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Kingdom #8
Rumpel's Prize
Imp, deceiver, villainous mastermind� Rumpelstiltskin’s been called all these names and more, and for the most part, they’re entirely true. But there is more to the brooding, blond haired Adonis than brokering deals for the devil. He’s hiding a terrible, hideous secret. One that threatens to fray the already delicate strands of his sanity and reason. A secret that he’s desperate to make right, to see whole again, and there is no one and nothing that will stand in his way of getting what he wants—no one except a slip of woman with hair like fire and skin like finest porcelain. Something about Shayera Caron calls to the beast inside him and makes him question his motives for the first time in his life.
Shayera Caron is the daughter of the infamous Gerard Caron, former lothario of Kingdom but now a reformed rake and settled husband and father. She can go nowhere in her tiny hamlet without seeing the sneers of women and hearing the murmurings of their disdain for the blood that runs through her veins. Shayera is desperate to get away from the gossiping hens, so when Rumpelstiltskin rides into town, she doesn’t think twice before going wherever he leads. Only thing is Shayera is not as innocent as she might seem, for she hides a secret too. One that will bring the most feared man in all of Kingdom to his knees�
* First published in the anthology, Alphas After Dark.
Shayera Caron is the daughter of the infamous Gerard Caron, former lothario of Kingdom but now a reformed rake and settled husband and father. She can go nowhere in her tiny hamlet without seeing the sneers of women and hearing the murmurings of their disdain for the blood that runs through her veins. Shayera is desperate to get away from the gossiping hens, so when Rumpelstiltskin rides into town, she doesn’t think twice before going wherever he leads. Only thing is Shayera is not as innocent as she might seem, for she hides a secret too. One that will bring the most feared man in all of Kingdom to his knees�
* First published in the anthology, Alphas After Dark.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
94 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Marie Hall
58books2,092followersMarie Hall is a USA Today Bestselling author and has always held a dangerous fascination for creatures that go bump in the night. And mermaids. And of course fairies. Trolls. Unicorns. Shapeshifters. Vampires. Scottish brogues. Kilts. Beefy arms. Ummm... Bad boys! Especially the sexy ones.
Then the day came she realized apart from the sexy bad boy she married, there'd be no vampires/shapeshifters/mermaids/fairies/or even stinky trolls in her future unless she wrote about them. More often than not she can be found roaming the wild, lush tropical forest she calls her backyard (a.k.a. Hawaii) and day dreaming constantly about her latest project.
Her Mad Hatter is the first book of her Kingdom Series.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected]!
Then the day came she realized apart from the sexy bad boy she married, there'd be no vampires/shapeshifters/mermaids/fairies/or even stinky trolls in her future unless she wrote about them. More often than not she can be found roaming the wild, lush tropical forest she calls her backyard (a.k.a. Hawaii) and day dreaming constantly about her latest project.
Her Mad Hatter is the first book of her Kingdom Series.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected]!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 28, 2014
“The way to read a fairy tale is to throw yourself in.”� W.H. Auden
Why am I starting this review with a quote not from the book? Because after reading this book I was so thoroughly wrecked that I had to give myself a point from which to start. I threw myself into this book expecting it to be good (mostly because it’s Marie Hall and she’s brilliant) but not to have any real lasting impact on me. It’s just a reimagined fairy tale after all. But I forgot one thing: the very best fairy tales take you over, inhabit your soul and can either give you permission to breathe or take away your breath altogether. The very best fairy tales stay with you for life because they speak directly to your heart and soul, bypassing your discriminating mind altogether and aiming directly at making you theirs forever. And this book did exactly that for me.
Rumpelstiltskin is perhaps most well known for his devious ways in tricking people into making bargains for magic that end up with them losing what is most precious to them. He is often portrayed as a short little imp of a man, sharp as a shard of glass and greedy as the devoted collector he is. Marie Hall, of course, takes the most interesting of his traditional attributes and then amps them, twists and turns them, feeds them to a prism and ends up with one of the most magnificent men ever to grace the pages of a book. Of course he’s gorgeous, almost painfully so. He’s all of the perfect you would expect � smart, witty, observant and has the tools to either create or make anything he wants. He’s also lost and broken and alone. All of those things together? Absolute heartbreaking perfection. This character reached into the deepest recesses of the hopeless romantic I keep chained inside and set her free with a lazy flick of his hand. This character thoroughly undid me.
Who could possibly counter this man? Who could possibly stand a chance against his charms, will and allure? Shayera Caron, that’s who. If he is one of the most perfect men to ever be created, she is his perfect female match. You would expect her to perfectly balance him out. Be the ice to his fire. The column that stands true in his raging wind. She is, but mostly, she’s not. She has her own fire; she can summon her own gale. And she does, on a regular basis. She is pure, independent, raging strength and their pairing is all the better for it. The author has created one of the most inherently strong, compassionate and intriguing heroines in Shayera that I’ve read in a long, long time.
Rumpel and Shayera allow each other to be exactly who they are, without apology, without condemnation or alteration. Isn’t that ultimately what we’re all looking for? The chance to be entirely and utterly authentic? To have another human being see us as whole regardless of how many breaks or cracks we see in ourselves? Isn’t that the definition of the perfect fairy tale? To find your perfect reflection that celebrates the entirety of who you are in this world that seeks to dampen, deny and avoid our individual truths?
It’s my perfect fairy tale. And Rumpel’s Prize is it. Wholeheartedly.
Why am I starting this review with a quote not from the book? Because after reading this book I was so thoroughly wrecked that I had to give myself a point from which to start. I threw myself into this book expecting it to be good (mostly because it’s Marie Hall and she’s brilliant) but not to have any real lasting impact on me. It’s just a reimagined fairy tale after all. But I forgot one thing: the very best fairy tales take you over, inhabit your soul and can either give you permission to breathe or take away your breath altogether. The very best fairy tales stay with you for life because they speak directly to your heart and soul, bypassing your discriminating mind altogether and aiming directly at making you theirs forever. And this book did exactly that for me.
Rumpelstiltskin is perhaps most well known for his devious ways in tricking people into making bargains for magic that end up with them losing what is most precious to them. He is often portrayed as a short little imp of a man, sharp as a shard of glass and greedy as the devoted collector he is. Marie Hall, of course, takes the most interesting of his traditional attributes and then amps them, twists and turns them, feeds them to a prism and ends up with one of the most magnificent men ever to grace the pages of a book. Of course he’s gorgeous, almost painfully so. He’s all of the perfect you would expect � smart, witty, observant and has the tools to either create or make anything he wants. He’s also lost and broken and alone. All of those things together? Absolute heartbreaking perfection. This character reached into the deepest recesses of the hopeless romantic I keep chained inside and set her free with a lazy flick of his hand. This character thoroughly undid me.
Who could possibly counter this man? Who could possibly stand a chance against his charms, will and allure? Shayera Caron, that’s who. If he is one of the most perfect men to ever be created, she is his perfect female match. You would expect her to perfectly balance him out. Be the ice to his fire. The column that stands true in his raging wind. She is, but mostly, she’s not. She has her own fire; she can summon her own gale. And she does, on a regular basis. She is pure, independent, raging strength and their pairing is all the better for it. The author has created one of the most inherently strong, compassionate and intriguing heroines in Shayera that I’ve read in a long, long time.
Rumpel and Shayera allow each other to be exactly who they are, without apology, without condemnation or alteration. Isn’t that ultimately what we’re all looking for? The chance to be entirely and utterly authentic? To have another human being see us as whole regardless of how many breaks or cracks we see in ourselves? Isn’t that the definition of the perfect fairy tale? To find your perfect reflection that celebrates the entirety of who you are in this world that seeks to dampen, deny and avoid our individual truths?
It’s my perfect fairy tale. And Rumpel’s Prize is it. Wholeheartedly.
October 15, 2017
3-3.5 stars
This was a good story. I liked Shayera and Rumpelstiltskin and liked their story overall.
Shayera is the daughter of a man named Gerard Caron, former lothario of Kingdom (the land she lives in). Her father met her mother and changed his ways but because of his past, Shayera was cursed with something that doesn't allow her the freedom to enjoy life.
Rumpel is a man that many fear and few truly know anything about. He's not originally from Kingdom and since he arrived, he's been making deals for riches and favors. Many people hate Rumpel for whatever reason but he has reasons for what he does...a promise he feels he has to keep.
Shay's father owed Rumpel on a deal made many, many years ago. Rumpel comes to collect, not really wanting Gerard, instead wanting Shay for an arrangement. Shay's sick of the village she and her family live in (for good reason) and is willing to go with Rumpel to help her father as well as to get away. When they get back to his home, Rumpel explains that she has to take part in a test once a month for 3 months. He doesn't explain why or what she should or shouldn't be aiming for in these tests...only that she must participate.
Shay desires Rumpel and has a hard time dealing with it. Her difficulties are understandable since Rumpel does seem to be attracted to her at times but keeps running hot and cold and confusing the heck out of Shay. TBH, that part bothered me a little...I'd have rated this story a bit higher but I got a bit annoyed at the emotional seesaw that ensued through most of the story. But things do straighten out and we eventually get to the selflessness and sacrifice that happens when love is true and then eventually, Rumpel and Shay are solidly together and starting on a HEA.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked Shay and thought she was a good heroine. I liked Rumpel even when I was annoyed with his behavior...I just wish he'd gotten his head on straight a bit sooner. Still, things turned out pretty well and I enjoyed the story overall. :)
This was a good story. I liked Shayera and Rumpelstiltskin and liked their story overall.
Shayera is the daughter of a man named Gerard Caron, former lothario of Kingdom (the land she lives in). Her father met her mother and changed his ways but because of his past, Shayera was cursed with something that doesn't allow her the freedom to enjoy life.
Rumpel is a man that many fear and few truly know anything about. He's not originally from Kingdom and since he arrived, he's been making deals for riches and favors. Many people hate Rumpel for whatever reason but he has reasons for what he does...a promise he feels he has to keep.
Shay's father owed Rumpel on a deal made many, many years ago. Rumpel comes to collect, not really wanting Gerard, instead wanting Shay for an arrangement. Shay's sick of the village she and her family live in (for good reason) and is willing to go with Rumpel to help her father as well as to get away. When they get back to his home, Rumpel explains that she has to take part in a test once a month for 3 months. He doesn't explain why or what she should or shouldn't be aiming for in these tests...only that she must participate.
Shay desires Rumpel and has a hard time dealing with it. Her difficulties are understandable since Rumpel does seem to be attracted to her at times but keeps running hot and cold and confusing the heck out of Shay. TBH, that part bothered me a little...I'd have rated this story a bit higher but I got a bit annoyed at the emotional seesaw that ensued through most of the story. But things do straighten out and we eventually get to the selflessness and sacrifice that happens when love is true and then eventually, Rumpel and Shay are solidly together and starting on a HEA.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked Shay and thought she was a good heroine. I liked Rumpel even when I was annoyed with his behavior...I just wish he'd gotten his head on straight a bit sooner. Still, things turned out pretty well and I enjoyed the story overall. :)
September 4, 2019
4.5 Stars
I really enjoy this series. The whole thing are quick reads, but I enjoy the fact that all the characters are misunderstood bad boys. Of course this time it's Rumpelstiltskin, the demon imp deal master. His deals are notorious as is the man, but he has a secret and he's determined no matter what to find battle the curse he's under. And he's determined that Shayera is the woman who can maybe finally be the one.
Shayera is determined to save her father from Rumpelstiltskin's threat and go with the imp. But she has a secret herself and it's made her life difficult for too many years. She has never been able to be close to anyone but her family for fear of their reactions to her nature.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked Shayera and Rumpel's reactions to each other and since these are fairytale stories you know it's all going to work out in the end.
I really enjoy this series. The whole thing are quick reads, but I enjoy the fact that all the characters are misunderstood bad boys. Of course this time it's Rumpelstiltskin, the demon imp deal master. His deals are notorious as is the man, but he has a secret and he's determined no matter what to find battle the curse he's under. And he's determined that Shayera is the woman who can maybe finally be the one.
Shayera is determined to save her father from Rumpelstiltskin's threat and go with the imp. But she has a secret herself and it's made her life difficult for too many years. She has never been able to be close to anyone but her family for fear of their reactions to her nature.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked Shayera and Rumpel's reactions to each other and since these are fairytale stories you know it's all going to work out in the end.
March 26, 2017
I like this one way more than the others. It might be because the Gerald is one of my favorite bad guys in this series so since his daughter is in it I paid extra close attention to it. And she had her own demons to deal with, so to speak. She was a bit of a firecracker and I really loved her protectiveness of her family.
Also I’m also a huge fan of Rumpelstiltskin. I absolutely loved his backstory, it gave a lot of insight into his present character and made me love him even more. He is one sexy demon.
This love story was more drawn out than the others as well so I got a bit of simmer before the boil if that makes sense. And the plot twist at the end was unexpected. I was pretty shocked at the things Rumple was willing to sacrifice to get what he thought he wanted.
I enjoyed this one and since I had previously read the next one I’m very excited to finish this series.
April 21, 2014
Stars: 4
Overall: I've always personally viewed Rumpel as an old, really short, elf like man. This story gave me a whole new perspective on Rumpel and being allowed to get his HEA. Rumpel needs to break a curse and he is going to use Gerard's daughter Shayera to do it. Shayera is a siren and Rumpel is a man from another world. They both have an instant attraction to each other, but both of their pasts have so much pain involved with them that neither really wants to open up to the possibility of love. Rumpel needs Shayera to do 3 tests for him of the course of 3 months and hopes that she will past the test so he can break his son's curse. But in between that 3 months, they form a bond that at the end is very hard to break. The old saying is true for this story: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you than it is truly yours. I loved Rumpel right from the beginning, even more so when Shayera digs into his past to find out why he is the way he is. Shayera character was also very strong and I loved that she was tough and stuck to her guns. I really can't wait for the next book in the series because this author is just amazing on how she puts her stories together.
Characters: Rumpel & Shayera
Page Turner: Oh Yes! Anything by Marie Hall is a page turner
Series Cont: I hope so!!
Recommend: YES!! I RECOMMEND THIS WHOLE SERIES!
Overall: I've always personally viewed Rumpel as an old, really short, elf like man. This story gave me a whole new perspective on Rumpel and being allowed to get his HEA. Rumpel needs to break a curse and he is going to use Gerard's daughter Shayera to do it. Shayera is a siren and Rumpel is a man from another world. They both have an instant attraction to each other, but both of their pasts have so much pain involved with them that neither really wants to open up to the possibility of love. Rumpel needs Shayera to do 3 tests for him of the course of 3 months and hopes that she will past the test so he can break his son's curse. But in between that 3 months, they form a bond that at the end is very hard to break. The old saying is true for this story: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you than it is truly yours. I loved Rumpel right from the beginning, even more so when Shayera digs into his past to find out why he is the way he is. Shayera character was also very strong and I loved that she was tough and stuck to her guns. I really can't wait for the next book in the series because this author is just amazing on how she puts her stories together.
Characters: Rumpel & Shayera
Page Turner: Oh Yes! Anything by Marie Hall is a page turner
Series Cont: I hope so!!
Recommend: YES!! I RECOMMEND THIS WHOLE SERIES!
July 22, 2014
I enjoy these twisted Fairy Tale love stories. Rumpel's Prize was another enjoyable story.
October 15, 2018
Rumbles Prize is the 9th book in the series if you count the short story marie hall did. The first 12 books can be found under marie hall and then the rest of her Kingdom collection ( dark queens and dark kings) can be found under jovee winters. This book is part of the dark princess saga.
Rumpel has been called many a name imp, deceiver which is to be expected from the brooding , blonde haired handsome man who makes deals for the devil.
But he has a terrible secret that he is desperate to make right.
Shayera is the daughter of Gérard ( who has his own story in book 2- Gérards beauty). Gérard used to have a bad reputation in Kingdom but is now a happily settled husband and father. Due to her fathers past reputation and her own missfortunes Shayera is desperate to get away from the sneers and gossip in her tiny hamlet, so when Rumpled offers her a chance to escape she doesn't think twice about it.
This is one off my favourite Kingdom books ( I have many fravourites) I love the chemistry between Rumpled and Shayera.
Marie Hall is very talented and has an amazing way off bringing her stories to life.
I would recommend not only this book but all the kingdom collection for anyone that lives a good fairytale remake.
Rumpel has been called many a name imp, deceiver which is to be expected from the brooding , blonde haired handsome man who makes deals for the devil.
But he has a terrible secret that he is desperate to make right.
Shayera is the daughter of Gérard ( who has his own story in book 2- Gérards beauty). Gérard used to have a bad reputation in Kingdom but is now a happily settled husband and father. Due to her fathers past reputation and her own missfortunes Shayera is desperate to get away from the sneers and gossip in her tiny hamlet, so when Rumpled offers her a chance to escape she doesn't think twice about it.
This is one off my favourite Kingdom books ( I have many fravourites) I love the chemistry between Rumpled and Shayera.
Marie Hall is very talented and has an amazing way off bringing her stories to life.
I would recommend not only this book but all the kingdom collection for anyone that lives a good fairytale remake.
