Fateful Chance

Cruel Kingdoms #2

by S.Y.K. Kelly

A dark romance fairy tale reimagining of the infamous Snow White.

Whitehart Manor
This is the last place I want to be and likely the last place I might ever see if the rumors are true,
but being haunted is a concept I'm all too familiar with.
It's my turn.
I've come to add one more ghost to this manor.
The man who has haunted me for ten years.
The man who left me with scars much deeper than skin.
The man who stripped me bare and turned me into who I am today,  evil, as they call me.
Prince Silas.
The problem is he left me with something I can’t escape and I'm not talking about the voices.
The Phantom.
The man with the white face, the figment of my imagination, he didn’t stay at home.
He’s here.
Only, I’m not so sure he’s just in my head anymore.

Fateful Chance is a dark romance and the second of the interconnected standalone novella series Cruel Kingdoms, where the villains get to tell their stories.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Dark

209 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

SYK KELLY IS A DARK ROMANTASY WRITER WHOSE BOOKS REIMAGINE THE CLASSIC MYTHS AND STORIES WE ALL KNOW, BRINGING A DARK, SULTRY, EPIC,
ROMANTIC TWIST.

Cruel Kingdoms series: dark fairy tale retellings

Cruel Gods series: dark Greek mythology retellings

Reviews

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🌶️
💜Haunted Manor
💜Snow White Villain Retelling
💜FMC Hears Voices
💜Tragic Past
💜Forced Proximity
💜Is He Real?
💜Twists & Turns
💜Slow Burn

This is fast paced novella that is packed with detailed world building and twists and turns making this feel like a full length novel.
This is a dark Snow White retelling. Eva has been on a path towards revenge against the Damned Prince Silas who kidnapped and held her for a year. Ever since she has heard voices and seen things like her Phantom. Eva fails at her attempt at revenge and finds herself instead engaged to the prince. Just when you think you know what’s happening, things begin to unravel. Even though this is described as a slow burn, it doesn’t take long and the spice is hot.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading

Thank you to S.Y.K. Kelly for the ARC

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Witchcraft has never interested me. I like tangible, sure outcomes, like revenge,”

“Delusional or not, you’re perfect the way you are. The visions, the voices, all of it. There isn’t a piece of you that I don’t love.””

“One thing is absolutely certain: I love this evil princess and will rip out anyone’s heart that dares shatter hers.”

[bookbaefae · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You shouldn’t have come here, little Reaper.”

No, sir. I will come wherever you are. 😏😉

5 /5 stars | 4 spice

This is the second novella in the Cruel Kingdoms series. I loved the first, so I didn't think it would be possible... but I love this
one even more.

There are some rules to reading this book:
1. Read the trigger warnings.
2. Question everything.
3. Fall hard for the villains. Again and again.

Eva "I prefer my prince a little more damned" Aramos is the knife-wielding assassin and evil princess. She had one job, but things got complicated, and all I can say is you're in for one wild, spicy ride complete with a Phantom, princes and princesses, and the most badass dresses I've ever read about.

I'm not saying much about the male characters because I don't want to spoil anything.

I absolutely love the style of this series where the epilogues give you some background that makes everything fit together and click. In this case, I absolutely fell even more in love with both MCs and how their ending was exactly what Eva wished for in her journal.

Tropes
- Haunted Manor
- Dark romnace fantasy villian retelling
- Masked stalker, or hallucinations?
- Mysterious pasts
- Forced proximity
- Dual PoV
- Twisty, twisty, twisty

