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I can't live my life in a cage anymore.
Please... take me with you.
My whole life is squeezed inside these walls. I can't remember the last time I left this building.
My guardian, Ethan, tells me it's to keep me safe. During his visits, he tells me the world is dark and full of evil. Evil that killed my parents, stole my family from me and left me in Ethan's care.
He wants me to stay here. Forever.
But when a group of men break into my prison, I make a reckless decision.
Information, in exchange for freedom.
Danger, in exchange for safety.
They're everything Ethan ever warned me about.
Maverick, the puppet master with cool eyes and a colder smile.
Ryder, the thief with light fingers and a dark heart.
And Enzo... who'd rather carve himself into my skin than let me leave.
I have to make a decision.
The man who raised me... or the men who stole me?
This is a why choose, dark contemporary retelling of Rapunzel with three morally-gray men and a heroine who'll do anything for freedom. It contains mature themes and is not suitable for younger readers.
Please... take me with you.
My whole life is squeezed inside these walls. I can't remember the last time I left this building.
My guardian, Ethan, tells me it's to keep me safe. During his visits, he tells me the world is dark and full of evil. Evil that killed my parents, stole my family from me and left me in Ethan's care.
He wants me to stay here. Forever.
But when a group of men break into my prison, I make a reckless decision.
Information, in exchange for freedom.
Danger, in exchange for safety.
They're everything Ethan ever warned me about.
Maverick, the puppet master with cool eyes and a colder smile.
Ryder, the thief with light fingers and a dark heart.
And Enzo... who'd rather carve himself into my skin than let me leave.
I have to make a decision.
The man who raised me... or the men who stole me?
This is a why choose, dark contemporary retelling of Rapunzel with three morally-gray men and a heroine who'll do anything for freedom. It contains mature themes and is not suitable for younger readers.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
1,010 people are currently reading
4,588 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Flood
23books658followersEvelyn Flood is an Amazon bestselling author of more than fifteen romance books.
She writes in various sub-genres including contemporary romance, fantasy romance and why choose, but you'll always find a main course of angst and a side dish of uncontrollable sobbing in every book she writes.
She's based in South Wales, where she spends most of her time hopping between coffee shops with her laptop in hand and buying a ridiculous amount of notebooks to write all of her ideas down.
Find her on Facebook in her reader group, The Evelyn Flood Collective.
She writes in various sub-genres including contemporary romance, fantasy romance and why choose, but you'll always find a main course of angst and a side dish of uncontrollable sobbing in every book she writes.
She's based in South Wales, where she spends most of her time hopping between coffee shops with her laptop in hand and buying a ridiculous amount of notebooks to write all of her ideas down.
Find her on Facebook in her reader group, The Evelyn Flood Collective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
December 13, 2023
THIS BOOK!!!! 😭🔥 OMG dark romance fans you guys have to pick up this book ASAP!!
We have a DARK modern retelling of Rapunzel where Zella is kept her whole life in an apartment building by a psycho art-collector who sees her as nothing but a prize. When a couple of men break in, Zella sees as her one opportunity for freedom. However, she wasn’t expecting that they would be so wickedly dangerous� was she changing one cage for another?👀😈
HOLY CRAP!!! The best thing about this book is the characters and their dynamic ! The 3 MMCs are protective and immediately smitten with Zella. Her interactions with all of them is spot on, filled with chemistry. PERFECT for fans of power play with submissive/dom vibes. somehow the author also manages to make this reverse harem sweet, like a found family trope. I INHALED THIS BOOK!!!!!🖤🖤
🔥Touch her and you die
🔥possessive protective MMCs
🔥found family vibes
🔥power play dom/sub
🔥dark modern retelling
🔥why choose SPICY romance
Read this book and thank me later!
We have a DARK modern retelling of Rapunzel where Zella is kept her whole life in an apartment building by a psycho art-collector who sees her as nothing but a prize. When a couple of men break in, Zella sees as her one opportunity for freedom. However, she wasn’t expecting that they would be so wickedly dangerous� was she changing one cage for another?👀😈
HOLY CRAP!!! The best thing about this book is the characters and their dynamic ! The 3 MMCs are protective and immediately smitten with Zella. Her interactions with all of them is spot on, filled with chemistry. PERFECT for fans of power play with submissive/dom vibes. somehow the author also manages to make this reverse harem sweet, like a found family trope. I INHALED THIS BOOK!!!!!🖤🖤
🔥Touch her and you die
🔥possessive protective MMCs
🔥found family vibes
🔥power play dom/sub
🔥dark modern retelling
🔥why choose SPICY romance
Read this book and thank me later!
November 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
She looks like prey.
She looks like a goddess.
She looks like mine.
I loved this dark Rapunzel retelling. It’s not the Disney version you grew up with, though there are multiple nods to the cartoon classic. The FMC gets rescued from her “tower� by three morally grey MMCs who claim her for their own.
She blossoms under their watch, going from the timid, virginal woman who was kidnapped and isolated her whole life, to a woman who seizes every moment of her freedom. The men are very possessive of her, almost to the point of making her trade in one prison for another. But, while they want to own her, possess her, they learn to give her space.
