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Ever After #1
The Spindle's Curse
Sleeping Beauty has insomnia and a habit he can’t shake.
Can true love still break his curse?
--
Brian Rose:
I'm drawn to the needle, just like my mother. Even though I haven't seen her since she stormed into my christening 22 years ago, her dark curse twists through my DNA. So now she wants to meet, I can't resist. I'm fresh out of rehab, moving to the big city all on my own. It's hard enough keeping myself sane without developing a giant crush on some rich dude who just happens to be my new boss.
Philip Arrigo:
I'm a liar. A dirty liar. I've lied to my parents, my friends, everyone except the beautiful stranger who's just started working at my restaurant. He's the only one I've confessed my dreams to and maybe it's because he had no idea that I'm New York royalty. I don't want to be just another rich asshole living off other people's hard work. I want to make a difference to the world. But I'll start by making a difference to him.
--
A prick of death. A kiss of life. A love story loosely inspired by Sleeping Beauty.
Book 1 in the Ever After series of steamy contemporary mm romance books inspired by fairytales. Each book in this series is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.
Features: Slow burn, rags to riches, pretend boyfriend, size difference, sleeping with the boss, sexy billionaire, banter, wholesome fluff
Content warning for: drug use, explicit sex, strong language, some violence
Can true love still break his curse?
--
Brian Rose:
I'm drawn to the needle, just like my mother. Even though I haven't seen her since she stormed into my christening 22 years ago, her dark curse twists through my DNA. So now she wants to meet, I can't resist. I'm fresh out of rehab, moving to the big city all on my own. It's hard enough keeping myself sane without developing a giant crush on some rich dude who just happens to be my new boss.
Philip Arrigo:
I'm a liar. A dirty liar. I've lied to my parents, my friends, everyone except the beautiful stranger who's just started working at my restaurant. He's the only one I've confessed my dreams to and maybe it's because he had no idea that I'm New York royalty. I don't want to be just another rich asshole living off other people's hard work. I want to make a difference to the world. But I'll start by making a difference to him.
--
A prick of death. A kiss of life. A love story loosely inspired by Sleeping Beauty.
Book 1 in the Ever After series of steamy contemporary mm romance books inspired by fairytales. Each book in this series is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.
Features: Slow burn, rags to riches, pretend boyfriend, size difference, sleeping with the boss, sexy billionaire, banter, wholesome fluff
Content warning for: drug use, explicit sex, strong language, some violence
340 pages, ebook
Published August 24, 2020
47 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 20, 2025
It is absolutely scandalous that this doesn’t have more reviews! I first read this about 4yrs ago but did a quick re-read after book 4 recently came out and it was just as good the second time around. It is a bit dramatic at times (what fairytale isn’t?) but also fairly realistic in other parts and overall an engaging, well-paced read. I think this is very impressive for a debut.
Original, subtle inspiration from Sleeping Beauty, with the main themes inverted - Brian has insomnia (and also a drug addiction, dyscalculia and ADHD). Philip is the handsome, wealthy ‘prince’. There are other loose connections which I think might only be picked up if you’re familiar with the fairytale so this could easily be read without actually linking it to Sleeping Beauty at all.
The additional epilogue is good too, would be nice to be part of the book as it’s interesting going back to Brian’s home-town.
Original, subtle inspiration from Sleeping Beauty, with the main themes inverted - Brian has insomnia (and also a drug addiction, dyscalculia and ADHD). Philip is the handsome, wealthy ‘prince’. There are other loose connections which I think might only be picked up if you’re familiar with the fairytale so this could easily be read without actually linking it to Sleeping Beauty at all.
The additional epilogue is good too, would be nice to be part of the book as it’s interesting going back to Brian’s home-town.
April 30, 2022
One of the best books I have read this year.
The writing is phenomenal and the plot is so intriguing I devoured it.
I'll def read the second book.
The writing is phenomenal and the plot is so intriguing I devoured it.
I'll def read the second book.
October 12, 2023
Mam zdecydowanie mieszane uczucia 🤷♀️
Z jednej strony, kilka rzeczy było naprawdę fajnych i dobrych, ale z drugiej, kilka innych do dupy po prostu...
