What do you think?
Rate this book
Entangled with Fae #2
Heart of the Raven Prince: A fae fantasy romance retelling of Cinderella
ACOTAR meets Bridgerton in this standalone fairytale retelling of Cinderella. If you like slow burn romance, fake engagements, and snarky fae royals, then you'll love this swoon-worthy story in the Entangled with Fae series.
**DON'T MISS TESSONJA ODETTE'S BRAND-NEW DARK ROMANTASY, THE LIES THAT SUMMON THE NIGHT, AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW**
A servant girl. A playboy prince. A glamorous scheme.
Prince Franco must marry a princess to prove himself a worthy heir to the Lunar Court throne. But after numerous unsatisfying trysts, he has given up on love and will do anything to avoid a royal wedding.
Ember Montgomery craves freedom from her conniving stepfamily. When the opportunity to evade her scheming stepmother falls into her lap, she'll pay the price - even if it means impersonating the newest flame of the arrogant prince who humiliated her.
Locked in a bargain, Ember must pose as a princess until midnight at the full moon ball. Until then, she just has to wear a glamour and pretend to court the prince. But when feelings emerge on both sides, she starts to wonder if there is more to their contrived courtship than either of them planned . . .
Heart of the Raven Prince is a complete standalone novel set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy . Journey back to Faerwyvae or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Entangled with Fae series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!
**DON'T MISS TESSONJA ODETTE'S BRAND-NEW DARK ROMANTASY, THE LIES THAT SUMMON THE NIGHT, AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW**
A servant girl. A playboy prince. A glamorous scheme.
Prince Franco must marry a princess to prove himself a worthy heir to the Lunar Court throne. But after numerous unsatisfying trysts, he has given up on love and will do anything to avoid a royal wedding.
Ember Montgomery craves freedom from her conniving stepfamily. When the opportunity to evade her scheming stepmother falls into her lap, she'll pay the price - even if it means impersonating the newest flame of the arrogant prince who humiliated her.
Locked in a bargain, Ember must pose as a princess until midnight at the full moon ball. Until then, she just has to wear a glamour and pretend to court the prince. But when feelings emerge on both sides, she starts to wonder if there is more to their contrived courtship than either of them planned . . .
Heart of the Raven Prince is a complete standalone novel set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy . Journey back to Faerwyvae or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Entangled with Fae series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!
506 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2021
1319 people are currently reading
45135 people want to read
About the author
Tessonja Odette
32 books3,619 followersTessonja Odette is a Seattle-based author of fantasy romance, epic romantasy, and fairytale retellings. Her different series range from cozy fae romcoms to dark and twisty fantasy. In her books you’ll find witty banter, sizzling romance, and breathtaking magic. When she isn’t writing, she’s watching anime, squeezing her pets, or dancing to the music only she can hear.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,632 reviews
January 12, 2023
4.25 stars! I love that this book is a Cinderella retelling that takes place in a fantasy world. Getting to read references to the og cinderella story while also learning about a whole new world and whole new plot was really cool. I LOVE the chemistry and banter between the two main characters. And I'm really excited to read the rest of the series. My only complaint is almost the whole book takes place in a two week period. I wish the characters had more time to really fall in love and get to know each other but other than that I loved it.
March 6, 2022
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Tropes: Cinderella retelling, humans and fae, fake relationship, hate to love, slow burn
Series: Entangled with Fae #2
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 4.75 ⭐
Spice: 0.5/5 🌶
Set in the same world as: The Fair Isle Trilogy
This was a great Cinderella retelling, set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy, the action happening 21 years later. It's part of Entangled with Fae, a series of stand-alones with crossovers between characters and happy endings. My favorite part was obviously the chance to see Franco (whom we've met in the second book of the Fair Isle trilogy) getting his happy ending, since he was one of the characters I liked the most.
It was cute, sweet and funny, totally catchy and very easy to read and enjoy. I loved it and I am, once again, impressed with Tessonja Odette's work.
Credit and more Franco and Ember aesthetic here
》》The Plot《《
Ember is half-fae and lives with her step-mother and two stepsisters after a bargain she made, which stated she will have to live and obey them until she turns 19. Being bound by her bargain and forced to act as a maid and do everything her step family wants, her life is anything but easy and all she wants is to escape. But when her stepmother sets her eye on Franco, the Lunar prince, and wants to use the Social Season as a means to marry off her eldest daughter, Imogen, Ember finds herself even more entangled in her stepmother's schemes. Especially when, desperate to elude a forced marriage, she ends up agreeing to a new bargain with Maisie, the youngest princess of the Sea Court, which leads to her parading as Franco's new love interest. But when he discovers she's an impostor and still allows her to play her part, pretense and honesty mingle with a long awaited result: happiness for both of them, whatever that may mean for each.
"He’s letting me fulfill my bargain with Maisie because he…wants me to play the part. Continue to court him—or pretend to, at least.
That is my punishment."
The chapters are alternative, written either from Ember's POV or Franco's and they both offer a chance to see things through different perspectives, making it easier to love Franco (even more than I already did!) and Ember. Introducing Maisie was a great move to set the scene for the third book in this series: Kiss of the Selkie, and the ending was sweet, giving a conclusion to Franco and Ember's story, offering an update on Gemma and Elliot's and also making us curious about what's coming next for the Sea princess.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
👗 Ember Montgomery
“Just because your namesake places you amongst ash and cinders, doesn’t mean you should seek cosmetics from a chimney.”
“At least an ember still burns,” I say under my breath.
First of all, can we appreciate how nicely she chose the name? Since Cinderella would have been too obvious, Ember was such a great choice and definitely perfect for this MC.
She was delightful, not at all a damsel in distress but not a warrior either. She had her own strength and her character was beautifully written and developed. I loved her connection with the music and her sharp retorts, which made the banter more enjoyable.
🦅 Prince Franco
"I had a horde of women waiting to jump me outside.”
“To…hurt you?”
“No, not to hurt me. They wanted to waltz, I’m sure. Horizontally. Followed by a marriage proposal.”
If I wouldn’t have already been in love with Franco, this book would have taken care of that. He was sweet, funny and caring, while also being really sensitive and vulnerable in a way not many male MCs are portrayed. He was such a powerful and impressive Fae that no one really tried to see beneath the facade he had created and I think it was wonderful to see how much emotion he actually had and how big his heart was.
👗🦅 Ember and Franco
“I’ve never known anyone who had to tell others how funny and clever he is. Usually, it’s a lot more obvious. You know, from their personalities.”
“Do you take pleasure in insulting me?”
“I must take some pleasure from your company if I’ll be forced to endure your presence for the foreseeable future.”
Their relationship was slow burn, going from hate to friendship and then to love, offering us delicious banter, touching confessions, sweet scenes and a little bit of steam. I think they brought the best in each other and they both had much more to gain than a mate; Franco found love but also the strength to stop hiding his real self, to live up to his worth and to become someone great, while Ember finally managed to accept and actually love her power and discover a place where she belonged.
“I…I think I love you, Em. I don’t think. That’s me still being afraid.” He closes the distance between us and rests his hands softly on my shoulders. His eyes lock on mine. “I love you. I know you’re leaving and that’s all right if that’s what you feel you must do. I just want you to know that you are loved. That you are beautiful. That your magic is beautiful.”
“You don’t even know what I look like,” I whisper.
“Why does it matter what you look like? Your face could be hideous by traditional standards, and it wouldn’t diminish your beauty, for I’ve seen the tapestry of your emotions. I’ve felt what you’ve felt, I’ve witnessed the kind of person you are."
They had their insecurities and doubts, but, through each other, they could accept or overcome them, in a way that shows how any real relationship should be: full of mutual support and encouragements.
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🦅👗 Franco and Ember's first meeting
Credit and more Franco and Ember aesthetic here
✉ The letter from Gemma
"If you are left behind or without the gown I’ve gifted you, the tickets will turn to ice and shatter, rendering them useless. So don’t even think about trying anything clever, Mrs. Coleman. Not that you could ever be clever, but I understand one must always try one’s best. Have a wonderful time at the ball, Ember.
Kindest regards,
Gemma Bellefleur"
🔥🔥🔥 The three wisps
🧚🏿♀️🌙 Lorelei and Nyxia together and in love
🧚🏿♀️🦅 Lorelei's discussion with Franco
“But…it’s not like you set out to break hearts.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know you. I know you deserve love. I also know you haven’t seriously courted anyone in years. You’ve given up.”
👗🦅 Ember's flirt with the Fat Raven
👗🧜🏼♀️ Ember's deal with Maisie
👗🦅 Franco figuring out the impostor
👗🦅 The carriage ride
🦅👗 Franco helping Em get dressed
“I’m indecent.” With hurried motions, I gather the clothing from the bed and rush behind the dressing screen.
“The first step is admitting it,” comes his taunting voice. “Now we have something in common.”
🎭 The night at the opera
👩🏻🦰🦌 Evelyn and Aspen being mentioned
“The last person I gave any serious thought to…was Queen Evelyn.”
I cock my head. “The Unseelie Queen of Fire?”
“The very one. I never stood a chance with Evelyn, and it’s obvious why. Have you seen King Aspen’s antlers?” He sighs. “I suppose I had a crush on them both for a time, but Evelyn was someone I think I could have been happy with. I never felt anything close to love for her, but still…I must admit, it was quite embarrassing.”
🛶 The boat scene
🎉 Imogen being dismissed from her position
👩 Clara asking for help
🎹 The piano innuendo
"Plus, I have exactly what you need to make it worth your while.”
She raises a brow. “Is that so?”
“I just so happen to be in possession of a marvelous instrument you can play.”
“An instrument?”
“Yes. It’s massive. Gargantuan, even. With one look, you’ll be begging me to let you put your hands all over it.”
Her expression hardens into a glower, and I sense annoyance rippling off her.
“I’m being completely serious,” I say with a laugh.
“About…”
“About my big, smooth—”
“Franco,” she says through her teeth.
“—pianoforte.”
👗 Ember discovering how powerful she actually is
👩🏽🐺 Gemma and Elliot making an appearance
》》Conclusion《《
It was the perfect read at the perfect moment. I went through it in less than a day, that's how catchy I found it. Definitely a page-turner, good plot and adorable characters. Recommending this with all my heart. If you want a lovely fairytale retelling, pick this up. If you've read the Fair Isle trilogy and want to know more about Franco, pick this up. If you're in the mood for some fantasy romance, pick this up.
“I’m dangerous,” I say. “Deadly.”
He holds my gaze without waver. “So am I.”
Tropes: Cinderella retelling, humans and fae, fake relationship, hate to love, slow burn
Series: Entangled with Fae #2
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 4.75 ⭐
Spice: 0.5/5 🌶
Set in the same world as: The Fair Isle Trilogy
This was a great Cinderella retelling, set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy, the action happening 21 years later. It's part of Entangled with Fae, a series of stand-alones with crossovers between characters and happy endings. My favorite part was obviously the chance to see Franco (whom we've met in the second book of the Fair Isle trilogy) getting his happy ending, since he was one of the characters I liked the most.
It was cute, sweet and funny, totally catchy and very easy to read and enjoy. I loved it and I am, once again, impressed with Tessonja Odette's work.
Credit and more Franco and Ember aesthetic here
》》The Plot《《
Ember is half-fae and lives with her step-mother and two stepsisters after a bargain she made, which stated she will have to live and obey them until she turns 19. Being bound by her bargain and forced to act as a maid and do everything her step family wants, her life is anything but easy and all she wants is to escape. But when her stepmother sets her eye on Franco, the Lunar prince, and wants to use the Social Season as a means to marry off her eldest daughter, Imogen, Ember finds herself even more entangled in her stepmother's schemes. Especially when, desperate to elude a forced marriage, she ends up agreeing to a new bargain with Maisie, the youngest princess of the Sea Court, which leads to her parading as Franco's new love interest. But when he discovers she's an impostor and still allows her to play her part, pretense and honesty mingle with a long awaited result: happiness for both of them, whatever that may mean for each.
"He’s letting me fulfill my bargain with Maisie because he…wants me to play the part. Continue to court him—or pretend to, at least.
That is my punishment."
The chapters are alternative, written either from Ember's POV or Franco's and they both offer a chance to see things through different perspectives, making it easier to love Franco (even more than I already did!) and Ember. Introducing Maisie was a great move to set the scene for the third book in this series: Kiss of the Selkie, and the ending was sweet, giving a conclusion to Franco and Ember's story, offering an update on Gemma and Elliot's and also making us curious about what's coming next for the Sea princess.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
👗 Ember Montgomery
“Just because your namesake places you amongst ash and cinders, doesn’t mean you should seek cosmetics from a chimney.”
“At least an ember still burns,” I say under my breath.
First of all, can we appreciate how nicely she chose the name? Since Cinderella would have been too obvious, Ember was such a great choice and definitely perfect for this MC.
She was delightful, not at all a damsel in distress but not a warrior either. She had her own strength and her character was beautifully written and developed. I loved her connection with the music and her sharp retorts, which made the banter more enjoyable.
🦅 Prince Franco
"I had a horde of women waiting to jump me outside.”
“To…hurt you?”
“No, not to hurt me. They wanted to waltz, I’m sure. Horizontally. Followed by a marriage proposal.”
If I wouldn’t have already been in love with Franco, this book would have taken care of that. He was sweet, funny and caring, while also being really sensitive and vulnerable in a way not many male MCs are portrayed. He was such a powerful and impressive Fae that no one really tried to see beneath the facade he had created and I think it was wonderful to see how much emotion he actually had and how big his heart was.
👗🦅 Ember and Franco
“I’ve never known anyone who had to tell others how funny and clever he is. Usually, it’s a lot more obvious. You know, from their personalities.”
“Do you take pleasure in insulting me?”
“I must take some pleasure from your company if I’ll be forced to endure your presence for the foreseeable future.”
Their relationship was slow burn, going from hate to friendship and then to love, offering us delicious banter, touching confessions, sweet scenes and a little bit of steam. I think they brought the best in each other and they both had much more to gain than a mate; Franco found love but also the strength to stop hiding his real self, to live up to his worth and to become someone great, while Ember finally managed to accept and actually love her power and discover a place where she belonged.
“I…I think I love you, Em. I don’t think. That’s me still being afraid.” He closes the distance between us and rests his hands softly on my shoulders. His eyes lock on mine. “I love you. I know you’re leaving and that’s all right if that’s what you feel you must do. I just want you to know that you are loved. That you are beautiful. That your magic is beautiful.”
“You don’t even know what I look like,” I whisper.
“Why does it matter what you look like? Your face could be hideous by traditional standards, and it wouldn’t diminish your beauty, for I’ve seen the tapestry of your emotions. I’ve felt what you’ve felt, I’ve witnessed the kind of person you are."
They had their insecurities and doubts, but, through each other, they could accept or overcome them, in a way that shows how any real relationship should be: full of mutual support and encouragements.
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🦅👗 Franco and Ember's first meeting
Credit and more Franco and Ember aesthetic here
✉ The letter from Gemma
"If you are left behind or without the gown I’ve gifted you, the tickets will turn to ice and shatter, rendering them useless. So don’t even think about trying anything clever, Mrs. Coleman. Not that you could ever be clever, but I understand one must always try one’s best. Have a wonderful time at the ball, Ember.
Kindest regards,
Gemma Bellefleur"
🔥🔥🔥 The three wisps
🧚🏿♀️🌙 Lorelei and Nyxia together and in love
🧚🏿♀️🦅 Lorelei's discussion with Franco
“But…it’s not like you set out to break hearts.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I know you. I know you deserve love. I also know you haven’t seriously courted anyone in years. You’ve given up.”
👗🦅 Ember's flirt with the Fat Raven
👗🧜🏼♀️ Ember's deal with Maisie
👗🦅 Franco figuring out the impostor
👗🦅 The carriage ride
🦅👗 Franco helping Em get dressed
“I’m indecent.” With hurried motions, I gather the clothing from the bed and rush behind the dressing screen.
“The first step is admitting it,” comes his taunting voice. “Now we have something in common.”
🎭 The night at the opera
👩🏻🦰🦌 Evelyn and Aspen being mentioned
“The last person I gave any serious thought to…was Queen Evelyn.”
I cock my head. “The Unseelie Queen of Fire?”
“The very one. I never stood a chance with Evelyn, and it’s obvious why. Have you seen King Aspen’s antlers?” He sighs. “I suppose I had a crush on them both for a time, but Evelyn was someone I think I could have been happy with. I never felt anything close to love for her, but still…I must admit, it was quite embarrassing.”
🛶 The boat scene
🎉 Imogen being dismissed from her position
👩 Clara asking for help
🎹 The piano innuendo
"Plus, I have exactly what you need to make it worth your while.”
She raises a brow. “Is that so?”
“I just so happen to be in possession of a marvelous instrument you can play.”
“An instrument?”
“Yes. It’s massive. Gargantuan, even. With one look, you’ll be begging me to let you put your hands all over it.”
Her expression hardens into a glower, and I sense annoyance rippling off her.
“I’m being completely serious,” I say with a laugh.
“About…”
“About my big, smooth—”
“Franco,” she says through her teeth.
“—pianoforte.”
👗 Ember discovering how powerful she actually is
👩🏽🐺 Gemma and Elliot making an appearance
》》Conclusion《《
It was the perfect read at the perfect moment. I went through it in less than a day, that's how catchy I found it. Definitely a page-turner, good plot and adorable characters. Recommending this with all my heart. If you want a lovely fairytale retelling, pick this up. If you've read the Fair Isle trilogy and want to know more about Franco, pick this up. If you're in the mood for some fantasy romance, pick this up.
“I’m dangerous,” I say. “Deadly.”
He holds my gaze without waver. “So am I.”
January 7, 2025
if you love the banter and dynamic of jane and guildford in my lady jane, READ THIS!!!
“I’d appreciate it if you’d stop reading my energy,” I say through my teeth.
“And I’d appreciate a bottomless glass of Midnight Blush, and yet somehow I’m always left wanting.”
“But you’re smiling.”
“Perhaps that’s just the glamour. I could be grimacing while I slowly die inside.”
“Now you’re trying to evade the question with your charm and humor.”
“So you admit it. I am charming.”
“If you plan on charming them with that wit of yours, then torture can be all but guaranteed.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d stop reading my energy,” I say through my teeth.
“And I’d appreciate a bottomless glass of Midnight Blush, and yet somehow I’m always left wanting.”
“But you’re smiling.”
“Perhaps that’s just the glamour. I could be grimacing while I slowly die inside.”
“Now you’re trying to evade the question with your charm and humor.”
“So you admit it. I am charming.”
“If you plan on charming them with that wit of yours, then torture can be all but guaranteed.”
January 25, 2024
4.5
de las mejores líneas argumentales que leí y lejos de los mejores retellings que leí
de las mejores líneas argumentales que leí y lejos de los mejores retellings que leí
March 12, 2023
5/5⭐️
This was everything. Absolutely EVERYTHING!! When I say I love fantasy romance books, this book is exactly what I’m talking about!! It gave everything it needed to give. A beautiful faerie universe, an amazing magic system, fun and interesting characters, an intriguing plot and a romance that is to die for!!!
I absolutely devoured that book.
The romance was just so freaking good and I can’t describe it other than perfect! It had everything in it! Banter, tension, pining, sososososo much chemistry, cute and adorable moments, a deep connection between the characters and a perfect outcome!!
I also adore the tropes that the author included!! Some of my favourites to be exact!
Fake dating, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and secret identity??? I mean what more can you want?? It’s literally the perfect combination and the execution did NOT disappoint whatsoever!
I also love that Ember isn’t a damsel in distress or weak whatsoever! She’s smart, witty, fun and strong! I absolutely adore her and even through this book is only 490 pages long, we really got know her as a person and I loved that!!
Same with Franco!! He is way more than just a Prince and the way we get into depth with his character, his backstory and his issues made me love him even more.
And don’t get me started on the chemistry these two have!! It’s so freaking well written and I loved the pacing of it! It wasn’t too abrupt nor too slow. It was just perfect (at least imo).
The plot also didn’t lack for such a short fantasy book. Quite the opposite! I personally believe that it gave what it needed to give! It was fun, intriguing and there was never a boring moment.
It was honestly so well done that I just can’t help myself but give it 5 stars. It was just perfect in every single way!
Overall, I really really enjoyed this book! This was one of the best fairy tale retellings I’ve ever read so far and I’m definitely not exaggerating!
If you love the Disney version of Cinderella but with a more fascinating plot, interesting characters and a gorgeous universe then you will definitely enjoy this book! It’s just so good and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romancy books, because this is the perfect combination of romance and fantasy!
Can’t wait to read more books of Tessonja Odette and this series!
This was everything. Absolutely EVERYTHING!! When I say I love fantasy romance books, this book is exactly what I’m talking about!! It gave everything it needed to give. A beautiful faerie universe, an amazing magic system, fun and interesting characters, an intriguing plot and a romance that is to die for!!!
I absolutely devoured that book.
The romance was just so freaking good and I can’t describe it other than perfect! It had everything in it! Banter, tension, pining, sososososo much chemistry, cute and adorable moments, a deep connection between the characters and a perfect outcome!!
I also adore the tropes that the author included!! Some of my favourites to be exact!
Fake dating, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and secret identity??? I mean what more can you want?? It’s literally the perfect combination and the execution did NOT disappoint whatsoever!
I also love that Ember isn’t a damsel in distress or weak whatsoever! She’s smart, witty, fun and strong! I absolutely adore her and even through this book is only 490 pages long, we really got know her as a person and I loved that!!
Same with Franco!! He is way more than just a Prince and the way we get into depth with his character, his backstory and his issues made me love him even more.
And don’t get me started on the chemistry these two have!! It’s so freaking well written and I loved the pacing of it! It wasn’t too abrupt nor too slow. It was just perfect (at least imo).
The plot also didn’t lack for such a short fantasy book. Quite the opposite! I personally believe that it gave what it needed to give! It was fun, intriguing and there was never a boring moment.
It was honestly so well done that I just can’t help myself but give it 5 stars. It was just perfect in every single way!
Overall, I really really enjoyed this book! This was one of the best fairy tale retellings I’ve ever read so far and I’m definitely not exaggerating!
If you love the Disney version of Cinderella but with a more fascinating plot, interesting characters and a gorgeous universe then you will definitely enjoy this book! It’s just so good and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romancy books, because this is the perfect combination of romance and fantasy!
Can’t wait to read more books of Tessonja Odette and this series!
Read
August 13, 2021AUTHORS NOTE: Heart of the Raven Prince is now released into the wild! I'm so excited for everyone to fall in love with Ember and Franco! Ember was originally introduced in Curse of the Wolf King as a side character, while Franco gathered some diehard fans in To Wear a Fae Crown (The Fair Isle Trilogy, set twenty years before the Entangled with Fae series). Now these two have their own love stories and I'm so thrilled with how this book turned out. It was very hard to write at times, but the end result was so worth it.
Even though Heart of the Raven Prince is the second book in the Entangled with Fae series, it is a complete standalone story that can be read without reading any of the related books. But if you would like to read all books set in Faerwyvae, be sure to check out The Fair Isle Trilogy and Curse of the Wolf King. Next up, we dive into Maisie's story, whom you briefly get to meet in Heart of the Raven Prince. Her story will be my Little Mermaid retelling!
Thanks so much for reading! I am so grateful and lucky to have such wonderful readers who make all my launches purely magical.
Happy reading!
-Tessonja
P.S. Here's a peek at the hardcover edition of HOTRP. It includes character art of Ember and Franco on the naked hardcover! (And yes, all hardcover editions will have this art under the dust jacket no matter where you get them!)
Even though Heart of the Raven Prince is the second book in the Entangled with Fae series, it is a complete standalone story that can be read without reading any of the related books. But if you would like to read all books set in Faerwyvae, be sure to check out The Fair Isle Trilogy and Curse of the Wolf King. Next up, we dive into Maisie's story, whom you briefly get to meet in Heart of the Raven Prince. Her story will be my Little Mermaid retelling!
Thanks so much for reading! I am so grateful and lucky to have such wonderful readers who make all my launches purely magical.
Happy reading!
-Tessonja
P.S. Here's a peek at the hardcover edition of HOTRP. It includes character art of Ember and Franco on the naked hardcover! (And yes, all hardcover editions will have this art under the dust jacket no matter where you get them!)
February 29, 2024
[ 4.5★ ]
⁀➷ ❝But you’re smiling.” “Perhaps that’s just the glamour. I could be grimacing while I slowly die inside.❞
I’m a sucker for anything fairytale related and this did not dissapoint<33 This is a cinderella retelling set in a world with fae. The other books in the series take on different fairytales so if cinderella isn't your cup of tea I'd def recommend one of the other ones! (They can be read in order or as stand alones)
Read this if you like/tropes in the book
➺ fairytale retellings (with fae)
➺ slowburn
➺ fake ‘dating’/courting
➺ banter
➺ he falls first
Sypnosis
A playboy prince in want of a decoy bride. A servant girl desperate for a disguise…
Raven shifter Prince Franco is every social climbing debutante’s dream. He’s handsome, heir to the Lunar Court throne, and deliciously single. Every young woman wants to bed him, wed him, or steal a moment of his time. Except, of course, for Ember Montgomery.
Half-fae Ember craves freedom from her conniving stepfamily. As if they weren’t enough to deal with, a chance encounter with the arrogant Prince Franco leaves her humiliated and in a fiery rage. Nothing could convince her the prince is anything but a rake. But when the opportunity to evade her scheming stepmother falls into her lap, she’ll pay the price—even if it means impersonating the prince’s newest flame…
To prove himself a worthy heir, Prince Franco must marry a princess. But after far too many unsatisfying trysts, he’s given up on love. With the social season in full swing, and bringing with it a horde of husband-hungry socialites, he’ll do anything to delay the pressures of both marriage and the crown. And what better solution than an alliance with a desperate servant girl glamoured as his false future bride?
Locked in a bargain, Ember must pose as a princess until midnight at the full moon ball. Until then, all she has to do is wear the glamour, pretend to court the prince, and above all else, not fall in love. But when feelings emerge on both sides, she starts to wonder if there’s more to their contrived courtship than either of them planned…
Can Ember and Franco find love when the masks come off? Or will illusions and lies prove stronger than their hearts?
Quotes (SPOILERS!)
➺"Em. My Ember.” The sound of my name—my full name—fills my heart
⁀➷ ❝But you’re smiling.” “Perhaps that’s just the glamour. I could be grimacing while I slowly die inside.❞
I’m a sucker for anything fairytale related and this did not dissapoint<33 This is a cinderella retelling set in a world with fae. The other books in the series take on different fairytales so if cinderella isn't your cup of tea I'd def recommend one of the other ones! (They can be read in order or as stand alones)
Read this if you like/tropes in the book
➺ fairytale retellings (with fae)
➺ slowburn
➺ fake ‘dating’/courting
➺ banter
➺ he falls first
Sypnosis
A playboy prince in want of a decoy bride. A servant girl desperate for a disguise…
Raven shifter Prince Franco is every social climbing debutante’s dream. He’s handsome, heir to the Lunar Court throne, and deliciously single. Every young woman wants to bed him, wed him, or steal a moment of his time. Except, of course, for Ember Montgomery.
Half-fae Ember craves freedom from her conniving stepfamily. As if they weren’t enough to deal with, a chance encounter with the arrogant Prince Franco leaves her humiliated and in a fiery rage. Nothing could convince her the prince is anything but a rake. But when the opportunity to evade her scheming stepmother falls into her lap, she’ll pay the price—even if it means impersonating the prince’s newest flame…
To prove himself a worthy heir, Prince Franco must marry a princess. But after far too many unsatisfying trysts, he’s given up on love. With the social season in full swing, and bringing with it a horde of husband-hungry socialites, he’ll do anything to delay the pressures of both marriage and the crown. And what better solution than an alliance with a desperate servant girl glamoured as his false future bride?
Locked in a bargain, Ember must pose as a princess until midnight at the full moon ball. Until then, all she has to do is wear the glamour, pretend to court the prince, and above all else, not fall in love. But when feelings emerge on both sides, she starts to wonder if there’s more to their contrived courtship than either of them planned…
Can Ember and Franco find love when the masks come off? Or will illusions and lies prove stronger than their hearts?
Quotes (SPOILERS!)
➺"Em. My Ember.” The sound of my name—my full name—fills my heart
January 31, 2024
This was definitely better than the first. The MMC had to work harder and I liked how misunderstood he was and how he was able to showcase his character.
January 28, 2022
First off, I wrote a wonderful review for Heart of the Raven Prince and now I can’t find it and genuinely want to cry. This is why you don’t postpone work, kids. I will honestly say I didn't even subtilize when I went into this book with this phrase “ACOTAR meets Bridgerton in this standalone fairytale retelling of Cinderella“. I’m 0% ashamed of making a blind judgement and I regret it not at all.
The personalities for the protagonists were a breath of fresh air. During a time where we’re used to aloof, oh-so-mysterious heroes with their hearts tucked behind brambles and thorns, it was such a relief to see the male protagonist of this story being vulnerable, suffering and being honest about this to the best of their ability to their loved ones. Franco was exactly that. Wanting past the bluster and sparkle and having been wounded by the past and being very wary of the future. He was well scripted and his personality reflected the nature of his power well.
Definitely a softer read than I would’ve expected, but it was a read that brought me happy surprises and while there is steam it is very mild and mostly emotional more than anything else. this series of retellings is becoming my favorite. Happy reading! Five stars!
credit
September 22, 2023
this was a cute little retelling of cinderella. i despised the stepmother and stepsisters so much that i had to put the book down multiple times and tell myself that they're supposed to be vile and annoying but like... they were so annoying lmao
anyway, the only two characters i really cared about were our main characters: ember and franco. their story was sweet and of course it had its well-known tropes such as enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, etc. they were done well but something just felt sort of lack luster for me in the writing. i think i wanted a bit more world building even though the magic system was really interesting. i just needed a bit ✨more✨ i guess
this was also a very easy and fast read for me which was nice. everything, as the story goes, falls into place as it should and thus, justice has been served and love prevails. i might pick up another book from this series in the future because i'm intrigued with maisie's story and i absolutely live for retellings so i'm hopeful for that
anyway, the only two characters i really cared about were our main characters: ember and franco. their story was sweet and of course it had its well-known tropes such as enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, etc. they were done well but something just felt sort of lack luster for me in the writing. i think i wanted a bit more world building even though the magic system was really interesting. i just needed a bit ✨more✨ i guess
this was also a very easy and fast read for me which was nice. everything, as the story goes, falls into place as it should and thus, justice has been served and love prevails. i might pick up another book from this series in the future because i'm intrigued with maisie's story and i absolutely live for retellings so i'm hopeful for that
May 25, 2025
⭐️4.5 ?
review (on here) to come...
go watch my most recent reading vlog where i read/talked about it!
review (on here) to come...
go watch my most recent reading vlog where i read/talked about it!
September 4, 2025
This was such a fun read! The layered, complex storyline added so much depth and kept it more engaging than the regular Cinderella story, which I really appreciated.
I absolutely loved the characters, though I will admit the FMC’s constant second guessing got a bit frustrating at times.
Overall, a solid 4🌟!!
I absolutely loved the characters, though I will admit the FMC’s constant second guessing got a bit frustrating at times.
Overall, a solid 4🌟!!
September 12, 2023
4.25/5⭐️
Cinderella has never been my favorite fairytale but I loved this. As for a retelling of Cinderella this book captured all the main aspects of the tale without it being too much like the original. That’s what I loved about it. It was crazy to me that this was a Cinderella retelling because it felt like something entirely new but it still captured the essence of the fairytale.
I also loved Ember and Franco. When we were introduced to Ember in Curse of the Wolf King I immediately feel in love with her. I hated that her step family was so cruel to her, she didn’t deserve that. I am so glad she got her happy ending.
Cinderella has never been my favorite fairytale but I loved this. As for a retelling of Cinderella this book captured all the main aspects of the tale without it being too much like the original. That’s what I loved about it. It was crazy to me that this was a Cinderella retelling because it felt like something entirely new but it still captured the essence of the fairytale.
I also loved Ember and Franco. When we were introduced to Ember in Curse of the Wolf King I immediately feel in love with her. I hated that her step family was so cruel to her, she didn’t deserve that. I am so glad she got her happy ending.
Read
May 21, 2023DNF 50% : Vraiment sympa ! Retelling de Cendrillon. Bien pour commencer la Romantasy.
June 6, 2023
Another fairytale, another book I fell head over heels for.
This is a twist on Cinderella that quickly became my favorite! None of that nonsense about a prince not recognizing a woman he supposedly fell in love with one beautiful night. No, we have a love story full of hidden identities, mysterious bargains and banter!! The chemistry between these two was so heartwarming and wholesome! Fluffy, feel good fantasy romance right here!
I don’t think I stopped smiling at any point during this book. The prince is a fae raven shifter and our main character Ember is the unfortunate half fae stepdaughter to a wicked creature her father decided to marry. Always repressed and always blamed for the murder of her father, Ember has been kept in the shadows and held for her inheritance. Until one day, she gets a letter sending her (and unfortunately her family) to a ball that changes everything.
Let me tell you- this story has a satisfying happily ever after with deserved retribution.
This is a twist on Cinderella that quickly became my favorite! None of that nonsense about a prince not recognizing a woman he supposedly fell in love with one beautiful night. No, we have a love story full of hidden identities, mysterious bargains and banter!! The chemistry between these two was so heartwarming and wholesome! Fluffy, feel good fantasy romance right here!
I don’t think I stopped smiling at any point during this book. The prince is a fae raven shifter and our main character Ember is the unfortunate half fae stepdaughter to a wicked creature her father decided to marry. Always repressed and always blamed for the murder of her father, Ember has been kept in the shadows and held for her inheritance. Until one day, she gets a letter sending her (and unfortunately her family) to a ball that changes everything.
Let me tell you- this story has a satisfying happily ever after with deserved retribution.
June 19, 2023
Imagine a poorly written, Cinderella retelling, fantasy world on crack, High School Musical with sex.
September 23, 2025
♡✭💚🎶🎤 ❣︎ ✩ 🪶 4⭐️
"𝔸 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕙𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕥𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕖."
I honestly think Tessonja Odette puts some sort of magic in her books because these things, I consume within 48 hours - give or take. Although sometimes the magic system confuses me, with all the courts and seelie and unseelie rulers, I love magical world Odette creates. Each fae has an unseelie (non-human) form which is basically their natural form. In the previous book, the fae king’s unseelie form was a wolf and in this one, Franco can turn into a raven which is great because Ember has some sort of wind heritage in her and loves the wind. I especially 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 his fat raven costume, more people need to get this sense of humor🐦⬛
Their banter was so cute and I loved how they matched each other’s energies so well. Ember plays the piano and sings which is basically me✨✨ and when she was in pain because she couldn’t play or sing I felt it right here🫀This is a Cinderella retelling and I could see it literally everywhere. From the stepsibling dynamic, stepmother and father dynamic, all the way to calling Franco Prince Charming.
I enjoyed having Ember as a main character and she rarely, maybe even never, made me annoyed. Even though she was bound by her bargain with her stepmother, she worked intelligently to ‘escape’ it while not activating the side effects of going against it. Franco was also a great main male character and he was quite entertaining when he was being himself, which as we all know is common in characters, while he was with Ember. Their banter was fun to read and I loved their dynamic together. Franco was a more entertaining and honestly, better character compared to Elliot, from the first book. Elliot was more dull and he was more serious and definitely acted a lot older which is a great fit for Gemma but not my fav. Speaking of Gemma, she’s so sweet and I love her so so much🥹 I absolutely adored her cameo in this book and how kind she always was towards Ember when her annoying stepsisters and stepmother were being petty. I despised them in the first book but in this book, I just felt like putting the book down, taking a walk, and then picking it back up to yell at the step family🤢🤢 So glad they got what they deserved, especially the stepmother😑 she’s absolutely gone in the head and disgustingly manipulative.
Anyways, I really enjoyed this book and I’m so excited to read Princess Maisie’s book😁 I absolutely adore Tessonja Odette’s writing and will be picking up the next book hopefully soon🤞🤞
"𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖."
I really enjoyed this, definitely more than the first but I gotta bask in my feelings🥹🤌
RTC🤞🤞
"𝔸 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕙𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕥𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕖."
I honestly think Tessonja Odette puts some sort of magic in her books because these things, I consume within 48 hours - give or take. Although sometimes the magic system confuses me, with all the courts and seelie and unseelie rulers, I love magical world Odette creates. Each fae has an unseelie (non-human) form which is basically their natural form. In the previous book, the fae king’s unseelie form was a wolf and in this one, Franco can turn into a raven which is great because Ember has some sort of wind heritage in her and loves the wind. I especially 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 his fat raven costume, more people need to get this sense of humor🐦⬛
Their banter was so cute and I loved how they matched each other’s energies so well. Ember plays the piano and sings which is basically me✨✨ and when she was in pain because she couldn’t play or sing I felt it right here🫀This is a Cinderella retelling and I could see it literally everywhere. From the stepsibling dynamic, stepmother and father dynamic, all the way to calling Franco Prince Charming.
I enjoyed having Ember as a main character and she rarely, maybe even never, made me annoyed. Even though she was bound by her bargain with her stepmother, she worked intelligently to ‘escape’ it while not activating the side effects of going against it. Franco was also a great main male character and he was quite entertaining when he was being himself, which as we all know is common in characters, while he was with Ember. Their banter was fun to read and I loved their dynamic together. Franco was a more entertaining and honestly, better character compared to Elliot, from the first book. Elliot was more dull and he was more serious and definitely acted a lot older which is a great fit for Gemma but not my fav. Speaking of Gemma, she’s so sweet and I love her so so much🥹 I absolutely adored her cameo in this book and how kind she always was towards Ember when her annoying stepsisters and stepmother were being petty. I despised them in the first book but in this book, I just felt like putting the book down, taking a walk, and then picking it back up to yell at the step family🤢🤢 So glad they got what they deserved, especially the stepmother😑 she’s absolutely gone in the head and disgustingly manipulative.
Anyways, I really enjoyed this book and I’m so excited to read Princess Maisie’s book😁 I absolutely adore Tessonja Odette’s writing and will be picking up the next book hopefully soon🤞🤞
"𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖."
I really enjoyed this, definitely more than the first but I gotta bask in my feelings🥹🤌
RTC🤞🤞
August 31, 2024
i’m just so indifferent to everything that happens in this series idk 🧍🏼♀️
pre review
i didn’t love the first one in this series but i also don’t love beauty & the beast retellings so hopefully this one’s better 🤞🏼
pre review
i didn’t love the first one in this series but i also don’t love beauty & the beast retellings so hopefully this one’s better 🤞🏼
February 5, 2023
I hate that he's become a complex mystery I want to both solve and flee from. I hate that his last words echo through my ears. My mind. My heart.
Cover: 7/10
Title: 6/10
Genre: Fantasy Retelling (Subplot open door romance)
Trope: Enemies to Lovers
Writing style: 8/10
Character development: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
POV: Dual
It doesn't matter how brightly one burns if no one cares to look.
Following the classic Cinderella Fairytale, the story revolves around Ember who is coerced into a bargain that binds her to seek shelter under her stepmother's roof and obey every order till she turns ninteen.
Our other main character is a badly reputed nonchalant prince named Franco. Of course, Franco and Ember crossing their paths for the first time doesn't go quite well, igniting a spark of hate in Ember's heart for the Prince.
On the other hand, Franco's sister decides the take her brother's love life in her hands and persuades her brother to court the princess of Sea land. Circumstances strengthen the string of fate and Ember finds herself in yet again another bargain where she has to pretend to be the royal princess and court Franco. Just for two weeks. After two weeks she will be free from all bargains. After two weeks, she will disappear and no one would know her whereabouts or who she really was.
But those two weeks change everything.
He never said I look beautiful, I note. He said I am beautiful
I think this book was pretty great! And definitely deserves more hype. I knew what was coming and yet the heartache was real. Whenever I thought, that's it, it's all over...another twists came up. Although I wish there was a little more depth to the characters. The 'enemies to lovers' banter felt pretty lame when they fell so deeply in love in just the span of 14 days.
Although the ending was amazing, I have to give you that.
"You mistake me" I say, my voice low, cold. Shadows seep from my fingertips and write around my shoulders. "When I said there was one monster here, I meant...me."
Go ahead. Pick it up. You won't regret it.
A real page turner and I flied through this.
Cover: 7/10
Title: 6/10
Genre: Fantasy Retelling (Subplot open door romance)
Trope: Enemies to Lovers
Writing style: 8/10
Character development: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
POV: Dual
It doesn't matter how brightly one burns if no one cares to look.
Following the classic Cinderella Fairytale, the story revolves around Ember who is coerced into a bargain that binds her to seek shelter under her stepmother's roof and obey every order till she turns ninteen.
Our other main character is a badly reputed nonchalant prince named Franco. Of course, Franco and Ember crossing their paths for the first time doesn't go quite well, igniting a spark of hate in Ember's heart for the Prince.
On the other hand, Franco's sister decides the take her brother's love life in her hands and persuades her brother to court the princess of Sea land. Circumstances strengthen the string of fate and Ember finds herself in yet again another bargain where she has to pretend to be the royal princess and court Franco. Just for two weeks. After two weeks she will be free from all bargains. After two weeks, she will disappear and no one would know her whereabouts or who she really was.
But those two weeks change everything.
He never said I look beautiful, I note. He said I am beautiful
I think this book was pretty great! And definitely deserves more hype. I knew what was coming and yet the heartache was real. Whenever I thought, that's it, it's all over...another twists came up. Although I wish there was a little more depth to the characters. The 'enemies to lovers' banter felt pretty lame when they fell so deeply in love in just the span of 14 days.
Although the ending was amazing, I have to give you that.
"You mistake me" I say, my voice low, cold. Shadows seep from my fingertips and write around my shoulders. "When I said there was one monster here, I meant...me."
Go ahead. Pick it up. You won't regret it.
A real page turner and I flied through this.
July 31, 2021
Okey, AMÉ TOTALMENTE LA HISTORIA🥺✨, es un bello retelling, me encantó el libro, es demasiado hermoso, muy ligero, muy entretenido, los personajes son hermosos (hay una trilogía que se puede leer antes de estos libros para mejor entendimiento de los personajes que aparecen aquí, se llama “The Fair Isle Trilogy” pronto lo leeré) pero aún así no pasa nada, se disfruta de igual manera, dios lo que disfruté éste libro💓 en serio me encantó, Ember y Franco son demasiado hermosos💓🥺, me divertí leyéndolos, si quieren algo lindo, cute, ligero y rápido de leer, éste es el libro💙
(Necesito el libro de Maisie!!! Omg)
Muchas gracias a la autora por proporcionar un ARC a cambio de una revisión honesta ✨
(Necesito el libro de Maisie!!! Omg)
Muchas gracias a la autora por proporcionar un ARC a cambio de una revisión honesta ✨
July 31, 2023
yeah this ain’t it lol
October 29, 2025
ׂ╰┈➤ 𝟓💫
OH MYY this book was so fun and the fantasy was just amazing the retelling of cinderella was literally perfect
the setting that we were given it describes the big things and the small things i appreciated the little wisps too like how they talked and helped Ember throughout the book
FRANCO THE MAN YOU ARE like he was the best and how he was so patient and really loved her for who she is
i’m definitely continuing this series and can’t wait!!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
OH MYY this book was so fun and the fantasy was just amazing the retelling of cinderella was literally perfect
the setting that we were given it describes the big things and the small things i appreciated the little wisps too like how they talked and helped Ember throughout the book
FRANCO THE MAN YOU ARE like he was the best and how he was so patient and really loved her for who she is
i’m definitely continuing this series and can’t wait!!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
December 29, 2023
I loved this book! It was a Cinderella inspired story done well. It was fun to read and I didn’t want to put it down.
It follows Ember, a half fae who is trapped in a bargain she was guilted into by her conniving step mother. It also follows Franco, a fae prince who is misunderstood and rarely lets people see/know his true self to the point that he lets people spread a reputation about him that is mostly a series of unfortunate misunderstandings.
Both characters had a lot of obstacles and doubt that initially made it difficult to understand and like each other, especially as Ember is limited in things she can say due to the constraints of her previous bargains and Franco had a tendency to hold back and not correct incorrect assumptions.
It was a delight to see them grow as characters and make it through the turmoil in the story and eventually get to their version of happily ever after that we look forward to in a fairy tale retelling.
It follows Ember, a half fae who is trapped in a bargain she was guilted into by her conniving step mother. It also follows Franco, a fae prince who is misunderstood and rarely lets people see/know his true self to the point that he lets people spread a reputation about him that is mostly a series of unfortunate misunderstandings.
Both characters had a lot of obstacles and doubt that initially made it difficult to understand and like each other, especially as Ember is limited in things she can say due to the constraints of her previous bargains and Franco had a tendency to hold back and not correct incorrect assumptions.
It was a delight to see them grow as characters and make it through the turmoil in the story and eventually get to their version of happily ever after that we look forward to in a fairy tale retelling.
September 6, 2022
Oh my god. This cute little fantasy had me kicking my feet, blushing, giggling to myself, and consuming all five hundred pages in 12 hours. 12 hours. I clung to this book like it was my A/C in a Vancouver heatwave. When I tell you I could not get enough of it, I mean it.
The Entangled with the Fae series continues onto it’s next retelling, bringing Cinderella to life in all of its Fae glory. This book was the first Cinderella retelling that I actually loved. The plot was so much fun, the scheming was hilarious, the romance was *chefs kiss* and the characters were by far my favourite heroine and hero to be introduced in the entire two series that make up this world. Their banter and sass alone made the book worth the read. There were so many elements to this story that it nearly should have felt cramped or overwhelming, but it just worked. Every character had a role to play, each plot point weaves its way subtly into the over-arching story, the book leaves everything with a perfect pay-off.
It is going to be hard to top this one for me as my favourite in the series.
The Entangled with the Fae series continues onto it’s next retelling, bringing Cinderella to life in all of its Fae glory. This book was the first Cinderella retelling that I actually loved. The plot was so much fun, the scheming was hilarious, the romance was *chefs kiss* and the characters were by far my favourite heroine and hero to be introduced in the entire two series that make up this world. Their banter and sass alone made the book worth the read. There were so many elements to this story that it nearly should have felt cramped or overwhelming, but it just worked. Every character had a role to play, each plot point weaves its way subtly into the over-arching story, the book leaves everything with a perfect pay-off.
It is going to be hard to top this one for me as my favourite in the series.
October 20, 2021
ꜱᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ, ꜱᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ.
I've grown to like Cinderella's story because of this book. 💙
My frustration when Ember was backed into a corner only enhanced my feelings and attachments towards the story and characters. I was completely immersed in the world.
Heart Of The Raven Prince had one of the sweetest slow burns I've read in a while, and with a hint of enemies to lovers, this was right up my alley.
Also the ending was kinda unexpected but totally satisfying and well-done.
It needs to be said that I liked this one much more than the previous book and that's saying something cuz the latter was a beauty and the beast retelling. Do yourself a favour and read this remarkable retelling. 💙
I've grown to like Cinderella's story because of this book. 💙
My frustration when Ember was backed into a corner only enhanced my feelings and attachments towards the story and characters. I was completely immersed in the world.
Heart Of The Raven Prince had one of the sweetest slow burns I've read in a while, and with a hint of enemies to lovers, this was right up my alley.
Also the ending was kinda unexpected but totally satisfying and well-done.
It needs to be said that I liked this one much more than the previous book and that's saying something cuz the latter was a beauty and the beast retelling. Do yourself a favour and read this remarkable retelling. 💙
August 17, 2021
I just discovered this book today and I’m obsessed. I loved it so much y’all go read it rn
Also I just found out that this is technically a sequel book to a trilogy?? I’ve never heard of the trilogy this is connected to but I still loved it so 💁🏻♀️
Also I just found out that this is technically a sequel book to a trilogy?? I’ve never heard of the trilogy this is connected to but I still loved it so 💁🏻♀️
August 1, 2021
I loved this retelling of a classic book. It was a great book and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the overall storyline and the characters.
October 20, 2023
4🌟🌟🌟🌟 and a very creative retelling of Cinderella
I think Tessa's strategy is to take many of the familiar we are used to in the original story and flip it out. I AM LOVING THIS
⚜theme: Urban Fantasy retelling
⚜tropes: Fake Dating, cursed, slow burn, evil stepmother
⚜Genre: New Adult
⚜characters: humans, , fae, vampires
⚜TW: mention of war, death, forced marriage
⚜spice: 🌶one tiny scene at the end
⚜ending: HEA
I enjoyed the way the story twisted the spell and the curses. There was an element of Ella Enchanted mixed with Pride and Prejudice
The thing that I love about YA or NA fantasy romance is, because of the minimum focus on spice scenes, the characters have the chance to get to know each other through actions and conversation instead of sweaty physical activities...
If you ever wondered what Cinderella and the Prince were talking about during the ball, Ember and Franco will answer that. They got to spend a lot of time together to have their love develop.
It was also very enjoyable to have the double POV that must be present in any Romance genre
so we get both sides of the characters
but here is the thing that lowered the book from 5 stars to 4 stars
It was sooooo long with much focus on repeated ideas rather than the main one
Despite being nice to see Ember taking charge of her life and doing everything possible to break free, Franco felt short.
The only time he showed initiative to act like a king apparent is at the very end to stand up to his sister
The book should have cut several chapters in favor of showing him actually doing something productive
but it was a lovely story that surely left me extremely curious to read about The next Little Mermaid retelling
I think Tessa's strategy is to take many of the familiar we are used to in the original story and flip it out. I AM LOVING THIS
⚜theme: Urban Fantasy retelling
⚜tropes: Fake Dating, cursed, slow burn, evil stepmother
⚜Genre: New Adult
⚜characters: humans, , fae, vampires
⚜TW: mention of war, death, forced marriage
⚜spice: 🌶one tiny scene at the end
⚜ending: HEA
I enjoyed the way the story twisted the spell and the curses. There was an element of Ella Enchanted mixed with Pride and Prejudice
The thing that I love about YA or NA fantasy romance is, because of the minimum focus on spice scenes, the characters have the chance to get to know each other through actions and conversation instead of sweaty physical activities...
If you ever wondered what Cinderella and the Prince were talking about during the ball, Ember and Franco will answer that. They got to spend a lot of time together to have their love develop.
It was also very enjoyable to have the double POV that must be present in any Romance genre
so we get both sides of the characters
but here is the thing that lowered the book from 5 stars to 4 stars
It was sooooo long with much focus on repeated ideas rather than the main one
Despite being nice to see Ember taking charge of her life and doing everything possible to break free, Franco felt short.
The only time he showed initiative to act like a king apparent is at the very end to stand up to his sister
The book should have cut several chapters in favor of showing him actually doing something productive
but it was a lovely story that surely left me extremely curious to read about The next Little Mermaid retelling
August 9, 2024
this was such a wonderful retelling on Cinderella and with the added bonus of music!!
December 14, 2021
Well, this was highly predictable. But, in all honestly, it was a feel-good story.
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but this is a fae retelling, which is fine....well, not really, but a cool concept, sure.
Yes, the ending was predictable, and yes, I had a cheesy grin on the entire time, but I enjoyed it - liked, even, but it wasn't that new
And Franco reminded me a little too much of Rhys (ACoTaR) but every dark-haired, tattooed, fae-male, with black wings reminds me of Rhys.
ANyway, good story, and now I'm probably going to ruin my social life (again) by reading the other two books in this not-series.
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but this is a fae retelling, which is fine....well, not really, but a cool concept, sure.
Yes, the ending was predictable, and yes, I had a cheesy grin on the entire time, but I enjoyed it - liked, even, but it wasn't that new
And Franco reminded me a little too much of Rhys (ACoTaR) but every dark-haired, tattooed, fae-male, with black wings reminds me of Rhys.
ANyway, good story, and now I'm probably going to ruin my social life (again) by reading the other two books in this not-series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,632 reviews