Swan Song

A Modern Fairytale #9

by Katy Regnery

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Katy Regnery comes a beloved collection of breathtaking romances based on the world's most well-known fairytales!

** SWAN SONG (The Ugly Duckling) **

Once upon a time, a swan egg rolled into a duck nest…

While visiting Washington, D.C., with his billionaire parents, four-year-old Ivan Stepanov is kidnapped from the National Zoo, vanishing without a trace.

Sold, abandoned, neglected and abused, “Vaughn” matures out of the American foster care system with little-to-no memory of who he is or where he came from. Eventually finding work as a janitor at the Kennedy Center, he starts to question if a life void of love, family and friendship is even worth living.

Ballerina Sasha Collins worked hard her entire life to earn a position in the esteemed corps of the Washington D.C. Ballet, which rehearses and performs at the Kennedy Center. Intrigued by the scruffy janitor who’s often reading Russian poetry, she offers him kindness on one of the darkest days of his life, giving him a reason to live.

As they fall desperately in love with one another, Vaughn and Sasha have no idea that their days together are finite. His birth family is growing closer and closer to finding him, a circumstance that will eventually tear them apart.

From the cherry blossomed avenues of Washington, D.C., to the snowy streets of Moscow, to the breathtaking beauty of London in the fall, these separated, star-crossed lovers will have to crisscross the globe to find each other again.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

A Modern Fairytale is a collection of contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast)
Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel)
Ginger's Heart (Little Red Riding Hood)
Dark Sexy Knight (Camelot)
Don't Speak (The Little Mermaid)
Shear Heaven (Rapunzel)
At First Sight (Aladdin)
Love is Never Lost (Rip Van Winkle)
Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) - Coming April 2025
Truly Madly Deeply (The Three Billy Goats Gruff) - Coming July 2025
Dreaming of You (Sleeping Beauty) - Coming October 2025
Bring Me Back (Peter Pan) - Coming December 2025

Note: These books can be read in any order, with the exception of Shear Heaven/At First Sight, AND Dreaming of You/Bring Me Back, which are duos.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Retellings, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance, Slow Burn

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 60 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.

Reviews

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in 2025—couldn’t put it down. Now to wipe my tears…
Love everything from this author.
5+ stars

[Wendy'sThoughts]

Update October 8, 2018
Now we have an Idea of this Regnery Tale...
She Twisted and Turned her Cinderella in Fragments of Ash Perfectly...
So why would she stop with the Ugly Duckling...

Don't focus on the usual Makeover of a Plain Girl...

Oh, No...

This is Regnery and She Knows what can be Alluring and Hot...
Muscles, Dark Deep Penetrating Eyes, Strong Arms and Hands...

Yes, Never Ignore the Man...
Who may have more than secrets hiding under his Coveralls...

Can not Wait till March 4th, 2019

September 25, 2018
Oh Katy Regnery...
How you have made Our Fairytales Come to Life...
You worked your Magic to all of them...

After Seven Enchanting re-tellings...
You are bringing us your interpretation...
Of The Ugly Duckling...

What a Perfect Ending of this series...
You could call it your...

Swan Song-March 4th 2019

The Vixen and the Vet (A Modern Fairytale Book #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Never Let You Go (A Modern Fairytale Book #2)
Ginger's Heart (A Modern Fairytale Book #3)
Dark Sexy Knight (A Modern Fairytale Book #4)
Don't Speak (A Modern Fairytale Book #5)
Shear Heaven (A Modern Fairytale Book #6)
Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale Book #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Swan Song (A Modern Fairytale Book #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely breathtaking story! And wow, did it deliver all the feels. I usually steer clear of angsty reads, so it’s been a while since I’ve experienced a romance with this level of emotional depth.





From the very first pages, I was captivated by the richly developed characters. I fell in love with them almost instantly and quickly became deeply invested in their lives and futures. I had no idea where the author was going to take me, and every twist along the way was unexpected, each one pulling at my heartstrings in a new way. The character development continues beautifully throughout the story, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.





While the steam level is low, the romance is tender and compelling. Watching this couple fall in love, through all the struggles and imperfections, was both moving and addictive. Their journey toward a happily ever after was anything but easy. There are definitely moments that feel dark or hint at questionable moral choices, but they add to the intensity of the story rather than taking away from the romance.





