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Cynders & Ashe
Note: This is a short story (less than 10,000 words) and not a novella. Ella Cynders is a hired companion with a romantic bent. So when she switches places with her charge--who is determined to find true love and elope--it is Ella who falls head over heals in love with the very eligible Viscount Ashe. In one masked night, the viscount and Ella find passion and romance, and then tragically are whisked apart before the midnight unmasking. Now five years later, Ella has once again found a way to steal inside the coveted ball, but can she rekindle the magic they found together before her deception is unmasked? This short story was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance and in print is 33 pages long.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
90 books2,083 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 6, 2017
One word for this... Lame. Ok fine. A few more. It was rushed, saccharine, unbelievable and a waste of possibly good characters. Also insta-love even more irritating than the usual novella variety.
Honestly what is with regency women suddenly being written as eagerly jumping into bed, or more accurately over a chair, with men they just met? Did no one worry about pregnancy or the social mores they were raised with?
Admittedly the underlying quality of the writing was good. And I would have liked to have seen the actual gown described.
Honestly what is with regency women suddenly being written as eagerly jumping into bed, or more accurately over a chair, with men they just met? Did no one worry about pregnancy or the social mores they were raised with?
Admittedly the underlying quality of the writing was good. And I would have liked to have seen the actual gown described.
January 4, 2014
A short story for sure. But full of romance and sweetness. Very fast paced, but the flow was lovely. Just what I wanted for a short afternoon read.
The story takes us back to the first time they met, when Ella was masquerading as the Lady she was companion to, as that young chit eloped. It was love at first sight when she sees Viscount Ashe, on both their parts. We are treated to a steamy scene and then they are swept apart by a meddling mama. Not that Ella ever thought something could come of their meeting.
Fast forward five years, and I do mean fast! We don't hear much about how Ella spent those years, except to know it was abroad. Another ball is at hand and the pieces fall together to get her to that ball, the ball where Ashe must choose his bride.
Yes, sweet, fun, steamy and a charming HEA.
Just my kind of book!
From Small Bookmarks
Four and a Half Bookmarks, rounded up for Goodreads
This review and others can be seen at my blog: www.firstpagetothelast.com
The story takes us back to the first time they met, when Ella was masquerading as the Lady she was companion to, as that young chit eloped. It was love at first sight when she sees Viscount Ashe, on both their parts. We are treated to a steamy scene and then they are swept apart by a meddling mama. Not that Ella ever thought something could come of their meeting.
Fast forward five years, and I do mean fast! We don't hear much about how Ella spent those years, except to know it was abroad. Another ball is at hand and the pieces fall together to get her to that ball, the ball where Ashe must choose his bride.
Yes, sweet, fun, steamy and a charming HEA.
Just my kind of book!
From Small Bookmarks
Four and a Half Bookmarks, rounded up for Goodreads
This review and others can be seen at my blog: www.firstpagetothelast.com
December 26, 2013
My world, right now, some would say I’m living in dreamland. Dreamland is a place I go to escape, and books just happen to be the main fruit to my nectar on that island; actually books are the only fruit to my nectar on this island.
Some would also say that Elizabeth Boyle’s latest short story; Cynders & Ashe isn’t helping any. Boyle’s latest story has everything a little girl could ask for. It has a Prince, it has…well a prince is basically all you really need in dreamland right?
Ella Cynders (Cinderella) has nothing and no one. Her parents died years ago, and now she is just a lady’s companion that keeps getting let go from her jobs without a reference.
Sounds like I could be her back in the 19th century.
That is until her latest job see’s her switching places with Lady Osborn who just happened to elope that very night with a Lord Percy Snodgrass.
I didn’t have to put his name in there, but it was too funny not to.
And so, to distract Lady Osborn’s mother until the deed was done, Ella had to impersonate her at a ball which was no easy feat except that both Ella and Lady Osborn have the same height and build.
I have to point out that Ella has done this before and had the same height and build as one of her past charges as well. Isn’t that weird?
Anyway, the Ashe ball is held every few years or so in the hopes the prince will find his one true love.
Kinda cheesy but romantic in its own way.
However Lord Julian Ashe had found his one true love five years before in Ella.
I did mention that she switched places before right?
But, like a true Cinderella she ran off at the stroke of midnight. Five years later is when the story starts with the last Ashe ball of the season, hence the last time Julian has to find his missing love.
To make a uh, short story even shorter, they meet again at the ball but again Ella seems to vanish without a trace, but this time he knows where to go to find her. He does, and they live happily ever after.
The End
September 23, 2016
Някакъв кавър на версията на Пепеляшка - момиче не от висшето общество отива на маскен бал, влюбва се в домакина и той в нея, губи си крилата от роклята докато бяга, той я търси.... бла, бла, бла и след години на друг бал нещата се повтарят, но той я намира и си я взима за жена и хепи енд. Дори не си струва да се запомни написаното в тази история.
