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Glass & Sin
Book 1 of the Shattered Crowns series by Cordelia Cross
This is a dark romantasy fairy tale retelling containing explicit scenes, a Why Choose dynamic, and themes of power exchange.
THE MIRROR LIED.
The Queen doesn't just want to be the fairest; she’ll kill to keep the title. Princess Shay has spent her life mastering the art of invisibility, but silence can no longer save her. Marked for death and hunted by a man who never misses, Shay flees into the deep woods.
But she finds no prince charming.
Instead, she finds the mines and the six hardened outcasts who rule the dark beneath the earth. These men are not heroes. They are rough, possessive, and starving for a touch they haven’t felt in years. To buy her sanctuary, Shay strikes a devil’s her submission in exchange for their protection.
It was supposed to be a transaction—a cold, calculated surrender to ensure her survival. But as the agreement binds her to Dax, Gage, Bennett, and the others, Shay discovers a dark hunger she never knew she possessed. In the shadows of a mirror, she isn’t just a princess to be protected. She is a prize to be shared, claimed, and corrupted.
With the Queen’s magic closing in and Hunter on her trail, Shay must decide who she truly is. Because in a kingdom built on Glass and Sin, the only thing more dangerous than being hunted... is wanting to be caught. Forget the poison apple—in this shattered retelling, the true danger is the temptation to stay.
Glass & Sin features an interactive, "choose your own" epilogue. Will you choose the path of redemption, or will you surrender to the darkness? You decide how Snow’s story ends.
This is a dark romantasy fairy tale retelling containing explicit scenes, a Why Choose dynamic, and themes of power exchange.
THE MIRROR LIED.
The Queen doesn't just want to be the fairest; she’ll kill to keep the title. Princess Shay has spent her life mastering the art of invisibility, but silence can no longer save her. Marked for death and hunted by a man who never misses, Shay flees into the deep woods.
But she finds no prince charming.
Instead, she finds the mines and the six hardened outcasts who rule the dark beneath the earth. These men are not heroes. They are rough, possessive, and starving for a touch they haven’t felt in years. To buy her sanctuary, Shay strikes a devil’s her submission in exchange for their protection.
It was supposed to be a transaction—a cold, calculated surrender to ensure her survival. But as the agreement binds her to Dax, Gage, Bennett, and the others, Shay discovers a dark hunger she never knew she possessed. In the shadows of a mirror, she isn’t just a princess to be protected. She is a prize to be shared, claimed, and corrupted.
With the Queen’s magic closing in and Hunter on her trail, Shay must decide who she truly is. Because in a kingdom built on Glass and Sin, the only thing more dangerous than being hunted... is wanting to be caught. Forget the poison apple—in this shattered retelling, the true danger is the temptation to stay.
Glass & Sin features an interactive, "choose your own" epilogue. Will you choose the path of redemption, or will you surrender to the darkness? You decide how Snow’s story ends.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Cordelia Cross
1 book6 followersGet the free prequel, Seed & Agony, by joining my newsletter here: https://cordeliacrossauthor.kit.com/9...
Cordelia Cross wears all the hats. She is a horse trainer rehabbing off the track thoroughbreds, an adjunct college writing professor, a mom of two rambunctious young boys, and now published author with Glass & Sin—her debut novel.
She grew up in Virginia and after grad school moved to Maryland where she currently lives. When not working or momming, she’s drinking mushroom coffee, watching reality competition shows, and snuggling with her dog and cat—both frequently featured on her social media. Her favorite TV show is The Traitors, favorite movie is Saw, favorite food is cheese, and favorite place is Disney World.
She writes high-heat, dark fantasy retellings where "happily ever after" is earned in the shadows and forged by fire. Glass & Sin is the first book in The Shattered Crowns series.
Follow her journey on facebook, instagram, and tiktok at @cordeliacrossauthor
Cordelia Cross wears all the hats. She is a horse trainer rehabbing off the track thoroughbreds, an adjunct college writing professor, a mom of two rambunctious young boys, and now published author with Glass & Sin—her debut novel.
She grew up in Virginia and after grad school moved to Maryland where she currently lives. When not working or momming, she’s drinking mushroom coffee, watching reality competition shows, and snuggling with her dog and cat—both frequently featured on her social media. Her favorite TV show is The Traitors, favorite movie is Saw, favorite food is cheese, and favorite place is Disney World.
She writes high-heat, dark fantasy retellings where "happily ever after" is earned in the shadows and forged by fire. Glass & Sin is the first book in The Shattered Crowns series.
