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queencleo's review
3.0
The Count of Monte Cristo has been on my TBR for years. I stumbled across this modern retelling by accident, in an anthology by Skye Warren.
Van, Ethan & Hazel are 3 friends who start a company together. When Hazel & Ethan get together at a New Years Eve party, Van is incensed with jealousy. What follows on the Darkest Night will set in motion a revenge story years in the making.
While the ending is perfect, it was a little too tidy for me - I wanted a bit more downfall for the Big Bad. A fun, dark weekend read.
Merged review:
The Count of Monte Cristo has been on my TBR for years. I stumbled across this modern retelling by accident, in an anthology by Skye Warren.
Van, Ethan & Hazel are 3 friends who start a company together. When Hazel & Ethan get together at a New Years Eve party, Van is incensed with jealousy. What follows on the Darkest Night will set in motion a revenge story years in the making.
While the ending is perfect, it was a little too tidy for me - I wanted a bit more downfall for the Big Bad. A fun, dark weekend read.
Van, Ethan & Hazel are 3 friends who start a company together. When Hazel & Ethan get together at a New Years Eve party, Van is incensed with jealousy. What follows on the Darkest Night will set in motion a revenge story years in the making.
While the ending is perfect, it was a little too tidy for me - I wanted a bit more downfall for the Big Bad. A fun, dark weekend read.
Merged review:
The Count of Monte Cristo has been on my TBR for years. I stumbled across this modern retelling by accident, in an anthology by Skye Warren.
Van, Ethan & Hazel are 3 friends who start a company together. When Hazel & Ethan get together at a New Years Eve party, Van is incensed with jealousy. What follows on the Darkest Night will set in motion a revenge story years in the making.
While the ending is perfect, it was a little too tidy for me - I wanted a bit more downfall for the Big Bad. A fun, dark weekend read.
sharkbate's review
2.0
Essentially DNF’d but I’ve already read the last one (Sierra Simone is the queen) and skimmed MOST of the others.
I was expecting much darker/spicier stuff. And stand alones. These were not that. Each of these was the first in a series and all ended on cliff hangers. I get that they’re trying to sell books, but they should be up front about it.
I was expecting much darker/spicier stuff. And stand alones. These were not that. Each of these was the first in a series and all ended on cliff hangers. I get that they’re trying to sell books, but they should be up front about it.
kfriend's review
5.0
So many amazing authors compiled into one collection of delicious stories. I was already a huge fan of many of these authors, and there is a lot to love in some of their best work. The Jane Eyre retelling Private Property is an all time favorite from the queen of steamy suspense, Skye Warren, and LA Cotton's Romeo and Juliet inspired mafia story is one of my very favorite series of hers- the romance is epic, dark, and swoony all at once. Sierra Simone's American Queen is RIVETING and so spicy, rife with emotional tension and poetic prose. And Nikki Ash and K Webster can always be counted on to bring drama and edge. I'd not read this story by Sophie Lark, but really enjoyed it (as I do her other work), and Jill Ramsower is a new to me author, but I also found this story entertaining. I've highlighted more in depth review for two of my favorites, but all are great. Just note that some are standalones and some are first books in series or trilogies.
Private Property: (the first in a trilogy)
As avid readers, I think we’ve all had those moments when we’ve read a masterpiece that has indelibly changed the way we think about literature. For me, one of those stories has always been Jane Eyre, one of the greatest novels ever written. So, when I learned Private Property is a Jane Eyre modern retelling, I was both exhilarated and nervous. Tackling a literary titan such as Jane Eyre is a daunting task, and giving it enough familiarity while also inserting an authentic point of view is a fine balance. But, if there was ever an author whose writing style is perfectly matched for this tall take, it’s Skye Warren- an author who has excelled at atmospheric, romantic and suspenseful story telling. And, I’m so happy to say this story did not disappoint! The dark sensuality, the gothic suspense, the foreboding melancholy, all of the hallmarks of the original story are translated beautifully in this modern version. Skye has taken the spirit of Jane- the tone, the atmosphere, the characters, the commentary- and breathed new life into it. The mystery still looms large, the gothic setting still a character in and of itself, the psychological intensity still towers over any action- though the action is entertaining, too. But Skye has also made it all her own.