March 13, 2017
What a great Cnderella-esque story. I would've loved more, especially what happened after the story ended where it did!
December 12, 2018
A delightful short story by the talented Ms. Boyle! All centered around a fairytale ball. 💕
March 13, 2016
(this is also available as part of The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance)
Ella Cynders (see what she did there?) loved Viscount Ashe (come on you see the trend right?) years ago. A twist of fate may bring them together to have a happy ending to their very own fairy tale. I spent all of this story with a goofy smile on my face. It was just so sweet I couldn't help myself. I didn't even question the fact that Ella was ready to go recklessly into the night with Ashe. Plus Ashe's mom was some kind of ridiculous genius. Let me paraphrase why: Ashe "You knew?! You let my heart bleed all over the carpet for hours and didn't tell me? Why?!" Ashe's Mom: "Oh piffle dear I was hungry and wanted to eat."
Ella Cynders (see what she did there?) loved Viscount Ashe (come on you see the trend right?) years ago. A twist of fate may bring them together to have a happy ending to their very own fairy tale. I spent all of this story with a goofy smile on my face. It was just so sweet I couldn't help myself. I didn't even question the fact that Ella was ready to go recklessly into the night with Ashe. Plus Ashe's mom was some kind of ridiculous genius. Let me paraphrase why: Ashe "You knew?! You let my heart bleed all over the carpet for hours and didn't tell me? Why?!" Ashe's Mom: "Oh piffle dear I was hungry and wanted to eat."
December 18, 2013
This was a thoroughly enjoyable romance. As you could probably tell from the title, it is a "take" on the traditional Cinderella. Ella Cynders is a woman with no family and no prospects who takes on the identity of her charge and in doing so meets her "prince". She is whisked away from the ball by her charges' mother (one of two "Evil step mother" type characters). For five years Ella dreams of her prince.
The book begins in the present then quickly flashes back to the masked ball where the couple first met .. and then flashes forward again to the present and another masked ball at the Ashe residence. Ella has a troupe of "fairy godmother" friends who help her get ready ..and to arrive in style. The romance continues from there.
This is a beautiful, fast paced story. I absolutely loved it.
The book begins in the present then quickly flashes back to the masked ball where the couple first met .. and then flashes forward again to the present and another masked ball at the Ashe residence. Ella has a troupe of "fairy godmother" friends who help her get ready ..and to arrive in style. The romance continues from there.
This is a beautiful, fast paced story. I absolutely loved it.
February 9, 2014
Cynders & Ashe is a delightful short story set in England in 1815. It is the classic romance story with a twist, the people in love meet at a masquerade ball and do not know who each other really are at the time they fall passionately in love. It is the legend that the Viscount Ashe has five seasons in London society to find his true love at a masquerade ball given at his home. He has to claim a bride by the end of the fifth season. The young Viscount finds his true love, Ella, but like Cinderella she leaves the ball before he can find out who she is. The story behind Ella is one that is delightful to read and takes little time to read. Though she is not of a wealthy London family, she manages to get to the ball on the occasion of the first ball and the last one. Very like a fairy tale come true.
January 1, 2017
Cortito. Un poco exagerado, falto de romance aunque sea del malo.
August 27, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
This is a short story (less than 10,000 words) that was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance.
Five years ago, Ella Cynders was the companion to a young lady bent on following her heart. While her employer was eloping, Ella had to stand in her place at the masked ball where Viscount Ashe was looking for a wife.
While there, Ella and the Viscount find a passion that is unforgettable. Unfortunately, Ella is forced to leave the ball before the unmasking.
Viscount Ashe has spend the last five years looking for the love of his life. If he doesn't find her, he will have to choose another. Will he find her at this year's ball?
Ella finally has a way to get into the Ashe ball again. Will she find the man who stole her heart?
For such a short story, it was a good read. Although this is a typical Cinderella story, Boyle has put a nice twist to it. I would have loved more to the story, but knew it would be short going into it.
This is a short story (less than 10,000 words) that was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance.
Five years ago, Ella Cynders was the companion to a young lady bent on following her heart. While her employer was eloping, Ella had to stand in her place at the masked ball where Viscount Ashe was looking for a wife.
While there, Ella and the Viscount find a passion that is unforgettable. Unfortunately, Ella is forced to leave the ball before the unmasking.
Viscount Ashe has spend the last five years looking for the love of his life. If he doesn't find her, he will have to choose another. Will he find her at this year's ball?
Ella finally has a way to get into the Ashe ball again. Will she find the man who stole her heart?