August 1, 2018
I can't do anything other than love this series. Each book connects to another and each story has its own unique love story despite them being based on Fairy Tales that are well known. The daughters of the Bad Five are turning out to be just as wonderful, if not more so, as their fathers. If you felt like you needed more of what was in the original tales that the Bad Five sprang from, you'll find it in their daughters stories. This is a world you can't help falling in love with, the same goes for it's inhabitants. Though most the stories in the Kingdom series can be read in any order, I beg you, if you have not done so already, please read them in chronological order. I think they are more enjoyable that way. All the characters know each other and often make appearances and references in other books that will be easier to understand if you start with book one and work your way through. I can't wait to meet more of Kingdoms inhabitants.
December 8, 2017
Change
Rumpel needed shay help but did it in unusually way. Both of them getting to know one another,her reading his family history and him being in her company . finally telling the truth about the 3 test she needed to do.
Rumpel needed shay help but did it in unusually way. Both of them getting to know one another,her reading his family history and him being in her company . finally telling the truth about the 3 test she needed to do.
January 3, 2020
Great Book
This book is great. It is sweet, loving, and sad at times, but this book is so worth the read. Marie Hall has become one of my favorite authors. Anyone who has read the kingdom or like fairytale retailing would like this book.
This book is great. It is sweet, loving, and sad at times, but this book is so worth the read. Marie Hall has become one of my favorite authors. Anyone who has read the kingdom or like fairytale retailing would like this book.
February 16, 2021
Great read
I loved it!!! This has officially moved to 3rd favorite. First place (for me anyway) Hook's Pan, 2nd place Her Mad Hatter. I really love Ms. Hall's spin not hear classic tales.
I loved it!!! This has officially moved to 3rd favorite. First place (for me anyway) Hook's Pan, 2nd place Her Mad Hatter. I really love Ms. Hall's spin not hear classic tales.
June 21, 2022
Who would have thought I could grow attatched to Rumplestiltskin. This whole series explores the "villains" of the fairytales in the search to find their own happiness, this book is no different. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of a bad boy love story.
January 9, 2019
2.5 magical little stars
April 12, 2019
This was a wonderful book. Life and love are not always black and white
April 27, 2019
Good but not as good as the 1st 3
May 18, 2019
Fairytale spin
A wonderfully wicked tale. Excellent read. I just love reading the re tellings of fairy tales. Jovee has a way with words. Keep them coming please 🥰
A wonderfully wicked tale. Excellent read. I just love reading the re tellings of fairy tales. Jovee has a way with words. Keep them coming please 🥰
August 11, 2019
If you love a bad boy....
Rumpel is a charming and hard to resist . He will make you love him even as you curse him. A "can't put the book down read".
Rumpel is a charming and hard to resist . He will make you love him even as you curse him. A "can't put the book down read".
March 18, 2024
This was my favorite in the series! There were a few things to unravel, and it was a pleasure to do so.
Read
May 19, 2025Part of the Alphas After Dark box set.
May 10, 2014
Well, I certainly have a lot of catching up to do. I’ve only read the first book in Marie Hall’s Kingdom series and here I am reviewing the 8th book in the series. *shakes head* The good news is that even with my lapse, I wasn’t totally lost. The even better news is I now have even more reason to pick up where I left off.
Who knew as an adult I’d fall in love with Rumplestiltskin? The Rumplestiltskin that we were introduced to as children is nothing like Marie Hall’s version. I haven’t read a lot of Fairy Tale based books, but this author seems to be a master at writing grown up versions of these familiar tales. I love her twists and takes on the stories we grew up with.
Shayera and Rumple are fun� when they aren’t totally miserable. They are both broken and cursed and as attracted as they are to each other they know that they can’t be together. They both are holding too many secrets that have the potential to harm each other. Even though the outcome is inevitable, the twists, turns and secrets revealed didn’t make this story predictable at all.
Now that I’ve read Rumple’s Prize I’m not sure what I want to read more. Book 9 kind of continues the story started in Rumple’s Prize (in a round about way) but Book 2, Gerard’s Beauty introduces Shayera’s parents. Or I could just start completely over and do another re-read of Her Mad Hatter� decisions, decisions�. ;
Who knew as an adult I’d fall in love with Rumplestiltskin? The Rumplestiltskin that we were introduced to as children is nothing like Marie Hall’s version. I haven’t read a lot of Fairy Tale based books, but this author seems to be a master at writing grown up versions of these familiar tales. I love her twists and takes on the stories we grew up with.
Shayera and Rumple are fun� when they aren’t totally miserable. They are both broken and cursed and as attracted as they are to each other they know that they can’t be together. They both are holding too many secrets that have the potential to harm each other. Even though the outcome is inevitable, the twists, turns and secrets revealed didn’t make this story predictable at all.
Now that I’ve read Rumple’s Prize I’m not sure what I want to read more. Book 9 kind of continues the story started in Rumple’s Prize (in a round about way) but Book 2, Gerard’s Beauty introduces Shayera’s parents. Or I could just start completely over and do another re-read of Her Mad Hatter� decisions, decisions�. ;
April 7, 2014
As one of my favorite romance fantasy authors, Marie Hall has delivered a wonderfully twisted faerie tale that captures the reader’s attention and monopolizes it. Ever since Marie introduced the ever darkly adorable Rumpel in her last book, Huntsman’s Prey, I had been looking forward to reading it.
OMG! It was just so awesome! I mean, Rumpel’s palace is like Wonderland only darker and madder. The way Marie describes the constant change of scenery and the sudden change in distance perception in the scenes sometimes gives me vertigo, that’s how vivid her imagery is. Moreover, the wonderful contrast of Rumpel’s personality has been highlighted in this story where he is both powerful and vulnerable. Shayera displays an amazing amount of courage and trust, and managed to make Rumpel fall for her—hard. Oh, and have I mentioned that Shayera is a� unique creature. Now, I don’t do spoilers. Well, not much anyway. I love the multiple twists of this story and the unexpected surprise of Rumpel’s true self in the ending.
Flames: 3
I was given an e-book copy of this book by the author for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review—all conclusions are my own responsibility.
OMG! It was just so awesome! I mean, Rumpel’s palace is like Wonderland only darker and madder. The way Marie describes the constant change of scenery and the sudden change in distance perception in the scenes sometimes gives me vertigo, that’s how vivid her imagery is. Moreover, the wonderful contrast of Rumpel’s personality has been highlighted in this story where he is both powerful and vulnerable. Shayera displays an amazing amount of courage and trust, and managed to make Rumpel fall for her—hard. Oh, and have I mentioned that Shayera is a� unique creature. Now, I don’t do spoilers. Well, not much anyway. I love the multiple twists of this story and the unexpected surprise of Rumpel’s true self in the ending.
Flames: 3
I was given an e-book copy of this book by the author for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review—all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 12, 2014
Soooo. Fair warning, grown-up fairy tales are sort of a weakness of mine. Not quite as much as sexy sci-fi, but still a weakness. This entire series pretty much hits the spot for me. Magic, shenanigans and other crazy things. I LIKE!
What can I say about Rumpel except he's got a little dysfunction going on. He's carrying a heavy load and his secret isn't a pretty one. Falling for Shayera could easily throw all his plans into disarray. Naturally, he fights the attraction. Because that secret and those plans are kinda important.
Meanwhile, Shayera has some issues of her own. Ones that kinda suck. Not in a sexy way. Not going to lie, when these two finally drop their guards enough to indulge in some hanky-panky, it's smokin'! And their work-around for Shayera's issue was one I liked. Because one should always be oneself when steaming up the sheets.
I'm loving this series overall and now I want to go back and pick up the books I missed. You can never have enough grown-up, sexy as hell fairy tales, in my opinion.
-Kelly @
What can I say about Rumpel except he's got a little dysfunction going on. He's carrying a heavy load and his secret isn't a pretty one. Falling for Shayera could easily throw all his plans into disarray. Naturally, he fights the attraction. Because that secret and those plans are kinda important.
Meanwhile, Shayera has some issues of her own. Ones that kinda suck. Not in a sexy way. Not going to lie, when these two finally drop their guards enough to indulge in some hanky-panky, it's smokin'! And their work-around for Shayera's issue was one I liked. Because one should always be oneself when steaming up the sheets.
I'm loving this series overall and now I want to go back and pick up the books I missed. You can never have enough grown-up, sexy as hell fairy tales, in my opinion.
-Kelly @
February 7, 2015
This series is getting more and more disappointing. I feel like the first few books had actual plots to them, but the more recent ones are just fluff mixed with mediocre sex scenes. Marie Hall is trying waaay too hard to turn this series into bodice-rippers, and they're just not. Also, reading the same general plot is getting fucking grating. Here's basically how every book is set up:
1. Girl meets boy through weird events.
2. Girl hates boy while also wanting to screw his brains out.
3. Boy seduces girl, they screw.
4. "OMG I LOVE YOU!!!!!!11!ONE!!!"
5. Girl and boy become separated.
6. They're both miserable as fuck.
7. They get back together.
8. The end.
Try and fucking tell me I'm wrong. It worked for the original Kingdom Series, but once the Dark Princesses' stories starting happening they became redundant and stupid as all hell. The original stories all had their own plot, and the twist of the fairy tales were interesting to read. Now they're just becoming sadder and sadder versions of each other. This series has just been dragged on for way too long. Switch it up, Hall.
1. Girl meets boy through weird events.
2. Girl hates boy while also wanting to screw his brains out.
3. Boy seduces girl, they screw.
4. "OMG I LOVE YOU!!!!!!11!ONE!!!"
5. Girl and boy become separated.
6. They're both miserable as fuck.
7. They get back together.
8. The end.
Try and fucking tell me I'm wrong. It worked for the original Kingdom Series, but once the Dark Princesses' stories starting happening they became redundant and stupid as all hell. The original stories all had their own plot, and the twist of the fairy tales were interesting to read. Now they're just becoming sadder and sadder versions of each other. This series has just been dragged on for way too long. Switch it up, Hall.
June 10, 2015
Not nearly as well written as the first in the series. While, I enjoy that the stories are starting to really connect and intertwine with each other, this story in particular uses a lot of cliches throughout it. And despite the fact it's a conscious choice to do so, it wasn't done so in any clever way. The cliches were used in the same context as it would in anything else and felt rather drab, the story was fairly predictable and essentially the characters were the same one dimensional characters from before. The stories are very well written either. There's nothing particularly special that sticks out and in the first few in the series, Kobe noticed quite a few typos in the books I've purchased. Mistake of you're and your, and other words in general. They're nice for a quick read, hardly worth the purchase. I'll probably continue to do so just to finish the series though. The notional stories such as Wonderland feel more put together and original, while these later stories revolving around the original protagonists' children seem to be s ploy to drag out the series and milk it for what it's worth.
September 23, 2015
Outstanding Story The Imp Has Met His Match
This is the best story yet. Here we have Rumpelstilskin, the dark imp and the master manipulator. Once you sign a contract with him he owns you. Then there's Shayera, she's the daughter of the great seducer Gerrad (he's one of Danika's bad boys). The people of her village hate her and her family.
Rumpel has come to collect on the contract he has with Gerrad. The price is his daughter Shayera. To save her family she agrees.
Rumpel and Shayera are two people that have cut themselves off from the world and yet they are drawn to each other. Shayera is at Rumpels' castle to fulfill her fathers contract. But there's more to Rumpel and the contract that meets the eye. When Shayera finds out the true reason for the contract, will she runaway or will she sees stay and show the imp that there's more to her that meets the eye as well?
Of all the kingdom stories, this one is deeper. It's not a love at first story. It's a story of two people that are hated and feared by others . When they are together they bring out the best in each other.
This is the best story yet. Here we have Rumpelstilskin, the dark imp and the master manipulator. Once you sign a contract with him he owns you. Then there's Shayera, she's the daughter of the great seducer Gerrad (he's one of Danika's bad boys). The people of her village hate her and her family.
Rumpel has come to collect on the contract he has with Gerrad. The price is his daughter Shayera. To save her family she agrees.
Rumpel and Shayera are two people that have cut themselves off from the world and yet they are drawn to each other. Shayera is at Rumpels' castle to fulfill her fathers contract. But there's more to Rumpel and the contract that meets the eye. When Shayera finds out the true reason for the contract, will she runaway or will she sees stay and show the imp that there's more to her that meets the eye as well?
Of all the kingdom stories, this one is deeper. It's not a love at first story. It's a story of two people that are hated and feared by others . When they are together they bring out the best in each other.
September 10, 2014
Shayera Caron is hated in her hamlet (think very small village). Rumpelstiltskin comes to collect his due, and escorts Shayera to his place to face a series of tests. The two have that type of relationship where both are in denial of a sorts. Neither wants to admit they like the other so they dance around each other until it it cannot be helped any longer. While it left me slightly frustrated once or twice, the anticipation is what makes the story. Shayera grows to accept not only herself and her powers, but also the bad boy imp that everyone whispers about.
Rumpelstiltskin is someone I thought I wouldn't ever like. We all know his story, so when I got the chance to read MHall's new book, Rumpel's Prize, I couldn't pass it up. MHall has skills, she makes you love the "villains" we all grew up hearing about. Don't go into it thinking it's going to be some imp making a bargain of spinning straw into gold for some girl. Rumpel's Prize is a fresh take that will leave you wanting a bad boy motorcycle rider of your own. I highly suggest the Kingdom series if you haven't read it yet.
Rumpelstiltskin is someone I thought I wouldn't ever like. We all know his story, so when I got the chance to read MHall's new book, Rumpel's Prize, I couldn't pass it up. MHall has skills, she makes you love the "villains" we all grew up hearing about. Don't go into it thinking it's going to be some imp making a bargain of spinning straw into gold for some girl. Rumpel's Prize is a fresh take that will leave you wanting a bad boy motorcycle rider of your own. I highly suggest the Kingdom series if you haven't read it yet.
May 8, 2016
These books have been going steadily downhill for me, and this installment was one of the worst! Normally, I like both fairy tale retellings and retellings of Greek mythology, but this book spliced them together in such a way that didn't so much honor the tales and myths but trampled all over them!
The explanation for Shy's curse was completely bogus, and Rumpel's affliction was not any better! This was a blatant rip off of the Cupid and Psyche myth, but it also had elements of both Beauty and the Beast and the original Rumpelstiltskin story as well. It was too jumbled, yet completely obvious as well!
The servants in the castle held more interest for me than the main characters! I didn't enjoy how the mystery of the child wasn't fully explained, even at the end, but the child's mystery does set up the next book, which might be interesting. I've spent more money than I should have for this series, so I'm determined to finish it, but I'm not so sure I'll enjoy them.
The explanation for Shy's curse was completely bogus, and Rumpel's affliction was not any better! This was a blatant rip off of the Cupid and Psyche myth, but it also had elements of both Beauty and the Beast and the original Rumpelstiltskin story as well. It was too jumbled, yet completely obvious as well!
The servants in the castle held more interest for me than the main characters! I didn't enjoy how the mystery of the child wasn't fully explained, even at the end, but the child's mystery does set up the next book, which might be interesting. I've spent more money than I should have for this series, so I'm determined to finish it, but I'm not so sure I'll enjoy them.
April 4, 2014
I got this book as part of a nine pack of books for 99 cents called Alphas after Dark. I am not a romance fan, not even paranormal romance. I might read an Urban fantasy with a touch of romance but that's it. Ill read one here and there but its definitely not my preference. That being said, This book was alright. IT was a romance between Rumple and a young girl. One of my pet peeves is when these men who are like 2000 years old are enamored by a young girl of like 20. Like physically I get it but I cant believe they'd have much in common. But that's my issue! Anyway the book was a nice little story about the two of them. He's a bad guy but not as bad as he seems. She is needed to free him from his misery. Its a short easy read. I just wish more happened. Its has no action and I like action but if you like romance, and fairy tales this books for you. and since I basically paid 11 cents for the book, I cant complain. It helped me pass a few boring hours.
April 6, 2014
I LOVED this book! Rumple is great - a perfect tortured hero, who's pain and vulnerability lead him to occasional callousness and cruelty. Yet, it's really not a dark romance. Rumple is at the same time protective, and even vulnerable. He allows no real harm to be done against the heroine. Shayera is also a lovely heroine - strong without being a snarky warrior woman type, which seems really unusual in this genre.
And the story was beautiful, very much like a grown-up fairy tale. But don't expect it to resemble Rumplestilskin - like all the Kingdom books I've read, the characters and settings may be drawn from the original tales, but the plots are original, not new versions of the story you know. If anything, I thought this one had a lot of parallels with Beauty and the Beast (the classic story - not "Gerard's Beauty" in the Kingdom tales :-)
So, if you love fantasy romance or tortured heroes and most definitely if you love both, I think you should check it out!
And the story was beautiful, very much like a grown-up fairy tale. But don't expect it to resemble Rumplestilskin - like all the Kingdom books I've read, the characters and settings may be drawn from the original tales, but the plots are original, not new versions of the story you know. If anything, I thought this one had a lot of parallels with Beauty and the Beast (the classic story - not "Gerard's Beauty" in the Kingdom tales :-)
So, if you love fantasy romance or tortured heroes and most definitely if you love both, I think you should check it out!
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