Falling Into OZ

by C.L. Riley

The “Big One” hit hard, creating chaos far worse than anyone could have predicted. My parents’ home was swallowed into a gaping maw, deep in the ground, or so I thought...until I opened my eyes. Imagine my shock when I discover three suns and two moons, hanging in the violet sky—yes, sky—not some gravesite for sunken houses demolished during earthquakes. Landing in an alien landscape was bad enough, but when I learn the way home requires stealing a magical emerald from a dangerous fanged creature and delivering it to an unpredictable sorcerer, things go from bad to worse. Forgive the cliché.From the Yellow Brick Road, to the three companions I find along its winding, blood-splattered path, my reality begins to resemble a popular fairy tale I watched as a kid. Only my OZ isn’t the same OZ I remember from our TV screen. It is a prison planet and the final address for dangerous criminals banished by their own galaxies’ governments. And as far as I can tell, there are no ruby slippers.I have no choice but to trust Lornand, the golden lion shifter; Strax, the sexy alien dependent on robotics; and Trophus, the space pirate, if I want to survive and escape. But nothing for me is ever simple. Somewhere along the Yellow Brick Road, my three protectors steal my heart, and returning to earth becomes less important when a fourth, unlikely ally joins our relationship. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. I’m certain now Dorothy’s heel-clicking mantra was all wrong because my heart is convinced that home is wherever my four mates reside. Falling Into OZ is a fast-burn (short story, after all) reverse harem romance that was originally published in the Once Upon A Fairy Tale Night Collection, which is no longer available on any reading platform. This story is based on Wizard of Oz and takes place in the same world as the upcoming Vamp Camp Series. A new, super-extended epilogue and various updates have been added; unavailable in the collection version.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Fantasy, Science Fiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

About the author

C.L. Riley makes her home in rainy Oregon with several furry friends. She is a vivacious reader whose love for reading became a passion for writing.

She enjoys reading almost anything but has a major soft spot for broken, bad boy, alpha males, and has found a new love for MC (biker) romances. You will find her reading and writing dark romance, WhyChoose romance, dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and erotic suspense. Though you can expect a wide range of future projects as she ventures into other genres.

Taking time for her readers is always a priority and she will do her very best to respond to your queries. She hopes you will visit her online.

Reviews

[Laural · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Yes! THIS is the BEST Oz!!

This book is everything you wish Oz truly was. It is the adult telling of Oz with an alien twist. Dorthia is following the yellow brick road to find a way home and along the way discovers her four alien mates. The storytelling is imagery of a movie for the mind with how well written this book is. The romance is as delicious, steamy, sexy, and diverse as each of Dorthia's four fated mates! Truly a HEA. I will be rereading this book again and again!

[Cyndi Regier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing OZ story

Loosely based on the traditional story of Oz. Characters are much more fun and interesting. I laughed and whooped for the heroine throughout her escapades. Nice short read. Would love to read more !!

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story would make a great longer novel. There are so many interesting characters in this book that each of them could have their own amazing backstory. Overall this was a fun, spicy read. Actual rating 3.5.

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!!

I loved this one! I'm so hoping alice in wonderland will be a future theme as well. If you like the 'retold' versions of fairy tales then keep this author on you radar guys!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

FALLING INTO OZ is the eighteenth book in the multi-author Once Upon a Fairy Tale Night series. These are adult re-tellings of classic fairy tales. As you can guess from the title, Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore.

This Oz is different from the one I’ve watched (and read) 100 times. The sky is purple, there are two moons and three suns, and this is a penal planet. Enter Dorothy, by way of earthquake… She finds her version of a lion, a tin man, and a …pirate. Hey, it’s not EXACTLY the same. Plus, she gets a bonus mate…. And I do mean mate. These aliens are not just companions on her yellow brick road. This is a reverse harem steamy, sexy, adventure.

This short story packs a lot in a quick punch.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via BookSprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.



Title: FALLING INTO OZ
Series: Once Upon a Fairy Tale Night #18
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: C.L. Riley

[Theodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun short story!

This is a really interesting take on the Wizard of Oz. Even though it's short, Riley manages to pack a lot in. And it ties into what promises to be a fascinating sci-fi/paranormal universe. Can't wait to see more from this series, and for the other characters to get their own stories too.

[Meagan Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was great! I was looking for a feel good with a tiny bit of suspense and this hit home. Not too predictable and very well written! I will be checking out this authors other works for sure

[H. T.]

Did not finish.