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Fairy Tale Quartet #3

B & E Ever After: A Hansel and Gretel Story

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Gretel, er, I mean, Gabriella Salazar finds temptation and desperation to be too great and breaks into a wicked witch’s—uh, that is—a pretentious, rich woman’s condo, only to discover she’s not the only one with a B & E fetish. The twist is that the mysterious, handsome Hansel to her Gretel who has also stolen into the same apartment is anything but brotherly, and the two strangers find themselves lip-locked before the evening is over. Now Gabby and her new, aggravating accomplice must get crafty and work together to free themselves and everyone they hold dear from a mad woman’s clutches.But breaking and entering never ends with a happily ever after. Right?

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2019

11 people are currently reading
367 people want to read

About the author

Linda Kage

51 books5,536 followers
Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy.

Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.

She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,723 reviews1,128 followers
November 10, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

First Impressions
B&E Ever After is the third installment in the Fairy Tale Quartet series by Linda Kage. I have really enjoyed the idea behind this series and what the author has delivered so far with this series. In this story we have a retelling that I have never seen from any other author, and I was more than pleased to be able to read this book and it definitely delivered. I had so much fun with this author’s unique twist on this retelling and how she fit in a romance into it. We get more depth delivered with this story that was reflected so well in the story and you see the aspects of this story that is so relevant to the “Hansel and Gretel” story and I loved these small connections that became so relevant to the story itself. There is also a sense of light humor that really balances out the story. We also get characters from previous books in the series, that make an entry into this story that offers a delightful twist.

Summary
The story sets off with our characters Hayden (Hansel) and Gabriella (Gretel), who meet in the most unexpected way. Gabriella is out looking for a way to provide for her brother and father. When her brother gets sick, she gets mistaken for a maid due to some racial actions. But Gabriella, is not new to this type of stereotyping. But she decides to take advantage of the situation, while she does clean a carpet stain, she also stumbles into a man she never expects, and his name is Hayden who happens to be the son of the owner of the apartment, but she learns that he has some plans for his mother in exposing her for the evil witch that she is and how many lives that she has ruined. Hayden and Gabriella work together to bring down the cruel witch Lana and find the evidence that exposes her for the criminal and murderer that she is, but along their journey with some skittles along the way, they realize a fierce love worth fighting for…

“…he doesn’t exactly hide his negative side.”
Brick snorted. “No. He’s too busy hiding his good one.”


What I Loved
This story was so captivating and I had such a fun time with this one here. I just couldn’t keep myself from truly embracing this story and if you are a fan of retellings then this is a story that you must read! I absolutely adore this author, she writes such wonderful books, and every time I pick her up, she just so easily captivates my attention and I become so involved in the story. I really was so curious to see how this one would play out. There are many elements to this one here that one can truly enjoy. I absolutely loved the methods in how this author portrayed this story. We start out by seeing the background to the two brothers that get abandoned by their mother and find their way back home with a trail of skittles. And then as adults, we see how Hayden wants to prove that his mother is evil after how neglectful of a mother she was and only consumed with her own wants above everything else. And then the scenes with the condo and being stuck together were so priceless. The way in which Hayden fights for Gabriella and what she deserves was so endearing and some fabulous stolen kisses really sparked so much fun chemistry. The humor that is implemented is superb in every way, and adds a lighter touch to a more serious toned story. There is also some diversity that was so fun to see as the heroine is Latino, and the author did the representation so well and handled the racism well and the incorrect way society stereotypes certain groups of people. The romance between Hayden and Gabriella was so endearing and just magical. I just wanted so much more time with these two and never wanted this story to end. We get some similar storylines with the other books, so I recommend reading this series in order so you can follow along with what is happening here. But such a brilliant romantic retelling of Hansel and Gretel.

When you have exhuasted all possibilities, remember this. You haven’t


What I Struggled With
Nothing much, I wasn’t fully into the story but that is definitely a “me” thing as I have been struggling with that of late.

Overall View
I found B&E Ever After to be a brilliant retelling that kept me focused, endeared me endlessly with laughs, and stunned my romantic heart with a tale of enduring love and passion!


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Profile Image for ZoraYuna.
146 reviews
March 30, 2021
Fairy Tale Quartet fascinates me, so I was expecting a lot from this book and... Linda Kage got it once again, I fell in love with this story. It's fun, with good characters and it's very well written.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,566 followers
September 20, 2019
What a fun, witty, twisty little take on Hansel and Gretel!

This is my first book in this series (it seems that I’m making a habit of diving into Linda Kage books mid-series), and I must admit I wasn’t expecting this sort of humorous, campy, romcom experience. It was all a little…extra. In a fun, adventurous way. A good way. From the feisty heroine to the lovably intense hero, to the villain-iest villain who ever villained (seriously, the worst) it kept me engaged and smiling and dying for more.

I loved that Ms. Kage stayed true to the original fairytale, while also unequivically making it her own. This is a robust tale – there’s a lot going on in here – but it was such a fun ride, full of good guys and bad guys, and a whole lot of sparky chemistry, witty banter, and a happily-ever-after that satisfied on every level.

I had a blast reading this one. Definitely pick it up if you’re looking for the perfect escape! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
Profile Image for Pripri.
491 reviews15 followers
December 12, 2022
ESP/ENG

Esta fue una hermosa historia. La verdad, después del libro anterior, no pensé que me fuera a encantar. Pero, este libro es demasiado lindo y cautivador. Justo como el primer libro.

Ha sido una trama que me ha gustado, no la había leído en otros libros con anterioridad y la he disfrutado un montón, eran casi como espías.

Linda nos presenta la tercera historia de Fairy Tale Quartet, una serie de libros románticos con un toque de cuento de hadas. Primero nos dio a la bella y la bestia (solo que al revés), después nos dio a cenicienta y ahora nos trae una sexy historia a lo Hansel y Grettel.

Conocimos a nuestros protagonistas en el libro anterior. Hayden es uno de los hermanastros sexys de Kaitlynn, muy serio y misterioso, me ha encantado. Gabby es una chica con picante que solo busca cuidar a su hermano, directa y de buen corazón. Ambos son muy diferentes, como el fuego y el hielo. Sin embargo, las circunstancias hacen que se tengan que aliar. Una aventura que hará que los sentimientos afloren y que un par de risas aparezcan. Me ha encantado su romance. Puede parecer un poco insta love por parte de Hayden, pero te das cuenta de que en realidad es un romance que se cocina lento y que al final, ambos se dan una oportunidad con todo y defectos.
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This was a beautiful story. Truth be told, after the previous book, I didn't think I was going to love it. But, this book is too cute and captivating. Just like the first book.

It was a plot that I liked, I hadn't read it in other books before and I enjoyed it a lot, they were almost like spies.

Linda introduces us to the third story in Fairy Tale Quartet, a series of romance books with a fairy tale twist. First she gave us Beauty and the Beast (only in reverse), then she gave us Cinderella, and now she brings us a sexy Hansel and Grettel story.

We met our main characters in the previous book. Hayden is one of Kaitlynn's sexy stepbrothers, very serious and mysterious, I loved him. Gabby is a spicy girl who is just looking to take care of her brother, straightforward and kind hearted. Both are very different, like fire and ice. However, circumstances make them have to ally. An adventure that will bring out feelings and a couple of laughs. I loved their romance. It may seem a bit insta love on Hayden's part, but you realize that it's actually a slow cooking romance and in the end, they both give each other a chance with all and flaws.
Profile Image for G. K. Malathi.
62 reviews14 followers
September 22, 2019
The book had a great pump in the beginning though somewhere after the 50th page it started fizzling out.
The story revolved predominantly towards Lana than the romance between Hayden and Gabby. I had held high expectations over Hayden as he was all dark, broody and everything nice but meh he became too passive as the story progressed. Finally the entire thing became too bland.
Profile Image for Kate ☕ (semi-hiatus).
652 reviews
July 31, 2022

Is it just me or was Gabby's character clearly inspired by Gabrielle Solis? 😁 Her physical appereance, sassiness, and dirty mouth...

Compared to the other books in the series, this one was a dissappointment. There was a lot of drama surrounding the evil witch - Lana, and it somehow forgot to focus on the main couple - Gabby and Hayden. I expected more from Hayden especially, grumpy and cold Hero on the outside had bigger potential...

Profile Image for Melissa Allen.
1,341 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2023
Sooooo much fun! Every book on this series just gets better and better! The fun with this one is it's happening in the exact same time as book 2 was -- but it's told from the perspective of 2 different main characters. So there's lap over from book 2 happening!! So cool!! And --- a reference to YOU on Netflix (which I know was a book first) was sneaky and cool.
1,813 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2019
Absolutely fantastic! I laughed and swooned and had my panties melted a few times and loved every word! The opening hooked me and couldn't put it down. This is my first read by this author and I am so stoked to discover her delightful storytelling. This story had it all. Romance, suspense, mystery, laughs, more romance, a couple of sexy brothers, an evil Mommy Dearest, a really swoon-worthy James Bond-esque hero in Hayden, one of the best heroines ever in Gabby, and a story that had me turning the pages with the spectacular writing and an outstanding plot. I loved that Hayden was seemingly low key then bam! He turned it on and showed his skills in several departments. Gabby was just perfect for him with her sass and fierceness. They were funny and cute and snarky and ultimately hot! I loved their slow-build romance with an unique first encounter and chemistry from the start. Their relationship soon turned into a love connection with lots of sizzle and was so caring and sweet. A terrific supporting cast in the secondary characters and I can't wait for more stories from this group intriguing guys and gals. Hope Brick is next. Love to the skittles! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
1,895 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2019
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review and release blitz/giveaway can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

It's been a while since I enjoyed a good Linda Kage book! And she always delivers amazing characters, romance and humor all wrapped in one perfect bundle! This sequel to her contemporary retellings of fairytales has a Hansel and Gretel twist. I loved the humor and the banter between Hayden and Gabby as also the cameo appearances of the other characters from the previous books.

Not to mention that there was also suspense and mystery because Lana is a hell of an evil character; it makes it even worse the fact that there are people like that in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
September 19, 2019
Love Linda Kages books everything she writes is pure magic if she is new for you you need to one click her stories as soon as possible . B&E is book three in the Fairy Quartet series it can be read as a standalone but it does take place the same time as Kissing the boss which is book two in the series . loved the characters and story line I felt a instant connection to everything and was left wanting more . I can't wait to read more by this amazing author in the future .
Profile Image for Roma.
460 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2022
5 -KYYYYYYyyyyyyAAAaaaaaaaaa -

SPOILER ALERT*

Gabriella Salazar no pensó que estaría en el departamento de una mujer racista tratando de limpiar una mancha de su alfombra para poder obtener lo necesario para su hermanito enfermo, pero aquí está haciendo su magia en la bella alfombra antes mencionada. Pero sin duda eso no es lo más extraño de su noche. Cuando un hombre irrumpe en la casa y luego prosigue a besarla para evitar ser descubierto por la mujer que pensó que Gaby era una mucama más, así que sí, su noche ha sido bastante loca y apenas es el inicio.

Hayden Carmichael no pensó que volvería a ver a la bella mujer que le robó el aliento en la entrada del edificio de su hermana, pero ahí está ella, en la mitad de la sala de su madre con un... espera, ¿es ese el vestido que él diseñó? Sin duda algo está mal con él porque cuando Gaby le explica la situación, no solo le cree, sino que la ayuda a que su madre no se entere de que en realidad le ha robado, pero ¿puede considerarse un robo cuando Gaby de hecho, hizo el trabajo? Además, tiene este sentmiento de querer ayudarla de mantenerla a salvo que parece no desaparecer.

Así, ambos unirán fuerzas para derrotar a la malvada bruja, es decir, a la madre de Hayden para que no pueda dañar a nadie más pero en el camino podrían encontrarse con un par de sentimientos en el camino.


A pesar de lo mucho que amo a Linda Kage, el primer libro de este cuarteto no condidero que sea de sus mejores trabajos, de hecho, es el primer libro de ella que me dejó insatisfecha (nop, me niego a mencionar el otro libro, ese no fue escrito por ella, punto), así que al leer el segundo, no sabía qué esperar. Y bueno, Linda lo logró. Amé el segundo libro, reí y lloré con sus personajes y una vez más recordé por qué es de mis autoras favoritas.

Sin embargo, este libro estaba en una zona gris para mí, para empezar por la portada. Lo he dicho muchas veces, si una portada no me agrada, es poco probable que no lo lea y sinceramente si este no fuera un libro de Linda lo más seguro es que lo hubiera pasado de largo porque es horrible. No me gusta la disposición de los modelos, odio el rectángulo del título, odio que no sé qué significa B&E (lo sé soy estúpida, y no, no quiero googlearlo), odio el pilar en el medio, bueno, básicamente lo odio todo. Y es que, luego de las dos portadas pasadas, creo que se nos pudo dar algo mejor. Y encima, odio el supuesto arquetipo, porque en serio, es demasiado forzado, si es que a eso se le puede llamar forzado porque es prácticamente inexistente.

Linda te amo, pero ¿no pudiste poner otro cuento en donde los protagonistas no fueran hermanos? La mera idea me dio cringe desde que leí la sinopsis, porque no, simplemente no.

Pero al final, el resultado es una bella historia llena de momentos fantástcos que me hicieron reír y llorar, sí, otra vez. Perfección se queda corto para describir el libro. Amé cada momento y la manera en la que ambos se relacionan es fantástica y mágica. Amé la forma de ser de Hayden, y creo que ya estaba medio enamorada de él cuando Gaby le dice a Kaitlynn que ha tenido una hada madrina en todo momento, desde ahí yo estaba gritando internamente.

Adoré ver a los personajes de libros anteriores, y aunque ya había leído ese intercambio en el segundo libro, lo sentí igual de fresco que la primera vez por las reacciones y pensamientos de Gaby que ahora fuimos capaces de leer. Es curioso como me gusta más Shaw de lejos que en su propio libro.

Y bueno, en general la química entre ambos es explosiva, los diálogos bien llevados y todas las situaciones, aunque un poco locas como la escena de la casa de la mamá de Hayden, me divertí bastante.

Mi única queja (del contenido per se) es que me habría encantado leer una charla entre Hayden y Brick, así mismo me hubiera gustado ver una conversación de Hayden con Kitlynn, para darle un cierre. Y en definitiva fue una gran sorpresa que se casaran sin decirle a nadie, la verdad es que no podía creerlo pero es la explicación más lógica para que el desenlace concuerde con el epílogo del segundo libro.

Y bueno, me muero por leer el último libro y espero que sea tan maravilloso como sus predecesores.
Profile Image for Ingrid.
215 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2025
This was a cute enough story, but there was a lot of repetition from the previous book. At times, it felt like I was re-reading rather than moving on to the next installment in the series.

Every now and then, the author used an overly complex word to describe something simple, which felt forced. It came across as if the author was trying to show off vocabulary skills, saying, "Look, I know big words!" While I appreciate the use of proper language when appropriate, in this case, it felt contrived.

I listened to the audiobook, and I found the male narrator to be very good. Unfortunately, the female narrator sounded wooden and almost mechanical in her delivery.

Additionally, it annoys me when words are mispronounced. The one that bugged me the most was the little brother's name, Miguel. The male narrator pronounced it correctly, but the female narrator pronounced it as "Mi-gale." Really? This is your job! A little effort would go a long way.

Rant over.
Profile Image for Vivi.
449 reviews33 followers
April 28, 2020
4.5 stars!

I Loved this book!

This is book #3 in the Fairy Tale Quartet Series. It follows/ shares the same time-line as Kissing the Boss (book #2) and should be read in Order or after reading, at least, the 2nd book.

I Absolutely love Hayden - he's a just, kind, mushy softie-on-the-inside man, that hides in a cold, serious, stubborn, annoying, fake front!

“...he doesn’t exactly hide his negative side.”
Brick snorted. “No. He’s too busy hiding his good one.”


Hayden's life as the Wicked Witch's son Devil's spawn Lana's first born was hard and heartbreaking. Hayden grew up with no real love from his parents and he soon realized he could not even trust his own mother.

This is (very loosely) based on the "Hansel and Gretel" fairytale... And the Skittles part really broke my heart to pieces. 💔



If you've read book #2 of the series - Kissing the Boss - you'll have some dislike for Lana's character, but this book really made me hate that evil controlling bitch woman. Not even her own children are safe from her evil plots and manipulation! I really thought at least her own flesh-and-blood would be somewhat important to her, but no, this woman has no feelings at all, I tell you. Is she a psychopath? .

I am so glad that Hayden found Gabby in his life! Hayden and Gabby were Everything! They bickered, argued, fought; supported, complemented and loved each other like no other couple. They are true Partners in Crime and make the best team!

In this book, (told in Hayden's and Gabby's POV) we get to know how Hayden (and Gabby) find out all of Lana's wrongdoings and are able to put her in jail. Because the book is told in a double POV, we can really get past Hayden's cold front and see him for who he really is; and it's clear the impact this all has on him. And it's clear that Hayden is extremely protective and really cares about his family and loved ones.

All I want now is a book about Brick! (book #4?) I so want to see that funny, loving, flirty man-whore player fall in Love!

Can't wait! ☺️
363 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2022
This was a cute one. You see so much more of the characters from the previous books. I enjoy them all coming together at the end. I liked the intrigue of the book? And the insight into Hayden's motivations. Gabby is a spitfire and I liked it. 😊
Profile Image for Rebekah.
633 reviews25 followers
May 19, 2020
I was kind of hoping for more of a story that I didn't already know the end to from reading the second book. It was fun to see how it all happened and the retelling part of it was fun too.
Profile Image for Cari Wittenborn.
245 reviews
July 15, 2023
I truly don’t understand how these aren’t hyped more. I love this series. I really wish we got more in the epilogue of this one though.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,604 reviews19 followers
June 23, 2024
This is the 3rd book, and it has a refreshing, interesting approach to the storyline of Hansel andv Gretal. I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next book
Profile Image for Lisbeth .
5,837 reviews
July 26, 2024
No hay angustia ni tensión real y no sucede nada interesante.
Profile Image for Angelito Espinoza.
270 reviews
November 6, 2019
I want a Hayden for me.
This was absolutely awesome. Well, not brand news ha
Linda has a magical brain and writes all these beautiful stories, now re-telling of classical fairytales.
Hayden and Gabby were one of a kind. All sassiness and more. The chemistry between both of them was pure fire, trespassing the pages directly through your heart and... other parts.
Need to mention the other characters only add to the story. Especially Lana. Oh, dear lord! What an awful woman. She was the perfect witch for this. I hate her from the very beggining and just couldn’t believe how she was capable of adding more malice to her actions. Even the classical witches were nice comparing them to her.
Brick certainly is a sweet hotshot. I wanna know more about him. I’m sensing a Pinocchio story. But who knows!
You know what. I wanna read this book all over again. I feel like one reading is not enough. Because these two are perfect together. Oh how I wanna be Gabby right now. That lucky woman. Or maybe I just need to cook some chocolate cookies for Hayden and he’ll find his way to me. Yeah, that’s it.
43 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2019
I think this might be my favourite book of this series. Although I feel like it’s also due to the fact that we got glimpses in the past book and it made me more excited about this one.


About the main characters, Hayden and Gabby, both of them are softies inside that would do anything for the people they love. And anything in this case is trying to take down Hayden’s mother aka the wicked witch.
During the book you’ll see how they come to meet and to take on this quest together and how their love progresses at the same time.

I think they are the cutest couple that bring out the best in each other.

All in all, it was a fun read, that took me out from the sadness slump that I was after a previous book.
I hope you enjoy it and you should definitely check her other books.
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,861 reviews31 followers
September 19, 2019
A very humorous, suspenseful romantic story this was. A 4 star romantic comedy.

Hayden is on a mission to help his step sister out by getting her what’s rightfully hers. He needs to bring down his own mother. With some help will he succeed? While on his quest, he meets Gabby. They will embark on an adventure.

This was a suspenseful story with some twists and turns. The author managed to keep me guessing for quite a bit. It was intriguing and funny at times.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.
Profile Image for Anne Z..
554 reviews40 followers
September 18, 2019
The Fairy Tale Quartet by Linda Kage is a wonderful adult fairy tale retelling series. Monster Among the Roses will be my ultimate favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling for a very long time still, if not forever and always! (Review Here). Book 2, Kissing the Boss, a Cinderella retelling, was just as good (Review Here). And now I am happy to say that B & E Ever After was also a fantastic. I don't know much or like Hansel and Gretel's story, so that is saying something!

For full review and more: https://www.glimpsesofmybooks.com/
Profile Image for Whitney Wells.
67 reviews
September 17, 2019
I had highly anticipated B &E ever after

*spoiler-ish*
I liked seeing Haydens POV to how all the events led to the demise of the wicked witch. But I wish for a better ending, I would of liked to seen kaitlynn reaction to the news if Hayden and Gabbys relationship, along with rekindling Hayden's relationship with Kaitlynn. But all in all I loved the book, it was suspenseful at times!
Profile Image for Kristie Amann.
330 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2019
I loved this book. It’s the third in Miss Kage’s fairy tale quartet. It’s a twist on Hansel and Gretel. You see Hayden who is stepbrother to Kaitlynn from book 2 and his own HEA. I didn’t do a reread since book 2 came out but there was no need. Everything flows well and the characters are all great. I love Gabby!! She’s the best.
Profile Image for Samantha Terry.
22 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2019
I received an ARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review!

As a die hard Linda Kage fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Her writing and humor is what I’m about. However, this book wasn’t my favorite in the series.

BUT, I loved Hayden and Gabby so much. Their characters were so fun together.
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