I thought they’d be my salvation, but they look at me like I'm theirs.
Beaten, starved, broken. With nowhere else to go, my only hope to survive is to sell my soul to the devil. After all, when you have nothing, even poison starts to look tempting. But the brutal men that work beneath him are just as trapped as I am, and now it's too late for me to back out. They’re forced to make me into one of them, but I'll use those skills to be King's downfall.
I'll set them free, or die trying.
But with bodies piling up, and secrets coming to light, what once seemed like the lesser of two evils is proving just how blind desperation can make a person. If even these vicious men can't stop him, what hope do I have? I can’t even save myself, so how can I be expected to save anyone? Even if I’m doomed to fail, I have to at least try. Because if I can't pull this off?
Mom’s screams echo through my mind, a haunting reminder that there are many fates worse than death.
This is an RH standalone, dark contemporary romance, and the fourth book of the Sinners Fairytale Retellings series. Each installment can be read independently and each retelling is intended for 18+ mature audiences, since they may contain triggers. Every author contributing to this series guarantees a HEA.
*Medium burn *Multi POV *trigger warning on copyright page
This is the first book I have read in this particular series but not the first by J Kearston. I was assured that not having read the others wouldn't be a problem and it truly wasn't! They may be in a series but the books are individualistic and leave you with an ending. Saying that, I absolutely loved these characters so much that I could do with another book or two with them in it!! A great re-telling of Rumplestiltskin with a dark modern twist.
After spending most of her life getting beaten by her father, Elysium finally gets a way out. Though the alternative might not be the happiest- or safest- option it's the only one she has. When she is offered room and board if she agrees to take on her father's debt she can't really turn it down, it's either accept or face the streets. So she agrees and she soon realizes that everything is not as it seems; it turns out the devil is in the details and Mr, King proves to be just that. The deeper she gets involved the more she sees that she will never be free. Will making the deal with the devil prove to be the path of her demise or will she get the upper hand after all?
Elysium is our FMC who is not the typical damsel in distress. She has been beaten and battered but there is a fire in her and she will not rollover. She has a quiet strength in her that borders crazy--it's an excellent balance and blend! The 3 main dishes in this book are Grave, Everrett, and Maverick. They all have their own role in the book and in the relationship. Grave is the crazy psycho that first brings Elysium to the group (recognizing that she might be as troubled as him), Everett is the rock and anchor of the group, and Maverick is the silent but true partner in all of it.
This book is such a fantastic read! It is hot, dark, and non-stop. This book will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time and you will not want to put it down. I loved it so much and I really do want more! The writing is brilliant and it flows so well. You will not be left wondering at the end, everything is tied up really well. The details are perfect and you really see it all unfolding as you read along. A great read for fans who love dark, RH, re-tellings, and books with feisty FMC rather than wilting violets.
Y'all aren't kidding when you say these books are on the dark side. I sure do love a psycho hero who will raze the world for his woman! Or in this case, three heroes. I hereby claim Grave. He's mine. Okay, I love Maverick and Everett, too, but Grave stole my heart first. Sorry, Elyse!
All kidding aside, J. Kearston has spun another fantastic tale. I loved the character building and the story timeline. Nothing felt rushed or dragged along. It can be hard to tell a great story when it's got to be a standalone. Elyse grew up beaten and abused by her father. She had to get used to the guys and slowly lose the trigger reflexes of flinching away. That does not happen overnight and I'm glad Kearston took the time to build that character development.
Grave reminds me of Diesel from Den of Vipers. So if you enjoyed that book, I bet you'll love this one, too. He may be a psychopath, but you just can’t help but fall in love with him. There were so many times while reading this book that I wanted to crawl through and hug the guys.
That twist near the end threw me for a loop. Out of everything going on in the book, I did not expect that one. I’m happy with how things got resolved at the end, and I was not ready to say goodbye to El and the gang.
3.5 Stars This was an OK standalone RH read. It started really promising for me but along the way I definitely found myself dragging. Similar sounding names of characters also tripped me up a time or two and I’m pretty sure the heroine ends up with 3 guys 🤷🏼♀️ Maybe? The length of the book doesn’t give all that much time for character development and details about each to make them stand out or know their names. This is probably just me though because everyday I kill more and more brain cells but I’ve come to accept that fact 🤣
The book starts when an unwanted visitor becomes a savior for the heroine. Her father owes a decent amount to a sketchy local figure and one of his goons arrives to collect. What starts with the heroine being collateral damage turns into somewhat of a dream come true from her as she’s now free from her abusive demon. Of course now trouble comes calling but in a whole different way than she’s used to. Living with the men bonds her to them but also brings her right into the criminal world and into the sights of even more dangerous men. Good and fairly quick story, I didn’t get any of the retelling vibes or nods to Rumplestiltskin but again what do I know. 🤓🤫
This is the second installment of the Sinners Fairytales series that I've read, and I was not disappointed!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Elysium and the men she comes to live with.
It's a fairytale re-telling of Rumplestiltskin with a seven deadly sins flavor, and Elyse was an interesting mix of vulnerable, broken, and fire inside. Unlike a lot of books, she makes decisions with her head and though her morals are grey, she's not an over-the-top psycho that's almost a cartoon character. (That's a trope I don't mind, but it's overused of late, and I'm getting bored of the boundary pushing craziness of it, so I was happy to see a more grounded FMC.)
I also enjoyed the MMCs quite a bit, though I would have liked to seen a little more of Mav. Grave was a study in contradictions as well, and I honestly wouldn't mind seeing another installment of this group.
This is one hell of a read and once started I could not put out down! It’s a fantastic Dark Contemporary Romance, Rumpelstiltskin Retelling with a twist. It has a reverse harem theme and has abuse triggers. The story is fantastically written and draws you in immediately, it’s dark and gritty, it’s cruel and full of tragedy and the characters are simply put, fantastic. Elysium has lived a vicious and horrible life, one that she yearns to escape, Grave, Everett and Maverick are her men and turn out to be Fantastic. Fast paced, action, adventure, danger and with some romance this fairytale retelling is so addictive!
A dark retelling of Rumplestiltskin that you will absolutely love! Elysium and her men for amazing together and while Elysium is dealing with her abusive past she is still very strong. I didn’t think I could love a psycho hero let alone 3 as much as I did with Elysium’s men they would burn the world to the ground for her! This was absolutely amazing and I loved every minute of it!
I loved this book. It is a retailing of Rumplestiltskin and does not disappoint. Elysium and her men are great together. Some interesting twists in this book as she struggles past her abusive past and embraces her future.
Well, this was rather good wasn't it, and totally not what I expected. This is actually the first book I've read in the Sinners Fairytale Retellings series, but it's not the first book in the series but as far as I know you can read them as standalones. For Greed, this was a dark retelling of Rumplestiltskin.
Elysium, the FMC has spent most of her life being beaten by her father and for her, there is no escape. But things happen where she may go from one evil to another. Though in her eyes where she is going is the lesser of the two evils.
I absolutely loved this story, it was nitty and gritty and fast-paced. Once I started I couldn't stop, and I loved every single page. There are so many twists and turns along the way, and it was brilliantly written. Can't wait to read more from the other authors in this series.
4.5 Stars this one gets - I've put 5 here though because I do really love J Kearston and want this to skew ratings higher. I really enjoyed this story, but I feel like I'd rather this have been a series so that J could develop the characters and world a bit more. Really I just want more time with them and more development as a group - which says to me it's a good world and character build.
All that said it really is a good standalone book. This is set within a shared world and a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. It's most definitely a dark book with some morally grey men and women in it. Plus everyone has to love a good psycho - J has done a fantastic job with Grave. I would just like more books, so we can have more of him.
The FMC! Elysium has lived a horrible life with her abusive father, doing everything she can to just survive and escape. When Grave comes calling to collect her father's debt, he takes her as part of the price. She's then forced (through circumstances) to pay off her father's debt by working for the psychotic (and not in a good way) leader of the group.
She takes to the lifestyle well and has enough street smarts to figure out her best course of action. I really like her make the best of the hand she's been dealt situation.
The Guys! Everett, Grave, and Mav - Honestly Grave is the best. I do love me some grade-A crazy psycho protective hero. This man has been through a lot at the hands of their horrible boss - it has def left scars on him. Everett also has a dark past and is looking toward Elyse as a path to a better life with love. Mav's the guy who's the least developed (which is why I'd love this to have been a duet so there was more time to get to know him), but the strong silent dickish (but not really to her) type.
The Smut! This story revolved a bit more around the politics of getting out of the situation alive rather than the smutty bits. There were definitely sexy times to be had, but it was more plot-based than smut based. Still super enjoyable.
I have never been a big fan of the Rumplestiltskin story but this retelling was AMAZING! Greed is part of the Sinners Fairytales series but you do not have to have read the other stories to follow along.
Our female lead, Elysium (love the name), has lead a rough life and things are not looking good for her at all. Elysium’s escape from her horrible and abusive father via way of Grave may not have been the best choice but considering it was death or an uncertain life on the streets it had the best possible outcome. She quickly learns that though she has a stable roof over her head she just traded one evil for another with the corrupted Mr. King.
Elyse is not the typical damsel in distress though her moral compass definitely does not point north. She does what she has to do to survive and it’s not always pretty. Everett, Grave and Maverick are some seriously hot but damaged males who would burn the world down for Elyse. Will their bond be enough to make it to their happily ever after especially since Mr. King feels like he owns them all.
This retelling was hot & steamy, full of action and l seriously could not put the kindle down. I’m seriously hoping the writer does a spin off I enjoyed these characters so much.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
****TRIGGER WARNING: Please read the triggers, from the author, before proceeding with this book 🖤********
WOW 🤭 This is definitely THE BEST retelling of Rumpelstiltskin I’ve ever read!!!! This book was impossible to put down, I was so glued to it 💙 The story and characters definitely stayed with me for days after I read this book!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Elysium and Grave 😍 They were perfect together ♥️ My heart truly broke for Elysium 💔 This book is a definite re read ❤️🔥 Elysium is horribly abused by her father. She’s trying desperately to save money so she can escape. Elysium’s father owes money to some dangerous people. Grave *SWOON 😍* is sent by his employer, Julian, to collect a debt. When Grave catches a glimpse at Elysium, something in him decides to give her the option to come with him, or stay. She bravely chooses to go. Grave takes Elysium to Julian, where she makes a deal to work off her father’s debt. Elysium finds out that she just might’ve gone from one dangerous man to another……. I VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙
This book was amazing, I love the world that the author created. I loved following Elysium as she became a part of a world of killers, thieves, loan sharks, and who knows what else. Unraveling the mystery in their lives was done perfectly, I enjoyed how it all unfolded in the end. Elysium was willing to actively participate and truly thought about her actions/plans. The men were amazing; they complimented each other so well. Overall, I truly enjoyed this story and how all the characters changed a bit to accept what love could look like as a part of their crazy lifestyle. I highly recommend this book, it is well worth the read. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the start of the book we know that Ely isn’t truly a damsel in distress, she just hides her strength well. She is truly a genius even if she has no idea how to defend herself, she’s playing the long game. It’s also so freaking nice to know that Everett, Grave, and Mav are willing to risk everything just to save herself, screw their own fates in the process. Everett is truly the rock in the relationship as Grave and Ely are truly nuts due to their past, yin and yang. Mav is the silent protector that deserves more book time, seriously I want more of these characters! Maybe what their life is like now with everything that happened in the end? Also I love Graves new name! This book was perfect, I found myself sad when it was over. I’m in a serious book hangover now!
What a great book. J Kearston has created an amazing world and a phenomenal retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story. Elysium has lived thru cruelty that we could never imagine but continues to have strength in herself and a desire to escape to a better life. She is given an opportunity from the most unlikely of people and thru this chance she meets men that will change her life. But this opportunity is not all that she envisioned it to be and still more cruelty awaits her. But she is not alone this time and she has her men just as much as they need her. This is definitely a book you want to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am absolutely obsessed with fairytale retellings, so I was very excited to delve into this one! This is definitely more of a darker retelling than I am used to and it was interesting reading it as a contemporary, but the author does an incredible job weaving this story together with the underlining tones of the fairytale. Please know that this is very much its own story with light sprinklings of the fairytale. Elysium and her harem were extremely interesting to follow.This is a dark romance and there are trigger warnings, so readers will know these characters have been through a lot and they definitely have to overcome many hard trials, but this was a great read and I am excited to read more from the Sinners Fairytale Retellings series.
Ok like Wow this was perfection. I'm not a fan of Contemporary Romance or even a fan of Dark Contemporary Romance, but wow! This was very just absolutely very well done. Be advised, there are some triggers in this book, some abuse, it's more of a tragic kind of overcoming story than your everyday love story. But if you can handle that I 10/10 recommend! She weaves a beautifully slightly haunting tale of a girl who overcomes her past and comes out stronger in the end. She does not need her men, but more like in a way they need her. The characters are so believable and their stories just leave you heart hurting for them. I absolutely love this book. I honestly wish there was a part two.
A retelling of Rumplestiltskin, which was one of my fav's as a child - this is a dark re-telling. This is the first book I've read as part of this Sinners Fairytales series and can be read as a stand alone. J Kearston delivers in a big way in this read. Well written and completely captivating and dark - did I mention this is a dark retelling?!? Loved main character Elysium and her guys. I love her strength and vulnerability. A reverse harem, multi pov read that will not disappoint!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Greed is a retelling of a rumpelstiltskin. I have to say I really enjoyed this story. It grabbed my attention right from the start to the very end. I loved Elyse’s character and loved how she got along and interacted with the men. I loved how the men took her under their wing and treated Elyse. This story was full of twists and turns, some I didn’t even see coming. I highly recommend reading it because it was an amazing read!
The famous words, nobody knows, but nobody knows, my name is Rumplestiltskin is what I was thinking of when I heard this retelling of the story was coming. This however is way darker than the original story and it made me like it way more than the original. I usually am not a fan of the retelling of fairytales but this one is done by one of my favorite authors. It's part of a whole series and I am looking forward to more of these. Making a deal with the devil felt like it was ok only to find out nothing is as it seems. Thinking she, Elysium, is free but only realizing how wrong she is. I love the guys, Grave, Everett and Maverick in this book with their strong points.
Oh wow this book was entertaining! I really liked it! It was well paced and laid out really well. We are treated with really great characters that are really well developed and fleshed out. This was a creative story and I enjoyed how it flowed. I quite liked Grave! This story was full of drama, steam and intrigue. Watching Elysium not only overcome her history but grow and become such a solid individual was a real treat! This was a well written story with a solid, strong plot that kept me entertained to the last page!
Deliciously dark, brutally beautiful! J. Kearston grabs your nightmares by the throat and pulls them just far enough out of the shadows to remind you that there are more terrifying things than just the monster under the bed.
Not for ANYONE who can't yet set aside their triggers, so do yourself and your damaged psyche a huge favour before you start. No shame in knowing not every story is meant for every reader. For everyone else, ENJOY. I certainly did, and will suffer the flashbacks willingly of my own choice.
This was the author's first attempt at a dark romance and she nailed it. I love the characters in this book so much. I almost wish it had been a series instead of a standalone so I could read more about all of them. Elysium has been put through the wringer and makes a crazy choice that takes her from one bad situation from another, but there she meets the guys. They teach her to defend herself and make her feel cared for, giving her room to grow into such a strong heroine. I love all the guys who are all interesting and flawed in their own unique ways, but Grave is my absolute favorite! He is deliciously crazy and so much fun.
This was a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and very well done. This book will have hard topics for some readers so be warned!! I loved this version and how the FMC and all of the characters overcome so much in their lives. The world that was brought to life in this book was well written and so wonderful. I just wish the ending didn’t feel rushed. The characters are unique and make this story perfect. Also has HOTTT times!!! Great job!!!
This book really kept me on my toes. Julian was the quintessential villain and I have to admit that I didn’t see the big plot twist at the end coming at all. Wonderful read. Elysium wasn’t your typical badass FMC with training or skills. Just a resourceful survivor that kept beating the odds. And her harem of antiheroes were just as broken as her. Be sure to read trigger warnings. The Sinners Fairytales books continue to deliver!!
DNF. I am sorry. I got bored. I thought I would love it, but it did not work for me. I am not sure what was going on and it felt a bit strange. The chemistry felt forced. The characters were fine, but I feel as if the plot needs more work. It started out great and then a bunch of “let’s figure this out” which was boring. My opinion.
Kearston proves with this awesome book that not only can she write paranormal fiction but she can also bring life to a kickass contemporary piece. I was hooked from the start and while this book is a little dark due to the abuse Elysium (FMC) suffers it should not deter you from giving this book a shot. I enjoyed following Elysium in to a world of killers, thieves, loan sharks and all around questionable morales. The men are to die for and it’s hard to choose a favorite between them. If you’re looking for something a little dark with redemption, freedom and happy ending this is the book for you!
For an author who writes paranormal books I wasn't expecting this, what an absolute gem of a book, no lie I was hooked from page 1, elysium (beautiful name by the way) the main female character omg now she was the main star, battered and bruised but loyal and strong she is truly a star on her own.
I loved the bombshell in the last few chapters and no lie I seriously didn't see it coming I mean damn it was phenomenal and literally threw me.
Im glad I read this book now because it truly was amazing and if I could rate it more than 5 stars then I would.
This book is devouring good! It starts off super quick and keeps up the pace! I love how strong the FMC is and watching her overcome her demons in such a spectacular way was amazing. A great read for a little darkness