I’m no Sleeping Beauty. I’m not a princess and I have no prince. There are no fairy godmothers for me. But what if a girl could have three Godfathers instead? The course of my life wasn’t changed by a curse. It was lies, betrayal, and the powerful families that run Sinhaven. I think I’m immune, safe, tucked away at Mike’s Garage with Memaw and the Castenellas, rewriting my beloved fairytales and dreaming of far, far away. But what do you do when your love is rejected, and nothing turns out like you wish? What do you do when the spindle isn’t something you reach for, but something that comes from behind, leaving your body battered and broken? When one letter destroys everything you thought you knew about yourself? What if every single person you love lies? I’ll tell you what you do: you leave. In the dead of the night with no goodbyes. That was six years ago. The truth may be lost to the grave, but Toc, Luca, and Rafe still run the garage. Surprise fellas. I’m coming back. I’m going to take what’s mine and wreak my vengeance. All of Sinhaven will feel my Wrath.
**WARNING** This book contains some scenes of graphic violence that may be disturbing for some readers, and there is mention of sexual assault, though it is not seen on the page.
Jay Leigh likes all the beverages both alcoholic and caffeinated. She hates seafood and pumpkin spice, and adores every flavor and genre of fine men and books. She resides in the wilderness of Michigan, boating and camping all summer, writing all winter. She's a decent photographer, and shamelessly purchases all things dachshund. A prolific breeder, she has a huge family, having far more than the allotted 2.2 children with the hottie who put a ring on it. One day she hopes to hang up her stethoscope permanently, spending all of her time palpating nothing but her shiny new retro keyboard. Dreaming in stories, she wants nothing more than to drown both your face and your panties with her words.
This is the fourth Sinners Fairytales book I've read as part of the ARC team.
Wrath may be my favorite selection in this shared world so far!
The story had depth, the characters were interesting, and I liked Ellie. And I didn't like her at times. Most of all, I understood her. That, for me, made it resonate.
The boys, the families, the twisting of the Beauty tale... it was all great.
Steamy, dark, and full of mystery... just like I like it!
Wrath is the third installment in the Sinner's Fairytales universe. I am enjoying reading each author's different take on the fairytales and twisting them with the seven deadly sins.
Wrath is a sinfully dark story. Jay Leigh Brown spun a mafia aspect to the story, which really fit well with the storyline. Ellie isn't your typical Sleeping Beauty. She doesn't have a curse, but rather an unfortunate turn of events. Beaten, abused, forced to change her identity. She has to leave the family she loves behind to save herself.
Her story starts out with her in high school. I will say right now that it's been a long time since I've read a teenage romance and it felt a little odd, to be completely honest. I was relieved to turn the page and see a part two set in the future. I'm definitely more for an over 20 heroine. And that's speaking minimum. I'll read younger, but if I'm expecting adult acts, I prefer adult age, ya know?
I don't know about you, but I caught an Oceans 11 vibe during a good portion of the second half of the book. When the guys go around helping Ellie gather what she needs to wrap up her story, it had that feeling of the Ocean's crew setting up a heist. Again, that ties in pretty well with the mafia feel of the story.
My heart hurts for Ellie during the last few remainder of the story, what she went through, and what she missed out on. Jay Leigh Brown wrapped everything up with a neat little bow at the end of the story. Yeah, that's what we want in a novel that doesn't continue in the next book, but I am glad that it wasn't done suddenly. No wonder this is a whopper of a book!
In all honesty, Sleeping Beauty is one of my least favorite fairytales and I usually don’t read retellings of it for that very reason, but I really enjoyed Jay’s sinful take and modern spin on the tale. There are triggers, so please be aware of them before you pick up this book- it does have dark themes. This book had all emotions leaking from the pages, a twisted storyline, and kept me entranced and invested in Elle the entire time. Elle is extremely realistic, strong as hell, and truly inspiring after all she’s been through and had to overcome. As bad as it sounds, I didn’t feel too strongly for her guys as love interests, but I did like them as family/ her “fairy godfathers”. The Famiglias played large and numerous parts in Elle’s story and I enjoyed the mafia aspect. I really liked that this book started off as YA, but moved to NA where it really belongs. I don’t read too many books with time jumps, but it fit the story and didn’t feel forced. I loved this broken, raw, dark, and dangerous retelling and I’m looking forward to what Jay comes up with next!
Loved this story!!! This is another story that’s part of the Sinners Fairytale series. This one is a Sleeping Beauty retelling. Wrath is a darker romance and wow was it so good!!! Started reading and it grabbed my attention right in the beginning. Storyline was fantastic and characters are also really good. Definitely a must read. Just be prepared that once you start reading you will not be able to stop. So good!!!
Another great addition to the sinners fairytale universe. I continually love these books. This book was a very new twist on the sleeping beauty story. Per usual, we had our subtle nods to the fairytale, but it was completely different. I love how creative these authors are with the stories.
The author did a great job with this book. I initially wasn’t sure which way she was going with this, since it did start in high school. With the second half I definitely understood a bit more and I loved being able to get a better understanding of everything that happened.
I really enjoyed that the story was a bit deeper than just the surface drama, there was a whole network that we got to learn about. Lots of connections, lots of drama, and, of course, plenty of steam.
I know this is a stand-alone but I would love for the author to write a follow up with these families. She created such an intricate world and I really enjoyed all of the details she included in this book.
God this book nearly broke me. This was dark, twisted, and sinfully delicious. I loved the mafia aspect of this unique retelling. El is my absolute hero. God that girl has so much strength. I wanted to throttle Toc so many times…that boy is frustrating as you know what. The twins I absolutely love. I wanted a certain someone to be tortured a long slow death that we would get the pleasure of reading but alas other things happened that allowed me to let it go lol I loved the ending and the relationship El gets to form.
Overall Opinion : This was the first book that I have read by this author and it was everything I wanted and so much more! I have always loved reading fairytale retelling and the way an author molds an original classic to their own way and fantasy. It's pretty amazing and sometimes shocking too.
Wrath was a retelling of the sleeping beauty fairytale and it was much darker than I expected. It has all the tropes I dig like Romance , Revenge, enemies to lovers , betrayal and so much more. This was a good one time read for me !
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there.
This is one HECK of a read! I had to take reading breaks here and there just because the pain was sometimes so intense that it felt real. Everyone involved had me on the edge of my seat, my emotions were matching theirs and honestly, I don’t think I had a dry eye for half of the book. I couldn’t ever imagine coming back from what Ellie did. All her pain mixed in with Toc, Luca and Rafe had me dying on the inside for them to have their happy ending. It was hard to know that the guys never really let her go, they know she was gone but it was as if they still awaited her return. All the pain they harbored and the emotions they kept hidden came rushing to the surface when she shows back up. I was worried that it was going to be a long road before they could pick up the pieces and move on. So many secrets and betrayal between them, it was hard to imagine them working through it all. It happened though and I can’t think of a better group for this to happen with. They all deserved their happy endings. The drama and suspense were insane! So many things were going on that I felt out of control, the Famiglia having so much more control than one would ever think. It went so much deeper than Ellie or the guys could have ever imagined. I was shocked at the ending; I didn’t see that at all. I was having a hard time putting the pieces together, I had to stop reading at one point and think about things to see if I could figure out who played a part in what. Everything finally came to a head there at the end and I was dying on the inside to find out all the answers, I knew it was going to bring a big blow with it and I certainly was not let down. I was thrown into this world and was so upset with having to leave it. The characters had everything needed to pull off such twists and turns. Trust me when I tell you that this was an awesome read and you will not be let down, definitely check it out!
This was the most painfully beautiful and perfect retelling of Sleeping Beauty I’ve ever read!
The story starts out sweet and seemingly innocent for Ellie and her childhood sweethearts; Toc, Rafe, and Luca. But it slowly spirals in to a painful and revenge-filled nightmare for Ellie. Unable to stay in the town of Sinhaven after something so sinister and unimaginable happens to her, she leaves to repair herself, both physically and mentally. Forcing her to leave behind 3 pieces of her heart. After 6 long years, she returns to carry out her revenge, and in the process, her heart is lovingly repaired by all three of her men (although Rafe’s part takes just a little bit longer).
This story is filled with so many emotions and although it was surprisingly long, it gave me such a wonderfully complete picture of each character and I felt like I knew each of them better than I know my best friend! This story is NOT to be missed!!!