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book and I loved it so much. This book is a masterpiece and what this book put me through was a phenomenal experience I've never had before. This book is one of healing, love and passion. Eva (Evangeline) was kidnapped and mentally and physically tortured 10 years ago and now is about to kill Prince Silas, the person who she claims did it, only to end up engaged to him. During the years following her escape from her kidnapper she was hopeless and depressed until The Phantom, the man who left flowers and wrote words of love and encouragement in her diary that kept her going through her darkest days. Therapists convince her that he’s a figment of her imagination but… he’s not. Believe me when I say that the identity of the phantom shocked me to the core, never in a million years would I have guessed it but it makes a lot of sense. At the castle she finds herself stuck between Silas and his brother Holden. The plot is so intense and thrilling, I was hanging on to every word on the page eagerly wanting more. So many plot twists that led to an amazing ending, that epilogue made me cry so hard. But let’s be real I cried through a lot of the second half of this book. This book is enemies to lovers and forbidden love at its finest. And my gosh you will fall in love with The Phantom, he’s the most dedicated person ever. And his story is gut wrenching. I sobbed through it, it makes me love him even more. I love this story but it supposed to be a Snow White retelling from the Evil Queens side of the story which I found a little off because there’s only really small hints at the original Snow White story, but regardless it’s an amazing book and I give it a 5/5

[Valeria Jiun · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exciting adventure! I was a BETA reader and was immediately sucked into this story and impressed with every twist and turn! I loved the pet names and how badass the FMC was despite the trauma she suffered in her past 🔪

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Consumed: 📱 beta read of digital doc
Read if you love:
▪️enemies to lovers
▪️fairytale retellings
▪️twists and turns
▪️stabby FMCs
▪️masked stalkers
▪️short standalone novellas

[Naida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Villain origin? More like villain awakening.
4.25⭐️
2.5 🌶️
I finished Fateful Chance by S.Y.K. Kelly, a dark Snow White retelling and villain origin story, last week and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

We meet Princess Evangeline, our 🗡️ dagger-wielding FMC who hears voices and is hellbent on revenge for the brutal crimes committed against her as a teen. Her inner monologue is both hilarious and heartbreaking. She needs her Phantom to keeps her safe when things go bump in the night.

Then there are the Whitehart princes, Silas and Holden. And if I’m being honest… I’d let Silas do many things. 🥵 The sibling rivalry runs deep, the family drama is deliciously twisted, and the Damned Prince really can’t catch a break.

The spice though is chef’s kiss. It drives the plot forward while turning up the tension between our princes and princesses. Beware: just when you think you know where it’s headed, something darker pulls you under. I devoured this novella and cannot wait to dive into the rest of the interconnected standalones.

Check your triggers, but this one includes a few of my favorites: breath play, knife play, and masks (who doesn’t love a good chase through hidden castle passageways?) 😈

[Indecent Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fateful Chance by S.Y.K. Kelly
Dark romance | Fairytale retelling | Book 2 in Cruel Kingdoms (interconnected standalones)

If you’re into dark, twisted fairytale reimaginings with spice, suspense, and a touch of madness, Fateful Chance is for you.

This novella follows Eva, our fierce and haunted FMC, who’s on a mission to kill the Damned Prince. But instead, she finds herself engaged to him. As Eva wrestles with revenge, trauma, and a mysterious presence she calls “The Phantom,” the story keeps you constantly questioning: Is he real? Is she losing her mind? Who is he?

The guessing game had me hooked until the very end.
This story is packed with tension, spice, and twists. A fast-paced and captivating dark fairytale.

What to expect:
💀 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Fairytale retelling (Snow White/Evil Step mother)
👤 Masked stalker / hidden identity
💤 Somno / CNC
⚠️ Triggers: attempted SA, off-page torture, physical assault, poisoning, kidnapping, murder, tragic pasts.

[Alicia Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Twisty Must Read

This was my first book by S.Y.K. Kelly, and it definitely won’t be my last. Fateful Chance is dark, emotional, and full of unexpected twists that genuinely surprised me, which doesn’t happen often. The dual POV added so much depth, and I was hooked trying to figure out the Phantom’s true identity. Let’s just say… I get the obsession now.

The spice was perfectly balanced with a solid plot, and the emotional tension? Chef’s kiss. It was a fast read, but didn’t feel rushed, and it packed in more substance than I expected. I finished this one in a single sitting and found myself thinking about it long after.

If you love intense plots, dark romance, and a twisty mystery with forbidden vibes, this one needs to be on your radar. I can’t wait to dive into more of this world.

While the Snow White and Evil Queen connection felt more like a loose inspiration than a clear retelling, the story still completely delivered. If the synopsis hadn’t mentioned it, I’m not sure I would have made the connection, but honestly, that didn’t take away from the experience at all.

[Tori Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow White retelling with a little crazy on the side??? Why didn’t you say so!! Everything about this book had me on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down. I devoured it in one reading!!
Eva is out for revenge but little does she realize life is about to take some twist and turns she never saw coming.
Silas, Holden and Aspen are the princes and princess of another kingdom where Eva ultimately ends up and life gets a bit crazier than it already is for her.
In the Dark, Eva thinks she has “A Phantom” but little does she know how real he is.
The Phantom calls her “his little reaper” and the guessing game of his identity was probably one of the craziest twist in the book. Every time I thought I knew, something would change the viewpoint and I was left guessing again. Literally I went through almost every character in the book at one point.
Eva and “Her Phantom”(not giving away his identity) are a dark and crazy sort of love but this twisted retelling of Snow White was PERFECT and the ending will leave you feeling your own type of crazy.

[Skyler Reel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (in my opinion)

This story is interconnected dark romantacy series. Each story is a retelling of a fairy tale. This story primarily focuses on Snow White (Evil Queen’s POV)

Each retelling is done in a unique way that is beautifully executed. I haven’t seen retellings done in this way before it keeps you guessing to see where these characters develop and what their roles will be in this version.

I do think this book focuses more on the world building and setting up for future books in the series. Which is part of why I would give it 4.5/5 ⭐️. The other reason being is, I really liked the characters in book one (Sinister Desire) as much as I love the characters from this book…the characters from book one have my heart more.

Here are the tropes for this book:
❄️ Evil Queen retelling
👻 Haunted manor
🗡️ FMC who loves knives
🪦 Mysterious disappearances
🕸️ Forced proximity
🕯️ Secret tunnels
🪞 FMC hears voices/ hallucinates (?)
💀 Her “Phantom”
🥀 His “Little Reaper”

[Janella Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Fateful Chance is a dark retelling of the Evil Queen from Snow White and is the second novella in an interconnected standalone series. It follows Eva, a princess who was sent to kill the Damned Prince, but ends up engaged to Prince Silas. While she is in his palace, there are mysteries and unanswered questions she faces, like why she can't seem to kill the one she believes was the reason for her traumatic event in the past.

I will admit, it was a bit confusing at first because we start off in the middle of the story, so we are unraveling the story as we go. I was actually really surprised how I didn't catch the villain in the story because of how little I knew from Eva's perspective and the doubt of who to trust.

It was a good amount of spice and I loved seeing the development of Eva and Silas. It also makes me happy to see how intertwined their journey was with each other because it literally was giving "Fateful Chance."

Thank you so much to Syk Kelly for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a goodreads giveaway book that I happened to win by pure luck. What drew me in was that it is Snow White retelling that focuses on the evil queen and like always my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to read it. I am always open to hearing fairy tale retellings and this one was the icing in the cake. I also discovered that this is actually part of a series and a while back the author wrote a Cinderella retelling which of course is something I will need to look into in future. Now onward to the juicy details of this Snow White retelling.
We are introduced to Princess Evangeline who is quite handy with a sword. However, despite this she suffers from a disorder that causes her to hear voices and her father has paid a great deal to doctors for cures but alas they still happen. She also has this "phantom" who follows her around and acts as her protector when something ominous is near. Things get even more complicated when she falls in love with the Prince that she was instructed to kill. Will this Princess be able to overcome this ailment that has afflicted her most of her life?

[Stacey Biller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…. PHENOMENAL!!!! First off, I loved how it ties into Sinister Desire, we hear from some of those characters and even though this book is its own standalone, it still ties those characters in. Second, I seriously thought I had known who the phantom was when I first started, but then as I read I started wondering if it had been the Damned Prince that Eva hated - I was right!! But the fact that they are both kidnapped and tortured by each others family, and ultimately end up being the right person for each other?? Chef’s kiss! I LOVED that. I love the development of this story and the characters. I legit could not put this down, I couldn’t wait to devour this story and see how it all ended. Another dark romance by SYK Kelly that I am obsessed with!!! And seriously, don’t we all want our own Phantom to follow us and make us feel alive, seen and protected? I know I do!! Love, love, LOVE this novella!!!!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let go, little Reaper. Let me hold you between this world and the next.”

I really enjoyed this book! I love reading retellings, but I think this was my first Snow White one. I absolutely love what S.Y.K. Kelly did to turn a classic fairytale into a dark haunting romance with lots of unexpected twists. The tension and chemistry between Eva and the Phantom was soooo delicious hehe And the spice?? SO HOT 🔥🔥🔥 The graveyard scene was everything!!! This book was so so twisted but I loved it! I genuinely did not expect those twists, but while parts of the book were confusing, everything got answered and wrapped up at the end. I had to take a few breaks to fully absorb a few scenes because I was so caught off guard. I'm loving this series, and I can't wait to see what S.Y.K Kelly does next!

Thank you S.Y.K Kelly for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good fairy tale retelling. So when I found out that this was a retelling of Snow White from the Evil Queens perspective I was sold. I will say while this is the second book in series, it is a standalone. However, after reading this book I totally want to go back and read book one which is based on Cinderella stepmother. And book 3, oh you can definitely guarantee I want to read that one too.

This had all of the drama and intrigue that I was looking for. It definitely makes you look at the fairy tales differently now. This is a novella, but don't let that fool you because it packs a punch. This was definitely a five star read for me and I highly recommend the series. Sign me up for more books like this.

[Brooklyn Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard dark Snow White retelling and I was sold! Going into this novella- I honestly admit I thought it was going to be primarily a smutty vibes read, but I was SHOCKED and how much plot the author got in under 300 pages!

The story was so gripping, and I spent the whole time reading trying to figure out the identity of the Phantom (p.s I love him), and I didn’t have a solid guess until towards the end of the books because of all the twists and turns!

If you are looking for something short, spicy, but still a phenomenal plot and intriguing story, you need to check this one out! Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!

• Snow White/Evil Queen Retelling
• Dual POV
• Vengeful FMC
• Masked stalker vibes

[Hannah Soileau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this novella because I love Book 1: Sinister Desire (Cinderella retelling). There were so many twists- from start to finish- I couldn’t put it down. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or whose face was behind the mask something happened to make me second guess again. Eva (Little Reaper) may be crazy but her Phantom doesn’t care, in fact he’s a little crazy as well and he does everything he can to protect her. The ending had my jaw on the floor because.. what!? 🤣 And the revenge in this book is one of my favorites!

Thank you SYK Kelly for this advanced reader’s copy. You are amazing and I’m obsessed!

[Shannon jamieson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW!

“Little reaper” !!!
Ahhh I just love Eva’s nickname.

This is a fairy tale retelling, and it’s the second book set in this universe.

This was a WILD ride of a book. So many twists, turns, betrayals and connections throughout. You can guess and think you know what’s happening or might, and BAM shocker!
This was a good quick read, with some great tropes but also hard topics so please check trigger warnings.
I love the mental health aspect, by itself and due to past circumstances.
Character development and mental processes through out, are always done well. Along with portraying the siblings relationships.
SYKs characters go through hell, but she makes sure they always get their happy ending!

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a day and it definitely deserves all the hype! I really love the Cruel Kingdoms series so far. This is a Snow White retelling and it was amazing. Eva was a great FMC and absolutely bada**. She is set out to kill the Damned Prince, but instead they get engaged to get married. Their "relationship" is horrendous and they can't stand each other. The phantom, which she hears and sees all the time for quite a while, has been leaving her messages since she moved in with the prince. I was totally shocked who the phantom was at the end, I thought I had it twice but I was soooo wrong. I need the next one now!

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so many twists and turns. You really didn't know who to trust or who not trust. as someone who is not that big on the Snow White movies or story it was kind of hard for me to pick out all the things that were related to the Snow White story but I still enjoyed this book tremendously. You really don't know what's going on until you get towards the very end of the book and then you're like what the heck just happened how did we get here but I love it here. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series is going to be.

[litlindseyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and give my opinion.

This book made me question EVERYTHING. Eva has a stalker that has been writing her back in her diary. Or does she? If she does, who is it? Is she crazy? Is she not crazy? Send help. But really just send more in this world!

There’s a masked man, two princes, court intrigue, forced proximity. Make sure you check out this book if you like dark fairytale retellings. (But make sure you check the triggers because it is DARK).

[Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the pleasure to read this an arc reader and this was such an amazing read. It’s a novella which means you read it quickly and it’s so easy to read. It’s a retelling of SnowWhite villain pov and the author did such an incredible work with the world building, the characters, the plots and twists. It’s not too spicy, just the right amount with the plot. The book will leave you wondering and guessing and trying to figure things out until everything is revealed. I really recommend read it!

[Tequilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I am happy to have received this arc**
I love a good fantasy retelling! This was such a good read! The way the story twists in ways I never saw coming is amazing! I cannot wait to continue this series 😩 the MMCs are to die for!

[Jess Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning. The author draws you right into the action and the whole book gives you that 'maybe I'll just read one more chapter' feeling. Also, loved the Phantom of the Opera vibes.

[blossomingwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty

I did not expect this to pull me in as tightly as it did.

I will not spoil anything, except to say that the amount of twists in this one had my head spinning. I try to figure out the plot as I read, blame adhd, and almost everytime I thought I was right, I was wrong. I got maybe two of the twists right and man I appreciated the story for tearing me.

I love villains, and Eva is no exception. ☺️

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check the trigger warnings before you read this book. This is book two in the series. The way this book had a hold on me. The details and twists were amazing. The spice was spicing. When the phantom took off his, talk about jaw-dropping, the way Eva and I were both shocked. I loved everything about this book!

[Jackie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a fairy tale retelling into a dark romance then please read this. It’s a retelling of Snow White but in the evil queens perspective. It is an inter connected stand alone to the first book sinister desire and I would highly recommend reading that story first this one because some things tie together still. I give this one a 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t want to give any spoilers so please check it out

[bbs_bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another dark mystery fantasy romance from the author of Sinister Desire. This time it’s a dark, loose, re-telling of Snow White. We are in the same world as the first novel, this time following Evangeline. She sets out to kill her former captor, but instead ends up engaged to him.

This was a quick, entertaining read. There are some great spicy scenes. But my favorite part was how the author told the story of Eva’s capture, torture, and subsequent mental health issues. This is something she did well in Sinister Desires as well. Our heroine goes through hell, but they still get their happily ever after.

[Cassandra Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fateful Chance🖤🍏🥀-Beta Reader Syk Kelly, the queen of twisted and whimsical fairytales does it again with Fateful Chance! The plot, the characters(can you even pick one with all the choices😍), the spice🥵🌶️ is spicing in the best way possible, the imagery of these kingdoms, and coupling it with one of our favorite childhood fairytales, Snow White, made it an incredible read! This novella was short and sweet but a total page turner.

Fateful Chance will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions! You’ll go from giggling, smiling, blushing, to having to pick up your jaw from the floor! Syk Kelly made sure absolutely nothing in this novella was predictable and the ending will have you completely shocked😧! Yay for twists and turns!👏🏽🖤

Sinister Desire bleeds into Fateful Chance and I loved the little Easter eggs from the characters of Sinister Desire we get throughout Fateful Chance. I won’t spoil who makes an appearance but you’ll be so excited once they make their entrance! Both novellas tie in so perfectly.🤗

Can’t wait for all of you to get your hands on Fateful Chance!

Rating:✨✨✨✨✨ (shiny fancy stars because it’s that amazing!)
Spice:🌶️🌶️
🖤 Enemies to Lovers😏
🍏Masked Phantom😍
🖤Secret Identity 🤫
🍏Dark Fairytale Retelling🥀
🖤Fake Relationship 🤭

[Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced quick read, which is always a fave of mine (blame the adhd).

A dark Snow White retelling. You get slow burn, you get a tragic past, a stabby FMC who hears voices, cute pet names, you get a plot that is full of twist and turns, and a guessing game of sorts to determine who the Phantom is. World building that is pretty freaking great given that this is a quicker read. I enjoyed this a lot.

I’d very much recommend