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Kinky Classics #1
To Beg or Not to Beg
There’s something rotten about the King of Denmark.
Ophelia
I’ve seen the way Hamlet stares at Horatio. The fickle prince has been pining over Horatio since before we left Helsingr. Before I ran away from home on the worst night of my life.
It's a night I’ve kept secret from everyone. Not even Horatio knows why I left the way I did or why I can’t go home because I'm afraid of my own family. It’s my best kept secret, except for one.
That my attitude toward Hamlet has much to do with hate but more to do with lust.
Horatio
I was born with little and raised with less … until I met Ophelia. She’s my Princess, though neither of us was born to wear a crown.
Unlike Hamlet. My oldest friend, the target of all of Ophelia’s jokes, the only man to make me wish I could love them both.
I can’t lose either of them, but time is running out to prove they can both be mine.
Hamlet
To be king, I’m supposed to marry a proper queen. Considering I’ve only ever loved the two people I cannot have, an arranged marriage wasn’t the worst option.
Until Horatio and Ophelia give me just one night, and I know nothing else will ever be enough. I would do anything to turn one night into forever.
Too bad, my dead father has other plans.
To Beg or Not to Beg is the first book in the Kinky Classics series and can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger. It is a sexually explicit MMF polyamorous book with guaranteed HEA. A full list of content notes can be found at cattaleyagiraldoauthor.com
Ophelia
I’ve seen the way Hamlet stares at Horatio. The fickle prince has been pining over Horatio since before we left Helsingr. Before I ran away from home on the worst night of my life.
It's a night I’ve kept secret from everyone. Not even Horatio knows why I left the way I did or why I can’t go home because I'm afraid of my own family. It’s my best kept secret, except for one.
That my attitude toward Hamlet has much to do with hate but more to do with lust.
Horatio
I was born with little and raised with less … until I met Ophelia. She’s my Princess, though neither of us was born to wear a crown.
Unlike Hamlet. My oldest friend, the target of all of Ophelia’s jokes, the only man to make me wish I could love them both.
I can’t lose either of them, but time is running out to prove they can both be mine.
Hamlet
To be king, I’m supposed to marry a proper queen. Considering I’ve only ever loved the two people I cannot have, an arranged marriage wasn’t the worst option.
Until Horatio and Ophelia give me just one night, and I know nothing else will ever be enough. I would do anything to turn one night into forever.
Too bad, my dead father has other plans.
To Beg or Not to Beg is the first book in the Kinky Classics series and can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger. It is a sexually explicit MMF polyamorous book with guaranteed HEA. A full list of content notes can be found at cattaleyagiraldoauthor.com
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
26 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Cat Giraldo
8 books62 followersCat Giraldo writes romance and fantasy, giving happily-ever-afters to characters who are painfully human, even when they aren’t human at all. She keeps vampire’s hours, writing characters far braver and more adventurous than she’ll ever be, long after her day job ends, much to her spoiled puppy’s irritation.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 24, 2022
Yummy, spicy, plus sized heroine. 2 sexy men. MMF goodness. Hamlet re-imagined and make it kinky.
4 Stars
5 on the spice scale.
TW: parental verbal abuse, murder, Sexual assault, a few others but the author gives great explanation.
4 Stars
5 on the spice scale.
TW: parental verbal abuse, murder, Sexual assault, a few others but the author gives great explanation.
January 19, 2022
I beta read this book and am so excited to read it again when it releases!
The library scene!!
The library scene!!
Read
April 3, 20225🌟
🌶Hamlet retelling (MMF) HEA!
as i expected i loved this book! the communication was 😚👌not just within their D/s relationship but their relationship as a whole. the way they handled Hamlets insecurities about his role in their relationship and Ophelia fears about letting Hamlet in bc of what is expected of him as future king. AND HORATIO!! the rock through all of this💗💗
also the scene where Ophelia and Hamlet take care of Horatio 🥲
🌶Hamlet retelling (MMF) HEA!
as i expected i loved this book! the communication was 😚👌not just within their D/s relationship but their relationship as a whole. the way they handled Hamlets insecurities about his role in their relationship and Ophelia fears about letting Hamlet in bc of what is expected of him as future king. AND HORATIO!! the rock through all of this💗💗
also the scene where Ophelia and Hamlet take care of Horatio 🥲
February 6, 2022
Really liked kINKed so tried this one.
December 4, 2023
Raw smut
This is all smutt, yet there is a rawness and vulnerability to it that makes it so sweet. I knew this would be a 5 star read the minute I was blushing with tears in my eyes, on the first scene.
I had all intentions to make this a one sit read, but life and its responsibilities made that impossible.
Best way to start December.
This is all smutt, yet there is a rawness and vulnerability to it that makes it so sweet. I knew this would be a 5 star read the minute I was blushing with tears in my eyes, on the first scene.
I had all intentions to make this a one sit read, but life and its responsibilities made that impossible.
Best way to start December.
June 10, 2023
👸🏾
Whew this was a lot fluids 🙃 lots of play between royals. Ophelia, Horatio, and Hamlet get down even though they are technically on the run. This book reads like a sexy theatre and my lamb the Queen was a nice surprise. Thank you to the author for labeling the warnings in each chapter it was a nice touch.
CN: misogyny, slut shaming , verbal and physical abuse, homophobia, impact play, marking,
Whew this was a lot fluids 🙃 lots of play between royals. Ophelia, Horatio, and Hamlet get down even though they are technically on the run. This book reads like a sexy theatre and my lamb the Queen was a nice surprise. Thank you to the author for labeling the warnings in each chapter it was a nice touch.
CN: misogyny, slut shaming , verbal and physical abuse, homophobia, impact play, marking,
Read
August 28, 2022To Beg or Not to Beg is a Hamlet retelling where Horatio, Ophelia and Hamlet are in a polyam relationship and do BDSM
I am not familiar with the original text of Hamlet and I only know the story through cultural osmosis but I like the blend of Shakespeare words and the more modern elements. Also love that the chapters had all a little Shakespeare quote that can be read as kinky. I cannot judge how similar it is to the original story because I simply do not know it.
However I will say that it is a good book for people looking for something more smutty than plot because the first 80 pages (according to my kindle) is one long sex scene which serves as an introduction to characters and build up their relationship and dynamic with one another which I actually enjoyed
I will say that I was a bit disinterested in the actual plot but I assumed it was because I was unfamiliar with the source material and also extremely tired at the time of reading which didn't help.
I am not familiar with the original text of Hamlet and I only know the story through cultural osmosis but I like the blend of Shakespeare words and the more modern elements. Also love that the chapters had all a little Shakespeare quote that can be read as kinky. I cannot judge how similar it is to the original story because I simply do not know it.
However I will say that it is a good book for people looking for something more smutty than plot because the first 80 pages (according to my kindle) is one long sex scene which serves as an introduction to characters and build up their relationship and dynamic with one another which I actually enjoyed
I will say that I was a bit disinterested in the actual plot but I assumed it was because I was unfamiliar with the source material and also extremely tired at the time of reading which didn't help.
February 3, 2023
Ophelia is my role model.
And what is about bumbling fools who are submissive that is just so attractive?
While I loved the romance and essentially all their scenes together, I did struggle to wrap my mind around this setting. Things are left deliberately vague but it still left me confused. There is a little bit of magic in an industrialized world but no mention of any modern technology but also not fully historical?
And what is about bumbling fools who are submissive that is just so attractive?
While I loved the romance and essentially all their scenes together, I did struggle to wrap my mind around this setting. Things are left deliberately vague but it still left me confused. There is a little bit of magic in an industrialized world but no mention of any modern technology but also not fully historical?
March 17, 2022
This takes a classic and packs it full of bisexual BDSM. The book is fast paced and includes relationship development, revenge, triumph and HEA worthy for all the characters. Please check the trigger warnings but the author does an amazing job at listing the content warnings at the beginning of the needed chapters.
May 11, 2022
I didn't know I needed the story of Hamlet re-told with a happily ever after, but
BOY
am I glad that it happened.
Cat Giraldo's debut, To Beg or Not to Beg seeks to re-contextualize the Shakespearian tale of Hamlet with as much BDSM, sexiness & tenderness as one could muster and the way in which Giraldo goes about to capture the essence and magnitude of this story is truly unlike anything I've ever seen before.
We start the stage by pointing a bright, shinning light on our three main players, Ophelia, Hamlet & Horatio. Characters that Giraldo infuses with such life and intrigue that the reader can't help but falling in love with them the same way they all fall for each other. It helps that the story begins with Horatio and Ophelia already in an established relationship as they (and we as an audience) explore the intricate world that Hamlet brings into the table, truly making us question if love is worth fighting for. As the characters learn more about themselves, they uncover secrets and desires about each other and in turn they grow, develop and change as people. Their ultimate love and willingness to sacrifice for one another had me swooning more times than I can count.
However, we must also praise Giraldo's excellent use of language and skill. Sentences and paragraphs are woven into this narrative with such grace and excellence that as a reader I was in full awe and as a writer I looked up to in admiration and inspiration. Giraldo's use of prose and language weaves in perfectly with every character's distinct voice and personality in a way few authors manage to do so in multi-POV stories like this. Giraldo is also a kind enough writer to include content warnings in the headers of each chapter should they need to be stated and that sensitivity and attention to the reader's comfort is exactly what we as a community should be striving for.
My only one complaint cannot even be issued as a complaint itself, is that I desperately fell in love with a certain queen that arrives in the midpoint of the story and I wish we had more of her in the narrative. But who knows? With a writer as multi-faceted and talented as Giraldo, perhaps a story featuring that very same queen might grace us in the future.
To Beg or Not To Beg is an expertly crafted, modern re-telling of Hamlet for fans of ST Gibson's A Dowry of Blood and well researched and tastefully crafted BDSM scenes. Truly, it's a fun ride and I am glad that this is the book that helped me get out of my reading slump!
Cat Giraldo's debut, To Beg or Not to Beg seeks to re-contextualize the Shakespearian tale of Hamlet with as much BDSM, sexiness & tenderness as one could muster and the way in which Giraldo goes about to capture the essence and magnitude of this story is truly unlike anything I've ever seen before.
We start the stage by pointing a bright, shinning light on our three main players, Ophelia, Hamlet & Horatio. Characters that Giraldo infuses with such life and intrigue that the reader can't help but falling in love with them the same way they all fall for each other. It helps that the story begins with Horatio and Ophelia already in an established relationship as they (and we as an audience) explore the intricate world that Hamlet brings into the table, truly making us question if love is worth fighting for. As the characters learn more about themselves, they uncover secrets and desires about each other and in turn they grow, develop and change as people. Their ultimate love and willingness to sacrifice for one another had me swooning more times than I can count.
However, we must also praise Giraldo's excellent use of language and skill. Sentences and paragraphs are woven into this narrative with such grace and excellence that as a reader I was in full awe and as a writer I looked up to in admiration and inspiration. Giraldo's use of prose and language weaves in perfectly with every character's distinct voice and personality in a way few authors manage to do so in multi-POV stories like this. Giraldo is also a kind enough writer to include content warnings in the headers of each chapter should they need to be stated and that sensitivity and attention to the reader's comfort is exactly what we as a community should be striving for.
My only one complaint cannot even be issued as a complaint itself, is that I desperately fell in love with a certain queen that arrives in the midpoint of the story and I wish we had more of her in the narrative. But who knows? With a writer as multi-faceted and talented as Giraldo, perhaps a story featuring that very same queen might grace us in the future.
To Beg or Not To Beg is an expertly crafted, modern re-telling of Hamlet for fans of ST Gibson's A Dowry of Blood and well researched and tastefully crafted BDSM scenes. Truly, it's a fun ride and I am glad that this is the book that helped me get out of my reading slump!
dnf
October 16, 2022DNF at 64%
I lost steam with this kinky MMF Hamlet retelling. Pun intended. The sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT. That pretty much sums up the first half of the book. Only then did the Hamlet retelling start to kick in, although it was frequently derailed by more sex. And look, I’m not one to ever complain that there’s too much sex in a book but the actual plot needed to be better integrated. The pacing issues created a lag. While I’m certainly rooting for Ophelia, Horatio, and Hamlet—and found their characterizations to be spot on—I’ve unfortunately lost interest in seeing how it all turns out. Probably best for people who are less interested in the source material. However, I will try something else from this author in the future because I really want more kinky retellings in my life.
The author includes CWs at the start of the chapter, when applicable, which is always nice to see.
Characters: Ophelia is a fat Mexican-Danish college student and switch. Horatio is a Filipino-Danish Dom and college student. Hamlet is a white Danish prince and submissive. This is set in Wittenberg, Germany and Helsingr, Denmark.
Content notes: panic attacks, FMC’s brother and father were emotionally abusive, past fatshaming by FMC’s father, past forced marriage , bigamy , technical infidelity , recent death of Hamlet’s father (murdered by Hamlet’s uncle), ghost of Hamlet’s father, past death of parents, unsafe sex practices (penetrative sex without a condom or discussion of pregnancy/STI prevention), Dom and sub drop, on page sex, D/s, Daddy kink, MMF menage, pain play, impact play, degradation play, praise kink, orgasm control, library sex, exhibitionism, bondage, gag, alcohol, gendered pejoratives
*Buddy read with Vicky!
I lost steam with this kinky MMF Hamlet retelling. Pun intended. The sex scenes were HOT HOT HOT. That pretty much sums up the first half of the book. Only then did the Hamlet retelling start to kick in, although it was frequently derailed by more sex. And look, I’m not one to ever complain that there’s too much sex in a book but the actual plot needed to be better integrated. The pacing issues created a lag. While I’m certainly rooting for Ophelia, Horatio, and Hamlet—and found their characterizations to be spot on—I’ve unfortunately lost interest in seeing how it all turns out. Probably best for people who are less interested in the source material. However, I will try something else from this author in the future because I really want more kinky retellings in my life.
The author includes CWs at the start of the chapter, when applicable, which is always nice to see.
Characters: Ophelia is a fat Mexican-Danish college student and switch. Horatio is a Filipino-Danish Dom and college student. Hamlet is a white Danish prince and submissive. This is set in Wittenberg, Germany and Helsingr, Denmark.
Content notes: panic attacks, FMC’s brother and father were emotionally abusive, past fatshaming by FMC’s father, past forced marriage , bigamy , technical infidelity , recent death of Hamlet’s father (murdered by Hamlet’s uncle), ghost of Hamlet’s father, past death of parents, unsafe sex practices (penetrative sex without a condom or discussion of pregnancy/STI prevention), Dom and sub drop, on page sex, D/s, Daddy kink, MMF menage, pain play, impact play, degradation play, praise kink, orgasm control, library sex, exhibitionism, bondage, gag, alcohol, gendered pejoratives
*Buddy read with Vicky!
March 16, 2022
Highly recommend for spice retelling if that's your jam.
This is Hamlet lite, but honestly, the characters are a ton of fun, and well written. Ophelia is a plus sized queen who is incredible. I love the dynamic between Ophelia and Horatio, and then adding in Hamlet was chef's kiss!
I'm not certain when this takes place, but it is an engaging read with PLENTY of spicy encounters, and the banter is caliente. I loved how Cat handled the delicate issues and that the characters have very specific talks about how everything will work with their relationship. If you know the basic story of Hamlet, you could predict the course of events, but I still was surprised on the actual details of the events. All of the major Hamlet characters appear, but that's where the similarities end.
This has a lot of sex with kinks that are explored in depth. There is a contents warning section at the beginning which the author has graciously outlined all that is presented. And each chapter that contains potential triggers has those listed at the top of the chapter. I love that Cat went through all of that to make sure that the reader is informed of any and all potential triggers.
Thank you to Cat for the opportunity to read this in advance! I had already pre-ordered the e-book, but I was chomping at the bit to read this! And when ever this comes out in paperback, I'll be buying it!
This is Hamlet lite, but honestly, the characters are a ton of fun, and well written. Ophelia is a plus sized queen who is incredible. I love the dynamic between Ophelia and Horatio, and then adding in Hamlet was chef's kiss!
I'm not certain when this takes place, but it is an engaging read with PLENTY of spicy encounters, and the banter is caliente. I loved how Cat handled the delicate issues and that the characters have very specific talks about how everything will work with their relationship. If you know the basic story of Hamlet, you could predict the course of events, but I still was surprised on the actual details of the events. All of the major Hamlet characters appear, but that's where the similarities end.
This has a lot of sex with kinks that are explored in depth. There is a contents warning section at the beginning which the author has graciously outlined all that is presented. And each chapter that contains potential triggers has those listed at the top of the chapter. I love that Cat went through all of that to make sure that the reader is informed of any and all potential triggers.
Thank you to Cat for the opportunity to read this in advance! I had already pre-ordered the e-book, but I was chomping at the bit to read this! And when ever this comes out in paperback, I'll be buying it!
April 4, 2022
Modern, hotter Hamlet retelling
I found Cat Giraldo through one of my favorite authors, Lillian Lark, and her hot short stories have given me late night heart palpitations several times. Then I spent forever being teased by her snippets and artwork of the characters for her full length Hamlet retelling, To Beg or Not to Beg. Let me tell you, this book did NOT disappoint! I mean, DADDY, need I say more? Cat writes such delicious polyamory and the heat between Ophelia, Hamlet, and Horatio is absolutely scorching. Beyond that, I really enjoyed her play with the tragedy of Hamlet and even though this is a fast burn, the world-building still felt luscious and the plot held me captive from start to finish! Cat may not be as well known as a newer author, but she’s got some serious talent and this is a must-read!
I found Cat Giraldo through one of my favorite authors, Lillian Lark, and her hot short stories have given me late night heart palpitations several times. Then I spent forever being teased by her snippets and artwork of the characters for her full length Hamlet retelling, To Beg or Not to Beg. Let me tell you, this book did NOT disappoint! I mean, DADDY, need I say more? Cat writes such delicious polyamory and the heat between Ophelia, Hamlet, and Horatio is absolutely scorching. Beyond that, I really enjoyed her play with the tragedy of Hamlet and even though this is a fast burn, the world-building still felt luscious and the plot held me captive from start to finish! Cat may not be as well known as a newer author, but she’s got some serious talent and this is a must-read!
March 18, 2022
The much better version of Hamlet 🥵😂
Let me start by saying this book is 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶!! The beginning had me thinking it was gonna be all 🔥🥵 and no plot…and honestly I was okay with that 😂 but the story progressed and I fell in love with the characters, especially Ophelia! I personally know nothing about the classic Hamlet but that didn’t affect my read in any way. I also love the side character Queen Fortinbras and would love for her to step on me 🙃🥵😍 I’m definitely going to be looking out for more from this series!!
Let me start by saying this book is 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶!! The beginning had me thinking it was gonna be all 🔥🥵 and no plot…and honestly I was okay with that 😂 but the story progressed and I fell in love with the characters, especially Ophelia! I personally know nothing about the classic Hamlet but that didn’t affect my read in any way. I also love the side character Queen Fortinbras and would love for her to step on me 🙃🥵😍 I’m definitely going to be looking out for more from this series!!
August 16, 2022
Retelling. Brats and Switches
This was an enjoyable read. I loved the plus size representation. Getting to read about someone loving on someone’s soft stomach, stretch marks, and love handles was incredibly gratifying. Cat does an awesome job of being completely transparent about possible triggers in her stories, a more thorough job than I’ve ever seen. It’s worth noting because this is a retelling of a tragedy and it was helpful reading it knowing the HEA was coming. I’m very excited about reading more of Cat’s work.
This was an enjoyable read. I loved the plus size representation. Getting to read about someone loving on someone’s soft stomach, stretch marks, and love handles was incredibly gratifying. Cat does an awesome job of being completely transparent about possible triggers in her stories, a more thorough job than I’ve ever seen. It’s worth noting because this is a retelling of a tragedy and it was helpful reading it knowing the HEA was coming. I’m very excited about reading more of Cat’s work.
August 3, 2025
It's clear that this is Cat's first book, and while I can see a lot of her writing DNA throughout, it suffers from some pacing issues as well as too much emotional telling and not showing. I love reimagining classic stories as kinky and queer though, so that thread really worked for me from start to finish. Mostly, this has me itching to reread the Dominating the Diamond series.
March 17, 2022
Loved this story! The relationship between the characters is sweet and spicy. The BDSM scenes are executed expertly. The discussions of consent are perfect. Would definitely recommend!
April 26, 2022
Had to read a Hamlet retelling! Imaginative, SUPER spicy/kinky, lyrically written. Great consent and communication and respect throughout.
February 27, 2025
This was such a treat. Like really well done, fun & spicy.
August 6, 2023
I am not familiar with Shakespeare's Hamlet, the only work I've read of his was Romeo and Juliet back in high school.
Maybe if they were all written like this we would have all aced English class.
I can't tell you how many pieces of the original story was woven into To Beg but you do get the family drama, secrets, back stabbing and political intrique that (I think?) were prevalent in Hamlet.
The above is definitely a big part of this story, though it's a background plot to the focus of our main characters Hamlet, Horatio, and Ophelia. Their relationship came together beautifully. Each brought a different dynamic that worked perfectly. But not only that, the communication and honesty that each character demanded was made a priority. Both Ophelia and Hamlet struggled with feeling worthy and seeing them open up and be vulnerable was refreshing.
Also, this first 20% of this book was 🥵
Read this if you like: Shakespeare, poly romances, political intrigue, family drama, Dom/sub/switch, library seggs, mmf
TW's: death of parents (off page), pregnancy, mvrder, blood, body shaming, forced marriage,
Maybe if they were all written like this we would have all aced English class.
I can't tell you how many pieces of the original story was woven into To Beg but you do get the family drama, secrets, back stabbing and political intrique that (I think?) were prevalent in Hamlet.
The above is definitely a big part of this story, though it's a background plot to the focus of our main characters Hamlet, Horatio, and Ophelia. Their relationship came together beautifully. Each brought a different dynamic that worked perfectly. But not only that, the communication and honesty that each character demanded was made a priority. Both Ophelia and Hamlet struggled with feeling worthy and seeing them open up and be vulnerable was refreshing.
Also, this first 20% of this book was 🥵
Read this if you like: Shakespeare, poly romances, political intrigue, family drama, Dom/sub/switch, library seggs, mmf
TW's: death of parents (off page), pregnancy, mvrder, blood, body shaming, forced marriage,
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews