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For the Love of the Villain #2
The Maleficent Faerie: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling
A spicy, Fae Sleeping Beauty retelling with a male version of Maleficent, a dying realm, and intriguing twists on the old tale.
When Malec, the Void King, attacks Princess Dawn's carriage, her Fae bodyguard Aura switches places with her. Glamoured as a human, Aura must fool Malec into thinking she's the Princess he cursed 25 years ago. Relentless and powerful, but with a vulnerable side he hides from others, Malec begins to crave Aura's respect as much as he craves her body.
Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.
When Malec, the Void King, attacks Princess Dawn's carriage, her Fae bodyguard Aura switches places with her. Glamoured as a human, Aura must fool Malec into thinking she's the Princess he cursed 25 years ago. Relentless and powerful, but with a vulnerable side he hides from others, Malec begins to crave Aura's respect as much as he craves her body.
Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.
291 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2023
744 people are currently reading
5357 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,920 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
June 10, 2023
“You think I am their destruction, little viper. But what if I am their salvation instead?”
Malec, the Void King, has finally succeeded in kidnapping the princess he cursed as an infant.
Aura has fulfilled her duty as bodyguard and secretly switched places with the princess.
There is a saying that nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood.
With the threat looming over the realm, it is only a matter of time.
I loved it. Kenney has become my go-to for dark fairy tale retellings. Keep them coming, please and thank you. The creativity is 🤌 The characters are lovable. The chemistry and banter are electric. I could not get enough!
⬗ Sleeping Beauty Retelling: Fae Ed.
⬗ Secret Identities
⬗ Team Villain
⬗ Age Gap (does it count if he’s fae?)
⬗ Touch Her and Die
⬗ Spicy Spice (knife play)
⬗ Read as Standalone ✔️
Malec, the Void King, has finally succeeded in kidnapping the princess he cursed as an infant.
Aura has fulfilled her duty as bodyguard and secretly switched places with the princess.
There is a saying that nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood.
With the threat looming over the realm, it is only a matter of time.
I loved it. Kenney has become my go-to for dark fairy tale retellings. Keep them coming, please and thank you. The creativity is 🤌 The characters are lovable. The chemistry and banter are electric. I could not get enough!
⬗ Sleeping Beauty Retelling: Fae Ed.
⬗ Secret Identities
⬗ Team Villain
⬗ Age Gap (does it count if he’s fae?)
⬗ Touch Her and Die
⬗ Spicy Spice (knife play)
⬗ Read as Standalone ✔️
⚡️🔥❤️
“That’s right. I’m the helpless infant you cursed.”
“Helpless infant my rosy ass.”
“Because you hate me. You hate the Royals, and my people, and our religion.”
“I dislike the Royals, I pity your people, and I think your religion is foolish.”
“It’s all right to admit it, little viper. You liked hurting me.”
“You liked being hurt.”
I have not craved a woman this quickly or this fiercely in a long time.
I pause to think through what I just said and make sure it’s logical. I think it is, but I can’t be sure because wine.
“I hate you for being the only one who has told me the truth.”
“I hate you for making me crave your admiration, your touch, your glance,” he says, low.
She is so exquisite it hurts.
This man could be a very delicious and dangerous habit.
“I know what it is to be hunted. Every one who came against me failed. But I would let you suck me dry, little viper—I’d drink poison from your mouth, lick venom from your tongue.”
June 26, 2023
Outstanding retelling of Sleeping Beauty!!!!!
And the cover was so friggin beautiful!! And the characters were amazing!!!