For such a short story, it was a good read. Although this is a typical Cinderella story, Boyle has put a nice twist to it. I would have loved more to the story, but knew it would be short going into it.
November 14, 2014
Well, I just received my new Kindle Paperwhite and so, even though I am in the midst of reading a paperback, I had to take a break and read something on the kindle! What better than a Cinderella short story to start things off!
This short story, which Elizabeth Boyle provided temporarily online for free, was great fun! It is her version of the Cinderella story and I enjoyed it immensely. Is it fairy tale like? Yes! Is it completely unrealistic? Yes! Is it exactly what I want to read to feel happy? Yes! Yes! Yes!
The difference in this story is that Ella Cynders is a gifted seamstress. The book has a flashback in it, but it was easy to follow. It all centers around ingenious green silk gowns, which I would have loved to see/wear! This story was adorable and short. If you like fairy tale Cinderella stories when you want to escape the daily grind, this is the short story for you!
This short story, which Elizabeth Boyle provided temporarily online for free, was great fun! It is her version of the Cinderella story and I enjoyed it immensely. Is it fairy tale like? Yes! Is it completely unrealistic? Yes! Is it exactly what I want to read to feel happy? Yes! Yes! Yes!
The difference in this story is that Ella Cynders is a gifted seamstress. The book has a flashback in it, but it was easy to follow. It all centers around ingenious green silk gowns, which I would have loved to see/wear! This story was adorable and short. If you like fairy tale Cinderella stories when you want to escape the daily grind, this is the short story for you!
March 25, 2017
Ella Cynders has one chance to attend the Ashe Ball, all thanks to a lost invitation and a rejected gown. It was a dangerous thing to do, but would give her an opportunity to see Julian, Viscount Ashe, one final time before he is forced to marry.
A masterful reworking of the ancient fairytale, even if it was very unlikely that Julian's family would accept a young woman like Ella as his wife. 4 out of 5.
A masterful reworking of the ancient fairytale, even if it was very unlikely that Julian's family would accept a young woman like Ella as his wife. 4 out of 5.
April 3, 2014
A very cute but quick read. Ella and Ashe have this Cinderella romance going on; minus the glass sliper and the evil step mother.
The author did a wonderful job writing this love at first site romance. The book is short but the author makes it work. Characters are very likeable.
I will definitely be looking to see what else this author has to offer very soon.
The author did a wonderful job writing this love at first site romance. The book is short but the author makes it work. Characters are very likeable.
I will definitely be looking to see what else this author has to offer very soon.
December 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this Cinderella story, Ella Cynders and Lord Ashe, very clever. I wanted more, but I knew it was a short story. I love the idea of love at first sight and how the rich hero rushes to the rescue of his falsely accused lady. Ella and Lord Ashe were likable and I wished for more history on them both. I will just have to settle for another book by Elizabeth Doyle.
December 19, 2013
I give this 4 1/2 stars!!
I haven't read many novellas but they usually seem rushed and forced. This story was neither. There was enough romance and connection between the hero and heroine to get you invested in the characters and not feel left wanting more. I really enjoyed this story and glad I gave this Novella a chance!!
I haven't read many novellas but they usually seem rushed and forced. This story was neither. There was enough romance and connection between the hero and heroine to get you invested in the characters and not feel left wanting more. I really enjoyed this story and glad I gave this Novella a chance!!
February 12, 2014
Got this e-book as a freebie on Amazon.
Interesting retelling of Cinderela story: a poor girl accidentally comes to a bal and falls in love with her prince. But since she's not a "Lady" she has to run. But they don't forget each other and he finally find his Princess :)
Interesting retelling of Cinderela story: a poor girl accidentally comes to a bal and falls in love with her prince. But since she's not a "Lady" she has to run. But they don't forget each other and he finally find his Princess :)
June 19, 2014
I love the 've government's not 100% believable but I enjoyed the story. Would have been great to see ful length. I loved the hero but something's were a bit fast...and I'm not talking about a car, but a 1nighter eh' in those times eh' sure why the shell not. However I did enjoy this short romance.
September 17, 2014
Very sweet regency romance. I enjoyed this book very much. The conflict was wrapped up pretty easily, and I wonder if it would have truly been so easy in real life. However, this is fiction, so we must suspend reality for a while. I recommend this for regency lovers.
February 14, 2022
February 2022: I lost my review of this story yesterday while trying to delete the Kindle copy off My Books. I do not have a Kindle, I have a copy of the epub that I bought off Smashwords back in the day when ereaders were new.
It is a Cinderella trope, which is my favorite.
It is a Cinderella trope, which is my favorite.
February 8, 2017
Short and sweet. Sometimes it's nice to just have a quick romance novel and this one was it.
February 28, 2018
I loved.
