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Not-So-Grimm Retellings #1
Just Crumbs
The children of Greenbell grow up hearing tales of a witch who lives within the Whispering Woods. Fantastical stories are woven of the witch who lives in a house made of sweets and lures naughty children to their demise. Of course, no one has ever seen the witch and lived to tell about it, so the forest is left relatively untouched.
That is, until Hans and Gerrit begin their journey.
Despite the rumors they have heard, Hans and his stepbrother, Gerrit, have no choice but to travel through the woods and seek the witch out when their father falls suspiciously ill.
But the woods keep their secrets, and the biggest one is about to be exposed.
When the brothers stumble upon a broken Briar, living alone and starving in a prison made just for her, they begin questioning all the tales they've been told and wonder who would benefit from the vicious lies about the gentle witch they meet.
To help Hans and Gerrit, Briar has to find a way to escape her prison and the mysterious Banisher who put her there. Time is running out, and outside forces are working against the three, but Briar is more determined than ever to snatch her freedom. She's done living on just crumbs, and maybe, with the help of two brothers who have suddenly worked their way into her heart, there is hope for her yet.
This grown-up Hansel and Gretel retelling is short, spicy and sweet, with a whole lot of heart. Just Crumbs is an MFM menage, where the FMC does not choose between her love interests.
That is, until Hans and Gerrit begin their journey.
Despite the rumors they have heard, Hans and his stepbrother, Gerrit, have no choice but to travel through the woods and seek the witch out when their father falls suspiciously ill.
But the woods keep their secrets, and the biggest one is about to be exposed.
When the brothers stumble upon a broken Briar, living alone and starving in a prison made just for her, they begin questioning all the tales they've been told and wonder who would benefit from the vicious lies about the gentle witch they meet.
To help Hans and Gerrit, Briar has to find a way to escape her prison and the mysterious Banisher who put her there. Time is running out, and outside forces are working against the three, but Briar is more determined than ever to snatch her freedom. She's done living on just crumbs, and maybe, with the help of two brothers who have suddenly worked their way into her heart, there is hope for her yet.
This grown-up Hansel and Gretel retelling is short, spicy and sweet, with a whole lot of heart. Just Crumbs is an MFM menage, where the FMC does not choose between her love interests.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
24 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Holly Monroe
17 books245 followersHolly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida with her husband, two kids, and two rescue pups. She's never met a character she couldn't traumatize, but she always gives them their happily ever afters.
They just have to work for it.
They just have to work for it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 18, 2025
This was a really fun read especially with how short it was. I at no point felt like it was rushed or missing information. A really creative take on Hansel and Grettel and not something I've read before.
I liked Briar so much. There was just something about her that made me want to keep reading. Her pov chapters were my favorite. The guys were good but not my personal favorite. Flint was a veeeeery close second for favorite. He was just so cute 🥹.
I do wish there was just a little less spice but that's only because I wanted more Briar.
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc
I liked Briar so much. There was just something about her that made me want to keep reading. Her pov chapters were my favorite. The guys were good but not my personal favorite. Flint was a veeeeery close second for favorite. He was just so cute 🥹.
I do wish there was just a little less spice but that's only because I wanted more Briar.
Thank you to the author for the gifted arc
April 23, 2025
Once again I am honored to be an ARC for Author Holly Monroe. Just Crumbs gives us a spicy retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Two guys, one witch. It gives the feel of D&D with the use of curses, a mission to save a dying duke, a wolf familiar (and of course) seducing the witch.
The story happens fast and moves at high speed. Once you start it's hard to put down. I love the story from start to finish. The real twists happen once the boys release the witch and then the audience gets filled in on the sad and tortured pasts of the main characters.
I'm trying not to spoil everything and yet hype it up for everyone to open this retelling.
The story happens fast and moves at high speed. Once you start it's hard to put down. I love the story from start to finish. The real twists happen once the boys release the witch and then the audience gets filled in on the sad and tortured pasts of the main characters.
I'm trying not to spoil everything and yet hype it up for everyone to open this retelling.
September 28, 2025
4 stars
What a creative retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but MFM!
I really enjoyed this adult fairytale, which had magical curses, a wounded bird witch, stepbrothers, and a lot of sexy times.
It was pretty insta-everything, but great as a palate cleanser.
What a creative retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but MFM!
I really enjoyed this adult fairytale, which had magical curses, a wounded bird witch, stepbrothers, and a lot of sexy times.
It was pretty insta-everything, but great as a palate cleanser.
April 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC for this story🫶🏼
So, I did enjoy the plot and everything to an extent but for me the romance was a bit lackluster? I just couldn't understand why Hans and Gerrit were so gone for Briar that quickly. Their connection didn't feel genuine at all and therefore I couldn't really connect with it. Nonetheless, I liked how the fairytale was retold and will be on the lookout for more possible books in this series ✨
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC for this story🫶🏼
So, I did enjoy the plot and everything to an extent but for me the romance was a bit lackluster? I just couldn't understand why Hans and Gerrit were so gone for Briar that quickly. Their connection didn't feel genuine at all and therefore I couldn't really connect with it. Nonetheless, I liked how the fairytale was retold and will be on the lookout for more possible books in this series ✨
April 22, 2025
What if the witch was actually a succubus
Briar has been held captive in the woods for as long as she can remember. Her jailer comes by on occasion to drop of a few supplies but she spends all of her time weak and hungry.
One day two strangers and a wolf wonder into her prison. Turns out they can looking for help. What they don't know is they will have to be willing to feed her before she has any hope of helping anyone.
This is a very fun twist on the Hansel and Grettle story. We have two step brothers looking for a cure. And the witch in the woods is actually a trapped succubus. Though she does have the candy house.
Briar has been held captive in the woods for as long as she can remember. Her jailer comes by on occasion to drop of a few supplies but she spends all of her time weak and hungry.
One day two strangers and a wolf wonder into her prison. Turns out they can looking for help. What they don't know is they will have to be willing to feed her before she has any hope of helping anyone.
This is a very fun twist on the Hansel and Grettle story. We have two step brothers looking for a cure. And the witch in the woods is actually a trapped succubus. Though she does have the candy house.
April 27, 2025
4⭐️ 4🌶 [ARC]
With no memory of her past, Briar has been trapped in her cabin in the woods for centuries. All she's ever known is hunger and loneliness. That's until Hans and Gerrit show up at her doorstep.
Seeking her out in the hope that she'd be able to help them break the curse on Han's dying father, they quickly learn that all the scary tales about her couldn't be further from the truth.
She agrees to help them in exchange for their blood...
I love fairytale retellings, and this one did not disappoint! It was fast-paced, intriguing, and oh so spicy! 🔥
Thank you Holly Monroe for the ARC! I had such a fun time reading it!
• Hansel and Gretel retelling
• MFM why choose
• Succubus FMC
• Step-brothers
• Erotic bites
With no memory of her past, Briar has been trapped in her cabin in the woods for centuries. All she's ever known is hunger and loneliness. That's until Hans and Gerrit show up at her doorstep.
Seeking her out in the hope that she'd be able to help them break the curse on Han's dying father, they quickly learn that all the scary tales about her couldn't be further from the truth.
She agrees to help them in exchange for their blood...
I love fairytale retellings, and this one did not disappoint! It was fast-paced, intriguing, and oh so spicy! 🔥
Thank you Holly Monroe for the ARC! I had such a fun time reading it!
• Hansel and Gretel retelling
• MFM why choose
• Succubus FMC
• Step-brothers
• Erotic bites
April 17, 2025
Huge thanks to Holly for the ARC!
This was a super cute, SUPER spicy fairytale retelling novella. In this book… the “witch” is the heroine and the heroes are Hans and Gerrit… nice little play on Hansel and Gretel.. who are step brothers.
Gerrit’s mom is trying to get Hans out of the way so that when Han’s dad dies, Gerrit can get the Lord title. But Gerrit and Hans are best friends and when the mom tries to curse Hans, she accidentally screws up and curses her husband instead.
So Hans’ dad is dying slowly, and Gerrit and Hans dont know what to do. So few people have magic, and they obviously need to fight fire with fire here.