Trigger warning: there is physical and sexual violence told through memories
Overall I enjoyed the story. There were a few moments where I felt the characters flipped too quickly through their emotions. It felt a little fake for who the characters were supposed to be.
Wrath is definitely a twisted version of Sleeping Beauty. Ellie goes through so much. Her life is completely turned upside down in an instant. She rises from her past like a Phoenix from the ashes though and returns to enact her revenge. Her return brings her back to the Castenella men, the three boys she has loved since she met them. Ellie is so focused on her revenge that the life she could have starts to fall away from her. There are many secrets to be revealed and it takes almost to the last chapter to unravel them all.
One of the best Sleeping Beauty retellings I've read! The story hooks you and pulls you through and you're like wait! wait! what was that? was that a clue? The intrigue and suspense will leave you holding your breath, trying to figure out what's going on and who knows what! When you get to the end you'll realize just how many bread crumbs were dropped throughout the book and want to go back and reread just to see what you might have missed. Masterfully written, toeing the line between dark and black, with steam and romance wrapping it all together, the author has done an amazing job! I will say some of the scenes I thought were the hottest weren't actual explicit scenes, that's how well written this book is. A must-read!
This book is a dark retelling of a classic tale; Ellie goes through hell (triggers) but even at her lowest she has the strength and determination to live and not let evil get her down. With the love, strength and support of her 3 "fairy godfathers" Ellie survives to get her questions answered, conquer her fears and find unconditional love with her amazing family. This is Book 3 in a great series from amazing authors who have come together to entertain us readers by weaving together a dark world that includes all of our childhood favorites.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
****Trigger Warning: Please read the trigger warning, stated by the author, before proceeding********
WOW!! What an intense retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but I loved every minute of it!! My heart literally broke for Ellie, but she came back as a survivor and swinging!! Ellie’s life was turned upside down in a brutal and horrible way. Ellie comes from a town named, Sinhaven, where the top families and residents, will do anything to succeed. Power is everything. Ellie and her boys: Toc, Luca and Rafe have always been there for each other and have always loved each other. She is so focused on her revenge to remember who she does have on her side ♥️ My emotions were definitely on a very wavy roller coaster ride throughout this amazing story of love, pain, deception, anger, revenge and forgiveness 🖤 Whew, that twist ending will make your jaw drop 🤭 This was a fantastic and well written story!! I really applaud Jay Leigh Brown for a wonderful job 🌷 I absolutely fell in love with these characters!! I very highly recommend this book 💙
This book took me on an emotional JOURNEEEEEY!!!!! I will start by saying that this book is very plot heavy and jumps a few years in the middle, but I quite liked it. The things that Ellie have been through are literally insane and would break any normal person, but she goes through them and comes out the other side stronger and more determined than ever. While I love Ellie I was ready to smack some sense into her guys, I mean... I was ready to reach into the page and shake Toc. Even though I did not like the guys at point, I really enjoyed this read and I would definitely pick it up if you are looking for a new dark romance.
What a fantastic book!! This was the first book that I have read by this author. And I really enjoyed it. Her writing style is the kind that I love..it grabs you and pulls you into the story and lives of the Characters. This was a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. And the main character Ellie and her 3 guys Toc, Rafe and Luca. Ger grandma Memaw and the guys uncle Mike. And there's even a Melifacent. This book brings you through all the feelings possible. And Wow does poor Ellie go through some tough times! The world building and story was just so great! I highly recommend this book. I am really enjoying these retold fairy tales. You really should give them a try. 😊😘
I FLOVE fairytale story retellings and Wrath was one of the best!!! I was captured from the very beginning all the way to “The End” and let me tell you I was kept guessing the entire story!!! Completely amazing. The authors words had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat. This was the perfectly proportioned with the mystery the suspense the dark the romance and the SPICY!!! Yesss it was completely everything I wanted and also exceeded my expectations. 100% absolute must read.
Wrath will grab you at the start and take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with heartache and pain, joy and unconditional love. Ellie is one of the strongest protagonist I've seen. She is like a phoenix, rising out of the ashes of her old life. The author does a good job portraying the angst she feels as she moves toward her goals with a single-mindedness bordering on obsession. Her love for the Castenellas only makes her stronger, but she doesn't want to drag them any further down with her. Will she get the answers she seeks, and find the peace that has always eluded her? Or will her quest destroy her and everyone she loves?
