What do you think?
Rate this book
Smoke and Glass Slippers: A Dystopian, Gender-Flipped Cinderella Retelling
She's the heir to a corrupt empire.
He's the man coming to burn it all down.
I know my place. I’m a Quartz. Meant to serve. For thirty years, I’ve slaved in the mines, stripping magic to fuel the empire’s precious Capital.
But I refuse to die in the dark.
The emperor’s competition for his daughter's hand is my one chance. If I can win a place among the nobles, I’ll get close enough to stop the tyranny once and for all.
There’s just one problem: Princess Ysabelle is nothing like I expected. And as the Betrothal Games become real, I’ll have to make a choice.
A choice that could change the world.
Dive into the dystopian fairytale world of Smoke and Glass Slippers, a land of lies and deceit where the lines between heroism and villainy blur and nothing is as it seems. High-stakes fantasy adventure combined with swoony romance await in this clean, enemies to lovers romantasy!
Perfect for fans of The Selection and Red Rising.
He's the man coming to burn it all down.
I know my place. I’m a Quartz. Meant to serve. For thirty years, I’ve slaved in the mines, stripping magic to fuel the empire’s precious Capital.
But I refuse to die in the dark.
The emperor’s competition for his daughter's hand is my one chance. If I can win a place among the nobles, I’ll get close enough to stop the tyranny once and for all.
There’s just one problem: Princess Ysabelle is nothing like I expected. And as the Betrothal Games become real, I’ll have to make a choice.
A choice that could change the world.
Dive into the dystopian fairytale world of Smoke and Glass Slippers, a land of lies and deceit where the lines between heroism and villainy blur and nothing is as it seems. High-stakes fantasy adventure combined with swoony romance await in this clean, enemies to lovers romantasy!
Perfect for fans of The Selection and Red Rising.
ebook
Published July 28, 2025
114 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Willingham
8 books248 followersAshley Willingham is a Christian, wife, mother of two, and an author of clean books. She enjoys writing high-stakes plots, swoony romances, and stories free from explicit content. When she's not busy writing, she can be found in the kitchen pursing her second passion—baking. She currently lives in Arkansas with her family and one very fluffy dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 2, 2026
yall I read this in a day. Great characters, interesting world and twist on the classic fairytale. this might be my new favorite Cinderella retelling??
January 25, 2026
What to expect: Adult fantasy romance, Christian worldview, dystopian fairytale, MCs in their 30s, high-stakes, corrupt empire, Betrothal games, hidden identity
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Ashley Willingham, and it definitely won’t be the last. 🤩 Certain elements of the setting remind me of The Selection, The Hunger Games, and The Lunar Chronicles (except this novel is adult not YA). I think the magic concept is pretty cool and unique. The gender-flipped Cinderella retelling part is loose and didn’t feel like a repetitive story to me at all. I appreciate that, since it’s a dystopian setting, it has political themes that could be paralleled with real life, and that there is moral ambiguity among people on both sides of the conflict, showing you can’t defeat your enemies with more hate. Because dystopian is not just an aesthetic, people (anyway, short rant over). I loved following along with the growth journey of the MMC and was also invested in the romance part. 👀 It is so heartfelt and what romance should be, which is right up my alley. I would have binge-read this book if I hadn’t been so busy, and I am excited to read the other standalones in this series.
The only downside for me personally was that I thought the ending and epilogue could have been expanded on more. It mentions what happens next, but I would have liked more detail for what happens to the country, considering how invested I was in the political plot and that it’s a standalone.
📚 content courtesies 📚
-kissing only
-no profanity
-There is nothing graphic, mostly references to the abuse and oppression that happens to children and adult citizens in the caste system, on-page death.
-Faith is not central to the plot, but it is mentioned that the MMC and his caste have faith in the Maker, which sounds akin to Christianity. This is not a full-on Christian book, but you can tell Christian values are there.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Ashley Willingham, and it definitely won’t be the last. 🤩 Certain elements of the setting remind me of The Selection, The Hunger Games, and The Lunar Chronicles (except this novel is adult not YA). I think the magic concept is pretty cool and unique. The gender-flipped Cinderella retelling part is loose and didn’t feel like a repetitive story to me at all. I appreciate that, since it’s a dystopian setting, it has political themes that could be paralleled with real life, and that there is moral ambiguity among people on both sides of the conflict, showing you can’t defeat your enemies with more hate. Because dystopian is not just an aesthetic, people (anyway, short rant over). I loved following along with the growth journey of the MMC and was also invested in the romance part. 👀 It is so heartfelt and what romance should be, which is right up my alley. I would have binge-read this book if I hadn’t been so busy, and I am excited to read the other standalones in this series.
The only downside for me personally was that I thought the ending and epilogue could have been expanded on more. It mentions what happens next, but I would have liked more detail for what happens to the country, considering how invested I was in the political plot and that it’s a standalone.
📚 content courtesies 📚
-kissing only
-no profanity
-There is nothing graphic, mostly references to the abuse and oppression that happens to children and adult citizens in the caste system, on-page death.
-Faith is not central to the plot, but it is mentioned that the MMC and his caste have faith in the Maker, which sounds akin to Christianity. This is not a full-on Christian book, but you can tell Christian values are there.
September 27, 2025
✨ Spoiler-Free Review ✨
Smoke and Glass Slippers by Ashley Willingham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my very first fairytale retelling, and I had such a fun time with it! I loved seeing how Ashley Willingham wove in familiar elements like the glass slippers, the pumpkin coach, the clock striking midnight, and even the mice, while giving them such a creative twist within a dystopian setting. It felt fresh, unique, and imaginative! 🤍
The story follows Cedric, whose world is completely transformed by a healer who changes his entire being from a low-class nobody, to one of the highest ranked in society. He is sent to enter a set of high-stakes games
that determine who will marry the future empress - and to kill her father. 😅
The games were such a fun mix of humor, action, and tension. Alongside that, the story weaves in rebellion, secrets, and complicated loyalties - all while building out a unique dystopian world.⚔️
Personally, dystopian isn’t my go-to genre, so at times I found it a little harder to picture the characters and fully connect. But that’s completely a personal preference, not a reflection on the writing itself. Ashley’s pacing, creativity, and plotting kept me engaged the whole way through.
Overall, while it may not be an all-time favorite for me, I think this is a really fun, worthwhile read - especially if you enjoy fairytale retellings or dystopian adventures. I’m so glad I picked it up and I’ll definitely keep supporting this talented Christian indie author!! 🥰
⚠️Trigger Warnings (NONE of these are detailed or GRAPHIC):
- Death of parents
- Near-death from whipping
- Suggestive sexual harassment (not on page, but you can kind of tell what happened)
- Hinted at suggestive sexual comments from the evil character
- explosions, battles, death, etc.
Smoke and Glass Slippers by Ashley Willingham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my very first fairytale retelling, and I had such a fun time with it! I loved seeing how Ashley Willingham wove in familiar elements like the glass slippers, the pumpkin coach, the clock striking midnight, and even the mice, while giving them such a creative twist within a dystopian setting. It felt fresh, unique, and imaginative! 🤍
The story follows Cedric, whose world is completely transformed by a healer who changes his entire being from a low-class nobody, to one of the highest ranked in society. He is sent to enter a set of high-stakes games
that determine who will marry the future empress - and to kill her father. 😅
The games were such a fun mix of humor, action, and tension. Alongside that, the story weaves in rebellion, secrets, and complicated loyalties - all while building out a unique dystopian world.⚔️
Personally, dystopian isn’t my go-to genre, so at times I found it a little harder to picture the characters and fully connect. But that’s completely a personal preference, not a reflection on the writing itself. Ashley’s pacing, creativity, and plotting kept me engaged the whole way through.
Overall, while it may not be an all-time favorite for me, I think this is a really fun, worthwhile read - especially if you enjoy fairytale retellings or dystopian adventures. I’m so glad I picked it up and I’ll definitely keep supporting this talented Christian indie author!! 🥰
⚠️Trigger Warnings (NONE of these are detailed or GRAPHIC):
- Death of parents
- Near-death from whipping
- Suggestive sexual harassment (not on page, but you can kind of tell what happened)
- Hinted at suggestive sexual comments from the evil character
- explosions, battles, death, etc.
October 13, 2025
So it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t my type of book.
Language:
Clean other then made up words like dusting.
Romance:
Some kisses, one that was a bit too much for me.
Mentions of a certain group of people being used for pleasure.
Mentions a someone being forced.
Violence:
There is death, beatings, and fighting. I don’t remember how descriptive it was tho.
