inked_orca's review
4.0
This is a review of Twisted Debt by Amarie Avant & Xavier Neal in the Once Upon A Broken Crown Boxset.
Zel’s father owes a debt to a billionaire. To settle that debt, he had to give his daughter to the man. As her father leads her to Elias Whittington’s penthouse, she realizes that it’s not for a fancy dinner.
Signing the dotted lines sealed her fate.
Elias Whittington is a man with a very specific desire. He wants Zel as his toy. She will be his for the next three months. Her manipulative father handed over his daughter to pay his debt, and now she’s Elias’s doll.
She will let her hair down for him.
Confused is the word I would use to describe what I felt reading the early chapters. A lot made little sense, and I was as confused as Zel was. I somehow expected her to fight Elias, to talk back and tell him she won’t just obey a strange man’s requests, but she obeyed him right away and enjoyed everything he did. And when I got to see more of her background, I understood why. Being the one to take care of everyone is a challenge. When a handsome man offers to take care of you, you’ll want to know what it feels like.
Elias’s background story is unknown. He’s mysterious. And somehow Zel got under his skin and tore down his walls. I would’ve loved to read more of his backstory, but not having to see it made him more of an enigma.
The writing in this book was a bit confusing at first, but as the story progressed, it made sense. The emotional parts are well written. I might’ve read some scenes with my hands covering my face.
Zel’s father owes a debt to a billionaire. To settle that debt, he had to give his daughter to the man. As her father leads her to Elias Whittington’s penthouse, she realizes that it’s not for a fancy dinner.
Signing the dotted lines sealed her fate.
Elias Whittington is a man with a very specific desire. He wants Zel as his toy. She will be his for the next three months. Her manipulative father handed over his daughter to pay his debt, and now she’s Elias’s doll.
She will let her hair down for him.
Confused is the word I would use to describe what I felt reading the early chapters. A lot made little sense, and I was as confused as Zel was. I somehow expected her to fight Elias, to talk back and tell him she won’t just obey a strange man’s requests, but she obeyed him right away and enjoyed everything he did. And when I got to see more of her background, I understood why. Being the one to take care of everyone is a challenge. When a handsome man offers to take care of you, you’ll want to know what it feels like.
Elias’s background story is unknown. He’s mysterious. And somehow Zel got under his skin and tore down his walls. I would’ve loved to read more of his backstory, but not having to see it made him more of an enigma.
The writing in this book was a bit confusing at first, but as the story progressed, it made sense. The emotional parts are well written. I might’ve read some scenes with my hands covering my face.
jamies_bookreads's review
5.0
So can’t wait to finish.
Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amaire Avant ~ was everything I never knew I needed in a retelling of a Cinderella/rapunzel style story. Zel (FMC) was traded to settle a debt of her fathers to Elias (MMC). He will hold her captive for three months to use as his “doll”. This story is spicy and hits perfectly. TW/18+ 4.5/stars
I can not wait to read more of these fairytale retellings in this anthology. I love finding new authors this way.
Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amaire Avant ~ was everything I never knew I needed in a retelling of a Cinderella/rapunzel style story. Zel (FMC) was traded to settle a debt of her fathers to Elias (MMC). He will hold her captive for three months to use as his “doll”. This story is spicy and hits perfectly. TW/18+ 4.5/stars
I can not wait to read more of these fairytale retellings in this anthology. I love finding new authors this way.
book_lover_97's review
4.0
Gilded: Goldie and the Three by Sarah Bale follows Goldie and the Behr Brothers in an exciting story. The vivid writing and and quick pace from the start had me hooked from the very beginning. The evoking imagery made for an immersive read. This is a very enjoyable and unique spin of Goldilocks and the three bears.
readaholic7's review
5.0
This review is for The Ties We Break by Emma Luna, one of the stories that will be featured in this anthology. I devoured Emma's contribution & can't wait to read the other authors contributions later this month when released. The Ties We Break was absolutely amazing and drew me in from the start. I respect Belle for pushing outside of her comfort zone in order to be able to make her dreams come true. Declan reminds me a bit of a dark teddy bear, something tells me hes not as a bad as he portrays himself. I can't wait to know how Belles and Declans story will continue, be warned this one does end with a bit of a cliffhanger and dive into the other stories as if they are half as good as this one, it will be amazing read. I highly recommend putting this on your TBR list this month
carissasbooksncoffee's review
5.0
I had the pleasure of reading two particular stories from this anthology.
