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Fairy Tale Retellings #1
The Fairest
A snow white prince lost in a storm, and the huntsman who will have his heart.
Gareth is the huntsman of Castle Gwynedd. It’s not a fancy life, but he gets to live in his cozy cabin with his wolfhound, Leni, and do work he’s good at. If he spends more time than appropriate reminiscing about his youth with Prince Carwyn, no one needs to know about it. A little pining isn’t going to hurt anyone but Gareth, after all.
Carwyn is about to be crowned king of Gwynedd. He’s anxious about how he’ll be remembered by history. Will he be like his mother, remembered as a wise and clever ruler, or will he forge a less noble legacy and become Carwyn the Last, ending the country his ancestors cobbled together from warring families?
When an overheard conversation sends Carwyn running in fear for his life, Gareth is the only man who can hunt his future king down in time to save him from the coming snowstorm . . . and from a bigger threat inside the castle itself.
Gareth is the huntsman of Castle Gwynedd. It’s not a fancy life, but he gets to live in his cozy cabin with his wolfhound, Leni, and do work he’s good at. If he spends more time than appropriate reminiscing about his youth with Prince Carwyn, no one needs to know about it. A little pining isn’t going to hurt anyone but Gareth, after all.
Carwyn is about to be crowned king of Gwynedd. He’s anxious about how he’ll be remembered by history. Will he be like his mother, remembered as a wise and clever ruler, or will he forge a less noble legacy and become Carwyn the Last, ending the country his ancestors cobbled together from warring families?
When an overheard conversation sends Carwyn running in fear for his life, Gareth is the only man who can hunt his future king down in time to save him from the coming snowstorm . . . and from a bigger threat inside the castle itself.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2021
111 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 24, 2021
This is yet another win from a new-to-me author. I really enjoyed this short, sweet story about an uncertain prince and his gruff huntsman.
The book is very loosely based on Snow White. The motives of the secondary characters are skillfully obscured to the point I wasn't certain until the very end who the true villain was.
I wanted an epilogue but still consider the ending a HEA, albeit a tentative one. Would Gareth really be happy living amidst so many people? Would he remain a huntsman? I need to know!
Oh well.
I liked Carwyn and Gareth a great deal. The bit of steam at the snowed-in cabin was sensual and just right.
And I just love these medieval type settings with lords and castles, set in fictional faraway countries where kings and queens still rule.
The book is very loosely based on Snow White. The motives of the secondary characters are skillfully obscured to the point I wasn't certain until the very end who the true villain was.
I wanted an epilogue but still consider the ending a HEA, albeit a tentative one. Would Gareth really be happy living amidst so many people? Would he remain a huntsman? I need to know!
Oh well.
I liked Carwyn and Gareth a great deal. The bit of steam at the snowed-in cabin was sensual and just right.
And I just love these medieval type settings with lords and castles, set in fictional faraway countries where kings and queens still rule.
August 19, 2024
I needed a cuddly fairy tale story very quickly and after a short search I came across this book. Mission accomplished. One of the fluffiest Snow White retellings I know. Almost no drama. Very short and really simple.
It suited me quite well, but I have to agree with many of the reviews, annoying long internal monologues.
Furthermore, if the cover makes you squirm, it's best to ignore it. Yes, the prince is young and rather slender in stature, but he is in no way as childlike as the person on this cover and he is 20.
Gareth and Carwyn make a lovely couple and really seem like they were made for each other.
He’d been tempted by a man once or twice, but always when he considered the option, his mind had gone back to what they weren’t. They weren’t big enough, or imposing enough, or shy enough, or sweet enough, or kind to animals, or . . . not a single one of them had been Gareth. 💗😊💗
There's not much to say about it, it's a rather short book, so don't expect any depth, but that's exactly why I read it.
Besides, after the heat of the past few days, it was nice to read something with so much snow.
His vision whited out at yet another thrust from Gareth’s blunt fingers, touching off something in him that had to be a gift from the fae folk.
It couldn’t possibly be of the mundane realm, that perfect, sizzling sensation that shot through his whole body, making him arch up into Gareth’s mouth, coming and coming until he was so spent he couldn’t even keep his grip on Gareth’s shoulder, his hand slipping down to lie on the bed. 🤩💜🤩
It suited me quite well, but I have to agree with many of the reviews, annoying long internal monologues.
