What do you think?
Rate this book
The Midnight King: A Cinderella Retelling
Bound by magic, Celinda serves her step-family night and day with little hope of escaping the drudgery of her life, and even less hope of attending the upcoming series of royal parties hosted by the Crown Prince, who is seeking a bride. When a family heirloom summons a handsome Faerie, Celinda sees a possible avenue for escape. But she finds herself being seduced, not by the prince, but by his incredibly attractive father, the King. Tempted by the pleasure the King offers and drawn by the magic her Faerie godfather can access, Celinda's heart is tugged in two different directions, even as she fights to circumvent the cruel schemes of her malevolent stepmother.
This spicy romantasy retelling of the Cinderella fairytale will appeal to fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Karina Halle, and Raven Kennedy. It's a fantasy romance novella with a love triangle and frequent spicy scenes in addition to a compelling plot. This ebook includes all available bonus chapters. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
This spicy romantasy retelling of the Cinderella fairytale will appeal to fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Karina Halle, and Raven Kennedy. It's a fantasy romance novella with a love triangle and frequent spicy scenes in addition to a compelling plot. This ebook includes all available bonus chapters. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
305 pages, Hardcover
Published December 2, 2024
63 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,918 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 4, 2025
This is a new author to me, and I really really enjoyed this! And I'm not sure if I should even review it with all the spoilers because it's worth it just to read it and be surprised =D It was well written without weird typos (so annoying), funny characters, and great twist to a the OG Cinderella story (i.e. poor orphaned girl who has to overcome obstacles to get her hea).
If you read it and need a spoiler, I'll help ya as much as I can since I'll probably remember 3% of it after today haha.
I enjoyed it! and the cinnamon buns!
If you read it and need a spoiler, I'll help ya as much as I can since I'll probably remember 3% of it after today haha.
I enjoyed it! and the cinnamon buns!
February 17, 2025
Quite an enjoyable read! I liked the twists and I'm intrigued to know if another character in this book will be getting his own story...
January 5, 2025
There is no better way to start my 2025 reading journey then with some fun and fiery fantasy from one of my favorites, the queen of fairytale retellings herself Rebecca F. Kenney! And she did not disappoint with her latest novella, The Midnight King, a spicy take on the Cinderella story we all love but with incredible new twists.
In The Midnight King, we meet Celinda, whose life has been one of torment and trauma at the hands of her stepmother, who has employed dark magic to keep Celinda under her thumb. However, this Cinderella has had enough and is determined to reclaim her power and freedom, no matter what the cost and what has to be sacrificed to achieve it. As always, Kenney does an incredible job of bringing to life a character who is complex and imperfect and in their struggles makes you feel all the more connected to them.
Years of pain have made Celinda build a tough exterior and she harbors a tremendous lack of trust in others, having had to be self-reliant for so many years. However, soon the walls she's built to protect herself are under attack from a very flirty, teasing and yet super sweet fairie godfather, Killian. He has come to help Celinda in her quest to gain her freedom by gaining the favor of the kingdom's prince. Of course, things don't go to plan when Celinda finds herself instantly drawn to the silver-fox King, who ignites a passion she has never allowed herself to explore.
As the time for Celinda to make her final move approaches, she finds herself torn and battling a series of complex emotions, especially when it comes to the King who has inflamed her desires and the fairie godfather who has touched her heart. I cannot tell you how much I ADORED the banter between Celinda and Killian. It was off the charts and had me smiling and laughing just as much as it had me swooning. Killian is just the kind of MMC who works his way into your heart and doesn't let go. The moment when these two share their names with each was such an honest and beautiful scene. And cinnamon buns....I don't think I'll ever be able to look them at them the same way. Oh, and for those who have read Kenney's Wicked Darling's series, there is some really wonderful ties to that world which I absolutely loved.
I'm still in awe that this was a novella because of how much Kenney was able to create in terms of character depth, fast paced action and a romance that had plenty of heat and intimacy. I found myself wishing that it never ended and absolutely kicking my feet with some of the most sweet and tender moments. Celinda's journey to claim her agency and to open herself up to the power of love is such an incredible message and Kenney did it an incredibly approachable yet poignant way. She also accomplished a feat that I thought no other would, she made me like a love triangle!
If you are looking for a quick fantasy read that has lots of heart and heat to kick off the New Year, then look no further than The Midnight King from Rebecca Kenney!
In The Midnight King, we meet Celinda, whose life has been one of torment and trauma at the hands of her stepmother, who has employed dark magic to keep Celinda under her thumb. However, this Cinderella has had enough and is determined to reclaim her power and freedom, no matter what the cost and what has to be sacrificed to achieve it. As always, Kenney does an incredible job of bringing to life a character who is complex and imperfect and in their struggles makes you feel all the more connected to them.
Years of pain have made Celinda build a tough exterior and she harbors a tremendous lack of trust in others, having had to be self-reliant for so many years. However, soon the walls she's built to protect herself are under attack from a very flirty, teasing and yet super sweet fairie godfather, Killian. He has come to help Celinda in her quest to gain her freedom by gaining the favor of the kingdom's prince. Of course, things don't go to plan when Celinda finds herself instantly drawn to the silver-fox King, who ignites a passion she has never allowed herself to explore.
As the time for Celinda to make her final move approaches, she finds herself torn and battling a series of complex emotions, especially when it comes to the King who has inflamed her desires and the fairie godfather who has touched her heart. I cannot tell you how much I ADORED the banter between Celinda and Killian. It was off the charts and had me smiling and laughing just as much as it had me swooning. Killian is just the kind of MMC who works his way into your heart and doesn't let go. The moment when these two share their names with each was such an honest and beautiful scene. And cinnamon buns....I don't think I'll ever be able to look them at them the same way. Oh, and for those who have read Kenney's Wicked Darling's series, there is some really wonderful ties to that world which I absolutely loved.
I'm still in awe that this was a novella because of how much Kenney was able to create in terms of character depth, fast paced action and a romance that had plenty of heat and intimacy. I found myself wishing that it never ended and absolutely kicking my feet with some of the most sweet and tender moments. Celinda's journey to claim her agency and to open herself up to the power of love is such an incredible message and Kenney did it an incredibly approachable yet poignant way. She also accomplished a feat that I thought no other would, she made me like a love triangle!
If you are looking for a quick fantasy read that has lots of heart and heat to kick off the New Year, then look no further than The Midnight King from Rebecca Kenney!
December 31, 2024
Do you like reading retellings?
I like it very much and fortunately, one of my favourite authors is specialized in romantasy retellings. As a part of my New Year resolutions to read more in English, I decided to read a Cinderella retelling which I got from Rebecca F. Kenney in her newsletter as a Christmas present 🎄
👠 CINDERELLA RETELLING - the plot begins the same as in the original version - Celinda is bullied by a step-mother and step-sisters, but what's more, she is trapped by a magic bracelet on her ankle which forces her to be obedient to her step-mother. When the prince sends invitations to his ball where he wants to find a perfect bride, Celinda is rescued by a mysterious Fae who she summoned thanks to her tears and magic keepsake from her passed-away father.
💘 AGE GAP - what I like the most about this book is the age-gap relationship. I'm not a huge fan of dark romances, so I'm not used to this kind of thing but I have never assumed that I will come to like it! Celinda has an affair with a man who could be her father but the chemistry between them is so good! The author's writing style is phenomenal when it comes to quick, intense romances (and very spicy so her books are a little bit a guilty pleasure for me 😅).
The version that I read from the newsletter doesn't have a few chapters from Killian's POV, so it counts nearly 200 pages but I haven't felt that the plot is too quick. Okay, it was a bit quick, but in a good way if you know what I mean 😅 After reading "The Throne of Broken Gods" (it counts 900 pages!) I needed something shorter 🤣
I recommend this book to everyone who likes to intense action and a lot of (spicy) romance ❤️🔥
I like it very much and fortunately, one of my favourite authors is specialized in romantasy retellings. As a part of my New Year resolutions to read more in English, I decided to read a Cinderella retelling which I got from Rebecca F. Kenney in her newsletter as a Christmas present 🎄
👠 CINDERELLA RETELLING - the plot begins the same as in the original version - Celinda is bullied by a step-mother and step-sisters, but what's more, she is trapped by a magic bracelet on her ankle which forces her to be obedient to her step-mother. When the prince sends invitations to his ball where he wants to find a perfect bride, Celinda is rescued by a mysterious Fae who she summoned thanks to her tears and magic keepsake from her passed-away father.
💘 AGE GAP - what I like the most about this book is the age-gap relationship. I'm not a huge fan of dark romances, so I'm not used to this kind of thing but I have never assumed that I will come to like it! Celinda has an affair with a man who could be her father but the chemistry between them is so good! The author's writing style is phenomenal when it comes to quick, intense romances (and very spicy so her books are a little bit a guilty pleasure for me 😅).
The version that I read from the newsletter doesn't have a few chapters from Killian's POV, so it counts nearly 200 pages but I haven't felt that the plot is too quick. Okay, it was a bit quick, but in a good way if you know what I mean 😅 After reading "The Throne of Broken Gods" (it counts 900 pages!) I needed something shorter 🤣
I recommend this book to everyone who likes to intense action and a lot of (spicy) romance ❤️🔥
July 16, 2025
I think when people blast SJM fans for reading fairy smut, they’re thinking it’s something like this book. Which is really just.. fairy smut, sprinkled with some extra vanilla icing. 🧁
It’s dark - quite a bit darker than I anticipated, so make sure to check trigger warnings. It’s a fun time though, peak fairy smut reading, and the author is a wonderful person. 👑
It’s dark - quite a bit darker than I anticipated, so make sure to check trigger warnings. It’s a fun time though, peak fairy smut reading, and the author is a wonderful person. 👑
December 22, 2025
One of my favorites of hers hands down! TWO twists, I’m on the floor. I love Cinderella and I loved this retelling.
January 23, 2025
Bound by a mysterious magic anklet, Celinda is at the beck and call of her stepmother. She is unable to refuse any command given to her. When the crown prince announces that he will be holding several days of festivities in his search for a wife, Celinda has no hope of attending until a family heirloom summons a handsome and mysterious fairy godfather who promises to help her. At the palace, she finds herself drawn to the king rather than the prince. But the ever-present threat her stepmother poses continues to loom in Celinda’s mind even as she begins to explore freedom for the first time.
This was a Cinderella retelling with a dark tone that puts it somewhere between the Brothers Grimm and Disney. I liked the main character and thought that she was a decently realistic depiction of what someone in an actual Cinderella situation might be like. The love interests were a bit less developed than in other books by the author, but I liked them regardless and found them compelling. The writing itself balanced dialogue, description, and inner monologue well, and though I found the first 20% or so a little bit slow, it picked up soon after and did not slow down again for the duration.
Though I won’t get into details for spoiler reasons, I quite enjoyed the character cameos in the book and I found the ending to be extremely satisfying. I like that the author isn’t afraid to push boundaries and really highlight how messed up classic fairytales can (and often do) get. As with all of the other books I’ve reviewed from this author, this one has plenty of wild and less than conventional aspects to its spicy scenes. Shoutout to the, ahem, cinnamon roll “icing”... Honestly at this point whenever I open an RFK book I’m just happy to be along for the ride and see where it takes me because I’ve yet to be disappointed.
5/5 A delightfully wicked Cinderella retelling.
This was a Cinderella retelling with a dark tone that puts it somewhere between the Brothers Grimm and Disney. I liked the main character and thought that she was a decently realistic depiction of what someone in an actual Cinderella situation might be like. The love interests were a bit less developed than in other books by the author, but I liked them regardless and found them compelling. The writing itself balanced dialogue, description, and inner monologue well, and though I found the first 20% or so a little bit slow, it picked up soon after and did not slow down again for the duration.
Though I won’t get into details for spoiler reasons, I quite enjoyed the character cameos in the book and I found the ending to be extremely satisfying. I like that the author isn’t afraid to push boundaries and really highlight how messed up classic fairytales can (and often do) get. As with all of the other books I’ve reviewed from this author, this one has plenty of wild and less than conventional aspects to its spicy scenes. Shoutout to the, ahem, cinnamon roll “icing”... Honestly at this point whenever I open an RFK book I’m just happy to be along for the ride and see where it takes me because I’ve yet to be disappointed.
5/5 A delightfully wicked Cinderella retelling.
April 4, 2025
If you love the taste of vanilla and Faerie godfathers, this book is for you! 💙🧁
This was such a fun spin on Cinderella’s story! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down! (sorry friend who was doing a buddy read with me, I couldn’t resist)
I’m amazed at the creativity of this plot and how it kept me guessing along the way! Per usual, the POV bonus chapters were fantastic! Those chapters also set up for a Snow White retelling I think/hope? 🤞🏼
I also always love some good character crossovers and this book had many! I recommend at minimum reading A Court of Sugar and Spice before reading this book! It’s not necessary but might make you love the MMC even more, if that’s even possible!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was such a fun spin on Cinderella’s story! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down! (sorry friend who was doing a buddy read with me, I couldn’t resist)
I’m amazed at the creativity of this plot and how it kept me guessing along the way! Per usual, the POV bonus chapters were fantastic! Those chapters also set up for a Snow White retelling I think/hope? 🤞🏼
I also always love some good character crossovers and this book had many! I recommend at minimum reading A Court of Sugar and Spice before reading this book! It’s not necessary but might make you love the MMC even more, if that’s even possible!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
December 6, 2024
➸ 𝖇𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 ღ
𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘:
Rebecca is, and always will be, one of my go to auto-read authors. If she writes it, I'm reading it. Period. I've never read a book yet by her that I didn't absolutely adore. She weaves such brilliant fairytales with interesting characters and I love in her retellings she always has such unique spins/twists on classic stories. With all that being said, it was about time she did a Cinderella one!
This is, unfortunately for me, a novella but, even still it packed quite the punch. What can I say, I'm greedy and especially with Rebecca's writing I just want MORE MORE MORE. Still, I absolutely adored this. It follows Celinda who is not your typical Cinderella in that she's honestly kind of mean and bitchy in her own way. And honestly? I can't even blame her. She's got a magical band on her leg that causes her to obey her stepmother no matter what and after 17 years of it, she's fed up. She has severe trust issues, she's got no friends, no one to love her, she's lonely and has very little to her name. So when she devises a plan to get away and it comes at the cost of someone else having to wear the band - she doesn't think twice about it and when she meets our fairy godmother - who is actually a fairy godFATHER in this one - she's not very nice to him either. However, despite all this we do learn she actually does have a good heart under there and she's not as cold as she pretends. She grows quite a bit in the short time we get to be with her.
As for the fairy godfather, the moment we meet Killian I was head over heels for him. He's sassy but, you can tell off the bat he has a bleeding heart and just wants to help people. He falls VERY quickly for Celinda and VERY hard. However, Celinda also catches the eye of the King - yes the KING, not the Prince. She befriends the Prince but, she's more interested in his silver foxed daddy. So our girl is torn between two men who she realizes she really can't be with regardless because no matter how hard she searches for a way to be rid of this magical band - she's finding no way out and she knows her stepmother will never allow her freedom. As for the King, I did enjoy how he was so willing to just go with whatever Celinda wanted despite him being older and more powerful than her. He let her take the reigns in their relationship and whew the scene where he lets her step on him. I was blushing!
I don't want to go into too much details on the love triangle cause it'll give things away but, it was perfectly done. I promise, if you don't typically like love triangles - you'll be fine. Read it! It's worth it. Especially if you love Rebecca or Cinderella retellings.
I'm not sure how obvious one of the twists was supposed to be but, I honestly picked up on it pretty quickly but, I was still surprised by the WHY/HOW of it. However, we were teased that a certain Sugar Plum Faerie would be making an appearance and that he is related to Killian and I was absolutely FLOORED by that reveal.
𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘:
Ღ ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ
Ღ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀʙᴇɴᴛ ꜰᴀɪʀʏ ɢᴏᴅᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
Ღ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴛʀɪᴀɴɢʟᴇ (ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ꜱɪʟᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴏx ᴋɪɴɢ & ꜰᴀɪʀʏ ɢᴏᴅꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ)
Ღ "ꜱᴛᴇᴘ ᴏɴ ᴍᴇ"
Ღ ʜɪꜱ "ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ" ʜᴀꜱ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀᴛɪᴇꜱ
Ღ ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏʟʟꜱ (ɪʏᴋʏᴋ)
Ღ ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ & ʜᴀʀᴅ
Ღ 'ᴡɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢꜱ' ᴄᴀᴍᴇᴏ
Ღ ʀᴏʏᴀʟ ʙᴀʟʟꜱ
𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖘:
⭐: 𝟒/𝟓
🌶️: 𝟑.𝟓/𝟓
𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘:
Rebecca is, and always will be, one of my go to auto-read authors. If she writes it, I'm reading it. Period. I've never read a book yet by her that I didn't absolutely adore. She weaves such brilliant fairytales with interesting characters and I love in her retellings she always has such unique spins/twists on classic stories. With all that being said, it was about time she did a Cinderella one!
This is, unfortunately for me, a novella but, even still it packed quite the punch. What can I say, I'm greedy and especially with Rebecca's writing I just want MORE MORE MORE. Still, I absolutely adored this. It follows Celinda who is not your typical Cinderella in that she's honestly kind of mean and bitchy in her own way. And honestly? I can't even blame her. She's got a magical band on her leg that causes her to obey her stepmother no matter what and after 17 years of it, she's fed up. She has severe trust issues, she's got no friends, no one to love her, she's lonely and has very little to her name. So when she devises a plan to get away and it comes at the cost of someone else having to wear the band - she doesn't think twice about it and when she meets our fairy godmother - who is actually a fairy godFATHER in this one - she's not very nice to him either. However, despite all this we do learn she actually does have a good heart under there and she's not as cold as she pretends. She grows quite a bit in the short time we get to be with her.
As for the fairy godfather, the moment we meet Killian I was head over heels for him. He's sassy but, you can tell off the bat he has a bleeding heart and just wants to help people. He falls VERY quickly for Celinda and VERY hard. However, Celinda also catches the eye of the King - yes the KING, not the Prince. She befriends the Prince but, she's more interested in his silver foxed daddy. So our girl is torn between two men who she realizes she really can't be with regardless because no matter how hard she searches for a way to be rid of this magical band - she's finding no way out and she knows her stepmother will never allow her freedom. As for the King, I did enjoy how he was so willing to just go with whatever Celinda wanted despite him being older and more powerful than her. He let her take the reigns in their relationship and whew the scene where he lets her step on him. I was blushing!
I don't want to go into too much details on the love triangle cause it'll give things away but, it was perfectly done. I promise, if you don't typically like love triangles - you'll be fine. Read it! It's worth it. Especially if you love Rebecca or Cinderella retellings.
I'm not sure how obvious one of the twists was supposed to be but, I honestly picked up on it pretty quickly but, I was still surprised by the WHY/HOW of it. However, we were teased that a certain Sugar Plum Faerie would be making an appearance and that he is related to Killian and I was absolutely FLOORED by that reveal.
𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘:
Ღ ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ
Ღ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀʙᴇɴᴛ ꜰᴀɪʀʏ ɢᴏᴅᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
Ღ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴛʀɪᴀɴɢʟᴇ (ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ꜱɪʟᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴏx ᴋɪɴɢ & ꜰᴀɪʀʏ ɢᴏᴅꜰᴀᴛʜᴇʀ)
Ღ "ꜱᴛᴇᴘ ᴏɴ ᴍᴇ"
Ღ ʜɪꜱ "ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ" ʜᴀꜱ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀᴛɪᴇꜱ
Ღ ᴄɪɴɴᴀᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏʟʟꜱ (ɪʏᴋʏᴋ)
Ღ ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ & ʜᴀʀᴅ
Ღ 'ᴡɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴅᴀʀʟɪɴɢꜱ' ᴄᴀᴍᴇᴏ
Ღ ʀᴏʏᴀʟ ʙᴀʟʟꜱ
𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖘:
⭐: 𝟒/𝟓
🌶️: 𝟑.𝟓/𝟓
December 4, 2025
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 4/5
Narrator: no audiobook ☹
Cliffhanger: 0/5
Spice: 4/5
Narrator: no audiobook ☹
Cliffhanger: 0/5
I just adore Rebecca F. Kenney’s Beloved Villian collection, every last one. If only they were on audiobook! Ugh. It’s my only complaint. All four I’ve read hit the perfect balance of romance, character development, spice, and clever plot. This was no different. She managed to make the overdone Cinderella story feel fresh and exciting.
Celinda was 9 when she realizes her father had been trapped into marriage with her evil (and she is really really evil) stepmother, when she finds him dead after cutting off his own foot. The Stepmother takes the anklet that enslaved her father and puts it on Celinda and for the next 16 years she is magically forced to do everything her stepmother tells her to do. And the Stepmother is a full on sadist.
When the Crown Prince invites every unmarried young woman in the kingdom to a week of balls to find a wife, Celinda sees it as an opportunity to sneak into the royal library and find a way to get the anklet off. She even convinces her stepmother to allow her to go, but when the dress she stays up all night working on is ruined she cries on an old pocket watch of her father’s, summoning her faerie godfather (from the same Fae Realm as the Wicked Darlings series). The “godfather” is, of course, young and handsome and a secret cinnamon roll. He helps Celinda though she is very wary of magic since it has ruined her life.
The love interest in this is not the prince. It’s the faerie godfather…and the king. She has a spicy relationship with both men. Celinda is a bit overcome with her first taste of freedom and making her own choices with her body. If the idea of your FMC sleeping with two men bothers you and you’re thinking of skipping this because of that, read this spoiler first (don’t read if you want the full twisty experience).
I love Celinda. I love that she is so full of impotent rage that she is going to explode and that she has tried every single thing she possibly could to escape her situation. I also love that when it matters she makes the right decisions. Killian, the godfaerie, is the sweetest nicest man in the world and everyone deserves a guy like him.
Cautions: I already cautioned you about the love triangle. As you can surmise this is pretty spicy (not on Wicked Darlings level but kinky). There is a good amount of swearing and talking about spicy things in regular conversations. This is a universe where sexual energy has healing powers and that is used in many creative ways. There is one scene where spice happens when one participant is very badly injured.
I loved this book. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys Rebecca F Kenney. Her spice and humor isn’t for everyone, but for those of you who are into it, this is one of her best.
June 22, 2025
I’m a bit picky on my fairytale retellings. What I usually want is some new twist, not just a rehash with a new coat of paint.
I’m happy to report that this book has a fantastic twist that I really enjoyed! Here, our Cinderella, named Celinda, is bound—literally—to do the bidding of her evil stepmother (very real Ella Enchanted vibes) by a magical anklet.
Her tears at her unbreakable situation summon a fairy godFATHER. Yep, a really hot, magical fairy man is her godfather giving some real Jareth (Labyrinth) vibes but with purple hair. Killian is not wicked, though, he’s actually a real softy. I LOVED him.
Then the plot zips us along to where Celinda gets to attend 5 balls at the royal palace, but instead of being charmed by the prince, she catches the eye of his silver fox dad the king. They share a lot of bold moments alone in the castle while the party rages on elsewhere.
So, I can’t really say more because this book has a pretty big twist and some major spoilers. There are also characters from a previous book that make an appearance, which means I’ll have to now read THAT book as I’m beyond intrigued.
Trope wise I’m ok with the love triangle (I literally NEVER say that, but you'll see). The spice, while VERY high, workes as well because Celinda was in the driver’s seat about what she wanted (no shy virgin being taken advantage of here). There’s even a scene with a cinnamon roll that caught me off guard. IYKYK.
Anyhoo, there was some insta-love happening and not as much relationship building, but since this sits within the realm of a fairy tale, which is always about insta-love, insta-plot and insta-lessons, I give it a pass.
A good read if you want a steamy Cinderella story with some dark undertones.
I’m happy to report that this book has a fantastic twist that I really enjoyed! Here, our Cinderella, named Celinda, is bound—literally—to do the bidding of her evil stepmother (very real Ella Enchanted vibes) by a magical anklet.
Her tears at her unbreakable situation summon a fairy godFATHER. Yep, a really hot, magical fairy man is her godfather giving some real Jareth (Labyrinth) vibes but with purple hair. Killian is not wicked, though, he’s actually a real softy. I LOVED him.
Then the plot zips us along to where Celinda gets to attend 5 balls at the royal palace, but instead of being charmed by the prince, she catches the eye of his silver fox dad the king. They share a lot of bold moments alone in the castle while the party rages on elsewhere.
So, I can’t really say more because this book has a pretty big twist and some major spoilers. There are also characters from a previous book that make an appearance, which means I’ll have to now read THAT book as I’m beyond intrigued.
Trope wise I’m ok with the love triangle (I literally NEVER say that, but you'll see). The spice, while VERY high, workes as well because Celinda was in the driver’s seat about what she wanted (no shy virgin being taken advantage of here). There’s even a scene with a cinnamon roll that caught me off guard. IYKYK.
Anyhoo, there was some insta-love happening and not as much relationship building, but since this sits within the realm of a fairy tale, which is always about insta-love, insta-plot and insta-lessons, I give it a pass.
A good read if you want a steamy Cinderella story with some dark undertones.
December 5, 2024
Spoiler Free
The Midnight King takes place in the same world as Kenney’s A Court of Sugar and Spice. I’ve only read the first book in that series but a few of those characters do make an appearance here, primarily Fin and Clara’s son. Fin and Clara were my favorites in A Court of Sugar and Spice and I loved their son just as much. He is such a cinnamon roll… and if you’ve read this story, you’ll understand why that description is true and also hilarious😉
As for Celinda, I also enjoyed her character but she could be abrasive. I understand that’s how she’s meant to be and why she was that way, though. I will say, and this is just a personal pet peeve, I did get annoyed with the word fu** being used so much. It’s not that I have an issue with the word itself but it didn’t seem to fit the fantasy/historical-ish setting. It never seemed to flow with the way the characters usually spoke. This was just a minor annoyance, though, and it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment.
As for the story, this was one of the most unique Cinderella retellings I’ve read. You could tell that it was based off that story but Kenney really added her own spin to it. I really liked it and I always enjoy the worlds Kenney creates. I also always enjoy the way she writes romance and this one was the perfect amount of sweet and spicy.
If you’re looking for a quick read with fairytale vibes and spice, this is the one for you.
The Midnight King takes place in the same world as Kenney’s A Court of Sugar and Spice. I’ve only read the first book in that series but a few of those characters do make an appearance here, primarily Fin and Clara’s son. Fin and Clara were my favorites in A Court of Sugar and Spice and I loved their son just as much. He is such a cinnamon roll… and if you’ve read this story, you’ll understand why that description is true and also hilarious😉
As for Celinda, I also enjoyed her character but she could be abrasive. I understand that’s how she’s meant to be and why she was that way, though. I will say, and this is just a personal pet peeve, I did get annoyed with the word fu** being used so much. It’s not that I have an issue with the word itself but it didn’t seem to fit the fantasy/historical-ish setting. It never seemed to flow with the way the characters usually spoke. This was just a minor annoyance, though, and it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment.
As for the story, this was one of the most unique Cinderella retellings I’ve read. You could tell that it was based off that story but Kenney really added her own spin to it. I really liked it and I always enjoy the worlds Kenney creates. I also always enjoy the way she writes romance and this one was the perfect amount of sweet and spicy.
If you’re looking for a quick read with fairytale vibes and spice, this is the one for you.
December 4, 2024
4.5 stars for Novella version
A different take on Cinderella where she has a fairy godfather who seems to be a fan of haute couture. (He also has a bit of a problem with shoes) The Prince seeks Celinda out the minute she shows up to the ball(s) There are five balls in this version and a lavish reception on day six to reveal his choice of bride.
Celinda's stepmother takes evil to a whole new level that I don’t think Walt Disney could have ever pulled off. There is a magic slave anklet which had caused her father’s death before Celinda inherited it. She and Killian, the godfather, make several attempts to remove it with zero success.
The stepsisters are your basic spoiled bitches who don’t give a thought to anything or anybody beyond their own desires. One is especially jealous of the Prince’s attraction to Celinda.
Celinda sneaks into the royal library hoping to find information on how to remove the anklet. She meets the King and he is happy to accommodate her request to be deflowered. They have several trysts and she can’t decide if she prefers the King or Killian. She also admires the Prince and does not want her stepmother to manipulate him using the anklet after their sham marriage.
I was never bored during this retelling and don’t feel that I’m giving anything away by saying it has a HEA. It is a fairy tale. I probably will read the entire book when it’s published.
A different take on Cinderella where she has a fairy godfather who seems to be a fan of haute couture. (He also has a bit of a problem with shoes) The Prince seeks Celinda out the minute she shows up to the ball(s) There are five balls in this version and a lavish reception on day six to reveal his choice of bride.
Celinda's stepmother takes evil to a whole new level that I don’t think Walt Disney could have ever pulled off. There is a magic slave anklet which had caused her father’s death before Celinda inherited it. She and Killian, the godfather, make several attempts to remove it with zero success.
The stepsisters are your basic spoiled bitches who don’t give a thought to anything or anybody beyond their own desires. One is especially jealous of the Prince’s attraction to Celinda.
Celinda sneaks into the royal library hoping to find information on how to remove the anklet. She meets the King and he is happy to accommodate her request to be deflowered. They have several trysts and she can’t decide if she prefers the King or Killian. She also admires the Prince and does not want her stepmother to manipulate him using the anklet after their sham marriage.
I was never bored during this retelling and don’t feel that I’m giving anything away by saying it has a HEA. It is a fairy tale. I probably will read the entire book when it’s published.
December 27, 2024
Celinda is a character who captures the heart and imagination from the moment she appears. Her strength and relatability make her an instant favorite, drawing readers into her journey with effortless charm. Despite her growing feelings, Celinda faces an unrelenting obstacle: a magical band that binds her to her situation. Her search for freedom is unfruitful, and she knows her stepmother will never permit her liberation. This magical constraint adds a layer of tension and urgency to her story, as she strives to navigate her tangled web of emotions and circumstances. The magic within this tale is a vibrant tapestry of enchantment and fear, surpassing even the classic narratives we thought we knew. It captivates with its beauty while simultaneously evoking a sense of awe and trepidation. This duality adds depth to the story, making it both mesmerizing and thrilling. Celinda's tale, as written by Rebecca, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what makes fairytales magical. It's a story that enchants and empowers, leaving readers eagerly awaiting whatever Rebecca will write next.
January 5, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️☆ (4/5)
The Midnight King is a steamy, magical masterpiece and a Cinderella retelling done right. As a Disney girly who loves everything magical, this book felt like it was made for me! While it draws inspiration from the original fairy tale, it’s not a straightforward retelling. Instead, it reimagines the story in fresh and exciting ways, creating something both nostalgic and new.
The banter between the main characters was sharp and witty, and the flirtation was electrifying. Every interaction crackled with chemistry, making it impossible to put down. Rebecca F. Kenney masterfully blended a rich fantasy world with a romance that was equal parts playful and passionate.
The characters were dynamic, the tension was palpable, and the romance hit all the right notes. The fairy tale elements added a layer of enchantment, while the spicy moments kept things thrilling.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you love magical retellings with steamy romance, dynamic characters, and plenty of charm, this book is an absolute must-read. I adored every moment and can’t wait to dive into more of Rebecca F. Kenney’s work!
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️☆ (4/5)
The Midnight King is a steamy, magical masterpiece and a Cinderella retelling done right. As a Disney girly who loves everything magical, this book felt like it was made for me! While it draws inspiration from the original fairy tale, it’s not a straightforward retelling. Instead, it reimagines the story in fresh and exciting ways, creating something both nostalgic and new.
The banter between the main characters was sharp and witty, and the flirtation was electrifying. Every interaction crackled with chemistry, making it impossible to put down. Rebecca F. Kenney masterfully blended a rich fantasy world with a romance that was equal parts playful and passionate.
The characters were dynamic, the tension was palpable, and the romance hit all the right notes. The fairy tale elements added a layer of enchantment, while the spicy moments kept things thrilling.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you love magical retellings with steamy romance, dynamic characters, and plenty of charm, this book is an absolute must-read. I adored every moment and can’t wait to dive into more of Rebecca F. Kenney’s work!
December 4, 2024
I don't read many Cinderella retellings, mainly because I've read the original folktales too many times (I nearly did an honors thesis on them in college). However, I know any Rebecca Kenney book is going to be excellent and bring some thrilling and meaningful twists to the story I think I know, and this one did not disappoint! Celinda is such a strong, relatable heroine that I found myself rooting for immediately, and the magic in the tale is both more frightening and more enchanting than in the original one. I'm not typically a fan of love triangles (I mean, I *really* avoid them), but I ended up loving this one! I really, really loved it, and that's all I can say without giving spoilers.
Did I mention this is a novella? You can easily read it in one sitting if you have the time (or the inclination to stay up too late, as I did). And you will want to keep reading! :)
Did I mention this is a novella? You can easily read it in one sitting if you have the time (or the inclination to stay up too late, as I did). And you will want to keep reading! :)
December 21, 2024
3,5 stars.
This was enjoyable. Especially the last part of the book picked up a lot. If you love a pathetic man, like me, you will love Killian. His dynamic with Celinda was very cute and unique. I would definitely recommend reading this after A Court of Sugar and Spice though.
I saw the big plot twist coming before I even started the book because of something the author posted on her instagram. So if you want to be completely surprised by it, don’t check out the content about this book too closely. There’s also bonus content of Killian’s POV if you buy the e-book or physical copy (I got it through the author‘s newsletter) and I may need to purchase it because he is just such a good male character for this genre.
This was enjoyable. Especially the last part of the book picked up a lot. If you love a pathetic man, like me, you will love Killian. His dynamic with Celinda was very cute and unique. I would definitely recommend reading this after A Court of Sugar and Spice though.
I saw the big plot twist coming before I even started the book because of something the author posted on her instagram. So if you want to be completely surprised by it, don’t check out the content about this book too closely. There’s also bonus content of Killian’s POV if you buy the e-book or physical copy (I got it through the author‘s newsletter) and I may need to purchase it because he is just such a good male character for this genre.
May 21, 2025
Read the newsletter version of this book in one sitting!
This was a delightful retelling of Cinderella and I loved the introduction of a magical reason binding Celinda to her house and chores - it gave her the space to be bold while still trapping her in the traditional Cinderella tale. Celinda was definitely no damsel in distress, and I loved her attempts to try to free herself which often made her seem a bit rude/uncaring. Although, this makes sense considering how she has been trapped for the last 17 years!
I do think sometimes the name-calling at Killian sounded a bit juvenile/out of place in the conversation, although her trust issues/every man for themself attitude makes this understandable.
This was a delightful retelling of Cinderella and I loved the introduction of a magical reason binding Celinda to her house and chores - it gave her the space to be bold while still trapping her in the traditional Cinderella tale. Celinda was definitely no damsel in distress, and I loved her attempts to try to free herself which often made her seem a bit rude/uncaring. Although, this makes sense considering how she has been trapped for the last 17 years!
I do think sometimes the name-calling at Killian sounded a bit juvenile/out of place in the conversation, although her trust issues/every man for themself attitude makes this understandable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
The fact that I read it all means it was worth at least two stars, but otherwise, it was with much effort. For a fairytale, the language is entirely modern, which is regularly jarring. The author also does this strange thing where a problem arises and the magical solution is immediately offered. It's hard to describe, but even though the magic "system" isn't outrageous, she gives the information in a way that makes it sound like she's making it up as she goes. On one hand, it means that the story is always moving forward, but it also feels a little like when you're a kid playing pretend with your friends, just deciding on the spot what will happen next. The plot may have been better served by a 3rd person POV. The almost juvenile tone also makes the sexy scenes weird.
January 22, 2025
4 STARS ✨
rating criteria below.
Rebecca F. Kenney will always be iconic to me, I adore her writing and storytelling
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
rating criteria below.
Rebecca F. Kenney will always be iconic to me, I adore her writing and storytelling
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
February 25, 2025
“This isn’t atonement. This is depraved obsession, abject devotion, and consuming passion.”
My breath catches as I realize what he’s saying.
So this is love. It’s far more dangerous than I imagined.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
“Any assassin who came after me would have a fight on their hands.”
“Is that so? You think you could take me?”
“Sweetheart, I’ll take you anytime you want.”
LOVED the crossover with The Wicked Darlings series! 🥰
"My darling, the things you could do with that vast well of compassion, if only you were given the chance to use it."
My breath catches as I realize what he’s saying.
So this is love. It’s far more dangerous than I imagined.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
“Any assassin who came after me would have a fight on their hands.”
“Is that so? You think you could take me?”
“Sweetheart, I’ll take you anytime you want.”
LOVED the crossover with The Wicked Darlings series! 🥰
"My darling, the things you could do with that vast well of compassion, if only you were given the chance to use it."
December 6, 2024
What a WONDERFUL addition to the Wicked Darlings universe. This was such a great little read and so cool to see it connected to A Court of Sugar and Spice. You can read this on its own, but definitely more fun if you've read the other Wicked Darling books.
This was a sinfully fae themed retelling of Cinderella with all the wicked antics expected from a Rebecca Kenney book. Treat yourself and indulge in this fast paced whirlwind story.
This story is for the PDA girlies, those who seek control in their life, to choose what happens.
This was a sinfully fae themed retelling of Cinderella with all the wicked antics expected from a Rebecca Kenney book. Treat yourself and indulge in this fast paced whirlwind story.
This story is for the PDA girlies, those who seek control in their life, to choose what happens.
February 16, 2025
This was perfect 😍
I love the wicked darlings series and to see this crossover was perfect as well as the Easter egg teaser at the end 😉 🍎
I love getting to see some of my favorite characters as an adults and omg as parents 🥹 my heart was so full. I wondered why the MMC looked so familiar and I’m glad I was right but also to get hints at the future lives of other characters, I can not wait to see what’s next in this realm. Glad my favorite characters stayed their kinky baddie selves.
This was a far more fun version of Cinderella but also had slight Grimm version vibes and I loved it.
I love the wicked darlings series and to see this crossover was perfect as well as the Easter egg teaser at the end 😉 🍎
I love getting to see some of my favorite characters as an adults and omg as parents 🥹 my heart was so full. I wondered why the MMC looked so familiar and I’m glad I was right but also to get hints at the future lives of other characters, I can not wait to see what’s next in this realm. Glad my favorite characters stayed their kinky baddie selves.
This was a far more fun version of Cinderella but also had slight Grimm version vibes and I loved it.
March 11, 2025
✨Cinderella with a twist…✨
…Or several!🤩
~~~
This was such a fun read and definitely worth the purchase. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t go into detail, but the main characters are all amazing, the plot twists are 🤌🏼, and the lore captivating! This is my first book in the series, and I’m so excited to read the others.😍
~~~
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 🥵 steamy and explicit, but still in the realm of “normal” sex with p in v and oral and standard foreplay.
~~~
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 no complaints!😍
…Or several!🤩
~~~
This was such a fun read and definitely worth the purchase. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t go into detail, but the main characters are all amazing, the plot twists are 🤌🏼, and the lore captivating! This is my first book in the series, and I’m so excited to read the others.😍
~~~
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 🥵 steamy and explicit, but still in the realm of “normal” sex with p in v and oral and standard foreplay.
~~~
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 no complaints!😍
December 28, 2024
What a wild Cinderella retelling!
Not only are all the characters in some fashion snarky, sarcastic something or others, but the pace of this had me finished in 2 hours!
It is HOT!
Age Gap, Retelling, BDSM themes, Why Choose-Sorta, Fae Novella that kept me wanting more.
The only thing... I liked the King.
There was something about how he was written that I wanted more of. Who doesn’t love a confident silver fox of a man with a good sense of humor.
Loved it!
Not only are all the characters in some fashion snarky, sarcastic something or others, but the pace of this had me finished in 2 hours!
It is HOT!
Age Gap, Retelling, BDSM themes, Why Choose-Sorta, Fae Novella that kept me wanting more.
The only thing... I liked the King.
There was something about how he was written that I wanted more of. Who doesn’t love a confident silver fox of a man with a good sense of humor.
Loved it!
February 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up
I enjoyed the story, and I liked the main characters Killian and Celinda. I have to say that despite the trauma and abuse she had she from her stepmother she was strong willed. I liked her fight.
There were definitely some plot holes in this story and inconsistencies. I seriously thought they would have clued in that there was some magic going on with her. And the way they healed... It was funny.
Anyway, I would read more from this series and author.
I enjoyed the story, and I liked the main characters Killian and Celinda. I have to say that despite the trauma and abuse she had she from her stepmother she was strong willed. I liked her fight.
There were definitely some plot holes in this story and inconsistencies. I seriously thought they would have clued in that there was some magic going on with her. And the way they healed... It was funny.
Anyway, I would read more from this series and author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2025
“This isn’t atonement. This is depraved obsession, abject devotion, and consuming passion.” My breath catches as I realize what he’s saying. So this is love. It’s far more dangerous than I imagined.”
OMG I LOVED THIS RETELLING SO MUCH. Honestly I did not expect the twist and I was so happy with the revelation 🫶🏼 I also was so so SO excited that this book has a connection to the Wicked Darlings series🥹 Killian the man you are 😩
OMG I LOVED THIS RETELLING SO MUCH. Honestly I did not expect the twist and I was so happy with the revelation 🫶🏼 I also was so so SO excited that this book has a connection to the Wicked Darlings series🥹 Killian the man you are 😩
December 22, 2024
I'll forever rave about this author, these villain books are soooooo good! I just love the worlds she creates around these old tales. This book had great characters, a great plot, spice and a ton of fun twists to the Cinderella tale. My only complaint is that I couldn't reconcile the two MMC's in my mind. I enjoyed the King and wanted more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
I needed a book to get me out of my reading slump and this book did it. If you like spicy fantasy retelling, then pick this one up. Rebecca F. Kenney always does a good job putting her own twist in her retellings. I enjoyed the cameo by Finias and Clara. I hope we get a book featuring Una.
Tropes:
Genderbent faerie godmother
Age gap
Love triangle
Retelling
Tropes:
Genderbent faerie godmother
Age gap
Love triangle
Retelling
January 23, 2025
I never could connect with these characters. Celinda grated on my nerves. She had a hard life, but I thought she treated Killian pretty crappy through most of the book. I guessed the twist halfway through, but it was well executed. I liked how different it was from Cinderella but had a few of the same elements. You'll enjoy it if you like fae and spice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews