Kiss the Slipper: An MM Cinderella Retelling

Beautiful Nightmares #5

by Anna Fury, Amy Pennza

As a pixie, I’m a rule-breaker and master of mayhem. I’ve played matchmaker to all four of the Syndicate Lords, but somehow, I never seem to find my own match. That changes when I meet a handsome stranger and fall hard. Vale Gentry may be tall, dark and devastatingly charming, but I should have known better than to get tangled up with an elf. Everyone knows they’re the snobs of the magical world. I’m nothing more than dirt under their gilded shoes. That’s never more clear than when I discover Vale is betrothed— t o his stepsister . Heartbroken, I return home with a new never fall in love. But fate isn’t finished with me. Just when I’ve sworn off elves forever, Vale shows up in the Hallows—and he’s every bit as distracting as he was the first time around. When I get the opportunity to punish him, I seize it, locking him in a magical contract that makes him my servant for two weeks. I’ll revel in making the heir to the Summer Court scrub my floors and sweep the attic. I’ll order him to his knees. The only problem? He looks really good down there—and his golden eyes promise deliciously dirty deeds I remember all too well. Vale refuses to let me go. But the elves aren’t willing to release him, either. The clock is ticking on his marriage contract, and his stepmother is determined to see him wed. When his reluctance puts both our lives in danger, I have to decide if my pride is more important than my prince—and if a chance at true love is worth risking everything. I just have to hope I’m not too late.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, M M Fantasy, Audiobook, Fae

290 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[~Nicole~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you take away ALLLL that sex this is a bedtime story for kids. Entertaining and fun though. Cinderella retelling (hardly,imo) with elves, dragons and pixies .

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*** stars


Cute.
Smutty. Dramatic.

I liked it.



(looking at my ratings for the previous books tho it might be my grumpy mood caused by me being sick that I wasn’t enjoying this more and couldn’t rate it any higher.)

*************
Beautiful Nightmares Series

Book 1 - Hunt the Wood - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Steal the Sky - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - Sacrifice the Sea
Book 4 - Temper the Flame
Book 5 - Kiss the Slipper - 3.5 stars

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Último libro de la saga y el que más me ha gustado sin lugar a dudas.

Vuelvo a repetir una última vez que no recomendaría la saga de primeras. Los únicos libros que me han gustado de verdad son el cuarto y este, aunque en el segundo amé los personajes pro separados.

Esta novela, al igual que el resto está llena de clichés y la historia es muy simple…pero me encantó. No tengo nada más que decir salvo que estoy contenta.

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 stars!

Kiss the Slipper is the final book in the Beautiful Nightmares series and I am really sad about it. Jasper, our favorite mischievous pixie, is finally shaken to his core by love and it was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Vale, the elven prince, stood no chance against Jasper's charms but someone else's nefarious charms breaks them before they can really flourish. Vale disappears with little to no memory and betrothed to one he doesn't love and Jasper leaves jaded and hurt.

When they finally come face to face again, Vale is confused and Jasper is angry.

“You broke me in Paris. And now you’re rubbing salt in the wound.”

These two have a lot to make up for and a lot to discover on who tore them apart and why. Can hearts be mended and bonds forged again?

Kiss the Slipper was really sweet and I loved not only the story but the characters. My ONLY gripe is I wanted Jasper to really make Vale work harder to earn him back. I know it was not entirely Vale's fault but I wanted some more angsty longing and pining. Vale got off too easily in my opinion. I think a heavier layer of grovel would have made the book an A+. However, the steam in here was on point and the HEA was lovely. I will miss this world a hell of a lot.

“No one else is allowed to have your heart. Only me. Because no one else will ever have mine. It’s yours, Jasper. Every bit of me belongs to you.”

[TrippyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im so sad the series is finished i had so much fun with all of these couples. Jasper the cvnty pixie finally got his happy ending after being a reoccurring character throughout the entire series . So happy for him

This has amnesia trope which i wasn’t expecting and its a bit angsty but still lighter than the rest i think. Lots exceptionally hot smut & 💕💕💕💕

Vale was smitten with Jasper from the very beginning but was cursed to forget Jasper and forced to marry for his evil stepmothers alliance. Poor Jasper

Love when Gothel makes a cameo hes my favorite in the entire series 🤭

I highly recommend listening to the audios

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

✓ Dual pov's
✓ Cinderella Retelling
✓ Entertaining plot - 2 / 5
✓ Interconnected standalone
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced 
✓ Spice  🌶🌶🌶🌶.5 / 5
✓ MM romance
✓ Pixie x Elf
✓ PNR
✓ Pure smut little plot
✓ Fated mates
✓ Age gap
✓ HEA

Similar to the previous book, I found the plot to be lacking, but I still enjoyed it. It was entertaining, fast-paced, and full of smut.

[Krys (spicy.spine.breaker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a break from this series for some unknown reason, but started back up again with book 3 this week and was DYING to get to Jasper’s (& Bert’s🐭) book…. and it was EVERYTHING!!!! Every single thing I wanted and more.

FRTC

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a DNF for me. I tried but I couldnt, writing style was off for me

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Cinderella inspired fairy tale was absolutely well done. Jasper, a pixie, that has had a hand in helping fate bring the Syndicate lords and their mates together, finally gets his shot at love when he meets the Summer court Elf prince, Vale. These two start off with an amazing fairy tale love but the evil stepmother makes her appearance and tries to destroy true love. But fate has other plans and as these stories teach us, love is magical and there is no stronger magic than true love. Of course, it’s not an easy journey. Jasper is ticked at Vale, Vale is confused and is missing something. They will have to fight to get what they want. We get little tastes of Cinderella without it being a complete retelling. Of course we have the mice, the evil stepmother, and Cinderella having to do the cleaning. There’s also the glass slippers and a fairy godmother with her wand yo boot. I loved the pieces of Cinderella’s story that were used to spin this unique retelling. Jasper and Vale have so much chemistry and passion. Their love vibrates between them. There was good humor (and bad, looking at you Vale with your sword pun. There was high heat. Lots of twists and turns to keep you interested. This story was full of magic and wonder and everything we look for in a fairy tale. Plus those little flashes of the previous couples. The writing was very well done and creative, which I’m sure is hard to do on a retelling of a popular fairy tale. But these authors do it every single story. They twist a popular fairy tale and make it modern and unique, using magic and creativity to spin it into something new and wonderful. Jasper and Vale’s story was a perfect blend of the standard Cinderella and something new and fresh.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is definitely my favorite, I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t read it fast enough! Jasper is an amazing character and plays a part in all the previous books. We do get to see the friends he has helped in the previous books and they are able to help him in return. Vale is smokin! Omg the dirty talk was on point holy smokes! If anyone can handle our Pixie then Vale is definitely up for the task!

I loved the familiars and how they interacted with their chosen person. I also loved how the story is not cut and dry either. You think you know what’s going to happen and then we take a left turn and something completely unexpected happens!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Engqvist · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5, cute

[ShelfLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper finally gets his HEA!! This was a true five-star read for me. The plot and characters are well developed. The supporting characters, especially the animal familiars are perfect and add a lot to the story.

This book has a little more angst than the others (minus book one 😅), but it’s still on the low-medium end, so not terrible for me. And there is some great comedic relief added in to help ease the tension. Bert and Sully are 🤌🏼. Some reviews complained about too much sex, which I can see, but wasn’t an issue for me. They start off hot and heavy, so there is more at the beginning, but it tapers off and, as a whole, the intimate scenes are balanced with the drama and action.

I just adore Jasper. From the very beginning of the series, he’s been a character I love seeing. He is happy and funny and sassy. He has a big heart, and out of all the guys, deserved a HEA the most. When he and Vale start their romance, it’s fast and passionate and intense. Which made the dread of knowing the other shoe was about to drop that much more heart aching when it happened.

Vale is maybe my favorite love interest…or tied with Beau. He’s sweet, caring, and (mostly) honest. He has good intentions of being fully honest, but he at least tries to do the right thing before everything goes wrong. Other reviewers held Vale more accountable for Jasper’s misery and wanted more groveling. However, I felt that Vale was just as much a victim, and he treats Jasper with kindness and respect even when Jasper is making that very difficult. And then he’s heartbroken once things are revealed. I don’t hold his omission against him any more than Jasper does. I felt like their resolution with each other was handled just right.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Just two gripes: the villain reveal is not something even hinted at, so it’s not something you’ll have guessed along the way with little hints here and there. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not typical. Secondly, the iron sensitivity that every book mentions Myth creatures have is something Vale doesn’t seem to have. It’s mentioned and Jasper makes a note to come back to it, but it’s never brought up again or explained later.
END POSSIBLE SPOILERS

These authors are a fabulous writing duo. The pacing and readability are pretty perfect. Only a few errors here and there, but other than “Vale” being “Vail” once, nothing major. I hope they decide to do another MM series together again.

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Kiss the Slipper. The grand finale of Beautiful Nightmares: Volume Two, and frankly, the glitter-drenched cherry on top of this fever-dream sundae of a series. If you thought you were ready for Jasper’s moment in the spotlight, let me assure you—you were not. But don’t worry, neither was your lace-trimmed moral compass.

Our mischievous Pixie prince finally takes center stage, and my goodness, does he know how to work it. This is no dainty fairy tale. No, darling—this is Cinderella with teeth, claws, a whip-smart plot, and enough steam to fog up the Syndicate Ball’s ballroom windows. And oh yes, we’re back at the Ball, where it all began—cue the cameos, the chaos, and the familiar feeling that Amy Pennza and Anna Fury have you deliciously wrapped around their literary little fingers.

The chemistry between Jasper and Vale? Electric. Sharp. Impossibly addictive. You’ll be kicking off your own metaphorical slippers just to keep up. And the supporting cast? Every mouse, every feline, every familiarly flamboyant familiar—each one so vivid, so crackling with life, you half expect them to waltz off the page and ask you to dance.

Let’s not pretend this isn’t what we came for: the smut is abundant, passionate, and unapologetically exquisite. It’s Pennza and Fury, after all—anything less would be sacrilege. But what elevates this book beyond its steamy moments is its heart. Its humor. Its absolute refusal to take itself too seriously while still delivering punchy, poignant storytelling.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it louder for the readers in the back—I am Team Jasper, head to toe, wing to tail. And while I’m devastated to see this riotous, magical series come to an end, I’m also raising a very fancy glass (crystal, not plastic, thank you) to the sheer joy it brought me.

Beautiful Nightmares might be over, but believe me—this slipper fits, and I’ll be wearing it until someone pries it off my pointed little toes.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read of the authors retellings then you know you are in for a treat, and I wanted to see if the pixie would get his own story, I mean he keeps so much going on 😊. Jasper is the pixie who has had a hand in helping fate bring just about every one of the Syndicate lords together with their mates, now it is his turn to find love and the summer court elf prince is the man to bring it all together so to speak. Vale the summer court elf prince but he has a not so nice stepmother who decides love isn’t in the story for these two, but this evil stepmother never went up against fate it is a losing battle and fate has decided these two belong together. Jasper is a little upset with Vale although, Vale isn’t sure why and thus the fighting begins but the more they fight the stronger the pull between grows demanding they pay attention. Let’s not forget, like Cinderella we have of course Jasper’s friend the mice, we have the evil stepmother, of course Vale who does everything for his stepmother and then of course we have our fairy godmother. The magnetic pull between these two can’t be ignored and their love shines through it all pulling you in with them. We also get to see some of our other couples along the way so hang on once you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned but will the stepmother cause too much havoc and despite the twists, the turns will they find happiness?

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! This is the best addition to this series!!! I have been impatiently waiting to get Jasper’s story, especially since he's been busy matching the rest of the syndicate. And, Vale was the absolute perfect choice for our little pixie!!

The depths of this story were intense, yet needed for their connections to work. Jasper and Vale, or should I say Vale, reminded me of a young boy who just lost his virginity and didn't know what to do with his hands afterward. Their connection was instantaneous, and initially a little unbelievable, which is why their fight for one another was a necessity.

I loved and appreciated the cameos from the past Lords, and being introduced to Aunt Mab (who kicks ass). That shocking twist of events right at the end, exposes Melusine for who she was, which is the best way to end a fairytale! (even though I would have liked to see what the brother had planned) But, Aunt Mab’s announcement of Jaspers's future takes the cake!!

I'm a little sad to say my goodbyes as I'm not ready to go back to reality yet. Every book touched me in a different way, especially when it comes to fairytales. Hoping to see more from the author, I am grateful for the introduction!!

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper is a pixie who has set up all the Syndicate Lords (4) with their fated mates. Vales is the Elf Prince. He bumps into Jasper at Mabs castle on the night he returns to be recognized for his accomplishments. There is an attraction between Vale and Jasper. When they start spending time together, Vale knows that Jasper is his mate, and decides that he wants to stay with Jasper. When the two declare their love for each other, of course you know someone steps in and mess with their relationship.

Vales forgets who Jasper is and Jasper finds out a secret that Vale was keeping from him. Jasper is broken hearted and when he sees his chance to get a little revenge on Vale, he takes it. Only to find out that Vale doesn’t know who he is. Buckle up, because this is one wild ride! Emotions are all over the place, betrayal is plenty, but when Jaspers friends step in and help them figure out what is going on, things only get hotter! Great series, great characters, and I’m sad to see this series end! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[☾⋆⁺ Nurse After Dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I beg your pardon. Do I know you?”

This final book in a fun, spicy series definitely reads kind of like an epilogue book - we got cameos from our favorite characters from previous books, and we finally get our mischievous pixie a HEA! But, that HEA doesn't come easy...

Smile in place, I let myself doze, content to wait for Vale’s return.

I don't -love- memory loss as a book trope but I didn't find this particular time to be too arduous or angsty! Don't get me wrong - I definitely felt Jasper's anguish but I think we moved along into some resolution fast enough it didn't drag my read down.

I really enjoyed the nods to the original Cinderella in this installment too - I haven't found most of the series books to be overly nuanced with the 'retelling' aspect, but from Bert and co. straight to the commoner winning a prince, the little slips of fairy-tale content were a fun way to carry along Jasper and Vale's story!

Overall, I really enjoyed this series and do plan to revisit it in the future to re-read some of my favorites!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'There’s no part of me that doesn’t belong to the sun prince. Heart and soul. Inside and out.'

I loved this book! I have been addicted to this series from the start. I love the world that these stories are set in. I also love that these retellings feel unique from most fairy tale retellings. And these authors definitely know how to write sizzling chemistry and scorching intimacy! Whoo boy! I loved both Jasper and Vale. It was so incredibly sweet for Jasper to finally get his happy ending. And it couldn't have been with a more perfect match. This story was fast-paced, with twists and turns that sometimes gave me such anxiety that I had to take a break. This romance was a hard journey. My heart broke for the pain in this book and I couldn't wait for things to be sorted out. And for that evil stepmother to be put down because omg I was so mad! I also loved seeing characters from the earlier books. I don't want this series to ever end! 5 stars

[PN_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the start of this series I've been hoping that these authors would also do a retelling of Cinderella as it's of my all time favourite Disney films. They do not disappoint! Jasper has been a present and important character in all the books prior, working his matchmaking magic, and now it's his turn. The chemistry between him and his prince charming (Vale) is off the charts!!!! The story is well paced, filled with love, treachery, and heartbreak and I was moved. We also have appearances of past characters of the series which was fun. You don't have to have read the past books to enjoy this one but I do recommend doing so as it only adds to the experience and understanding of the story. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jasper is mine. And someone took him from me."

Magnifique! This entire series has been amazing and ending it, if it must end, with Jasper was perfect. He's been a part of every other story and I have adored him the entire time. How fitting that the meddling, matchmaking pixie finds his own true love. Yes, he has to work for it but I'm sure he feels it was absolutely worth it. And Vale as his fated mate, wow! What a perfect choice. I fell instantly in love with the irresistible elf myself. Lots of twists and surprises, the chance to see all our old friends and love, love, love are truly a satisfying albeit bittersweet end to a series I don't want to actually end. Thank you Amy and Anna for these amazing characters and their wonderful stories. I'll never forget any of them.

[Lisa Tobleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok a fun story but lagged in the middle

I Really like these characters. I did have to step away for a week (?) because the characters did a thing that had me super angry because Whyyyyy?! However, if I had read Just a little further you can see there is little story gap and it progresses to the “fix it” stage pretty quickly. This is rather heavy on spice, moderate on story, soap opera melodrama. But overall a fun tale. I am docking a star (it was Almost two) because sometimes the geometry (or questions about “wasn’t he Just injured?”) didn’t work and I hand on my coffee pot Lost Time trying to figure it out. And because for this sort of high drama to fly you either need more story substance or less “spice it away” kind of ahem hand waving. I tend to dick stars if a story engendered more than a little eye rolling.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, I was waiting for Jasper's HEA since he was mentioned in the previous books and it didn't disappoint!

Jasper is a Matchmaking Pixie and Vale is a soon-to-be betrothed Prince, unknowing to Jasper.

When these two finally meet in Aunt Mab's Pixie Court, speaks immediately fly and they can't stay away or *ahem* off each other. Vale ends up courting Jasper for a few weeks until he mysteriously disappears, leaving Jasper crushed for months.

The authors mentioned that this is the spiciest book out of the 5 and they weren't wrong. Jasper and Vale lit up the pages with their crazed intimate tension whenever they were near each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the fifth and last book of the series, more than a retelling, the authors have been inspired by Cinderella.

Jasper, who appeared in the previous book, is a pixie who joins couples, but he doesn't find anyone until Vale, an elf, appears and falls in love with him.

After two passionate weeks, Vale disappears. Jasper learns that he is engaged to his stepsister, a fact that tears him apart.

This is the most original of the books of the saga, the heads of the unions along with their partners appear from time to time to advance the plot.

In general the series is very good, the way of doing the retellings I liked, although it has little details that are not so good, but it is enjoyable.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful end to the series. Jasper, has done well for everyone. He's a delightful pixie. Will there be help for him to find a HEA worthy of him? Vale is promised to his stepsister. When Jasper and Vale meet, there is no hiding the heat. We are taken on an absolutely fun, romantic adventure truly worthy of the genre. We get to revisit the previous couples and ride the ups, down and twists that is Jasper's and Vale's adventure. Will they make it to their HEA avoiding all of StepMom's machinations? Great story, excellent flow, exceed expectations! Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series changed my mind

I thought I didn’t like MM romance. I had tried a few out of curiosity and couldn’t finish a majority of them. I had given up until I saw Hunt the Wood, and I couldn’t resist giving it one more go.
I’m so glad I did!
The authors knocked the series out of the park, with the perfect balance of familiar fairy tales and amazing world building. The characters are outstanding and leave you wanting more because they are so good. If you enjoy spicy, darker romance, there is no reason why you won’t love this series. This particular book is probably the sm*uttiest, sappiest one though!

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely my favourite in the series so far.

Jasper and Vale’s bond was bright and beautiful. Their moments together were sensual, romantic and all consuming.

I was chewing up lip like crazy as events unfolded. My poor heart couldn’t take much more but I was rooting for these two every step of the way.

Fantastic book and a great addition to the series! I absolutely love this series - a refreshing retelling of fairy tales.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

After matching the four syndicates with their mates, Jasper has been summoned to his Aunt Mab's court where he meets the elf Prince of the Summer Cort, Vale. They spend the next two weeks in a whirlwind of romance until Vale disappears leaving Jasper with a terse note. Heartbroken, Jasper returns home to mend his broken heart. Jasper has been a Charming character from the previous books and it was exciting to finally read his hea. There was heartbreak and rediscovery of love. Wonderful book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh moley this was a fantastic book!! I am so glad that we finally got Jasper's book as I have been wait for him to get his own!! Jasper and Vale are perfect for each other! I loved the deep connection and chemistry between these two and how e they were willing to fight for their love. There is so much, love, steam, drama, intrigue, suspense and an HEA in this book and I will be re-reading this book ASAP!! I really hope that we got more books like this and this series from these awesome authors!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JammieDodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this story impatiently - I've loved Jasper in all of the previous books and I was so excited that he was finally getting his own story! And wow, it did NOT disappoint!! Vale was such a gorgeous match for our delightful pixie.
And as always, the underlying story was hinted at and danced around rather than followed slavishly...and with added steam! A favourite in a wonderful series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexooo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a reason why I have over 800 books read on Goodreads and only one of them has an amnesia trope in it - it just doesn't do it for me in any way. So this book just wasn't for me. The angst felt forced and the smut was repetitive. Honestly, I've read the previous parts of this series like 2 years ago so maybe my tastes have changed since then, but I seemed to have loved them?? After reading this book I find it very hard to believe. Maybe at some point I'll go back and reread them, just to know.