The two guys decide to go into the forest and treck for weeks trying to find the witch who reportedly lives there in a house of candy and eats little kids. The good news? They find her. The bad news? She doesn’t eat little kids, but shes trapped there by a “banisher” who shows up once a year with blood for her to feed on. Her magic is depleted, and she can’t help them the way the want her to unless she gets better and more importantly, gets out.
So how does she feed? Well, aside from drinking blood she can also feed by… YOU GUESSED IT.. fucking.
So begins a SUPER hot story about how Gerrit and Hans are able to free Briar from her prison, bring her back home and help their family.
Sometimes you just need a pallet cleanser and this was 100% this. Holly did such a great job writing an entertaining AF book and I am so here for more retellings if she ever feels like she wants to write some!
This was a super cute, SUPER spicy fairytale retelling novella. In this book… the “witch” is the heroine and the heroes are Hans and Gerrit… nice little play on Hansel and Gretel.. who are step brothers.
Gerrit’s mom is trying to get Hans out of the way so that when Han’s dad dies, Gerrit can get the Lord title. But Gerrit and Hans are best friends and when the mom tries to curse Hans, she accidentally screws up and curses her husband instead.
So Hans’ dad is dying slowly, and Gerrit and Hans dont know what to do. So few people have magic, and they obviously need to fight fire with fire here.
The two guys decide to go into the forest and treck for weeks trying to find the witch who reportedly lives there in a house of candy and eats little kids. The good news? They find her. The bad news? She doesn’t eat little kids, but shes trapped there by a “banisher” who shows up once a year with blood for her to feed on. Her magic is depleted, and she can’t help them the way the want her to unless she gets better and more importantly, gets out.
So how does she feed? Well, aside from drinking blood she can also feed by… YOU GUESSED IT.. fucking.
So begins a SUPER hot story about how Gerrit and Hans are able to free Briar from her prison, bring her back home and help their family.
Sometimes you just need a pallet cleanser and this was 100% this. Holly did such a great job writing an entertaining AF book and I am so here for more retellings if she ever feels like she wants to write some!
April 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Hansel and Gretel who? Briar's here to rewrite the fairy tale rulebook—with sass, sugar, and a side of rebellion."
Okay, listen. I cracked this book open expecting some whimsical forest frolics and maybe a gingerbread house or two. What I didn’t expect? A full-on fairy tale glow-up with a witch who’s more misunderstood queen than creepy crone, and two brothers who are equal parts clueless and charming.
Briar? Absolute icon. Starving, trapped, and still manages to serve main character energy with every crumb she’s given. I mean, if being falsely imprisoned doesn’t give you the right to be a little spicy, what does? And don't get me started on Hans and Gerrit—one's trying his best, the other’s trying my patience, but somehow they both worm their way into your heart.
The plot? Mysterious woods, twisted truths, and some seriously shady Banisher business. It had me flipping pages faster than you can say “suspiciously ill father.” Sure, some parts could’ve used a bit more meat (or at least some candy coating), but the vibes? Immaculate.
Would I recommend? Heck yes. Just don’t go in expecting your grandma’s bedtime story. This is fairy tale feminism with a bite—and Briar’s not asking for your crumbs anymore.
"Hansel and Gretel who? Briar's here to rewrite the fairy tale rulebook—with sass, sugar, and a side of rebellion."
Okay, listen. I cracked this book open expecting some whimsical forest frolics and maybe a gingerbread house or two. What I didn’t expect? A full-on fairy tale glow-up with a witch who’s more misunderstood queen than creepy crone, and two brothers who are equal parts clueless and charming.
Briar? Absolute icon. Starving, trapped, and still manages to serve main character energy with every crumb she’s given. I mean, if being falsely imprisoned doesn’t give you the right to be a little spicy, what does? And don't get me started on Hans and Gerrit—one's trying his best, the other’s trying my patience, but somehow they both worm their way into your heart.
The plot? Mysterious woods, twisted truths, and some seriously shady Banisher business. It had me flipping pages faster than you can say “suspiciously ill father.” Sure, some parts could’ve used a bit more meat (or at least some candy coating), but the vibes? Immaculate.
Would I recommend? Heck yes. Just don’t go in expecting your grandma’s bedtime story. This is fairy tale feminism with a bite—and Briar’s not asking for your crumbs anymore.