I podobno miała to być wariacja na temat Śpiącej Królewny...
No cóż, mój mózg najwidoczniej jest od jakiegoś czasu wielką papką, ale nie za bardzo widziałam to podobieństwo... A jeżeli już, to zdecydowanie w drugą stronę, niż to blurb sugeruje 😂 Choć w ten sposób to można z połowę książek podciągnąć pod taką baśń...
Ale w sumie złe strasznie nie było, to 3 gwiazdeczki lecą 😁
Z jednej strony, kilka rzeczy było naprawdę fajnych i dobrych, ale z drugiej, kilka innych do dupy po prostu...
I podobno miała to być wariacja na temat Śpiącej Królewny...
No cóż, mój mózg najwidoczniej jest od jakiegoś czasu wielką papką, ale nie za bardzo widziałam to podobieństwo... A jeżeli już, to zdecydowanie w drugą stronę, niż to blurb sugeruje 😂 Choć w ten sposób to można z połowę książek podciągnąć pod taką baśń...
Ale w sumie złe strasznie nie było, to 3 gwiazdeczki lecą 😁
July 31, 2020
I feel very honoured to have been the first person to read this book, while I cast an editorial eye over it. It didn't need much input from me at all. One of best romances I've read this year, and most definitely one that will live forever in the small collection I like to re-read for comfort.
Brian and Philip are fantastically crafted characters that you believe in and root for right from the beginning. Their relationship has everything: cuteness, drama, hotness (*fans self*), high stakes, hurt/comfort that works both ways... They come from vastly different worlds and the odds are stacked against them, but their chemistry is off the charts and you can't help but believe in the power of their feelings for one another to overcome whatever obstacles get in their way... and god, are there obstacles!
The book has some heavy themes and very dark moments, but they're all sensitively handled and Gehr is so good at knowing exactly when the comfort is needed to mitigate the hurt. It's a substantial book, with an extremely compelling plot, loads of action, an impeccably researched and vivid setting, a colourful cast of secondary characters, and, in the centre of it all, a truly fantastic love story that brings everything to life.
For lovers of fairy tales, you'll enjoy the subtle connections to Sleeping Beauty, which loosely inspired the story. For people who aren't particularly into fairy tales (like me), it doesn't matter, as you can easily forget the fairy tale connection and just lose yourself in the contemporary setting like I did. The book is great whether or not you're considering it through the fairy tale lens.
In conclusion, hot as hell, cute as heck, I highly recommend this and I cannot wait for book two!
Brian and Philip are fantastically crafted characters that you believe in and root for right from the beginning. Their relationship has everything: cuteness, drama, hotness (*fans self*), high stakes, hurt/comfort that works both ways... They come from vastly different worlds and the odds are stacked against them, but their chemistry is off the charts and you can't help but believe in the power of their feelings for one another to overcome whatever obstacles get in their way... and god, are there obstacles!
The book has some heavy themes and very dark moments, but they're all sensitively handled and Gehr is so good at knowing exactly when the comfort is needed to mitigate the hurt. It's a substantial book, with an extremely compelling plot, loads of action, an impeccably researched and vivid setting, a colourful cast of secondary characters, and, in the centre of it all, a truly fantastic love story that brings everything to life.
For lovers of fairy tales, you'll enjoy the subtle connections to Sleeping Beauty, which loosely inspired the story. For people who aren't particularly into fairy tales (like me), it doesn't matter, as you can easily forget the fairy tale connection and just lose yourself in the contemporary setting like I did. The book is great whether or not you're considering it through the fairy tale lens.
In conclusion, hot as hell, cute as heck, I highly recommend this and I cannot wait for book two!
August 27, 2020
This is a well written intense story with a modern take on a classic fairytale that I couldn't put down. Brian is trying to live a clean life now that he's out of rehab. He ends up working and falling for Philip. Both Brian and Philip have their own struggles and they realize they're better together. They can trust each other and in the end they both save each other. This story has twists and turns and things I didn't want to happen happen but it all wotked out in the end. I really enjoyed this book and love Brian and Philip together. I recommend this book and look forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
old post reposted
And let's finish off the series with the first book... This one is T.L. Gehr's "The Spindle's Curse" from her Ever After series (it's a Sleeping Beauty Retelling).
["Sleeping Beauty has insomnia and a habit he can’t shake.
Can true love still break his curse?
Brian Rose
I'm drawn to the needle, just like my mother. Even though I haven't seen her since she stormed into my christening 22 years ago, her dark curse twists through my DNA. So now she wants to meet, I can't resist. I'm fresh out of rehab, moving to the big city all on my own. It's hard enough keeping myself sane without developing a giant crush on some rich dude who just happens to be my new boss.
Philip Arrigo
I'm a liar. A dirty liar. I've lied to my parents, my friends, everyone except the beautiful stranger who's just started working at my restaurant. He's the only one I've confessed my dreams to and maybe it's because he had no idea that I'm New York royalty. I don't want to be just another rich asshole living off other people's hard work. I want to make a difference to the world. But I'll start by making a difference to him.
A prick of death. A kiss of life."]
Well, I knew a few spoilers for this book, because I read this series out of order. I know they fall in love, I know there's a kidnapping and a gun, I know the neighbor from the second book makes a lovely appearance, but what I didn't know.... a. lot. Holy. Shit.
I thought the second book was dark. This one…holy. shit. Please head the trigger warnings below. It was very, very worth it, with all of the fluff and the steam and the soft moments and the instant love and the devotion and saving each other, but it’s dark as hell.
Also, let's all be aware that love and a healthy/deep relationship doesn't cure addiction, as it doesn't cure depression/anxiety, but T.L. did a good job of steering clear of that, even if the blurb hints that love is the answer to all curses.
Still very, very, very interested in knowing if/when the Beauty and the Beast retelling will appear... :(
Trigger Warnings: drug use, needles, gun, kidnapping, homophobia, violence, and more
#thespindlescurse #tlgehr #sleepingbeautyretelling #sleepingbeauty #queersleepingbeauty #themidnightdance #thechristmaswishes #kissoflife #everafter #everafterseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
And let's finish off the series with the first book... This one is T.L. Gehr's "The Spindle's Curse" from her Ever After series (it's a Sleeping Beauty Retelling).
["Sleeping Beauty has insomnia and a habit he can’t shake.
Can true love still break his curse?
Brian Rose
I'm drawn to the needle, just like my mother. Even though I haven't seen her since she stormed into my christening 22 years ago, her dark curse twists through my DNA. So now she wants to meet, I can't resist. I'm fresh out of rehab, moving to the big city all on my own. It's hard enough keeping myself sane without developing a giant crush on some rich dude who just happens to be my new boss.
Philip Arrigo
I'm a liar. A dirty liar. I've lied to my parents, my friends, everyone except the beautiful stranger who's just started working at my restaurant. He's the only one I've confessed my dreams to and maybe it's because he had no idea that I'm New York royalty. I don't want to be just another rich asshole living off other people's hard work. I want to make a difference to the world. But I'll start by making a difference to him.
A prick of death. A kiss of life."]
Well, I knew a few spoilers for this book, because I read this series out of order. I know they fall in love, I know there's a kidnapping and a gun, I know the neighbor from the second book makes a lovely appearance, but what I didn't know.... a. lot. Holy. Shit.
I thought the second book was dark. This one…holy. shit. Please head the trigger warnings below. It was very, very worth it, with all of the fluff and the steam and the soft moments and the instant love and the devotion and saving each other, but it’s dark as hell.
Also, let's all be aware that love and a healthy/deep relationship doesn't cure addiction, as it doesn't cure depression/anxiety, but T.L. did a good job of steering clear of that, even if the blurb hints that love is the answer to all curses.
Still very, very, very interested in knowing if/when the Beauty and the Beast retelling will appear... :(
Trigger Warnings: drug use, needles, gun, kidnapping, homophobia, violence, and more
#thespindlescurse #tlgehr #sleepingbeautyretelling #sleepingbeauty #queersleepingbeauty #themidnightdance #thechristmaswishes #kissoflife #everafter #everafterseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 1, 2020
Amazing read
Brian is fresh out of rehab when he receives a letter out of the blue from his mother. A mother he has no memory from. He rings his dad who gets him to really think about giving her a chance. Brian decides he needs a totally new chapter in his life so he more to the city to be closer to his mother and have a fresh start. He contacts his mother to meet and it goes better than he thinks when she informs him that where she works is looking for people and she will get him a interview.