The ending, though, one of the most satisfying I’ve read in a long time. It reminded me just how powerful an emotionally rich, slightly angsty romance can be. I didn’t realize how much I missed this kind of story until now.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h is a virgin when she meets H;; H is not a manwhore when they meet; they do not have a sexual relations prior to separation of 5 years; both with others during that time; H a manwhore when they reunite; H with escort after he sees and speaks with h again but before they make any attempt at reconciling
Triggers plans of suicide; Abandonment; Sexual abuse; drug use; sex workers
Steam 1 /5; low steam throughout story; lightly explicit when sex happens

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Katy has done it again!!! She has me feeling all the emotions with this book! This love story is epic. They were definite soulmates driven apart by unforseen circumstances, heartbreak and insecurities...but true love always prevails. 5 incredible stars for this amazing story!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Carly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…just wow! This book had me feeling so much. Tingles of fear, tears of heartbreak and joy, and just so much happiness. I adore all of Regnery’s fairytale retellings, but this book felt special. I’ve waited for it, and it was so worth it.

Regnery is absolutely amazing at truly bringing characters in her stories to life, and in Swan Song, I was right there alongside Sasha and Vaughn. Their story is one of heartache, turmoil and a love that is tried and tested, but overall it’s a story of unwavering love, life lessons and perfect timing.

Vaughn is a janitor working at a theatre, and after a traumatic childhood, feels he has no purpose, or place in the world. But something about the beautiful ballet dancer Sasha, ignites a spark, a glimmer of hope, and all of a sudden his world and heart has meaning.

Their sweet romance blossoms and is cute and passionate and has all the makings of a real first love. But when Vaughn’s past returns to haunt him, their love is paused, broken, and some hard truths are brought to light.

Vaughn struggles with self identity, knowing his place in the world and sense of purpose. It’s a relatable theme, and when he tries to reinvent himself to fit in with a family he so desperately longs to be a part of, he loses a sense of what he had at his core. But a date in Paris, and a real look at himself, has him wanting to return to the beautiful man Sasha originally fell in love with.

The book is based around the story of the Ugly Duckling, and everything about Regnery’s words are powerful and beautiful. Her attention to detail, and small touches around the characters being Russian, and their language, make it all the more real and believable.

‘My rivers tilt towards you’, a heart that found its anchor. Vaughn is a beautifully broken character who you love unconditionally like Sasha. His story is one of pain which I found myself immersed in, but that pain is channeled into the most beautiful outcome.

This book is a story of so much love, hope, purpose and I know it’s a book that will hit readers in the heart, but also help those who perhaps can relate to some of the pain and topics of the story.

This is the perfect read for those who love real, passionate romances and those who love modern fairytale retellings.

Regnery, your stories are utter perfection, and you always remind me why you are one of my absolute favourite authors. Thank you for giving me a story which made me feel so much, think about life, but equally bring so much joy in seeing these characters get their perfect ending.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

had its ups and downs

I enjoyed this ugly duckling fairytale. It certainly had its ups and downs especially with Vaughn. I am happy with the way it turned out. True love wins every time.

[AC Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Katy Regnery came back with BIG BANG! This love story is something special. It’s a long time coming and it was so worth the wait. I went into it blind because I literally read everything from this author. It goes like this – Ivan was only 4 years old when he visited Washington D.C from Russia. Ivan was kidnapped and sold to a family. The family then abandoned Ivan and he was tossed between several foster care families for a decade. As an adult Ivan’s future seems dim – he is working a low paying job as a janitor at the Kennedy performing center with his foster father.
Sasha worked hard all her life to earn a spot with Washington D.C ballet. She dreams to be a principal dancer and travel the world someday. Sasha cannot be distracted but she couldn’t help but drawn to a broody janitor named Vaughn. They became friends and eventually fell madly in love. Unfortunately their days together was cut short when Vaughn found out his real identity. Vaughn’s world turned upside down in matter of minutes and sadly he spiraled and lost all contact with Sasha. Vaughn and Sasha met in a happenstance many years later but Vaughn is no long the same person Sasha fell in love with. Can Vaughn redeem himself to earn a spot in Sasha’s life?
I did not expect to cry with this book but the story was an emotional roller coaster. I was gutted and saddened for Vaughn as a kid. I did not like the grown up Vaughn very much but I cannot help but wanting to give a big hug. I guess you don’t really understand the concept of belonging and acceptance until you can walk in Vaughn’s shoes. Sasha’s life as an dancer isn’ easy either. She went through a lot of hardship as well but never change who she is as a person. I love Sasha. She is such a sweet and caring person.
Sasha and Vaughn’s journey was so heartfelt and emotional – this story is about unconditional love, lost, growth, forgiveness, redemption and second chance. I love this book so much I could not put it down – I basically finished in one afternoon. Absolutely gorgeous writing with an amazing storyline. One I will not forget. Highly recommend you read this! The QUEEN is back!

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart - what a beautiful and inventive take on The Ugly Duckling. Katy Regnery paints a sweeping love story that's by turns heartbreaking and uplifting, tragic and hopeful.

[The story begins with a kidnapping, and there are some mercifully nonspecific references to child SA, so please be aware if these topics are triggering for you.]

Maryland native Sasha is part of the ballet ensemble at The Kennedy Center, where she's a hopeful candidate for principal lead. While there she befriends an enigmatic young janitor with a passion for Russian poetry. As the pair spend time together, Sasha's feelings intensify. Although they don't engage in intimate relations, their strong connection affects her profoundly.

Custodial worker Vaughn has no recollection of his life before foster care, except for a terrible experience of being abandoned at a hospital by his first set of adoptive parents at age 4 or 5. While his nascent love interest Sasha is away at a limited engagement in NYC, he receives what is potentially life changing news about his identity. As he's swept back into his birth family halfway around the world, he experiences a deep crisis of identity.

Without giving away spoilers, what follows are separate, seven-year odysseys for both Sasha and Vaughn, with some paths crossing resulting in varying degrees of soul searching. It's a gorgeous, epic saga that I devoured in a day.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and 1852 Media, and I'm very pleased to share my honest and enthusiastic review.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 ‘My River Tilts Toward You’ Stars***

I was hooked from the start and had the hardest time putting it down (I read well past my lunch hour and opened it up a few times before leaving work for the day) it gave me all the feels and then some and I truly disliked it when there were no more words to read about Ivan/Vaughn & Sasha’s lives.

Now, I’m going to keep this extremely vague because you need to go into this blind, but I will say that I truly liked Sasha and Vaughn and I was fully invested in them separately as well as together. Were there moments of frustration and annoyance? Oh yeah and some of those moments were big, but I never stopped rooting for them to live their best lives and I really liked how everything worked out for them in the end.

This was a great read for me. The supporting cast of characters really added depth to the world and helped the characters grow, in one way or another and I really enjoyed how Russia, the ballet really brought the world and story to life. There are triggers, but I feel as if they were necessary to understand who the characters were, are and who they will be. So if you’re looking for something of an epic love story, this is a must click!

~ Copy provided by 1852 Media & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Swan Song (A Fairytale#9) by Katy Regnery

This is a modern day twist on the fairytale of The Ugly Duckling and had me interested from the chapter.

When he was just four years old Ivan Stepanov aka Vaughn was kidnapped and disappeared without a trace. He is a man without memories and my heart broke for him.

Meeting ballerina Sasha Collins she brings light and purpose into his dark life.

There was so much danger, suspense, heartache and angst that Ms. Regnery had my head spinning at times.

The writing was strong and the fear palpable at times. However when his past finally catches up with him, will it rip their blossoming love apart or will they find each other again?

One click this book, it’s a little dark, a little twisted but one heck of a good read.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan Song.

“You had to experience that, in order to be the person you are today.”

This was a saying I heard many times from friends over the years. This is also a lesson Vaughn & Sasha had to understand and fully embrace to move on or forward.

Vaughn experiences every parent’s worst nightmare. He is kidnapped in broad daylight while on a family outing. He was just four years old. After spending years in the foster care system he decides he has dealt with enough. All he wants is to find his family, to love and feel loved in return. Now an adult, he’s made his decision… and then fate steps in.

Sasha is a ballet dancer at the Kennedy Center. Her life revolves around practice, performing and perfecting her skills to rise to the level of prima ballerina. She is drawn to the quiet & shy, somewhat awkward young janitor. Little does she know their chance encounter will change the trajectory of both of their lives.

Sasha & Vaughn had some difficult life lessons and challenges to overcome, as both a couple and individuals. It was painful to read at times and the rewards were well worth the effort. Not going to ruin it with too many details, no spoilers. Go in blind.

Regnery’s stories fascinate me. I always learn something new, discover a location I may have overlooked before or stop and look inward, in an effort to be a better person.

[Heather Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan, a 4-year-old young boy goes to the Washington Zoo with his five siblings and his nanny, Katya.
While sitting on a bench waiting for the return of his sisters and their nanny, Kayta. Mikhail, his older brother goes off in search of lions.
Sasha, an up-and-coming ballerina at the Washington Ballet is starring in Swan Lake with two other young women, Sayaka and Ming.
Sasha speaks to a young janitor named Vinnie who has a secret crush on her. She inadvertently saved his life, and he is starting life anew
The twists and turns in this book were amazing. The epilogues were chef's kisses

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swan Song is a beautifully written story that’s full of love and emotion. It’s a modern day take on the ugly duckling fairy tale and it stole my heart. This is Vaughan and Sasha’s emotional roller coaster spanning over several years.
Sasha and Vaughan’s journey is about love, kindness, friendship, family and loyalty. I love this couple and their story had me escaping real life, I smiled, I swooned and at times I held my breath as they went from highs to lows but the strength they shared got them through the every obstacle put in their way. I beautiful love story that touched my heart.

[Tessa]

Not for me.

[⋆⭒˚｡⋆ZABYYY ⋆⭒˚｡⋆]

Want to read-

[Marion Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At its heart, Swan Song follows a young boy who loses everything—his name, his roots, his sense of self. From the very first chapter, the author draws you into the emotional turmoil of a life uprooted, a soul searching for meaning amidst chaos. What unfolds is a poignant, thought-provoking journey that is as much about survival as it is about rediscovery and healing, particularly when he meets the graceful and elegant Sasha Collins, a stunning ballerina, whose grace, kindness, and acceptance . . . saves his life.

Sasha and Vaughn's paths are anything but linear. Life pulls them in multiple directions across six years. Through Vaughn's eyes, we navigate the labyrinth of lost identity but also the tender and often turbulent journey of a second chance at love. Through Sasha's eyes, we learn how one's heart can be torn when deciding between career and family.

What made this book truly captivating for me was the rich contrast between two worlds the author explored with striking authenticity: the disciplined, graceful world of a ballerina, and the opulent, high-stakes life of a Russian oligarch’s son. Neither felt like a cliché; both were rendered with nuance, care, and depth. Exceptionally talented Katy Regnery took time to understand these realities—to honor them. That attention to detail gave the story an added layer of richness and credibility that made it even more immersive.

As a second-chance romance, the story doesn't rely on tropes or predictable reunions. It aches and heals in all the right places. The connection between the two leads grows slowly, with real tension, vulnerability, and grace. It’s the kind of romance that lingers long after the final page, not just because of love rediscovered, but because of the people they had to become to find their way back to each other.

Heartfelt, emotionally intelligent, and gorgeously written, this novel is more than a love story—it's a meditation on identity, class, art, and what it means to truly belong. I was hooked from start to finish.

4 stars. A must-read for anyone who loves complex characters, second-chance romance, and heartfelt storytelling. Thank you for the privilege of an advanced copy to review.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I have really enjoyed reading modern retellings of childhood fairytales though the Modern Fairytale collection and Swan Song was a wonderful addition to the collection.  A unique take on The Ugly Duckling, we get Sasha and Vaughn's love story that is sure to pull at your heartstrings as a lost boys tries to find his place in the world with the help of a ballerina.

Ivan was just four years old when he was kidnapped from the Washington National Zoo while visiting from Russia with his family. Though his family desperately searched for him, they never found him, and he ended up in foster care after eventually being abandoned. That boy, who goes by Vaughn, ends up working at the Kennedy Center as a janitor, alone and invisible. During one of his darkest moments, a light shines through when the ballerina he's always noticed notices him back. Sharing Russian poetry and Challah bread picnics they form a beautiful friendship and then an unforgettable love. Just when they thought they could finally fully be together, life circumstances pull them apart, shattering their hearts. It's not until years later that they meet again and, though, nothing is the same, there is still a spark. But is that spark enough to bring them back together and find the love they lost?

Vaughn and Sasha meet at the Kennedy Center, and and until that moment, Vaughn was just about done with life. When Sasha notices him and shows his kindness that few have shown him before, something changes in him.  He has a reason to live. I loved getting to experience Sasha and Vaughns friendship forming. She was a beautiful soul that helps Vaughn find his way from being the lost boy missing parts of his past to a man who has a home in her heart. I was giddy as they became more and I was rooting for them hard.  And then his real family comes back into his live and whisks him off to Russia, leaving Sasha back in the States. They try to stay in contact but neither of them could have known what challenges where waiting for them after they said goodbye.

Swan Song gives us a beautiful second chance romance. When Vaughn and Sasha, who share this gorgeous love, are pulled apart, I was so angry. My heart hurt for Sasha and though I was mad with Vaughn, I could understand how he got to the place he did that was so opposite of how he truly was. It's not pretty and it hurts, but I love that Sasha and Vaughn don't just fall back into a relationship when they meet again. They have to face reality that things are different, that they are different, and they will have to work on things if they want to get together.

Even though there were times that I was frustrated with these characters, Vaughn in particular, I still I adored them. I loved that Sasha had a backbone.  She stood up for herself and knew what she deserved. She wasn't going to just give in when it came to her heart and Vaughn had to prove his love for her and work on himself. I loved that there were challenges and revelations that actually helped bring these two together. Vaughn knew what he had to do to win Sasha over and I loved how everything came together.

*ARC generously provided by the author and NetGalley*

[Lori R.]

SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!!

