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Midnight Deception: A Dark Fantasy Romance Cinderella Retelling
Born a lady. Forced into servitude. Saved by a wicked prince...or am I in worse trouble than ever?Once upon a time, I was raised to become a lady. Then tragedy struck, and I was forced to become a servant to my cruel stepfamily. Their obsession with illicit magic stole my inheritance, my prospects, and my future. But when all ladies of noble birth are called to the castle for a chance to win the heart of a wicked prince, I cannot refuse. I go in secret, with no ambitions beyond a chance to glimpse the life that should have been mine.
An encounter with a handsome stranger makes me yearn for more, but when the spell breaks at midnight, I run.
That stranger turns out to be the cold-hearted Prince Alistair. Now, he’s tearing the kingdom apart searching for me. How far will my stepfamily go to ensure he never finds me?
This spicy Cinderella retelling is intended for mature audiences. For fans of Evie Marceau, Scarlett St. Clair, and Olivia Wildenstein, the Awakened series is a spellbinding dark fantasy romance collection for spicy romantasy readers. Please check the content notes on the author's website.
An encounter with a handsome stranger makes me yearn for more, but when the spell breaks at midnight, I run.
That stranger turns out to be the cold-hearted Prince Alistair. Now, he’s tearing the kingdom apart searching for me. How far will my stepfamily go to ensure he never finds me?
This spicy Cinderella retelling is intended for mature audiences. For fans of Evie Marceau, Scarlett St. Clair, and Olivia Wildenstein, the Awakened series is a spellbinding dark fantasy romance collection for spicy romantasy readers. Please check the content notes on the author's website.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
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99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Midnight Deception is one of my most anticipated reads since last year — and it did not disappoint. Alistair lies easily, and that lie costs him deeply later on. There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t go into any detail without spoiling things 😭 so I’ll just say this: it hurts, and I loved it.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because of Elinor. I get it, she has daddy issues and was raised to believe kindness fixes everything. But girl. Please. Stop being nice to people who don’t deserve it 😩. Be selfish once in a while. You deserve Alistair just as much as he deserves you. Fight for it.
I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I picked up Sweet Briar last year. Seeing Alistair try to fix things — especially with Killian — was everything I hoped for. And getting the chance to read this early as an ARC reader? Tbh, I was bragging to all my family about it. I just couldn't shut up about it. 💃🏻
Thank you, Joline Pearce, for this opportunity. I can’t wait to read more of your work 💋
Midnight Deception is one of my most anticipated reads since last year — and it did not disappoint. Alistair lies easily, and that lie costs him deeply later on. There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t go into any detail without spoiling things 😭 so I’ll just say this: it hurts, and I loved it.
"Lies may still be my mother tongue, but she has taught me to speak a new language." ❤️
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because of Elinor. I get it, she has daddy issues and was raised to believe kindness fixes everything. But girl. Please. Stop being nice to people who don’t deserve it 😩. Be selfish once in a while. You deserve Alistair just as much as he deserves you. Fight for it.
“You can be my wings, and together we’ll soar.” 🕊️
"If I could get the world to leave us alone for a proper honeymoon, perhaps I wouldn't hiss and spit like an angry cat every time I'm pried away from her side." 🤣
I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I picked up Sweet Briar last year. Seeing Alistair try to fix things — especially with Killian — was everything I hoped for. And getting the chance to read this early as an ARC reader? Tbh, I was bragging to all my family about it. I just couldn't shut up about it. 💃🏻
Thank you, Joline Pearce, for this opportunity. I can’t wait to read more of your work 💋
July 22, 2025
Insta-love and the Prince really has no reason to change from the ass he was. He's still an ass in this novel Ava there's no reason for her to love him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
This retelling of Cinderella doesn’t have singing mice, an evil stepmother or even a bippity boppity boo in it. It’s very much a darker and grown up version with some triggers that are mentioned at the beginning. This fairytale is set in a magical place with dragons, monsters and other lands in the clouds.