To me, the romance was more infatuation and felt more like a surface level relationship rather than one that goes really well with the whole book.
I wasn’t a fan of the main characters, the guy kept going back and force with the loyalty. The girl was kinda bratty.
I did like the idea of the games and I loved the castes with the different gems. Such a cool idea!
My favorite character was Benji and I wish there was more of him.
This was supposed to be faith filled, but other than a couple mentions of the Maker, nothing really and I was disappointed.
I like the glass slippers and how that was incorporated.
All in all, it was bad but not a book for me.
Language:
Clean other then made up words like dusting.
Romance:
Some kisses, one that was a bit too much for me.
Mentions of a certain group of people being used for pleasure.
Mentions a someone being forced.
Violence:
There is death, beatings, and fighting. I don’t remember how descriptive it was tho.
To me, the romance was more infatuation and felt more like a surface level relationship rather than one that goes really well with the whole book.
I wasn’t a fan of the main characters, the guy kept going back and force with the loyalty. The girl was kinda bratty.
I did like the idea of the games and I loved the castes with the different gems. Such a cool idea!
My favorite character was Benji and I wish there was more of him.
This was supposed to be faith filled, but other than a couple mentions of the Maker, nothing really and I was disappointed.
I like the glass slippers and how that was incorporated.
All in all, it was bad but not a book for me.
January 6, 2026
Smoke and Glass Slippers by Ashley Willingham is a “gender-flipped, dystopian Cinderella re-telling”. Cedric Carr is doomed to live the life of a Quartz toiling away in the magic mines to harvest energy to fund the precious lifestyles of the Diamonds in the Capital. When he is forced to compete in the Betrothal Games to bring down the crooked and self-consumed Emperor of Jyosia, can he resist falling in love with the heart and soul of Her Imperial Highness, Ysabelle?
Theme(s): Ashley Willingham weaved an intricate story full of surprising adventures that encourages the heart of the reader to seek justice, love mercy, and extend forgiveness.
Author background: The author has a commitment to Jesus Christ and promises her books will have no swearing, no spice (sexual content), and no graphic violence.
Violent content: While the book does have high stakes battles, altercations, and abuse at the hands of a manager (whipping), they are described without gory details.
Language content: No cursing is in the book, although some alternative language is used in place of swear words.
Romantic/sexual content: The romance scenes in the book have recorded kissing in close quarters with one occasion of the male character pulling the female character into his lap. However, the book never leads the reader to believe these romantic experiences lead to anything further - with one scene even describing the characters refusal to share a bedroom before marriage.
Theology/Spiritual content: The book references “the Maker” in multiple spots. One reference at the end of the book details how “creatures” helped “the Maker” shape the world. While Ashley is a Christian, she does not claim that this book is Christian fantasy. She clearly states this in her author’s note at the end of the book.
In a reading world full of sexualized romantasies, I am thankful for Ashley Willingham’s dedication to leaving spice out of her books and still producing an intriguing plot that keeps the reader turning the page! Ashley has brought to life genuine characters with real conflicts and deposited them into a fairy-tale story with a believable conclusion. If princess fairy-tales with a blend of breaking societal caste systems interests you, I would recommend this book for any reader high school age and up!
Theme(s): Ashley Willingham weaved an intricate story full of surprising adventures that encourages the heart of the reader to seek justice, love mercy, and extend forgiveness.
Author background: The author has a commitment to Jesus Christ and promises her books will have no swearing, no spice (sexual content), and no graphic violence.
Violent content: While the book does have high stakes battles, altercations, and abuse at the hands of a manager (whipping), they are described without gory details.
Language content: No cursing is in the book, although some alternative language is used in place of swear words.
Romantic/sexual content: The romance scenes in the book have recorded kissing in close quarters with one occasion of the male character pulling the female character into his lap. However, the book never leads the reader to believe these romantic experiences lead to anything further - with one scene even describing the characters refusal to share a bedroom before marriage.
Theology/Spiritual content: The book references “the Maker” in multiple spots. One reference at the end of the book details how “creatures” helped “the Maker” shape the world. While Ashley is a Christian, she does not claim that this book is Christian fantasy. She clearly states this in her author’s note at the end of the book.