Furthermore, if the cover makes you squirm, it's best to ignore it. Yes, the prince is young and rather slender in stature, but he is in no way as childlike as the person on this cover and he is 20.
Gareth and Carwyn make a lovely couple and really seem like they were made for each other.
He’d been tempted by a man once or twice, but always when he considered the option, his mind had gone back to what they weren’t. They weren’t big enough, or imposing enough, or shy enough, or sweet enough, or kind to animals, or . . . not a single one of them had been Gareth. 💗😊💗
There's not much to say about it, it's a rather short book, so don't expect any depth, but that's exactly why I read it.
Besides, after the heat of the past few days, it was nice to read something with so much snow.
His vision whited out at yet another thrust from Gareth’s blunt fingers, touching off something in him that had to be a gift from the fae folk.
It couldn’t possibly be of the mundane realm, that perfect, sizzling sensation that shot through his whole body, making him arch up into Gareth’s mouth, coming and coming until he was so spent he couldn’t even keep his grip on Gareth’s shoulder, his hand slipping down to lie on the bed. 🤩💜🤩
January 31, 2021
Hello, Sam Burns!
It's such a pleasure...we haven't met before.
I'm happy that's been resolved because I had such a delightful time with this fairy tale adaptation.
The fairest prince and his beloved huntsman fight for their chance to live and love.
I was 100% smitten.
Drawn in by the cover but captivated with the story.
Thank you Winter Wonderland Giveaway and please, please GR librarians, don't take these away.
It's such a pleasure...we haven't met before.
I'm happy that's been resolved because I had such a delightful time with this fairy tale adaptation.
The fairest prince and his beloved huntsman fight for their chance to live and love.
I was 100% smitten.
Drawn in by the cover but captivated with the story.
Thank you Winter Wonderland Giveaway and please, please GR librarians, don't take these away.
January 5, 2021
3.5*
This is a delightful reimagining of the Snow White fairy tale minus the dwarves and without a wicked stepmother in sight.
Instead, it looks at how two children, one the Crown Prince, one the son of the Queen's Chamberlain, drifted apart once their mothers died and they grew older.
Gareth, now the Royal Huntsman, is a giant of a man, quiet and gentle, he avoids the castle so he doesn't have to see Carwyn and avoid hurting his bruised heart. For his part, Carwyn spends most of the time wishing he wasn't Prince and trying to avoid running away from his responsibilities.
Unfortunately, events conspire for Carwyn to do just that and it's left to Gareth to find him and keep him safe.
With a virgin prince, two young men who get too word shy to admit their feelings, a snow storm and a cabin with only one bed, this proved to be the perfect New Year's treat!
This is a delightful reimagining of the Snow White fairy tale minus the dwarves and without a wicked stepmother in sight.
Instead, it looks at how two children, one the Crown Prince, one the son of the Queen's Chamberlain, drifted apart once their mothers died and they grew older.
Gareth, now the Royal Huntsman, is a giant of a man, quiet and gentle, he avoids the castle so he doesn't have to see Carwyn and avoid hurting his bruised heart. For his part, Carwyn spends most of the time wishing he wasn't Prince and trying to avoid running away from his responsibilities.
Unfortunately, events conspire for Carwyn to do just that and it's left to Gareth to find him and keep him safe.
With a virgin prince, two young men who get too word shy to admit their feelings, a snow storm and a cabin with only one bed, this proved to be the perfect New Year's treat!
January 3, 2021
3.5
It's not exactly a retelling of Snow White but Sam Burns take on it. So don't look for dwarfs, mirrors, evil stepmothers or magic. There is also no glass coffin but there are kisses, important kisses and because The Fairest starts as a cute story about a virgin prince and his shy huntsman it doesn't stop at kissing but it needs a snow storm that the former childhood friends are able to overcome their insecurities and their assumptions what's the best for the other.
Don't worry that the cuteness is tumbling into sweetness, doesn't happen because Sam Burns takes the story seriously. So even after loosing his self-doubt together with his virginity it's not all sunshine and roses. There are some more steps to take for their HEA because although there's no witch there is still an apple.
It's not exactly a retelling of Snow White but Sam Burns take on it. So don't look for dwarfs, mirrors, evil stepmothers or magic. There is also no glass coffin but there are kisses, important kisses and because The Fairest starts as a cute story about a virgin prince and his shy huntsman it doesn't stop at kissing but it needs a snow storm that the former childhood friends are able to overcome their insecurities and their assumptions what's the best for the other.
Don't worry that the cuteness is tumbling into sweetness, doesn't happen because Sam Burns takes the story seriously. So even after loosing his self-doubt together with his virginity it's not all sunshine and roses. There are some more steps to take for their HEA because although there's no witch there is still an apple.
January 25, 2021
Ok, this was a huge reminder I need to revisit this author.
I'm a huge fan of Fairy Tale retellings and this one really worked for me.
Very, very good.
Thank you to all the authors who participated in this Winter Wonderland event and contributed a free read. It was truly the best way to start 2021.
I'm a huge fan of Fairy Tale retellings and this one really worked for me.
Very, very good.
Thank you to all the authors who participated in this Winter Wonderland event and contributed a free read. It was truly the best way to start 2021.
January 4, 2021
3.5 stars
February 11, 2021
This is one of the nicest snow white retellings I've read. It strays a lot from the source (we're pretty much just keeping the pretty royal, the huntsman and the apple) but the way it's designed makes it just work.
Every retelling has an issue they fight against. Cinderella retellings fight cheesiness, little mermaid fight bad worldbuilding decisions, and snow white retellings fight soullessness. Plenty of them have hollow characters, or lack of motivation, or even lamp characters that are there just to fit the role. Even Disney has those issues. If straying from the material makes this work, then it is the best decision Sam could've made.
Every retelling has an issue they fight against. Cinderella retellings fight cheesiness, little mermaid fight bad worldbuilding decisions, and snow white retellings fight soullessness. Plenty of them have hollow characters, or lack of motivation, or even lamp characters that are there just to fit the role. Even Disney has those issues. If straying from the material makes this work, then it is the best decision Sam could've made.
June 29, 2024
Wow, I'm blown away by how much I loved this! I went into it with very low expectations and I'd never read anything by this author before so I was expecting a formulaic, boring instalove scenario with little substance. What I got instead was an incredibly sweet friends to lovers romance that involved tons of tropes I love (hurt-comfort, rescues, domesticity) and was beautifully balanced by interesting character development and a tense suspense plotline that involved political intrigue (something I don't normally enjoy).
This story is a short one and I appreciate how the author quickly established the existing bond between Huntsman Gareth and Crown Prince Carwyn while not taking up too much precious page time.
The two of them were adorable together with Gareth being a shy gentle giant who was always content to let the extroverted Carwyn do his talking for him. Wherever Carwyn goes, Gareth happily follows and that doesn't change when Carwyn goes from being a Prince to being the Crown Prince. Gareth's loyalty to both Carwyn-His-BFF and Carwyn-His-Prince were portrayed really well and Gareth always struck the right balance between treating Carwyn as just plain old Carwyn or treating him like his sovereign, depending on the situation. I also loved that Carwyn was a virgin, which puts Gareth in the driver's seat when they have sexy times and this levels out what would normally be a skewed power imbalance that always tilts in Carwyn's favor.
For those going into this for a Snow White re-telling - don't. While I adored the story for what it is, calling it a re-telling is false advertising. There are a few small details in the story that were inspired by Snow White (Carwyn's physical appearance, Gareth's job as Huntsman etc) but nothing else matched. I didn't mind because the characters that didn't match the fairytale were a much better addition to the story than if they had been based more closely on their counterparts. Specifically, I loved how the author handled the Regent, who is Carwyn's widowed stepfather but is also only 8 years older than him. My only complaint about it is that the story is very short and I felt the author used a few too many pages on the relationship development between Carwyn and the stepfather/Regent but that dynamic added even more depth to the story.
Overall, I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed this and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a sweet friends to lovers romance that also has a solid plot. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because it didn't have the wow factor that it could have had it it had been longer and had included more plotlines and more development. But despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I had a huge smile on my face the entire time I read it. I'm definitely going to check out more of this author's work!
This story is a short one and I appreciate how the author quickly established the existing bond between Huntsman Gareth and Crown Prince Carwyn while not taking up too much precious page time.
The two of them were adorable together with Gareth being a shy gentle giant who was always content to let the extroverted Carwyn do his talking for him. Wherever Carwyn goes, Gareth happily follows and that doesn't change when Carwyn goes from being a Prince to being the Crown Prince. Gareth's loyalty to both Carwyn-His-BFF and Carwyn-His-Prince were portrayed really well and Gareth always struck the right balance between treating Carwyn as just plain old Carwyn or treating him like his sovereign, depending on the situation. I also loved that Carwyn was a virgin, which puts Gareth in the driver's seat when they have sexy times and this levels out what would normally be a skewed power imbalance that always tilts in Carwyn's favor.
For those going into this for a Snow White re-telling - don't. While I adored the story for what it is, calling it a re-telling is false advertising. There are a few small details in the story that were inspired by Snow White (Carwyn's physical appearance, Gareth's job as Huntsman etc) but nothing else matched. I didn't mind because the characters that didn't match the fairytale were a much better addition to the story than if they had been based more closely on their counterparts. Specifically, I loved how the author handled the Regent, who is Carwyn's widowed stepfather but is also only 8 years older than him. My only complaint about it is that the story is very short and I felt the author used a few too many pages on the relationship development between Carwyn and the stepfather/Regent but that dynamic added even more depth to the story.
Overall, I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed this and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a sweet friends to lovers romance that also has a solid plot. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because it didn't have the wow factor that it could have had it it had been longer and had included more plotlines and more development. But despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I had a huge smile on my face the entire time I read it. I'm definitely going to check out more of this author's work!
January 2, 2021
Utterly sweet both are so convinced the other is done with them until they crash together. Lovely steam and the fresh take on Snowwhite is so appreciated.
May 5, 2021
4.5
Sweet story that echoed Snow White without being a rehash of that tale. I really like Gareth and Carwyn. Both characters showed growth. I loved the tone and it made me happy!
Sweet story that echoed Snow White without being a rehash of that tale. I really like Gareth and Carwyn. Both characters showed growth. I loved the tone and it made me happy!
October 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much! Its rather short and lighthearted, with hints towards snow while telling its own tale. The way split into parts was great too, as allowed glimpse to the prince and the huntsmans pov of events.
Adore the pining between the two and their reunion, fastpaced and sweet as finally learn each others feelings. There is some steam too, the main plot is wonderful and their romance os so sweet.
The way the apple is used was great and I loved how allowed reveal of their love to the kingdom, Carwyn isn't going to hide Gareth and they find a way for it to work.
Overall a fun, quick and soft story with an interesting plot and world. The happy ending is wonderful and loved how all is resolved for everyone 💕
Adore the pining between the two and their reunion, fastpaced and sweet as finally learn each others feelings. There is some steam too, the main plot is wonderful and their romance os so sweet.
The way the apple is used was great and I loved how allowed reveal of their love to the kingdom, Carwyn isn't going to hide Gareth and they find a way for it to work.
Overall a fun, quick and soft story with an interesting plot and world. The happy ending is wonderful and loved how all is resolved for everyone 💕
February 1, 2022
2.5 rounded up
Cute, short, Snow-white retelling. A little sparse and light on substance, but I enjoyed it for what it was and it worked for what I was in the mood for.
Cute, short, Snow-white retelling. A little sparse and light on substance, but I enjoyed it for what it was and it worked for what I was in the mood for.
September 24, 2021
My first encounter with Snow White was the Disney version, which I found terribly boring, even as a kid. Then when I was slightly older, I watched a retelling in which Snow White got a 'Huntsman' (with scar!) instead. Since then, I always want Snow White to end up with a Huntsman (or hunter), anything but a prince, come on! This one has two gay leads... even better! 😉
The start was good! Pining, oh so much pining! I miss a good pining in romance, I really do. Unfortunately, once Carwyn got lost in the wood and Gareth found him, it all went the sexual path. Sigh. I wanted they to pine much longer.
At least there was no wicked stepmother or stepfather in this one. That's an improvement.
The start was good! Pining, oh so much pining! I miss a good pining in romance, I really do. Unfortunately, once Carwyn got lost in the wood and Gareth found him, it all went the sexual path. Sigh. I wanted they to pine much longer.
At least there was no wicked stepmother or stepfather in this one. That's an improvement.
December 27, 2021
A sweet, low angst reimagining of Snow White. I appreciated that the political intrigue wasn’t too evil or dramatic and that much of it was worked out with words, good sense and logic.
Friends to lovers is my favorite so I had high hopes for this one but though I enjoyed and was entertained by The Fairest, it was somewhat predictable and a bit beige, the kind of story that will fall out of my head by tomorrow. Glad it was KU.
3.25 stars.
Friends to lovers is my favorite so I had high hopes for this one but though I enjoyed and was entertained by The Fairest, it was somewhat predictable and a bit beige, the kind of story that will fall out of my head by tomorrow. Glad it was KU.
3.25 stars.
not-for-me-dnf
February 22, 2022I was hoping for fluffy, instead I got pages and pages (and pages!) of inner dialog. Bummer.
DNF at 23%
DNF at 23%
December 16, 2021
4.5 stars
July 20, 2022
Re-read July 19, 2022. I truly loved revisiting the retelling of this sweet and sensual fairy tale.
January 16, 2021
Now this was a really sweet story. An overwhelmed prince-soon-to-be-king, a young step-father doing his best in his role as regent and the shy huntsman thinking his childhood best friend to be out of reach. It's a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it.
It took inspiration from Snow White, but it's no retelling. There is no evil step-parent, no magic, no dwarfes. And homosexuality is not frowned upon, I do like settings where different sexualities are normal!
It took inspiration from Snow White, but it's no retelling. There is no evil step-parent, no magic, no dwarfes. And homosexuality is not frowned upon, I do like settings where different sexualities are normal!
February 1, 2022
Another great friends to lovers story by this author. This is a retelling of portions of Snow White. The things that I enjoy about these retellings is discovering how the author draws me in as an adult to similar stories I read as a child. I enjoyed this world and reading about the transition of the main characters feelings for each other.
September 5, 2022
Almost dnf because just boring… nothing exciting or new, and the inner dialogue that goes on and never ends…
October 11, 2021
Super sweet story with sweet characters. Loved Gareth and Carwyn. I'd give it 4.5 stars. A virgin prince who doesn't want to be a prince and his shy, gentle giant huntsman find love. I had forgotten how much i enjoy reading Sam Burns.
October 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Review - An interesting retelling of the Snow White story. The fair prince and grim huntsman. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet fairy tale. Wish it were bit more longer and I wanted to see more of Madoc (the efficient stepfather) and maybe get his own happy ending!
Review - An interesting retelling of the Snow White story. The fair prince and grim huntsman. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet fairy tale. Wish it were bit more longer and I wanted to see more of Madoc (the efficient stepfather) and maybe get his own happy ending!
February 12, 2021
4.5 Stars
I am really loving the Winter Wonderland giveaway shenanigans, discovering authors is the best treat.
I loved this and all the tropes the author managed to pack into the story seamlessly.
I am really loving the Winter Wonderland giveaway shenanigans, discovering authors is the best treat.
I loved this and all the tropes the author managed to pack into the story seamlessly.
November 24, 2021
This book is loosely (very very loosely) and very cleverly based on the Snow White fairy tale, in which a huntsman in love with the crown prince who returns his feelings unbeknownst finally figure it out, poisoned apple included.
Utterly adorable. Give this a try.
Utterly adorable. Give this a try.
January 18, 2021
B rating.
February 2, 2021
Winter wonderland prolific free
⭐️3.5⭐️
⭐️3.5⭐️
April 6, 2021
Mhmm, delicious mutual pining.
April 24, 2022
3.5 stars
February 26, 2023
Dnf at 60%. I guess if you’re in the mood for something ultra sweet and without nuance? The pixie stick of corner store candies ? Unapologetically, unabashedly, a tube of coloured sugar
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews