Enchanting romantasy

This was a beautiful gay retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman. Kale Williams is one of the absolute best narrators and his distinct voices for different characters made the entire thing come to life like a movie.

I was very disappointed at how much internalized homophobia both characters had. I hate that in any queer romance- I'm here to feel better about the world, not be reminded how much it sucks for us- and especially given this was a fairy tale it just felt completely unnecessary and I almost didn't finish the listen/read because of that. Thankfully, they overcome it and the characters around them have no issue with their love so I was about to get past that.

My other quibble was the Huntsman's behavior at the beginning never felt quite believable. I didn't think the motivations the authors gave for his early cruelty really ever made sense to me, and the harshness he treated Ansel with to start was off putting.

However, the emotions quickly grew and developed naturally and made it easier to overlook that initial dislike. I ended up loving this story and the found family feels and swoon worthy love between Ansel and Orion, so I do highly recommend it, just mind the TW I listed.

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A new take on an old tale

Ever After by Ms. Hart and Ms. Lee is one of my favorite books. Certainly among gay fairy tale books it’s near the top of the pile. And the audio was divine. All that being said, I had high hopes for this book, the second in the loosely associated Forbidden Love series. This book is a stand alone and you don’t have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. And although I did enjoy the book, it didn’t quite capture me the way the first one did. Now, don’t get me wrong, I liked this book. I think it’s good and it stands alone quite well. It’s just that I was pulled in more by the previous book and kept comparing the two.

Orien Moore has a problem. His brother has demanded he kill the man’s step-son. Orien has no desire to help his brother grab power, but he also knows his brother will not be dissuaded. If he doesn’t kill the young man, his brother will simply find someone who will. But protecting the young man means kidnapping and holding him against his will. Just for a few short months until the boy is old enough to claim his rightful place.

Lord Ansil Eirwin is an attractive young man, sheltered and not knowledgeable in the ways of the world. He whittles and enjoys the company of servants. He doesn’t yet understand the gravity of the role he must ascend to when he turns twenty-one. When he is kidnapped, he has no idea why or what to do. He is powerless in the face of the dominating Orien. Quickly, though, he makes friends with other inhabitants of Orien’s manor. The man has created a found family that is remarkable.

Neither man has considered the unnatural relationship of two men. Orien has focused on those he protects and Ansil, although knowing he doesn’t find women attractive, hadn’t ever thought to take it further. Their relationship is slow to blossom, to be sure. But there are supportive people in their lives who make it clear they’re okay with such a relationship.

As is necessary, there is a showdown between the two brothers, the ending of which I hadn’t necessarily predicted. Also, this is based on Snow White’s story, so there needs to have an apple. I’ll leave it at that.

I enjoyed the audiobook. Kale Williams is a solid narrator who always gives an admirable performance. He differentiated the voices and did well overall. I would recommend this book and was glad I listened to it. Hopefully there will be more to come – especially with those gorgeous covers.

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Beautiful fairy tale

4 Blue Roses
4 Blue Flames

Narrator Kale Williams will carry you away to the land of far, far away, where the Huntsman and his Prince find their happily ever after. Kale's extraordinary sweet and smoky voice has me addicted and swooning for all his audiobooks. Lately, the man just gives me goosebumps as soon as he says "Chapter one". Christina Lee and Riley Hart has outdone themselves, bringing a very well known fairy tale to life in the M/M genre. Some of the elements in the book were borrowed and twisted very skillfully, so it kept me guessing and interested in the plot. It's definitely worth listening to.
I recommend this audiobook for when you are in the mood for some sweet loving and easy listening.

Happy Listening

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Gay Snow White and the huntsman remix

Good but wish it was longer and a little more original. The age difference of 15 years seemed excessive

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Super Sweet Reimagining

This was a slow burn, enjoyable tale. The characters were engaging, the world building interesting, and the narrator kept me interested and wanting more.

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2 people found this helpful

Enchanting, and absolute romantic perfection!

Magical! Absolutely swoon-worthy, incredibly romantic and highly original retelling of Snow White.

I was so glad that this particular raven-haired beauty still had one of his parents and grew up relatively happy. The abduction and Orien’s initial rather boorish behavior made for a surprising change of pace in this fairy-tale environment, which I very much enjoyed. I also loved the gradual build-up of sensual awareness as well as the sweet emotional connection that slowly formed between Ansil and Orien. Orien’s sexual orientation was another very welcome surprise.

I think it’s great how the authors have once again set their fairy-tale in an imaginary world that offers such a splendid mix of historical & modern day elements. Orien’s seven companions were all brilliant and utterly lovable, though I for one am a fan of Gaius and Arya ;-)

The only thing that bugged me a little was the way in which the villain was disposed of, it reeked of cruelty & vengeance rather than justice. I prefer my heroes to aim to be the bigger person.

All in all, though, this was an amazing love story. I absolutely recommend it.

Kale Williams was the perfect narrator for this book! I loved what he did with it, the way he brought the characters to life and all the unique, distinct voices he gave each and every single character. His smooth, elegant voice and amazing performance made this into a wonderful listening experience.

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amazing

this was such an amazing audio experience!! Kake brought the characters to life with such enthusiasm, I adored reading the book and didn't think it could get better than that, but it did with the audiobook.

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Innocent and sexy!!

Delicious and delightful! An erotically beautiful fairytale with heart to listen to again and again.

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Happily Ever After

This is a fabulous fairy tale and I absolutely love Lord Eirwin and Orien. This is an " I was made for you and you were made for me story. " I read the book and then the audible version and Kale Williams does a terrific job with the characters voices. I recommend any Riley Hart and/ or Christina Lee book.

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it's like a gay Snow White

it's like a gay version of Snow White it has a very good plot. I hope the authors write more of this style of books. and also the narrator has a very sexy voice.

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