The first book in the ONCE UPON THE EAST END series, MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT, is one of my favorite historical romances. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, WAKE ME MOST WICKEDLY, and Felicia Grossman did not disappoint me! The first book was a gender-swapped Cinderella retelling, and this book is a gender-swapped Snow White retelling. And I absolutely adore that it’s historical/Regency with Jewish representation!! 

 

Things I love about this are that you don’t have to read the first book to read the second, but for fun Easter eggs and to get to know some characters, you should! Plus, it’s a good book! You learn a lot about Jewish culture in this time period. With this book, you learn about two social statuses: Hannah is from a lower Jewish society, and Sol is from an upper Jewish society. 

 

I also love that we experience a range of emotions with the characters. There are dark moments, humorous ones, spicy ones, moments that warm your heart, and moments that have you cheering for your favorite character to succeed. 

 

As long as Felicia Grossman keeps writing these couples that give me all the feels, I will keep reading the OONCE UPON THE EAST END series. 

 

Thanks, Forever, for the arc!

Content warnings (per the author): This book contains attempted (nongraphic) sexual assault, nonconsensual sexual contact, depictions of emotional abuse, and discussion and depiction of antisemitic language and behavior.