Whilst Brain is walking through the park he is shocked to see a man on a horse blame a young man for running out in front of him but Brain sees it differently and isn't shy about telling the very good looking man that he is in the wrong. When he gets to him interview who would be the owner none other than the man he shouted at! of course it was so Brain doesn't think he has a chance but is surprised when he puts him to work.
Philip is shocked to see the sexy man who told him off in the park at his pub. But gave him a chance helping out that morning but it quickly becomes obvious that he has issues with taking orders. The pub is bouncing and Philip feels guilty from throwing him in at the deep end and helps him out. He cant get over the attraction he feels for him. And the chemistry is alive.
Philip and Brain cant help the attraction they feel for each other and find it very easy to talk to one another and it isn't look till Philip is telling Brain everything about his hope and his dreams for the future. Brain is fighting his addiction that keeps trying to drag him back to hell. But they find the strength when they are together.
This is one magical read that has a bit of everything to keep you on the edge of your seat. I went through so many emotions. I just couldnt put this book down. I had never read a book by TL Gehr before but i will be sure to be keeping my eye out for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brian is fresh out of rehab when he receives a letter out of the blue from his mother. A mother he has no memory from. He rings his dad who gets him to really think about giving her a chance. Brian decides he needs a totally new chapter in his life so he more to the city to be closer to his mother and have a fresh start. He contacts his mother to meet and it goes better than he thinks when she informs him that where she works is looking for people and she will get him a interview.
Whilst Brain is walking through the park he is shocked to see a man on a horse blame a young man for running out in front of him but Brain sees it differently and isn't shy about telling the very good looking man that he is in the wrong. When he gets to him interview who would be the owner none other than the man he shouted at! of course it was so Brain doesn't think he has a chance but is surprised when he puts him to work.
Philip is shocked to see the sexy man who told him off in the park at his pub. But gave him a chance helping out that morning but it quickly becomes obvious that he has issues with taking orders. The pub is bouncing and Philip feels guilty from throwing him in at the deep end and helps him out. He cant get over the attraction he feels for him. And the chemistry is alive.
Philip and Brain cant help the attraction they feel for each other and find it very easy to talk to one another and it isn't look till Philip is telling Brain everything about his hope and his dreams for the future. Brain is fighting his addiction that keeps trying to drag him back to hell. But they find the strength when they are together.
This is one magical read that has a bit of everything to keep you on the edge of your seat. I went through so many emotions. I just couldnt put this book down. I had never read a book by TL Gehr before but i will be sure to be keeping my eye out for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2024
Was this OTT? Yuppp.
Did the kindle edition have grammatical errors, a character's name that kept going back and forth between two spellings, and a Harry Potter reference despite the author's note saying those references were removed? Why yes. Yes to all the above.
Well, was it a The Sleeping Beauty retelling? Nope.
Was it at least inspired by The Sleeping Beauty? Not even a whiff of inspiration anywhere.
So did I enjoy this book and am glad I picked it up? You bet!
(For the record, I don't care about the HP reference but if you say you took it out, then take it out.)
Seriously though, I just don't understand how this is at all related to The Sleeping Beauty. You can't call a pub "spindle", call some women "fairy godmothers", call someone () "ice queen" and expect me to be satisfied with a fairy tale connection. There was nothing of the essence of the fairytale here. And since I was very much craving a Sleeping Beauty kind of tale, I found this book disappointing in that aspect.
But boy did I have fun reading it. I loved how OTT and unrealistic it was. I also loved all the realistic parts. This book was very easy to read and I had a great time. TL Gehr's prose is engaging, and the MC are sweet and easy to root for despite the insta-love that I usually don't connect with. And so while this is not a masterpiece, I do look forward to enjoying the rest of the books in this series when the fancy for an easy, fun read strikes.
Now brb while I go find a MM Sleeping Beauty retelling.
Did the kindle edition have grammatical errors, a character's name that kept going back and forth between two spellings, and a Harry Potter reference despite the author's note saying those references were removed? Why yes. Yes to all the above.
Well, was it a The Sleeping Beauty retelling? Nope.
Was it at least inspired by The Sleeping Beauty? Not even a whiff of inspiration anywhere.
So did I enjoy this book and am glad I picked it up? You bet!
(For the record, I don't care about the HP reference but if you say you took it out, then take it out.)
Seriously though, I just don't understand how this is at all related to The Sleeping Beauty. You can't call a pub "spindle", call some women "fairy godmothers", call someone () "ice queen" and expect me to be satisfied with a fairy tale connection. There was nothing of the essence of the fairytale here. And since I was very much craving a Sleeping Beauty kind of tale, I found this book disappointing in that aspect.
But boy did I have fun reading it. I loved how OTT and unrealistic it was. I also loved all the realistic parts. This book was very easy to read and I had a great time. TL Gehr's prose is engaging, and the MC are sweet and easy to root for despite the insta-love that I usually don't connect with. And so while this is not a masterpiece, I do look forward to enjoying the rest of the books in this series when the fancy for an easy, fun read strikes.
Now brb while I go find a MM Sleeping Beauty retelling.
October 20, 2025
Tough read! Brian has recently come out of rehab and is struggling to overcome his addiction. He was raised by his dad because his mom was using when Brian was born. He lives in upstate NY and hears from his mom who lives in NYC. She expresses an interest in seeing him so Brian heads to NYC. First let me say that I am a native New Yorker and it's clear the author is not that familiar with life in NYC. That drives me crazy. Subway cars are called "carriages." It's not clear how Brian pays for the subway because there is never any mention. "Brian goes down the steps and gets on the train." What?! When he pays he takes a bunch of "notes" out of his pocket. Not dollars or cash. Just notes. We don't know what train he is on. I know what station but give me details! As a New Yorker, I am always looking for the verisimilitude in books that take place in NY. That is a major pet peeve of mine. Like authors don't care to be true to the setting in which the books take place. Anyway, Brian meets Philip when he gets a job, arranged by his mother, at Philip's restaurant. But Brian has a disability that makes working with numbers difficult. So Philip helps him. Lots going on. I got confused at points, bored at others. Wasn't feeling the connection between Brian and Philip. Also, there is a medical issue and how it is treated does not appear to be appropriate given Brian's past social history. The end with the mess with the motorcycle guys and who Philip's father is just gets messy. So not a very enjoyable read.
November 7, 2020
I really liked this one! I've recently read a few "based on a fairy tale" books, and while this story was definitely very, very loosely based on one, I enjoyed it a lot. The themes are at times quite heavy, but not overly dark. More than anything else, this is a lovely contemporary romance with a happy ending.
I liked both main characters, especially Brian, even though a few times I had to go back and remind myself who was narrating. There were quite a few interesting and charming side characters as well.
Absolutely loved the author's writing style. I was truly able to feel the characters' emotions with them and there were moments when I was shushing my husband and chasing him out of the room so I was able to concentrate on a particularly emotional scene. Have to say I wasn't expecting a particular bit of drama in the book, and thought it was perhaps a tad too much, but I'd enjoyed the book a lot so far so just went with it.
I will most definitely go and get book two asap. My tbr list has already given up the silly wish that I'd just go through it without adding more books to it. And more. And more...
I liked both main characters, especially Brian, even though a few times I had to go back and remind myself who was narrating. There were quite a few interesting and charming side characters as well.
Absolutely loved the author's writing style. I was truly able to feel the characters' emotions with them and there were moments when I was shushing my husband and chasing him out of the room so I was able to concentrate on a particularly emotional scene. Have to say I wasn't expecting a particular bit of drama in the book, and thought it was perhaps a tad too much, but I'd enjoyed the book a lot so far so just went with it.
I will most definitely go and get book two asap. My tbr list has already given up the silly wish that I'd just go through it without adding more books to it. And more. And more...
August 25, 2020
** First Time Reader** I'm really glad I decided to take a chance and give this story a try. It was very real story about addictions, second chances, fairytale romance, family betrayals and heroism. Phillip the wealthy restaurant owner who is as sweet as pie meets Brian a recovering addict who is looking for a better outlook on life. First meeting was not so good...filled with alot misunderstandings but once they meet up again, it was an intense attraction shared by the two. Their romance was really a fairy tale...it had its share of villains and some real difficult situations/issues they needed to overcome but over all this was a lovely love story between two wonderful guys who lucked up and found each other in a time when both needed something special in their lives. I really enjoyed this tale and highly recommend it if you enjoy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2024
Three Main Characters
This story had the potential to be 5 stars for me because it was well written, the characters had a lot of growth, and there were interesting plot points that kept me interested.
There was one aspect of this story that almost made me DNF though - and that’s Philip’s ex Chase. His memory was like a cancer in this book. He was brought up in probably 90% of every major development and it got to the point where I was so annoyed I just rolled my eyes. Most of the times I got so frustrated because I didn’t understand why the author was so fixated on this character. I understand part of the purpose of this character to the overall story, but him being mentioned all the time overshadowed so much of the relationship and intimacy between Philip and Brian. Even in the epilogue I was just like…why is he even mentioned? I dislike stories with lingering ghost MC’s who are always annoyingly just there.
This story had the potential to be 5 stars for me because it was well written, the characters had a lot of growth, and there were interesting plot points that kept me interested.
There was one aspect of this story that almost made me DNF though - and that’s Philip’s ex Chase. His memory was like a cancer in this book. He was brought up in probably 90% of every major development and it got to the point where I was so annoyed I just rolled my eyes. Most of the times I got so frustrated because I didn’t understand why the author was so fixated on this character. I understand part of the purpose of this character to the overall story, but him being mentioned all the time overshadowed so much of the relationship and intimacy between Philip and Brian. Even in the epilogue I was just like…why is he even mentioned? I dislike stories with lingering ghost MC’s who are always annoyingly just there.
August 25, 2020
Its always a treat to read a modern MM spin on the traditional fairy tale classics.
Brian Rose carries the dark curse from his mother. After his stint in rehab, he moves on and tries to get his life on track. Too bad an unexpected and wealthy crush is supposed to be off limits - because - new boss.
Philip Arrigo is a self proclaimed liar. There probably isn't anyone he hasn't lied to. Except, he meets Brian, his new employee, and everything changes. Suddenly sharing his dreams with this man. What can possible become of this?
Well meshed characters. Great world building and fantastic and not overly done dark elements that makes this a worth while read.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
January 11, 2022
I love the princess books and to have these books come out but as princes ....
This one is based very loosely on sleeping beauty. You have your Innocent prince. Phillip who I do believe is the princes name in the actual fairy tale. Trusting. Though he doesn't sing to the animals. Though now I wished I paid more attention to the friends name to see how many actually match to the fairy tale story. Bad observation on my part. My main objective was to see how these to got their happy ending. Love the plot twist a lot though. With who Brian's turns out to be a prince in his own right. Which make him Phillips Prince charming. Everything that happen in Brian life and he put it all on the line to save his one true love it was so good.
This one is based very loosely on sleeping beauty. You have your Innocent prince. Phillip who I do believe is the princes name in the actual fairy tale. Trusting. Though he doesn't sing to the animals. Though now I wished I paid more attention to the friends name to see how many actually match to the fairy tale story. Bad observation on my part. My main objective was to see how these to got their happy ending. Love the plot twist a lot though. With who Brian's turns out to be a prince in his own right. Which make him Phillips Prince charming. Everything that happen in Brian life and he put it all on the line to save his one true love it was so good.
September 17, 2025
Curse
I will give this book a 4/5. This book is good from start to finish. I feel as if the story incorporated some real life issues. There drug use, self esteem issues, money, and loneliness to name a few. But there is also love and that us the best. Brian moves to New York to meet his mother. Brian is a recovering addict. He meets his mother and she helps him to get a job. But he starts liking his boss and the boss, Phillip, likes Brian. Phillip is very wealthy and Brian is not. That poses a potential problem. Philip's also wants him back. Brian is not sure where he fits in the world of Phillip. The two men are going g to have to come to an understanding if they are going to have a chance.
I will give this book a 4/5. This book is good from start to finish. I feel as if the story incorporated some real life issues. There drug use, self esteem issues, money, and loneliness to name a few. But there is also love and that us the best. Brian moves to New York to meet his mother. Brian is a recovering addict. He meets his mother and she helps him to get a job. But he starts liking his boss and the boss, Phillip, likes Brian. Phillip is very wealthy and Brian is not. That poses a potential problem. Philip's also wants him back. Brian is not sure where he fits in the world of Phillip. The two men are going g to have to come to an understanding if they are going to have a chance.
August 25, 2020
This story combines elements of the fairytale on which it is loosely based, Sleeping Beauty, with good contemporary characters in Brian and Phillip that made me care about not only them but what would happen. I liked that the dark elements that are often in fairytales were very much there. Fairytales are not happy things in general. T.L. Gehr does a great job telling a complex story that kept me engaged from the beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
This story was such an emotional journey.
The insecurities of both Brian and Phillip throughout the story had you questioning if they would make it together.
Also the drama of past histories, drug use, kidnapping, emotional trauma, parents, ptsd and prison experience; I could not put this story down for a minute.
And it has a great ending!
The insecurities of both Brian and Phillip throughout the story had you questioning if they would make it together.
Also the drama of past histories, drug use, kidnapping, emotional trauma, parents, ptsd and prison experience; I could not put this story down for a minute.
And it has a great ending!
November 24, 2021
4.25 stars - Really enjoyed this one! Thoughtful portrayal of addiction and recovery, whilst still giving pretty good modern fairy tale vibes. This was a billionaire romance in disguise, but I really didn’t mind bc the billionaire wanted to
August 27, 2023
The Spindle’s Curse
I Love retellings. But you don’t see too many MM retellings out there so I had to pick this one up when I ran across it. It was good. A modern retelling so it really only has some elements of the original fairytale but I still enjoyed it. And I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I Love retellings. But you don’t see too many MM retellings out there so I had to pick this one up when I ran across it. It was good. A modern retelling so it really only has some elements of the original fairytale but I still enjoyed it. And I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 28, 2020
Excellent debut
I thought this was really well thought out, if a little dramatic (but then, what fairytale isn't).
The characters were engaging and endearing, although there wasn't as much character growth as I normally prefer.
I will be looking forward to the next book.
I thought this was really well thought out, if a little dramatic (but then, what fairytale isn't).
The characters were engaging and endearing, although there wasn't as much character growth as I normally prefer.
I will be looking forward to the next book.
August 30, 2020
Refreshing spin
This is a completely different take on the fairytale that deserves kudos for its originality. Phillip & Brian are super sweet together and I'd happily more stories about them. Off to see if there are more stories by this author I can binge.
This is a completely different take on the fairytale that deserves kudos for its originality. Phillip & Brian are super sweet together and I'd happily more stories about them. Off to see if there are more stories by this author I can binge.
March 22, 2021
I like this book but I gave four stars because it’s in first person. But it’s dramatic. And the story line is clear. The sex is hot. And the gap between Brian and Philip let the story dramatic. Great.
September 13, 2021
Wow ... couldn't put it down!
This was an absolute fantastic read.
Fantastic character development, great pace and twists and turns in the story. Can't wait to read the next on in the series and look forward to future book releases as well.
Definitely recommend.
This was an absolute fantastic read.
Fantastic character development, great pace and twists and turns in the story. Can't wait to read the next on in the series and look forward to future book releases as well.
Definitely recommend.
September 2, 2020
3.5 stars
This one was such a fresh take on the sleeping beauty fairytale.
I loved the authors writing. This one gave me all the feels. Will definitely be reading more in this series.
This one was such a fresh take on the sleeping beauty fairytale.
I loved the authors writing. This one gave me all the feels. Will definitely be reading more in this series.
Read
October 29, 2020DNF 48%
Read
November 8, 2021Not for me so DNF
August 6, 2023
podobała mi się
June 1, 2024
i love brian and philip
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