The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with danger, romance and personal growth. The characters are well developed and endearing. The Castenellas are every woman's dream. Overall, a great read not to be missed.
Wow, where do I begin with this story. This is not like any fairy tale or retelling that I have read before.
Raw, brutal, emotional, honest, no holds barred, yet beautiful story. Love, friendship, deceit, deception, lies, anger, forgiveness, redemption and revenge. What else can I say.
The town of Sinhaven is right out of the minds of every mobile story that I remember growing up, but it is like none other. The family, the families - they run deep and will do what ever it takes to climb to the top. There is no limit to what they will do. The one twist towards the end the one person I hoped wasn't involved, but deep down in my heart knew they were. Surprised, but not surprised - disappointed, but not really as I figured they would have had a part.
This book, these characters, they truly spoke to me. I felt their pain, their thoughts, their struggles.
Ellie - the words fighter, overcomer, survivor are not enough to describe her. To know all that she went though and still survive...wow.
And Toc, Rafe, and Luca. Those 3, strong, loving, quiet, determined and have a Iot to learn. But, there are no other people you would rather have in my corner if you ever lived there.
I loved the twist on this story. Ellie is a very strong woman dealing with so much. She never gives up no matter what happens even if it means having to leave those she loves behind for a while. She is even willing to come home to solve the mystery of who she is. I liked that each of the families played a part in the story, helping unravel the mystery. The Castenella boys are amazing, I enjoyed seeing them grow throughout the book while working to have everything they desire. The charters were well developed. I enjoyed Ellie’s interaction with friends/acquaintances and how they added to the story. I recommend this book, it was a great read. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a great re telling of the sleeping beauty story. This book tool me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It was filled with humor , pain, suspense , and amazing chemistry between Ellie , Toc , Luca and Rafe. Ellie is the epitome of a strong female character who has faced the most extreme of circumstances but is still able to overcome it all Definitely a must read book.
I loved the twist on this book. Ellie was a girl who knew what she wanted but due to some tragic event she left her home town only to return years later and claim what she lost. Toc, Luca and Rafe were her childhood best friends and were trying to stay out of the family business with the local crime families. There are twists and turns throughout this book along with some tears. The author did a great job with this book I highly recommend.
I loved this take on sleeping Beauty. It has some very hard topics and lots of emotions. I loved the mafia aspect and the drama. The FMC is soo strong and resistant for all she has been through. Her men are so perfect even though I wanted to hit them at times. They are just perfect!! Great story!!!
What an emotional rollercoaster of a ride! A dark twist on the retelling of Sleeping Beauty that will leave you having all the feels. I loved the mafia component and all the twists and turns of the story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Plot Heavy This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. I liked how the FMC -Ellie- admits to her faults and seeks help when she needs it. There was a lot of buildup to the plot. This is a big book and at times it felt like it was dragging. I liked how the different families played their parts. Trigger warning for violence against women.
I loved this book! It was dark, but that's my style! I was hooked within the first few sentences. I loved the characters, the twists and all the feels this book brought out. The Mc is so strong and I got caught up in her journey and relationships. I recommend this book 100%
Feel the Wrath This was such an emotionally intense ride. The angst, trauma and loss was palpable throughout the whole book. And I was so here for it. Aurelia is the epitome of a survivor turned warrior. Will the Castenella boys rise to the challenge? The emotions I felt reading this book were so intense and I could feel Aurelias wrath deep in my bones. I wanted her to just burn Sinhaven to the ground.
This is a dark romance. Make sure you read the triggers for this book before proceeding, the trauma is extreme. But worth it in my opinion.
What an amazing take on 1 of my favourite stories. I live that Ellie us such an amazing and string fmc determined not to rely in her guys to come to her rescue. The characters in this book were well written and I could relate to each one individually and as a harem. Loved Wrath and I can't wait for more.
This book... I'm still trying to bring myself back from its darkness. I loved it! I was hooked within the first few sentences. I loved the characters, the twists and all the feels this book brought out. The Mc is so strong and I got caught up in her journey and relationships. I recommend this book 100%