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Dreams That You Wish: A Dark Cinderella Retelling
Sin had always dreamed of a night worth living—a night at the infamous castle ball, filled with dancing and debauchery.
When her wish comes true, and she flees the prince's chambers in her glamoured glass stilettos, she learns a very important lesson:
Dreams don't die.
They degenerate.
Instead of the fairytale she imagined, Sin's night of revelry becomes a nightmare.
A prince with secrets.
A witch with a past she cannot remember.
A king, who views her burgeoning abilities as a threat, a reason for execution.
Magic screams beneath her skin to end them all, and she'll do anything not to obey.
**This is book one to my new series of interconnected standalones, Vengeful Tales.
When her wish comes true, and she flees the prince's chambers in her glamoured glass stilettos, she learns a very important lesson:
Dreams don't die.
They degenerate.
Instead of the fairytale she imagined, Sin's night of revelry becomes a nightmare.
A prince with secrets.
A witch with a past she cannot remember.
A king, who views her burgeoning abilities as a threat, a reason for execution.
Magic screams beneath her skin to end them all, and she'll do anything not to obey.
**This is book one to my new series of interconnected standalones, Vengeful Tales.
- GenresFantasyDark Romance
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Lady Kilroy
7 books52 followersMilitary brat turned dark fantasy romance author, Lady Kilroy brings a unique edge to her storytelling. Once a cybersecurity student with aspirations of joining the Space Force, she took a sharp turn from tech to tales, channeling her experiences as a trauma survivor into stories brimming with grit and heart.
Now a proudly bisexual, polyamorous witch, Lady Kilroy crafts dark fantasy horror romances with LGBTQIA+ and poly representation at their core. Her debut novel, Rotting in Vain—the first in the Taunting Death Series—explores a twist on what humanity is at its core, complex morally grey characters, cursed lands, and realms abandoned by gods.
When she’s not penning her next twisted masterpiece with her author group, The Distracted Inklings, you can usually find her blasting loud music or chasing after her two kids, two cats, one dog, and ever-supportive husband.
Stay updated on Lady Kilroy’s journey by following her on TikTok and Instagram.
Now a proudly bisexual, polyamorous witch, Lady Kilroy crafts dark fantasy horror romances with LGBTQIA+ and poly representation at their core. Her debut novel, Rotting in Vain—the first in the Taunting Death Series—explores a twist on what humanity is at its core, complex morally grey characters, cursed lands, and realms abandoned by gods.
When she’s not penning her next twisted masterpiece with her author group, The Distracted Inklings, you can usually find her blasting loud music or chasing after her two kids, two cats, one dog, and ever-supportive husband.
Stay updated on Lady Kilroy’s journey by following her on TikTok and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 5, 2025
I want to start out by saying that the writing in this book was beautiful! Lady Kilroys voice is something spectacular. The book starts off 100 years in the past with the back story of Sin and her mother Iris, and how she ended up living with her step-mother Vivienne. Fast forward to the present Sin has been enslaved by her step-mother and step sisters, and whats diffrent then the original Cinderella in this book is that the father is still in the picture, although he is just as bad as the step-mother. Sins "family" goes away for two nights and she decides to go to the ball that the castle is throwing, there she meets her mate Max, the prince. After a magical night with him Sin sneaks out of bed and sneaks back home where her step mother catches her and throws her in the dungon. Sins powers explode and from there she is taken to the king to be executed. Max saves her but at the cost that she is to be his servent and they can never marry, because the King needs Max to marry another princess to build an alliance. Through what the other characters don't know is that Max is working with people behind the scenes to get rid of the king, and marry his mate. Overall this was a very enjoyable book, filled with action, tension, and betrayal. This is definetly one of the best Cinderella retellings i've read.
December 6, 2025
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for my review!
This was a tough one for me. The bones of a really great story are there, but the execution fell so flat I couldn’t look past it unfortunately.
Firstly, even being an ARC, there was quite a bit of editing needed. Tense changes mid-sentence or mid- paragraph, a couple characters called the wrong name (I think), repeated wording and phrasing. This story needed a good polish.
But that wasn’t my main issue. I honestly struggled to follow much of the plot. This could be a me issue, but I think it was more the writing needed to be flushed out and refined. Some scenes were so well done and detailed I was hooked, my heart pounding. But much of the story was disjointed, lacking important details or transitions, or plot inconsistencies jarred you from the scene.
The characters were a great beginning, but could have been more. Sin’s arc was interesting but almost too fanciful and unbelievable. I liked Max but felt he could have been more complex and flushed out as well. There wasn’t much world building, so some of the larger plots were muddled or confusing.
But the author did manage to make me feel something. The spice was pretty 🔥. The darkness and violence had your pulse pounding. And the side characters, specifically the brothers, were complex enough I wanted more of them.
This was a decent retelling with great potential and strong bones of what could be a compelling story. But for me the execution didn’t deliver.
This was a tough one for me. The bones of a really great story are there, but the execution fell so flat I couldn’t look past it unfortunately.
Firstly, even being an ARC, there was quite a bit of editing needed. Tense changes mid-sentence or mid- paragraph, a couple characters called the wrong name (I think), repeated wording and phrasing. This story needed a good polish.
But that wasn’t my main issue. I honestly struggled to follow much of the plot. This could be a me issue, but I think it was more the writing needed to be flushed out and refined. Some scenes were so well done and detailed I was hooked, my heart pounding. But much of the story was disjointed, lacking important details or transitions, or plot inconsistencies jarred you from the scene.
The characters were a great beginning, but could have been more. Sin’s arc was interesting but almost too fanciful and unbelievable. I liked Max but felt he could have been more complex and flushed out as well. There wasn’t much world building, so some of the larger plots were muddled or confusing.
But the author did manage to make me feel something. The spice was pretty 🔥. The darkness and violence had your pulse pounding. And the side characters, specifically the brothers, were complex enough I wanted more of them.
This was a decent retelling with great potential and strong bones of what could be a compelling story. But for me the execution didn’t deliver.
December 4, 2025
ARC review! I have so much I could say but I will keep it simple.
This story had me hooked from the very first line. Every time u picked it up, I couldn’t help but hum “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” instantly transporting me back to watching “Cinderella”. This books is a dark, grown-up twist on the fairytale with clever nods to other stories woven in and I loved every bit of it! With some 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The main character endured years of grief and deep emotional and physical pain all while also grieving. She’s abused, scarred and pushed to her limit yet her resilience is the beating heart of this novel. No matter what happens, she refuses to break. Then enters her “mate” and everything shifts opening up a journey of self discovery. She fights for her freedom and to find out who she truly is and what she is capable of and ultimately finding love!
I was fully invested from start to finish and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! I REALLY hope this becomes a series!!
This story had me hooked from the very first line. Every time u picked it up, I couldn’t help but hum “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” instantly transporting me back to watching “Cinderella”. This books is a dark, grown-up twist on the fairytale with clever nods to other stories woven in and I loved every bit of it! With some 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The main character endured years of grief and deep emotional and physical pain all while also grieving. She’s abused, scarred and pushed to her limit yet her resilience is the beating heart of this novel. No matter what happens, she refuses to break. Then enters her “mate” and everything shifts opening up a journey of self discovery. She fights for her freedom and to find out who she truly is and what she is capable of and ultimately finding love!
I was fully invested from start to finish and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! I REALLY hope this becomes a series!!
January 5, 2026
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Dreams That You Wish: A Dark Cinderella Retelling by Lady Kilroy. I gave this book 2.5 stars. Overall the concept was very intriguing, however there were moments in the book where I felt confused as to how we got to that point. This made the book a slightly difficult read for me. The book does a good job of keeping you interested, and throws some good plot twists into the mix. If you like fairytale retellings, a strong FMC, and twists and turns, I would recommend giving this book a read.
December 1, 2025
Dreams That You Wish is a beautifully written dark retelling that takes the bones of Cinderella and transforms them into something much richer, deeper, and more twisted. Sin and Max are both fighting their own battles, each trapped in the shadows cast by their families, and watching them try to claw their way toward freedom and toward each other was amazing from start to finish. What really sets this book apart is how it blends multiple fairy-tale elements into the story. It’s not confined to one retelling; instead, it’s sprinkled with clever nods and cameos from other myths and tales, adding layers of magic and darkness that fantasy lovers will adore.
If you want a Cinderella retelling with dark fantasy vibes, complex characters, and a touch of wicked fairy dust, this is for you.
If you want a Cinderella retelling with dark fantasy vibes, complex characters, and a touch of wicked fairy dust, this is for you.
December 5, 2025
ARC - 4.5 ⭐️ I loved this dark Cinderella retelling!! Adding sinister magic and bonded mates and hints at other fairytale characters? Yes please. It got a little confusing when switching perspectives, but that is a me problem. I thought both characters had development through the story and it was fast paced. Definitely would recommend.
December 5, 2025
2.5 stars
Dreams That You Wish: A Dark Cinderella Retelling by Lady Kilroy offered an intriguing premise, promising a twisted take on a classic fairy tale infused with dark fantasy and vengeance.
The story takes the familiar bones of Cinderella and warps them into a much darker, high-stakes fantasy. We are introduced to the heroine, Sin, who is far from the traditional damsel. She is enslaved and emotionally tormented by her step-family, including a father who is complicit in her suffering. Sin lives with a hidden past and burgeoning magical abilities that she struggles to control.
Her dream of freedom leads her to sneak into the infamous castle ball, where she encounters Max, the prince. Their connection is instant and powerful, with Max immediately recognizing Sin as his fated mate. However, their magical night ends in a nightmare when Sin is captured by her step-mother. Her powers explode under duress, escalating her situation from domestic abuse victim to a threat to the ruling King, who views her magic as grounds for execution.
The rest of the plot unfolds with Max saving Sin by demanding she serve as his reluctant servant, preventing the execution but keeping them apart. Max is secretly working behind the scenes to overthrow his father, the tyrannical King, and marry Sin. The narrative is defined by their attempts to navigate court politics, hidden magical factions (witches, shifters, and Fae), and the political necessity of Max’s proposed alliance with a princess.
Sin is defined by her trauma and the intense pain she carries from her past. Her arc is meant to be a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reclaiming her power. She fights to find out who she truly is and what she is capable of, gradually learning to trust Max and harness the magic that screams beneath her skin.
Max is the prince with secrets, driven by a desire for revolution and deep, fated devotion to Sin. His arc is about moving beyond his princely duties, recognizing his mate, and fighting the political machinations of his family to ensure Sin’s safety and their future together.
While the foundation—a dark, fated-mates Cinderella retelling—is genuinely interesting, the execution of the story unfortunately didn’t work for me. The overall pacing felt off. Certain events that felt crucial were rushed, while other scenes, particularly those focused on internal dialogue or less consequential interactions, seemed to drag. This inconsistent speed made it difficult to settle into the rhythm of the world.
Furthermore, the writing occasionally took me out of the story. At times, the descriptive language or dialogue felt disjointed, requiring me to reread sentences to track the flow or context.
Ultimately, while the underlying premise of a magical rebellion and the complex character journeys held potential, the narrative issues prevented me from fully engaging with Sin and Max’s intense romance. The next book in the series sounds interesting, hinting at future high-stakes conflicts, but I’m not sure I will pick it up. I wish the author and series great success, as the creative vision is certainly there.
Thank you to the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dreams That You Wish: A Dark Cinderella Retelling by Lady Kilroy offered an intriguing premise, promising a twisted take on a classic fairy tale infused with dark fantasy and vengeance.
The story takes the familiar bones of Cinderella and warps them into a much darker, high-stakes fantasy. We are introduced to the heroine, Sin, who is far from the traditional damsel. She is enslaved and emotionally tormented by her step-family, including a father who is complicit in her suffering. Sin lives with a hidden past and burgeoning magical abilities that she struggles to control.
Her dream of freedom leads her to sneak into the infamous castle ball, where she encounters Max, the prince. Their connection is instant and powerful, with Max immediately recognizing Sin as his fated mate. However, their magical night ends in a nightmare when Sin is captured by her step-mother. Her powers explode under duress, escalating her situation from domestic abuse victim to a threat to the ruling King, who views her magic as grounds for execution.
The rest of the plot unfolds with Max saving Sin by demanding she serve as his reluctant servant, preventing the execution but keeping them apart. Max is secretly working behind the scenes to overthrow his father, the tyrannical King, and marry Sin. The narrative is defined by their attempts to navigate court politics, hidden magical factions (witches, shifters, and Fae), and the political necessity of Max’s proposed alliance with a princess.
Sin is defined by her trauma and the intense pain she carries from her past. Her arc is meant to be a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reclaiming her power. She fights to find out who she truly is and what she is capable of, gradually learning to trust Max and harness the magic that screams beneath her skin.
Max is the prince with secrets, driven by a desire for revolution and deep, fated devotion to Sin. His arc is about moving beyond his princely duties, recognizing his mate, and fighting the political machinations of his family to ensure Sin’s safety and their future together.
While the foundation—a dark, fated-mates Cinderella retelling—is genuinely interesting, the execution of the story unfortunately didn’t work for me. The overall pacing felt off. Certain events that felt crucial were rushed, while other scenes, particularly those focused on internal dialogue or less consequential interactions, seemed to drag. This inconsistent speed made it difficult to settle into the rhythm of the world.
Furthermore, the writing occasionally took me out of the story. At times, the descriptive language or dialogue felt disjointed, requiring me to reread sentences to track the flow or context.
Ultimately, while the underlying premise of a magical rebellion and the complex character journeys held potential, the narrative issues prevented me from fully engaging with Sin and Max’s intense romance. The next book in the series sounds interesting, hinting at future high-stakes conflicts, but I’m not sure I will pick it up. I wish the author and series great success, as the creative vision is certainly there.
Thank you to the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dreams That You Wish by Lady Kilroy [ARC REVIEW]
★★★☆☆
3/5 stars
Release date: January 6th, 2026
A viciously dark retelling of a familiar story that could use some room to breathe.
IF YOU LIKE:
• Fated mates
• Fairy tale retellings
• Spice and exploration of passion
• Political machinations
• Trauma and recovery
• Reclaiming power
YOU’LL LIKE Dreams That You Wish
≪ No life was worth living if you couldn’t claim it as your own. ≫
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Clever changes to classic fairytales
→ The familiar names and relationships are enhanced by the changes Kilroy has made to the world. As each new fairytale character was introduced or name-dropped, I found myself curious to learn the new and innovative ways they’ve been pulled into this world. Snake shifters, Fae, witches, and political power struggles—it all adds new and fascinating depth to the household names and personalities we grew up with.
• Sin is sympathetic AND terrifying
→ She suffers so much, but the torture and violence she survives never feel gratuitous or out-of-place. Sin is forged in a crucible of pain: we watch her become tempered and powerful rather than broken. Kilroy balances on an impressively-managed line between making the trauma feel necessary to Sin’s growth while also keeping it firmly framed as trauma and never glamourizing the horror she goes through. Sin becomes a figure of immense power through her torment, but she never becomes complacent, nor does she lose the key components of who she is.
• Fascinating magic system
→ Fae, shifters, teleportation, glamours, Tempestrum, sealed power, wards; there’s enough depth and complexity in the magic system to fill a grimoire. I swallowed each new fragment of information greedily, desperate for more codified rules of magic each time a new element was brought forth.
• Max’s devotion
→ How can we not love a devoted prince? Max’s acceptance of Sin is beautiful, and it’s easy to tell that it’s genuine affection and not just the compulsion of fated mates. Max is willing to burn the world down to keep Sin at his side, not just as her mate but as her partner.
≪ The anticipation was a weapon, and she wielded it without mercy. ≫
WISHLIST:
• Less focus on the plot, more of everything else
→ The pacing of this book is so fast and intense that unfortunately everything else suffers. The plot flies without ever taking a breath, and we don’t get any time to sit and absorb what’s happening. The worldbuilding is teased and hinted at but never explored, and the characterizations are thrown at us almost like an afterthought as the speed and intensity of the plot take center stage. The writing, while lush and evocative in the moments of horror and visceral pain, turns into almost clinically detached journalism in order to rush the plot forward.
≪ “If anyone dares touch you, if I even sense you’re in trouble, I will rip the world apart to find you. I will be your salvation, or your reckoning—whatever it takes to bring you back.” ≫
--
*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
★★★☆☆
3/5 stars
Release date: January 6th, 2026
A viciously dark retelling of a familiar story that could use some room to breathe.
IF YOU LIKE:
• Fated mates
• Fairy tale retellings
• Spice and exploration of passion
• Political machinations
• Trauma and recovery
• Reclaiming power
YOU’LL LIKE Dreams That You Wish
≪ No life was worth living if you couldn’t claim it as your own. ≫
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Clever changes to classic fairytales
→ The familiar names and relationships are enhanced by the changes Kilroy has made to the world. As each new fairytale character was introduced or name-dropped, I found myself curious to learn the new and innovative ways they’ve been pulled into this world. Snake shifters, Fae, witches, and political power struggles—it all adds new and fascinating depth to the household names and personalities we grew up with.
• Sin is sympathetic AND terrifying
→ She suffers so much, but the torture and violence she survives never feel gratuitous or out-of-place. Sin is forged in a crucible of pain: we watch her become tempered and powerful rather than broken. Kilroy balances on an impressively-managed line between making the trauma feel necessary to Sin’s growth while also keeping it firmly framed as trauma and never glamourizing the horror she goes through. Sin becomes a figure of immense power through her torment, but she never becomes complacent, nor does she lose the key components of who she is.
• Fascinating magic system
→ Fae, shifters, teleportation, glamours, Tempestrum, sealed power, wards; there’s enough depth and complexity in the magic system to fill a grimoire. I swallowed each new fragment of information greedily, desperate for more codified rules of magic each time a new element was brought forth.
• Max’s devotion
→ How can we not love a devoted prince? Max’s acceptance of Sin is beautiful, and it’s easy to tell that it’s genuine affection and not just the compulsion of fated mates. Max is willing to burn the world down to keep Sin at his side, not just as her mate but as her partner.
≪ The anticipation was a weapon, and she wielded it without mercy. ≫
WISHLIST:
• Less focus on the plot, more of everything else
→ The pacing of this book is so fast and intense that unfortunately everything else suffers. The plot flies without ever taking a breath, and we don’t get any time to sit and absorb what’s happening. The worldbuilding is teased and hinted at but never explored, and the characterizations are thrown at us almost like an afterthought as the speed and intensity of the plot take center stage. The writing, while lush and evocative in the moments of horror and visceral pain, turns into almost clinically detached journalism in order to rush the plot forward.
≪ “If anyone dares touch you, if I even sense you’re in trouble, I will rip the world apart to find you. I will be your salvation, or your reckoning—whatever it takes to bring you back.” ≫
--
*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I would like to say I was lucky enough to have the chance to be an ARC reader for this lovely book.
Dreams That You Wish is a unique take on the story of Cinderella. It has touches of other fantasy worlds such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Snow White. The main focus of this dark fantasy retelling is the story of Cinderella. The classic fairy tale has been told many times, all with a different twist on the story. I've always been a sucker when it comes to dark fantasy retellings; this one reminds me of something more akin to a tale you might find in the Grimm Fairy Tales.
I would like to say that I love it, but there are times I hate it. Did I hate the telling or the world? No. I hated some of the direction it took. Though that is actually the mark of a good book and a great author. When someone hates what happened to a character because they hate the direction of life-sucking. To compare it to other stories-- one might attune it to say Fourth Wing and certain endings that were not liked. That is what I mean when I say I hated it.
Sin lived a horrible life, but it helped to shape her into a strong and independent woman. She got her Prince, but she didn't have to have him to protect her from the world, as she could do that perfectly well herself. I loved the Fae/ Witch bloodline story here, as well as what Lady Kilroy did with her depiction of the classic characters.
I enjoyed the different POVs that the story took, and did like that the POVs of Gideon and Oliver were also given. Though at times I did find myself a little confused with some of the direction that it was taking. I can tell that Lady Kilroy enjoyed writing her world and did enjoy some of the sexual scenes -- sometimes a bit too much. Which isn't a bad thing, some just weren't expected and could take some readers for a ride into the wild side. Secrets, after all, do exist. -insert wiggle eyebrows here. -
If I had to choose two words for this book. I would choose secrets and chaos.
I honestly wish there had been more Gideon and that he could have been fleshed out more than he was. He and Oliver. Max was okay as the male main character, but I found myself wanting to know more about his siblings than the heir.
I hope these dark fantasy retellings continue and that the cast of characters continue to show up in other retellings. As this is the first book in the Vengeful Tales series, it means they will. Though I only wonder who else will show up in the future books.
It is like Once Upon a Time got twisted and given more supernatural aspects. I truly love it.
Dreams That You Wish is a unique take on the story of Cinderella. It has touches of other fantasy worlds such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Snow White. The main focus of this dark fantasy retelling is the story of Cinderella. The classic fairy tale has been told many times, all with a different twist on the story. I've always been a sucker when it comes to dark fantasy retellings; this one reminds me of something more akin to a tale you might find in the Grimm Fairy Tales.
I would like to say that I love it, but there are times I hate it. Did I hate the telling or the world? No. I hated some of the direction it took. Though that is actually the mark of a good book and a great author. When someone hates what happened to a character because they hate the direction of life-sucking. To compare it to other stories-- one might attune it to say Fourth Wing and certain endings that were not liked. That is what I mean when I say I hated it.
Sin lived a horrible life, but it helped to shape her into a strong and independent woman. She got her Prince, but she didn't have to have him to protect her from the world, as she could do that perfectly well herself. I loved the Fae/ Witch bloodline story here, as well as what Lady Kilroy did with her depiction of the classic characters.
I enjoyed the different POVs that the story took, and did like that the POVs of Gideon and Oliver were also given. Though at times I did find myself a little confused with some of the direction that it was taking. I can tell that Lady Kilroy enjoyed writing her world and did enjoy some of the sexual scenes -- sometimes a bit too much. Which isn't a bad thing, some just weren't expected and could take some readers for a ride into the wild side. Secrets, after all, do exist. -insert wiggle eyebrows here. -
If I had to choose two words for this book. I would choose secrets and chaos.
I honestly wish there had been more Gideon and that he could have been fleshed out more than he was. He and Oliver. Max was okay as the male main character, but I found myself wanting to know more about his siblings than the heir.
I hope these dark fantasy retellings continue and that the cast of characters continue to show up in other retellings. As this is the first book in the Vengeful Tales series, it means they will. Though I only wonder who else will show up in the future books.
It is like Once Upon a Time got twisted and given more supernatural aspects. I truly love it.
December 10, 2025
The excitement and the hype for this book was absolutely beyond worth it!! Totally AMAZING!!
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
A dark fantasy retelling of Cinderella, this book truly delivered!!
From the creative start of Ella (FMC) being the daughter of a revered and powerful sea witch, to then being forced to watch her mother being killed, to the absolute genius borrowing from the original fairy tale as Ella then faces over a century of torment and mistreatment from her wicked stepmother...this book truly takes Cinderella to a whole new level...
...but not for the faint of heart...
Ella, stripped of her powers as a half-witch and then given the name Sin by her truly evil stepmother; Vivienne, suffers more than just torment...her life is also made into a nightmare by her own father and two stepsisters.
Until one night, with the help of another witch (think Fairy Godmother vibes) and an enchanted pair of crystal stilettos that Ella/Sin steals from her stepmother's chambers, everything changes...
Sneaking out to a ball at the king's castle, Ella then experiences both a magical and intensely steamy night as she captures the attention of Prince Maximus...a handsome half-serpentine prince whom is heir to the throne of his also evil father...
In only a short time, Prince Maximus, "Max," (MMC) realizes that Ella/Sin isn't just another girl at the ball and sharing his bed...she's his fated mate...and he'll do anything not only to protect her but also for them to be together...
...the catch...?
Prince Maximus is betrothed and promised to another...a princess of his father's choosing...and the king has promised that no other shall take her place by Max's side...
Both together and even separately, Max and Ella/Sin must face many demons and suffering in order just to be together; including Sin's own battle of the rare magic she inherited from her mother and the struggle of not turning into a monster herself...
An epic journey of true love, believing in destiny, and the power of making dreams come true; "Dreams That You Wish" is definitely an incredible and heart-pounding ride...I absolutely loved it and hung onto every page from beginning to end!!
Definitely ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!!
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
HUGE thanks to Lady Kilroy for this fantastic opportunity and absolutely amazing read!!
Be sure to check out "Dreams That You Wish" by Lady Kilroy, coming soon!!
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
A dark fantasy retelling of Cinderella, this book truly delivered!!
From the creative start of Ella (FMC) being the daughter of a revered and powerful sea witch, to then being forced to watch her mother being killed, to the absolute genius borrowing from the original fairy tale as Ella then faces over a century of torment and mistreatment from her wicked stepmother...this book truly takes Cinderella to a whole new level...
...but not for the faint of heart...
Ella, stripped of her powers as a half-witch and then given the name Sin by her truly evil stepmother; Vivienne, suffers more than just torment...her life is also made into a nightmare by her own father and two stepsisters.
Until one night, with the help of another witch (think Fairy Godmother vibes) and an enchanted pair of crystal stilettos that Ella/Sin steals from her stepmother's chambers, everything changes...
Sneaking out to a ball at the king's castle, Ella then experiences both a magical and intensely steamy night as she captures the attention of Prince Maximus...a handsome half-serpentine prince whom is heir to the throne of his also evil father...
In only a short time, Prince Maximus, "Max," (MMC) realizes that Ella/Sin isn't just another girl at the ball and sharing his bed...she's his fated mate...and he'll do anything not only to protect her but also for them to be together...
...the catch...?
Prince Maximus is betrothed and promised to another...a princess of his father's choosing...and the king has promised that no other shall take her place by Max's side...
Both together and even separately, Max and Ella/Sin must face many demons and suffering in order just to be together; including Sin's own battle of the rare magic she inherited from her mother and the struggle of not turning into a monster herself...
An epic journey of true love, believing in destiny, and the power of making dreams come true; "Dreams That You Wish" is definitely an incredible and heart-pounding ride...I absolutely loved it and hung onto every page from beginning to end!!
Definitely ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!!
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
HUGE thanks to Lady Kilroy for this fantastic opportunity and absolutely amazing read!!
Be sure to check out "Dreams That You Wish" by Lady Kilroy, coming soon!!
🥰❤️🔥📖🏰📖❤️🔥🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dreams That You Wish has a genuinely compelling core. The kind that should work. On paper, it really does. Sin is a fascinating protagonist, half-witch and half-fay, shaped by extreme trauma and carrying a volatile, dark magic that hints at real moral complexity. The fairy-tale retelling elements, the darker romantic tone, and the promise of something morally gray and a little dangerous all suggest a story that could be powerful in a sharp, unsettling way.
But the execution does not quite give those ideas the space they need to breathe.
The pacing feels rushed throughout. Scenes often move on before emotions, motivations, or power dynamics have time to settle, which made it hard for moments to fully land. Relationships, especially between Sin and Max, are introduced with strong concepts but are not given enough room on the page to develop organically. I wanted to feel their connection deepen. Instead, I often felt like I was being asked to accept it before I had fully lived inside it.
There is a lot of interesting worldbuilding here, with many ideas that should feel cohesive. However, several elements are introduced without enough grounding or follow-through, which made the stakes and character dynamics feel more implied than earned. Moments of darkness and intimacy, in particular, could have benefited from deeper buildup and clearer emotional causality, especially given the story’s focus on trauma, control, and power.
I do not think this story is broken. There is a version of it that could be truly striking with more time spent deepening scenes, clarifying motivations, and refining transitions. Readers who enjoy dark fairy-tale retellings and bold, ambitious concepts may still find a lot to appreciate here. For me, though, the novel felt like it needed more space and patience to fully explore the ideas it introduces.
But the execution does not quite give those ideas the space they need to breathe.
The pacing feels rushed throughout. Scenes often move on before emotions, motivations, or power dynamics have time to settle, which made it hard for moments to fully land. Relationships, especially between Sin and Max, are introduced with strong concepts but are not given enough room on the page to develop organically. I wanted to feel their connection deepen. Instead, I often felt like I was being asked to accept it before I had fully lived inside it.
There is a lot of interesting worldbuilding here, with many ideas that should feel cohesive. However, several elements are introduced without enough grounding or follow-through, which made the stakes and character dynamics feel more implied than earned. Moments of darkness and intimacy, in particular, could have benefited from deeper buildup and clearer emotional causality, especially given the story’s focus on trauma, control, and power.
I do not think this story is broken. There is a version of it that could be truly striking with more time spent deepening scenes, clarifying motivations, and refining transitions. Readers who enjoy dark fairy-tale retellings and bold, ambitious concepts may still find a lot to appreciate here. For me, though, the novel felt like it needed more space and patience to fully explore the ideas it introduces.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Lady Kilroy for this ARC!
A spicy dark romance Cinderella retelling, say no more! I was a bit hesitant going into this book, as I have read a lot of retellings and find that the story is always the same. Dreams That You Wish had my jaw dropping with the spice, action, and revenge arcs.
We follow Sin, a half whitch half fae who witnessed her mother die at her stepmother's hands. With her magic locked down, she is forced to endure torture at her stepmother's hands. On a night of freedom, she meets Max and has a very spicy night, discovering he is the prince in the morning.
This book starts incredibly strong, with writing that pulls you in and devours you. As the book goes on, I felt it became a bit rushed, with details going missing and time going by very quickly. There are some fight scenes that I find a bit hard to read, as we never really read about the training the FMC goes through, including magic and physical training.
The only real problem I found with this book is that I wished it expanded more on the magic system and the curse that Sin has, as I was a little confused as to how it all worked. We get a glimpse of how the curse came to be and what causes it, as well as what it does, but not much about how Sin tames it and comes into the power it gives her. We also do not really get a base on how the other beings' magic comes to be, and it is vaguely described. The world-building could use some work, as it felt really flat, but it is described as expansive. The story could have been fleshed out a bit, and I felt we were missing some backstory during some scenes, like during a particular betrayal that makes little to no sense to me as to who was involved and why.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to more in the series.
A spicy dark romance Cinderella retelling, say no more! I was a bit hesitant going into this book, as I have read a lot of retellings and find that the story is always the same. Dreams That You Wish had my jaw dropping with the spice, action, and revenge arcs.
We follow Sin, a half whitch half fae who witnessed her mother die at her stepmother's hands. With her magic locked down, she is forced to endure torture at her stepmother's hands. On a night of freedom, she meets Max and has a very spicy night, discovering he is the prince in the morning.
This book starts incredibly strong, with writing that pulls you in and devours you. As the book goes on, I felt it became a bit rushed, with details going missing and time going by very quickly. There are some fight scenes that I find a bit hard to read, as we never really read about the training the FMC goes through, including magic and physical training.
The only real problem I found with this book is that I wished it expanded more on the magic system and the curse that Sin has, as I was a little confused as to how it all worked. We get a glimpse of how the curse came to be and what causes it, as well as what it does, but not much about how Sin tames it and comes into the power it gives her. We also do not really get a base on how the other beings' magic comes to be, and it is vaguely described. The world-building could use some work, as it felt really flat, but it is described as expansive. The story could have been fleshed out a bit, and I felt we were missing some backstory during some scenes, like during a particular betrayal that makes little to no sense to me as to who was involved and why.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and look forward to more in the series.
December 5, 2025
When I heard "Dark Cinderella Retelling" I was expecting the usual rags to riches Disney damsel that falls for the handsome prince and he sweeps her off into a life of luxury, just in a dark setting or with maybe some darker than average spice running through. That is the formula of a lot of retellings and it works because it takes all the nostalgia and familiarity of childhood and repackages it for your now-adult tastes. This is not one of those books, and I mean that in all the best ways. Dreams That You Wish has nods to that familiar story (and some easter eggs of others) but takes you on a much wilder ride full of pain and trauma, feminine rage and revenge, and beautiful healing and romance. This is politics and magic and danger and Rebellion.
This is not a damsel in distress and unlike the original story where the only obstacle that has to be overcome is just her poverty and social standing. Max doesn't fall in love with the glamorous beauty in the ballgown and glass shoes. he eats her alive <.< and then falls in love with the darkest parts of her. And isn't that the true love we all deserve?
Things I loved: the easter eggs/references to the original and other classic fairy tales, the hints at future books in the series, and the last-line hooks of each chapter that leave you screaming "OMG WHAT?! I can't stop now, just one more chapter" <.< (and by one more, i mean i am staying up all night finishing this)
Things I disliked: honestly, i am having a hard time coming up with any. the ending is happy but not ever after- the story doesn't end here, and i cannot wait to see how the other books go, and hopefully see more of Max and Sin in other stories.
This is not a damsel in distress and unlike the original story where the only obstacle that has to be overcome is just her poverty and social standing. Max doesn't fall in love with the glamorous beauty in the ballgown and glass shoes. he eats her alive <.< and then falls in love with the darkest parts of her. And isn't that the true love we all deserve?
Things I loved: the easter eggs/references to the original and other classic fairy tales, the hints at future books in the series, and the last-line hooks of each chapter that leave you screaming "OMG WHAT?! I can't stop now, just one more chapter" <.< (and by one more, i mean i am staying up all night finishing this)
Things I disliked: honestly, i am having a hard time coming up with any. the ending is happy but not ever after- the story doesn't end here, and i cannot wait to see how the other books go, and hopefully see more of Max and Sin in other stories.
December 8, 2025
Dreams That You Wish
By Lady Kilroy
Release Date January 6, 2926
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lady Kilroy has truly created a masterpiece with Dreams That You Wish! This book is an exhilarating, must-read experience for anyone who adores a fairy tale with a thrilling, dark edge. It took the classic Cinderella narrative we all know and love and transformed it into a breathtakingly mature and modern dark fantasy romance that I simply couldn't put down.
The world-building is imaginative and rich, pulling you immediately into a realm where magic is dangerous and motives are deliciously gray. The character development is phenomenal. I cheered for the protagonist as she shed her victim status and embraced her own incredible power, navigating a world filled with dark enchantment and complex relationships.
The romance arc—a dynamic, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story—is pure fire. The tension between the main characters is palpable and incredibly engaging. Kilroy managed to subvert all my expectations; the prince is reimagined in a captivating new light, and the "fairy godmother" character is a brilliant, devilish surprise that adds so much suspense.
This novel is emotional, addictive, and expertly paced. It’s a flawless start to the Vengeful Tales series and easily one of the best dark romance books I’ve read all year. If you're looking for an intense, beautifully written escape that will keep you guessing until the very last page, Dreams That You Wish is the book for you! Five enthusiastic stars!
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends!!
By Lady Kilroy
Release Date January 6, 2926
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lady Kilroy has truly created a masterpiece with Dreams That You Wish! This book is an exhilarating, must-read experience for anyone who adores a fairy tale with a thrilling, dark edge. It took the classic Cinderella narrative we all know and love and transformed it into a breathtakingly mature and modern dark fantasy romance that I simply couldn't put down.
The world-building is imaginative and rich, pulling you immediately into a realm where magic is dangerous and motives are deliciously gray. The character development is phenomenal. I cheered for the protagonist as she shed her victim status and embraced her own incredible power, navigating a world filled with dark enchantment and complex relationships.
The romance arc—a dynamic, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story—is pure fire. The tension between the main characters is palpable and incredibly engaging. Kilroy managed to subvert all my expectations; the prince is reimagined in a captivating new light, and the "fairy godmother" character is a brilliant, devilish surprise that adds so much suspense.
This novel is emotional, addictive, and expertly paced. It’s a flawless start to the Vengeful Tales series and easily one of the best dark romance books I’ve read all year. If you're looking for an intense, beautifully written escape that will keep you guessing until the very last page, Dreams That You Wish is the book for you! Five enthusiastic stars!
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dreams That You Wish by Lady Kilroy is a whimsical, shadow-kissed Cinderella retelling that feels like a fairytale told at twilight—soft with magic, edged with danger, and quietly bittersweet. Kilroy’s writing is lyrical and enchanting, drawing you into a dreamlike world where wishes sparkle… and bite back.
The story opens a century in the past, weaving Sin’s origins and her mother’s legacy into the fabric of the tale before shifting to the present, where Sin lives under the cruel rule of her stepmother, stepsisters, and an all-too-willingly blind father. When she secretly attends the royal ball, magic stirs, destiny awakens, and she meets Max—the prince and her fated mate. Their enchanted night unravels into chaos, leading to imprisonment, a dangerous awakening of Sin’s powers, and a cruel bargain that binds her to Max as his servant while keeping their bond hidden.
What makes this retelling shine is its atmosphere. The story feels familiar in the best fairytale way, yet refreshingly different, layered with magic, court intrigue, and whispered rebellion. While the pacing and worldbuilding occasionally feel rushed—especially around the political and magical systems—the emotional heart of the story remains strong, and the whimsical tone keeps the pages turning.
Overall, this is a beautifully imagined, dark-tinged fairytale that blends romance, magic, and quiet rebellion into a captivating read. A lovely choice for readers who enjoy classic stories reimagined with shadows, softness, and just enough bite.
The story opens a century in the past, weaving Sin’s origins and her mother’s legacy into the fabric of the tale before shifting to the present, where Sin lives under the cruel rule of her stepmother, stepsisters, and an all-too-willingly blind father. When she secretly attends the royal ball, magic stirs, destiny awakens, and she meets Max—the prince and her fated mate. Their enchanted night unravels into chaos, leading to imprisonment, a dangerous awakening of Sin’s powers, and a cruel bargain that binds her to Max as his servant while keeping their bond hidden.
What makes this retelling shine is its atmosphere. The story feels familiar in the best fairytale way, yet refreshingly different, layered with magic, court intrigue, and whispered rebellion. While the pacing and worldbuilding occasionally feel rushed—especially around the political and magical systems—the emotional heart of the story remains strong, and the whimsical tone keeps the pages turning.
Overall, this is a beautifully imagined, dark-tinged fairytale that blends romance, magic, and quiet rebellion into a captivating read. A lovely choice for readers who enjoy classic stories reimagined with shadows, softness, and just enough bite.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dreams That You Wish by Lady Kilroy was a surprisingly difficult book for me to rate, not because it fell short, but because it lived in that in-between space where potential and execution wrestle with each other. I found myself torn between 3 and 4 stars, and I want to be very clear: this is not a bad book. In fact, it’s a story with a strong core, compelling ideas, and characters that linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.
Sin stood out to me immediately. Her strength isn’t just physical or situational; it’s rooted in resilience and self-possession, and I truly admired her journey. She feels like a character who knows who she is, even when the world around her is in chaos. Max, on the other hand, is undeniably magnetic. There’s an intensity to him that draws you in, and his presence adds a delicious tension that fuels the story. Together, their chemistry is palpable, and the passion between them feels earned, emotional, and very real.
The story itself is rich with action and intrigue, built on a solid foundation that clearly had care and intention behind it. However, this is also where my hesitation came in. While the plot moves quickly and never drags, it sometimes moves too quickly. I found myself wishing for more space to breathe inside certain moments.... more internal reflection, more emotional depth, more time to fully connect with the characters beyond the action happening around them. Some scenes felt slightly rushed, as if they were eager to get to the next beat rather than allowing the current one to fully land.
There were also moments where the writing felt like it was pushing hard to make an impact instead of trusting the strength of the story to carry itself. When the book slowed down and allowed its characters to simply exist, those were the moments that shined the brightest. A bit more smoothness in the pacing and a deeper exploration of character motivations could have elevated this story from good to unforgettable.
That said, the fact that I wanted more says a lot. This book kept me engaged, emotionally invested, and curious. My rating reflects personal taste rather than a lack of quality, my 3 stars often translate to a 4 for other readers. Dreams That You Wish simply needed a bit more depth and polish to reach its full potential.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially readers who enjoy strong heroines, intense chemistry, and fast-paced stories filled with passion and intrigue. Lady Kilroy has built something with real promise here, and I genuinely believe this story has the bones of something truly special.
Sin stood out to me immediately. Her strength isn’t just physical or situational; it’s rooted in resilience and self-possession, and I truly admired her journey. She feels like a character who knows who she is, even when the world around her is in chaos. Max, on the other hand, is undeniably magnetic. There’s an intensity to him that draws you in, and his presence adds a delicious tension that fuels the story. Together, their chemistry is palpable, and the passion between them feels earned, emotional, and very real.
The story itself is rich with action and intrigue, built on a solid foundation that clearly had care and intention behind it. However, this is also where my hesitation came in. While the plot moves quickly and never drags, it sometimes moves too quickly. I found myself wishing for more space to breathe inside certain moments.... more internal reflection, more emotional depth, more time to fully connect with the characters beyond the action happening around them. Some scenes felt slightly rushed, as if they were eager to get to the next beat rather than allowing the current one to fully land.
There were also moments where the writing felt like it was pushing hard to make an impact instead of trusting the strength of the story to carry itself. When the book slowed down and allowed its characters to simply exist, those were the moments that shined the brightest. A bit more smoothness in the pacing and a deeper exploration of character motivations could have elevated this story from good to unforgettable.
That said, the fact that I wanted more says a lot. This book kept me engaged, emotionally invested, and curious. My rating reflects personal taste rather than a lack of quality, my 3 stars often translate to a 4 for other readers. Dreams That You Wish simply needed a bit more depth and polish to reach its full potential.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others, especially readers who enjoy strong heroines, intense chemistry, and fast-paced stories filled with passion and intrigue. Lady Kilroy has built something with real promise here, and I genuinely believe this story has the bones of something truly special.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve never read a Cinderella retelling quite like this one. The transition from Ella, a happy little witch to Sin, the slave was horrific, painful and very descriptive, it was brutal. The way Lady Kilroy made my mind be there in the moment is something not alot of writers can do. The evil stepmother character was written in a way that makes you hate her so much and personally for me, knowing that Sin had powers, I kept wondering why she would let herself be tortured so much but the revenge that was had was delicious. The ball scene with Prince Max was hot 🥵, him being part shifter was deliciously written….I requested fan art for one particular scene…. Also knowing that Sin was a book girlie made it pretty cool, she knew what she wanted and she was gonna get it one way or another. The King’s cruelty was also brutal, the treatment of all those around him was reminiscent of the evil step parents, poor Sin she couldn’t escape this life. The mate aspect of the story was beautiful in the way Max let her claim her fantasies and her power and just smiled at her and beamed every time she became more like what she dreamed of. The book ended just like how I wanted it to, there is so much room for more stories, also I didn’t feel like I was reading a fairy tale for very long, it was epic and kick ass and who doesn’t love an FMC who can turn you into pink mist. Thank you to Lady Kilroy for allowing me to be a part of this arc release. 5 ⭐️ my friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC of this work!
2.75 stars, rounded to 3 stars
While I found it an interesting read, I fear overall this piece just wasn’t for me. I found the language/wording a bit underdeveloped, and while I absolutely love a fairytale retelling, this is a bit too Disney for my taste (Jafar, Ursula, King Triton).
What I struggled with the most is that sometimes the action jumped around, and needed transitions to place movements (for example, clothes are very infrequently mentioned being donned or removed). I found the characters very interesting, but underdeveloped, because there were so many strong, powerful characters but we only learned about them when it was sprinkled throughout the plot. The plot itself I think had a lot of promise, but was choppy structurally.
Truly, what I wanted to see and what we don’t really see (I would argue) is the FMC and MMC actually fall in love. We just see them connect *intimately* quite a bit and we see the FMC try to resist the “mate bond,” but I wanted more insight into the breaking of the barrier, and the reason why they chose each other outside of being “mates.” I did deeply enjoy seeing the FMC put herself first for the both of them, though. That was so nice! Sin really was a bad*ss female lead!
Overall though I really want to note that I think this fusing of fairy tale and fantasy was so interesting and compelling!
2.75 stars, rounded to 3 stars
While I found it an interesting read, I fear overall this piece just wasn’t for me. I found the language/wording a bit underdeveloped, and while I absolutely love a fairytale retelling, this is a bit too Disney for my taste (Jafar, Ursula, King Triton).
What I struggled with the most is that sometimes the action jumped around, and needed transitions to place movements (for example, clothes are very infrequently mentioned being donned or removed). I found the characters very interesting, but underdeveloped, because there were so many strong, powerful characters but we only learned about them when it was sprinkled throughout the plot. The plot itself I think had a lot of promise, but was choppy structurally.
Truly, what I wanted to see and what we don’t really see (I would argue) is the FMC and MMC actually fall in love. We just see them connect *intimately* quite a bit and we see the FMC try to resist the “mate bond,” but I wanted more insight into the breaking of the barrier, and the reason why they chose each other outside of being “mates.” I did deeply enjoy seeing the FMC put herself first for the both of them, though. That was so nice! Sin really was a bad*ss female lead!
Overall though I really want to note that I think this fusing of fairy tale and fantasy was so interesting and compelling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dreams That You Wish: A Dark Cinderella Retelling by Lady Kilroy has a great story line. The way the author twisted the classic Cinderella tale into a dark fantasy with high stakes rebellion and fated mates was definitely creative and interesting!
I enjoyed how Sin, the FMC, was determined to save herself without becoming the monster her dark magic urged her to be. She is strong willed and a bit sassy! Max, the MMC, was interesting as well. Wanting the best for his people even
If that means going against his father, the king.
There was so much to like in this story! The authors writing style is engaging, just the pacing of the book seemed extremely rushed to the point I had to check if I missed a chapter on accident as the story line was sporadic. I was personally having trouble staying invested fully with the characters and their story due to the rushed storyline. I would have loved to see this expanded to a larger book, allowing time for the story to develop with these characters.
The spice in the book was well done and left you feeling the heat!
Overall, I liked the idea of the book and creativeness from the author! Just this story was not for me, however it could be something you love. Everyone looks for something different when they read!
I would absolutely read more from her and suggest giving her writing a chance!
I enjoyed how Sin, the FMC, was determined to save herself without becoming the monster her dark magic urged her to be. She is strong willed and a bit sassy! Max, the MMC, was interesting as well. Wanting the best for his people even
If that means going against his father, the king.
There was so much to like in this story! The authors writing style is engaging, just the pacing of the book seemed extremely rushed to the point I had to check if I missed a chapter on accident as the story line was sporadic. I was personally having trouble staying invested fully with the characters and their story due to the rushed storyline. I would have loved to see this expanded to a larger book, allowing time for the story to develop with these characters.
The spice in the book was well done and left you feeling the heat!
Overall, I liked the idea of the book and creativeness from the author! Just this story was not for me, however it could be something you love. Everyone looks for something different when they read!
I would absolutely read more from her and suggest giving her writing a chance!
December 3, 2025
A Darkly Spicy Cinderella Retelling with Shifters, Witches, and Fae
This fast-paced fantasy romance delivers a fresh, sultry twist on the classic Cinderella story, blending magical creatures, court intrigue, and emotional depth. Fans of Once Upon a Time—especially those who enjoy its fairy-tale-meets-dark-fantasy vibe—will feel right at home, though this tale is set firmly in a past-era magical world rather than the modern day.
Sin, the heroine, is taken to live with her father and stepmother after they murder her mother—a brutal beginning that shapes her entire life. Enslaved and tortured at her stepmother’s whim, Sin grows into a cautious, guarded young woman who trusts no one. That changes the night she sneaks away and slips into a party at the castle, where she meets Max.
Max instantly recognizes Sin as his mate and falls hard and fast, but their connection is anything but easy. Between Sin’s trauma, the dangers lurking in the magical court, and the powerful forces determined to keep them apart, the story propels forward with challenge after challenge.
With shifters, witches, and fae woven throughout, this enchanting retelling offers heat, heart, and a plot that doesn’t slow down. A compelling, spicy reimagining that’s absolutely worth the read.
This fast-paced fantasy romance delivers a fresh, sultry twist on the classic Cinderella story, blending magical creatures, court intrigue, and emotional depth. Fans of Once Upon a Time—especially those who enjoy its fairy-tale-meets-dark-fantasy vibe—will feel right at home, though this tale is set firmly in a past-era magical world rather than the modern day.
Sin, the heroine, is taken to live with her father and stepmother after they murder her mother—a brutal beginning that shapes her entire life. Enslaved and tortured at her stepmother’s whim, Sin grows into a cautious, guarded young woman who trusts no one. That changes the night she sneaks away and slips into a party at the castle, where she meets Max.
Max instantly recognizes Sin as his mate and falls hard and fast, but their connection is anything but easy. Between Sin’s trauma, the dangers lurking in the magical court, and the powerful forces determined to keep them apart, the story propels forward with challenge after challenge.
With shifters, witches, and fae woven throughout, this enchanting retelling offers heat, heart, and a plot that doesn’t slow down. A compelling, spicy reimagining that’s absolutely worth the read.
December 5, 2025
Dreams That You Wish by Lady Kilroy is a charming addition to the Christmas romance genre, offering readers a blend of heartwarming narrative and emotional complexity. While details on the plot are sparse, the title suggests a story centered around hope, wishes, and the transformative power of the holiday season. If you’re drawn to romances that feature nuanced characters and a strong sense of festive atmosphere.
Lady Kilroy’s storytelling is expected to deliver well-developed leads, whose journeys are both authentic and relatable. The Christmas setting likely plays a pivotal role, providing cozy, magical backdrops that enhance the emotional stakes of romance. Themes such as forgiveness, self-discovery, and daring to love despite obstacles may also be explored, adding depth beyond the sweet and steamy moments that romance readers crave.
Fans of witty dialogue and a lively pace will appreciate the banter and chemistry between characters, ensuring that the story remains engaging from start to finish. “Dreams That You Wish” is an ideal holiday escape for anyone seeking a novel that balances festive charm with genuine emotional resonance, a perfect companion for cold winter nights and mugs of cocoa by the fire.
Lady Kilroy’s storytelling is expected to deliver well-developed leads, whose journeys are both authentic and relatable. The Christmas setting likely plays a pivotal role, providing cozy, magical backdrops that enhance the emotional stakes of romance. Themes such as forgiveness, self-discovery, and daring to love despite obstacles may also be explored, adding depth beyond the sweet and steamy moments that romance readers crave.
Fans of witty dialogue and a lively pace will appreciate the banter and chemistry between characters, ensuring that the story remains engaging from start to finish. “Dreams That You Wish” is an ideal holiday escape for anyone seeking a novel that balances festive charm with genuine emotional resonance, a perfect companion for cold winter nights and mugs of cocoa by the fire.
December 10, 2025
**ARC Review:**
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Let me start by saying this: fantasy/romantasy is not a genre I typically gravitate toward. It’s just not usually my thing. BUT I love a dark fairytale retelling, which is why I offered to read this one… and I’m glad I did, because it did NOT disappoint.
Ella—known as Sin—is half-fae, half-witch, and has been held captive for a century by her stepmother and half-sisters. When she sneaks out to attend the palace ball, she meets her fated mate, Prince Maximus. Throughout the book, Sin wrestles with her growing feelings for Max while trying to understand and control her newly awakened powers.
Max, meanwhile, has been planning to overthrow his father long before the King forbade him from being with Sin and forced her into servitude. War becomes inevitable, and the two end up fighting side-by-side with Max’s brothers, his mother, witches, and shapeshifters.
Tension, romance 🥵, magic, and action collide as Sin and Max fall in love and step into who they were meant to become.
Lady Kilroy created a beautifully written, well-thought-out retelling that leaves you wanting more. It ends setup to follow Oliver and Princess Snow… I can’t wait to see what comes next. ✨🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
💔✨ A beautifully emotional read that stays with you long after the last page. ✨💔
If you’ve ever wished for something so badly it hurt… this book will understand you.
Dreams That You Wish isn’t just something you read — it’s something you feel. Every page carried emotion, vulnerability, and a quiet ache that made me pause more than once just to breathe it in. Lady Kilroy has a way of putting into words the things we often keep buried… the dreams we’re scared to say out loud, the hopes we’ve almost given up on, and the longing that never really leaves us.
There were moments that felt painfully relatable, like the author reached into my own experiences and wrote them down. This book reminded me how deeply we can love, how much we can lose, and how brave it is to keep wishing anyway. It doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, but it also doesn’t leave you there — instead, it offers a quiet kind of hope that feels real and earned.
This is the kind of book you read with tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat. The kind that makes you reflect on your own life, your own dreams, and the parts of yourself you may have forgotten along the way.
⭐️I received a copy of this book via the author/publisher and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.⭐️
If you’ve ever wished for something so badly it hurt… this book will understand you.
Dreams That You Wish isn’t just something you read — it’s something you feel. Every page carried emotion, vulnerability, and a quiet ache that made me pause more than once just to breathe it in. Lady Kilroy has a way of putting into words the things we often keep buried… the dreams we’re scared to say out loud, the hopes we’ve almost given up on, and the longing that never really leaves us.
There were moments that felt painfully relatable, like the author reached into my own experiences and wrote them down. This book reminded me how deeply we can love, how much we can lose, and how brave it is to keep wishing anyway. It doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, but it also doesn’t leave you there — instead, it offers a quiet kind of hope that feels real and earned.
This is the kind of book you read with tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat. The kind that makes you reflect on your own life, your own dreams, and the parts of yourself you may have forgotten along the way.
⭐️I received a copy of this book via the author/publisher and I’m reviewing it voluntarily.⭐️
December 12, 2025
Dreams That You Wish
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
💠 Cinderella retelling
💠 witch x half-shifter
💠 feminine rage
💠 fated mates
💠 black cat x golden retriever
This was a very interesting take on the classic Cinderella tale. The story was intense and engaging throughout the entire book, in my opinion.
Poor Sin, man. She just can’t catch a break half the time. I loved that she kept pushing through, though. Max was pretty great, too. I adored how completely accepting he was of Sin, especially after the glamour was gone.
I do wish we could have seen more of their relationship develop. Sin’s acceptance felt pretty sudden after her instance against the bond. There were also a few points that pulled me out of the story some, where the timeline just didn’t line up, sentences were worded oddly, and characters that got mixed up. I’m also pretty sad that we didn’t get to witness the scene between Sin, Max, and Wolcott. I’m holding out hope that it’ll be a bonus scene offered. 😂
Overall, though, it was a very enjoyable read, and I absolutely can’t wait for the next one, especially after the little teaser at the end!
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
💠 Cinderella retelling
💠 witch x half-shifter
💠 feminine rage
💠 fated mates
💠 black cat x golden retriever
This was a very interesting take on the classic Cinderella tale. The story was intense and engaging throughout the entire book, in my opinion.
Poor Sin, man. She just can’t catch a break half the time. I loved that she kept pushing through, though. Max was pretty great, too. I adored how completely accepting he was of Sin, especially after the glamour was gone.
I do wish we could have seen more of their relationship develop. Sin’s acceptance felt pretty sudden after her instance against the bond. There were also a few points that pulled me out of the story some, where the timeline just didn’t line up, sentences were worded oddly, and characters that got mixed up. I’m also pretty sad that we didn’t get to witness the scene between Sin, Max, and Wolcott. I’m holding out hope that it’ll be a bonus scene offered. 😂
Overall, though, it was a very enjoyable read, and I absolutely can’t wait for the next one, especially after the little teaser at the end!
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
December 4, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review 🌹
A Dark Cinderella Re-telling vibe with magic, witches and the perfect heat of spice 🌶️🔥
I loved the FMC. Sin, a strong, fierce woman who has been enslaved and tortured her whole life, finds determination and the magic within herself to change the course of her life. One night of freedom, even if it kills her.
She soon meets our MMC Max who soon realizes she is his mate. Max is instantly obsessed and craved her like no other. He will do anything to keep her safe and protect her. Sin on the other hand has extreme trust issues.
Both characters separately have endured traumatized pasts and many secrets. Together, they face a powerful King who is set to kill them both and seek control. With magic, fae, witches, spells and a love that burns so hot you will thoroughly enjoy this dark fantasy romance.
I read in one sitting and can't wait for more to come! Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this 🖤🌹
👠 Cinderella Re-telling
👠 Fated Mates
👠 BDSM Play Parties
👠 Witches 🪄
👠 Forced Proximity
👠 Spicy 🌶️
A Dark Cinderella Re-telling vibe with magic, witches and the perfect heat of spice 🌶️🔥
I loved the FMC. Sin, a strong, fierce woman who has been enslaved and tortured her whole life, finds determination and the magic within herself to change the course of her life. One night of freedom, even if it kills her.
She soon meets our MMC Max who soon realizes she is his mate. Max is instantly obsessed and craved her like no other. He will do anything to keep her safe and protect her. Sin on the other hand has extreme trust issues.
Both characters separately have endured traumatized pasts and many secrets. Together, they face a powerful King who is set to kill them both and seek control. With magic, fae, witches, spells and a love that burns so hot you will thoroughly enjoy this dark fantasy romance.
I read in one sitting and can't wait for more to come! Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this 🖤🌹
👠 Cinderella Re-telling
👠 Fated Mates
👠 BDSM Play Parties
👠 Witches 🪄
👠 Forced Proximity
👠 Spicy 🌶️
December 5, 2025
Arc Review 📚
So as a millennial who grew up loving all the Disney Princesses such as Cinderella, this book grabbed my childhood fairy tale, shattered the glass slipper, and handed me the shards 😂
It’s a dark Cinderella retelling where Sin isn’t some sweet, singing-to-birds princess , she’s messy, emotional, and honestly way more relatable. The ball scene? Gorgeous but low-key creepy, and you can feel something is off the whole time. And the prince… yeah, he is NOT the Disney version we grew up with.
The magic is wild, the tension is constant, and the vibe is very “your childhood wish turned into a nightmare.”
One thing I loved about the magic is that it isn’t sparkly or convenient. It’s messy, unsettling, and you can feel it simmering under Sin’s skin in moments when she’s overwhelmed. Kilroy never over explains it, which makes it feel more real and unpredictable.
This book keeps just enough of the original Cinderella DNA that you feel that nostalgic tug. If you love fairy tales but want them darker, sharper, and way more grown-up… this one is absolutely worth the read. ✨📖🖤
So as a millennial who grew up loving all the Disney Princesses such as Cinderella, this book grabbed my childhood fairy tale, shattered the glass slipper, and handed me the shards 😂
It’s a dark Cinderella retelling where Sin isn’t some sweet, singing-to-birds princess , she’s messy, emotional, and honestly way more relatable. The ball scene? Gorgeous but low-key creepy, and you can feel something is off the whole time. And the prince… yeah, he is NOT the Disney version we grew up with.
The magic is wild, the tension is constant, and the vibe is very “your childhood wish turned into a nightmare.”
One thing I loved about the magic is that it isn’t sparkly or convenient. It’s messy, unsettling, and you can feel it simmering under Sin’s skin in moments when she’s overwhelmed. Kilroy never over explains it, which makes it feel more real and unpredictable.
This book keeps just enough of the original Cinderella DNA that you feel that nostalgic tug. If you love fairy tales but want them darker, sharper, and way more grown-up… this one is absolutely worth the read. ✨📖🖤
January 3, 2026
2.5 star rounded up to 3.
This dark retelling of Cinderella with a twist follows the story of sin, whose mother is killed by her step mother whom then enslaves her for a century. Sin is beaten and tortured and the hands of her family and one night she takes enchanted shoes to a party where she meets the prince heir Max.
Max is a hot half snake shifter who will protect Sin at all costs, whilst working a scheme in the background.
The spice was definitely spicey and the concept idea of the book was intriguing. I felt like it didn’t quite land for me personally. There was no build up to the main storyline except to prologue of how Sin came to be in the care of her stepmother and felt there was some plot holes that were explained in a single sentence rather than in depth. THE side characters lacked a lot of insight into and were just kind of there rather than integral parts of the story and would have loved to know more into each of them.
The bones of the story are good but potentially need more flesh.
This dark retelling of Cinderella with a twist follows the story of sin, whose mother is killed by her step mother whom then enslaves her for a century. Sin is beaten and tortured and the hands of her family and one night she takes enchanted shoes to a party where she meets the prince heir Max.
Max is a hot half snake shifter who will protect Sin at all costs, whilst working a scheme in the background.
The spice was definitely spicey and the concept idea of the book was intriguing. I felt like it didn’t quite land for me personally. There was no build up to the main storyline except to prologue of how Sin came to be in the care of her stepmother and felt there was some plot holes that were explained in a single sentence rather than in depth. THE side characters lacked a lot of insight into and were just kind of there rather than integral parts of the story and would have loved to know more into each of them.
The bones of the story are good but potentially need more flesh.
December 6, 2025
ARC Review of ‘Dreams That You Wish For’ by Lady Kilroy.
Now this is a fairytale retelling I super super enjoyed!!
World building, the story-flow, the characters we know from our childhood memories are blended, interwoven, mashed up into each other’s stories to make a whole new upside down, good vs evil world in such a cool and surprising way!
Sin is the daughter of a powerful sea witch who was 💀 by her stepmother. Powers taken away and made ugly after years of ‘hurt’(in a bad way bad way)
But her powers are deep within, abiding its time to step out.
Max, crown prince, part snake, is her mate. Protective, fierce, a hunk! I mean; who knew you could get so creative with a snake tail ahem.🤣🫣
So yeah that answers their chemistry, it was 🔥, and their 🌶️ was 🥵🥵
The storyline was so unique to me and oh did I really dig into this!
And that ending!!??🤯🤯🤯
Waaaaa where is book 2 already??!
Because there will be a second installment right??
10/5⭐️
Now this is a fairytale retelling I super super enjoyed!!
World building, the story-flow, the characters we know from our childhood memories are blended, interwoven, mashed up into each other’s stories to make a whole new upside down, good vs evil world in such a cool and surprising way!
Sin is the daughter of a powerful sea witch who was 💀 by her stepmother. Powers taken away and made ugly after years of ‘hurt’(in a bad way bad way)
But her powers are deep within, abiding its time to step out.
Max, crown prince, part snake, is her mate. Protective, fierce, a hunk! I mean; who knew you could get so creative with a snake tail ahem.🤣🫣
So yeah that answers their chemistry, it was 🔥, and their 🌶️ was 🥵🥵
The storyline was so unique to me and oh did I really dig into this!
And that ending!!??🤯🤯🤯
Waaaaa where is book 2 already??!
Because there will be a second installment right??
10/5⭐️
December 11, 2025
ARC Review
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book went well above my expectations. The main character, Sin, has had an awful, unfortunate life. She’s had to watch her mother die in front of her eyes and was then tortured for the next 100 years by her evil (understated) stepmother. The empathy that I felt for Sin was no joke and I found myself quickly becoming her biggest fan. This rapidly became a book that I couldn’t put down - it had great characters, danger, thrills, and can we talk about the SPICE?!? 🥵🌶️ This could have easily been a 4 star read for me but the writing, especially in the beginning, knocked it down to a 3. I found it occasionally to be confusing, where I had to read sentences 2-3 times to try and figure out what was trying to be said - almost like the thought didn’t quite make it through. Did it ruin the book? Absolutely not. Will I be reading book 2? You can count on it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book went well above my expectations. The main character, Sin, has had an awful, unfortunate life. She’s had to watch her mother die in front of her eyes and was then tortured for the next 100 years by her evil (understated) stepmother. The empathy that I felt for Sin was no joke and I found myself quickly becoming her biggest fan. This rapidly became a book that I couldn’t put down - it had great characters, danger, thrills, and can we talk about the SPICE?!? 🥵🌶️ This could have easily been a 4 star read for me but the writing, especially in the beginning, knocked it down to a 3. I found it occasionally to be confusing, where I had to read sentences 2-3 times to try and figure out what was trying to be said - almost like the thought didn’t quite make it through. Did it ruin the book? Absolutely not. Will I be reading book 2? You can count on it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Dreams That You Wish" —it’s not your typical retelling of Cinderella's story. Sin is tough and resilient, and Max is swoony and protective. Their romance is definitely hot! The story mixes magic, and political intrigue, while still incorporating fairy-tale elements.
My favorite part of the novel was how it balanced darkness with hope. It turns the Cinderella story into so much more than just a fairy-tale romance - it becomes something deeper, with themes of resilience and empowerment. I enjoyed the end of the novel but it definitely left me excited for the next book... I feel like there will be even more danger and passion!
For anyone who loves dark fairy tales and strong heroines, "Dreams That You Wish" is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us with these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lady Kilroy, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My favorite part of the novel was how it balanced darkness with hope. It turns the Cinderella story into so much more than just a fairy-tale romance - it becomes something deeper, with themes of resilience and empowerment. I enjoyed the end of the novel but it definitely left me excited for the next book... I feel like there will be even more danger and passion!
For anyone who loves dark fairy tales and strong heroines, "Dreams That You Wish" is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us with these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lady Kilroy, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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