March 16, 2018
Cinderella romance, enjoyable
July 11, 2019
História fraca com um final abrupto. E eu gosto da narrativa da autora. Mas a história deixou a desejar.
Read
February 10, 2021Cute and short if very unrealistic. Don't expect any reveal its completely skipped.
June 18, 2020
How lovely! What a magical take, indeed, on the Cinderella story. The heroine’s name is even Ella Cynders. 😆
Good thing offspring didn’t come of their first encounter. And I assume that she was in Portugal during their separation? And she returned because the Garroways no longer needed her companionship?
I’m a little confused, though. The early description of Lord Ashe mentioned blond hair, I think. And yet Ella’s tryst was with a dark-haired man?
Good thing offspring didn’t come of their first encounter. And I assume that she was in Portugal during their separation? And she returned because the Garroways no longer needed her companionship?
I’m a little confused, though. The early description of Lord Ashe mentioned blond hair, I think. And yet Ella’s tryst was with a dark-haired man?
July 15, 2020
Retell of cinderella
A historical romance retell of the fairytale of Cinderella. If u love fairytales w a historical twist this book is for you. Loved everything about it. Wish there was a longer version but this is my first read of this author and can't wait to pick up another book of hers! It was very hard to put down and it transformed you from ur current time into another great escape from the world!
A historical romance retell of the fairytale of Cinderella. If u love fairytales w a historical twist this book is for you. Loved everything about it. Wish there was a longer version but this is my first read of this author and can't wait to pick up another book of hers! It was very hard to put down and it transformed you from ur current time into another great escape from the world!
October 30, 2020
Charming take on the Cinderella Fairytale *4 1/2 stars*
This charming regency set short story is loosely based on the Cinderella fairytale and is very much like a fairytale itself. Julian, Viscount Ashe has five seasons within which to find a bride. According to the Ashe tradition, each viscount must select his bride from among the ladies attending the Ashe Masquerade Ball. At his very first ball, Julian finds the love of his life, Ella Cynders. When the two meet there is an instant, electric connection between them. Unfortunately, Ella is in attendance under false pretenses. Just prior to the unmasking she departs the ball, leaving Julian with no way of finding her. For the next five years, at each annual ball, Julian searches for his lady love, to no avail. This ball will be his last chance to secure a bride, according to the family tradition he must choose a lady to wed at this ball. In the meantime Ella, who is the orphaned daughter of a soldier father and aristocratic mother, is working as a seamstress at a modiste shop. She has never forgotten her magical night at the Ashe ball...the night she met the man of her dreams. Unexpectedly, Ella gets the opportunity to once again attend the ball. Immediately upon espying Ella, Julian recognizes her as his lady love, despite the mask. From there the story very quickly develops to the HEA. The book could do with some minor editing, and the ending was a little too quick, but other that this story makes for delightful reading. I loved it and would recommend it. Happy reading!
This charming regency set short story is loosely based on the Cinderella fairytale and is very much like a fairytale itself. Julian, Viscount Ashe has five seasons within which to find a bride. According to the Ashe tradition, each viscount must select his bride from among the ladies attending the Ashe Masquerade Ball. At his very first ball, Julian finds the love of his life, Ella Cynders. When the two meet there is an instant, electric connection between them. Unfortunately, Ella is in attendance under false pretenses. Just prior to the unmasking she departs the ball, leaving Julian with no way of finding her. For the next five years, at each annual ball, Julian searches for his lady love, to no avail. This ball will be his last chance to secure a bride, according to the family tradition he must choose a lady to wed at this ball. In the meantime Ella, who is the orphaned daughter of a soldier father and aristocratic mother, is working as a seamstress at a modiste shop. She has never forgotten her magical night at the Ashe ball...the night she met the man of her dreams. Unexpectedly, Ella gets the opportunity to once again attend the ball. Immediately upon espying Ella, Julian recognizes her as his lady love, despite the mask. From there the story very quickly develops to the HEA. The book could do with some minor editing, and the ending was a little too quick, but other that this story makes for delightful reading. I loved it and would recommend it. Happy reading!
March 9, 2020
***Valoración: Entre 2/5 a 2.5/5***
Cynders & Ashe es el primer libro que leo de Elizabeth Boyle. Es un libro con hermosa portada, buena síntesis y una lectura corta. Entiendo que es una novela corta, pero siento que le falto algo, un no sé que, aunque puede parecerse a una historia de cenicienta. Y en otras partes muy apresuradas y exageradas ciertas escenas.
Cynders & Ashe es el primer libro que leo de Elizabeth Boyle. Es un libro con hermosa portada, buena síntesis y una lectura corta. Entiendo que es una novela corta, pero siento que le falto algo, un no sé que, aunque puede parecerse a una historia de cenicienta. Y en otras partes muy apresuradas y exageradas ciertas escenas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews