The Better to See You by Kate SeRine

Synopsis: Once upon a time, a spell went awry and Make Believe characters were cast into the ordinary world. And the results aren’t always happily ever after… Everyone thinks fairy godmothers can do no wrong. But if not for a certain spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, the Tales would not be stuck in the Here and Now. Fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending… The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to the truth. And that distraction could put innocent lives in danger. Including her own…


My Thoughts: Kate SeRine's Transplanted Tales world is utterly fascinating. I loved seeing Hansel and Gretel, Bo Peep, Puck, and so many more characters make their appearance throughout the book.

The mystery of who is trying to hurt Lavender (or maybe Seth) is intriguing and entertaining and Lavender makes a good heroine.

However, there are some minuses in the book.

There is more sex in this book than romance which leaves the development of the H/h's love underdeveloped. They fall in love almost at first sight to where we, the readers are left wondering how it happened. This compromises some of their heartfelt declarations making them somewhat cheesy.

The mystery isn't as tightly woven as I'd have liked. There is still an openness about it making way for future books and the big bad evil is one we wouldn't necessarily know.

There is repetitive usage of the "F" word throughout the book by both the hero and the heroine that borders on excessive. I only mention it because many would find it offensive. I don't, as I tend to use it quite a bit myself (please don't tell my mom she'd be mortified), but even to me it felt like too much.

In addition it is told from Lavender's perspective through first person narrative and I find this to be very restrictive in paranormal romances. I would have liked to have known more of what Seth was thinking as well as a glimpse or two from the Big Bad Evil's perspective.

Overall, The Better to See You really is a decent book but I would recommend reading from the first book in the series (Red) before reading this second book. There are things that are best not spoiled by reading out of order.

(I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.)