Title: Beautiful Beast
Author: Olivia Peters
Rating: 5 star
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about Adam and Belle. A man determined to make his own way in the world away from his father and all his father represents until the unthinkable happens, not once but twice. An accident and a terminal illness make Adam more closed off than ever before. However, he can’t escape his gorgeous new neighbor, Belle. She barrels into his world like a tornado and she refuses to leave! I love the interactions between them and how her sunshine overshadows his grump. They have some interesting issues to overcome and I loved the way their relationship developed through them. Definite must read!
Title: The Outcast
Author: Taya Rune
Rating: 5 star
This beautiful tale is about Kahlahnni and her struggle to find where she fits in. Growing up in a group home, she doesn’t look like anyone and she struggles with a bully. She finally breaks free but still doesn’t have a sense of belonging. At the ceremony that is supposed to determine who she is meant to be, she still struggles to wrap her head around who she is. Circumstances lead her away and she is found by Evannderth, who helps guide her way. I love the slow progression of their relationship and how Taya holds true to Kahlahnni’s character and isn’t easily swayed but anyone. They must fight for each other and with each other. It’s a truly touching story with more to come!
Merged review:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about Adam and Belle. A man determined to make his own way in the world away from his father and all his father represents until the unthinkable happens, not once but twice. An accident and a terminal illness make Adam more closed off than ever before. However, he can’t escape his gorgeous new neighbor, Belle. She barrels into his world like a tornado and she refuses to leave! I love the interactions between them and how her sunshine overshadows his grump. They have some interesting issues to overcome and I loved the way their relationship developed through them. Definite must read!
Title: Beautiful Beast
Author: Olivia Peters
Rating: 5 star
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about Adam and Belle. A man determined to make his own way in the world away from his father and all his father represents until the unthinkable happens, not once but twice. An accident and a terminal illness make Adam more closed off than ever before. However, he can’t escape his gorgeous new neighbor, Belle. She barrels into his world like a tornado and she refuses to leave! I love the interactions between them and how her sunshine overshadows his grump. They have some interesting issues to overcome and I loved the way their relationship developed through them. Definite must read!
Title: The Outcast
Author: Taya Rune
Rating: 5 star
This beautiful tale is about Kahlahnni and her struggle to find where she fits in. Growing up in a group home, she doesn’t look like anyone and she struggles with a bully. She finally breaks free but still doesn’t have a sense of belonging. At the ceremony that is supposed to determine who she is meant to be, she still struggles to wrap her head around who she is. Circumstances lead her away and she is found by Evannderth, who helps guide her way. I love the slow progression of their relationship and how Taya holds true to Kahlahnni’s character and isn’t easily swayed but anyone. They must fight for each other and with each other. It’s a truly touching story with more to come!
Merged review:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about Adam and Belle. A man determined to make his own way in the world away from his father and all his father represents until the unthinkable happens, not once but twice. An accident and a terminal illness make Adam more closed off than ever before. However, he can’t escape his gorgeous new neighbor, Belle. She barrels into his world like a tornado and she refuses to leave! I love the interactions between them and how her sunshine overshadows his grump. They have some interesting issues to overcome and I loved the way their relationship developed through them. Definite must read!
muffreadsreview71's review
5.0
My review for Twisted Debt by Amarie Avant and Xavier Neal. I loved Zel and Elias story!! Definitely better than the original fairy tale. I received an ARC for my honest opinion. I'm looking forward to reading Once Upon a Broken Crown Anthology.
ambere_booksandmore's review
5.0
Review for Twisted Debt.
This story was amazing! I went though the emotions for the book. I went from being not sure about the MMC to absolutely loving him and wanting to be his little doll. The FMC is definitely one lucky long haired lady! Such a fantastic twist to the fairy tale that has always been a favorite of mine.
More reviews to come
This story was amazing! I went though the emotions for the book. I went from being not sure about the MMC to absolutely loving him and wanting to be his little doll. The FMC is definitely one lucky long haired lady! Such a fantastic twist to the fairy tale that has always been a favorite of mine.
More reviews to come
the_novel_reader's review
4.0
"Twisted Debt" is a novella and can be read without reading any other stories in the "Once Upon A Broken Crown Anthology."
This story is a twisted and morally gray retelling of a classic fairy tale, which involves an unusual kink. It was a very quick read that was quite spicy. I enjoyed Elias and Zel, and found their chemistry to jump right off those pages. I liked the retelling, which isn't one that is usually retold, it felt fresh and modern.
This story is a twisted and morally gray retelling of a classic fairy tale, which involves an unusual kink. It was a very quick read that was quite spicy. I enjoyed Elias and Zel, and found their chemistry to jump right off those pages. I liked the retelling, which isn't one that is usually retold, it felt fresh and modern.
book_bums_and_coffee_hugs's review
4.0
i was picked to read an ARC of Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal.
i really enjoyed this short story, although it felt rushed in some spots, the overall gist of the story i truly did enjoy. it was on the taboo side of things where its premise was derived from initially - but it was super steamy, in all the best and dirty ways.
i really enjoyed this short story, although it felt rushed in some spots, the overall gist of the story i truly did enjoy. it was on the taboo side of things where its premise was derived from initially - but it was super steamy, in all the best and dirty ways.
chelsiweddle94's review
5.0
So this review is for multiple books in this anthology. I’ll post the names and reviews for each book.
The Outcast by taya rune: reading kahlahnni’s story broke my heart but also had me so emotionally invested. That poor girl goes through abuse, being accused of murder, being used for other peoples gains and losing herself. But she also finds herself. Realized how special she is and ends up with an incredible family and man and I just loved every bit of it.
Caged in wonderland by Annie James: listen… I love a good retelling. Especially Alice in wonderland. And this one, although vastly different than most I’ve read, was absolutely incredible!! I loved loved loved her harem of men from the hatter to the white rabbit even to the Cheshire Cat!! Trying to help alice escape from the evil queen Of hearts that had taken over her realm! She ends up working at a bdsm club while her mates try to bring her back to them while also simultaneously dealing with her trauma. It’s an incredible story of resilience and mental health and adventure. Alice is such a strong and determined woman. Man I loved it!!
Nightengale’s Song by Nikki Noble: a story about a girl finding herself and what she wanted to do in life while also trying to juggle her moms overbearing attitude and a new man in her life while also dealing with the fact that she died but somehow didn’t have a soul for the grim reapers to take!! Just wow.
The ties we break by Emma Luna: oh man. Emma always writes incredible stories and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Mental health, horrid parents, money struggles, and more!! Learning about a bdsm club and falling for the person who manages it while also learning about herself (possibly selling her virginity) it’s such a riveting story I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see where this goes!!
The Outcast by taya rune: reading kahlahnni’s story broke my heart but also had me so emotionally invested. That poor girl goes through abuse, being accused of murder, being used for other peoples gains and losing herself. But she also finds herself. Realized how special she is and ends up with an incredible family and man and I just loved every bit of it.
Caged in wonderland by Annie James: listen… I love a good retelling. Especially Alice in wonderland. And this one, although vastly different than most I’ve read, was absolutely incredible!! I loved loved loved her harem of men from the hatter to the white rabbit even to the Cheshire Cat!! Trying to help alice escape from the evil queen Of hearts that had taken over her realm! She ends up working at a bdsm club while her mates try to bring her back to them while also simultaneously dealing with her trauma. It’s an incredible story of resilience and mental health and adventure. Alice is such a strong and determined woman. Man I loved it!!
Nightengale’s Song by Nikki Noble: a story about a girl finding herself and what she wanted to do in life while also trying to juggle her moms overbearing attitude and a new man in her life while also dealing with the fact that she died but somehow didn’t have a soul for the grim reapers to take!! Just wow.
The ties we break by Emma Luna: oh man. Emma always writes incredible stories and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Mental health, horrid parents, money struggles, and more!! Learning about a bdsm club and falling for the person who manages it while also learning about herself (possibly selling her virginity) it’s such a riveting story I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see where this goes!!