RC has written some of my favourite fantasy books, so I was so excited to see how she would approach a classic fairytale story.

For what this is, it's fine. It's cute, quick, and stays true to conventional fairytale storytelling. But that's all. I know RC is capable of really amazing world-building and characters, so I'm sad that this feels pretty shallow. But again, this is how most traditional bedtime fairytales are. so as long as you going into this expecting that kind of story, nothing intricate, you won't be disappointed.

I personally would have liked something more but, for a short story, it's adequate.

Once upon a time … there was a prince and princess who fell in love. Shortly after, the princess ate a bad tomato, but a witch arrived in the nick of time and offered a deal to the prince: give up their love in exchange for the princess’s life. So he said yes.

A year and a day later, the prince and princess can no longer keep up appearances in their kingdom of Love’s Keep (because it runs on love, and without love, it just can’t sustain itself). Before they part ways for forever, the witch appears again with a new bargain: travel to a kingdom on the day of a new king and queen’s wedding and steal a potion vial from the new queen for the witch. Then, in exchange, she’ll give them what they most want.

But what DO the prince and princess most want? Will they reclaim their lost love or do they value their freedoms even more?

What I Loved:
- There were a handful of funny and quirky characters (a cloak that can talk and thinks itself a horse, a honey badger in the midst of an identity crisis, and more!).
- There was a lot of wit and humor throughout this novella and I found myself smiling and chuckling at regular intervals.
- The witch herself is the main narrator and has a handful of little asides as she tells the story. This added an extra level of humor and fun.
- It gave me old school Shelley Duval Fairy Tale Theater or even Enchanted (Disney movie) vibes, and I loved that!

What I Didn’t Love:
- As other reviewers have said before, this book is a novella, so it’s under 200 pages, but it easily could’ve been drawn out (with more little adventures and challenges for our leading couple to overcome) to become a full length novel. That said, I don’t know if I would have loved it more if it were to have been longer or not. I think it was the perfect read for me when I needed it!

Overall:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It incorporated plenty of wit and humor, quirky and silly characters, ridiculous scenarios, and characters the reader could root for. I highly recommend this read for high school readers and above (and I think adults would especially appreciate it!). I think younger YAs or junior high schoolers might not quite be able to follow the story as well or fully get the humor, but maybe some could? It was definitely a fun read, though, and with the right audience, I think it would really land!

This was exactly the story I was looking for as a palette cleanser between longer books that had completely disappointed me. Be aware that this is a Novella, though I wished it was a full length novel. ✨ Thank Netgalley for this arc✨

The story is an adult fairytale (not for children) about a King and Queen that lose their love for each other after making a deal with a Witch. After a year and a day they must leave their loveless castle and go their separate ways, but they each yearned for more. They make a new deal that leads them on an enchanted magical journey where family secrets are revealed and they find love for each other once again, or do they?

It was fun, goofy, and silly but in a good way! This story was adorable. A cloak that believed he was horse (so cute, lol), a sneaky honey badger, and an enchanted bed that tried to eat people! Need I say more? 😂 and some serious built up passion/angst toward the end that made my heart flutter and feel all warm inside. I enjoyed all of it! Definitely give this a read if you are looking for something quick, carefree/silly with a bit of passion that sweeps you off your feet. I’m starting to realize I have a thing for fairytale romances. I loved this cute short story!

Roshani Chokshi's books are always filled with luminous prose and enchanted, fantastical plots and creatures. She has a reputation for lush descriptions and love stories that are different than most teen fiction. I really liked this book as it was like reading an extended fairy tale - one that doesn't end so shortly and easily, because you don't want it to end, you want to keep reading all through the night, even though this is a novella. The romance between Prince Ambrose and Princess Imelda was not easily won - which made it all the better and more satisfying. It was based on true love and sacrifice in the beginning, and then a hard road to reignite and restore that love that was stolen from them. I loved it! The only fault is that it is a novella, it should have been a novel!

What a wonderful and fun tale, twisting classic fairytales into something incredibly unique with a base in traditional tales. We start, as most fairytales do, with a base of a cursed, tragic love story, but it is soon twisted into something fun and almost-modern. A princess, who desires freedom above all else, and a prince, who loses everything in his life. They fall in love, only to be cursed by a witch.

Imelda, one of twelve princesses who spent the evening dancing in cursed slippers, finds love, but quickly loses it due to an ill-fated tomato. Cue Ambrose, who aims to do the right thing in sparing a dragon to only lose potential kingdom. They fall in love and marry, only to face losing their kingdom - Love’s Keep - due to the blasted poisoned tomato, threatening to kill off Imelda. To save her life, Ambrose makes a deal with a witch to lose their love - and potentially their new kingdom.

Love’s Keep may only be ruled by a king and queen whose love can withstand time - a year and a day, to be precise. But now, having forgotten their love for one another, they exist as ghosts, strangers, to each other in the castle for a year and a day. Ultimately failing the test of love.

The very same witch who cursed them, offers something of a redemption. Retrieve a potion and they will have whatever their greatest desire is. Follow these two on their journey to gaining what they want the most - and perhaps gaining their love back once more?

Of course, I cannot forget the Noble steed - a cloak made of horse fur that can speak to both. Honestly, my favorite character in this tale.

Alas, it is only a novella, and my biggest complaint is: I want more! I would love a whole book detailing their backstories - yes, even the Noble steed’s - but alas, I will have to cope with a whimsical novella!

What a fun and fresh fairy tale from an amazing voice in YA. Imelda and Ambrose have a story that can be passed down from generation to generation.

This was an extremely charming fairytale.
I wish it were a full novel because the charm, sweetness, and silliness were so enjoyable, and I love how the narrator said what we all were thinking; travel scenes can be boring, so that we can skip them.

A magical land with a twist to two separate tales that interconnect and a Prince and Princess who have to relearn to love one another or who can go their separate ways and find the lives they wish to. As this is my first novel from Roshani Chokshi, I am thrilled I ordered the gilded wolves; the writing and storytelling skills were lovely, so I am excited.

Two things drew me in to this book: 1. Roshani Chokshi, 2. Fairytale.
And let me tell ya, it delivered everything I wanted.

Roshani has the ability to construct the most beautiful story that hits every point I need. Her characters are easy to meet, the settings are easy to envision, and the dialogue feels so natural.

A quick fabulous tour in fairy tale universe : Grimm Brothers’ famous Twelve Dancing Princesses combined with Little Briar Rose ( dark version of Sleeping Beauty) and Dragon’s Tail, Two Brothers with Maleficent vibes!

This is a story about cursed and unforgettable love of an unfaithful prince who loses everything he has in his life and a princess who only prays to gain her own freedom without being trapped in a place or being condemned by any other man!

Imelda was one of the twelve princesses who was roused up from her sleep at each night, found her slippers scuffed at the each morning as if she’d danced all night. You may already know the fairytale about princesses or you may read the modern version: “ House of Salt and Sorrow” ( highly recommended if you didn’t read it yet) Those girls found a passage to the fairyland where they danced till they passed out! One of her sisters already found her prince who was also a gardener’s assistant tipped by witch about how to solve the curse.

But this story is not about that sister. This is Imelda’s story. Imelda who found love and lost it against the curse.

Her love of her life was prince Ambrose. He was one of the three sons of the king, who loses the battles for being kind, good hearted. He aims to do the right thing for the benefit of the kingdom including saving a dragon’s life in expanse of losing the throne.

And now he’s about to lose his kingdom at Love’s Keep. For staying as a king of the place: he must be in love with his queen. But for saving Imelda’s life who is poisoned, he makes a deal with the witch in expanse of forgetting his love for her forever!

Now they’re two strangers who can’t bare to be in the same place. Imelda doesn’t want to go back home because she wants to be free from her overprotective father and his strict methods to trap her in the place.

Ambrose lurks around the woods, sulking, lost, unhappy. Their one year and one day long time is about to end. They’re so close to be ousted from their kingdom.

But the very same witch who cursed them makes an offer they can be both benefited. Imelda and Ambrose will work together to steal a potion from ruthless witch queen and if they succeed, they can move on with their lives: Ambrose can have his own kingdom and Imelda can finally earn her freedom.

But what if this long, adventurous journey is the way to remember what they meant for each other!

I’m stopping right here! The smart, sarcastic cloak of Ambrose is my favorite character at this book!

I liked the combination of different fairytales and conclusion of the story but I wish it could be a little longer.

I’m giving four careful what you wish for, tribute to Grimm Brothers, fairytales, fables stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

This book was such a quick read and a great palette cleanser after reading several heavier books. I loved it! It was just so cute, and made me laugh out loud more than once. I really had nothing about this book I didn’t like - if anything I wished it was a bit longer.

What happens to those leftover royal siblings of fable who don’t win the contest to live happily ever after? Chokshi’s book is a delightful fairy tale crossover offering an unchosen prince and princess one more chance at true love -- and then swiftly making things messy.

So, silly me, I requested this thinking it was a full length adult romance novel and not a novella (though it is adult, I guess). That said, I have nothing against novellas at all and was happy to have something short to sneak in between reads.

This was a pretty standard unconventional fairytale in the sense that how they come together is standard but, unlike how most go, they are then broken up -- while still being together. They go on a journey, with a few side quests, and along the way discover more about each other than they ever did before.

I think what I loved most about this, though, was their backstories. I would've read a whole book about their lives before this or, even, a full length that included said backstories and expanded on their adventures from this one.

It was cute, sometimes funny, a little silly, and sweet. If this had been longer, and more adult in the vein of the romance, I think I would've really loved it. That said, I would not discourage you from picking this up.

short, sweet, romantic, magical.

what a wonderful story this is. I like a standard tale that starts with “once upon a time” but this? splendid. extraordinary.

this story is short but has everything a good story needs: lush descriptions, imaginative writing, rich world-building, a romance to swoon for. bonus point: the moral of the story. chokshi proves how she masters writing lyrical prose.

once more upon a time is an enchanting tale about love and forgetting it and then remembering it again. and it is brilliant. one of my fave reads this year. reading this felt like coming home and being wrapped in a blanket in front of the fireplace. already preordered the physical copy!

This was a fun and sweet short story about a second chance at falling in love. I enjoyed this read a lot more than I was expecting. The main characters were adorable and I loved the witty banter and the sparks between them. My only problem is that I wish it were longer.

In a nutshell this was sweet, fun and very short.

When Imelda and Ambrose first met, it was love at first sight. And they had one day and night of being married before that love was taken away in exchange for saving Imelda from death by poison. Fast forward a year, and the loveless couple failed to let their kingdom—powered literally by love—to thrive. Before they can go on their separate ways, though, no longer wanting anything to do with the other, the witch who stole their love appearances with a proposal. If the couple get her the potion she needs, she'll give them both exactly what they want most. And so begins a quest that finds them facing off against cannibals, conniving badgers, and long-lost family members.

Imelda is one of the twelve dancing princesses. You know, the ones who would go to sleep, only to find they had danced straight through their shoes thanks to the fey. As such she has a thing against shoes. She has a million pairs, but she'll be damned if they ever go on her feet and trap her again. She is a woman who wants the freedom and independence to do what she wants, and having a husband will only chain her to a man.

Ambrose is the middle child of three princes. Each brother had been sent to slay a dragon, and Ambrose gave his a job instead. He is a constant disappointment to his father, and someone who has learned to measure life in what can be given and what can be taken away. Love is something he does not want because in his eyes it is not something to keep, but rather something that can be taken from him as punishment. So why bother?

I really liked this! It was very tongue in cheek as far as humour goes. Actually, it reminded me a lot of Shrek with the fairytale style funny. Lewd comments taken out of context, over the top situations that can only be laughed at, and an overall air of ridiculousness. Take for instance the horse cloak. It's a cloak made from a dead horse, but it doesn't know that. It still thinks itself a noble steed and should be hung in the stables, not fraternizing with nobles at balls, thank you very much.

My only complaint is that I just wanted more. So much more. I know it's a novella but there really wasn't much to dig into. What makes Roshani such a fabulous author is the magical worlds she builds, and there wasn't time to sink teeth into anything here. The conflicts were all over very quick and easy so there was no angst. Even the romance rekindling was quite simple. We all want a happy ending and no one hates that moment of inevitable strife between the two characters, but I needed something more.

Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi is a charming and enchanting story about Imelda and Ambrose who fall in love and are married only to be thwarted by a witch who takes their love away. They are forced to remain married and living in a castle for a year and a day. Upon the last day, a witch appears with an offer: complete a task for her and she will give them what they desire. Imelda and Ambrose accept the task, and they set off the adventure of collecting a potion for the witch. Are they capable of rediscovering the love they had for each other before the witch took it away? Do they get what they desire from the witch?

I loved the narrator voice of this story - witty, charming, and reminded me of a classic fairy tale. The characters are lovable, and you root for them. I highly recommend this story.

eARC provided in exchange for an honest review

This book was adorable. It was a fast paced read that wove multiple fairytales into one.
I’m a sop for the 12 dancing princesses fairytale and this story makes one of the princesses into the main character.
I absolutely loved this book. The main theme is that love takes work, love takes time, love is enduring, love is kind, love is being vulnerable with each other, love is being strong together. Ahhhh, be still my heart.
This book was comedic, adorable, remarkable, and will be an instant classic.

If you like fairytales, feel good stories, coming into your own stories, and romantic comedies, then this book is for you and you should get it come October 2021!!!

I was iffy on going into this because I wasn't a fan of one of her other worls but it was a cute story about what happened after the forever after and with all the cliches it made it that much more adorable

The book starts off in what I like to think is Roshani Chokshi's "fun quirky style". A book that makes me smile/laugh with its start is one that has started off on the right foot in my opinion.

We get a Once upon a time start from a very quirky/snarky narrator and are introduced to our main characters - Imelda and Ambrose - two characters from popular fairy-tales who do not get a happily ever-after by the looks of things. The story starts a year and a day after their fateful marriage and the price that was paid to save Imelda's life with both of them being turned out of their home for it. And so the adventure begins...

The writing style is something I absolutely enjoyed in this book. The narrator's tone of voice makes you feel as though they are looking directly at you and talking. Which I found really interesting and made me feel involved and invested. The story is also told from the perspective of the main characters and switches between the two giving an insight to both their thoughts. Something I really enjoyed.

The setting of the book - in fairy tale land - really draws you in. Especially if you grew up on fairy tales and happily ever afters and have now been disillusioned thanks to life. It's nice to see a fairy tale that is "real" if that word can be used, one that looks past the 'happily ever after' to more relatable feelings and problems.

The plot is simple. It's a quick read, it's fun, makes you laugh and warms your heart and I like the idea of falling out of love with someone but finding love all over again when you remember to look. Overall would recommend this book if you need a simple but fun and meaningful read!

I ended up loving this quick fairytale retelling, i loved the mishmash of fairytales and the quirks for the changes that were done! We get perspectives from both Ambrose and Imelda, and i love the duel perspective! I also love the twist on the 'curse' of losing their love for each other, and the character growth from both of them. Honestly if you love fairytale retellings then i would highly recommend this book!

Review posted on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4160660368?book_show_action=false