Like the iconic governess of the original story, our modern day Jane finds herself in the mysterious and gloomy Rochester household in Maine, sent all the way from Texas to look after Mr. Rochester’s young orphaned niece. Jane is young and doe-eyed as she begins her first adult job- and she’s immediately entranced by the enigmatic but sexy (and much older) Mr. Rochester. Skye’s version of Jane has some welcomed differences from the original Jane- she’s brighter, more open and affectionate, and much bolder and stronger- a smart modern day shift for Jane and also a subtle nod to the more feminist elements of the original. Beau Rochester maintains all of the charms that made him one of our OG book boyfriends- he’s mysterious, contemplative and secretive, hot and cold in places. But also magnetic- we understand Jane’s draw to him, and we see the glimmers of the tender and wounded heart her buries. Skye brings some delicious alpha protectiveness to her version, and makes him a sensual and naughty lover, too. Thank you, modern romance, for letting our book boyfriends get it on. Bronte would smile at how romance has evolved FOR women.
LIke the original, Private Property is deliciously meta- the original a moralistic character study, and Skye's a character coming of age story, with a heroine trying to find her identity. But Skye brings the sensual, erotic, and passionate flair that make her books so consumable and enticing. Like the original, Skye plays with tense, angsty but passionate chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester, but, deliciously, Skye dials up the heat. These two are FIRE together- and Skye’s version really elevates the intensity of the connection between them. This is what really makes this story take off- and what gives the original a run for its money. Their chemistry is intriguing, steamy, sensual- and profoundly intimate. That intimacy, in particular, was not as central to the source material, and it gives this version a sexy, sweet, and warm element that nicely juxtaposes with the gothic atmosphere and ominous mystery. Plus, the age gap taboo nods to the illicit nature of the original novel’s coupling, ensuring this version still has that forbidden component.
But the biggest Skye adaptation is certainly the central mystery. And since we have two more books to go in the trilogy (which I didn’t initially know), we’ve only just scratched the surface about what Rochester is hiding and what dark secrets lay buried at the Rochester mansion. We start to see some glimmers of the social and moral commentary that made Bronte’s work so groundbreaking, and I can’t wait to see what lies beneath this mystery and what spin Skye decides to take. We already have so many twists and turns, mysterious characters, and loads of questions- and then Skye ends it with an epic cliffhanger that has left me DESPERATE for book two. I’m madly in love with the characters and thirsty for answers.
Danger, suspense, sensual passion, and a gripping mystery- this is everything I love about Skye Warren, and all the magic that I loved about the original!
Prince of Hearts (first in a duet)
For never was a story of more woe than this of Ari and her Nicco! LA Cotton hits us with an edge of your seat Romeo and Juliet infused mafia, angsty college romance. Two feuding mafia families, two star crossed lovers chained down by the weight of their family legacies, and an all consuming infatuation that blossoms into an epic romance.
Like the original R and J story, this is an insta-love, immediate connection, fated souls story- Ari and Nicco are immediately drawn to each other, their souls becoming immediately infused from their first moments together. At first the obstacle is that both are living behind public facades necessary because of their family’s notoriety, but once the truth is outed, we all know the classic obstacle- feuds, violence, and power.
Nicco and Ari are pretty adorable together- she’s sheltered, trying to embrace the version of herself she’s never been allowed to be. Nicco is brooding and numb. Both feel restrained by their last names, and their connection becomes to spark that re- ignites their souls.
Overall, I liked this story- but it did start out slow. And, since we have so many obstacles, we didn’t get as much “together” time with the couple as I’d like- I buy their connection and chemistry, but don't feel like they KNOW each other yet. (but then again, neither did R and J) About 60% through though it picks up, and then I was hooked- and LA starts to play with the R and J story less literally, so you are on your toes more. Be warned- several CLIFFY situations- this is a duet! Floored by that ending- what is going on!?!?!
Private Property: (the first in a trilogy)
As avid readers, I think we’ve all had those moments when we’ve read a masterpiece that has indelibly changed the way we think about literature. For me, one of those stories has always been Jane Eyre, one of the greatest novels ever written. So, when I learned Private Property is a Jane Eyre modern retelling, I was both exhilarated and nervous. Tackling a literary titan such as Jane Eyre is a daunting task, and giving it enough familiarity while also inserting an authentic point of view is a fine balance. But, if there was ever an author whose writing style is perfectly matched for this tall take, it’s Skye Warren- an author who has excelled at atmospheric, romantic and suspenseful story telling. And, I’m so happy to say this story did not disappoint! The dark sensuality, the gothic suspense, the foreboding melancholy, all of the hallmarks of the original story are translated beautifully in this modern version. Skye has taken the spirit of Jane- the tone, the atmosphere, the characters, the commentary- and breathed new life into it. The mystery still looms large, the gothic setting still a character in and of itself, the psychological intensity still towers over any action- though the action is entertaining, too. But Skye has also made it all her own.
Like the iconic governess of the original story, our modern day Jane finds herself in the mysterious and gloomy Rochester household in Maine, sent all the way from Texas to look after Mr. Rochester’s young orphaned niece. Jane is young and doe-eyed as she begins her first adult job- and she’s immediately entranced by the enigmatic but sexy (and much older) Mr. Rochester. Skye’s version of Jane has some welcomed differences from the original Jane- she’s brighter, more open and affectionate, and much bolder and stronger- a smart modern day shift for Jane and also a subtle nod to the more feminist elements of the original. Beau Rochester maintains all of the charms that made him one of our OG book boyfriends- he’s mysterious, contemplative and secretive, hot and cold in places. But also magnetic- we understand Jane’s draw to him, and we see the glimmers of the tender and wounded heart her buries. Skye brings some delicious alpha protectiveness to her version, and makes him a sensual and naughty lover, too. Thank you, modern romance, for letting our book boyfriends get it on. Bronte would smile at how romance has evolved FOR women.
LIke the original, Private Property is deliciously meta- the original a moralistic character study, and Skye's a character coming of age story, with a heroine trying to find her identity. But Skye brings the sensual, erotic, and passionate flair that make her books so consumable and enticing. Like the original, Skye plays with tense, angsty but passionate chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester, but, deliciously, Skye dials up the heat. These two are FIRE together- and Skye’s version really elevates the intensity of the connection between them. This is what really makes this story take off- and what gives the original a run for its money. Their chemistry is intriguing, steamy, sensual- and profoundly intimate. That intimacy, in particular, was not as central to the source material, and it gives this version a sexy, sweet, and warm element that nicely juxtaposes with the gothic atmosphere and ominous mystery. Plus, the age gap taboo nods to the illicit nature of the original novel’s coupling, ensuring this version still has that forbidden component.
But the biggest Skye adaptation is certainly the central mystery. And since we have two more books to go in the trilogy (which I didn’t initially know), we’ve only just scratched the surface about what Rochester is hiding and what dark secrets lay buried at the Rochester mansion. We start to see some glimmers of the social and moral commentary that made Bronte’s work so groundbreaking, and I can’t wait to see what lies beneath this mystery and what spin Skye decides to take. We already have so many twists and turns, mysterious characters, and loads of questions- and then Skye ends it with an epic cliffhanger that has left me DESPERATE for book two. I’m madly in love with the characters and thirsty for answers.
Danger, suspense, sensual passion, and a gripping mystery- this is everything I love about Skye Warren, and all the magic that I loved about the original!
Prince of Hearts (first in a duet)
For never was a story of more woe than this of Ari and her Nicco! LA Cotton hits us with an edge of your seat Romeo and Juliet infused mafia, angsty college romance. Two feuding mafia families, two star crossed lovers chained down by the weight of their family legacies, and an all consuming infatuation that blossoms into an epic romance.
Like the original R and J story, this is an insta-love, immediate connection, fated souls story- Ari and Nicco are immediately drawn to each other, their souls becoming immediately infused from their first moments together. At first the obstacle is that both are living behind public facades necessary because of their family’s notoriety, but once the truth is outed, we all know the classic obstacle- feuds, violence, and power.
Nicco and Ari are pretty adorable together- she’s sheltered, trying to embrace the version of herself she’s never been allowed to be. Nicco is brooding and numb. Both feel restrained by their last names, and their connection becomes to spark that re- ignites their souls.
Overall, I liked this story- but it did start out slow. And, since we have so many obstacles, we didn’t get as much “together” time with the couple as I’d like- I buy their connection and chemistry, but don't feel like they KNOW each other yet. (but then again, neither did R and J) About 60% through though it picks up, and then I was hooked- and LA starts to play with the R and J story less literally, so you are on your toes more. Be warned- several CLIFFY situations- this is a duet! Floored by that ending- what is going on!?!?!
sandizzlereads's review
5.0
What amazing adaptations!
If you are a fan of retelling classic stories then this is the anthology for you. These authors are some of the best out there, and they are the best for a reason. These stories are so well written, and are going to make you fall in love with the classics again. Or at least their takes on them.
I’m not going to pick a favorite because there is just now way to do that, I’m just going to tell you to not miss a chance to read these stories, you will regret it if you do!
If you are a fan of retelling classic stories then this is the anthology for you. These authors are some of the best out there, and they are the best for a reason. These stories are so well written, and are going to make you fall in love with the classics again. Or at least their takes on them.
I’m not going to pick a favorite because there is just now way to do that, I’m just going to tell you to not miss a chance to read these stories, you will regret it if you do!
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