This is another writer that I found on Tik Tok!!! I saw the cover and read the except and knew I had to read about a male Maleficent!!! If you think Maleficent was fabulous wait till you meet The Maleficent One also known as the Void King!! He is Dark and sexy with beautiful black wings shot with purple and indigo inner feathers and he's a dirty talker who likes to be dominated every now and then! Years ago he tried to bring his kingdom of Daenallan and the Caennith together to stop the void from taking over but after repeated tries and back stabbing and a intentional slight by not inviting Malec to the birth of the king and queens daughter Dawn, he is humiliated in front of everyone and puts a curse on their first born. For close to 25 years its been a game of cat and mouse with Malec trying to kidnap Dawn but every attempt has been blocked by her Fae bodyguard Aura who is smart,strong and brave and clever taking care of any threats to the princess. But Dawn has talked Aura into sneaking out for the Surge and it turns into a bad decision when the void king kidnaps the crown princess. But he soon finds out that this spite fire is not the princess but is his nemesis and he has plans for this little bad ass! Their are twists and turns with betrayal and revenge and long held secrets that will change all those involved lives and alliances will be tested. The chemistry between Malec and Aura is scorching and the role reversal and steamy bed play makes for some really mind blowing sex!!! The storyline and storytelling by this writer is phenomenal!!! I've never read any of Rebecca's books before. But after reading this book I went to Goodreads and marked just about all her books as I want to read!!! If you love a twisted fairytales with amazing characters and on the erotic steamy side, check it out!!! She has all kinds of delicious fables and a little something for everyone. Until next time Luv's💕💋
And the cover was so friggin beautiful!! And the characters were amazing!!!
This is another writer that I found on Tik Tok!!! I saw the cover and read the except and knew I had to read about a male Maleficent!!! If you think Maleficent was fabulous wait till you meet The Maleficent One also known as the Void King!! He is Dark and sexy with beautiful black wings shot with purple and indigo inner feathers and he's a dirty talker who likes to be dominated every now and then! Years ago he tried to bring his kingdom of Daenallan and the Caennith together to stop the void from taking over but after repeated tries and back stabbing and a intentional slight by not inviting Malec to the birth of the king and queens daughter Dawn, he is humiliated in front of everyone and puts a curse on their first born. For close to 25 years its been a game of cat and mouse with Malec trying to kidnap Dawn but every attempt has been blocked by her Fae bodyguard Aura who is smart,strong and brave and clever taking care of any threats to the princess. But Dawn has talked Aura into sneaking out for the Surge and it turns into a bad decision when the void king kidnaps the crown princess. But he soon finds out that this spite fire is not the princess but is his nemesis and he has plans for this little bad ass! Their are twists and turns with betrayal and revenge and long held secrets that will change all those involved lives and alliances will be tested. The chemistry between Malec and Aura is scorching and the role reversal and steamy bed play makes for some really mind blowing sex!!! The storyline and storytelling by this writer is phenomenal!!! I've never read any of Rebecca's books before. But after reading this book I went to Goodreads and marked just about all her books as I want to read!!! If you love a twisted fairytales with amazing characters and on the erotic steamy side, check it out!!! She has all kinds of delicious fables and a little something for everyone. Until next time Luv's💕💋
Read
April 18, 2025This book wasn't for me.
June 30, 2023
I went in with no real expectations and really enjoyed this.
It's a standalone fantasy romance, so I wasn't expecting a huge amount, but there was nothing I didn't like!
There was a decent plot to go alongside the relationship development and both the main characters were flawed, but in what felt like a genuine way.
I also loved the fact that the male MC wanted to be dominated. I get a little bored of all these super tough female characters who just want a strong man to dominate them in the bedroom. It gets a bit dull when this is so often the dynamic, so this was a refreshing change and their relationship was presented well.
Definitely recommend!
It's a standalone fantasy romance, so I wasn't expecting a huge amount, but there was nothing I didn't like!
There was a decent plot to go alongside the relationship development and both the main characters were flawed, but in what felt like a genuine way.
I also loved the fact that the male MC wanted to be dominated. I get a little bored of all these super tough female characters who just want a strong man to dominate them in the bedroom. It gets a bit dull when this is so often the dynamic, so this was a refreshing change and their relationship was presented well.
Definitely recommend!
May 3, 2023
Absolutely loved this book!
Maleficent is one of my favorite Disney villains so having the character be gender swapped to a sexy, devious, broody man is absolutely the best. I was hooked from the beginning just by seeing the characters on the cover art and knowing who the villain was supposed to be.
The plot is great with quite a few surprises. The enemies to lovers trope is always a top choice.
The steamy scenes are ::chef’s kiss:: just the right amount of sexy kisses with humor.
There’s also some tender moments that had my eyes watering for a moment.
Maleficent is one of my favorite Disney villains so having the character be gender swapped to a sexy, devious, broody man is absolutely the best. I was hooked from the beginning just by seeing the characters on the cover art and knowing who the villain was supposed to be.
The plot is great with quite a few surprises. The enemies to lovers trope is always a top choice.
The steamy scenes are ::chef’s kiss:: just the right amount of sexy kisses with humor.
There’s also some tender moments that had my eyes watering for a moment.
June 13, 2023
The sea witch was so so so good it’s honestly in my top 5 for the year so far bc it was fun, witty, adventurous, and sexy, and this was just trying to be that but fell so flat for me. The romance felt too much like insta-love the sex, while I enjoyed the idea of a sub MMC, was okay but not too spicy imo, the plot was there but idk maybe it was the character depth that didn’t do it for me.
March 25, 2025
This one had me scared, ya'll!! The vibes just were not vibing at first. My hackles raised, I felt a dreadful familiarity creeping nearer. But what could it be? Oh. Oh, no. Is this just my most disliked Kenney novel, The Gargoyle Protector, but Faerie instead of Gargoyle? The same prejudiced main? The heated political climate with a clear divide? I was ready to riot. (joke!!)
Thankfully, our girl has continued to grow as a writer and has developed enough to take the story in a much more tolerable direction with characters much more redeemable feeling.
Also, Kenney has really stepped it up on adding fun twists. As a brain-off reader of most things, it made for a very fun ride!
Thankfully, our girl has continued to grow as a writer and has developed enough to take the story in a much more tolerable direction with characters much more redeemable feeling.
Also, Kenney has really stepped it up on adding fun twists. As a brain-off reader of most things, it made for a very fun ride!
May 17, 2023
OK, Ok, I have said this before, but truly I didn’t think Rebecca could outdo herself after a court of sugar and spice but her writing and stories just keeps getting better and better! This is a sleeping beauty retelling with gender bend for maleficent. The character is now male in this book, Malec. Oh, you still get the outline of the well loved, classic story of sleeping beauty, but Rebecca adds her own amazing, brilliant twists and turns throughout making it a masterpiece all her own! It is dual POV, so you get the perspective of both FMC and MMC which is one of my favorites when books are written this way. That way you get to understand what the “villain “is also thinking right along with your heroin. Malec (Maleficent) our MMC is dark, brooding and sad, but a complete cinnamon roll! Aura, our MFC is sassy, boisterous, dominant, tough and brilliant, and a strong female character lead! I just love the dynamics between the two main characters! The spice is also well done! Spicy/Smutty that fits in perfectly with the plot, and it doesn’t take over. It is so well done, and it will definitely captivate you! Never a dull moment, and a complete page turner! Each chapter ended on a cliffhanger, which will keep you enthralled! I am a big fan of Rebecca‘s Work, but this is the first five star review I have given her. This book is my favorite she has written so far! The adventure, the world building, the spice, the plot, all of it is absolutely well done and tied together in this neat little bow at the end! If you are into dark and kinky and classic retellings, this is 100% for you! 5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶 Enjoy and Happy reading! I received this book as an ARC, but I can assure you all the thoughts on my own.
June 3, 2023
Well Rebecca F. Kenney, you have done it again! I absolutely loved this story I can't even express how much I loved it.
It is such a unique take, and I am not just talking about the genderbend aspect. The entire plot as a whole is brilliant. Lots of action, adventure, romance, smut, characters with so much depth. I was not expecting this book to have so many deep emotional moments that had be getting teary and sniffly lol.
Malec was such an amazingly written character with so much depth and emotion to him. I just want to hug this man and tell him he is enough. As someone who has struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts I feel so much love for this character. Ugh I'm getting emotional just typing lol.
Aura was SUCH a badass omg. She had just the right level of angst without being annoying like so many fmc in books I've read.
The spice also was super fucking hot. Rebecca you bloody genius.
5 stars all the way baby!
It is such a unique take, and I am not just talking about the genderbend aspect. The entire plot as a whole is brilliant. Lots of action, adventure, romance, smut, characters with so much depth. I was not expecting this book to have so many deep emotional moments that had be getting teary and sniffly lol.
Malec was such an amazingly written character with so much depth and emotion to him. I just want to hug this man and tell him he is enough. As someone who has struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts I feel so much love for this character. Ugh I'm getting emotional just typing lol.
Aura was SUCH a badass omg. She had just the right level of angst without being annoying like so many fmc in books I've read.
The spice also was super fucking hot. Rebecca you bloody genius.
5 stars all the way baby!
May 9, 2025
I’m not sure how I feel after reading this. I’m not sure I loved it; but I didn’t hate it. I enjoyed recognizing aspects of Sleeping Beauty throughout the story but some parts were just too cringe. Not the worst!
October 27, 2023
There were quite a few issues with this book, but the worst part was the author using the attempted rape of the female protagonist as character development for the male protagonist.
May 23, 2023
I loved it! Malec and Aura is a great retelling of sleeping beauty. The dynamic between the 2 is amazing. Aura trades places with the princess she is protecting. In order, to make sure she isn't kidnapped. But then it turns into a wild ride. The spice is great. Read this one!!
April 13, 2024
|The Maleficent Faerie| ✨✨✨✨✨
by @rebeccafkenneybooks 🤌🏼. Rebecca cannot miss! I loved this so much! A Sleeping Beauty retelling where Maleficent (Malec) is a male and the FMC can handle herself and needs no protector. But let’s not forget the MMC who likes to be given a hand necklace?! 🫦
by @rebeccafkenneybooks 🤌🏼. Rebecca cannot miss! I loved this so much! A Sleeping Beauty retelling where Maleficent (Malec) is a male and the FMC can handle herself and needs no protector. But let’s not forget the MMC who likes to be given a hand necklace?! 🫦
August 27, 2023
I adored The Sea Witch but this book is missing something. Still a perfectly fine quick read.
July 29, 2025
Another easy 5 star retelling from Rebecca F Kenney!
What’s not to love about a genderbent and drool worthy Fae Maleficent? 👀 Did I mention it’s an enemies to lovers— and, as always, that spice is deliciously hot! 🌶️🔥
As usual, the author took what was a childhood favorite for many of us and crafted it into something more suitable to our, shall we say, expanding tastes, as we’ve grown. 🫣
Truly captivating, a page turner from the jump, with just the right dose of nostalgia!
What’s not to love about a genderbent and drool worthy Fae Maleficent? 👀 Did I mention it’s an enemies to lovers— and, as always, that spice is deliciously hot! 🌶️🔥
As usual, the author took what was a childhood favorite for many of us and crafted it into something more suitable to our, shall we say, expanding tastes, as we’ve grown. 🫣
Truly captivating, a page turner from the jump, with just the right dose of nostalgia!
June 3, 2023
I was beyond excited for this because her little mermaid retelling was one of my favourite reads last year. Unfortunately this one fell really flat for me personally, tbh it was closer to a two star read for me
The plot was a unique spin on the sleeping beauty fairytale, but the start was a bit slow and I couldn't really connect to our two main characters. I also didn't particularly enjoy their dynamic, but I know that others will love this book because of that dynamic
The plot was a unique spin on the sleeping beauty fairytale, but the start was a bit slow and I couldn't really connect to our two main characters. I also didn't particularly enjoy their dynamic, but I know that others will love this book because of that dynamic
August 10, 2023
His kink simply elevated the content *chef's kiss*
May 11, 2024
If you’re into submissive men this is for you
July 9, 2024
READ
𝙶𝙴𝙽𝚁𝙴: 𝖥𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 / 𝖱𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀
𝚃𝚈𝙿𝙴: 𝖨𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
𝙰𝙶𝙴: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝚂𝙰𝙵𝙴𝚃𝚈: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝙴𝚅𝙰𝙻𝚄𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 ⏱
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 3/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 🔥
𝖢𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋: 5/𝟻📓
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝚃𝚁𝙾𝙿𝙴𝚂 / 𝙵𝙴𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴𝚂:
🧝 𝖥𝖺𝖾 + 👑 𝖱𝗈𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗍𝗒
🕵️ 𝖲𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍 𝖨𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒
🚀❣️ 𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾 + 𝖫𝗎𝗌𝗍
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚈:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝙼𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂:
I liked the Sea Witch more, this one was missing something. The concept was awesome, but the execution was messy, and maybe I just don't like the author's writing style. I didn't like the insta -love relationship and the submissive male.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❔
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ❔
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝚃𝚆 / 𝙲𝚆:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
For the Love of the Villain Series
𝟏. The Sea Witch: 4⭐
𝟐. The Maleficent Faerie: 3⭐
𝙶𝙴𝙽𝚁𝙴: 𝖥𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 / 𝖱𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀
𝚃𝚈𝙿𝙴: 𝖨𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌
𝙰𝙶𝙴: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝚂𝙰𝙵𝙴𝚃𝚈: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝙴𝚅𝙰𝙻𝚄𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 ⏱
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 3/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 🔥
𝖢𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋: 5/𝟻📓
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝚃𝚁𝙾𝙿𝙴𝚂 / 𝙵𝙴𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴𝚂:
🧝 𝖥𝖺𝖾 + 👑 𝖱𝗈𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗍𝗒
🕵️ 𝖲𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍 𝖨𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒
🚀❣️ 𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾 + 𝖫𝗎𝗌𝗍
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𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚈:
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𝙼𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂:
I liked the Sea Witch more, this one was missing something. The concept was awesome, but the execution was messy, and maybe I just don't like the author's writing style. I didn't like the insta -love relationship and the submissive male.
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𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❔
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ❔
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𝚃𝚆 / 𝙲𝚆:
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For the Love of the Villain Series
𝟏. The Sea Witch: 4⭐
𝟐. The Maleficent Faerie: 3⭐
August 14, 2024
A Sleeping Beauty retelling with the spice level of a Carolina Reaper. When Void King Malec attempts to kidnap Princess Dawn, her personal Fae guard, Aura, switches places with her. Aura is determined to thwart his scheme, but the more she sees of him, the more she suspects that there may be more to his “evil” plan, and her own role in it. Despite their best efforts and the tragic fate that awaits them, the two of them find their need for each other becoming insatiable.
I thought nothing could surprise me after reading A Court of Sugar and Spice. I was wrong. And I say this as the highest of praise. I loved Aura and Malec as a couple, and in particular I thought that Aura was a great example of a tough character who isn’t invincible. I also liked that there was more fluidity with the dominant and submissive roles between the two of them. And, uh, the “shadow tentacle” scene absolutely rivals the candy cane scene from Sugar and Spice in terms of being unforgettable.
What can I say? Rebecca F. Kenney delivers exactly what she promises: A much hornier version of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairytale, with some grit and blood thrown in for good measure. While all of the basic elements are still there and the twists are a bit predictable, the story is different enough to be fun to read and the characters are reworked in a way that perfectly suits this much more adult retelling of the tale. Highly recommended for fans of dark fae romance.
5/5 For those of us who like our love interests sweet and murderous.
I thought nothing could surprise me after reading A Court of Sugar and Spice. I was wrong. And I say this as the highest of praise. I loved Aura and Malec as a couple, and in particular I thought that Aura was a great example of a tough character who isn’t invincible. I also liked that there was more fluidity with the dominant and submissive roles between the two of them. And, uh, the “shadow tentacle” scene absolutely rivals the candy cane scene from Sugar and Spice in terms of being unforgettable.
What can I say? Rebecca F. Kenney delivers exactly what she promises: A much hornier version of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairytale, with some grit and blood thrown in for good measure. While all of the basic elements are still there and the twists are a bit predictable, the story is different enough to be fun to read and the characters are reworked in a way that perfectly suits this much more adult retelling of the tale. Highly recommended for fans of dark fae romance.
5/5 For those of us who like our love interests sweet and murderous.
July 24, 2024
Another Rebecca book I’ve finished in one sitting.
Let me start with Maleficent has always been my favorite fairy tale villain (along with hades, but that’s not important), and I would say this book definitely scratched that itch of a maleficent like Male Love Interest. Now, I will say the world building definitely threw me for a loop lol, expecting a more Maleficent: Mistress of Evil vibe, but I was NOT disappointed.
Malec is portrayed as the villain to Aura’s kingdom, cursing the princess she protects at her christening, wanting to use her blood to help fight back the void encroaching upon their world. But when Aura takes the place of the princess, Dawn, the one thing instilled in her NOT to do, she gets captured by The Void King, Malec, hiding her fae heritage. But how will their relationship progress when it’s revealed she’s NOT the princes she thought he had kidnapped?
𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆!!
Let me say, firstly, that first scene where Malec told her to choke him HARDER?? I tossed my phone cackling. I WAS NOT expecting that. And the following “FemDomish” scenes were definitely enjoyable. And the twist with Aura being the princess confused me, those characters are much smarter than I am because who actually would’ve thought of that?? But the lead up of glamours and her wings not being responsive before the reveal i definitely picked up on afterwards. And dawn? Best sister relationship! Screw their parents!
Anyways! Loved this book! 8/10 only lost points because I feel like the end dragged- at least to me!
Let me start with Maleficent has always been my favorite fairy tale villain (along with hades, but that’s not important), and I would say this book definitely scratched that itch of a maleficent like Male Love Interest. Now, I will say the world building definitely threw me for a loop lol, expecting a more Maleficent: Mistress of Evil vibe, but I was NOT disappointed.
Malec is portrayed as the villain to Aura’s kingdom, cursing the princess she protects at her christening, wanting to use her blood to help fight back the void encroaching upon their world. But when Aura takes the place of the princess, Dawn, the one thing instilled in her NOT to do, she gets captured by The Void King, Malec, hiding her fae heritage. But how will their relationship progress when it’s revealed she’s NOT the princes she thought he had kidnapped?
𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆!!
Let me say, firstly, that first scene where Malec told her to choke him HARDER?? I tossed my phone cackling. I WAS NOT expecting that. And the following “FemDomish” scenes were definitely enjoyable. And the twist with Aura being the princess confused me, those characters are much smarter than I am because who actually would’ve thought of that?? But the lead up of glamours and her wings not being responsive before the reveal i definitely picked up on afterwards. And dawn? Best sister relationship! Screw their parents!
Anyways! Loved this book! 8/10 only lost points because I feel like the end dragged- at least to me!
November 8, 2023
3 ⭐️ sleeping beauty falls for the villain
— —
What to expect:
✨ sleeping beauty retelling
✨ falling in love with the villain
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ dark romance-ish
✨ fairies and humans
✨ revenge
✨ strong female
✨ mates-ish
✨ grumpy male
✨ monster-ish romance
✨ kingdoms
✨ magic
✨ spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
✨ dual POV
— —
This ending was better than the first book’s ending but I still didn’t like it. It just didn’t make sense. Actually the whole world building didn’t make sense. It sounds like there’s some void (like shadow and bone) and there’s two realms but they are kingdoms and they are in the same plane but you need portals to move between the two?? Idk, it was confusing.
Truthfully, I think this author has really unique ideas and the plots are great but when you start looking at the bigger picture, it gets messy. After trying two books written by her, I won’t be reading anymore.
— —
The sex scenes were definitely different. It was a female dominate with a male submissive while normally it’s the opposite. I think they were well written, even if that’s not really my thing. Definitely check trigger warnings!
What to expect with the spicy:
🌶️ dark romance style sex scenes
🌶️ bdsm
🌶️ female dom
🌶️ blood play
🌶️ pain
🌶️ chained
— —
What to expect:
✨ sleeping beauty retelling
✨ falling in love with the villain
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ dark romance-ish
✨ fairies and humans
✨ revenge
✨ strong female
✨ mates-ish
✨ grumpy male
✨ monster-ish romance
✨ kingdoms
✨ magic
✨ spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
✨ dual POV
— —
This ending was better than the first book’s ending but I still didn’t like it. It just didn’t make sense. Actually the whole world building didn’t make sense. It sounds like there’s some void (like shadow and bone) and there’s two realms but they are kingdoms and they are in the same plane but you need portals to move between the two?? Idk, it was confusing.
Truthfully, I think this author has really unique ideas and the plots are great but when you start looking at the bigger picture, it gets messy. After trying two books written by her, I won’t be reading anymore.
— —
The sex scenes were definitely different. It was a female dominate with a male submissive while normally it’s the opposite. I think they were well written, even if that’s not really my thing. Definitely check trigger warnings!
What to expect with the spicy:
🌶️ dark romance style sex scenes
🌶️ bdsm
🌶️ female dom
🌶️ blood play
🌶️ pain
🌶️ chained
Read
June 12, 20233⭐️
3.5🌶
To be honest, this wasn't the best follow up to The Sea Witch. Don't get me wrong, there was still great concepts in this story. It just didn't hit the same as the pervious book.
This is another retelling of a gender bend villain falling for the FMC. This time around we have a Maleficent character falling for the princess's bodyguard. There were parts that were really interesting and I loved the author's take on another classic fairytale. But there are times that I felt kind of bored and that certain aspects of the world building weren't completely flushed out. I couldn't really connect to either of the main characters. I did like the mental health representation.
A bonus is that the author sections a very sensitive scene and warns the reader to skip ahead if needed. I wish more books had that feature.
Overall, it was okay. I am still looking forward to future books in this series.
3.5🌶
To be honest, this wasn't the best follow up to The Sea Witch. Don't get me wrong, there was still great concepts in this story. It just didn't hit the same as the pervious book.
This is another retelling of a gender bend villain falling for the FMC. This time around we have a Maleficent character falling for the princess's bodyguard. There were parts that were really interesting and I loved the author's take on another classic fairytale. But there are times that I felt kind of bored and that certain aspects of the world building weren't completely flushed out. I couldn't really connect to either of the main characters. I did like the mental health representation.
A bonus is that the author sections a very sensitive scene and warns the reader to skip ahead if needed. I wish more books had that feature.
Overall, it was okay. I am still looking forward to future books in this series.
January 30, 2024
"I want to stay awake, for you. Alive, for you."
An absolute 5 ⭐ read!
This Sleeping Beauty re-telling was so good and so amazingly written, I'm sad I've finished it. The author just knows how to tell a story, how to make it live inside the reader's mind. I was already impressed with The Sea Witch, but this novel about Aura and Malec has me wishing for more.
Most part I'm impressed with is Malec's journey towards self-love, self-forgiveness and submitting to what he wants and needs. It's beautiful to read.
"Sometimes I need to be reminded," he murmurs. "Reminded of what?" I whisper. "That I am enough. Even when I'm not."
I can write more quotes but then I might spoil the story!
An absolute 5 ⭐ read!
This Sleeping Beauty re-telling was so good and so amazingly written, I'm sad I've finished it. The author just knows how to tell a story, how to make it live inside the reader's mind. I was already impressed with The Sea Witch, but this novel about Aura and Malec has me wishing for more.
Most part I'm impressed with is Malec's journey towards self-love, self-forgiveness and submitting to what he wants and needs. It's beautiful to read.
"Sometimes I need to be reminded," he murmurs. "Reminded of what?" I whisper. "That I am enough. Even when I'm not."
I can write more quotes but then I might spoil the story!
June 10, 2023
This was a delicious spicy retelling with a good amount of plot mixed in!
I picked up this book to have an easy-read-not-use-brain kind of night. I just wanted something more spicy with plot as a side. This gave me all the good feels, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for an easy read!
Rebecca Kenney has a way of making you get lost between the pages. Malic was smexy, and Aura was refreshingly brave for an FMC.
The plot twist really shocked me, although I'm sure smarter people probably saw it coming. I most certainly didn't, lol! Normally, I can guess the plot twists, but this one really did me in!
I'm looking forward to seeing what other stories Kenney publishes!
I picked up this book to have an easy-read-not-use-brain kind of night. I just wanted something more spicy with plot as a side. This gave me all the good feels, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for an easy read!
Rebecca Kenney has a way of making you get lost between the pages. Malic was smexy, and Aura was refreshingly brave for an FMC.
The plot twist really shocked me, although I'm sure smarter people probably saw it coming. I most certainly didn't, lol! Normally, I can guess the plot twists, but this one really did me in!
I'm looking forward to seeing what other stories Kenney publishes!
June 5, 2023
what a unique take on mal
Loved it. Interesting world building without dull exposition. I would have read it for longer, honestly. Pacing was good. Enemies to lovers was well done.
And the kink was well done too. Pay attention to the Content Warnings. Even though I can be sensitive to SA this was handled well and the kink was handled respectfully and sanely by the characters while being an exploration of the characters’ deep emotional turbulence. So good.
The short time period for the development of the relationship isn’t insta love. It made a lot of sense and was well fleshed out. I appreciated the characters’ perspectives and self-reflection, it wasn’t burdensome as a reader, but rather made the fast development of their affection make sense. I do love a good honest flawed character who engages in introspection and makes changes.
Loved it. Interesting world building without dull exposition. I would have read it for longer, honestly. Pacing was good. Enemies to lovers was well done.
And the kink was well done too. Pay attention to the Content Warnings. Even though I can be sensitive to SA this was handled well and the kink was handled respectfully and sanely by the characters while being an exploration of the characters’ deep emotional turbulence. So good.
The short time period for the development of the relationship isn’t insta love. It made a lot of sense and was well fleshed out. I appreciated the characters’ perspectives and self-reflection, it wasn’t burdensome as a reader, but rather made the fast development of their affection make sense. I do love a good honest flawed character who engages in introspection and makes changes.
September 21, 2024
It has taken me ages to properly review this book and I can’t put my finger on why.
I typically love everything Kenney writes and while I did enjoy this book I wasn’t totally immersed in it like I usually am.
As I said I did like it, especially the big twist (you’ll know what it is if you read it) but it wasn’t my favorite book of Kenney’s.
I think the romance didn’t click with me as much as some of her other books have. It was very fast past and I wasn’t as invested in it as I wanted to be.
But overall this was still a great retelling and I will always pick up any book by Kenney’s I see.
I typically love everything Kenney writes and while I did enjoy this book I wasn’t totally immersed in it like I usually am.
As I said I did like it, especially the big twist (you’ll know what it is if you read it) but it wasn’t my favorite book of Kenney’s.
I think the romance didn’t click with me as much as some of her other books have. It was very fast past and I wasn’t as invested in it as I wanted to be.
But overall this was still a great retelling and I will always pick up any book by Kenney’s I see.
September 18, 2025
Unfortunately, this is my least favorite book of this author so far. I did enjoy the dynamic between Aura and Malec, but the writing and ‘worldbuilding’ took away my enjoyment. Incredibly repetitive inner monologues and over-explanations took away any momentum of the story and were like a punch to the face to my attention span. Why do some authors think it’s a good idea to write out every single thought a character has??
It baffles me that there can be so many long-ass infodumps for a worldbuilding that still ended up feeling so shallow and inorganic. I have to admit this isn’t the first time I noticed these things in her writing, but I do think it gets better in her newer books. The plot-twist was also super obvious to me.
DNF at 53%
It baffles me that there can be so many long-ass infodumps for a worldbuilding that still ended up feeling so shallow and inorganic. I have to admit this isn’t the first time I noticed these things in her writing, but I do think it gets better in her newer books. The plot-twist was also super obvious to me.
DNF at 53%
June 9, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I loved the softer edges to both characters. They are both dominant, powerful and aggressive so it was refreshing to see that they had softer sides and vulnerabilities.
Rebecca weaves insecurities and doubt into the characters so beautifully. I loved this take on Sleeping Beauty.
I deducted a star because the submissive scenes were sometimes not my favourite. I could 100% understand why, but I wish there were more moments where Malec could be as dominant as Aura.
Rebecca weaves insecurities and doubt into the characters so beautifully. I loved this take on Sleeping Beauty.
I deducted a star because the submissive scenes were sometimes not my favourite. I could 100% understand why, but I wish there were more moments where Malec could be as dominant as Aura.
July 12, 2023
My first book from Rebecca F. Kenney and I need more.
I so so was wanting to finish this book sooner than I did but life got a bit in the way. But that does not mean I did not think about it the whole time. I love the story. The little twist and turns from the original story we know of sleeping beauty. Malec is so 🥵🥵🥵I can not get over this man. The way that Aura was made to have a secret identity that would make her be her own protector and a fighter rather than damsel in distress. Perfection in my eyes as o love strong female characters especially when they are a in a position of future leader/royal.
I so so was wanting to finish this book sooner than I did but life got a bit in the way. But that does not mean I did not think about it the whole time. I love the story. The little twist and turns from the original story we know of sleeping beauty. Malec is so 🥵🥵🥵I can not get over this man. The way that Aura was made to have a secret identity that would make her be her own protector and a fighter rather than damsel in distress. Perfection in my eyes as o love strong female characters especially when they are a in a position of future leader/royal.
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