Review: Falling for the Pied Piper

Falling for the Pied Piper by Ashley Evercott is my second-to-last ARC from To Win a Dark Heart, a multi-author series of dual villainous fairy tale retellings. This one has sweet and cozy vibes with a dash of adventure and intrigue. The book combines the stories of "The Pied Piper of Hameln" with "Beauty and the Beast," but like many books in this series, those stories are used more as background dressing to the main plot. Both characters are likable and have a strong redemption arc by the end of the book. Their chemistry leaps off the page, making us root for them to see past each other's differences.


Selene must face punishment for cursing a prince to transform into a beast. Since she doesn't want to rot in prison, her best option for freedom is capturing a criminal known as the Pied Piper, who allegedly hypnotized a group of children with his magic pipe. She chases down the scoundrel and learns that there is more to him than meets the eye. After getting to know his captor, he falls for her in turn, and they team up together and stop a child trafficking scandal plaguing their kingdom.

This book is similar in plot and tone to Falling for the Mad King, another favorite of mine from this series. Both involve exiled sorceresses who unwittingly fall into the arms of a troubled misfit intent on freeing them from their punishment. Reid is a charming hero with a cute rat companion named Petunia. His banter with Selene is swoony and flirtatious, and he takes his capture in stride, understanding that it's something she needs to do to earn her freedom.

For a villainous retelling, this is one of the lighter-hearted books in To Win a Dark Heart. Both characters are flawed, but well-meaning and take large strides to redeem themselves for their actions. Even though Selene is sent to capture Reid, their chemistry is clear from the beginning. There are several sweet scenes where the two bond with each other to build a sense of trust and camaraderie. By the end of the book, they become heroes that even the most cynical reader would want to root for.

Falling for the Pied Piper is a charming and swoony retelling with a flawed but admirable couple. With its blend of adventure, romance, and redemption, this book is a perfect fit for fans of the series and anyone looking for a lighter, feel-good read. With only one ARC left in this series, this book has quickly become one of my favorites of the bunch. How many books have you read from To Win a Dark Heart? Let me know your favorite in the comments below!
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