4.5+ stars 
 Holden Croft and Griselda Schroeder were foster children in the same home for three days before they were kidnapped. Three years later, only one child was able to escape the dark cellar they had shared. One would remain in the nightmare, the other would face the guilt of survival. 
 Beyond this brief description, it is difficult to say a whole lot about the plot, or specific aspects that I truly loved, because the element of surprise and a spoiler free experience is so key for this book. 
 These two were destined to be together, but had a long and hard journey to reach each other. It seemed like there was always one step forward and two steps back. With each new challenge that stepped into their path, their trust and strength were put to the test. 
 Each had a journey beyond their relationship in order to put the past behind them and take another step forward. Even after finishing their whole story, I can't decide who had the easier road -- the one who escaped, or the one who remained. 
 I loved the way this whole tale was woven. From the flashback scenes, to the progression of the present day scenes, there was always something going on. There were points where it started to feel long, but then a new twist would crop up and I would lose myself in the story once again. The flashbacks were the perfect way to make clear the horrors Gris and Holden endured while not overwhelming the story with the past. Those scenes were important for the progression, but they also needed to supplement the present rather than overpower. 
 This story captured me from almost the very start and didn't want to let me go. It was a great mix of fairytale, and harsh reality, reminding me of Mia Sheridan's Signs of Love series with a fairytale basis. But it's not tied closely with the fairytale itself. Yes, Holden and Griselda are referred to as a modern Hansel and Gretel, but the story diverts from the reference very quickly. 
 I haven't read anything else by this author and I can't help but wonder why. I will be adding the previous book in the Modern Fairytale series to my TBR and look forward to future editions of tales based on Little Red Riding Hood and the Little Mermaid. 
 I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.