[Sucker For A Love Story · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get past him sleeping with a bunch of hookers, ruined the love scenes picturing his genital warts. Also, Sash forgives Ivan WAY too easily after he’s such an enormous jerk to her. All of a sudden they just love each other? Nah.

[Briana Bailon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️/ 2🌶️

Kate Regnery has quickly become a new favorite author of mine! With the way she writes such emotionally charged romances, and characters who are endearing, lovable, kind, and unique, I am once again spell blind by how wonderful her stories are. This story was inspired by the fairytale book of, “The Ugly Duckling”. This story followed Ivan (later known as Vaughn) and Sasha as the two of them meet, and formed a beautiful bond that quite literally changed Vaughn’s life for good. What many didn’t know was that Vaughn was actually, Ivan Stepanov, the son of a Russian Billionaire and famous retired ballerina, who was kidnapped at the age of four, sold off, and later found his way through the American Foster system. Vaughn didn’t have the easiest time especially with people making fun of his looks, calling him names, and feeling utterly isolated from everyone. Until, one day when Vaughn was ready to leave behind everything, Sasha showed him the kindest he had never truly experienced especially from such a beautiful young woman. Sasha’s kindness was the turning point for Vaughn, and from then on the two of them were inseparable. Kate Regnery wrote a beautiful love story that illustrated two young people falling in love, a true connection that wasn’t based on “looks”, but instead on a shared connection that was natural and meaningful.

As I’ve mentioned before, Kate Regnery writes such beautiful and unique romances, this was another story that had my attention the whole way. Vaughn’s story was difficult from the time he was kidnapped to what I imagine was a traumatic experience that he went through in some of the foster homes he was placed in, to the bullying and insults he received from people. Vaughn was quiet, he kept to himself, and blended into the background. The few times that Vaughn wished to stand out was when Sasha Collins was around. Even before Sasha and Vaughn really got to know each other, Vaughn was captivated by Sasha, her beauty, her amazing ability to dance in ballet, but most of all, how she always treated him with utter kindness. The revelation of how Vaughn felt alone and at one point ready to end it all was heartbreaking, but thankfully Sasha unbeknownst to her saved Vaughn from the brink of darkness.

This romance was much more complex than I had originally imagined. The beginning stages of Vaughn and Sasha’s friendship/ romance was, so sweet, lovely, and endearing. The endearing quality to this romance came from both Vaughn and Sasha’s inexperience to being romantically involved with someone, but also how they tried to navigate how to move forward from acquaintances, to friends, to lovers. What started off as a blooming romance between Vaughn and Sasha, turned into a “right person, wrong time” thing especially when the truth of who Vaughn’s biological parents were, and that transpired afterwards. Throughout this whole story, I got to see Vaughn and Sasha’s relationship put through obstacles from the changes that occurred in their lives, going off in different directions, and all the while, no matter the years that passed, there was still that lingering, deep love that Sasha and Vaughn had for each other. While this story wasn’t over the top in excitement, it was the subtleties in how Vaughn and Sasha were together that really pulled this romance together. From the Russian poetry that Vaughn and Sasha read together, to their lovely picnics under the willow tree, to the beginning stages of affection and later on deeper passion that heightened the romance, it was all perfect.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a roller coaster of emotions!!

Swan Song is separated into three parts and I felt all the things as the plot moved from each part. At first I was swept up in the story but it wasn't long before my emotions were shredded to smithereens as part one ended with a ton of angst. Then that angst shifted and for most of part two I stewed with feelings of betrayal and sadness. Both Sasha and Vaughn gutted me from both sides of their story, but thankfully the dark clouds lifted and part three came along to lift my spirits. These two came so far and changed so much that I felt nothing but overwhelming happiness and joy as the story came to a close and Sasha and Vaughn truly deserved ALL the love.

Katy really wrung me out with this one. Swan Song is filled with so much angst and a heart felt couple that I wanted them to work out, desperately!! I wanted them to skip over their troubled years so they could get to their happily ever after, and yet that journey is what made their ending so much sweeter. They never would have made it to the end if they hadn't struggled to get there. If that makes sense. So, I'll say again...WOW!! But also, let me see if I can clarify...

Sasha Collins, up until the point she meets and falls in love with Vaughn, has had a fairly easy and privileged life. Vaughn on the other hand has not. His beginning is soul shattering. Absolutely heart breaking. He is a gentle soul that Sasha easily falls for, I mean he makes it very easy as he's kind, loves poetry, and is head over heels in love with her, but I also feel like she takes some of his easy going nature a bit for granted. And let me clarify it's just the teensy tiniest bit. She expects that Vaughn will always be there, that he will, in a sense, follow her. So when his life drastically changes, in the matter of moments those changes are hard on both of them. I had to keep that in the back of my mind during part two. Along with Vaughn’s upbringing.

Vaughn is kidnapped at the age of four. Not only is his entire life turned upside down, changed, drastically different, but when he's thrust back into his "previous life", once again his world is turned upside down, changed, and drastically different. Vaughn has never been given the tools to handle life changes. Not a day in his life has he had time to stop and enjoy life's privileges, so yes, he makes some poor decisions and I'm going to admit that reading about them was tough. So tough that thinking about his forgiveness is sometimes a tough pill to swallow, but remembering the sweet man he was, the sweet boy who never had guidance is still trapped inside him and for me, that was enough reason to keep reading. I also knew Katy wouldn't let me down.

This took me to the final part and what I'm going to say is that it was beautiful, touching, and truly lovely how both of their worlds came together. The Ugly Duckling, Hans Christian Anderson's tale, is woven throughout and while I loved those small details, it was the ending and explanation to this tale that truly brought tears to my eyes.  Wonderfully done!

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5
🌶🌶 out of 5

🦢Ugly Duckling Retelling
🩰Ballerina x Misunderstood Quiet MMC
💗Second Chance
🥺Traumatic Past MMC
❤️‍🩹Healing
😔Angst

Review
I was waiting for Katy's latest (because I LOVE Vixen and the Vet and Unloved) and I'm thrilled to say there is just some special magic to this story as a whole! A modern fairytale unlike any other that had me gripped and emotionally invested with this couple until I made sure they could reach their HEA!

In "Part 1" especially, I just had my heart clenching with some of the things Vaughn said and did...how he felt lost, unwanted, unlovable, ugly, and invisible. He hides in the shadows, pining for the kindly and beautiful ballerina, Sasha...wanting nothing more than to be seen by her.

Sasha takes notice of the intensely grey eyed and disheveled boy, wanting to know what's behind his shadowy eyes and downturned face. The blooming friendship is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Vaughn is part mystery; abducted, abandoned, abused but carries the heart of a poet. Her career is about to take a big step when he suddenly discovers his true identity. This sends us into part 2 and essentially seeing how years away has changed the sweet boy into a man seduced into a world of debauchery. He loses much of who he used to be but Sasha reunites with him and dares to hope that maybe that gangly, shy, kind boy is still inside him.

A large part of this tale is Vaughn's redemption. He makes a physical transformation (a glow up if you will) but really it's how his identity has been fractured through his traumas as a child and again as a young man. He isn't sure who he is anymore, and does he like the person he's become.

Big questions, but also timeless ones. The only hesitation I had from making this a raving 5 star was because I felt it too "extreme" to have Vaughn debauchery as "excessive" as it was.

Nevertheless, I absolutely love this retelling, the redemption, the intimate angsty scenes with him (with glimmers of a Beauty and the Beast nods) and Sasha, and just Vaughn all together had me still absolutely in love with him at the end.

[Sian Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 📖

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨

The ugly duckling is actually a Russian minigarch

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Tense
Angsty
Immersive

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Entitled douchebags
Absolutely everyone in Vaughn’s life from ages 4-14

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨

Third chance romance
Fairytale reimagining
The ugly duckling retelling
Grumpy/sunshine ish
First love

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨

Sasha is a ballerina who one night takes notice of the janitor, Vaughn. Little does she know, her kindness genuinely saves his life as he had planned to end it all that night. But she gave him hope. Something to live for. And that is a very powerful thing when most of his life had been a horrific black hole.

Oh my poor, poor Vaughn! Such a sweet soul that had been dealt such an unbelievably shitty hand. And yet he hadn’t let it form his character in a negative way. He didn’t become a bad person to perpetuate the cycle. He was still good and sweet and thoughtful, but felt unworthy of absolutely everything. I just wanted to pack him up in bubble wrap and protect his little heart.

Man did that take a turn in the middle of the book though. I hated every minute of what happened in “the cygnet” section, that things had ended up that way, but I understand why the story travelled that road. It was needed. And was probably more realistic than I’d like to believe in my romance loving heart.

It absolutely paved the way for the redemption arc of the decade too! Because the Vaughn we fell in love with was back, plus some of Ivan’s more redeeming qualities. And Sasha was so strong throughout. She recognised exactly what she did and didn’t deserve in love. But she never could stop loving the Vaughn she knew because he was so beautiful in every way.

There were ups and a lot of downs but true love never dies and seeing these two get the ending they deserved was like a balm to my soul.

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨

🤤🤤🤤🤤
💦💦💧
🤣
😭😭😭😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟













One small thing that baffles me still though is, what the hell was her mum’s initial reaction to Vaughn? It actually made me really dislike her for most of the book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katy Regnery has done it again with a beautiful story based on The Ugly Duckling. She has such a way with words that once you are drawn into the story, from the first page you are hooked. From beginning to end, I devoured this story.

Ivan was kidnapped as a young child. He was taken, given away, and has been through many struggles along his way to being an adult. Years later, as now Vaughn, he slowly manages to get through each day. But that day, of all days, when he’s decided he’s had enough of his life, he meets Sasha, the beautiful ballerina who changes his entire life. As they spend time together, their feelings deepen, but much to their dismay, it is all taken away. My heart just broke for the two of them.

Years later, he’s now Ivan again. Ivan, who’s been taken under his older brother’s wing, soon finds himself drawn into drinking, drugs, and women. At this point in the book, I’m not liking Ivan very much at all, but of course Katy redeems him in the best way. He’s come from being humble to being so arrogant. As for his brother, I was completely turned off by him. He led Ivan down the wrong path and almost ruined his life.

As Ivan realizes it’s not who he wants to be, he comes face-to-face with Sasha again and his eyes are opened as to the kind of man he wants to be. Sasha and now Vaughn are drawn together like a magnet. True soul mates who are destined to be together.

As the story continues, there are ups and downs and another visit by his brother, who showed more of his true colors that Vaughn was able to see. The emotions brought out in this book will leave you breathless. You can’t help but to want them to find their happily ever after. It goes to show that love can stand the test of time. This book is about hope, family, and heartache with a breathtaking love story that I couldn’t get enough of. I praise Katy with the way she continues to blow me away with her books and I cannot wait to see what new story she delivers to her readers.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As readers, we all have our favorite authors, and in turn, we have favorite books that they've written--the ones that stay with us and we love a wee bit more than the others. In the case of Katy Regnery, an author whose work I have long adored, it's her Modern Fairytale series that remains at the top of my list. More than four years after the release of the last book, Regnery returns to the series with the ninth novel AND three more modern-day fairy tale retellings scheduled for release in July, October, and December this year.

Swan Song, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, is the story of Ivan Stepanov, who was only four when he was taken while vacationing with his family in Washington, D.C. Over the next two decades, he lives a life far from the privileged one he has nearly no memory of. He is now Vaughn Cigno, a janitor at the Kennedy Center, and it's here that he crosses paths with Alexandra Collins, a twenty-one-year-old ballerina with the Washington Ballet. Sasha shows him kindness and gives him a reason to live and the realization that he's worthy of love--her love. But when his family finally finds their Ivan, will Sasha end up losing her Vaughn forever?

Ivan/Vaughn and Sasha's romance is told in three parts, not including the prologue and epilogues. There's a lot of angsty goodness here, and I'm all for it. Don't mistake angst for drama; these main characters go through a lot on their way to their happily-ever-after, making it a very much deserved one. There's a lot of growth, particularly on Ivan/Vaughn's end, and seeing him figuring out who he really is--and I'm not talking about learning he comes from an immensely wealthy Russian family--and wanting to be the kind of man Sasha deserves was wholly satisfying. I loved having a front-row seat to these two coming into their own and how the story was about falling in love, the meaning of family, and embracing the truest version of you. Swan Song lives up to the standard set by its predecessors and receives five stars.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in The Modern Fairytale series in Swan Song we get an absolutely amazing page-turning captivating, emotional twist on The Ugly Duckling. Ivan/Vaughn was visiting the zoo with his family when he was a child he gets kidnapped and he's sold into a horrible childhood that leads to foster care where he ages out of the system. He doesn't remember who he is or where he's really from he eventually starts working as a janitor at the Kennedy Center which is where he meets Sasha. Sasha is a ballerina who has worked hard all of her life to earn a chance to be a principal dancer in the esteemed Washington DC Ballet who rehearse and perform at the Kennedy Center. Sasha is intrigued by Vaughn who she often sees reading Russian poetry and she's kind to him on a day when he really needed it which changed his perspective on things. Despite the fact that they are completely different they develop a friendship that turns into more they're happy and in love and then a hurdle they never saw coming. His real family has finally found him so Vaughn returns to Russia with them leaving Sasha behind is this the end of their love? Even though they both move on they don't stop loving or thinking about each other can they find their way back to each other? You really need to read this absolutely amazing page-turning, captivating, emotional twist on a modern fairytale to see what happens. No one does the modern twist on classic fairytales better than Ms. Regnery from when she started with The Vixen and The Vet she's blown me away with her storytelling. I would definitely recommend reading this book as well as the previous books in this AMAZING series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan Song by Katy Regnery is a modern-day retelling of The Ugly Duckling that delves into the intricate dynamics of a unique family. Sergei Stepanov, a Russian billionaire, and his second wife, Irena Denilovna, a professional ballerina, accompany their five children and two nannies visiting the United States. As they go about their day, an unexpected event at the National Zoo changes their lives in ways they never imagined. Their four-year-old, Ivan Stepanov, is kidnapped from the National Zoo and vanishes without a trace. Sold, abandoned, neglected, and abused, "Vaughn" matures out of the American foster care system with little to no memory of who he is or where he came from. Eventually, he finds work as a janitor at the Kennedy Center and starts questioning whether a life void of love, family, and friendship is worth living.

Sasha Collins is a ballerina who has joined the National Corps de Ballet and performs at the Kennedy Center. She is intrigued by the janitor, Vaughn, the tall man with sunken cheeks and startling gray eyes. He is shy but very kind and carries a book of Russian poetry in his back pocket. They form a friendship, and soon, they spend their time off together and fall in love, but their time together is ending; she is moving to New York City, and he is about to find his birth family.

"Once upon a time, I was a swan's egg that rolled into a duck's nest."
"Mortals plan, God laughs."

Swan Song explores love, loss, identity, and the power of human connection. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride! It's a classic that will leave you breathless and deeply moved—a must-read!

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing date: 22.04.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Katherine William Regnery for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: A ballerina and a janitor fall in love at a young age, some life discoveries are made, and now their relationship has to endure lots of time and hardship. 4 stars

I grabbed this book because I love fairy tale retellings. I find them so charming when done right. This book is only inspired by its fairy tale (The Ugly Duckling), but I found the inspiration to be so loose that I completely looked past it halfway through.

The story here? Nice and challenging. These two definitely had to put in work to get it to work. And because of that, I almost dnf'ed it. Part two of the story? Major ick, there was no need to tell me all of that. Those who know, know.

But the romance itself is sweet in the parts where it actually is ... working. I can't say much without spoiling a major plot point so please forgive me for being vague. Let us just say that in a large part of the book (30% of it) there is little to no romance and only yearning and regret. I liked the gifts they gave each other, how they paid attention to what the other liked, and how Vaughn paid attention to Sasha's allergy. Very sweet.

I would recommend this to peeps who like redemption arcs, second chances, and "they were x person all along" trope. This is not very spicy, and the ugly duckling part is not a big part of the book. If you wanted to get it for these things, then you might be disappointed.

Giving this 4 stars. It was sweet, I was entertained, but some scenes were a little ... Too much/uncomfortable and added nothing to the story.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read other books in this series I was so glad that we were getting more! As soon as this one was announced I was instantly curious about it and wanted to pick it up. Back to the A Modern Fairytale world I went! I so enjoyed this story!

Sasha and Vaughn's journey captured my attention quickly! Colliding with another soul can leave it's mark on your heart and life, something Vaughn and Sasha know all too well when it comes to one another. As Sasha and Vaughn go through a lot, could it bring them together again?

The moment that Sasha and Vaughn were brought into each other's lives they had me feeling so much already. I didn't know what all to expect in their story which drew me even more into it. I couldn't wait to see how Vaughn and Sasha would deal with personal stuff, things in their lives, and everything between them throughout.

The realness shown by Sasha and Vaughn throughout truly got to me. Their chemistry was so good. It's not an easy journey for these two. Vaughn and Sasha had my heart and I going through such a range of emotions from beginning to end!

Just like with this author's other books I could picture all of this story so clearly through her writing.

With Swan Song, Ms.Regnery has created such a good take on the Ugly Duckling that brought depth, realness, so many moments that got to my heart, and a lot of feels! I'm looking so forward to more of this series! 💗

This story touches on certain subjects so check triggers.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from 1852 Media / the author*

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book nine in A Modern Fairytale ( The Ugly Duckling) and it is Vaughn and Sasha’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. When Vaughn ( Ivan ) was four years old he was kidnapped and taken from his wealthy family only to be sold, neglected, abandoned and abused he later left the foster system and lived with people that had been really good to him but he never knew love of any kind so he was a loner without any friends and just carried on with his life alone feeling that he was unlovable so now he works ats a janitor at the Kennedy centre where he kept his head down and just did his job but the first time that he saw Sasha he felt something for the first time in his life. Sasha had worked hard all her life for her position of a ballet dancer in washington DC and she rehearsed and danced at The Kennedy Centre hoping to make her life better while moving up in the ranks. Vaughn and Sasha meet and become friends and the more time that they spend together and encourage each other they eventually fall in love but then Vaughn’s past catches up with him which separates them and breaks the future that they were both hoping for but will there love be strong enough so that they can find there way back to each other or is it already too late for them because of Vaughn living a totally different life and becoming a different person. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of so many emotions and you will feel everything that they are going through as if you were there living through it all with them