Cinder

by Penny Dee

“You’re playing with fire, Little Cinder...”

LARS
I’ve been called a lot of things in my life. Enforcer. Savage. Monster.
None of them bother me. I know what I am.
I am the iron fist of the Knights of St. Boniface Motorcycle Club. I protect the club and keep my family safe.
What I don’t do? Get involved.
Until her.
She’s trouble in torn denim, cowboy boots, and a smile I can’t get out of my head.
I should walk away.
But I can’t.
Even when I know she’ll ruin me.

ELLA
After my father dies, my half-brother turns our home into a living hell, then sells me to a man with blood on his hands and cruelty in his smile.
That’s when he appears. The inked biker with a piercing glare and a body you’d happily die worshipping.
At first he is a threat. Then he becomes my sanctuary.
But he doesn’t know who I really am, or what I’ve been sent to do.
Or the danger we’ll face when all our secrets come burning down.

Cinder is a wickedly dark Cinderella retelling set in the gritty world of the Knights of St. Boniface motorcycle club. A mafia-meets-MC romance, it brims with sizzling chemistry, dangerous secrets, and a brutal, broken hero who would burn the world down to protect the woman he loves.
For readers 18+

Tropes
Mafia meets MC romance
She's a mafia heiress
He's the MC Enforcer
Enemies to friends to lovers
Forced proximity
Romantic suspense
Touch her & die
Who did this to you?
Found family
Dark Cinderella retelling
Twists!!

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance, Motorcycle, Retellings

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2025

About the author

Penny Dee writes mafia and motorcycle club romance. Her stories bring the suspense, the feels, and a whole lot of heat.

She found her happily ever after with an Australian hottie who she met on a blind date.


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Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️/2 🌶️

This book had everything, action, suspense, spice, you name it. I’m such a sucker for fairytale retellings, and when you mix in a dark romance twist? Yeah, I’m gone 🙌🏼

I really thought nothing could top Beast, but wow… Lars proved me so wrong. He’s officially my new favorite Knight. And Ella? That girl is such a baddie, I loved her from the very first page. I loved both of them so much, their chemistry, their banter, everything!🖤

The story flew by with its fast pace, the angst, and the plot kept me hooked the whole way through.

I can’t wait to see who gets the next book! My patience is going to be tested 😅

Trope: MC/Mafia romance, Fairytale retelling

[Naes.bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a book!!! I was instantly hooked from the start and devoured, and when I say I devoured it I mean I DEVOURED it in a few hours! MC cross mafia yes please! Penny Dee has done it again! I absolutely loved this book, it is the perfect 2nd book to the series, it has everything you want in a book, suspense which has you sitting on the edge of your seat, romance and banter, a smart sassy fierce FMC and a big strong savage softy enforcer MMC who will do anything to save his girl.
I absolutely loved the storyline and how we got flashbacks in certain parts of the story, this book had me second guessing myself thinking I knew what was about to happen, only to gasp when something else happened or something I didn’t see coming.
I highly recommend adding this and book 1 beast to your tbr
Thank you so much penny dee for giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book one, Beast, and eagerly awaited the second book in the Knights of St. Boniface MC. Without a doubt, Cinder is just as fantastic and the wait was worth it.

This MC series, loosely based on various fables, is a very clever idea and is written extremely well. The author has woven a modern-day tale that is intriguing and exciting. The romance between Lars and Ella is compelling, with both characters immediately feeling their magnetic attraction.

I love the way Lily silently berates her brother and imagines doing things to him to stop his nasty and demanding behaviour. I could have gladly picked up something and hit him over the head he made me so angry. This is how powerful the writing is in this book.

Lars is a great character too because of his honesty and belief in treating women and children with respect. When he loves someone he is all in and only focused on his true love. Even he found this a surprise.

Although readers are given a certain amount of information with regard to the suspense element of the story, there is the ongoing feeling of not knowing how things could possibly turn out for Lily, and it is nail-bitingly good.

