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Soot & Cinders
Cyprien
Life on the farm was harsh, with long days and and even longer nights serving my stepfamily by working on the land–but it was better than my only alternative. I never thought I needed rescuing, I just needed my step family to meet with an unfortunate end–or just pack up and leave me with the house and the land, I wasn’t picky. But Alaric rescued me any damned way, and in ways I could have never imagined. Was this my happy ending?
Alaric
I wasn’t looking for love–or even a second night spent together, but Father was insistent on “producing an heir for the crown.” His words, not mine. Then I met Cyprien, and though I didn’t really know him, I would have burned the world down to have him (to keep him), to make him the happiest man in all of Evenloch. Would my kingdom survive such a pairing? I didn’t know but most importantly, I didn’t care. He was my fate and I wasn’t letting go–even if it killed me.
Life on the farm was harsh, with long days and and even longer nights serving my stepfamily by working on the land–but it was better than my only alternative. I never thought I needed rescuing, I just needed my step family to meet with an unfortunate end–or just pack up and leave me with the house and the land, I wasn’t picky. But Alaric rescued me any damned way, and in ways I could have never imagined. Was this my happy ending?
Alaric
I wasn’t looking for love–or even a second night spent together, but Father was insistent on “producing an heir for the crown.” His words, not mine. Then I met Cyprien, and though I didn’t really know him, I would have burned the world down to have him (to keep him), to make him the happiest man in all of Evenloch. Would my kingdom survive such a pairing? I didn’t know but most importantly, I didn’t care. He was my fate and I wasn’t letting go–even if it killed me.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Soot & Cinders is the first book in the Evenloch Tales series. This is the author's debut.
It is a dark retelling of Cinderella. We have the classic elements of the story: the stepfather and stepbrothers, the orphan boy who is mistreated by his family, the prince, a fairy godfather... but with a dark twist.
Cyprien has not had an easy life since he was left in the care of his stepfather and at the mercy of his stepbrothers, especially when they find out that he likes boys.
The prince, Alaric, meets Cyprien during one of his escapades from the castle. As punishment, his father demands that he choose a wife at the ball to be held at the palace, which is difficult because he likes boys, especially that mysterious boy he met in the apple orchard.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
It is a dark retelling of Cinderella. We have the classic elements of the story: the stepfather and stepbrothers, the orphan boy who is mistreated by his family, the prince, a fairy godfather... but with a dark twist.
Cyprien has not had an easy life since he was left in the care of his stepfather and at the mercy of his stepbrothers, especially when they find out that he likes boys.
The prince, Alaric, meets Cyprien during one of his escapades from the castle. As punishment, his father demands that he choose a wife at the ball to be held at the palace, which is difficult because he likes boys, especially that mysterious boy he met in the apple orchard.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
February 13, 2026
Eeeeekkk it's here!!!
Cyprien and Alaric are definitely perfect for each other!!! I loved their story! This is fast paced cute and steamy!!! Also dark, check your triggers friends!!
Alaric is a prince and Cyprien is the poor and beaten stepson! Alaric and his sister stumble upon Cypriens families farm and from there on Alaric cannot stop thinking about him. When they come together Alaric doesn't even know it's him (masked ball). So of course Alaric has to search the Kingdom for him (it's even better than a glass slipper). Their HEA is so perfect, especially Cyprien's!!! Oh and wait until you meet Sage lol!!!
Cyprien and Alaric are definitely perfect for each other!!! I loved their story! This is fast paced cute and steamy!!! Also dark, check your triggers friends!!
Alaric is a prince and Cyprien is the poor and beaten stepson! Alaric and his sister stumble upon Cypriens families farm and from there on Alaric cannot stop thinking about him. When they come together Alaric doesn't even know it's him (masked ball). So of course Alaric has to search the Kingdom for him (it's even better than a glass slipper). Their HEA is so perfect, especially Cyprien's!!! Oh and wait until you meet Sage lol!!!
February 13, 2026
This is a fast paced spicy Cinderella retelling from a debut author. While all the classic fairytale themes there, they all have a bit of a twist!
This is definitely a dark fairytale so check those trigger warnings!
Cyprien is a farm-boy abused and under the thumb of his stepfather and evil stepbrothers. In a chance meeting in his family' orchard he meets Alaric, the Prince. To say Cyprien left an impression on the prince is an understatement.
I loved the concept of this story! From sassy raccoons, to unique costume fittings, and fairy godparents named Sage, this was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read.
This is definitely a dark fairytale so check those trigger warnings!
Cyprien is a farm-boy abused and under the thumb of his stepfather and evil stepbrothers. In a chance meeting in his family' orchard he meets Alaric, the Prince. To say Cyprien left an impression on the prince is an understatement.
I loved the concept of this story! From sassy raccoons, to unique costume fittings, and fairy godparents named Sage, this was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read.
February 18, 2026
Sσσƚ αɳԃ Cιɳԃҽɾ
Gαҽʅ Gαɾɳҽƚʂ
💫ARC REVIEW 💫
I mean a fairytale retelling and make it MM sign me up. This book was definitely different but in a good way. This book did take me a second to get into, when I did was a cute read, I mean trash pandas 🦝. Definitely hated the stepbrothers and stepdad.
Why not check it out and see what you think?
4⭐
2🌶️
Gαҽʅ Gαɾɳҽƚʂ
💫ARC REVIEW 💫
I mean a fairytale retelling and make it MM sign me up. This book was definitely different but in a good way. This book did take me a second to get into, when I did was a cute read, I mean trash pandas 🦝. Definitely hated the stepbrothers and stepdad.
Why not check it out and see what you think?
4⭐
2🌶️
February 14, 2026
This isn’t your childhood Cinderella — it’s darker, sharper, and deliciously twisted. The pacing is relentless, pulling you into a world of power, betrayal, and heat. The romance is spicy, the characters are complex enough to love (and loathe in some cases). And Sage? Absolute scene-stealer.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews