Sarah J. PepperReseñas

Fairy Tale confessions is amazing!! Each story is short, but incredibly well written. Its amazing how much you can fall in love with the characters in such a short time. My favorites were Blayze and Ash by Jessica Sorensen and Caged by LP Dover. Both stories are so engaging you won't want them to end. You get sucked in so deep! Seriously, get this book! Fairy Tale Confessions is perfect if you love romance, fairy tales, magic, mystery, and/or evil villains! There isn't a bad story in the bunch!

Where to start with this one! This isn't your ordinary fairy tale! Then again, with Sarah, they never are! She is genius when it comes to taking the traditional fairy tale we all know and twisting it into something completely new!

I am not going to go into the plot of the story too much. Reason being, I think you need to find out for yourself just how brilliant this book is!

Rapunzel, looking for Prince Charming? I think not. Rapunzel, looking to escape her life. Yes indeed.
We also have Flynn. I couldn't quite get a read on him. Is he her friend or foe? Does he want her; doesn't he want her.

I found myself wanting to punch someone in the throat so many times throughout this book! Back and forth. Kind of like the old verse, he loves me, he loves me not.

Between the great imagination of Sarah, the characters who speak to you and the ever-twisting plot, this book is definitely a good read. Even if fantasy and paranormal books aren't your thing, you will still love this story. I promise!

**4.25 stars**

"A world where the impossibilities of our most farfetched dreams come true--that was the essence of Wonderland."
Welcome to a new twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but what I got surpassed anything I could have imagined! There are many takes and twists of this age-old classic. One never knows what they will get into with any of them.
In this twisted version we get murder and deceit. A story of a boy and a girl trying to overcome what is expected of them and their pasts.
Alice Mae... she is a prisoner of Wonderland and her past mistakes. It is her job to lure the now deceased king's nephew to Wonderland for the Queen... The Queen, an evil ruler who wants to make sure her reign of Wonderland is secure. Then we have Ryley... "every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a boy's name (or was it a boy with a Girl's name?) who'd end the Reign of Terror."... the heir to the throne of Wonderland.
I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into the vortex of this complex, yet simple story. I was a willing traveler between the realm of Wonderland and the Otherworld. If you think this is a story that couldn't possibly be an emotional ride, you are wrong. This story is not just about an evil queen wanting to be in complete control. This is a story of a boy and girl building a relationship that could stand the test of time (literally). It is about what one would give up to have that love people dream of. It is about how far people will go to not only do the right thing, but to also right their wrongs.
I laughed and teared up throughout this book. The characters are hard to not love. The twists of the story are complex but easily followed. The writing alone is wondrous. Sarah J Pepper is a true genius and has a very good imaginative and unique writing style that gives this book some extra character!

How could I not become so submerged in this book that I was beyond obsessed with finding out what was going to happen to our two loves? I could not put this book down! I knew I was in love with this series and these characters, the moment I read the first book, and I was worried Pepper wouldn’t be able to top the beauty she created, in that book, but WOW she continues to blow me away, with her skill and way of creating a story so full of love, sorrow, passion and hatred that you CAN. NOT. STOP. READING!

I love the depth this story had. Between the levels of details we got about the main characters’ pasts, the secondary characters and their links to them and the brilliant amount of character put into the surrounding world, I was utterly enthralled with the story. I really was able to feel as though I was there, feeling the cold hearts of the mermaids, tasting the salt of the ocean and seeing the sorrow in their eyes.

The pace was beautiful. It brilliantly created a feel of times in the past, which moved a little slower to create the detail and story needed to let you connect with the characters, but had a faster feel to most of the story, linking with the urgency they felt, in so many ways. Together, it built up a beautiful story, which I found very easy to connect with and stay connected.

Overall, I truly adored this book. It was everything I expected and so much more. It really is a must read!

* I chose to provide my honest review.

If you enjoy reading updated, modern, twists on fairy tales, than you should check out author, Sarah J. Pepper. She has a whole line of books. In this book, the classic tale of Rumplestiltskin is re-imaged with a bit of a dark spin. Declan is Rumplestiltskin. Only, he is not just a trickster but who also happens to be a Incubus. This twist was a good one. Although, I wished that this story was darker. It was like a semi-sweet dark chocolate and I wanted dark, dark chocolate. Just when I thought, it would go there, the story would stop short.

The chemistry between Piper and Declan felt more like a father/daughter or older brother/sister relationship than lovers. Yet, I liked Piper. She had spunk. The way that she was not afraid of Declan and stood her ground around him was nice. For a short story, I did not feel like I missed anything. I am interested in seeing what other villains appear in this series.

Neverland is nothing like what they told us as children. We were told lies, lies from Peter's point of view and now, thank to Sarah J. Pepper, the real story is being told. A story that is much darker and more twisted than we would like to think. A story filled with love, sorrow, revenge and loss.

Pepper has always had a way with words. Every story she touches, she is able to weave into a glorious take that is much more adult than we were told as children. She takes those fairy tales and gives us the dark and twisted true story, the reality, and her way of telling these stories is so addicting I can never put the book down.

This book was no exception. In fact, it is the best book she has written, to date. Her dark and mysterious story is told from the point of view of both Tink and the Captian. Here, Pepper has woven a tale that is absolutely heartbreaking, and complete and utterly un-put-down-able. As soon as I was pulled into the sad, yet loving, story of these two, I knew I was reading a story that I would fall in love with.

The detail that Pepper has put into each character is brilliance. She has made sure to fill every little gap, linking back to the story we were told, so that the characters completely fit the bill, but are still wrapped in mystery and intrigue. They have excellent personality and depth, which really makes this story a pure success. I found myself linking to, and really falling for a character I had previously despised. Pepper took everything I knew about him and turned it upside down, leaving me with a misunderstood and relatable man.

The pace is fantastic. It sweeps you up and really takes you along on a journey. I never felt that the story was moving to swiftly or dragging along. There seems to be the perfect blend of action-filled moments and slow, tender moments.

Ultimately, I am utterly in love with this story. I cannot wait to see where it goes next and will struggle to wait for the next book to come out. I dare say, this is the absolute best read of 2016, thus far, by miles.

**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Pepper has done it again! I think it would be apt to crown her the queen of fairytale retellings. She not only gives us the tale we know, but ramps up the wickedness, sexy and passion, creating characters that are so real, raw and emotional that you feel as though you are a part of her stories.

I loved that this was a continuation of the short she had in Fairytale Confessions. Mostly this was because I fell in love with our mains, during that short, and wanted to know what happened next. She carried on, right where we were left, giving us answers to the questions we were all left asking ourselves. However, we soon realised we had so many more to answer. That is what I love about her reads, and this on in particular. You are always guessing and wondering both what will happen next and just what everything you have already read means. I often am able to guess who a character is, how they affect the storyline and more, with other books, but Pepper's reads are never that case. Just when I think I know, BAM, she lets loose a cannon of surprise. I love that about her and this book specifically.

I really like the storyline. I felt that it was a great blend of the passion and romance between the main characters and the evil that our leading lady what having to battle within herself. There was turmoil and, of course, threatened safety. I felt that the story really flowed. It had lots of little details, to fill in between the major events, which really created a full story.

The pace was excellent. It went from a faster, threatening pace to the slow, but heated pace of the love between the characters. The added speed, in parts where our leading lady was trying to figure out just who she was and how she was going to deal with that, really gave us great undertones of haste.

The detail was superb. I felt as though I knew and understood each of the characters and their actions. I could really submerge myself into the world, and feel a part of it because of the level of detail she put into both the world and the surroundings.

Overall, this was a brilliant story. I loved every page, and truly found it hard to put down. It is a great read, which I highly recommend, and I know I am already wanting for more!

I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest reviews.
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Ever wonder what happens after Alice after Wonderland? Well ponder no more! This book takes you on a magical ride through the dark and twisted world of Wonderland and the Otherworld (our world) where we encounter a more cynical Alice, a cruel Red Queen (Hearts), the not so mindless White Rabbit (Mr. Ruthford), troublesome prophesies, an ill-fated Mad Hatter and a playful but devious Cheshire cat (Chez).

Of course there are lots of other colour characters that we are introduced to and get to know. Like the demented and psychotic Joker, the crazed heir Robby, the silent but intuitive Jack and the often clueless Ryley.

Let me start off by saying I love the cover photo, it�Ûªs so striking and out there that for the entire story that‰Ûªs how I picture Alice would look like. The opening scene had me hooked right off the bat. If you think the opening was shocking, just wait till you read the rest of the book. Of course that doesn‰Ûªt mean the entire story is covered with gore or anything. I enjoyed the numerous twists and turns that kept me guessing and doubting myself right until the very end. The story takes Wonderland to a deeper and more sinister level where the Joker chops off the head of the king and torments Alice and Ryley with on one of those playdates of his, where Alice tricks Ryley into entering Wonderland voluntarily into his death and where the Mad Hatter works on finding ways to poison Hearts . The prophecies were confusing yet intriguing to decipher, where hints are placed here and there, always making me think twice. like the one about the 2 Mad Hatters and how Hearts would ultimately be brought down

The story was basically told through Alice and Ryley's point of view. I loved the interaction and chemistry between the two of them. And who knew Alice could pull off vintage/wacky outfits with a bright blue liptstick? :) Anyways, since we heard the prophecy in the opening chapter, it's always on my mind whether or not Alice and Ryley are the ones the prophecy is referring to. There are a few other prophecies thrown around throughout the story, some more puzzling than others (especially that Mad Hatter one, which makes so much sense in the end). Ryley might be a smart teenager, but most of the time you see him acting like a typical guy like every other teenager in books. However, he does have redeeming qualities, like the pursuit of Alice even though he knows it‰Ûªs a trap, finding ways to save his father and what he does in the very end.

The story is thrilling and captivating from start to finish, even the climax doesn‰Ûªt disappoint! Especially how Alice finally achieves her act of revenge and for all and who is the ‰ÛÏsecond‰Û Mad Hatter

One thing though, which is such a minor thing and is something I am curious about (totally doesn‰Ûªt take away from the story or anything). I would love to hear about the backstory of Hearts, Chez, Jack and Joker, like how they became who they are.

Definitely read this story and you won‰Ûªt regret it! It does a nice homage to Alice in Wonderland, while building on top of it to create a whole new world of its own.

Where to start with this one! This isn't your ordinary fairy tale! Then again, with Sarah, they never are! She is genius when it comes to taking the traditional fairy tale we all know and twisting it into something completely new!

I am not going to go into the plot of the story too much. Reason being, I think you need to find out for yourself just how brilliant this book is!

Rapunzel, looking for Prince Charming? I think not. Rapunzel, looking to escape her life. Yes indeed.
We also have Flynn. I couldn't quite get a read on him. Is he her friend or foe? Does he want her; doesn't he want her.

I found myself wanting to punch someone in the throat so many times throughout this book! Back and forth. Kind of like the old verse, he loves me, he loves me not.

Between the great imagination of Sarah, the characters who speak to you and the ever-twisting plot, this book is definitely a good read. Even if fantasy and paranormal books aren't your thing, you will still love this story. I promise!

**4.25 stars**

"A world where the impossibilities of our most farfetched dreams come true--that was the essence of Wonderland."
Welcome to a new twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but what I got surpassed anything I could have imagined! There are many takes and twists of this age-old classic. One never knows what they will get into with any of them.
In this twisted version we get murder and deceit. A story of a boy and a girl trying to overcome what is expected of them and their pasts.
Alice Mae... she is a prisoner of Wonderland and her past mistakes. It is her job to lure the now deceased king's nephew to Wonderland for the Queen... The Queen, an evil ruler who wants to make sure her reign of Wonderland is secure. Then we have Ryley... "every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a boy's name (or was it a boy with a Girl's name?) who'd end the Reign of Terror."... the heir to the throne of Wonderland.
I couldn't put this book down. I was sucked into the vortex of this complex, yet simple story. I was a willing traveler between the realm of Wonderland and the Otherworld. If you think this is a story that couldn't possibly be an emotional ride, you are wrong. This story is not just about an evil queen wanting to be in complete control. This is a story of a boy and girl building a relationship that could stand the test of time (literally). It is about what one would give up to have that love people dream of. It is about how far people will go to not only do the right thing, but to also right their wrongs.
I laughed and teared up throughout this book. The characters are hard to not love. The twists of the story are complex but easily followed. The writing alone is wondrous. Sarah J Pepper is a true genius and has a very good imaginative and unique writing style that gives this book some extra character!

Great premise, shockingly bad execution...½

Catherine was grown in a petri dish to give her life to her terminally ill progenitor, she knew her time would one day end. She was a spawn and knew her purpose was to save her other self who lay cripple in a burned carcass, in a coma as her progenitor waited for the time that she would use her organs. They'd never met, yet some how their dreams merged through her paintings. Only James was her friend and introduced her to so much, but when Sebastian's lure pulled too great, she was lost in a world of his music. Something she never heard before................

OMG is book one a spell binding story, but at first it was boring. I've never read a book like this before and Ms. Pepper has me hooked and can't wait to read the others!

The Story

We've all read fairy tales. Yes, even the burly men who act like they don't enjoy it when their child watches Frozen or Little Mermaid, has a soft spot for those cute childhood stories.

What happened to the fairy tales when we become adults? Surely, after seeing the world for what it is, having letdowns, breakups and bad days, we are the ones who could really use a moment to have that fuzzy, warm feeling and a small hope that there is a fantasy world out there?

Enter Sarah J. Pepper.

A brilliant author who knows there is a need for a 'fairy tale' with a little adrenaline, heat and cursing thrown into it. Something real...

Rapunzel:

Long locks, from which someone can climb a tower: Check

Trapped in a tall tower: Check

Held captive by and evil woman: Check

Fell for the first man who successfully came to get her: Check

Her love was a knight in shining armour: uh-oh

Rapunzel knew she had to escape, even if it meant dying. She wasn't going to go back to that tower. She knew that people would be sent for her. She also knew her captor wasn't one for fussing over how her collection got back to her, just that no one else had them.

However, Rapunzel didn't expect such a tall, dark and handsome to come for her, nor did she expect him to shoot her so many times. Either way, she back in the tower and as desperate as ever to get free. At least now she has someone to drool over.

As Rapunzel fights for her life and chance to get away, she starts to learn that sometimes the ones you believe you can trust, turn out to be the only ones you can't, and those you thought a write-off may just be your champions.

My Thoughts

Pepper has given us everything we could want in an adult fairy tale. We have a plethora of love, hate, jealousy, turmoil and passion. Don't forget the curse words and snarking remarks.

With each page, you are drawn further into this excellent story. You find yourself comparing the story of Rapunzel, you heard as a child, to this brilliant adaptation. There are the perfect amount of snippets and details that match up to your childhood tale, to keep you feeling as though you really are hearing Rapunzel's true story. However, there are also just enough changes to really keep you guessing, and give you those juicy moments you can't wait to gobble up.

I found the book highly addicting. I loved Punzie's attitude and fervour for freedom, as it really gave her an adventurous and strong personality. However, she still had the overwhelming hopelessness that one would expect to see from Punzie. She has been trapped in a tower, subjected to humiliation and treated as a possession for her entire life. I felt this made her exceptionally more real, unlike her counterpart from the recent Disney film, who seemed bubbly, happy and oblivious to the fact that she was truly be held prisoner.

I also loved that, just like a lot of people in their younger years, looking for someone to love, she has fallen for the bad boy. He may be more than he seems, but he did shoot her numerous times when they first met. Yet, she still falls for him, just like we've seen in so many real life scenarios (minus the shooting, i hope).

The details and attention to character continuity were done exceptionally well, meaning that you really could just dive in and enjoy the book, from cover to cover, as the characters always stayed true to the personalities they were given.

The pace was also done very well. It was fast-paced enough to have the adrenaline-filled action we want and still has time for the mushy lovey moments we need.

OVERALL: I was impressed with this book. I hadn't read any previous adult-version fairy tales, but this books was one I couldn't put down. I liked it so much, I can't wait to read another of Pepper's works and hopefully grab a few more of these adults recreations. I would highly recommend this book to any adults looking for escape from the norm, a little fun and saucy reading, as well a bit of adventure.

An enchanting tale that will have you thinking about it long after you turn the last page.

This story has everything intrigue, adventure, romance, and life lessons that you will carry with you forever. While this story has elements of the old “Alice in Wonderland” it is far different with a theme all its own. The story deals with many different issues that we all face in life, but especially forgiveness. I really liked how the story showed that you must work hard for your happily ever after and that even though things don't always turn out the way you planned, love is always worth it.

Alice Mae is no wilting violet. She is strong, determined, and most definitely a fighter. I loved her spirit and seeing how she was able to grow as a person throughout the story. She is by no means perfect and makes mistakes, but she tries her best to make things right.

Ryley is no prince charming, but he loves with all his heart. He is an interesting and complicated character that I loved figuring out. The romance was also nicely done and not too over the top. What I liked most about Ryley and Alice is that they saw each others faults and still loved each other.

This is an moving and provocative story that you won't want to miss!

You definitely have to be able to appreciate a unique style of writing to truly enjoy this story. It took a little while to get used to it, but in the end I was thoroughly entertained. I thought the plot was well thought out, and along with the characters, fit seamlessly with the original world of Wonderland. They were all more than touch nutty, and made no sense most of the time. But– that fit with the story created, and was mostly to be expected.

There were a few comments by the teenagers in the story that were a little hard to swallow as coming from a teen, but nothing too extraordinary. Ryley is one-of-a-kind, the athletic popular kid mixed with the nerd who loves physics. After meeting Alice Mae, he slowly but surely falls for her, even with her outlandish Wonderland quirks. The storyline of the prophecies was an interesting take, and one I enjoyed seeing play out to the end. Overall, this is a neat take on the timeless Alice in Wonderland story. If you enjoyed the original, take the time to try this out.

Rating: 4

HEAT Rating: none

Reviewed By: Daysie W.

Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More

This book was very exciting and kept you guessing what is going to happen next. I read this book in one day. The author does a great job with suspense and makes you want to just keep reading. I loved the book. The complex characters and the way the author brings in the new characters are absolutely riveting. Couldn’t put it down!

Characters were real and interesting and the storyline was excellent. Definitely worth reading! Sarah J. Pepper is a new author to me, lucky to have found her. I love her writing style and know I will continue with the trilogy. Forgotten is absolutely wonderfully written and looking forward to the next book.