In a reading world full of sexualized romantasies, I am thankful for Ashley Willingham’s dedication to leaving spice out of her books and still producing an intriguing plot that keeps the reader turning the page! Ashley has brought to life genuine characters with real conflicts and deposited them into a fairy-tale story with a believable conclusion. If princess fairy-tales with a blend of breaking societal caste systems interests you, I would recommend this book for any reader high school age and up!
July 13, 2025
Another book hit out of the ballpark by Ashley. When I read that this was a gender flipped fairy tale, I was a bit skeptical. But man was I glad to be wrong. The twists and turns in this book, on top of the very unique dystopian fantasy society, *Chefs kiss*.
The book is fast paced but gives just the right amount of attention to the romance between Cedric and Ysabelle.
If you are wanting a sweet clean romance, with a unique spin on Cinderella, you must give this book a try!
The book is fast paced but gives just the right amount of attention to the romance between Cedric and Ysabelle.
If you are wanting a sweet clean romance, with a unique spin on Cinderella, you must give this book a try!
August 8, 2025
📖 Blurb:
Division reigns in Jyosia. The people are separated into casts, and the lowest among them, the Quartzes, are forced into a life of extreme servitude, and are even killed if they dare to stand up to their Diamond oppressors. Cedric Carr dreams of a different life, a gentler, more equal life. When an unfortunate incident forces him to become that what he most detests, Cedric finds himself thrown into a political plot that has him facing some hard questions about what he thinks he knows. A pawn in a game to win the future empress's heart, Cedric is confronted with the knowledge that a path forward may not require the bloodshed his godfather is pushing. He was sent to kill the emperor. He never meant to fall in love with the crown princess. Can their love move the nation into a time of peace and restoration? Or with the truth destroy them all?
My 💭:
From the very first page, you are drawn into to this intricate plot! This gender flipped, dystopian Cinderella retelling is sure to intrigue you and keep you guessing. I love how Cedric was written; he is selfless, brave, and true to himself in a world where he's supposed to fit into a mold. Ysabelle wants to change the world, and she is a fierce warrior. The side characters are lovable and eccentric. The world building/magic system is easy to understand and enjoyable to delve into. I'd love to have more written about the world! This was my first book by this author but will not be my last!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Swoony romance; kisses only.
🪄Only Diamonds have/can use magic, but magic has been harnessed into technology.
⚔️Action/war time violence. Explosions and wounds abound, but nothing graphic or gratuitous
👱🏻♂️Single POV from Cedric
Division reigns in Jyosia. The people are separated into casts, and the lowest among them, the Quartzes, are forced into a life of extreme servitude, and are even killed if they dare to stand up to their Diamond oppressors. Cedric Carr dreams of a different life, a gentler, more equal life. When an unfortunate incident forces him to become that what he most detests, Cedric finds himself thrown into a political plot that has him facing some hard questions about what he thinks he knows. A pawn in a game to win the future empress's heart, Cedric is confronted with the knowledge that a path forward may not require the bloodshed his godfather is pushing. He was sent to kill the emperor. He never meant to fall in love with the crown princess. Can their love move the nation into a time of peace and restoration? Or with the truth destroy them all?
My 💭:
From the very first page, you are drawn into to this intricate plot! This gender flipped, dystopian Cinderella retelling is sure to intrigue you and keep you guessing. I love how Cedric was written; he is selfless, brave, and true to himself in a world where he's supposed to fit into a mold. Ysabelle wants to change the world, and she is a fierce warrior. The side characters are lovable and eccentric. The world building/magic system is easy to understand and enjoyable to delve into. I'd love to have more written about the world! This was my first book by this author but will not be my last!
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Swoony romance; kisses only.
🪄Only Diamonds have/can use magic, but magic has been harnessed into technology.
⚔️Action/war time violence. Explosions and wounds abound, but nothing graphic or gratuitous
👱🏻♂️Single POV from Cedric
July 29, 2025
First off I have to applaud Ashley Willingham in hitting another homerun, but not just book wise, but for being a fantasy writer that is clean and isnt solely based on the sex attraction of the characters. She creates characters that can show their love,their compassion, their protectiveness all without taking it to the bedroom. I have been facinated with her writing from the very first book I read of hers, each one is a masterpiece on their own. The world building, the problems they face, the obstacles that are sat in ther path, all these are intricultly laid out in her books, whether its a fast paced one such as this one or a little slower paced one. I loved that it was gender flipped, I wasnt sure if it was gonna hit for me, but I am very happy to say I was very wrong. If you cant fall in love with Cedric and Ysabelle and the way she describes them,than I have to admit there is no hope lol. I thoroughly recommend this book and this author to absolutely everyone!