Medium/fast burn and spicy with kinks (including bondage and public sex). This book includes MF and group scenes (no MM).
Kept is a standalone in a new dark fairytale retelling series.
Genre: Dark Contemporary
Tropes/Features: Dark Rapunzel retelling, hurt/comfort, virgin FMC, unhinged MMCs, morally grey, chosen family, forced proximity, revenge
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MFMM, fast burn, spicy (dark kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Standalone, HEA
TW/CW: Available in Book
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
She looks like prey.
She looks like a goddess.
She looks like mine.
I loved this dark Rapunzel retelling. It’s not the Disney version you grew up with, though there are multiple nods to the cartoon classic. The FMC gets rescued from her “tower� by three morally grey MMCs who claim her for their own.
She blossoms under their watch, going from the timid, virginal woman who was kidnapped and isolated her whole life, to a woman who seizes every moment of her freedom. The men are very possessive of her, almost to the point of making her trade in one prison for another. But, while they want to own her, possess her, they learn to give her space.
Medium/fast burn and spicy with kinks (including bondage and public sex). This book includes MF and group scenes (no MM).
Kept is a standalone in a new dark fairytale retelling series.
Genre: Dark Contemporary
Tropes/Features: Dark Rapunzel retelling, hurt/comfort, virgin FMC, unhinged MMCs, morally grey, chosen family, forced proximity, revenge
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MFMM, fast burn, spicy (dark kinks)
Book Type/Ending: Standalone, HEA
TW/CW: Available in Book
November 10, 2023
I devoured this one!
This was my first time reading a retelling fairytale and I actually really loved it!
The spice was a 10 out of 10, and I was just hooked from the start.
The tattoo scene?? Yes please.
Maverick, Ryder and Enzo are just *chefs kiss*
I loved this book and I’m excited to read more of Evelyn’s books!
5 stars
This was my first time reading a retelling fairytale and I actually really loved it!
The spice was a 10 out of 10, and I was just hooked from the start.
The tattoo scene?? Yes please.
Maverick, Ryder and Enzo are just *chefs kiss*
I loved this book and I’m excited to read more of Evelyn’s books!
5 stars
November 16, 2023
An interesting modern take on Rapunzel
I'm not sure if this counts as a retelling more of life imitating a classic fairytale since the characters knew the tale and called the FMC a real-life Princess Rapunzel.
The FMC has spent her entire life living locked inside an apartment and the only person she has any contact with is the man who raised her and who is also her capture. She has only old classic novels to read as entertainment, no radio, tv, computer, or phone. This very sheltered upbringing has left her extremely naive and innocent. So if a sweet virgin and sometimes clueless FMC bothers you this is not the book for you. I personally have no problem with that type of FMC so long as there's character growth, and I think she did learn and grow in this story maybe not as much as I would like but enough.
There are 3 morally gray MMC's that partially rescue and partially kidnap her but she ends up in a much better situation with the guys than she was in before so it works for them. One of the guys is a complete Phsyco who will unalive people for FMC, another is more of a sweetheart but still a gruff Alpha, and last is a Daddy Dom type except there's no actual daddy kink in the novel. Although if the author decided to add a bit of ddlg kink it would have fit into the storyline seamlessly.
If you're in the mood for a sweet virgin FMC who gets saved by 3 Alpha morally gray MMC's that love and devote themselves completely to the FMC you might enjoy this book.
I'm not sure if this counts as a retelling more of life imitating a classic fairytale since the characters knew the tale and called the FMC a real-life Princess Rapunzel.
The FMC has spent her entire life living locked inside an apartment and the only person she has any contact with is the man who raised her and who is also her capture. She has only old classic novels to read as entertainment, no radio, tv, computer, or phone. This very sheltered upbringing has left her extremely naive and innocent. So if a sweet virgin and sometimes clueless FMC bothers you this is not the book for you. I personally have no problem with that type of FMC so long as there's character growth, and I think she did learn and grow in this story maybe not as much as I would like but enough.
There are 3 morally gray MMC's that partially rescue and partially kidnap her but she ends up in a much better situation with the guys than she was in before so it works for them. One of the guys is a complete Phsyco who will unalive people for FMC, another is more of a sweetheart but still a gruff Alpha, and last is a Daddy Dom type except there's no actual daddy kink in the novel. Although if the author decided to add a bit of ddlg kink it would have fit into the storyline seamlessly.
If you're in the mood for a sweet virgin FMC who gets saved by 3 Alpha morally gray MMC's that love and devote themselves completely to the FMC you might enjoy this book.
November 3, 2023
I have to admit it started strong. She acts very young, despite being 23, but that made her living as a captive all the more believable.
Now � I think the book could have gone many different ways � I personally didn’t like the way is went 😂 The MMC just seemed to constantly contradict itself.
This was pretty early on in the book as well.
So the men are painted as these protectors of woman. They punish bad men, who hurt or abuse woman. Now this isn’t what they do all the time, but it is a big part of there character.
So imagine my surprise when these strong, protective men, first meet the fmc chained in a Warehouse. What is the first thing that they do � they are super heavy handed with her (forcing her face down on a table), one of the guys lick her and then refer to her as ‘prey� constantly. It was honestly such bizarre behaviour to finding a captive woman, ‘I know, I’m gonna behaviour super gropey and weird�. Why would you make me like them, then make them into weirdos.
Then because she decides she doesn’t want to share stuff about herself with these STRANGERS, they pretend they are going to leave her. I just don’t understand them playing with her emotions if they are meant to be these great guys. It wasn’t really a power move, it was all just so confusing.
I stopped reading at 66%, so if someone else finds out if the statues are actually dead people in plaster please tell me.
Not that I’m recommending this book
Now � I think the book could have gone many different ways � I personally didn’t like the way is went 😂 The MMC just seemed to constantly contradict itself.
This was pretty early on in the book as well.
So the men are painted as these protectors of woman. They punish bad men, who hurt or abuse woman. Now this isn’t what they do all the time, but it is a big part of there character.
So imagine my surprise when these strong, protective men, first meet the fmc chained in a Warehouse. What is the first thing that they do � they are super heavy handed with her (forcing her face down on a table), one of the guys lick her and then refer to her as ‘prey� constantly. It was honestly such bizarre behaviour to finding a captive woman, ‘I know, I’m gonna behaviour super gropey and weird�. Why would you make me like them, then make them into weirdos.
Then because she decides she doesn’t want to share stuff about herself with these STRANGERS, they pretend they are going to leave her. I just don’t understand them playing with her emotions if they are meant to be these great guys. It wasn’t really a power move, it was all just so confusing.
I stopped reading at 66%, so if someone else finds out if the statues are actually dead people in plaster please tell me.
Not that I’m recommending this book
November 1, 2023
I’d like to consider myself a connoisseur of fairytale retellings. I generally devour them - I especially love the dark and twisty ones. While Kept isn’t the darkest fairytale retelling I’ve read, it definitely fits that category. Zella is my new favorite FMC. She has been sheltered for almost her whole life. She’s awkward as heck, and completely endearing. She’s naive, but she’s observant and fascinated by everything. She has so much zest for life, and an equal amount of compassion. I only want good things for her and I would g/u/t anyone who hurt her, and I’m just a reader 😅
Let’s talk about the guys. They are dripping in darkness and v/i/o/l/e/n/c/e and I am here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 Maverick is reserved and dedicated to his work and his found family. Ryder is cheeky and irreverent with some hidden depths. And Enzo is a complete psychopath who is brought low by a girl with bare feet and a wok. The way they each come to adore Zella is so sweet. She really works her way into their hearts without even trying.
The spice is plentiful and works well with the pacing and the plot. I love that the guys respect her autonomy while being aware and conscientious of her lack of experience.
There are some twists to the plot that kept the pages turning, and allllllll the feels that I’ve come to expect from this author. I am very excited to see what comes next in this fairytale world!
Let’s talk about the guys. They are dripping in darkness and v/i/o/l/e/n/c/e and I am here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻 Maverick is reserved and dedicated to his work and his found family. Ryder is cheeky and irreverent with some hidden depths. And Enzo is a complete psychopath who is brought low by a girl with bare feet and a wok. The way they each come to adore Zella is so sweet. She really works her way into their hearts without even trying.
The spice is plentiful and works well with the pacing and the plot. I love that the guys respect her autonomy while being aware and conscientious of her lack of experience.
There are some twists to the plot that kept the pages turning, and allllllll the feels that I’ve come to expect from this author. I am very excited to see what comes next in this fairytale world!
November 13, 2023
DNF 25% Icky, icky, icky. No consent. Omega trope disguised as other.
I seriously HATE IT when kindle wipes my review!!
龱�
Appropriate warnings, no disclaimers however, Yada yada�
Damn, can’t be bothered writing again, especially when spell check and the keyboard are also stuffing up.
I seriously HATE IT when kindle wipes my review!!
This book contains fictional references to torture, murder, abduction, physical abuse, child abuse (off page and relating to background characters), blood, rope play, drug use and prostitution. If this is okay with you, please keep reading! Evelyn x
For every girl who secretly wishes for a psychotic, obsessive, serial killer lover. (Hey, we didn't choose the book life. The book life chose us.)
龱�
Appropriate warnings, no disclaimers however, Yada yada�
Damn, can’t be bothered writing again, especially when spell check and the keyboard are also stuffing up.
December 5, 2023
Kept is a why choose dark romance retelling of Rapunzel and it’s the first in a series of stand-alone contemporary fairytale retellings! I def recommend checking the triggers before starting, but I for sure think this is one my dark romance loving girlies will obsess over 😍 I absolutely flew through it! Each of the love interests is 100% morally grey and they’re each so different from each other. But I love how they each came to adore Zella. Also even though this is a Rapunzel retelling, I still found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It didn’t feel predictable or repetitive at all!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2024
A very generous 1.5 stars. Had a good concept but everything just missed the mark. Could’ve been a good book.
October 29, 2024
Kept � Evelyn Flood | 3.5 Star � Review
Evelyn Flood's Kept, the first novel in the Forbidden Fairytales series, is a dark and interesting reimagining of the classic Rapunzel . The novel, however, is not about a princess in a tower waiting to be rescued by a noble prince; rather, it is a realistic portrayal of a young woman�Zella—who has spent her entire life in captivity, shielded by her enigmatic guardian Ethan. When a trio of morally ambiguous men break into her world, Zella makes the risky decision to sacrifice her loyalty for a taste of freedom.
Kept � Evelyn Flood � A Review
Opinion
One of the most surprising aspects of Kept was Evelyn Flood’s infusion of depth into her characters. Zella’s path from naïveté to self-discovery adds emotional depth to a genre that often lacks meaningful character development. The story does an excellent job of portraying her transformation from protected and innocent to a woman seeking agency and understanding in a world she hardly knows. Her evolution as she tackles her fears, desires, and conflicted loyalties demonstrates true growth and draws readers in closer to her personal conflicts.
Flood provides the male characters�Maverick, Ryder, and Enzo�individual personalities and motivations that are, at times, as intriguing as Zella’s own maturation. Each man adds a new layer of complexity to the plot, heightening the intrigue and danger. Maverick, the „puppet master,� is cold and calculating, Ryder is a brilliant burglar with a wicked sense of humor, and Enzo, the most intense of them all, appears determined to imprint himself on Zella’s psyche, if not her very soul. Together, they produce a dynamic blend of protectiveness, possessiveness, and manipulation that kept me guessing and adds an unexpected twist to Zella’s journey.
However, while I appreciated the characters� edgy interplay, I found other things disturbing, particularly the consent. Kept comes with a typical Dark Romance warning, and there are heated situations in which Zella’s consent is questionable, if not ignored entirely. Given Zella’s lack of experience from her years of isolation, it was unnerving how the males utilized her purity and lack of knowledge to push limits. At times, the power dynamics felt more about control than romance, which may have made some readers uncomfortable.
Furthermore, while Flood provides plenty of insight into Zella’s thoughts and responses, I would have liked to see more sequences in which she actively controls her own romantic choices. The idea of Zella making a reckless decision for freedom was intriguing, but I was hoping for more instances when her individuality shined through, even as she managed her delicate connection with the trio.
Conclusion
Overall, Kept is a captivating retelling of Rapunzel , with a darker, grittier tone that will appeal to readers of morally ambiguous characters and dark romance themes. Flood’s compelling writing style and deep characterizations make it difficult to put down the book, despite the themes that may polarize some readers. Kept is recommended for anyone who appreciates grit and is willing to read gritty, often edgy romances. Just keep in mind that the power dynamics may raise problems about consent, so it may not be to everyone’s liking.
This review was first published at .
Evelyn Flood's Kept, the first novel in the Forbidden Fairytales series, is a dark and interesting reimagining of the classic Rapunzel . The novel, however, is not about a princess in a tower waiting to be rescued by a noble prince; rather, it is a realistic portrayal of a young woman�Zella—who has spent her entire life in captivity, shielded by her enigmatic guardian Ethan. When a trio of morally ambiguous men break into her world, Zella makes the risky decision to sacrifice her loyalty for a taste of freedom.
Kept � Evelyn Flood � A Review
Opinion
One of the most surprising aspects of Kept was Evelyn Flood’s infusion of depth into her characters. Zella’s path from naïveté to self-discovery adds emotional depth to a genre that often lacks meaningful character development. The story does an excellent job of portraying her transformation from protected and innocent to a woman seeking agency and understanding in a world she hardly knows. Her evolution as she tackles her fears, desires, and conflicted loyalties demonstrates true growth and draws readers in closer to her personal conflicts.
Flood provides the male characters�Maverick, Ryder, and Enzo�individual personalities and motivations that are, at times, as intriguing as Zella’s own maturation. Each man adds a new layer of complexity to the plot, heightening the intrigue and danger. Maverick, the „puppet master,� is cold and calculating, Ryder is a brilliant burglar with a wicked sense of humor, and Enzo, the most intense of them all, appears determined to imprint himself on Zella’s psyche, if not her very soul. Together, they produce a dynamic blend of protectiveness, possessiveness, and manipulation that kept me guessing and adds an unexpected twist to Zella’s journey.
However, while I appreciated the characters� edgy interplay, I found other things disturbing, particularly the consent. Kept comes with a typical Dark Romance warning, and there are heated situations in which Zella’s consent is questionable, if not ignored entirely. Given Zella’s lack of experience from her years of isolation, it was unnerving how the males utilized her purity and lack of knowledge to push limits. At times, the power dynamics felt more about control than romance, which may have made some readers uncomfortable.
Furthermore, while Flood provides plenty of insight into Zella’s thoughts and responses, I would have liked to see more sequences in which she actively controls her own romantic choices. The idea of Zella making a reckless decision for freedom was intriguing, but I was hoping for more instances when her individuality shined through, even as she managed her delicate connection with the trio.
Conclusion
Overall, Kept is a captivating retelling of Rapunzel , with a darker, grittier tone that will appeal to readers of morally ambiguous characters and dark romance themes. Flood’s compelling writing style and deep characterizations make it difficult to put down the book, despite the themes that may polarize some readers. Kept is recommended for anyone who appreciates grit and is willing to read gritty, often edgy romances. Just keep in mind that the power dynamics may raise problems about consent, so it may not be to everyone’s liking.
This review was first published at .
February 5, 2025
Was this a straight up rip off of Tangled with a few added MMCs and a very poorly written bad guy? Absolutely. But Tangled is one of my top 3 all time favorite movies so I still absolutely ate this up.
November 8, 2023
I wasn't the biggest fan of this one. I was super excited because it is a Rapunzel retelling and retellings are my favorite. But I just felt like everything was solved really fast. Also the fact that Zella just accepted everything between the three guys was just a little off to me. There were plenty of great things in the book and the plot was interesting. I just wasn't the biggest fan of it.
October 31, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!!!
🔥. ARC . REVIEW . 🔥
Buy me books and call me princess is my tagline, but nothing compares to the feeling reading Ryder say Princess 👑
@evelynfloodauthor has me in my feelings with her reverse harem retelling of Rapunzel. Im in love with the good guys who may be borderline bad guys with a touch a psychopath. I have sympathy for Zella and want to scream at her at the same time. I was on the verge of tears, laughs, gasp and many other emotions reading this. I couldn’t put it down and definitely can’t wait for the next story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥. ARC . REVIEW . 🔥
Buy me books and call me princess is my tagline, but nothing compares to the feeling reading Ryder say Princess 👑
@evelynfloodauthor has me in my feelings with her reverse harem retelling of Rapunzel. Im in love with the good guys who may be borderline bad guys with a touch a psychopath. I have sympathy for Zella and want to scream at her at the same time. I was on the verge of tears, laughs, gasp and many other emotions reading this. I couldn’t put it down and definitely can’t wait for the next story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 29, 2024
This was such a fun retelling. While I’m sure I would have enjoyed it if it was a traditional Rapunzel retelling, I loved that it was a retelling of Tangled, complete with floating lanterns and hitting Ryder with a pan (this time it was a wok). I thought the references woven throughout were really cute and well done.
My favorite of the guys was Enzo, hands down. Who doesn’t love a psychopathic murderer with a soft spot for the FMC? 😄 all the guys were great, but I liked the dynamic between Zella and Enzo the best. For each of the guys she’s healing something within them, which brings about their absolute devotion to her. It’s adorable and heartwarming.
I felt the resolution with Ethan was a bit anticlimactic, and the explanation for why he did what he did, especially the no touching, all white, clean freak part, was left a bit under-explained. But that’s not really the engaging part of the story, so it’s ok.
Overall, fun retelling. Darker characters and story than the sequel Cinderella retelling, but I enjoyed that aspect.
Key Tropes & Triggers:
🧚♀� Fairytale Retelling
🛟 Protective MMCs
🏍� S*x on a Motorcycle
🪢 Rope Play
🔪 Mild Knife Play (no cutting)
⛓️ Kidnapping
🩸 Blood
🔪 Torture (not if MCs)
My favorite of the guys was Enzo, hands down. Who doesn’t love a psychopathic murderer with a soft spot for the FMC? 😄 all the guys were great, but I liked the dynamic between Zella and Enzo the best. For each of the guys she’s healing something within them, which brings about their absolute devotion to her. It’s adorable and heartwarming.
I felt the resolution with Ethan was a bit anticlimactic, and the explanation for why he did what he did, especially the no touching, all white, clean freak part, was left a bit under-explained. But that’s not really the engaging part of the story, so it’s ok.
Overall, fun retelling. Darker characters and story than the sequel Cinderella retelling, but I enjoyed that aspect.
Key Tropes & Triggers:
🧚♀� Fairytale Retelling
🛟 Protective MMCs
🏍� S*x on a Motorcycle
🪢 Rope Play
🔪 Mild Knife Play (no cutting)
⛓️ Kidnapping
🩸 Blood
🔪 Torture (not if MCs)
December 16, 2023
Spice: 4
KEPT has now become one of my favorite fairytale retellings of all time. I don't know how the author managed to perfectly capture the whimsicality and sunshine energy of Tangled and unite it with dark romance and even a psyc*path love interest, but they did and it was incredibly entertaining.
My favorite part of the story was the reverse harem dynamic that kept me on my toes the entire book. Zella perfectly channels Rapunzel's personality, and I was not expecting it to work so well within a harem dynamic, especially with personalities as strong and passionate as Ryder, Enzo and Maverick. And yet, they were PERFECT. The chemistry was fire, and although it's a pretty fast burn, I did enjoy how the author paced the development of the spice and the group dynamic.
If you love these elements, give this book a try!
- spicy fairytale retellings
- red flag love interests
- golden retriever love interests
- dom/sub dynamics
- who did this to you?
- touch her and 💀
- reverse harems
- Tangled 😍
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
KEPT has now become one of my favorite fairytale retellings of all time. I don't know how the author managed to perfectly capture the whimsicality and sunshine energy of Tangled and unite it with dark romance and even a psyc*path love interest, but they did and it was incredibly entertaining.
My favorite part of the story was the reverse harem dynamic that kept me on my toes the entire book. Zella perfectly channels Rapunzel's personality, and I was not expecting it to work so well within a harem dynamic, especially with personalities as strong and passionate as Ryder, Enzo and Maverick. And yet, they were PERFECT. The chemistry was fire, and although it's a pretty fast burn, I did enjoy how the author paced the development of the spice and the group dynamic.
If you love these elements, give this book a try!
- spicy fairytale retellings
- red flag love interests
- golden retriever love interests
- dom/sub dynamics
- who did this to you?
- touch her and 💀
- reverse harems
- Tangled 😍
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
April 26, 2024
Retelling Roszpunki w wersji reverse harem - yes please! Trochę za bardzo insta love, choć w RH to nic nowego... Był przyjemny flow, który przyjemnie się czytało.
February 18, 2024
⭐⭐�.5
🌶️🌶️
Tropes 👑
- Rapunzel retelling
- Dark romance
- Reverse Harem
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I have to say it won't be the last because I loved it.
I found this book in the most random way possible, scrolling through a book page on Facebook, I was struck by the cover and people's comments and I was craving a dark romance so it was the best book possible.
The story is very simple, it follows the line of Rapunzel, our main character, Zella, has been locked up all her life, without any contact with anyone apart from her captor, Ethan. Until two of our male protagonists, Enzo and Ryder, find her and she decides to leave with them.
Very good plot and story line. I loved it. Highly recommended if you like this kind of books.
🌶️🌶️
Tropes 👑
- Rapunzel retelling
- Dark romance
- Reverse Harem
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I have to say it won't be the last because I loved it.
I found this book in the most random way possible, scrolling through a book page on Facebook, I was struck by the cover and people's comments and I was craving a dark romance so it was the best book possible.
The story is very simple, it follows the line of Rapunzel, our main character, Zella, has been locked up all her life, without any contact with anyone apart from her captor, Ethan. Until two of our male protagonists, Enzo and Ryder, find her and she decides to leave with them.
Very good plot and story line. I loved it. Highly recommended if you like this kind of books.
October 27, 2023
I adore Evelyn flood’s omegaverse books, and given I love a good spicy fairytale, I couldn’t have been more excited to read this!
Zella is just a girl with abnormally long hair, and who’s never left her home Ethan keeps her in. Enter Enzo, the psychopath who loves working with his knives, Ryder, lightning quick thief with specific methods, and Maverick, the unofficial leader of their little group
It was so fun to see the classic rapunzel story spun into a modern book, and I enjoyed every minute of it. This was fun, and keeps you hooked from the very beginning. I loved seeing Zella learn about the world outside of her cage, and how the guys encouraged her the entire way.
Overall, I’d recommend for sure, especially if you, like me, enjoy a modern fairy tail twist. As always, please check the trigger warnings.
Zella is just a girl with abnormally long hair, and who’s never left her home Ethan keeps her in. Enter Enzo, the psychopath who loves working with his knives, Ryder, lightning quick thief with specific methods, and Maverick, the unofficial leader of their little group
It was so fun to see the classic rapunzel story spun into a modern book, and I enjoyed every minute of it. This was fun, and keeps you hooked from the very beginning. I loved seeing Zella learn about the world outside of her cage, and how the guys encouraged her the entire way.
Overall, I’d recommend for sure, especially if you, like me, enjoy a modern fairy tail twist. As always, please check the trigger warnings.
April 4, 2025
3 stars � � � � �
� ｡ﾟ�:Glass *.� .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★�.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★�.·´
🎶 Oh, I can't be. Your lover on a leash. Every other week. When you please 🎶
ܱ’s (h) whole life has been confined within the walls of the only home she’s ever known, a place she hasn’t stepped outside of in years. Her guardian, Ethan, has always insisted it’s for her safety, painting the outside world as dark and full of evil—the same evil that took her parents and tore her life apart.
─── � ｡ﾟ�: THOUGHTS*.� .*:☆ﾟ. ───
TELL THEM ZELLA. She is my BABYYYYY ☹️💖💞💗💘💓, my princess girl who just wanted to go outside and feel the air on her face. Don’t talk to me!!! I love her, she’s the most precious FMC and she can do no wrong. That’s my girl. I totally get why they were all obsessed with her—she’s the perfect mix of bold, innocent, and fiercely protective of the people she cares about. But, there’s also this strange thing about her: she’s super wise and certain in some areas, but totally naïve in others. It's this contradiction. For example, she gives amazing advice to Ryder about how he deserves to be loved, that his past doesn’t define him. But then... she can't tie her shoelaces, and doesn’t even know about Google or online shopping?? How does this girl get so wise but not know the simplest things? It just doesn’t add up, but it’s also part of her charm. She's a walking contradiction, and I will ignore it.
[Maverick]
HE BOWED. MY MANNNN 💖💞💗💘💓. He’s definitely more of the protective leader type, and at first, he’s like, “Who the heck did Ryder and Enzo bring into the house?� But as soon as he saw her, he was down bad, too. Like, don’t even try to pretend, we all saw it coming. One thing about him, though—he was literally obsessed with her. He was just keeping his cool and acting like he wasn’t, but it was so obvious. And he’s the one who has a past with her, knows her from her childhood, which is why she looks so familiar to him. But he couldn’t quite place her at first, which I thought was such a tease. I really wish we could’ve gotten more of that explored—their past, the moments that connected them before all the current drama. Obviously, she doesn’t remember anything, and it’s kind of heartbreaking that she’ll never get that part of her past back. But hey, at least she gets to make new memories now, right? Plus, the fact that he ties her up? Chef’s kiss.
[Ryder]
I felt so bad for him because his backstory is honestly really sad too. I’m glad that Zella didn’t hold any of that against him or judge him for it. Instead, she gave him advice and respected him, even when he was struggling with his own insecurities about the things he had to do to survive. She saw him for who he really was, and she wanted him to feel as valued and special as she knew he deserved to be. I absolutely love him. He’s such a great character—he genuinely cares for Zella and always made sure she was okay. Even when she smacked him in the head, he was already down bad . From the moment he laid eyes on her, he was completely hooked. His feelings for her were real, and you could feel that.
[Enzo]
I absolutely love my unhinged king 💞💗💘💓. He’s got that wild energy, but when it comes to her? Total soft spot. Like, when he was like, “No, I’m not a coloring book,� and then showed up with paint so she could color in his tattoos? What a move. And the fact that he didn’t even mind walking around shirtless, looking like a rainbow just because he was letting the paint dry? Hello, what a man. BARK BARK. I loved him, honestly 💞💗💘💓. Yes, he was unhinged and had his menace ways, but honestly? It was so entertaining. He was always keeping things interesting. But underneath it all, he definitely showed how much he appreciated Zella. He was obsessed with her, no shame about it, and he wasn’t going to let anyone or anything get in the way of what he wanted. He stood his ground, and when he decided she was his? That was final. I love this man!!!!!!!!!!!!
─── � ｡ﾟ�: OVERALL*.� .*:☆ﾟ. ───
I thought I was in a slump before this book, too, but honestly, this one pulled me out of it in the best way possible. It was so entertaining. I loved every minute of it. The unhinged characters? Yes, please. The banter? Chef’s kiss. It was so fun to read, and the chemistry between them? Even though it was insta-love in a way , I don’t even care—it was just so entertaining.
� ｡ﾟ�:Glass *.� .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★�.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★�.·´
🎶 Oh, I can't be. Your lover on a leash. Every other week. When you please 🎶
ܱ’s (h) whole life has been confined within the walls of the only home she’s ever known, a place she hasn’t stepped outside of in years. Her guardian, Ethan, has always insisted it’s for her safety, painting the outside world as dark and full of evil—the same evil that took her parents and tore her life apart.
─── � ｡ﾟ�: THOUGHTS*.� .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“I spent my entire life with someone telling me what I needed,� she says quietly. “It’s my turn now. And I won’t let anyone else tell me what I need, Ryder, not even you. This is the time for me to make my own choices.�
TELL THEM ZELLA. She is my BABYYYYY ☹️💖💞💗💘💓, my princess girl who just wanted to go outside and feel the air on her face. Don’t talk to me!!! I love her, she’s the most precious FMC and she can do no wrong. That’s my girl. I totally get why they were all obsessed with her—she’s the perfect mix of bold, innocent, and fiercely protective of the people she cares about. But, there’s also this strange thing about her: she’s super wise and certain in some areas, but totally naïve in others. It's this contradiction. For example, she gives amazing advice to Ryder about how he deserves to be loved, that his past doesn’t define him. But then... she can't tie her shoelaces, and doesn’t even know about Google or online shopping?? How does this girl get so wise but not know the simplest things? It just doesn’t add up, but it’s also part of her charm. She's a walking contradiction, and I will ignore it.
[Maverick]
“Did� did you just curtsey?�
“Just ignore that I did that.�
But Maverick steps forward, and my lips part in surprise when he leans down into a flawless bow.
HE BOWED. MY MANNNN 💖💞💗💘💓. He’s definitely more of the protective leader type, and at first, he’s like, “Who the heck did Ryder and Enzo bring into the house?� But as soon as he saw her, he was down bad, too. Like, don’t even try to pretend, we all saw it coming. One thing about him, though—he was literally obsessed with her. He was just keeping his cool and acting like he wasn’t, but it was so obvious. And he’s the one who has a past with her, knows her from her childhood, which is why she looks so familiar to him. But he couldn’t quite place her at first, which I thought was such a tease. I really wish we could’ve gotten more of that explored—their past, the moments that connected them before all the current drama. Obviously, she doesn’t remember anything, and it’s kind of heartbreaking that she’ll never get that part of her past back. But hey, at least she gets to make new memories now, right? Plus, the fact that he ties her up? Chef’s kiss.
[Ryder]
“Is it the thing pressing against my leg?� I mutter irritably. “Because it’s definitely developing.�
“Oh,� Ryder says finally, his voice filled with amusement as he catches his breath. “I like you. Can we keep you?�
I felt so bad for him because his backstory is honestly really sad too. I’m glad that Zella didn’t hold any of that against him or judge him for it. Instead, she gave him advice and respected him, even when he was struggling with his own insecurities about the things he had to do to survive. She saw him for who he really was, and she wanted him to feel as valued and special as she knew he deserved to be. I absolutely love him. He’s such a great character—he genuinely cares for Zella and always made sure she was okay. Even when she smacked him in the head, he was already down bad . From the moment he laid eyes on her, he was completely hooked. His feelings for her were real, and you could feel that.
[Enzo]
“You chose to run to the monsters, princess. Are you regretting it now?�
“I chose to run from one,� I whisper. “I don’t think you’re going to hurt me, Enzo.�
“Don’t trust me,� he whispers. “I could break you so easily, little prey.�
I absolutely love my unhinged king 💞💗💘💓. He’s got that wild energy, but when it comes to her? Total soft spot. Like, when he was like, “No, I’m not a coloring book,� and then showed up with paint so she could color in his tattoos? What a move. And the fact that he didn’t even mind walking around shirtless, looking like a rainbow just because he was letting the paint dry? Hello, what a man. BARK BARK. I loved him, honestly 💞💗💘💓. Yes, he was unhinged and had his menace ways, but honestly? It was so entertaining. He was always keeping things interesting. But underneath it all, he definitely showed how much he appreciated Zella. He was obsessed with her, no shame about it, and he wasn’t going to let anyone or anything get in the way of what he wanted. He stood his ground, and when he decided she was his? That was final. I love this man!!!!!!!!!!!!
─── � ｡ﾟ�: OVERALL*.� .*:☆ﾟ. ───
I thought I was in a slump before this book, too, but honestly, this one pulled me out of it in the best way possible. It was so entertaining. I loved every minute of it. The unhinged characters? Yes, please. The banter? Chef’s kiss. It was so fun to read, and the chemistry between them? Even though it was insta-love in a way , I don’t even care—it was just so entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
5⭐️
I adored this! I laughed quite a bit too and swooned even more. The spice was 👩🍳� the dark parts were a beautiful contrast to the light! This was a great little retelling and I’m looking forward to reading more!
I adored this! I laughed quite a bit too and swooned even more. The spice was 👩🍳� the dark parts were a beautiful contrast to the light! This was a great little retelling and I’m looking forward to reading more!
December 7, 2023
Wish the sex scenes had a bit more explicitness, because I'm a junkie for a hot, drawn out sex scene in a book, but this story was still so amazing!!!! The twists and turns are similar to Rapunzel, but I was still surprised at the different twists throughout the book.
January 2, 2024
OKAY fine I’m not a dark romance girly.. wtf was this
November 5, 2023
I was seduced by an Instagram quote and I have no regrets. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into but I loved this way more than I expected. It was dark and spicy, and a very unique reimagining of the Rapunzel fairytale, with a why-choose twist.
Zella was a good FMC considering her history and circumstance. The MMC’s are all damaged in their own way, with their own traumatic pasts, but still loveable.
I just loved this story and I can’t wait to see what else Flood has written!
Zella was a good FMC considering her history and circumstance. The MMC’s are all damaged in their own way, with their own traumatic pasts, but still loveable.
I just loved this story and I can’t wait to see what else Flood has written!
March 14, 2024
23 year old virgin who spends her entire existence in captivity gets rescued by 2 random hot men and within days she's having wild crazy kinky unprotected sex with 3 men...I mean...I know its fiction but come on...
Well, this was not for me. It started off okay, definitely dark, taboo, unhinged, etc. But it was a bit much for me to the point it was TOO unrealistic and I couldn't take it seriously. The motorcycle scene? I literally went back to read it again to make sure I didn't misread. Nope.
Well, this was not for me. It started off okay, definitely dark, taboo, unhinged, etc. But it was a bit much for me to the point it was TOO unrealistic and I couldn't take it seriously. The motorcycle scene? I literally went back to read it again to make sure I didn't misread. Nope.
December 11, 2023
A fast, easy read.
While the men in this book are morally grey, they all treated the female lead like well and adored her from the very start.
Who doesn’t want a trio of handsome, possessive men who treat you like a queen and help rid the world of human filth? 👏
While the men in this book are morally grey, they all treated the female lead like well and adored her from the very start.
Who doesn’t want a trio of handsome, possessive men who treat you like a queen and help rid the world of human filth? 👏
December 22, 2023
It was an interesting read tbh. I'm a whore for why choose romances so this was a good filler read. The plot twist was a little bit of a shock I didn't see it coming in the way that it did.
-why choose romance
-rapunzel retelling
-why choose romance
-rapunzel retelling
April 21, 2024
Rushed but Good Story Idea
I absolutely love the premise of this story, and the main characters. However, I felt many scenes and the timeline in general were rushed. This could’ve been a much longer book or even two books and it would’ve been a little more satisfying.
I absolutely love the premise of this story, and the main characters. However, I felt many scenes and the timeline in general were rushed. This could’ve been a much longer book or even two books and it would’ve been a little more satisfying.
April 30, 2024
Alright, I guess I never thought twice about how messed up the story of Rapunzel actually is, or how living in captivity for your whole life can stunt you to this level. Just thanks for that I guess.
Solid rh stand alone, messed up but not bad!
Solid rh stand alone, messed up but not bad!
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