Charming

by Krystal Wade

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and that's great . . . as long as you don't die.

Sixteen-year-old Haley Tremaine had it all: top-notch school, fantastic family, and a bright future, but all of that changed when an accident tore her family apart. Now, an alcoholic father, a bitter younger sister, and a cold headstone bearing her mother’s name are all she has left.

Chris Charming has it all: a powerful CEO for a father, a prestigious school, and a fortune at his fingertips, but none of that matters when he lands a reputation as a troublemaker. Struggling to follow in his father’s footsteps, he reaches out to the one person he believes truly sees him, the one person he wants: Haley.

Little do they know someone's determined to bring the two together, even if it means murder.

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Romance, Retellings, Thriller, Mystery, Dark

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2014

About the author

I’m happily married to the love of my life (don’t gag) and raising three beautiful children in the gorgeous state of Virginia. We live just outside Washington, D.C., and every day I wake up to find myself stuck in traffic trying to get there.

The horrid commute gives me plenty of time to zone out and think about my characters in full, brilliant details (I’m a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give me a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to me on the fifty mile trek into town (I pick up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe me).

I’ve been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of my oh-so-large life. When I’m not working, commuting, or chasing after my three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find me outside talking to my chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training my amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).

I hope you love my stories (or just like them a little; that would be okay, too). And I hope that one day you find your passion, because there’s nothing in life better than doing what you love while surrounded by people you love.

Reviews

[Ben Alderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW

I have gone through so many emotions with this book! Perfect fall read! I loved the cinderella and Saw movie re telling!
I can't wait to review this for my youtube account next week!
JUST AWESOME !

[Seeing Double in Neverland · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Full Teaser Review go to http://seeingdoubleinneverland.blogsp...

5 out of 5 Stars

Charming is very original, well written, great characters, with only slight nods to Cinderella. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you are looking for a youthful romantic horror retelling of Cinderella!

[Jessa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this young adult mash-up of Cinderella and SAW, we start out getting a behind the scenes look at Haley Tremaine's life--and not much of a life, if we're being honest. The poor girl has lost her mother, and her father has become a raging alcoholic with a pension for abusing his eldest daughter. Haley's younger sister is oblivious to their father's rage, and only because Haley so relentlessly tries to protect her from it. Haley has learned to live life by going through the motions. She's broken and hopeless.

Her complete opposite, Chris Charming has everything Haley used to have. His family took over the company Haley's mom used to run, and with it came wealth and popularity. He attends the finest school, drives the fastest cars, and has the world at his fingertips. But he doesn't care about material possessions . . . all Chris wants is Haley Tremaine--the girl who won't give him a chance.

It all sounds like the perfect young adult romance, and it almost could be . . .

But there's a killer on the loose, with revenge on his mind, catapulting Haley, Chris and their friends into a thrilling cat and mouse chase where their very lives are on the line.

Krystal Wade does it again with this book! You won't be disappointed!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an e-ARC of this book from a Krystal Wade Blog Giveaway.

So what happens if you cross Cinderella with Saw? You get a bloody brilliant book that will draw you in and not let go, not even to make your children's tea! I'll be honest, reading the synopsis and seeing that it fell in the horror genre, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I mean, come on, who wants to read about an alcoholic dad, a dead mum, an indifferent sister and physical abuse, especially when you're a wuss as I am? It turns out I do, when it is written in this way!

The moment I realised that my stomach was clenching on behalf of Haley as she stood before her home, trying to find the strength to go through the door, I knew I was hooked. Trust me, Haley has everything to whinge and whine about but surprisingly does neither. She is destructing, but slowly and underneath everyone's radar or so she thinks. A couple of people reach out to her - her English teacher, the caretaker at the cemetery where she visits with her mum and surprisingly, Chris Charming. The son of the man who now runs her mother's company. The boy who has what she had. The story between Haley and Chris runs through the book but doesn't overwhelm it.

The other part of the story, the mystery/horror of the book, I won't talk about much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone else. Suffice it to say that I was twisted in knots trying to figure out who it was - was it this person or that one? It turns out I was right but Krystal Wade had me doubting everything I thought I knew. Excellent! The horror part wasn't too bad, yes there were parts to it that weren't nice to read - violence, abuse, kidnap to name just three - but there was nothing there that didn't contribute to the story; that didn't help to set the scene or deepen your feelings for that particular character whether they are good or bad.

The plot, storyline and pace were all fantastic - I honestly can't think of anything that let this book down. I can 100%, wholeheartedly recommend this to all fans of YA, Romance, Horror (never thought I'd recommend a horror book!) and of Krystal Wade herself. Another hit for Miss Wade!

[Vika aka ♔ of GIF & Grumpy Smut-ateer *P/T Freebie Fairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

 There really is no other way to describe this but as a retelling of a Cinderally if she took some hallucinogens and ended up in Saw franchise.
No seriously. Although the story is told of our "Cinderella" as a HS sophomore there is a lot of adult content such has dealing with abuse. If anythingn this story reflects much of the original Brothers Grimm story of Cinderella in the gore and messing with your head factor. In the original story there is actual cutting/trimming of feet to get into that slipper. I'm serious look it up. That is REAL!



As for this story our "Cinderella" is Haley...  our poor girl in her teenage nativity takes on something that even as adults we have a hard time processing. She takes on abuse from her alcoholic father in order to shield her younger sister to honor her dying mother's wish to shield her.

As I kept reading it all I wanted to do was hug the poor Haley. I mean honestly her life S-U-C-K-S.

Her days spent wasting her youth years being the adult and a punching bag at home and visiting her dead mother at the grave.



 

If that is not enough on top of it all she has a stalker who took it upon himself the role of a Demented Fairy Godmother. Punishing those who wronged her and "giving" her to Prince Charming.

Aaah Prince Charming... or shall we say Chris Charming... A boy who was always meant to be in her life. A life that was mean to happen if it weren't for the horrible accident that took her mother away and put her in this path of life destruction.

 

 

“God, Haley. You let your dad hit you for years, blindly protecting your sister. You took shit from her to honor your mom. I get it. I do. But are you fucking crazy? I’m not them. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not going to walk away from you. I actually care for you, Haley.

 

Fortunately, there is a rainbow at the end of this tragic story... a determined girl with a gang of helpful, supporting cast to help... but can they take on the darkness that surrounds her? Well read on and get your answer.
For a YA book there is a lot of blood and gore and violence that made my tummy ache... And like a true sicko I loved every second of it. The author did a fantastic job of retelling the old classic and making it her own. In my age (non-teen age that is) I find it hard relating to issues of HS drama but this story went so much more. A nice bloody horror story.

I'm glad I went outside my comfort zone for this.

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*Copy kindly provided by the Author for Kris & Vik Book Therapy Cafe Book Blog Review

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read Krystal Wade before but after reading CHARMING I can tell you honestly, she is now on my author radar list. I was emotionally invested from page one and couldn't stop reading until I knew what happened to Haley and her family. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster, laughing at the antics and conversations between Haley and her best friend, Christine.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great modern twist on a fairy tale. Characters are well rounded and explained well. The main female character is strong and not whiney (I had whiney chicks). She overcomes the problems in her life in order to make it better for her and her sister. I recommend this book to everyone!!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot and twists and suspense in this book made this book really interesting. But as I read it, the storyline also kind of seemed a bit scattered. It wasn't a bad book though; a three-star for me.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charming by Krystal Wade

2 stars

Haley Tremaine lost it all. Her mother died in a car crash that was supposed to take Haley away from her abusive father and now she’s stuck with him. She’s stuck with him and she has to protect her sister from the truth about who her father is- an alcoholic abuser. Enter Chris Charming, a boy who used to attend school with Haley and now is runner up for her mother’s candle making company. He has a reputation as a trouble maker and he won’t leave Haley alone. There’s a serial killer on the loose and Haley’s his next target. This book has been marketed as Cinderella meets Saw. I can kind of see that, but not really. I mean the Cinderella aspect is there and prominent in certain scenes, but the Saw aspect- not so much. I could see it more as Cinderella meets Criminal Minds. I’m sure at least one Criminal Minds episode is exact like this or at least close to it. The beginning of Charming is really unsettling, especially for a novel targeted to young readers. If this book didn’t read so blandly and have a high school setting I could see this as a dark adult novel, but besides the constant abuse Haley endures at home nothing about this book is extremely dark. I was completely disgusted with the abuse situation and while I can relate to Haley as a victim abuse I also can’t.

Whimsical Writing Scale: 2

The main female character is Haley. I’m on the outs about Haley. I don’t dislike her, but I don’t like her either. I feel like she was a strong character- she’s brave and tough for having to deal with her situation- but she also downplays her situation- something I can totally understand. My problem with Haley is that her problem is portrayed very realistically, but Haley herself doesn’t seem real. I’m just very unsure about my stance on her.

Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 2.5

The main male character is Chris. Chris is pretty insignificant. I didn’t get the romance with Haley and Chris. There was no connection, tension, or any sign of this so-called love that seemed to have blossomed in 7.2 seconds. Chris wasn’t interesting or charming, much to the implication of his last name. I just wasn’t buying it.

Swoon Worthy Scale: 1

The Villain- I wish I could say that I didn’t see who the killer was, but it seemed kind of obvious to me from the beginning. Since I’ve recently become a huge Gillian Flynn fan I’m constantly looking to be mind-fucked with books of this nature, but I didn’t find it. When the villain was revealed it all just seemed rushed and ridiculous. Kind of like how American Horror Story: Freakshow (which I would've complained about until I saw the most recent episode which was freaking amazing and you should all join my obsession of AHS) has been this season- completely boring and then gruesome right out of left field.

Villain Scale: 1.5

I did not like Haley’s sister at all. I think that as a member of Haley’s household the abuse would’ve been pretty obvious since all the signs of domestic violence were there. I didn’t like Haley’s father either and he was a douchecanoe from day one. Haley’s friend was a decent character. I didn’t love her, but I liked that she was there for Haley and was a good friend. Where did that random guy at the end come from? What was that? “I kinda know you and I’m friends with Chris so I’ll drive you to go and find a serial killer.” Like what?????

Character Scale: 2

Charming doesn’t have a concrete plot and it seemed to be going nowhere at times and then there would be random plot points popping up and disappearing and then coming back. It was off-putting and while I think Charming good it also flows too fast. The best way to describe this novel is fluff in a dark setting.

Plotastic Scale: 2.5

Cover Thoughts: I like the cover when I first saw it I was expecting the novel to be a dark erotica, but after reading Charming the setting of this cover makes a lot of sense.

Thank you, Netgalley and Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Take Me Away To A Great Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Stars

I loved this story, if was sad how poorly Haley is treated by her Father and Sister. I really liked the friendships and romantic aspects of this book along with suspense and mild horror. I thought when I started reading this book I would be able to figure everything out but I definitely couldn't. I really liked the fact that it was a mystery and hard to predict. I love that it isn't just your typical retelling of Cinderella done in horror retelling.

Charming is very original, well written, great characters, with only slight nods to Cinderella. I love the heart pounding suspense! I am a huge fan of Stephen Kings dramatic writing like Misery and Dolores Claiborne and the great way that Krystal Wade writes this story reminds me of some of his great works but with a more feminine youthful flair! I would definitely recommend this book especially if you are looking for a youthful romantic horror retelling of Cinderella!!!

An advance copy was provided by the author for review.

Full Review to come!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start out this review by saying that I did not want to read this book. I've read everything this author has written. I'll admit it, she's my friend. I get first views at her books. I'm THAT lucky. But when she told me about Charming I said thanks, but no thanks. Nope, not going to read about child abuse. Just ain't doing it.

As disappointed as she was, she understood. But after a while I started to feel bad. Maybe I was being too stubborn. The beta readers were loving it, so I should give it try. I told her I would try it, with an emphasis on try. If it got too uncomfortable for me to read, I would set is aside. Again, she understood.

Well...all I can say is that I am SO glad I changed my mind! Not only did I not set it aside, I couldn't set it aside! I read it in one sitting, straight through, chewing my nails with apprehension, speed reading, sitting on the edge of my chair. I loved it.

It's about a teenager, Haley Tremaine, who has a pretty awful family life. Mom died in a car accident, Dad is an abusive alcoholic, sister is clueless and therefore spiteful towards Haley. Her grades are abysmal, she doesn't have many friends and her only happy times are when she's working in the candle shop her mom used to be CEO for.

The current CEO's son, Chris Charming, has it all: awesome parents, goes to a good school, is Mr. Popularity. And he keeps trying to get Haley to hang out with him. He doesn't get that he is the reminder of everything she lost when her mom died. But he is persistent, and with the help of a "fairy godmother", Haley hangs out with him more and more...

But there is a murderer loose in her town, and when her family starts acting weird, Haley starts to realize that it's not a fairy godmother, but a fairy godmonster and she has to try and figure out how to save the people she loves, but when put into a sick, Saw-inspired situation, all solutions equal losses.

Read Charming. You will not be disappointed!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It combined romance, family issues and mystery in a twisted version on Cinderella.

Haley is a sixteen year old girl who has a horrible home life. She lost her mom and then had to handle abuse from her father. She protected her sister from her dad's abuse and never spoke out. Her life changed after the death of her mother. She went from a well to do family to barely surviving. From private schools to public schools. But the past always catches up with you.

Chris Charming was a boy she knew from her past. He shows back up in her life and Haley isn't too happy about that. She does everything she can to avoid him, but fate is what it is. As she starts to accept him in her life (he is persistent), murders start to happen in her little town. Haley is pulled into it along with Chris and his family.

Secrets are exposed in Haley's life that she didn't want anyone to know. A murderer bent on revenge. Love blossoming. Who could ask for anything more. A must read if you want to see how it all ends.

[Krystal Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-Orders are available NOW
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I'll be at the Baltimore Book Festival Saturday and Sunday, September 27th and 28th. For more details on my events schedule, check out my website!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an early version of this book and all I have to say was wow. I will reread the book once it offically comes out, and will write a proper review.

But with that being said, even from the very first rough draft of this book, it was a very excellent read. It is a Young Adult book geared towards the female audience. Even though it was geared towards females, I think ANYONE who picked this book up to read would find it very enjoyable.

[Tiffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming by Krystal Wade was one of my favorite book of 2014, I will be suggesting it to everyone. Charming has made me love Krystal Wade's writing. It also has sparked a love of Curiosity Quills Press other books as well. I can't wait to read more from Krystal Wade. This is an amazing book. I can't wait to see not only what Krystal Wade has in store for us in the future.

[Ryan Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krystal Wade's "Charming" is a fun, twisted take on the Cinderella tale. The writing is immersive, the twists come fast and furious, and the paranoia is suffocating. Wade does a fantastic job of keeping the reader off-balanced, making each surprise that much more shocking. Not to be missed!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Revenge of the Feels

*Thank you to Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

One word. Marvellous.

This is one of the rare times, or should I say, the first time, I have read a YA contemporary novel to be so dark and emotional. Charming is truly a novel that will have her readers gripping on to the edge of their seats as they read through the life of Haley Tremaine, the protagonist.

I have read so many books of protagonists with similar background. The only difference between them would be the age and of course, the genre of the books. When I first read the synopsis, I thought ‘Ahh, another typical protagonist with an abusive parent and another one dead, a sibling that doesn’t like her – a broken family.’

Basically, I thought Haley Tremaine would be just another protagonist that would have you going ‘poor child’.

Turns out I was right…and not so at times.

To clear up the confusion, yes, Haley would have you doing both which I just mentioned above and no, she is not just another typical protagonist. At first, I really hated the father for abusing Haley, and then I hated her.

I couldn’t understand why Haley wouldn’t just fight back or at least find the police. Though, that hatred only lasted for a few pages after I realised what she was trying to do - to protect the sister who don’t seem to like her very much.

Christine, Haley’s best friend, the second person I love the most besides Haley. She may behave like a person who just smokes to escape her troubles, not that she isn’t, but she is the kind of best friend anyone would wish they have. Honestly, I would much rather prefer Haley’s family consisted of her only instead of that good-for-nothing father and that bitter sister she has.

Haley is just so strong, she’s the kind of person that you would want to go into her world and bring her out of her pain because honestly? She suffered too much. Normally, I don’t particularly like any rich male protagonists to be served as the love interest of someone like Haley, but I thank the stars that Haley has one – Chris freaking Charming.

Of course, everyone thinks rich guys are arrogant and cocky and definitely not going to like someone like Haley but no, Chris is a different person. Really, he is. I can already hear the sounds of people groaning ‘not this again, guy-meets-girl-and-changes-his-attitude’. Seriously peeps, have a little faith and trust me.

Though I must warn you, if you think this book is going to be all about a girl and guy finding love each in each other and everything will turn out fine, her father would be sorry for what he had done, her sister would love her, YOU. ARE. WRONG.

THERE IS A GREATER FORCE OF EVIL AT WORK HERE.

Actually not all would be wrong, just some. That, my dear peeps, are for you guys to buy/borrow and read the book to find out!

Highly recommended for readers who are into dark YA novels and would love to get your feels into a tangled mess.

(Stay strong peeps, you might not survive the wonderful-dark-and-gritty-emotional writing of Miss Wade!)

[Jackie -Sated Faery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh!! What a thriller! Haley pulled at my heartstrings from the very beginning! She has so much love in her heart, even for people who really don’t deserve it. She lost her mother, who she was very close to, and is stuck with a drunken, angry dad and a naïve, spoiled little sister. She’s devoted her entire life to keeping things under control at home and not letting anything get to her. But living like that has weakened her spirit so much that she’s starting to lose all hope. Then comes Chris Charming and he is just too good to be true. No way can he be that rich, that good-looking, and actually interested in someone as messed up as Haley. He’s got the whole “bad boy” reputation that Haley does not want anything to do with. But he is smokin’ hot and very persistent so she’s in for a battle when it comes to staying away from him! The other characters are just as remarkable, although not necessarily in a good way. Every page is a thrill ride with a few warm & fuzzy moments amongst the pain and terror. I must warn you now; you won’t be putting this down until it’s completely finished. There is simply no point in this book where you can comfortably lay it down and forget about it until later. But it is totally worth staying up all night to read!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning, I wasn't to sure what I was reading and where the story was going to go. Charming didn't grab my attention right away. Once I had a better feel for the characters and the story, I started to enjoy reading it. Charming took me by surprise and I really enjoyed it.

Haley is a teenager who has been dealt a crappy family life. She has lost her mother and her father is an abusive alcoholic. Her younger sister seems oblivious to everything going around her. Chris Charming has everything. He comes from money and has great parents. He takes an interest in Haley.

Charming is not just a romance story. It is more a suspense thriller. Someone is out to bring revenge on the Charming family. Haley and her family are pulled into it. There is kidnapping, explosions, and a ton of nail biting scenes.

Charming was very well written. There were a lot of twists, the I never saw coming. Charming is definitely a great read!


A copy was received for a review.

[Heather McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb writing draws you along through this heartrending novel, writing so good that even as an author I never once stopped to think about the nuts and bolts of the writing within~it's just that good. This is like Scream combined with The Fault in Our Stars. That may not sound amazing to everyone, but it was spot on for me. If you like suspenseful, mysterious, edgy fiction with a heart, this book needs to be your first priority when it releases and it is an absolute MUST READ for October.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...

I was lucky enough to snag myself an ARC to review. Score! *Did my little happy dance around the apartment*

They say what doesn’t’ kill you makes you stronger, and that’s great…as long as you don’t die.

What a tagline. It says it all right there I think.

Charming is about our 16 year old Haley who once had it all, the prestigious school, great family, tons of friends, a boyfriend, and a bright future until it all fell apart. Now with an alcoholic father, a bitter little sister, and only a headstone left of her mother she has nothing left. On the flip side is Chris Charming, with his CEO father, money, school, anything he wants, including a reputation as a trouble maker. He may not be everything people say he is, Haley knows she isn’t what everyone thinks she is. He has his own struggles in life and the one thing he wants is: Haley. Little do either of them know just how determined someone is to bring them together even if it means murder.

So yes this is a break from the supernatural type books in the previous series but more suspense/thriller. What do you do when the guy who has everything you used to have seems to want you as well? Can he be trusted? Can you let him in or is it safer to stick to what you know and never let anyone it? I wanted to devour this book in one sitting and every time I got interrupted I would hurry to get back to it. I needed to see what was going to happen next, never really trusting anything in the book waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let’s face it, Haley has it rough and she doesn’t expect good things, hoping for them hurts too much. I understand that and my heart broke for her. I think the beauty in this book is that you root for her and want to step into the book and help her through.

And you also want to know what the H is going on. Because let me tell you there is so much happening and you are thinking of a million ways the story could go and who this mysterious person is who plays a sick kind of fairy godmother to her. I was on the edge of my seat, and with the new chairs at work that is dangerous ground, reading and couldn’t wait to get home to finish it up. If I didn’t live so close I might have went into an open room and just read but a 6 minute break to get home was all I could take. I won’t say too much more I don’t want to ruin the surprise for all of you. I enjoyed delving into the characters, particularly seeing everything and everyone from Haley’s perspective while she tries to find the best solution to an impossible mess.

Now knowing there are a variety of tastes and preferences out there, I do want to mention that if it isn’t clear there are some pretty dark times/themes in the book in parts. This includes child abuse, but let me assure you it’s not gratuitous or in there for shock value. The violence serves a purpose and moves the story along, so please don’t turn away just from the implied violence there is so very much more to the story and worth the read. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

It comes out October 6th and I have my official copy pre-ordered with Amazon. Share your thoughts below!

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize I was reading a slightly twisted, sick version a fairy tale until I had finished reading Charming. And then I was in complete awe of how big an idiot I was for literally not realizing this until the very end :/

Charming isn’t charming. It’s real and gruesome. And in all honesty, it’s one of the few books that are actually as promising inside as they are on the outside.

Haley Tremaine’s life isn’t easy. She’s got an abusive father to deal with every night and a bitter, younger sister to protect—one who’s oblivious to Haley’s predicament and who idolizes their father. And if this wasn’t more trouble than she can handle already, her best friend won’t stop smoking pot and Chris Charming won’t leave her alone.

The matter of physical abuse and the terror it brings is pretty much the undercurrent theme of this book. Not once did Haley feel safe and secure at her own house—a feeling most of us take for granted. She feared her father and didn’t know when he would lash out at her. Her only aim was to protect her sister, Joselyn and it was heart wrenching to see the amount of cruelty she went through to achieve just that. Throughout the book, Haley was almost resigned to the fact that she would spend the rest of her life tending to her father and without any hope of a future outside of t.

Chris Charming, as you may have read in the synopsis, is the personification of a rich, spoilt boy. But in reality, he’s everything but. Well, except the rich part. He is pretty rich.

But there was just something about this persuasive hero who just won’t give up—even after being rejected 254901 times. He’s everything Haley needs in her life and honestly? He’s pretty perfect.

But if I were to pick my favorite character from the book, it would be Christine. Haley’s best friend is one of the people you want in your life. She’s funny and loyal and smart. She makes mistakes and sticks by Haley and she’s all types of amazing. She also smokes pot—a lot—and she’s high for almost 80% of the book. But she’s brave and I’d go so far to say that she’s one of the best supporting casts I’ve read this year :D

The “sick” portions of this book are really fucking creepy. There’s abuse, kidnapping, broken (literally) fingers and murder. I had an inkling of the twist in the book and who exactly the twist was, but that didn’t really hinder me from enjoying the book and of course, looking over my shoulder ALL THE FUCKING TIME.

If you’re into YA with a twist of thrill and would like to read the love child of Saw and Cinderella, this is THE book for you.


Find this review and more at Rhea's Neon Journal

[Sharon Bayliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley's life is really bad. And not in the teenage drama kind of way. It's just bad. Hopeless even. Her mother is dead. Her alcoholic father abuses her. She does everything to protect a sister who doesn't care about her. Her grades are failing and hope of a successful life seems pretty slim. She has nowhere to feel safe, and despite a few friends, she seems very alone. And, although it doesn't seem like it could get worse...it does.

As you can guess from the cover, this book is bleak at times. There were several times I put it down to do something happier. And I was very, very tempted to skip to the end just to make sure it all turned out okay. But, I'm glad I didn't, because Krystal had lots of twists and turns in store for me. I was genuinely terrified of what would happen. This isn't the kind of book where I felt like a happy ending was guaranteed. I knew that with each page, she would make me FEEL something, and I was scared to know what. It's very rare that I'm scared to finish a book!

Although this is far from a light, happy read, it's certainly an engrossing one, and one you'll have trouble forgetting. It's so fearless and unrestrained. Of course, I'm not going to tell you how it ends, but I will say that it's action packed down to the very last second, and it almost made me late to work. And even though the story is dark, there is hope. And despite the absolute horror of Haley's situation she constantly shows her strength. "Never giving up," is her mantra. Hope and strength despite immense darkness seems to shine the brightest.

One of the other reviewers called it "Cinderella meets Saw," and as impossible as that mashup sounds, it's a very accurate description. If you like your fairy tales (really) twisted, this is definitely the read for you.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read a blurb detailing CHARMING as Cinderella meets Saw, I wondered how on earth Wade would successfully integrate such a beloved fairy tale with such a gory thriller! But let me tell you, she does, and it is FAN-TASTIC. I was sucked into the story on page one and devoured it clear to the end! I loved the character cast, each one fleshed out so completely. Wade has an easy-to-read writing style that captures descriptions in such a real and visual way. The dialogue is so natural and each scene flows so organically to the next. Another highlight of CHARMING is that it beautifully captures the romantic elements of a true Cinderella story in such a sweet, subtle way and without the graphic, smutty make-out scenes that are prevalent in a lot of today's young adult stories. This was a huge bonus for me. I highly recommend CHARMING to fans of fairy tale remixes, thrillers, and anyone that enjoys a well-written story!

Content: Contains some recreational drug use by secondary character

[Mara Valderran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even begin to gush enough about how much I loved this book. My poor heart could hardly take this book--one minute it is causing flutters over how incredibly sweet and swoon-worthy Chris Charming is, the next it is wrenching over how horrible Haley's life has been and how rough she has had it, and then it is pounding with anticipation of flipping the page after an "Oh my god!" thriller of a moment. I'm usually pretty good at guessing the killer or culprit, but Krystal Wade had me changing my top suspect at every turn. The romance was icing on the cake for Charming--just enough to make the book sweeter without making you feel sick with overkill (pun intended). Krystal Wade did an excellent job of balancing backstory, romance, and suspense in this gripping retelling of Cinderella. Definitely a book I would highly recommend!

[Crystal Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know who can spin a tale? Krystal freaking Wade. I just finished Charming: young adult Cinderella meets Saw.

I didn't know what to expect. I hadn't realized it was horror, I'd never read anything by Krystal before, and I never would have imagined such twisted little thoughts turned around in her lovely brain. (I should have known better.)

She kept me guessing on all the key points, only giving me enough information to figure out what was going on the moment before she revealed it,

If you like psychological thrillers, horror, twisted fairy tale retellings, you want to pick up Charming.

[Eliza Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally charged thriller with a twisted villain and a real-life Prince Charming.

This story put me though so many different emotions. I've never wanted to hug a fictional character so much. You'll keep guessing who the pyscvho is and wondering what Haley will finally do, and just when you think you have it all figured out, bam! YOU'RE WRONG.

And let's not forget our Prince Charming in this twisted Cinderella tale. He's everything you hope for, so much, I wanted to find a reason to hate him, but guess what, he's just a good guy--wow, a good guy that's still so hot!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first quarter or so of this book is set up like a contemporary romance with a Cinderella retelling mixed in; however, this is not how the story goes. It takes a twist and becomes thriller about survival. My only real problem with it was that according to the synopsis a murder brings the two main characters together; however, there was only one character's murder pinned on the villain which was odd because a killer being on the loose was mentioned throughout the story. I found myself to have surprisingly really enjoyed this even if the ending was a little cheesy.

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is insane! I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. It screams intense! There are so many layers to this book and it just keeps you guessing the whole time. I thought this would be a simple love story between Chris and Haley but I was so wrong. This is more a mystery, suspense book than a love story. All I can say when reading this book is -HOLD ON!

[Hannahlovesbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, this was a quick read. I was expecting it to be much scarier than it was. But I still found it interesting.

Overall 2.5/5
Romance 2/5
Suspense 3/5
Sleeplessness 3/5