Elinor’s parents were titled but she now works for her stepfather and stepsisters as their servant. She tries to remain positive in what is a seriously dire life. A chance sight of a handsome man when Elinor is almost trampled by his horse while in town on errands has her wishing she could have met him to maybe rescue her from her miserable life.
Alistair is a prince returning from a search of his betrothed Briar Rose, who ran off with his only friend and personal knight Killian. He almost trampled a beautiful redhead woman with the most mesmerising eyes and vows to make her his bride as his father is putting real pressure on him to marry. He is very used to getting what he wants no matter how.
As previously mentioned, it’s a much darker retelling of this fairytale. Prince Alistair is a morally grey character and Elinor is walked all over by her family and then stomped on for good measure but she still thinks they need her to look after them.
Thankfully once they meet at a ball the prince held to find the red haired beauty and they find instalove, they start to help the other become better and stronger. Although Alistair is so protective of Elinor that he kills the man he needs to get permission from to marry Elinor and she becomes so assertive that she tasks Alistair with some near impossible missions before she will marry him. There’s plenty of spicy, open door scenes of intimacy and some angst and also a really lovely epilogue to finish their story.
This story has been well written and is definitely worth reading if you love dark fantasy or dark romance novels.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
Elinor’s parents were titled but she now works for her stepfather and stepsisters as their servant. She tries to remain positive in what is a seriously dire life. A chance sight of a handsome man when Elinor is almost trampled by his horse while in town on errands has her wishing she could have met him to maybe rescue her from her miserable life.
Alistair is a prince returning from a search of his betrothed Briar Rose, who ran off with his only friend and personal knight Killian. He almost trampled a beautiful redhead woman with the most mesmerising eyes and vows to make her his bride as his father is putting real pressure on him to marry. He is very used to getting what he wants no matter how.
As previously mentioned, it’s a much darker retelling of this fairytale. Prince Alistair is a morally grey character and Elinor is walked all over by her family and then stomped on for good measure but she still thinks they need her to look after them.
Thankfully once they meet at a ball the prince held to find the red haired beauty and they find instalove, they start to help the other become better and stronger. Although Alistair is so protective of Elinor that he kills the man he needs to get permission from to marry Elinor and she becomes so assertive that she tasks Alistair with some near impossible missions before she will marry him. There’s plenty of spicy, open door scenes of intimacy and some angst and also a really lovely epilogue to finish their story.
This story has been well written and is definitely worth reading if you love dark fantasy or dark romance novels.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
July 25, 2025
OK, I wanna start this one off by saying that this is a 3 1/2 star book for me. By my rating system, this is a good book and the only reason I didn’t give it the full four stars is because there’s a little bit of character development that I think is missing After you get past the first half of the book. And because of that it made the actions of the character a little less believable, which then kind of put a little damper on the last half however hold your horses cause I’ll get to that.
From start to finish, I feel like this plot is really the best part about the book. It both follows the original fairytale but diverts from it in some really interesting ways. I think the characters are all at their core the same characters from the fairytale, however, they put themselves in some very nuanced situations and get to make different choices. Well, the first like 40% of the book feels like a pretty one for one of the original with one big difference which, for that I would say check the trigger warning, the last part of the book is the biggest left turn from the original. The last part of the book is both the most interesting but also a little bit the most frustrating.
I think what kept me reading and at the end what I was really connected to was this idea that sometimes you have parents who really don’t prepare you to be the kind of person you need to be to thrive but if you can just find that one person whose strengths are your weaknesses and be open-minded, they will help you become the best version of yourselves. I feel like both Ellie and Alistair are able to become (by the end) the best versions of themselves that they were going to be even if they had to make some bad choices in the middle to get there. It’s really short and it’s really good overall and for that reason alone, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this story, the original and enjoys a retelling.
From start to finish, I feel like this plot is really the best part about the book. It both follows the original fairytale but diverts from it in some really interesting ways. I think the characters are all at their core the same characters from the fairytale, however, they put themselves in some very nuanced situations and get to make different choices. Well, the first like 40% of the book feels like a pretty one for one of the original with one big difference which, for that I would say check the trigger warning, the last part of the book is the biggest left turn from the original. The last part of the book is both the most interesting but also a little bit the most frustrating.
I think what kept me reading and at the end what I was really connected to was this idea that sometimes you have parents who really don’t prepare you to be the kind of person you need to be to thrive but if you can just find that one person whose strengths are your weaknesses and be open-minded, they will help you become the best version of yourselves. I feel like both Ellie and Alistair are able to become (by the end) the best versions of themselves that they were going to be even if they had to make some bad choices in the middle to get there. It’s really short and it’s really good overall and for that reason alone, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this story, the original and enjoys a retelling.
July 28, 2025
"Midnight Deception" delivers a tantalizing blend of dark fantasy and romance, reimagining the classic Cinderella tale with a bold, seductive twist. Once destined for nobility, Elinor’s life takes a harrowing turn when tragedy forces her into servitude under her cruel stepfamily, who have stolen her future through forbidden magic. Despite her grim reality, Elinor dares to dream of the life she lost, sneaking into a royal gathering meant for noble ladies vying for the heart of the wicked Prince Alistair.
A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger at the event stirs feelings Elinor thought long buried. But as the clock strikes midnight, she flees—only to discover the stranger is none other than Prince Alistair himself, now searching the kingdom to find her. Their forbidden desires ignite against a backdrop of palace intrigue and dark magic, as Elinor battles her stepfamily’s ruthless attempts to keep them apart.
I didn’t know what to think when I read it was a dark fantasy romance, but I couldn’t help myself; this dark, spicy story with quite a bit of magical spells got my attention.
Elinor’s journey from a broken noblewoman to a fierce heroine seeking redemption and revenge was both heartbreaking and empowering. The dynamic between her and Prince Alistair crackles with tension and passion, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. The narrative’s dark, spicy undertones and rich magical elements kept me engrossed, breathing new life into a familiar story.
Trigger Warning: This story contains themes that may be distressing to some readers. For a detailed list of content warnings, please refer to the author's website.
This is the perfect story for anyone drawn to dark fantasy romance with a twist of palace intrigue, forbidden love, and a heroine who refuses to be broken.
I received an ARC (advanced review copy) for free and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.
A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger at the event stirs feelings Elinor thought long buried. But as the clock strikes midnight, she flees—only to discover the stranger is none other than Prince Alistair himself, now searching the kingdom to find her. Their forbidden desires ignite against a backdrop of palace intrigue and dark magic, as Elinor battles her stepfamily’s ruthless attempts to keep them apart.
I didn’t know what to think when I read it was a dark fantasy romance, but I couldn’t help myself; this dark, spicy story with quite a bit of magical spells got my attention.
Elinor’s journey from a broken noblewoman to a fierce heroine seeking redemption and revenge was both heartbreaking and empowering. The dynamic between her and Prince Alistair crackles with tension and passion, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. The narrative’s dark, spicy undertones and rich magical elements kept me engrossed, breathing new life into a familiar story.
Trigger Warning: This story contains themes that may be distressing to some readers. For a detailed list of content warnings, please refer to the author's website.
This is the perfect story for anyone drawn to dark fantasy romance with a twist of palace intrigue, forbidden love, and a heroine who refuses to be broken.
I received an ARC (advanced review copy) for free and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
I enjoyed this dark and spicy fantasy fairytale retelling of Cinderella with a twist that was grittier than I expected. I haven't read the previous installment in the series and therefore didn't know Prince Alistair's back story, but I was able to follow the plot well. Nevertheless, I still recommend starting with the previous book.
The characters are both likable, although Elinor got on my nerves a little at times with her gullible and loyal nature that bordered a little on masochistic, but she goes through huge character development as the story progresses. Alistair's character also has depths that you wouldn't have guessed at first and he too changes for the better.
I recommend taking the author's trigger warnings seriously, among other things there are non-graphic hints of past sexual abuse, graphic violence and substance addiction in the book.
Ever since the death of her mother, Lady Elinor Scinder has been abused by her stepfather, tormented by her stepsisters, kept as an unpaid maid and robbed of her inheritance.
Known as the wicked and lying Prince, Alistair needs to find a bride quickly to fulfill his terminally ill father's wish. After being betrayed by his previous fiancée Briar aka Princess Aurora and his former best friend Kilian, any woman will do until he sees Elinor "Elsie" at the market, to whom he is immediately attracted. When she turns up at the ball he's holding to look for a bride, they have a passionate tryst, but then Elsie disappears without a trace and Alistair realizes that he only wants her, even if he has to search the whole kingdom for her...
All in all, a dark, fast-paced fantasy romance novel that is bursting with emotion, action, twists and steam and which I am happy to recommend!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
The characters are both likable, although Elinor got on my nerves a little at times with her gullible and loyal nature that bordered a little on masochistic, but she goes through huge character development as the story progresses. Alistair's character also has depths that you wouldn't have guessed at first and he too changes for the better.
I recommend taking the author's trigger warnings seriously, among other things there are non-graphic hints of past sexual abuse, graphic violence and substance addiction in the book.
Ever since the death of her mother, Lady Elinor Scinder has been abused by her stepfather, tormented by her stepsisters, kept as an unpaid maid and robbed of her inheritance.
Known as the wicked and lying Prince, Alistair needs to find a bride quickly to fulfill his terminally ill father's wish. After being betrayed by his previous fiancée Briar aka Princess Aurora and his former best friend Kilian, any woman will do until he sees Elinor "Elsie" at the market, to whom he is immediately attracted. When she turns up at the ball he's holding to look for a bride, they have a passionate tryst, but then Elsie disappears without a trace and Alistair realizes that he only wants her, even if he has to search the whole kingdom for her...
All in all, a dark, fast-paced fantasy romance novel that is bursting with emotion, action, twists and steam and which I am happy to recommend!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
July 18, 2025
{Modern Fairy Retelling; M/F; dual POV; explicit}
Keywords:
⁃ one long smut scene
⁃ not a virgin
⁃ past rape victim
⁃ godmother with goggles
⁃ cameos from another book
⁃ sappy
⁃ Tricked into marriage
⁃ Pregnancy
I love a good bit of prose or clever take on things. Cinderella here is a quasi- victorian, Disney version with adult themes. Cinderella has a way with animals. Her stepmother is a stepfather who raped her, leaving her without marriage prospects now.
My favorite character might be the local witch who provides the stepsisters with their weekly fix.
“She straps on goggles and snaps rubber gloves up over her elbows before” mixing monster claws and glowing vomit. I mean, witchy witch looks like Snoopy as The Baron while mixing potions 😉!
Gag me with all the introspection about the insta- love. There are numerous phrases like “The way she holds onto hope and optimism that life can and will be better is a treasure worth more than all the gilded desks in the world” This sentence is so pretty but is part of an onslaught of praise and adoration in their minds.
Cinderella is Elinore and Elsie or Ellie and Sunshine.
Prickly Prince is Alex and Alistair
One thing I don’t understand about modern writing is why murder is the first solution. As a modern retelling, Elinor was raped by her stepfather in her teens. Alistair is so protective he murders Tremaine. While I love a bit of exaggeration, couldn’t he just throw the perv into the dungeon? Banish him?
The saving grace about his behavior is that Elinore needs Tremaine’s permission to marry. She makes an additional demand that her sisters are married as well, or the wedding is canceled. What’s a smitten lover to do? Revenge is no longer an option.
Keywords:
⁃ one long smut scene
⁃ not a virgin
⁃ past rape victim
⁃ godmother with goggles
⁃ cameos from another book
⁃ sappy
⁃ Tricked into marriage
⁃ Pregnancy
I love a good bit of prose or clever take on things. Cinderella here is a quasi- victorian, Disney version with adult themes. Cinderella has a way with animals. Her stepmother is a stepfather who raped her, leaving her without marriage prospects now.
My favorite character might be the local witch who provides the stepsisters with their weekly fix.
“She straps on goggles and snaps rubber gloves up over her elbows before” mixing monster claws and glowing vomit. I mean, witchy witch looks like Snoopy as The Baron while mixing potions 😉!
Gag me with all the introspection about the insta- love. There are numerous phrases like “The way she holds onto hope and optimism that life can and will be better is a treasure worth more than all the gilded desks in the world” This sentence is so pretty but is part of an onslaught of praise and adoration in their minds.
Cinderella is Elinore and Elsie or Ellie and Sunshine.
Prickly Prince is Alex and Alistair
One thing I don’t understand about modern writing is why murder is the first solution. As a modern retelling, Elinor was raped by her stepfather in her teens. Alistair is so protective he murders Tremaine. While I love a bit of exaggeration, couldn’t he just throw the perv into the dungeon? Banish him?
The saving grace about his behavior is that Elinore needs Tremaine’s permission to marry. She makes an additional demand that her sisters are married as well, or the wedding is canceled. What’s a smitten lover to do? Revenge is no longer an option.
July 27, 2025
✨️ 🅴-🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 ✨️
Series: Awakened Series, but can be read as a standalone!
Genre: Fantasy Romance
POV: First Person Dual
Cliffhanger: No
Pacing: Fast
Angst: 3/5
Spice: Yes 🌶️ (18+ only)
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩?
A servant in secret.
A wicked prince with a dark past.
A single night that changes everything.
Once a lady, now a servant—until a forbidden dance with Prince Alistair threatens to unravel everything.
But when the clock strikes midnight, she runs…
Now he’s tearing the kingdom apart to find her.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙮 𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜:
👑 Morally gray MMC
💔 Soft but strong heroine
🧚♀️ Unhinged Fairy Godmother (with ulterior motives)
🔥 Wicked, obsessive prince
🐉 Dragons
✨ Magic & mayhem
My Thoughts:
Prince Alistair had an antagonistic role in the last book, so seeing his perspective here was so satisfying. He’s absolutely obsessed and devoted to Elinor. Nevertheless I wanted more character development for him!
Elinor’s journey was emotional—watching her heal and grow after everything she endured really tugged at my heart.
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵-𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 & 𝘤𝘩𝘢r𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶!
🛑𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬!
Series: Awakened Series, but can be read as a standalone!
Genre: Fantasy Romance
POV: First Person Dual
Cliffhanger: No
Pacing: Fast
Angst: 3/5
Spice: Yes 🌶️ (18+ only)
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩?
A servant in secret.
A wicked prince with a dark past.
A single night that changes everything.
Once a lady, now a servant—until a forbidden dance with Prince Alistair threatens to unravel everything.
But when the clock strikes midnight, she runs…
Now he’s tearing the kingdom apart to find her.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙮 𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜:
👑 Morally gray MMC
💔 Soft but strong heroine
🧚♀️ Unhinged Fairy Godmother (with ulterior motives)
🔥 Wicked, obsessive prince
🐉 Dragons
✨ Magic & mayhem
My Thoughts:
Prince Alistair had an antagonistic role in the last book, so seeing his perspective here was so satisfying. He’s absolutely obsessed and devoted to Elinor. Nevertheless I wanted more character development for him!
Elinor’s journey was emotional—watching her heal and grow after everything she endured really tugged at my heart.
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵-𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 & 𝘤𝘩𝘢r𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶!
🛑𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬!
August 6, 2025
This wasn’t my usual type of read, but I fancied something different—and that’s exactly what I got. This is a very dark fairytale, heavily inspired by Cinderella in the beginning, but halfway through, it takes a sharp turn into the “what happens after the happily ever after?” territory.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but be warned: this is a much darker take on the classic tale, and readers with triggers should definitely read the blurb carefully before reading.
I did enjoy the story and especially appreciated the creativity behind this reimagining. The main hero is deeply flawed—so much so that I found it hard to like him at times—but since I hadn’t read the first book in the series, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
The heroine, on the other hand, really grew on me. I would have loved to know more about Maxine (but that’s mostly because I’m nosy!).
Overall, a bold, creative twist on a classic with plenty of unexpected turns.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but be warned: this is a much darker take on the classic tale, and readers with triggers should definitely read the blurb carefully before reading.
I did enjoy the story and especially appreciated the creativity behind this reimagining. The main hero is deeply flawed—so much so that I found it hard to like him at times—but since I hadn’t read the first book in the series, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
The heroine, on the other hand, really grew on me. I would have loved to know more about Maxine (but that’s mostly because I’m nosy!).
Overall, a bold, creative twist on a classic with plenty of unexpected turns.
July 18, 2025
Elinor was born a lady. Then tragedy struck, and she was forced to become a servant to her cruel stepfamily. When all ladies of noble birth are called to the castle for a chance to win the heart of Prince Alistair, Elinor goes in secret, with no ambitions beyond a chance to glimpse the life that should have been hers. An encounter with a handsome stranger makes her yearn for more, but when the spell breaks at midnight, I run.
Yes a retelling of the famous fairy tale but with twists, plus it’s darker & spicier. The characters had depth & some I loved & some I loathed. The pace was good. I thoroughly enjoyed it & read it straight through. If you love the original the I’d recommend reading this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Yes a retelling of the famous fairy tale but with twists, plus it’s darker & spicier. The characters had depth & some I loved & some I loathed. The pace was good. I thoroughly enjoyed it & read it straight through. If you love the original the I’d recommend reading this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 30, 2025
It's Cinderella, but darker and spicier!
Elinor is the daughter of the late Lord & Lady Scinder, but is currently stuck with her stepfather, Tremaine, and his two daughters. They treat her like a maid and much, much worse.
A chance encounter puts her in the path of Alistair, the Prince of Belterre City, and he's instantly besotted. Throwing a ball for all the ladies of the city, he hopes to find her again. But her evil stepfather and stepsisters will do whatever they can to keep her from attending.
Thankfully Elinor is friendly with the local Witch, Maxine, who is more than happy to help get her to the ball, but does she have her own reasons for helping?
I loved the fact these characters were all shades of grey, they each had their hidden secrets and motivations which made this a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Elinor is the daughter of the late Lord & Lady Scinder, but is currently stuck with her stepfather, Tremaine, and his two daughters. They treat her like a maid and much, much worse.
A chance encounter puts her in the path of Alistair, the Prince of Belterre City, and he's instantly besotted. Throwing a ball for all the ladies of the city, he hopes to find her again. But her evil stepfather and stepsisters will do whatever they can to keep her from attending.
Thankfully Elinor is friendly with the local Witch, Maxine, who is more than happy to help get her to the ball, but does she have her own reasons for helping?
I loved the fact these characters were all shades of grey, they each had their hidden secrets and motivations which made this a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
August 3, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the Awakened Series & it was just released on July 18th.
I was very excited to read this book since I loved the first one so much. I also really like Cinderella and enjoy a good retelling.
However this was not the case with this one. I just couldn't get super into it. Elinor was practically a doormat to people who treated her horrible & it wouldn't have been a big issue if she constantly wasn't going back on her word 2 seconds later. She would try to br fierce & independent but quickly cave to the thoughts of others. I also didn't like how she referred to her pus*** as her sex but I'm assuming it is just the language for this time period. I will say Alistair is so smart. The way he deduced things with just his memory.
He was definitely redeemed in this book compared to how he was in the first.
I give it 2/5⭐️
I was very excited to read this book since I loved the first one so much. I also really like Cinderella and enjoy a good retelling.
However this was not the case with this one. I just couldn't get super into it. Elinor was practically a doormat to people who treated her horrible & it wouldn't have been a big issue if she constantly wasn't going back on her word 2 seconds later. She would try to br fierce & independent but quickly cave to the thoughts of others. I also didn't like how she referred to her pus*** as her sex but I'm assuming it is just the language for this time period. I will say Alistair is so smart. The way he deduced things with just his memory.
He was definitely redeemed in this book compared to how he was in the first.
I give it 2/5⭐️
July 31, 2025
I don't think I've read a Cinderella retelling like this one. I enjoyed everything about it. Alistair is still a prince and acts like one, he did change for Cinderella but he definitely isn't used to being told no. This retelling is dark and twisted but it is very good. You also get a different story for Princess Aurora as she was supposed to marry Alistair. The spice in this book is very spicy and you get to see Cinderella explore things after what she has gone through. You will want to check trigger warnings as there is talk about some things that might be triggers for you. Overall a great dark, twisted and spicy retelling of Cinderella.
January 23, 2026
darker Cinderella retelling
This was definitely a much darker retelling of Cinderella that I’m used to. Magic, witches, fae, monsters too. Don’t think I’ve read one where the prince is quite so morally grey. I didn’t particularly like the last couple of chapters to be honest but the rest was ok.
Annoyingly I didn’t realise this was Book 2 when I bought it so I’m going to have to go backward and read book 1 now!
Favourite quotes include:
“You can be my wings, and together we’ll soar,” she says. “My princess poet.” A soft chuckle rumbles in my chest.
This was definitely a much darker retelling of Cinderella that I’m used to. Magic, witches, fae, monsters too. Don’t think I’ve read one where the prince is quite so morally grey. I didn’t particularly like the last couple of chapters to be honest but the rest was ok.
Annoyingly I didn’t realise this was Book 2 when I bought it so I’m going to have to go backward and read book 1 now!
Favourite quotes include:
“You can be my wings, and together we’ll soar,” she says. “My princess poet.” A soft chuckle rumbles in my chest.
July 20, 2025
This sizzling fantasy romance, a darker spin on Cinderella, follows a broken noblewoman forced into servitude and a brooding, ruthless prince seeking vengeance. Their allure pulls them into forbidden desire amid palace intrigue and magical secrets. The tension crackles with every secret-filled glance and midnight desire. I was privileged to read this pre-release, and it kept me entranced with its sensual magic and emotional danger! Perfect for fans of dark fantasy romance.
July 24, 2025
I enjoyed this take on Cinderella. It was definitely hotter than the story I grew up with! There were triggers, so be aware. It wasn’t over the top dark, but it was intense. I am glad that Alastair got his HEA and redemption as he was highly unlikeable in the last story.
There were a few parts that didn’t fully add up or seemed thrust in the story in order to tie up loose ends, but overall, it was a very enjoyable and engaging story. I recommend it!
There were a few parts that didn’t fully add up or seemed thrust in the story in order to tie up loose ends, but overall, it was a very enjoyable and engaging story. I recommend it!
July 28, 2025
This felt a little rushed compared to Sweet Briar which I adored. Alistair was a villain in Sweet Briar so I was looking forward to seeing how he'd earn his redemption and how he would treat another woman. After a run-in where he almost runs Elinor over on his horse, he basically falls into insta-love and decides she must be his bride. I did like the allusions to the classic fairy tale (the ball, the forgotten shoe, the midnight deadline), but it just overall felt hasty.
October 9, 2025
This one was slightly more enjoyable than Sweet Briar. It was a little strange to read the same beats as the 1950 animated version of Cinderella but with darker tones as well as incorporating the more gruesome version of the stepsisters trying to make the shoe fit. Alistair redeemed himself in this book, thankfully. Elinor was a good FMC but there's still something lacking in all of this... I don't know what. But maybe the Snow Queen retelling will inform me.
July 18, 2025
This is a dark and grown-up Cinderella retelling and I read it straight through. I didn’t know what to expect from the blurb but I definitely enjoyed the story from beginning to end. I read the author’s HR’s and didn’t know this type of book was under another pen name. Now, I’m going to be reading more. Well written with twists and turns, steam and a great HEA.
July 20, 2025
I really wish I had read the others in the series before reading this one but it is still good on its own. Some of the back story does come in to play but not knowing the whole thing doesn't interfere with this. Really well done on the Cinderella re-telling although a little close to the Disney cartoon on some aspects
July 24, 2025
A great re-telling of the Cinderella story in which Elinor is abused by her step sisters and step father and Alistair is her savior in the end. This story has a lot of dark pasts trauma and how Alistair's kill her and die persona is well deserved. I really enjoyed both characters and how they were different yet similar in a some ways b/c of family dysfunctional dynamics.
July 28, 2025
"Saved by a wicked prince…"
There was no way I could resist!
I'd want to be saved by a wicked prince also! LOL!
A Cinderella retelling with spice!
How nice!
And it truly was!
It was dark.
It was spicy.
I loved every minute.
AND, I couldn't put it down once I started it!
There was no way I could resist!
I'd want to be saved by a wicked prince also! LOL!
A Cinderella retelling with spice!
How nice!
And it truly was!
It was dark.
It was spicy.
I loved every minute.
AND, I couldn't put it down once I started it!
July 29, 2025
Let me start by saying this isn’t your Disney Cinderella! This is for mature eyes only. Although, I liked the retelling of The classic fairytale, it is not my favorite of the author! I love her writing a lot!! This, IMHO, did not do her talent justice. Not giving up by a long shot, looking forward to more of her retelling!
December 24, 2025
Nice not Kind
I think this book is well written but I did not like Ellie. She is ridiculous - especially in regards to her stepfather. Writing her like that was entirely unnecessary and for such a reprehensible character. The ending was dragged out too much. I liked this book until they got together because of her insistence regarding her stepfather. No thanks.
I think this book is well written but I did not like Ellie. She is ridiculous - especially in regards to her stepfather. Writing her like that was entirely unnecessary and for such a reprehensible character. The ending was dragged out too much. I liked this book until they got together because of her insistence regarding her stepfather. No thanks.
July 28, 2025
This is the first book I have read from this author and my first fantasy romance read. Although a bit dark for me, I enjoyed the book and its spin on Cinderella. Well written and I can recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy romance
July 16, 2025
An enjoyable Cinderella retelling romance with some spice.
July 27, 2025
Fabulously engaging and dark retelling of Cinderella. Grabbed my attention from page one all the way to the end, even though I know the fairytale.
July 27, 2025
Fabulously engaging and dark retelling of Cinderella. Grabbed my attention from page one all the way to the end, even though I know the fairytale.
August 13, 2025
Dark and Twisted Cinderella Retelling
Midnight Deception is a short, darkly enchanting twist on Cinderella that had me hooked from the start. I loved how the familiar beats of the fairytale were there, but the story quickly took a more dangerous, seductive turn that made it feel completely fresh. Elinor’s journey was compelling. She is both vulnerable and strong in a way that makes you root for her, and the tension between her and Prince Alistair added a delicious edge to every scene.
It is a quick read, but packed with intrigue, spice, and enough unexpected turns to keep you turning pages. I enjoyed the author’s take on this classic so much that I am already curious to dive into more of her work. If you like your fairytales darker, steamier, and with a touch of revenge, this one is worth picking up.
Midnight Deception is a short, darkly enchanting twist on Cinderella that had me hooked from the start. I loved how the familiar beats of the fairytale were there, but the story quickly took a more dangerous, seductive turn that made it feel completely fresh. Elinor’s journey was compelling. She is both vulnerable and strong in a way that makes you root for her, and the tension between her and Prince Alistair added a delicious edge to every scene.
It is a quick read, but packed with intrigue, spice, and enough unexpected turns to keep you turning pages. I enjoyed the author’s take on this classic so much that I am already curious to dive into more of her work. If you like your fairytales darker, steamier, and with a touch of revenge, this one is worth picking up.
November 6, 2025
Good unique reselling
I liked the characters and the twist in the story. It was nice to see that's Alister was redeemable. Read.
I liked the characters and the twist in the story. It was nice to see that's Alister was redeemable. Read.
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