As the tension built and Lily finds herself in serious trouble, I couldn’t read fast enough—absolutely brilliant suspense and great twists. Be warned though—this story is an emotional roller coaster ride but I would gladly hop back on it is that wonderful.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mistress of MC romances strikes again! Penny Dee delivers a heart-stopping ride with Cinder, the second book in her MC Fables series, and from page one I was hooked.

Picking up where Beast left off, this dark Cinderella-inspired mafia and motorcycle club romance is absolute perfection. Lars, the ruthless enforcer of the Knights of St. Bon MC, wears his title with pride—dangerous, loyal, and savage when necessary, he will do anything to protect his club and his president.

Ella’s world crumbles after her father’s death, leaving her and her young sister at the mercy of her cold, mafia-connected stepbrother. His first act? To sell Ella off to a powerful and dangerous Russian mafia boss. But fate has other plans—Lars steps in as an unexpected savior, and what follows is a story drenched in danger, dark secrets, and a sizzling chemistry that practically burns through the pages.

Penny Dee doesn’t just write romance—she crafts a visceral experience filled with gasp-worthy twists, gritty suspense, and heat that will leave you breathless. Cinder is a must-read for anyone who craves dark, sizzling MC romances with a mafia edge.

My only complaint? Having to wait for the next installment.

[Sammie Bow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This one pulled me in from the start and I just couldn’t stop reading. Entertaining, spicy and action packed.

The thing I don’t like about this series is the fact that the ‘club girls’ live at the clubhouse. Even though it wasn’t thrown in the face & they are all nice and know not to touch the guys with old ladies BUT I’d rather they weren’t around all the time…seems odd to live with a group of girls who have slept with your man multiple times 🤷‍♀️

POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 2nd in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, mafia/MC, kinda Cinderella retelling romance.
SIZE: 434 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Lars (34) & Ella (25)

PLOT: 4 📚
ROMANCE: 5 ❤️
SPICE/STEAM: 3 🌶
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 2 😈 (violence, abuse, murder, attempted SA)

⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Dee has done it again! She’s given us a really great read, full of excitement and passion, with a touch of humor and mystery tossed in for good measure. I absolutely love Lars and Ella, their chemistry is amazing. There is so much working against them to be a couple, but thankfully they don’t quit on each other. I will say that Luca is one villain who deserves anything and everything that comes to him…such an evil jerk! Totally enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to who’s next!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia princess and MC enforcer! This second in the series keeps you on the path of the Knights MC and does it deliver. The twists and turns you won’t believe, but my favorite is the family they have ❤️. But there is a rat and a young girls life at risk. Lars know’s something is not right and keeps that in mind to save his love 🖤. The ending will definitely catch you by surprise!!

[Carol Roll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book was SO GOOD!! Grabs your attention from the start and keeps it. Good characters and storyline along with some good twists and turns along with action and suspense. Very enjoyable. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Cristina]

Writing style didn’t work for me.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't go wrong!

First there was Beast, then there was Lars! And don't you dare make me choose - but just quietly, I think I'd pick Lars!

I absolutely loved this book! MC romance meets mafia meets retelling... it simply couldn't go wrong!

I really enjoyed the contrast between the instant chemistry between Lars and Ella and their very progressive relationship. Insta love can often feel fake and rushed to me so I really appreciated the pace these two move at. It felt more realistic and in keeping with Ella's troubles.

I don't know if you can not love Ella, she's such a sweetheart, fierce and strong but also soft, loving and caring. And smart. Can I be her when I grow up? I'll take Lars too while we're at it!

Because Lars is one hot, morally grey but so soft hearted man that will melt your heart - among other things!

I enjoyed the return to the clubhouse and I can't wait to find out whose story we'll follow next!

Summary
Rating 4⭐
Spice 3.5🌶️

Tropes
* MC / Mafia
* Found family
* Who did this to you
* Retelling
* Evil step family
* Plot twist(s)
* Troubled past

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Dee writes such a neat twist on the fairytales. I loved h and H (Ella and Lars). Her writing was beautifully done as well as intriguing. Finished in one sitting. I loved the mixture of fantasy, the bikers, the mafia, as well as the surprises! Keep me on my toes.

[Mary Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as part of ARC reading group what a great read, highly recommend reading.. 5 stars

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping MC story from this talented author. With great characters and exciting plot that flows well, following the fable theme from book one.
I loved the combination of gritty MC meets the dark Mafia, whilst bringing in the element of romance and spice. This was a book that grabbed me from the outset and I consumed it in one sitting, yes it's that good.
Great read, I thoroughly recommend.

[Googly55 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. OTT, ridiculous retelling of Cinderella that involves cheesy dialogue and a secret recipe (that the h must steal) for a sex drug that’s made from super rare berries. 🫩

[Surrender2silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the MC Fables series. After her father’s death her stepbrother toke over his umpire. Ella has to do everything he wants. He sends her to the club to get some he needs. Lars is the best enforcer for the club. He knows she’s lying but she to cute just to send her away. She needs help fingers crops it’s not to late to tell Lars her fears. Great add on to this fairy tale twist.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars—CINDER is the second instalment in Penny Dee’s contemporary, adult MC FABLES dark, erotic, MC / Mafia romance series. This is thirty-four year old, club enforcer Lars Anderssen, and twenty-five year old Mafia princess Ella Moretti’s story line. CINDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lars and Ella) CINDER follows in the months after the death of Ella’s father Don Moretti. Ella’s brutal half-brother has assumed the position of Don, and with it, destroying the family legacy one deal at a time. In an effort to take control, Ella’s brother offers her life to the highest bidder, and in doing so, sets into motion a plan to take down the Knights of St. Boniface MC, merging the Mafia with the Bratva at the same time. Ella finds herself a pawn to be used and abused, a pawn who has been ordered to infiltrate the Knights MC but all does not go according to plan when Ella falls for the club enforcer, a man who has fallen just as hard.

The world building focuses on the secrets between our story line couple but Ella is protecting someone she loves, and in doing so, sets into motion a lie from which she may never recover but at every step of the journey, including the Club’s business and contacts, someone is always one step ahead.

The relationship between Ella and Lars is one of instant attraction but one predicated upon a lie. Ella is desperate to protect someone back home but Lars seduction of our heroine, plays right into the hands of the people she left behind. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often questionable secondary and supporting characters including the return of the Knights of St. Boniface MC. We are introduced to Ella’s sister Lucretia, their brother Luca, as well as Bratva Pakhan Viktor Olicheckoff. The requisite evil has many faces.

CINDER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, dark and edgy; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are charismatic, determined and dynamic.

copy supplied for review

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Books Reports.

This is the story of Lars and Ella. Ella is a Mafia princess and has the most horrible half brother in the world. Her sister is not well from some things she has seen and Ella will just have to deal with her brother so he leaves her sister out of it. But when he decides to see her as a virgin bride and the Russian Bravta winner forces her to go to the Knights of St. Boniface Motorcycle Club to steal a recipe. She's never been one to sneak and do things and when it all blows up she finds herself with a job in the clubhouse kitchen. Lars is the enforcer for the Knights. He loves what he does and there is a reason he is the enforcer. He is ruthless!! He loves his club and his brothers and has past that is a mystery. But, the moment Ella walks into the club house and their eyes lock, He knows that he wants Ella. But something in his gut tells him that something is off with her and he can't figure out what it is. I have to stop telling you about this book or I will give something away. But, I loved this book. I loved Lars. The guys is a huge enforcer who puts off scary vibes but under it all he smoking hot and is really tenderhearted when he cares about you. Ella is tough and fierce. She is a real firecracker and I just don't think I could have gone though all she went through at the hands of her brother. This is a really good book that you do not want to miss. I didn't read the first book in this series, but I am going to get it and read it too. I bet it is as good as this one was.

[Marisol J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough!!

This is book 2 of the MC Fables. I thought I loved Beast, but Cinder blew past it to that #1 spot. I loved this "retelling" of a Cinderella story. The MMC is Lars Andersson an enforcer who has sworn off love and is focused on his job with the MC. FMC is Elenor "Ella" Morreti daughter of mafia a Don who is at the mercy of her half brother. A psychotic, narcissistic man who took her father's place as Don since due to his death. Her brother makes an arrangement for her to be married to the Bratva leader. But before she can be married off, she is forced to enter the MC and steal from them. Her first night at a party in the MC, Ella and Lars see each other and that starts the push and pull between them. But nothing is easy though when you are from a mafia family, arranged to be married to leader of the Bratva and forced to lie about who you really are while at the same time falling in love with someone you can't have.

Lars is a sweetheart. Yes an enforcer, but beyond that he has a heart of gold.

If you are still on the fence about reading this book, just do it!! You will not be disappointed. I didn't want the story to end. Absolutely one of my favorites. ❤️

[Louise O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinder (MC Fables #2 by Penny)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)

Cinder is book two in the MC Fables series, set in the gritty world of the Knights of St. Boniface motorcycle club.

Ella is just trying to survive. After her father’s death, her half-brother moves in and moves his mother in and immediately decides he’s the head of the family. With that control, he dictates Ella’s future and sends her on a mission to the clubhouse, one that puts everything she cares about most at risk.

Lars, the club’s enforcer, lives to protect his family, even if that means being the monster others fear. But when Ella walks into the clubhouse, his carefully constructed walls start to crumble—even though his instincts warn him to tread carefully. Haunted by guilt from the past, Lars struggles with his demons while fighting to protect what he now considers his. Even if it puts him directly in the line of fire.

I personally really enjoyed this story. I’m a sucker for motorcycle romances, and Penny has delivered another gripping read that keeps you hooked right until the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)

[E Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and Sweet

This book is a good mix of mafia meets MC and it didn’t necessarily disappoint.

Ella’s father dies in a car bomb and her unruly brother takes over as mafia Don. He physically abuses her and threatens her with the life of her sister. He sells her to a Russian Bratva Pakhan, but the Pakhan has other plans for her. He sends her on a wild goose chase to the Knights MC, and is wanting her to retrieve a recipe for the drug they make and sell. as she is there, she meets Lars, and it is instant attraction. He ends up, hiring her to work at the castle, and she uses this as her advantage to get away from her brother. The story spirals into a constant stream of events, a slow burn, and a fairytale ending.

My only frustration with this book is the entire time you’re screaming “just tell him! Just tell him!” There are also a lot of twists at the end of the story, so I feel like we don’t get a whole lot of the happy ending of Lars and Ella. Looking forward to any future stories for this MC series.

Happy reading!!

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite fairytales coming to life, all with a twist, thanks to the Knights of St. Boniface motorcycle club. Book 2 sees Club enforcer Lars meeting his Cinderella, Ella Moretti, not that he knows her by her full title. As soon as Lars sets his eyes on Ella (or Cinder as he likes to call her), his whole world shifts and he’ll do anything to protect her. Secrets and lies are at the forefront of this super sexy MC drama, Ella trusts no one enough to burden them with her woes, but when Mafia business affects MC business things start heating up and Ella realises that she’s going to have to take drastic action to protect those that she loves. But, even she can’t comprehend the depths that her evil stepbrother and stepmother have stooped to in order to rule their would be empire. Lots of action, suspense and romance in this dark sexy retelling of Cinderella. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Penny and my first fairytale retelling. I actually really enjoyed this one and want to go back to read book 1.

Ella is the daughter of a mafia Don and Lars is the enforcer for the Knights MC club. Ella's step brother is a psychopath and abuses her, and threatens if she falls out of line that he'll hurt their younger sister.

Ella agrees to be sold to another awful man to save her sister from being hurt. Ella is a virgin and to be sold to a 60 something Russian man who is evil and abusive. She's tasked with finding a recipe within the MC castle hidden in the library.

The Mc is where she meets Lars and discovers the chemistry between them. They go back and forth if it's a good idea, both drawn to each other. Lars has sworn off relationships after his past, but they can't stay away from each other. They realize they need each other more than they care about consequences or fallout.

This had suspense, 💀, mafia/ biker vibes and i was here for it all.

[Tammy Chipley-buckheit · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book we meet Ella. Ella has had to deal with the loss of first her mother, then her father. Her stepbrother, Luca hates Ella and her sister, Lucretia as he feels his father loved them more and treated them better. Luca makes a deal to marry off his sister to the head of the bratva. This deal leads Ella to the Knights of St. Boniface clubhouse where she meets Lars. Lars has sworn off relationships and only wants a woman for one night. Then he meets Ella and she brings out feelings he never thought he would experience again. Lars gets the feeling that there is more to Ella's story than she is telling him. When the truth comes out will their relationship survive the storm. I have to admit, I never saw that end coming. This book is a must read. You won't be disappointed.

[Teresa Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Oh my can Ms Dee write! This is the second book of the Knights who have that amazing castle...they are also an MC. Ella is mafia, her father is killed in an explosion and her cruel, abusive half brother Luca takes over. Ella is auctioned off to be married to a vile ugly man. First she must retrieve a book from the Knights castle to protect her younger sister Lucretia. ...The castle has an amazing library... Lars is our mmc and he becomes smitten and wants to protect Ella. The story that unfolds is so good. Things that appear one way are really another. I truly enjoyed this book. Ms Dee is an amazing author and I would encourage you to read this and the first book in the series Beast....I received an ARC from the author for an honest opinion and my opinion is its great!. Please read this. You will be very entertained. Thank you.

[TheHauteBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of MC Fables by Penny Dee
It is a modern day retelling for our ever loved classic fable. Even though this is book two it can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed thoroughly! Ella is a mafia princess processing the death of her father. Instead of taking over the family business, she finds herself in the captive clutches of her half-brother and her life no longer her own to live.
Lars is the enforcer for his MC. He is as loyal and protective as they come, Lars clocks Ella the second she enters the room. The instant magnetism draws them together. But Lars can’t determine if he should protect the club from Ella or Ella from the club.
The author does a great job recreating this story in a new twist that is captivating to read. The characters have depth and complexity, as do the supporting characters. Overall, it is an enjoyable, quick read that is highly entertaining.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Ella suffers dreadfully after her father, a mafia boss dies. Her half brother moves in and takes over. He is cruel and evil to her but she tolerates it because he threatens their younger sister. She is sold to a Bratva boss and tasked to infiltrate St. Boniface Motorcycle Club where she meets Lars, their enforcer. He has avoided relationships but is instantly attracted to Ella. Ella keeps secrets to protect her sister but is enveloped in club life when she goes to work there in the kitchen. Their romance is sweet yet passionate. I love how he is protective yet empowers her to do what she needs to do. Such a wonderful re-telling of Cinderella which combines a Mafia princess and MC enforcer! I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book - Lars thinks he isn't good enough for someone as good as 'Cinder' Ella - but she has a story to tell, but isn't sharing; she is at the Clubhouse at the request of her brother, he needs information she is tasked at obtaining. Ella doesn't plan on falling in love, but when Lars comes into her personal space, she can't help but salivate and wish for something she knows she can't or shouldn't want.

Finally she goes for it - and grabs hold of him - but she knows it can't last; when he finds out who she is, and what she's after, he'll probably turn his back on her, and her heart will never be the same.
Only thing spurring her on, is the thing that her brother, Luca, is blackmailing her with - she has no choice.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Lars and Ella’s story.
Lars is the enforcer in his MC, and he takes keeping his family and club safe, and when Ella’s father passes, her half brother makes life hell. When Ella crosses paths with Lars, he soon becomes her safe sanctuary.
This is a well written easy to read Cinderella retelling, with found family, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, enemies / lovers, forced proximity, secrets, an arranged marriage, fake romance, obsession, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Nancy Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lars, the big bad enforcer of his club, will do anything to keep the club and its family safe. Ever the watchful. Lars finds himself drawn to the beautiful Ella when she walks through the club door. Ella, a mafia princess, is forced to do what her crazy half-brother wants, or she and her sister will pay the price. Ella is on the club to get something of value and to make sure her sister is safe. Finds herself falling for the enforce of the club, Lars. They both find that they can't stay away from each other, and Lars will do anything to be with Ella. Ella, the fighter that she is willing to fight just to get her sister safe and back to Lars. She finds more secrets revealed as the fights her way back to Lars and the club that she loves.