May 4, 2025
A Hansel and Greta retelling with a twist. Ms. Monroe gives reader a magical tale with intrigue and mystery. I loved it. Hans and Gerrit were in search of a witch that lived in a cottage made of candy. The needed the witch to reverse the curse on their father. Hans had magical abilities and a familiar wolf named Flint that he could talk to telepathically. Hans’ magic was not able to release the curse. Gerrit had heard stories about the witch that lived in the woods. Gerrit was a little fearful of the witch. The stories he was told did not end well for the visitors. Hans knew that this witch was probably their father’s only hope.
Briar was trapped in a barrier by the Banisher. The Banisher did not come frequently. The few people or animals that made it onto the enclosure were trapped with her. Briar drew nourishment from their blood. She tended to lose control and the person or animal did not survive the feedings or at least that is what Briar was told and what she believed. Hans and Gerrit could not resist the pull to Briar. They also noticed that she did not kill them despite feeding on them. They started trying to come up with a plan to get out of the enclosure. Will Briar be able to help their father if they can get out? This was just a little bit of this story. Though the story is not long, it is complete. Ms. Monroe keeps readers interested with this tale.
Briar was trapped in a barrier by the Banisher. The Banisher did not come frequently. The few people or animals that made it onto the enclosure were trapped with her. Briar drew nourishment from their blood. She tended to lose control and the person or animal did not survive the feedings or at least that is what Briar was told and what she believed. Hans and Gerrit could not resist the pull to Briar. They also noticed that she did not kill them despite feeding on them. They started trying to come up with a plan to get out of the enclosure. Will Briar be able to help their father if they can get out? This was just a little bit of this story. Though the story is not long, it is complete. Ms. Monroe keeps readers interested with this tale.
April 21, 2025
3.5 stars
Love a retelling, and I like what Monroe was doing here. There were bits of this story I loved - the idea that they would always return to the forest was especially delightful. The story overall however felt a bit hurried. I couldn't really see why the three of them became so entangled with each other - I wanted more to make me feel the romance.
The spice is spicy and very good - I'd say it's walking a very fine line between MFM and MMF as a slightly taboo romance. This isn't a complaint, just something I was conscious of while reading: the two men refer to each other as Brother throughout the story, even when everyone is getting it on together. Atypical family relations come up throughout the story - I don't want to spoil anything by saying more, but it all felt very intentional.
I hope Monroe writes more of these retellings - she has a knack for putting her characaters through the wringer in a way that feels very traditional fairytale. Even though this one didn't quite work for me, there is so much potential here and I'm intrigued as to which she would do next.
I read an advance copy of this book. My thoughts are very much my own.
Love a retelling, and I like what Monroe was doing here. There were bits of this story I loved - the idea that they would always return to the forest was especially delightful. The story overall however felt a bit hurried. I couldn't really see why the three of them became so entangled with each other - I wanted more to make me feel the romance.
The spice is spicy and very good - I'd say it's walking a very fine line between MFM and MMF as a slightly taboo romance. This isn't a complaint, just something I was conscious of while reading: the two men refer to each other as Brother throughout the story, even when everyone is getting it on together. Atypical family relations come up throughout the story - I don't want to spoil anything by saying more, but it all felt very intentional.
I hope Monroe writes more of these retellings - she has a knack for putting her characaters through the wringer in a way that feels very traditional fairytale. Even though this one didn't quite work for me, there is so much potential here and I'm intrigued as to which she would do next.
I read an advance copy of this book. My thoughts are very much my own.
April 19, 2025
I got this as an ARC, and I went into it pretty much with no knowledge about it other than that it was MFM reinterpretation of the Hansel and Greta stories. The Grimm Brothers collected many versions of the story, but none of them are anything like this. Where the original source material is patriarchal and misogynistic (women are terrible, especially when they're on their own living their life the way they want but also when they're greedy stepmothers), this reinterprets the witch as a victim (don't want to spoil it) targeted *for* her power.
The step brothers Hans & Gerrit and Hans' familiar, Flint, are looking for help with a curse and decide to seek out the witch in the woods, despite all the stories about her eating children (she doesn't!), and end up helping Briar free herself from her candied prison.
There was a bit in the middle, before they left the cottage, where it got a bit slow. Similarly, the end was perhaps a bit rushed (only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5). The story was incredibly creative and engaging, and not at all what I was expecting!
The step brothers Hans & Gerrit and Hans' familiar, Flint, are looking for help with a curse and decide to seek out the witch in the woods, despite all the stories about her eating children (she doesn't!), and end up helping Briar free herself from her candied prison.
There was a bit in the middle, before they left the cottage, where it got a bit slow. Similarly, the end was perhaps a bit rushed (only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5). The story was incredibly creative and engaging, and not at all what I was expecting!
April 19, 2025
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 4.5 🌶️
Read if you like:
Fairytale Retelling
MFM
Super Spicy Reads
Demons
Magic
Curses
This super spicy Hansel and Gretel retelling was such a fun read!!
Hans and Gerrit might have gone into the woods to find a witch but Briar isn’t what they expected. While some of the whispers of her darkness are true there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye.
Briar is exhausted. Caged and beaten down for longer than she can remember it’s hard to find a light at the end of the tunnel.
She never expected that light to come in the form of two men and their wolf companion either.
Briar might be what nightmares are made of but one glance and these men were enraptured by her. It doesn’t take long for them to completely fall for her.
Flint was the perfect balance of comedic relief and protector I loved his and Gerrit’s bickering.
I can’t wait to see what retelling we get next!!
Spice: 4.5 🌶️
Read if you like:
Fairytale Retelling
MFM
Super Spicy Reads
Demons
Magic
Curses
This super spicy Hansel and Gretel retelling was such a fun read!!
Hans and Gerrit might have gone into the woods to find a witch but Briar isn’t what they expected. While some of the whispers of her darkness are true there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye.
Briar is exhausted. Caged and beaten down for longer than she can remember it’s hard to find a light at the end of the tunnel.
She never expected that light to come in the form of two men and their wolf companion either.
Briar might be what nightmares are made of but one glance and these men were enraptured by her. It doesn’t take long for them to completely fall for her.
Flint was the perfect balance of comedic relief and protector I loved his and Gerrit’s bickering.
I can’t wait to see what retelling we get next!!
April 21, 2025
Thank you so much to Holly for this ARC! I absolutely loved it!
The story opens with Hans, his wolf familiar Flint, and his step-brother Gerrit as they travel through the woods looking for the witch. They need help with a curse and have decided to seek her out in hopes that she will help. What they discover though is Briar, a woman who is trapped and living in fear of the one who trapped her. Their connection is almost instant, but will Briar be able to help with the curse? And what happens when her captor comes back for her?
I really enjoyed this Hansel and Gretel retelling. I thought that the concept was really unique and the spice was great. I also really loved Flint and his interjections. He was probably my favorite character. But I also loved how brave Briar was and how she fought even through her fear. I would 100 percent recommend this!
The story opens with Hans, his wolf familiar Flint, and his step-brother Gerrit as they travel through the woods looking for the witch. They need help with a curse and have decided to seek her out in hopes that she will help. What they discover though is Briar, a woman who is trapped and living in fear of the one who trapped her. Their connection is almost instant, but will Briar be able to help with the curse? And what happens when her captor comes back for her?
I really enjoyed this Hansel and Gretel retelling. I thought that the concept was really unique and the spice was great. I also really loved Flint and his interjections. He was probably my favorite character. But I also loved how brave Briar was and how she fought even through her fear. I would 100 percent recommend this!
April 10, 2025
Quick, spicy, and a lot of fun. I always enjoy Holly's books. Sometimes novellas have everything being too rushed or not well paced. But this one the world was built well so you could picture it in your mind, and she never spent too much time on one facet of the story to sacrifice the others. We had the conflict, the resolution, and a good amount of spicy scenes too. It also helped break the reading slump that I've been in and I truly appreciate novellas that can do that for me.
Do be sure to read the "For your consideration" page, as it will let you know what you are in for if there are things that you're not up for. But it's a fun spicy romp and an interesting reimaging of a Grimm's Tale.
Do be sure to read the "For your consideration" page, as it will let you know what you are in for if there are things that you're not up for. But it's a fun spicy romp and an interesting reimaging of a Grimm's Tale.
April 18, 2025
Have I mentioned I adore Hollys writing?
Because I do.
I also really like fairytale retellings quite a bit.
Just Crumbs offered a fun twist on the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. Briar has no memory of who she is before she found herself in her cabin in the woods. All she knows is she is hungry.
Two brothers seek her out to ask her help in curing their father who has been cursed. They grew up hearing horror stories of a witch who eats the people she comes across.
So when they get to her cabin and she faints, what are two men to do?
I loved this development and true to a Holly story, I cried. I liked the bits that made me uncomfortable and as always the spice was top tier!
I can’t wait to buy this when it releases!
Because I do.
I also really like fairytale retellings quite a bit.
Just Crumbs offered a fun twist on the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. Briar has no memory of who she is before she found herself in her cabin in the woods. All she knows is she is hungry.
Two brothers seek her out to ask her help in curing their father who has been cursed. They grew up hearing horror stories of a witch who eats the people she comes across.
So when they get to her cabin and she faints, what are two men to do?
I loved this development and true to a Holly story, I cried. I liked the bits that made me uncomfortable and as always the spice was top tier!
I can’t wait to buy this when it releases!
April 22, 2025
This novella is a super fun, super steamy, and heart melting, Hansel & Gretel MFM retelling. I fell in love with Briar SO FAST! I just wanted to root for this tired soul so badly!!!
I am so impressed with the depth of character Holly Monroe was able to create in the compact novella form. I was drawn into each character and invested in their well-being in a way that usually seems to take far more pages. I really enjoy Holly Monroe’s writing!
I would definitely recommend this to someone in the mood for a magical paranormal romance in a compact form. I am really hoping Holly Monroe continues her Not-So-Grimm Retellings so we can have more of this flavor.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
I am so impressed with the depth of character Holly Monroe was able to create in the compact novella form. I was drawn into each character and invested in their well-being in a way that usually seems to take far more pages. I really enjoy Holly Monroe’s writing!
I would definitely recommend this to someone in the mood for a magical paranormal romance in a compact form. I am really hoping Holly Monroe continues her Not-So-Grimm Retellings so we can have more of this flavor.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
April 22, 2025
Honestly I wasn't sure I was up for a spicy MFM step brothers retelling of Hansel and Gretel when it appeared in my inbox as an advance reader copy, both for the stepbrothers aspect as well as the fairy tale retelling, usually not my vibe. I love being proven wrong.
It’s a quick read, just 180 pages and the suggested soundtrack is the perfect background to the story.
Gerrit, Hans, and Briar are so good together and you can never go wrong with a wise and cheeky wolf familiar. Briar’s story is heartbreaking and highlights how willing people are to believe the worst about a woman.
I had no expectations going into this novella but now I can’t wait for more sweet and spicy, not so grimm tales.
It’s a quick read, just 180 pages and the suggested soundtrack is the perfect background to the story.
Gerrit, Hans, and Briar are so good together and you can never go wrong with a wise and cheeky wolf familiar. Briar’s story is heartbreaking and highlights how willing people are to believe the worst about a woman.
I had no expectations going into this novella but now I can’t wait for more sweet and spicy, not so grimm tales.
May 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounding up)
There were bits of this story I loved - however, I felt that the story overall seemed hurried. I couldn’t quite understand why the three of them became so deeply intertwined with each other. I yearned for more to evoke a sense of romance than what was given.
The spice is spicy and very good - I'd say it's walking a very fine line between MFM and MMF as a slightly taboo romance. But I love that soooooo no issues from me on that one.
Monroe writes more of these retellings - she has a knack for putting her characaters through the wringer in a way that feels very traditional fairytale. Even though this one didn't quite work for me, there is so much potential here and I'm intrigued as to which she would do next.
There were bits of this story I loved - however, I felt that the story overall seemed hurried. I couldn’t quite understand why the three of them became so deeply intertwined with each other. I yearned for more to evoke a sense of romance than what was given.
The spice is spicy and very good - I'd say it's walking a very fine line between MFM and MMF as a slightly taboo romance. But I love that soooooo no issues from me on that one.
Monroe writes more of these retellings - she has a knack for putting her characaters through the wringer in a way that feels very traditional fairytale. Even though this one didn't quite work for me, there is so much potential here and I'm intrigued as to which she would do next.
April 16, 2025
This was a really fun twist on a lot of the traditional Grimm fairy tales we know. Stepbrothers Hans and Gerrit have entered the forest to find the witch. But the tales they've heard all their lives have been less true than they'd hoped.
The witch is just a girl, trapped in her house inside a fairy circle. And she's so, so hungry. But maybe this time, it will be different. Maybe this time she won't kill them before they can help her escape.
Lots of nods to fairy tale lore, lots of secrets, and lots of spice.
The witch is just a girl, trapped in her house inside a fairy circle. And she's so, so hungry. But maybe this time, it will be different. Maybe this time she won't kill them before they can help her escape.
Lots of nods to fairy tale lore, lots of secrets, and lots of spice.
April 17, 2025
I ate this up as fast as that bread disappeared in each of the chapters. I had so much fun reading this. This retelling of Hansel and Gretel ( Hans and Gerrit in this) was thrilling. I loved the aspects she included in this from the original story, but also added her own twists. I loved the step-brother trope in this. The romance was and the spice was definitely there. Not a single boring moment in the book.
It was also a fun how the title of each chapter was a song. It was unique. It was a very fleshed out novella.
It was also a fun how the title of each chapter was a song. It was unique. It was a very fleshed out novella.
April 17, 2025
Oh this was a fun read!
Absolutely love the sassy, hungry FMC and her men- who are willing to give her whatever meal she needs lol :P
I've never read a fairytale retelling but really, really enjoyed this story. Hooked me from the start and read it in one night. It has a really good mix of plot and spicy (hot as heck spice - which is just the way we love Holly Monroe stories!). Such a creative retelling, had great characters and really great funny giggle moments.
Hope this turns into a series from Holly because I would be here for it!
Absolutely love the sassy, hungry FMC and her men- who are willing to give her whatever meal she needs lol :P
I've never read a fairytale retelling but really, really enjoyed this story. Hooked me from the start and read it in one night. It has a really good mix of plot and spicy (hot as heck spice - which is just the way we love Holly Monroe stories!). Such a creative retelling, had great characters and really great funny giggle moments.
Hope this turns into a series from Holly because I would be here for it!
April 22, 2025
this was such an entertaining take on the Hansel & Gretel fairytale. instead of young siblings, its the adult stepbrothers, Hans & Gerrit, searching for the Witch in the Woods to save their ailing father, the Duke.
Briar is the Witch in the Woods who is trapped in a sweetly-disguised cottage with no recollection of the crime that placed her in there.
this trio overall was very fun and i loved their characters. they melded together really well and it made the intimate scenes even better.
i honestly wish this was a fully fleshed out novel😩 i didn’t want it to end. i wanted more in depth history of the characters and just more scenes of the trio of them together. i want more, man.
Briar is the Witch in the Woods who is trapped in a sweetly-disguised cottage with no recollection of the crime that placed her in there.
this trio overall was very fun and i loved their characters. they melded together really well and it made the intimate scenes even better.
i honestly wish this was a fully fleshed out novel😩 i didn’t want it to end. i wanted more in depth history of the characters and just more scenes of the trio of them together. i want more, man.
May 7, 2025
Holly Monroe’s novella Just Crumbs is a spicy retelling of the Grimms brothers story Hansel and Gretel. With very different results.
Our MMC’s are Hans and Gerrit step brothers who along with Flint (a wolf who’s also Han’s Familiar)go into the woods in search of a witch for a cure, for Hans father and along the way find so much more.
I honestly enjoyed the story the characters were interesting,, the problem solving, the way they had to top off her magic. And I appreciated the resolution of the story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Our MMC’s are Hans and Gerrit step brothers who along with Flint (a wolf who’s also Han’s Familiar)go into the woods in search of a witch for a cure, for Hans father and along the way find so much more.
I honestly enjoyed the story the characters were interesting,, the problem solving, the way they had to top off her magic. And I appreciated the resolution of the story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
I've got to be honest with you, I have never read Hansel and Gretel. I just have a vague idea of what happens in the story, so I went in blind to this retelling. I was happily surprised with a short and spicy novella that had a great happy ending. I love Hans the most, just his personality and who doesn't love a human blessed with magic.
My only notes would honestly be that I want more. I felt some things could have easily been expanded on, not that it was needed but I could have seen this as a full length story. Don't get me wrong it was an awesome novella, but maybe I'm just greedy.
My only notes would honestly be that I want more. I felt some things could have easily been expanded on, not that it was needed but I could have seen this as a full length story. Don't get me wrong it was an awesome novella, but maybe I'm just greedy.
March 15, 2026
3.5 stars
A quick retelling with a twist. Hans, a mage with a familiar wolf, and Gerrit (his brother) go into the woods looking for a cure for their ailing father. They come across Briar, a “witch” trapped in a fairy circle. But there’s something peculiar about Briar that doesn’t quite add up. She’s been trapped and abused for centuries by her mysterious Banisher, starved to near death and only visited once a year.
A slight deduction in rating because the ending was a bit of a letdown, and it left me feeling like it was rushed and unfinished.
A quick retelling with a twist. Hans, a mage with a familiar wolf, and Gerrit (his brother) go into the woods looking for a cure for their ailing father. They come across Briar, a “witch” trapped in a fairy circle. But there’s something peculiar about Briar that doesn’t quite add up. She’s been trapped and abused for centuries by her mysterious Banisher, starved to near death and only visited once a year.
A slight deduction in rating because the ending was a bit of a letdown, and it left me feeling like it was rushed and unfinished.
April 16, 2025
This was so good. A why choose retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Hans and Gerrit go off into the woods to look for the witches that they’ve heard stories about since they were children.
They meet Briar, a succubus who has been trapped in that cottage for a very long time. In exchange for blood and yes, sex she agrees to try and help them. This story has heat and spice and the story is riveting. Some real cool intrigue and a twist you don’t expect. Holly never disappoints with her stories.
They meet Briar, a succubus who has been trapped in that cottage for a very long time. In exchange for blood and yes, sex she agrees to try and help them. This story has heat and spice and the story is riveting. Some real cool intrigue and a twist you don’t expect. Holly never disappoints with her stories.
April 16, 2025
Absolutely loved it! 5⭐️4🌶️. Quick read. I devoured in one sitting. Perfect smut to plot ratio. Loved the characters. So many authors write their MFC in a way that’s whiny and annoying but Holly doesn’t do that. Not in my opinion, at least. She’s beautifully broken and her guys pick her up and piece her back together. I love Holly’s style of writing and this is my favorite book of hers. I hope she continues to add to this series.
April 17, 2025
I’m enjoying Holly Monroe’s writing. This was an interesting take on Grimm’s tale of Hazel and Gretel. Going into the woods, stepbrothers, Hans and Gerrit are searching for the witch that is rumoured to be there. Unknown to them, she is being held prisoner on the land. Flint was a great character, loved his loyalty to his master. This is a quick spicy story, the character growth between all the characters was well written for the fast paced story.
April 18, 2025
This book was a super spicy 🌶️ Hansel and Gretel Retelling Novella!!! It was a great palate cleanser from all the dark romance books I have been reading lately!!! Absolutely loved the relationship between Briar and Hans and his familiar Flint. If you want something fun, spicy, with a good plot, then this is definitely for you!!!!!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2025
An easy and quick read. Holly’s books always keep me entertained from start to finish. She knows how to tug on heartstrings when needed but still keeps you wanting more.
If you like fairy tale retellings, this is a great one. Definitely doesn’t follow the normal script, but that’s what still makes it exciting! And as per usual with Holly’s books, the FMC is always a badass with some emotional stuff to get through. It makes the characters more real and believable. :)
If you like fairy tale retellings, this is a great one. Definitely doesn’t follow the normal script, but that’s what still makes it exciting! And as per usual with Holly’s books, the FMC is always a badass with some emotional stuff to get through. It makes the characters more real and believable. :)
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