July 29, 2025
Smoke & Glass Slippers is a gender flipped dystopian Cinderella retelling. In this first person (MMC) single POV we follow along with Cedric on his journey to end the tyranny that has taken over his world.
This was such a unique story that was beautiful, heartwarming, and overflowing with action. At first glance you may think you're just looking at a fantasy version of the Bachelorette, but there is so much more to this fantastic tale. Also, as you can see, the cover art is gorgeous (as is the chapter header art).
This is my 3rd book by Ashley Willingham and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite, must read authors. I absolutely love her vivid details and world building. This one is far from your typical fairytale retelling. The writing is wonderfully done and the characters are all so intriguing and polished (Ludo was my favorite side character!)
In this book you'll find heartbreak, but also forgiveness, redemption, those acknowledging when they're wrong while being willing to make things right, and characters showing kindness even in the face of hate.
I LOVED Smoke & Glass Slippers and definitely recommend to all fans of fantasy and beautifully written retellings.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
This was such a unique story that was beautiful, heartwarming, and overflowing with action. At first glance you may think you're just looking at a fantasy version of the Bachelorette, but there is so much more to this fantastic tale. Also, as you can see, the cover art is gorgeous (as is the chapter header art).
This is my 3rd book by Ashley Willingham and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite, must read authors. I absolutely love her vivid details and world building. This one is far from your typical fairytale retelling. The writing is wonderfully done and the characters are all so intriguing and polished (Ludo was my favorite side character!)
In this book you'll find heartbreak, but also forgiveness, redemption, those acknowledging when they're wrong while being willing to make things right, and characters showing kindness even in the face of hate.
I LOVED Smoke & Glass Slippers and definitely recommend to all fans of fantasy and beautifully written retellings.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
July 29, 2025
This book was phenomenal. From holding true to the important aspects of the Cinderella fairytale while holding its own to the wonderfully immersive world that Willingham created, I'm super excited to see what the rest of her fairytale retelling will bring.
Cedric slaves away with his fellow Quartz to mine magic for the rest of the empire when his true dream is to be free to create with glass. So when he is put into the position to advance his rank and infiltrate the palace to kill the emperor, he agrees to it, only to fall for the emperor's daughter.
Full of plenty of twists and exploring some wonderful themes without being gratuitous about it, I highly recommend Smoke & Glass Slippers.
Cedric slaves away with his fellow Quartz to mine magic for the rest of the empire when his true dream is to be free to create with glass. So when he is put into the position to advance his rank and infiltrate the palace to kill the emperor, he agrees to it, only to fall for the emperor's daughter.
Full of plenty of twists and exploring some wonderful themes without being gratuitous about it, I highly recommend Smoke & Glass Slippers.
November 1, 2025
The romantasy I didn’t know I needed!!
This book was absolutely amazing!!! I was here for the whole adventure from beginning to end because who has EVER heard of a “dystopian gender filled Cinderella retelling?” Not me and I had no idea how all this was going to come together but Ashley DID THAT 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I while there were no scriptures in this book the message of forgiveness, redemption, and love never fails was so evident. The book was well paced and the love story was full of swoon and yearning without the feeling of lust. Also the BEST part, it was a completely MALE POINT OF VIEW!!! So many swoony moment being in his brain and experiencing from his perspective only. At this point, what are waiting for, read the book!!
This book was absolutely amazing!!! I was here for the whole adventure from beginning to end because who has EVER heard of a “dystopian gender filled Cinderella retelling?” Not me and I had no idea how all this was going to come together but Ashley DID THAT 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I while there were no scriptures in this book the message of forgiveness, redemption, and love never fails was so evident. The book was well paced and the love story was full of swoon and yearning without the feeling of lust. Also the BEST part, it was a completely MALE POINT OF VIEW!!! So many swoony moment being in his brain and experiencing from his perspective only. At this point, what are waiting for, read the book!!
August 11, 2025
One gripe I have is that the MC has to go through a literal full-body change a la Kylie Jenner to fit in with the people he’s trying to infiltrate. It’s giving “plastic surgery is the only way″ which I’m sure the author didn’t intend, but at a time where surgery is so much more acceptable and accepted, especially by teens and younger people, it’s disappointing to read about.
If you like retellings that aren’t straightforward, slow burn romance where the most physical intimacy is kissing, and especially if you like dystopian novels that are still striving to lead us back to utopia, you’ll enjoy this book.
If you like retellings that aren’t straightforward, slow burn romance where the most physical intimacy is kissing, and especially if you like dystopian novels that are still striving to lead us back to utopia, you’ll enjoy this book.
July 22, 2025
A gender-bent, clean fairytale retelling of Cinderella, set in a dystopian society on another planet where the inhabitants are segregated by a unique caste system.
Creative and uncommonly told from the perspective of a male main character in his 30’s, where the love interest and friends are also in their 30’s or older.
This story felt like a fairytale while also feeling like a dystopian fantasy, all without compromising the author’s personal convictions against gratuitous violence, vulgar language, and explicit sexual content.
Creative and uncommonly told from the perspective of a male main character in his 30’s, where the love interest and friends are also in their 30’s or older.
This story felt like a fairytale while also feeling like a dystopian fantasy, all without compromising the author’s personal convictions against gratuitous violence, vulgar language, and explicit sexual content.
November 10, 2025
Red Rising and Hunger Games meets enemies to lovers plot.
This book had potential, but it felt like the first half ripped so much from Red Rising that it was maddening. That, and the voice of the main character just never sounded right. It just read very feminine, which would have been easier to ignore if there had been chapters from another character’s perspective (since not every author has a good strong voice for their make lead), but the entire book being from his perspective just didn’t flow.
I finished the book out of sheer determination, but I was really struggling.
This book had potential, but it felt like the first half ripped so much from Red Rising that it was maddening. That, and the voice of the main character just never sounded right. It just read very feminine, which would have been easier to ignore if there had been chapters from another character’s perspective (since not every author has a good strong voice for their make lead), but the entire book being from his perspective just didn’t flow.
I finished the book out of sheer determination, but I was really struggling.
February 9, 2026
I rounded up from 3.5 stars. This definitely had a Hunger Games feel in the beginning and I enjoyed the swapped Cinderella elements. That said, I struggled to really see the chemistry between Cedric and the princess. It's like she hated him, then - all the sudden - she didn't. I struggle with instalove situations and this kind of felt instlove(ish). I also didn't like how Cedric called the priness "my woman." Very caveman of him lol. Otherwise though, a good story. I'll read more by this author 🙂
August 1, 2025
Wow, just wow. This book blew me away. I've never read a book like this before, with so many different aspects assembled together to make such a beautiful story. We have a caste system, political themes, action, and a beautiful love story all thrown into one book. This story does an amazing job of telling what true love, mercy, and redemption can look like. Not just with the main MMC and FMC, but with the villains and side characters as well. Well done.
December 4, 2025
I feel like other authors would’ve taken this story and split it up into three, or even five, novels, adding a lot of side quests that weren’t necessary to the plot or its resolution. Instead, we got a fast-paced story with twists and turns that wrapped up instead of leaving us hanging.
There was romance without spice, magic, suspense, heartache, dystopian drama…I mean, what else could you ask for?
There was romance without spice, magic, suspense, heartache, dystopian drama…I mean, what else could you ask for?
January 8, 2026
A delightful surprise!
I was hooked from the first page!
I loved all the characters especially Cedric and Ysabelle. This had everything intrigue, betrayal, magic, and connection.
I loved the friendships between so many of the different characters and the love story built on friendship.
My only complaint…I wanted more!
I easily could have read this story over two or three books.
Great…can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I was hooked from the first page!
I loved all the characters especially Cedric and Ysabelle. This had everything intrigue, betrayal, magic, and connection.
I loved the friendships between so many of the different characters and the love story built on friendship.
My only complaint…I wanted more!
I easily could have read this story over two or three books.
Great…can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 31, 2025
"She’s the heir to a corrupt empire. He’s the man coming to burn it all down." That one line tells you everything and nothing about the epic journey Smoke and Glass Slippers will take you on.
Ashley Willingham reimagines Cinderella in a gritty dystopian landscape where magic fuels a broken empire, and power is hoarded by the elite. Our unnamed Quartz MC has spent thirty years in servitude, stripping magic from the land to power the Capital. But she’s not content to stay buried in the darkness — not when a rare opportunity could bring her within striking distance of the throne.
Enter the Betrothal Games — a deadly political contest disguised as a royal romance. If she wins the princess’s heart, she can win her freedom…and maybe spark the revolution her world desperately needs.
But Princess Ysabelle isn’t a fragile royal. She’s sharp, strategic, and far more dangerous than anticipated. As the game unfolds, so does a delicious slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic where loyalty, truth, and justice hang in the balance.
This is not your typical fairytale. It’s revolutionary, rebellious, and deeply emotional. Willingham weaves class tension, rebellion, and romance into a brilliant clean romantasy that still crackles with chemistry and suspense — all without needing spice to leave an impact.
The prose is elegant without being flowery, the pacing perfectly measured, and the themes powerful: the cost of freedom, the strength of quiet defiance, and the hope that lies in building a better world — together.
📌 Highly recommended for fans of The Selection, Red Queen, and Red Rising — especially if you want high-stakes romance, political intrigue, and a Cinderella who refuses to be saved.
Ashley Willingham reimagines Cinderella in a gritty dystopian landscape where magic fuels a broken empire, and power is hoarded by the elite. Our unnamed Quartz MC has spent thirty years in servitude, stripping magic from the land to power the Capital. But she’s not content to stay buried in the darkness — not when a rare opportunity could bring her within striking distance of the throne.
Enter the Betrothal Games — a deadly political contest disguised as a royal romance. If she wins the princess’s heart, she can win her freedom…and maybe spark the revolution her world desperately needs.
But Princess Ysabelle isn’t a fragile royal. She’s sharp, strategic, and far more dangerous than anticipated. As the game unfolds, so does a delicious slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic where loyalty, truth, and justice hang in the balance.
This is not your typical fairytale. It’s revolutionary, rebellious, and deeply emotional. Willingham weaves class tension, rebellion, and romance into a brilliant clean romantasy that still crackles with chemistry and suspense — all without needing spice to leave an impact.
The prose is elegant without being flowery, the pacing perfectly measured, and the themes powerful: the cost of freedom, the strength of quiet defiance, and the hope that lies in building a better world — together.
📌 Highly recommended for fans of The Selection, Red Queen, and Red Rising — especially if you want high-stakes romance, political intrigue, and a Cinderella who refuses to be saved.
November 6, 2025
Couldn’t get into it because the world-building felt too much like a Panem rip-off. We’ve got a rich Capital, poor districts (“sectors”), the protagonist is from the mining district and has volunteered to enter “the Betrothal Games” (here’s where the Cinderella mashup comes in). Plus all the colorful people who have gemstone skin colors… I just couldn’t take it seriously.
January 8, 2026
Cinderella meets Hunger Games
What a fabulous story! It has all my favorite genres wrapped into one. This is no child’s fairy tale but a full fledged story with deep characters and a riveting plot. A definite winner.
What a fabulous story! It has all my favorite genres wrapped into one. This is no child’s fairy tale but a full fledged story with deep characters and a riveting plot. A definite winner.
February 14, 2026
SO BEAUTIFUL! THE LOVE, THE IMAGERY, THE REDEMPTION! while God (The Maker) isn't as prominent in thid book He is definitely there in the agape love and the mercy themes and especially in the final miracle at the end! 🥰💕❤️🩹
December 28, 2025
4.5 stars
January 21, 2026
I’m all about the gender flipped retelling and this was delicious
February 10, 2026
Rating: 3.5
August 26, 2025
I loved it!
I loved the little hints of the Cinderella inspiration, the Dystopian aspects to it, and the romance. 🩷🩷 I really loved their maturity, especially in communication and love.
I could really tell the MC we're adults which I found so fun and well written! Most other books with older characters still read like teenagers.
I also loved that she was taller! it makes the story interesting!
I loved that they were actually fighting AGAINST a rebellion. it made the story unique and interesting.
I also loved that love prevailed in the end and thats how they beat the rebellion which was forged on hate.
I loved how realistic the epilogue was!!
It definitely made me think of Red Rising but a lot cleaner and light.
I read this as an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
I loved the little hints of the Cinderella inspiration, the Dystopian aspects to it, and the romance. 🩷🩷 I really loved their maturity, especially in communication and love.
I could really tell the MC we're adults which I found so fun and well written! Most other books with older characters still read like teenagers.
I also loved that she was taller! it makes the story interesting!
I loved that they were actually fighting AGAINST a rebellion. it made the story unique and interesting.
I also loved that love prevailed in the end and thats how they beat the rebellion which was forged on hate.
I loved how realistic the epilogue was!!
It definitely made me think of Red Rising but a lot cleaner and light.
I read this as an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
November 25, 2025
There really are not sufficient words to describe this incredibly beautiful story. I thought I knew what a good imagination was; then I started reading Ashley Willingham books and realized I was WRONG😄 Her worlds and characters are so layered and multifaceted they are truly one of a kind. If I were to attempt any kind of comparison to summarize this story, it would be: "Magical, fantastical Divergent meets gender bent Cinderella and The Hunger Games ".
While Smoke and Glass Slippers is told solely from our MMC's point of view, it is as much Ysabelle's story as it is Cedric's. From her very first appearance, she not only steals Cedric's heart ( even if he doesn't fully realize it😉), but the whole show. Their enemies-to-unlikely alliance-to something more-to heartbreak-to lovers tale will keep you immersed in the struggle for Jyosia from start to finish!
As always, Mrs. Willingham delivers characters we can root for without trying take them seem "perfect". They make mistakes, fall down, learn from said mistakes, and go on.
Smoke and Glass Slippers is the perfect romantasy to prove that you can have all the heart-pounding action and swoon worthy romance while keeping it entirely clean.
While Smoke and Glass Slippers is told solely from our MMC's point of view, it is as much Ysabelle's story as it is Cedric's. From her very first appearance, she not only steals Cedric's heart ( even if he doesn't fully realize it😉), but the whole show. Their enemies-to-unlikely alliance-to something more-to heartbreak-to lovers tale will keep you immersed in the struggle for Jyosia from start to finish!
As always, Mrs. Willingham delivers characters we can root for without trying take them seem "perfect". They make mistakes, fall down, learn from said mistakes, and go on.
Smoke and Glass Slippers is the perfect romantasy to prove that you can have all the heart-pounding action and swoon worthy romance while keeping it entirely clean.
February 3, 2026
ARC Review
If you’re looking for a dystopian fantasy with an intricate caste system and a complex political landscape, look no further! Smoke and Glass Slippers by Ashley Willingham is all that and more! The romance is top tier, going from “I’m here to kill her father” to “I would follow her to the ends of the earth”. I loved the world-building and the rock/crystal caste system. I’ve never read anything else like it.
Ashley was a new to me author this year, and so far I’ve read two of her books. I cannot express how impressed I’ve been with her work. Her writing is engaging and complex. Her tagline isn’t just a marketing gimmick. Her clean fantasies are free from the content you don’t want, but also written for a mature audience. Ashley has been added to my auto-buy list, and I cannot wait for the next two books in the series later this year!
What you’ll find in Smoke and Glass Slippers:
Gender-flipped Cinderella retelling
Dystopian fantasy romance
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
Competing for her hand
If you’re looking for a dystopian fantasy with an intricate caste system and a complex political landscape, look no further! Smoke and Glass Slippers by Ashley Willingham is all that and more! The romance is top tier, going from “I’m here to kill her father” to “I would follow her to the ends of the earth”. I loved the world-building and the rock/crystal caste system. I’ve never read anything else like it.
Ashley was a new to me author this year, and so far I’ve read two of her books. I cannot express how impressed I’ve been with her work. Her writing is engaging and complex. Her tagline isn’t just a marketing gimmick. Her clean fantasies are free from the content you don’t want, but also written for a mature audience. Ashley has been added to my auto-buy list, and I cannot wait for the next two books in the series later this year!
What you’ll find in Smoke and Glass Slippers:
Gender-flipped Cinderella retelling
Dystopian fantasy romance
Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
Competing for her hand
January 3, 2026
Wow! Such an amazing book! The last 1/3 of the book had me completely glued to the pages! I swear it went by within minutes! Ashley does a great job drawing you into the world and the plight of the people. I was on the edge of my seat, needing to know how it ends.
This story is a single POV from the MMC. It reminds me of Hunger Games and Divergent. A dystopian society in great need of good people to right the wrongs. I highly recommend this book!
This story is a single POV from the MMC. It reminds me of Hunger Games and Divergent. A dystopian society in great need of good people to right the wrongs. I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews