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When Day Breaks: A Swan Lake Retelling
A Swan Lake novella.
‘You’re acting like this is the cruellest punishment I could devise. Believe me when I say it’s not.’
Odette is content with the path her life is taking. Promised in marriage to the prince of a neighbouring kingdom, she awaits the day she will become queen and finally have some power to make her own choices. So when a violated treaty ends in a curse that steals her away, she pours her energy into breaking it. But the sorcerer who has cursed her is not open to negotiations.
Alexey Rothbart is brooding, sarcastic and bad tempered and he has no interest in returning Odette to her life and her prince. But he also didn’t count on having to subdue a will as strong as his own.
Their collision will shatter their worlds and when they are left standing in the wreckage, they have a choice to make. What do they want? And are they brave enough to take it?
‘You’re acting like this is the cruellest punishment I could devise. Believe me when I say it’s not.’
Odette is content with the path her life is taking. Promised in marriage to the prince of a neighbouring kingdom, she awaits the day she will become queen and finally have some power to make her own choices. So when a violated treaty ends in a curse that steals her away, she pours her energy into breaking it. But the sorcerer who has cursed her is not open to negotiations.
Alexey Rothbart is brooding, sarcastic and bad tempered and he has no interest in returning Odette to her life and her prince. But he also didn’t count on having to subdue a will as strong as his own.
Their collision will shatter their worlds and when they are left standing in the wreckage, they have a choice to make. What do they want? And are they brave enough to take it?
- GenresFantasy
217 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2021
4 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 26, 2021
If you like the retelling of Swan Lake, this is for you. I wanted to read outside of my usual and was happy to say I got what I wanted.
When Day Breaks is a enemies to lovers novella and a quick read, Alexey and Odette have fantastic chemistry together.
The author went into great detail about the world surrounding them, and you can picture it as you are reading. You have a ton of angst, steam, and love. I can’t wait to see what is next.
July 17, 2021
I LOVE Alexey Rothbart. Wow. He is such an amazing character; tortured, brooding, and incredibly sexy. Odette is a feisty counterpart, she gives as good as she gets and keeps Alexey on his toes. These two have amazing chemistry that just sizzles off the page, it's the perfect enemies to lovers story and the will-they-won't-they will keep you turning the pages.
This story has everything you need: romance, steam, action, humour, suspense, angst. It's the perfect fairy tale retelling! 5 stars well earnt.
This story has everything you need: romance, steam, action, humour, suspense, angst. It's the perfect fairy tale retelling! 5 stars well earnt.
July 20, 2021
I love this adult romance take on Swan Lake.. the world building in this book is amazing I can really picture the world, the setting and all the characters, it is described so well! Odette is a strong heroine even captive she will stand up for herself and not let Alexey Rothbart or the curse break her strength. Alexey is a grumpy alpha hero but he has a softer side and cares deeply for Bloodwood and would do anything to protect it.
Odette and Alexey have great chemistry, this is an enemies to lovers trope so there is plenty of angst and will they, won’t they moments! Overall I really enjoyed this swan lake retelling and I would definitely recommend it
Odette and Alexey have great chemistry, this is an enemies to lovers trope so there is plenty of angst and will they, won’t they moments! Overall I really enjoyed this swan lake retelling and I would definitely recommend it
July 28, 2021
Ah, I loved this. I love the character arcs of Alexey and Odette, love the world building and love the way the story is written. Now, given that it is a novella, the plot is pretty straight forward and there aren't really any subplots. The side characters don't have their own character arcs either, though they are amusing and work to move the plot along and give us more insight into the main duo. But what plot is there is tied up nicely, the enemies-to-lovers trope is well done and the ending is satisfying.
With beautiful imagery, some steamy yet tasteful scenes, and a grumpy hero who I have a bit of a thing for, this book is for people looking for a short fantasy romance that is actually edited and written well.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This has in no way influenced my review.
With beautiful imagery, some steamy yet tasteful scenes, and a grumpy hero who I have a bit of a thing for, this book is for people looking for a short fantasy romance that is actually edited and written well.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This has in no way influenced my review.
July 27, 2021
A Swan Lake retelling with an enemies-to-lovers story between Odette and Alexey, the man who curses her to be a swan. This is a fantastic book with some steamy scenes and good world building. It's a novella so a quick read. I wish it'd been a bit longer because I felt that the romance was underdeveloped at the start; I wanted to see more of them together during progression from enemies to lovers but I still loved them. Alexey is brooding and sexy while Odette is strong and doesn't take any shit from him. I also just wish it was longer because I loved the story and wanted more. Highly recommend!
July 20, 2021
This book was a different read than I usually choose, but it has an unexpected storyline that captured my interest from the onset. Hailey has a way of painting a picture with her words. The imagery set me inside the story. The characters were well developed. The storyline is strong and straight forward. It’s an enemies to lovers read with a little steam, yet still tasteful.
July 29, 2021
We are taken on a whirlwind of magic, a bit of a twist on Beauty and the Beast and a bit of something with a bit of extra spice.
Level of spice 🌶🌶
Character build ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to say that the names of the characters were a bit strange. I kept imagining Alexey moaning ´Odette ´ 🙅🏼♀️😬 and it was like a bucket of cold 💧 water splashing over the mood of this book.
Odette’s character build was strong and had much more potential for growth but the book was much too short to allow us to get to know her a bit more.
Unfortunately Alexey suffered the same fate. That is not to say that Alexey was not a great character!! He was; with the right mix of alphaness + self knowing to be able to love despite having grown up alone without love or real nurturing.
The relationship between the MCs was rushed but nonetheless very sweet.
I know you’re wondering 💭 what about the shmex??well it was sweet, very NA.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book was the world building and the secondary characters!! They seemed very original and showed some interesting characteristics ! The world sucked you in and you wanted to learn more about the 🩸 Bloodwood and it’s history with the villagers. What happened to set this whole thing into motion??
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a short but fun read!
I was kindly provided an ARC for an honest review ♥️
Level of spice 🌶🌶
Character build ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to say that the names of the characters were a bit strange. I kept imagining Alexey moaning ´Odette ´ 🙅🏼♀️😬 and it was like a bucket of cold 💧 water splashing over the mood of this book.
Odette’s character build was strong and had much more potential for growth but the book was much too short to allow us to get to know her a bit more.
Unfortunately Alexey suffered the same fate. That is not to say that Alexey was not a great character!! He was; with the right mix of alphaness + self knowing to be able to love despite having grown up alone without love or real nurturing.
The relationship between the MCs was rushed but nonetheless very sweet.
I know you’re wondering 💭 what about the shmex??well it was sweet, very NA.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book was the world building and the secondary characters!! They seemed very original and showed some interesting characteristics ! The world sucked you in and you wanted to learn more about the 🩸 Bloodwood and it’s history with the villagers. What happened to set this whole thing into motion??
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for a short but fun read!
I was kindly provided an ARC for an honest review ♥️
July 29, 2021
This was adult fairytale perfection!
I've read other adult fairytale retellings before and enjoyed them but this one was absolutely exceptional.
The plotline, the characters, settings, writing style, eloquence, and steam...I can't fault it.
It brought back so many memories or reading and watching swan lake retellings as a child and encompassed so many familiar elements of the story as well as adding some newer, darker elements which I absolutely loved.
Odette is plucky and strong-willed, and Alexey is just the dark, dangerous villain of my dreams. Together, they make this story just too wonderful to put into words.
I had a fear for a few seconds that it was going to take a different turn toward the end and disappoint me but it didn't. Everything was so well thought out and so beautifully written.
I cannot wait to read more by Hailey Jade in future and will scream with joy of she releases another adult fairytale retelling.
I've read other adult fairytale retellings before and enjoyed them but this one was absolutely exceptional.
The plotline, the characters, settings, writing style, eloquence, and steam...I can't fault it.
It brought back so many memories or reading and watching swan lake retellings as a child and encompassed so many familiar elements of the story as well as adding some newer, darker elements which I absolutely loved.
Odette is plucky and strong-willed, and Alexey is just the dark, dangerous villain of my dreams. Together, they make this story just too wonderful to put into words.
I had a fear for a few seconds that it was going to take a different turn toward the end and disappoint me but it didn't. Everything was so well thought out and so beautifully written.
I cannot wait to read more by Hailey Jade in future and will scream with joy of she releases another adult fairytale retelling.
July 30, 2021
Novella
I enjoyed reading this book. It ended to quick for me but i love the plot and idea behind it. I would love to see a sequel just to see what happens to the characters. If legacies continue, and just what occurs next. There is an epilogue but i do believe fir it to be a stand alone i need more context to truly believe this book is over.
I enjoyed reading this book. It ended to quick for me but i love the plot and idea behind it. I would love to see a sequel just to see what happens to the characters. If legacies continue, and just what occurs next. There is an epilogue but i do believe fir it to be a stand alone i need more context to truly believe this book is over.
August 17, 2021
even know it was a book until I heard abut this; I thought it was just a ballet. Even without having read the first one I really enjoyed it. So this was a fantasy friends to enemies book and it was so well written.
Alexey and Odette are #relationshipgoals and I am in love with how they accept each other for who they are. For me the hate for Phillip was evident from the first sentence and I was so happy that he got his in the end.
Y’all this is Hailey Jade’s first book and I can’t wait to read more from her. Please do yourself the favor of going to Amazon and buying this book. It is launching today and I will for sure reread this one later.
I did receive a copy for review purposes but all thoughts are my own.
Alexey and Odette are #relationshipgoals and I am in love with how they accept each other for who they are. For me the hate for Phillip was evident from the first sentence and I was so happy that he got his in the end.
Y’all this is Hailey Jade’s first book and I can’t wait to read more from her. Please do yourself the favor of going to Amazon and buying this book. It is launching today and I will for sure reread this one later.
I did receive a copy for review purposes but all thoughts are my own.
July 17, 2021
So, I’m hesitant to call this book a novel, it is more of a novella.
When I first saw that this book was a swan lake retelling, I knew I had to read it and I was so excited!!
Sadly, I found myself disappointed by this book. It isn’t a bad book, but I think it was just way too short and rushed. I loved the ideas and the story, but felt like everything just happened too quickly without any real development.
I really wanted to fall in love with the love story, as I love me a good villain, but they seemed to just fall in love without any real development or reason. I wanted to see a lot of angst and emotion. It seemed like they hated each other, and then were suddenly declaring their love.
I think with more development, and an overall longer book, this could have been a total hit.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This in no way effected my review.
When I first saw that this book was a swan lake retelling, I knew I had to read it and I was so excited!!
Sadly, I found myself disappointed by this book. It isn’t a bad book, but I think it was just way too short and rushed. I loved the ideas and the story, but felt like everything just happened too quickly without any real development.
I really wanted to fall in love with the love story, as I love me a good villain, but they seemed to just fall in love without any real development or reason. I wanted to see a lot of angst and emotion. It seemed like they hated each other, and then were suddenly declaring their love.
I think with more development, and an overall longer book, this could have been a total hit.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This in no way effected my review.
January 4, 2023
Great spin on an old tale!
For such a short read this book was awesome! I read it in one sitting (why I thought it would be wise to start reading this at 2 am is beyond me but I digress) and the lack of sleep was worth it!
Odette is a princess hoping to make a difference once she becomes queen. She knows her prince isn’t amazing and he’s got some flaws but she remembers the boy he once was. The boy who was kind and she has hope for her future. Meanwhile Prince Charming is out hunting in forests he has no business being in and brings a curse on his intended. Odette wakes as a swan and is led by an owl to the home of the sorcerer who cursed her, Alexey. The push and pull between Odette’s anger and he desire was too good. Alexey was the perfect balance of brooding and kind.
My only complaints are that I wish Alexey had addressed Odette’s plan of escape and I wish the moment when Odette shares her feelings was expanded a bit more. But these are minor complaints. This novella was amazing. So well crafted. I like that the prince wasn’t a true villain, he simply didn’t think about things for reasons that will become clear when you read the book. No spoilers here!
In short, if you love retellings that are well-plotted, can be read in one sitting, with a little spice (not overly detailed and only a couple scenes) I recommend this one. Five Stars!
For such a short read this book was awesome! I read it in one sitting (why I thought it would be wise to start reading this at 2 am is beyond me but I digress) and the lack of sleep was worth it!
Odette is a princess hoping to make a difference once she becomes queen. She knows her prince isn’t amazing and he’s got some flaws but she remembers the boy he once was. The boy who was kind and she has hope for her future. Meanwhile Prince Charming is out hunting in forests he has no business being in and brings a curse on his intended. Odette wakes as a swan and is led by an owl to the home of the sorcerer who cursed her, Alexey. The push and pull between Odette’s anger and he desire was too good. Alexey was the perfect balance of brooding and kind.
My only complaints are that I wish Alexey had addressed Odette’s plan of escape and I wish the moment when Odette shares her feelings was expanded a bit more. But these are minor complaints. This novella was amazing. So well crafted. I like that the prince wasn’t a true villain, he simply didn’t think about things for reasons that will become clear when you read the book. No spoilers here!
In short, if you love retellings that are well-plotted, can be read in one sitting, with a little spice (not overly detailed and only a couple scenes) I recommend this one. Five Stars!
August 6, 2021
I was drawn in by the retelling of a fairytale classic, Swan Lake.
I can only go off with what I read, as I ended up stopping because I personally couldn't get into it.
I like the concept and how Hailey build up the world and recreated the storyline.
I wasn't overly keen on the characters particularly the way they were portrayed, this is just a personal opinion. However I think I understand what Hailey was trying to show.
I want to thank Hailey for gifting me an ARC of her book When Day Breaks.
I can only go off with what I read, as I ended up stopping because I personally couldn't get into it.
I like the concept and how Hailey build up the world and recreated the storyline.
I wasn't overly keen on the characters particularly the way they were portrayed, this is just a personal opinion. However I think I understand what Hailey was trying to show.
I want to thank Hailey for gifting me an ARC of her book When Day Breaks.
November 14, 2023
“Something dastardly, no good and wicked…”
The Swan Princess was one of my favorite movies growing up, and Hailey Jade always writes characters that bring me to tears. Rothbart was dastardly and temping, Phillip was asinine and vapid, Odette was conflicted and heartbreaking, and the peoples of the Wild Lands were endearing.
I greatly enjoyed this novella. It was such a pleasure to read, both for the heartwarming nostalgia and the spicy adult twist.
The Swan Princess was one of my favorite movies growing up, and Hailey Jade always writes characters that bring me to tears. Rothbart was dastardly and temping, Phillip was asinine and vapid, Odette was conflicted and heartbreaking, and the peoples of the Wild Lands were endearing.
I greatly enjoyed this novella. It was such a pleasure to read, both for the heartwarming nostalgia and the spicy adult twist.
July 7, 2022
I love an “enemies to lovers” trope so this book was a hit for me. This book is fairly short but has an entertaining story that I was able to finish in one night. I love that the romance option for Odette is the hot wicked sorcerer who cursed her himself. It’s just such a fun read and I’ve recommended it to a few who enjoy the story of The Swan Princess.
July 1, 2024
This novella gets five stars for writing quality and for how much it managed to pack into such a short length. Bravo!
While I enjoyed the protagonists and even some of the supporting casts, the romance felt rushed. I’d be shocked to see anyone effectively pull off enemies to lovers in the span of a novella.
While I enjoyed the protagonists and even some of the supporting casts, the romance felt rushed. I’d be shocked to see anyone effectively pull off enemies to lovers in the span of a novella.
February 2, 2022
I enjoyed this retelling twist of The Swan Princess! I enjoyed learning more about Odette as well as seeing a different side to her. I do wish the story was longer because it felt really fast paced and I would have enjoyed more world building and character development.
All in all, it was a fun, quick read!
All in all, it was a fun, quick read!
April 7, 2025
Perfect one sit read, should have been a lot longer :)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews