Down in Grimm's Dungeon: Reloaded

by Meg Stratton, R.N.A., C.J. Raine

Happily ever after, the sweetest of tales. Love conquers all without fail. Bear witness to the beauty of love and set sail together forever, as time will tell. Beware the cottage in the woods, for all may not be as picturesque as it seems. But if love, hard won, and lust everlasting is what you gleam, then enter and enjoy our wicked scenes. In Grimm's Dungeon lies your darkest fancies. Tales of unrestrained passion that dance with the shadows of your fears and love that fairs best in the dusk, that grew from showers of tears. Will you surrender to the depravity within, knowing that you may never see light again?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

640 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Mollie Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I've learnt since being part of the bookish community is when Isabella Khalidi asks if you want to read something she's a part of, you say yes because she DOES. NOT. MISS.

And this is no exception. And even better? It's surrounded by a whole load of other great stories by a whole load of other great authors who don't miss either!!!

If you'd said to me a year ago I'd be turned on by a retelling of goldilocks and the three bears I would've laughed in your face. But here I am.

I've always liked a good Fairytale, so having them rewritten to cater to my adult reading taste buds was an absolute delight. Thank you to all of the authors involved for the honour of letting me ARC read these anthologies!! 🥰

[R.N.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, so good! I loved these dark, spicy stories, I can't wait to read them when they are continued or in their completed states! I'm sad it's over. 😭😭
Well done everyone, glad to work with each of you! ♥

Side note for the Thumbelina-Retelling: It will be continued in a standalone sometime in 2024!
*Hides in a cave until then *

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down in Grimm’s Dungeon is the third volume of the Fairytales Reloaded Anthology and features renditions of Thumbelina, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Red Riding Hood

Story 1 - The Misfortunes of Tommelise by RNA

Tommelise “Tom” is celebrating her 21st birthday in the city. She’s lived a sheltered life on a farm and is innocent and sweet. A fateful night with Nelly, a fae king and crime lord, suddenly puts a target on her back. She’s never the same- can her mates reach her before she’s beyond saving?

Tropes/themes:
🧚 Multi POV
🧚 Supernaturals, fae
🧚 Mafia
🧚 Fated mates
🧚 Why Choose
🧚 Captivity
🧚 Ends in a cliffhanger

Story 2 - A Thousand Realms: An Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty Dark Fantasy Retelling by CJ Raine

Tasmin is a djinn and thief who falls in love with Shirin the princess. The evil Maziar, Vizier of the sultan enlists her to obtain something from the cave of wonders. She meets Jahandar, once a dragon Prince but now enslaved and they work together to stop the threat to the realm. However, Maziar is already one step ahead of them, using something precious to them both to bend them to his will. Can they defeat Maziar and save their mate?

Tropes/themes:
🪔 Multi-POV
🪔 Djinns, dragons
🪔 Fated Mates
🪔 Betrayal
🪔 Revenge
🪔 Ends in a cliffhanger

Story 3 - Sea Queen Reborn: A Little Mermaid Retelling by Rhea Ryan

Ophelia is an Oceanid, half-siren seeking revenge for the capture and likely death of her sister. She meets the mysterious and charismatic Bash, an adviser to the royals of Atlantis. She forms a plan to destroy them all but will she be discovered for what she is? Can she protect her heart?

Tropes/themes:
🐚 Dual POV
🐚 Enemies to lovers
🐚 Revenge
🐚 Forced Proximity
🐚 Magic & Curses
🐚 Interspecies conflict
🐚 Ends in a cliffhanger

Story 4 - Buried Souls: A Goldilocks and the Three Bears Retelling by Isabella Khalidi

Elena is completing a research thesis on abandoned buildings. One of interest, the Bear Mansion, is legendary for being cursed. When she unknowingly enters its threshold, she finds that she may be unable to ever leave..

Tropes/themes:
🐻 Forced Proximity
🐻 Gothic vibes
🐻 Curses
🐻 Ends in a cliffhanger

Story 5 - Blood Princess: A Dark Little Red Riding Hood Retelling by Abigail Hunter

Ruby is the last vampire princess in her bloodline. Before she is able to ascend as Queen of the Cardinal Kingdom, she’s captured by wolves who wish to ransom her against her father the king. Little do they know that his hatred of wolves supersedes any sense of affection for her and that she may be the key to cease the conflict between species. An unexpected connection with her captors may alter the course of everything…

Tropes/themes:
🐺 Multi-POV
🐺 Enemies to lovers
🐺 Forced Proximity
🐺 Why Choose
🐺 Interspecies conflict
🐺 Ends in a cliffhanger


These stories really draw you in with its rich worlds and compelling characters. With scalding spice and escalated dark desires, this series of stories takes the reader on a darker and wildly sinful journey.

Take note of TW/CW prior to each story. Several of the stories will have continuations and I’m so excited to revisit these amazing characters!


**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to all the authors listed and Stratton House Publishing for the amazing opportunity!**

[Alanys Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF YOU THOUGHT VOLUME 1 and 2 WERE AMAZING, VOLUME 3 WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP 🍒
❣️🤯I WAS FREAKING MIND BLOWN WITH THIS BOOK❣️🤯
We see the retellings of:
❤️‍🔥Thumbelina❤️‍🔥
🧞‍♂️Aladdin🧞‍♂️
🧜🏻‍♀️The Little Mermaid🧜🏻‍♀️
🐻Goldielocks🐻
🐺Little Red Riding Hood 🐺
Each one has their own writhing style that just flows perfectly together.
Was I mad about the CLIFFHANGERS? Yes
DOES OT BOTHER ME? Yes
ARE THEY WORTH IT? A FREAKING THOUSAND TIMES YES!!😆😆😆

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reloaded: Down In Grimm's Dungeon is Book 3 of 3 of a Fairytale Retelling Anthology. This third book contains 5 short stories written by different authors.

The Misfortunes of Tommelise by RNA was the first story, and heads up, it is to be continued. It is a Thumbelina retelling. For those of you who, like myself, might need a refresher on that tale, Thumbelina is a tiny girl who sets out to find adventure but is kidnapped by a toad who wants her to marry her son. With some help, Thumbelina escapes and goes to live with a field mouse. The mouse's neighbour, a mole, also wants to marry her. She escapes once more and finds her perfect match.

Like Thumbelina, Tommelise (aka Tom) is also a small girl. She is the pride and joy of her mother who protected her fiercely. Tom lives in the countryside and longs to explore the city. On her 21st birthday she ventures into the unknown where she sings and dances the night away, and meets Nelly, the fae crime king. They have an instant connection and Nelly recognizes that she is his mate. After a memorable night, he promises to come find her only before he can, she is abducted by Nelly's rivals, the Toads. Toad Momma proudly proclaims, "I found what the fae king desires most, so I took it from him." She intends to have Tom work as an exotic dancer at her club as well as marry her son and if she doesn't her mother will be killed. Nelly is furious and swears he will find her but Tom spends way too much time with them being used and drugged.

One night, Tom sees a chance and manages to escape. She runs as far and as fast as she cans and falls into a raging river where Jac, a bird shifter, tries to rescue her but he too is pulled into the current. They are both pulled from the water by Quinn, Flynn and Lynn, a trio of witches who share a soul. She is relived to be safe and shocked to learn that they too are her mates.

Sadly, her struggles are not yet over as she is kidnapped by Burk, a beast who ran his own BDSM dungeon. While her mates continue to try to locate her, Burk keeps her hidden away as his own toy and likes to play with her regularly. Tom is a survivor. While her experiences break her body, they cannot break her spirit and she is determined to survive.

An opportunity presents itself and she flees, only to be discovered once more by Jac. After completing their mate bond, she is reunited with her trio of witches and they too complete the bond. But it isn't enough for Tom. She wants to see her mother again and she wants to find Nelly.

The story continues, and as mentioned earlier, the author intends to provide us with more in 2024. I will definitely be looking forward to that release. I can only imagine that when Tom and Nelly are finally reunited, it will be absolutely explosive.

This is the first piece of writing I've tried from the enigmatic author, RNA. I would be interested in checking out more of her work

A Thousand Realms by CJ Raine was the second story. It was an Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty retelling.

Tasmin (aka Alana) is a djinn, a spirit creature. She usually doesn't stay long in a realm but while in Endymios she spotted Princess Shirin and she was instantly captivated by her beauty and needs to know her. Tasmin therefore remained in the realm longer than intended which led to her being cornered by Maziar, a Vizier to the Sultan. He needs Tasmin's help; only she can access the Cave of Wonders and retrieve a rare and priceless item. She agrees but is not aware that she is walking into a trap.

Mazier has tasked his ex-lover, Jahandar, with accompanying Tasmin on her quest with instructions to bring her to him once she finds the item. Jahandar also happens to be a 3-headed dragon who has been enslaved to Mazier. Jahandar knows the Cave of Wonders well as it was once where he hid his horde of riches, as well as a location where hatchlings were raised. It occurs to him that she might be his saviour and be able to release him from his enslavement. When he finds her though, he was not expecting to learn that she is his mate.

Tasmin feels their connection but is confused since she is in love with Shirin so how could they be mates? Still she frees him and locates the talisman Mazier seeks. Learning that he intended to trap her with it, she does not plan to bring it to him. Mazier, thinking ahead, threatens Tasmin. She needs to hand it over, or her beloved Shirin will be killed.

This spicy novella ends on a cliffhanger! Gah! There is a promise that it will be continued but I don't know where or when. I loved the twists and turns in this story. The characters and the plot pulled me in and would not let go. The author left me needing so much more!

I definitely recommend reading this one, but be prepared for some literary edging.

Sea Queen Reborn by Rhea Ryan is the third story. It is a Little Mermaid retelling.

Ophelia is a rarity; she is a sea nymph however when on land, she looks exactly like a human. This is thanks to having the siren queen as her mother and a human father. She intends to use this to her advantage. Ophelia's sister, Brielle, was captured and murdered by the Throdos family who sits on the Coral Throne in Atlantis. These royals not only killed her sister but drained her of all her blood in order to steal her magic.

Determined to avenge her sister's death, Ophelia uses her beauty and her voice to charm an invite into the castle through Sebastian (Bash). She intends to secure a position in the king's court in order to serenade them, steal their magic, and end them. While the royals have lost their ability to control their magic, the same cannot be said for the sirens who stole a small piece of it a thousand years prior and is responsible for their gift of song.

Bash, though the rightful heir, pledged his allegiance to King Alexander and now acts as a royal advisor. While he doesn't have any power outside the bedroom, he requires absolute authority within, and demands complete submission. He regularly invites the women around the castle into his chambers and Ophelia won't be any different. She doesn't have any objection as that is how she will relieve each one of their powers. She will start with Bash, then move to Ayden, the king's little brother, and finish off with Alex. Unfortunately Ophelia might be underestimating these men and putting her life in danger.

I love a good enemies to lovers trope, as well as morally grey, alpha MMC, and this story delivered. In addition, we have a fierce and determined FMC who is acting out of love but won't hesitate to strike when needed. I was cheering her on, and pulling for her, throughout the entire story. She's a fighter!

This one had an interesting ending which was both satisfying but also left as a cliffhanger opening up the possibility of a sequel. I'm hoping that's the case as I'd love to see more of Ophelia.

Buried Souls by Isabella Khalidi is the fourth story. It is a Goldilocks & the Three Bears retelling.

Elena is a historian working on completing her thesis on old abandoned buildings which are cultural landmarks or family estates with a rich history. She takes a trip to an area that is supposed to be rich is such places and meets Olga, an elderly woman on the train who reluctantly tells her about Bear Mansion which is purported to be cursed. She recounts the many lives connected to who met tragic ends. She warns Elena to stay away from both Bear Mansion and the woods before departing. When Olga accidentally drops her locket, Elena makes a spur of the moment decision to grab her bag and get off the train earlier in order to attempt to return it. Unfortunately Olga is nowhere to be found so Elena does the logical thing of climbing in a taxi and asking the driver to take her to a motel.

When the cab gets stuck in the mud and the driver leaves her there to get help, Elena feels very uncomfortable and gets out of the car... and ends up lost in the woods. She is cold, wet, hungry and exhausted when she stumbles across a property. No one is home, but the door is unlocked. She ventures inside and finds warmth and prepared food and after filling her belly she removes her wet clothes and decides to close her eyes just for a few moments. She awakens to a loud crash and finds Hunter, Rein, and Nikolas (Niko) - three brothers - have returned home.

Niko, the eldest, calls her Goldilocks and asks her what she's doing in their home. He throws her over his shoulder, carries her upstairs and drops her on his bed. He then gruffly tells her that she owes his a debt and cannot leave. Yikes!

There is a lot of spice in this story. While I thought it might end up as a why choose situation, it turned out that it was only the "Big Bad Bear" who had Goldilocks.

I loved the references to the original story, but there's a lot more going on in this tale. I also appreciated that the FMC was an older, accomplished woman who doesn't run away in fear. She is determined and steadfast.

While the author leaves us on a cliffhanger, there there is also the promise of more. This is fantastic news as there remain many secrets to be revealed.

Last but not least is Blood Princess by Abigail Hunter. This is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling.

Ruby is the daughter of a pureblooded vampire mother from the Cardinal Kingdom and the second son of the Indigo Empire, a dark fae. When her mother disappeared 15 years prior, her father assumed reign over the kingdom leading to the people's poverty and suffering.

Ruby is betrothed to a siren prince of the Cerulean Shores. Her father, King Cordovan, sends her off but he doesn't expect her to survive her trip given the need to traverse the Black Forest. Powerful wolves roam the woods ready to rip her and their party to shreds. The Cardinal King has no issue with this as removing her means he can continue his reign.

The wolves believed what they had heard for centuries - the power of the Scarlet Queens, with which they could command a nation. Ruby is the last of their line and she is captured by Valko Reinhardt, Lucien and Fillian. The three are the only members of their pack due to the King's order that all wolves must be destroyed. This pack seeks revenge for the many wolf lives lost, and hopes to use his daughter to have him revoke the order. They don't realize though that, "Be aware my father's hate for wolves is greater than his love for me."

The pack also intends to eliminate the Cardinal line. In order to do so, they need to ensure Ruby does not ascend. The princess' ascension to Scarlet Queen requires the Empusa moon, expected in 3 weeks, and her purity. They intend to ensure that does not happen.

This very spicy, why choose, enemies-to-lovers novella has the FMC physically bound and ravished by shifter men who hold a lot of rage in their hearts due to the treatment their kind has endured. Once her virginity is stolen, and she is able to move past the despair she experiences at having failed her people, Ruby tries to make use of everything within her power to continue to fight back and escape her prison. I loved seeing this strength and inner fortitude within the FMC. Even when she found herself in a near impossible situation, she never gave up.

This story doesn't finish with everything wrapped up in a nice bow. An extended version is expected to be released in April 2024, and Azure Nights, which is set both before and after Ruby's ascension, is expected in September 2024. I'm keen to read more about her relationship with Jasper, and what happens with her wolves.

My #NewToMeWord is lambent. It means glowing, gleaming or flickering with a soft radiance.

[Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reloaded book 3; down in Grimm's dungeon.

First story; the misfortune Tommelise by r.n.a.

This is a dark romance rh retelling of thumbelina (please check triggerwarnings before reading)

This is a fast paced story were the fmc is a farm girl that had a really shelterd life but wants to explore the city. So when she turns 21 she finally goes to the city and explores the town and goes to the hottest club that has a karaoke bar were she meets the hot but dangerous Fae that runs the town (on of the mmc's) there is an instant attraction and after a fun night, they decide to have a little fun with eachother but not go all the way. The mmc realises that the fmc is his mate and there bond is final after having sex, because the fmc is a virgin he wants it to be special so he doenst want to do it on the first day they meet. That was a big mistake as he has many enemies that found out about how special this girl is to him and she gets kidnapped and goes to some horrible things
When she finally escapes she meets her other mates, a bird shifter and a warlock who's soul was split into 3 so they are triplets. Because of her trauma the fmc has a hard time trusting other people and before she can really bond with her other mates they get attacked by a massive wolf shifter and to saves all her mates she goes with him and is captured again. The wolfshifter is a sadistic plesure dom and does all kind of things to her but at least he doesn't share her like happend with the first kidnapping. After a long time he lets his guard down and she finds a way to escape once again. After some time she is reunited with all her mates except the fae who is nowwhere to be found.

It is a real spicy story, there is sword crossing and the mension af sharing the fmc. But because the story ends on a massive cliffhanger that has not happend yet.

All the mmc's have there own little kinks when together with the fmc and it is really fun to read all the spicy times between them.

Like I said the story end on a cliffhanger and you really want to know the rest after reading.

A thousand realms by cj raine

This is a really well written and really spicy retelling of Alladin where the fmc is a djinn (the geenie and alladin) and has both a male and female mate that are also bonded to eachother.

The worldbuilding is amazing, you get sucked in the minute you start reading. The fmc has to get something from the cave of wonders but she does not trust him. He sends his dragon that he enslaved a long time ago to keep an eye on her. The dragon shifter and the djinn find put that they are mates and that gets the fmc confused because she feels the mate bond to another (jasmin from the original story) but the villan keeps her as captive to make sure the fmc goes to him and he can enslave her and do as he pleases.

The story hangs yet again on a massive cliffhanger but I cannot wait to read the rest of this story.

The spice.. omg the spice is really good! There is m/f, f/f and a brief mention of mm and ffm and I really want to read more of the ffm.

There are some triggers but imo they are mild but check them before reading!

Sea queen reborn by Rhea Ryan

This is a dark retelling or spinoff to the little mermaid. The fmc is a hybrid mermaid that can both walk on land as a human and swim the seas like a siren. She is a fierce woman with a plan to take revenge on her sister who was killed by the king. The MMC is the cousin of the king and the true heir to the throne. At first he doesn't know she is both human and siren but he feels an amazing strong pull to the fmc and is torn when he finds out she is the sworn enemy to the throne and kingdom. The fmc feels this pull aswell and is also torn because he is the enemy and played a part in the death of her sister.

This is amazingly written and the spice is so good! The story has a sort of hea and a cliffhanger. I hope I can read more of this story in time!

Burried souls by Isabella Khalidi

This is an amazing story that feels like a horror/thriller but with all the spice. It is dark/ it is spicy/ it is mysterious. You want to know everything and yet the author tells you just little bits and pieces leaving you in the dark and just wanting more like an addict..

The spice is so spicy! And it happens so fast you don't know what happend untill the first scene is done.

The fmc is a historian (age 32 wich I liked very much!) That is working on a paper on old abandoned houses and buildings when she meets an old lady on the train that leaves something behind, when she goes after her she is stranded somewhere, the got and cab but that doesn't work out either and eventually she has to run trough the forest in the rain when she eventually finds a house and looks for shelter. After a little time alone the owners come home and find her were the oldest brother claims her and show the fmc her darkest and deepest fantasies come to live. But there is so much more to the brothers and the house. Strange things happen that the fmc cannot explain and when she tries to invesigate even more strange things happen.

The story ends on a massive cliffhanger and I hope I can soon read the rest of the story!

Blood princess by abigail hunter

This is a dark retelling of red riding hood that takes place in a world were vampires and wolfshifter as sworn enemies, mostly because the father of the fmc caused this. This is a mmmf shifter romance were the fmc is a vampire princess and the mmc's are all wolf shifters that somehow share a mating bond with the fmc.

The fmc is initially kidnapped by the mmc's to get to het father and to make sure she can't take the role of the next leader because she has to be a virgin to do so. At first they take her so the youngest mmc learns to control his wolf but all of them sense the mating bond that has a hold on them.

It is dark, it is spicy, there is a lot of dubcon involved. And it ends on a cliffhanger and you just want to read more to make sure it all comes down to a hea for all the main caracters!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 3.... muy caliente... and I didn't speak Spanish until now. Each volume turns up a spice, and this one is no exception.

Multiple POVS
Why Choose
Supernatural / fantasy elements
Cliffhangers
Oh, and did I mention spice

This volume includes 5 fairytale retellings of Thumbelina, Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Little Red Riding Hood. These stories were longer than the stories in previous volumes, but still left you wanting more. This volume is definitely the darkest and the most spicy of the volumes. There were trigger warnings at the start of each retelling, so know your limits.

Thumbelina - The Misfortunes of Tommelise by R.N.A.
Tommelise "Tom" is a sweet and innocent girl from the country who decides to celebrate her 21st birthday in the city. One night of letting loose and experiencing big city life changes her future quickly. I really enjoyed that each chapter had an assigned or recommended playlist. This story left me with so many questions and wondered what happens next.

Aladdin / Sleeping Beauty - A Thousand Realms by CJ Raine
Tasmin is a thief in love with the Princess, Shirin. After stealing something from a local merchant, she encounters evil Maziar, the Viziar to the Sultan. Maziar has something that Tasmin wants and will give it to her if she steals something from The Cave of Wonders. This story has elements of betrayal, dragons, shapshifters, and fated mates. I found this story a bit harder to follow at first, but as soon as I got the flow of it, it was a quick read that I really enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy was that it was so short and left me wanting more.

The Little Mermaid - Sea Queen Reborn by Rhea Ryan
Ophelia is part human / part siren looking to avenge her sisters death. This story had me hooked from the start and was my favorite in this volume. It's a dark retelling with action and violence, and spice that didn't feel forced.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Buried Souls by Isabella Khalidi
Elena is finishing her research thesis on historical abandoned buildings. One in particular has her attention, The Bear Mansion. It so happens that it's said to be cursed. She unknowingly enters the building, and now she might not be able to leave. This story didn't quite go the way I thought it would, so that was a nice surprise. I definitely got some Gothic vibes when reading this one, which was a nice change. This one leaves you with so many unanswered questions, and I really don't know how this story could continue. Left me feeling very intrigued.

Little Red Riding Hood - Blood Princess by Abigail Hunter
Ruby, the vampire princess, is on her way to her arranged marriage when she gets kidnapped by Wolf shapeshifters. This is a "Why Choose" story. This was the longest fairytale retelling in the volume, but I didn't feel that way. I loved that there was a map at the beginning, an extra added feature.

Thank you to each of the authors for allowing me to read these ARCs. This is 100% my own and honest review.

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

These fairytale retelling are dark and intensely spicy, there is no mistaking it. Despite this being a lot darker than what I’m used to I enjoyed all of the short stories included and pleased to hear that some of them have more coming in 2024! I’ve broken my review down for each short story below to give you a taste of what’s in store when it comes to this anthology.

The Misfortunes of Tommelise - I felt that this book evolved so much from beginning to end. If the title didn’t hint at it enough for you, Tommelise undergoes so many traumatic events throughout this book after one chance meeting in a nightclub, and even then that’s probably a light way of putting it. The why choose, reverse harem vibes with multiple POV’s and mates really turned this book into something completely different. Incredibly please it hear that there is more of this story is coming in 2024, especially after that ending.

A Thousand Realms - fast paced and packs an absolute punch, this book forces you to pay attention. The changes from that of the original fairytales hybridised in this book creates something completely new. The spice was top notch but not overwhelming of the storyline.

Sea Queen Reborn - I am actually not sure how I feel after finishing this book. It’s a rollercoaster ride, that’s for sure. The concept when it comes to the transferral of powers is interesting and ties itself intrinsically into the spice of the story. It was definitely a fresh twist on the original fairytale, enough so that you almost forget about this being loose inspiration until there are small nods to the original fairytale.

Buried Souls - this book was an tantalising taste, but I need to know more! Isabella has given us a glimpse into something amazing and I will definitely be keeping my eye out to get my hands on more of this story. I feel like we have only really touched the tip of the iceberg and that there is so much more to come. The spice and concept was top notch with nods to the traditional fairytale gracefully included.

Blood Princes - this is another one of the short stories that took me a minute to grasp. The emotions being thrown around in this book left me incredibly confused but at the same time gripped my attention. I felt that the ending was satisfying but I could of easily read plenty more of this story.

[Ashley Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️Intended for 18+‼️

🥀 Volume 3 - Down in Grimm's Dungeon
This volume is comprised of renditions of Thumbelina, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Red Riding Hood. Tropes include: Why Choose, Multiple POV, Fated Mates, Revenge, Enemies to Lovers, etc.

‼️Triggers will be in the front of each story so you can decide when to stop.‼️

This is the final and by far the darkest volume in Fairytales Reloaded, each of the stories you'll find here end on cliffhangers which for me, made transitioning from story to story more difficult. If this weren't an ARC I probably would have read something unrelated in between each story, but I do highly recommend all 3 volumes!

The Misfortunes of Tommelise
@r.n.a.author - Thumbelina retelling
I love the writing style and plot this story follows. Adventure, lust, and plenty of enemies to battle. Fated mates, multiple mates, why choose. Shifters, witches, and fae oh MY. I knew this cliffhanger would be the end of me and will be eagerly awaiting the continuation in 2024.

A Thousand Realms
@author_cj.raine - Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty retelling
Shifters, dragons, magic. A gripping story with second chance romance that ends on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what CJ has in store for us.

Sea Queen Reborn
@rhea_ryan_writes - Little Mermaid retelling
The twists that just keep coming kept me on my toes. Lust, love, and betrayal are looming everywhere. The cliffhanger on this one was so rude 😂 I can't wait to see where this story goes!

Buried Souls
@isabellakhalidiauthor - Goldilocks and the Three Bears retelling.
I had many predictions throughout this story that I haven't gotten any answers to 😅 I love that it keeps me guessing and I can't wait to find out what the deal with the brothers is and what kind of hell they're trapped in.

Blood Princess
@authorabigailhunter - Little Red Riding Hood retelling.
I really enjoyed what plot there was in this story, it had me extremely captivated. However, while the spice do be SPOICY, it's what most of the pages were filled with and I wish there was more of the storyline. As the pattern continues, this also ends on a cliffhanger and I'm excited to see the story continue!

[Kirsty W · Rating 3 out of 5]

1)The Misfortunes of Tommelise ~RNA…11/13-11/15⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Thumbelina but twisted. All the parts are there but add in mates and kink! Left me on a cliffhanger.
2)A Thousand Realms (An Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty dark fantasy retelling) ~CJ Raine…11/15-11/17⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Aladdin meets sleeping beauty in this dragon mates tale. Tassmin a djinn is sent on a quest to the Cave of Wonders only to have her mate sent to “aid” in her quest. Upon realization they were both being manipulated, she leaves one mate to save another while he goes looking for help from his kind long lost to him. Left me on a cliffhanger.
3)Sea Queen Reborn (A Little Mermaid retelling)~Reah Ryan…11/18-11/19⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Siren meets kings advisor who is actually the rightful king? Ophelia has magic within herself, but it’s not until she’s out for revenge that she gains more than even she can imagine. With help from Sebastian the rightful king she vows to deal with the murder, the false king herself. Left me on a cliffhanger.
4)Buried Soles (A Goldilocks and the Three Bears retelling) ~Isabella Khalidi…11/19-11/20⭐️⭐️⭐️
•If Goldilocks fell into a spicy nightmare. I wanted so much more to the back story in this one. Left me on a cliffhanger.
5)Blood Princess (A Dark Little Red Ridding Hood retelling) ~Abigail Hunter…11/20-11/21⭐️⭐️
•**check the triggers**She’s punished for her fathers sins, they are doing what they feel is right to save their people, all are fighting for the same thing. I couldn’t get into the storyline.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Fairytales Reloaded Trilogy. Each book is a short anthology of different fairytales vamped up and made spicy!

The way I review anthologies is to rate each one and then average out.

The Misfortunes of Tommalise by

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Thumbalina retelling. Lots of interesting characters.

A Thousand Realms by

⭐️⭐️⭐️

An Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty retelling. Interesting take on the tales. Loved the dragons and djinn elements!

Sea Queen Reborn by

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Little Mermaid retelling. I loved this one! The betrayal, the magic, the spice. Perfection!

This is one I definitely need to follow up on if the full tale gets released!

Burned Souls by

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Goldilocks retelling. This was eery and creepy! I loved it. Isabella always has great plot lines in her books and this was no different. This is another I hope is continued.

Blood Princess by

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Red Riding Hood retelling. Ooohh this was good! Red Riding Hood but with Vampires as well as Wolves!! Loved it. I will say check the trigger warning on this one in particular.

Another great collection! Thank you so much to all the authors for having me on the ARC team for this.

[Chichilovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading all of the fairytale retellings with dark romance nuances. Please check your TWs and the CWs.



Thumbelina retelling: Tom and Nelly are end game, but poor Tom has had a time. She needs a break because too much is happening to her.. poor thing.

Aladdin meets Sleeping beauty retelling:
A Jinn, a dragon, and a Vizer walk into a bar lol.. there was a lot of plotting and twist in this story. The Jinn is mated with the dragon, but is in love with another. The Vizer wants what he wants and uses whoever he pleases to get it. There is a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you wanting more.

Little mermaid retelling:
Ophelia is a half siren seeking to destroy the Royals of Atlantis for kidnapping her sister. She, ofc meeting a charismatic male that her heart desires, but will this connection derail her plans?

Goldilocks retelling:
A researcher, a mansion, and a curse make up this retelling. I loved the cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading more of this spicy gothic
-vibe story.

Little red rising good retelling:
When I realized this retelling was about vampires. I jumped in head first!
Ruby, is to Asend to the Throne until she is taking to use as a bargaining chip against her father, the King, but that does not work out as planned for anyone.

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

DARKER, SPICIER, MORE DANGEROUS

NOTE: reader beware! It is imperative to check the contents and trigger warnings for this anthology, for your own benefit!

This is the Volume 3 in the trilogy anthology full of standalone short stories, and this one will have your eyebrows in your hairline!

This is the darkest volume of this series and contains some taboo elements and some BDSM. The spice is a lot more intense than volume 2, and reader discretion is advised.

The stories in this volume are fantastically written and this volume is no less enticing than the previous two!

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️

Guyssss, these authors just keep bringing it! This is the 3rd addition to the anthology series and I have to say I’ve loved these spicy and dark retelling. I have seriously had the best time reading these, they were so fun and i wish there was more! I got through them so quickly and i cannot wait for the full thumbelina retelling in 2024🖤

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the darkest out of the 3, but that might make it my favorite 😂😂 these dark retellings are so hot and great reads. I loved bringing different elements that aren’t in the original story. Definitely check your trigger warnings before diving in!

[Kristin Keele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third installment in the Fairytales Reloaded series is just as spicy as the rest. The stories in this one are longer and more complete. Throughout the series I have enjoyed each author's twist on old classics. I have always wondered how these stories would be told peppered with spice.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the twisted reimaginings in this book. There’s action, romance, spice and a whole bunch of attention grabbing things going on. Great character interactions with enough sass and snark to keep you giggling.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol.3 in the fairy tales reloaded series!! I loved this whole series. Each book gets darker and spicier!! It definitely didn’t disappoint!! These book will definitely be going on my “ need to tell people about” list!! lol like me other comments if you loved fairytales as a kid but now like them darker and spicier then this series is for you!!

[Traversingfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not into cliffhangers, this one may not be for you.

These anthologies are a mix of short stories and the introduction to full books - most of which aren't out until aumtumn 2024.

This one has darker themes than the first 2 with a good amount of spice.

The only author that I knew going into this was CJ Raine, but now I have a glut of new to me authors to explore!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 definitely turns up the darkness and spice to a very high-level, and I am not mad at it. THE MISFORTUNES OF TOMMELISE This amazing complex retelling of Thumbelina by RNA was a real roller coaster of a ride. I enjoyed the story and the many interesting characters. There was a lot of action and very turbulent emotions. I am incredibly intrigued to see where this story goes after that cliffhanger ending. A THOUSAND REALMS This very well written fast-paced rendition of Aladdin/sleeping beauty by CJ Raine is a dark fantasy retelling. Fated mates, betrayal, revenge and romance come together for this very tension filled exciting story. SEA QUEEN REBORN We have force proximity, enemies to lovers, magic, and revenge come together to make this complex retelling of The Little Mermaid by Rhea Ryan. A lot happens in this very short story and the cliffhanger ending leaves us wanting more. BURIED SOULS I absolutely loved this super creative retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Isabella Khalidi . Right from the very start, the mysterious undertone caught my attention. One of my favorite parts of scary stories is the bad choices main characters make, and our FMC makes a doozy. I found this to be the most intriguing story filled with force proximity, curses and mysterious entities. I love love loved our ginormous, dark brooding MMC he is incredibly savage, but has this small spark of softness deep down, just barely peeking out that makes me love him even more. The spice is outstanding. I adore that our FMC throws all logic out the window and lets her kinks shine. I desperately need more of this story. BLOOD PRINCESS This was one wild ride, and I did not anticipate where this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood by Abigail Hunter was gonna go. I love the depth of emotion that I felt as we learned more about the characters past and how their relationship evolved. The multi POV was fantastic, and just added to all of the field, the ending squeezed my heart. I look forward to seeing more of this story unfold.

All of these stories are completely consuming.

As with the other two books, these are perfect for those who love, dark fairytale retellings. All three books took me on a fantastic ride. Once again, I look forward to reading other works by these authors.

[Amelia Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👉 Multiple POV
👉 Why Choose
👉 Fated Mates
👉 Enemies to Lovers

All of these volumes progressively get darker and this is definitely the darkest! Also my favorite 😂 I love how it a pretty dark twist on classic fairytales. Please always check your trigger warnings and make sure you’re protecting your mental health. This book is significantly darker than the rest in my opinion.

👉The Misfortunes of Tommelise by RNA
Retelling of Thumbelina (personal favorite! I don’t read a lot about Thumbelina either so that was fun)
TW: trafficking, drug use, Non-con/rape (not detailed), elements of BDSM, Stockholm Syndrome, taboo themes (there are three triplet witches, one soul split into 3—a grey area), a stabby fae, self-harm, bondage, hints of DD/lg, uses of dominance and submission, suicidal ideation/attempt, kidnapping, violence

A Thousand Realms by CJ Raine
Retelling of Aladdin/ Sleeping Beauty
TW: on-screen non-consent i.e. rape, forced captivity, stalking, unsanctioned voyeurism, and somnophilia (sex while someone is sleeping)

Sea Queen Reborn by Rhea Ryan
Retelling of The Little Mermaid
TW: Non-Con Choking Torture Captivity Violence Death

Buried Souls by Isabella Khalidia
Retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears
TW: death, scenes of violence and gore, elements of horror, explicit sexual scenes and kinks, including bondage/restraint, impact play, primal play, and extra large penetration.

Blood Princess by Abigail Hunter
Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood
TW: Dubcon, blood play, open ending

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3 is the darkest of them all. First we have a dark thumbelina retelling. It's why choose with fae and shifters and plenty of good spice. It does end on a cliffhanger but the story will be continued next year. The next story is a FFM aladdin/sleeping beauty retelling. There's fated mates, dragons, and djinn. I loved the mixture of the fairytales and the folklore in the story. Next is a dark little mermaid retelling. A story about a siren bent on revenge for her family. Ophelia is an incredible character and her and bash's relationship is an intense one. They're mortal enemies, but they can't help but feel drawn to each other. The next book is a dark goldilocks retelling. Stumbling into the cursed bear house elena is in for a wild ride. And lastly there's a dark little red riding hood retelling with vampires and wolves. Over all I loved all these stories and the darkness within them was incredible. They all had nice spice and I'd love full versions of the stories someday!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down in Grimm’s Dungeon is the darkest of the Fairytales Reloaded Anthology with its mystical tales of revenge and power. The characters are intriguing and go through a lot to reach their desired goals. The authors did a wonderful job including references from the original stories, which made the anthology so much fun to read!

These stories, like the other two volumes, are perfect for fans of dark fairytale retellings. Readers, you will not be disappointed. This anthology was a quick, easy read that will capture its readers attentions from the very first page. The stories were really interesting and will leave readers wanting more!

I will definitely be tuning in for the continuation of these short stories! They were just so so good! I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend reading all three volumes of the Fairytales Reloaded Anthology!

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third volume of in this anthology and it is definitely the darkest of the three!! There are some great dark and twisted retellings here. All three volumes have such twisted and unique takes on these fairytales. I have for sure found some new to me authors and I can’t wait to read more of their stories. I definitely recommend giving this anthology a read!

This volume includes:

🥀The Misfortunes of Tommelise (A Tale of Thumbelina Retelling) by R.N.A.

🥀A Thousand Realms (An Aladdin/ Sleeping Beauty Dark Fantasy Retelling) by CJ Raine

🥀Sea Queen Reborn (A Little Mermaid Retelling) by Rhea Ryan

🥀Buried Souls (A Goldilocks and the Three Bears Retelling) by Isabella Khalidi

🥀Blood Princess (A Dark Little Red Riding Hood Retelling) by Abigail Hunter

🔥Remember that only the depraved dwell in Grimm’s Dungeon.

🥀Tropes include:
🖤Why Choose
🖤Multiple POV
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Revenge
🖤Enemies to Lovers

[Jessica Ogram · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love that the first book had a playlist for each chapter (and it had a song from Grease on the first one!) I enjoyed how creative the books were, twisting known fairy tales and giving them a new face. Good spice. However, I just didn’t connect with this book like I did with the first 2. It was too long. There wasn’t much plot at all. I just grew a bit bored and that makes me so sad because I was really looking forward to it. Thank you to the authors for allowing me to be an arc reader for this series, I’m sorry my rating on this book isn’t better, it just wasn’t for me.

[Holly Cliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairytales Reloaded Anthology

Three books of fairy tale retellings that get progressively spicer as you go? How was I ever supposed to resist?

I love a good retelling, and I loved the short story anthology format, because I felt like I got more stories, more romance, more adventure, and more spice!

The fact that the books get darker and spicer as you go was a genius idea for an anthology. This way, people can have an idea what to expect going in, and choose their adventure so to speak.

Overall, there are some really fantastic stories from some amazing authors in this series.

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbelina • Aladdin/Sleeping Beauty • Little Mermaid • Goldilocks and The Three Bears • Little Red Riding Hood

This is the third book in the fairytale retelling series! I absolutely loved them all and I’m sad they’re over. I found so many amazing authors through these books. So many unique stories that put a twist on classic tales. 🩷

The stories in this book were amazing. Dark which I’m a huge fan of. Spicy and cliffhangers that make you want more. The cliffhangers were brutaaaal.

I recommend this book and the others so much!
🩷🤍

[Cayla bookishlybrilliant13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third volume of the Reloaded Anthology Series was fantastic! Each volume leads to the next, guiding you to reading ecstasy. The stories do end in cliffhangers so I'm looking forward to those being addressed in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, especially this book and definitely recommend!

A special thank you to all the authors of all the books for allowing me the opportunity to read the series in exchange for an honest review of my own thoughts.

[♡Shelthebookaddict♡ Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for Sea Queen Reborn by Rhea Rya. and did it deliver!! It was my favorite story out of all of them in this book. It has an amazing plot and the hottest spice I have ever read. If you love mermaids, evil princes, and magical powers, read it. Just read anything Rhea Ryan writes because her writing is phenomenal. I love her humor and ability to develop characters and a plot in short story.

I laughed out loud when Bash referred to Ophelia had a fishy. Omg...Bash. He is going to be on my mind for a while.

I need MORE.

[vana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three the last in the fairytale reloaded Down in Grimm’s Dungeon. This is the darker of the book set and the more spice. These all are short story retellings that I really enjoyed and couldn’t put down. All these authors are just so amazing at the retellings. Thank you to the authors for such a fun, dark, and spicy read.