Little does Ms. Caldwell know, but I’d read this book long before she’d given me a copy for review. Of the three stories, this one comes closest to following the original story, but Ms. Caldwell doesn’t disappoint by adding an erotic twist.

Anna meets Goblin, who spins straw into gold for her. But for every time he does this favor, he wants a sensual one in return. By the end though, Goblin wants more than her body–he wants her love. Spoiler alert (highlight with your mouse to read): The baby she has is Goblin’s; not the King’s!

In this novella, the story of Anna and Goblin is sweet, even as they are driven apart by the King. The secrets weaved into the story add another level of conflict, which keeps the reader turning the pages. An entertaining read.

This unusual story asks what might have happened if the Queen failed to guess Rumpelstiltskin’s name and he took the baby with him. Any mother worth her salt goes after her baby, of course.

Demon Lover is a full-length novel which takes the time to grow a relationship between Gwyneth and Ragnorak. It’s a very unique tale in that it starts at the end of the Rumpie story, but she isn’t able to guess his name! Ragnorak takes her baby to his world and Gwyneth follows.

Ragnorak is a very compelling hero who isn’t any good with women and is trying to do what’s best for his people. Watching him grow was a delight. Loved the dedication of Gwyneth to do what’s best for her baby. By the end of the story, you’re not sure who to root for: the King or Ragnorak. (Actually, it’s pretty easy, but yanno what I mean.)

Mima is a favorite author of mine. Her world building skills are almost legendary. It’s no surprise that she takes Rumpelstiltskin’s story to a sci-fi level. I’ll admit that this story was slow to start for me, BUT I will say I think it was because of the sci-fi twist (which is a genre I don’t generally read). There is slavery and sexual addiction wrapped around aliens and a strange, beautiful world. And here, Liese, once she finishes the task will only meet death.

In this version of the class fairy tale, both Leise and Stillskin are doomed, and only have a chance of survival if they work together. Their dedication to each other, from the very first chapter, is so “aww”-worthy that you’ll find yourself rereading this tale. And jeebus, the sex… *fans self* There’s a lot of action and adventure, so if that’s more your speed, this will be the novella for you.