare when all she wanted was just survive day to day. Now, she has to find the courage and the determination to take each day and make the most out of it. When she finds that she doesn’t have to fight this on her own, she isn’t sure if that’s a blessing or a curse. When life hands her lemons, will she make lemonade or will she track down that person and make them pay?

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this new world with its out of this world characters who will work their way into your heart in no time. This is a place where nothing is as it seems, and anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Don’t look away because you are sure to miss something very important that will unlock another piece of this twisted puzzle. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this amazingly complex and wonderfully brilliant story!

Alana Albertson and Nicole Blanchard have blown my mind with this stunning jewel! I loved being challenged, and this story kept me on my toes and made me open my mind to the impossible and improbable. I savored every second, and I am excited for the next book in this incredible new series!

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't even know where to begin with this book. First of all, I have a really difficult time believing Nicole Blanchard co-wrote this book. I've read her books, decided to review this book because she headlined with the other author, but I've got to say, this book had nothing stamped with Nicole Blanchard's style of writing at all. The writing was just off, the storyline was not something I expected, nor enjoyed, the characters and their names were just wrong. I managed to get all the way through it by quickly scanning, because I kept thinking it has to get better at some point, sadly it didn't. Secondly, when you have a romance, even a "dark" one as this one is, you expect it to have meaningful dialogue, unfortunately again, this one didn't. It was truly awful, the way the scenes transitioned just didn't make sense. How they got from the Arctic Circle back to Kansas is a mystery, it just seemed to magically happen, then all of a sudden they're on a bus and in front on Dorothy's Aunts house. Just didn't flow like you need a story to achieve to keep anyones interest. Sex scenes were disturbing, nothing remotely readable, and the cliffhanger was probably a big mistake, can't imagine going onto the next book in this series. I NEVER leave negative reviews like this, but this was just downright bad. Sorry.....

I reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought you knew the Wizard of OZ think again. This book is book 1 in a series about Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ and wow does it have an amazing spin on it. Ive read a few of the other reviews for this book and each to their own is all that I will say. This is also a new author for me so I was surprised by the writing, but I found I liked Alana’s style and obviously it was co-written with Nicole who is also a new author for me.
For me I loved the book with a Navy Seal called Tin, a farmer called Crow and a Russian Mafiosi called Lev. We have the Tinman, Scarecrow and the Lion. We have Aunt Glinda and Uncle Henry and many of the other amazing characters from OZ but this story is no kids story. And each has their own backstory as to how they nicknames although we still haven’t got their full story’s yet.
I was dragged into the book and it held me captivated right from the start. Then when I was nearing the end of the book I was bummed because I wasn’t going to be getting all the good answers to what was happening that I would have to wait for book 2. But I can cope with that all because for me the characters were well developed and the world that was created was great, this was helped by the fact that the story flowed well. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for book 2 in this series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

My Uncle Henry was murdered on my twenty first birthday. his killer stole my pug Toto and vanished after destroying my uncle's home, not realizing there was a witness to his crime. Me. I travel to the end of the earth to track my uncle's killer and discover that he's a Navy SEAL. I soon realize that I'm in over my heard and nothing is as simple as it seems. A heartless SEAL, a simple farmer, a cowardly bodyguard. But they are just pawns in the billionaire's game. This tech wizard is the most powerful man in the world and he is behind my uncle's death. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Unfortunately, he wants me.

This is the first book in the Men of Oz series and I loved it. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and some smoking hot moments between all the main characters. Dorthy has set out to find the guy who killed her uncle and took her dog Toto. However when she tracks him down in the end of the earth she doesn't expect to be kidnapped along with crow and chased down over a pair of shoes. She also never expects the connections she has with the man protecting her and the two men chasing them down. I loved reading this book and I sure can not wait for the next one.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising
I am very divided on this book: On the one hand I wanted, and I still want to know the end of the story, and on the other hand, I wondered when the characters would have reactions or choices more understandable. Each character has a significant part to play, but their reasons are unclear, (and for good reason, there are several books) and the cliffhanger adds to my trouble.
On the day of her 21st birthday, Dorothy receives a pair of shoes (whose role comes back later) and loses her uncle and her dog who disappear mysteriously. She decides to investigate and when she finds, in the Arctic, the man present that night, which she remembers, she sleeps with him before a bomb explodes and she finds herself protected by a "farmer"», And kidnapped by a mafia Russian ......
In short, the narrative is well written, although a bit twistes, but beyond the action, twists, scenes of sex, Dorothy's behavior is often surprising between capitulation on her fate and control over what happens, surrounded by men who protects her while dominating or mistreating her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark twist on The Wizard of Oz
Desiring Dorothy by Alana Albertson is a well written dark ménage romance that by the end brought to my the phrase “something wicked this way comes” although, as this book ends in a cliff hanger, I’m hoping the something wicked turns out to be fun wicked.
If this book is anything to go by, things for Dorothy will most definitely not be easy or nice, although she may enjoy it!
The plot of this book kept me enthralled and I am absolutely hooked on these characters to see what happens after the cliff hanger. Despite some of these character’s irredeemable qualities, there’s also a hint or two of goodness and light. Dorothy on the other hand, it solely focused and it lands her in more trouble than she bargained for. Not only that, she experiences something she’d like long term and immediately throws up walls and distance.
Overall, a very enjoyable twist on a classic tale, from the tornado, character names and iconic references. I am on the edge of my seat just waiting for what happens next. 2020 can’t come soon enough for me!
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Josie]

This had an interesting premise and I was keen to read it. Unfortunately, there were a couple of issues here that had me DNFing this book. Firstly, the set up and introduction of the main character felt busy. A number of minor characters were introduced in the first chapter and there was a fairly heavy-handed information dump of backstory. This made the story-telling feel quite plodding. I also wasn't quite sure about the attraction between the MC and the uncle: you can acknowledge your uncle by marriage is good-looking, but this went beyond that. My other issue, which was probably the most problematic, was the writing itself. There were a lot of long sentences that should have been edited to make more sense. Run on sentences require more than just additional commas to work; they generally need to be rewritten into shorter sentences. This happened quite a lot in these early pages and was frustrating. It was something I didn't want to keep dealing with as I read so this was a DNF for me.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 3 out of 5]

So... This story was chaotic and well ended so abruptly that I was like - HOW could it have gone this way.
We start before a year before the main events. It introduces us to a lot of characters and background plot that was not exactly important/relevant to the events that were put into this book. What happened there mostly would not be important later, yet a beginning made me think it would be as it was not exactly a pass by.
Later Dorothy was put into the action on the Arctic Base. It started hot and with a bang with a bad guy and Dorothy. What will happen later when more bad guys will come her way and will change the rules of the game that is going on.
Be warned there is some dubious information in this story. So read being prepared for it as I was hmm... So shocked by this that.
Read with an open mind.
I hope book two will make this relationship stronger and more believable to me as sometimes it felt out of place or reason.
I gave three stars for unsuspecting what was going to happen in the end.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

This twist on the classic story of Oz, is suspenseful and sexy, however, I almost feel more like I’ve gone to Wonderland instead of following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. It was a fun concept, and by the end I did become so invested that now I need to see what happens when book two comes along. The start of the storyline did have me a bit lost, and part of me felt like the two sides of Dorothy were, at times, polar opposites. Then as each of the men are added to the mix, I became more intrigued with how they would interact with each other and Dorothy in their volatile situation, as they got closer to The Wizard. Each one bringing their own histories and baggage along the way, and by the time I felt that I was ready for more, the story was over. *I do admit, I didn’t realize the story would be broken up so that I would be left with a cliffhanger. So warning... there is a cliffy!* I am very sold on this reimagining of the classic, and hope that the second installment will answer my questions, and feed my reader soul.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The synopsis of this book had me intrigued. A unique twist to one of my favorite classics? Sure why not. I went into this book wondering how this was gonna turn out. What I didn't expect was that twist. I have so many unanswered questions and a whole lot of confusing thoughts. This is book 1 in a trilogy so unfortunately there aren't going to be any answers right away. What I did like about this book is how all the characters were cast. Some were good, some were evil. All played a part in making Dorothy's life hard. What I didn't care for was the pace of the story. It was just fast and all over the place. Because of this my intrigue turned into mixed feelings. But no matter what I think, I know that those mixed feelings won't stop me from reading book 2 when it comes out. I want to know what happens next. I want more info on the wizard. I want to know what will happen with Dorothy and her men! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*

[Chelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

TSTL heroine and disgusting men

This was truly awful. I can't believe I wasted an hour of my life reading that rubbish. Seriously, did you even proofread? I know this book never saw an editor but did the authors even read what they wrote? It's basically unreadable with the horrendous grammar and typos on nearly ever single page. But the story isn't even likeable either. Two of the love interests are horrible human beings who both HIT Dorothy at one point or another. One even makes her friend rape her under threat of death. Dorothy definitely wins the award for the most TSTL main character ever.

I had actually preordered this book because the blurb sound so good and I love retellings but now I'm pissed that I paid for a book that was no where near ready to be published. Both these authors are going on my Never Again list and I would encourage anyone thinking of reading their work to just save yourself the headache and skip it.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wizard of Oz-like theme where Dorothy travels to see the wizard
Wow, what a story of plot twists and steamy sex! Dorothy returns from a night out with her girlfriends to her uncle’s farm. Uncle Henry gifts her with sparkly shoes and while downstairs getting a bottle of wine in the cellar, Uncle Henry and her dog, Toto disappear. Dorothy locates Tin at an Artic base where she is then kidnapped along with Crow the cook. What follows is private jet trips, more mystery, more sex, and more Dorothy’s family drama. Will all questions be answered when they get to the wizard’s house? You have to read to find out and will be left hanging on a cliffhanger.

[Cindy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book not knowing much about it other than I love the authors other work. I was very pleasantly surprised! It has everything I love in a story! There’s action and suspense. There’s a lot of loving ;) and don’t forget the emotion especially the shock factor at the end!

Dorothy finds herself in quite the predicament that only Crow, Tin, and Lev can help her figure out. You’ll think you know what’s going to happen but I’m positive this one is going to keep you guessing until the end!! I can’t wait to see where the authors take this storyline!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this as an ARC
This is NOT the sweet tale of my youth and, man oh man , it's just as thrilling. Dorothy has completely turned her life upside down trying to find the truth about that fateful night. The men in this story show a faint resemblance to the characters of old but that only goes so far. This Lion, Tinman, and Scarecrow are tough, dirty, and absolutely panty melting. Ms. Albertson and Ms. Blanchard have created a tantalizing adult version of my fave story that pulled me in and had me screaming at an eye widening cliffy. I can't wait for book 2!!!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was an interesting twist on the Wizard of Oz. I really enjoyed the story and it’s characters. Dorothy investigates the disappearance and apparent death of her uncle on the night of her birthday. I enjoyed the mystery of what happened to him mixed in with some erotic scenes with Tin, Crow and Lev.

I’m looking forward to the second story, as this book ended with a massive cliffhanger, and seeing how things come together.

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Wizard of Oz

I'm torn. After finishing the book, I do want to continue reading the other books when they come out which is why I have it a 4 instead of 3. However, while reading I kept rolling my eyes at the sudden changes and lack of smooth transitions. It had several sudden shifts in perspectives. And have either of the authors actually been in a tornado? Lol However, this book ends on a cliffy and I feel like I need more explanation.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wizard of OZ with a twist...

I hate cliffhangers and I know that these stories will end in one. So, why do I continue to do read them? The reason is simple...I love them! Adult re-tellings of favorite childhood stories are one of my favorite genres and Ms. Albertson always gives them a wonderful twist. I can't wait for the next installment.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book via Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[KAREN SAUNDERS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a contrived version of a childhood classic

From the names, to the tornado to finding the wizard the book was convoluted padding to bind together some amateurish sex scene. How did Dorothy find the tin man? Why was the lion a coward? What the he'll was up with aunt em?
I realize that the authors were concerned with a plot but the most important detail was ridiculously handled.
This is one version of the wizard of oz you can skip.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I went into this book not knowing what to expect but I liked the concept about the Wizard of Oz. I was charmingly surprise by this story! I blinked and the action, drama and suspense hit me. If you’re expecting a sweet tale let me warn you that there’s nothing about that tale of our youth, this book was breathtaking!

OMG I must advise you to be prepare for Tin, Crow and Lev. Perfection and hotness with the perfect mix of dirtiness.

I can’t wait for the next book!”

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy thought the world of her Uncle Henry and was devastated when he disappeared along with her dog Toto. She meets some interesting characters in here search for answers.
This story blends the lovable characters from our childhood with real people in today's world and gives us an awesome cast, a great story and a wonderfully written book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book would have more potential. The first couple of chapters felt like a repeat. The story didn't get interesting till after half way through. The only reason I am not giving less stars is because of that ending. I hope book two will be better. I need answers so I will definitely be reading Defying Dorothy.