Follow her journey on facebook, instagram, and tiktok at @cordeliacrossauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 17, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author ❤️
This is not your childhood fairytale. This is Snow White with allll the spice. I wasn’t sold in the beginning but my the middle I was hooked and I don’t even have words for the ending. Such a fun read! Highly recommend if you like spice and appreciate a good retelling. For a debut novel from a new author I was very pleasantly surprised.
This is not your childhood fairytale. This is Snow White with allll the spice. I wasn’t sold in the beginning but my the middle I was hooked and I don’t even have words for the ending. Such a fun read! Highly recommend if you like spice and appreciate a good retelling. For a debut novel from a new author I was very pleasantly surprised.
April 30, 2026
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Buckle up, y'all, cause this is one hell of a ride.
You know the story of Snow White; of the Huntsman, the Evil Queen mother figure, a prince charming, a group of miners living in a house in the woods, a poison apple, a death-like sleep, and true love's kiss to break the spell.
You know this story, but you don't know THIS story.
And I hope you will.
Glass & Sin is about so much more than one woman entering into a mutually beneficial agreement with six men. (Although, not a bad set up in my book.)
It's about Snow White's journey to reclaim her name (which is not actually Snow White) and her identity, and to claim her body, her beauty, and herself, for herself, not for others to use, abuse, or neglect.
It is the story of her coming into her own power.
It is open-door spice with several mildly explicit scenes. Not all involve the FMC or MMCs.
Please note that power dynamics/power struggles are heavily explored in this novel. For example, there is a scene between the FMC and another character that involves dubious consent, so if you have any triggers in that area, just be aware.
Glass & Sin is a different flavor of fairytale retellings, one I don't recall having read before. For example, you get to choose between two versions of the epilogue. Does it end one way or the other?
Personally, I choose to believe both can happen.
Lyrically descriptive, Glass & Sin is narrated in 3rd person omniscient, and creates seamless transitions between characters and settings.
And while the omniscient POV can feel distant in other works, here it is explored in a way that feels intimate and exposing.
I don't know how else to say it. The writing is truly excellent.
The only thing I would have liked to see more of was Snow's early interactions with the miners. Time skips a bit after their initial meeting, and I wish there were more depictions of the "getting to know you" phase of their situationship.
Maybe there's some bonus content out there somewhere? A reader can dream.
Buckle up, y'all, cause this is one hell of a ride.
You know the story of Snow White; of the Huntsman, the Evil Queen mother figure, a prince charming, a group of miners living in a house in the woods, a poison apple, a death-like sleep, and true love's kiss to break the spell.
You know this story, but you don't know THIS story.
And I hope you will.
Glass & Sin is about so much more than one woman entering into a mutually beneficial agreement with six men. (Although, not a bad set up in my book.)
It's about Snow White's journey to reclaim her name (which is not actually Snow White) and her identity, and to claim her body, her beauty, and herself, for herself, not for others to use, abuse, or neglect.
It is the story of her coming into her own power.
It is open-door spice with several mildly explicit scenes. Not all involve the FMC or MMCs.
Please note that power dynamics/power struggles are heavily explored in this novel. For example, there is a scene between the FMC and another character that involves dubious consent, so if you have any triggers in that area, just be aware.
Glass & Sin is a different flavor of fairytale retellings, one I don't recall having read before. For example, you get to choose between two versions of the epilogue. Does it end one way or the other?
Personally, I choose to believe both can happen.
Lyrically descriptive, Glass & Sin is narrated in 3rd person omniscient, and creates seamless transitions between characters and settings.
And while the omniscient POV can feel distant in other works, here it is explored in a way that feels intimate and exposing.
I don't know how else to say it. The writing is truly excellent.
The only thing I would have liked to see more of was Snow's early interactions with the miners. Time skips a bit after their initial meeting, and I wish there were more depictions of the "getting to know you" phase of their situationship.
Maybe there's some bonus content out there somewhere? A reader can dream.
April 30, 2026
Tropes first because this one?? DARK, TWISTED, and DELICIOUSLY ADDICTIVE 👀🖤🔥
• dark fairy tale retelling
• why choose / multiple MMCs 🖤
• forced proximity
• power exchange dynamics
• “you came here to survive… but you might not want to leave” energy
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Glass & Sin takes a familiar story and completely *shatters* it—in the best way 👀
Shay??
She’s spent her life invisible… until survival forces her to step into something darker, stronger, and way more dangerous 🖤
And the men??
Not heroes. Not soft. Not safe.
Rough, possessive, and living in a world where survival comes first—and feelings come later (if at all) 🔥
The dynamic starts as a bargain…
cold, necessary, transactional.
But the more time she spends with them??
Yeah… those lines blur FAST 👀
And what really stands out is that shift—
from survival → power → *wanting* something she was never supposed to crave 🖤
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the retelling feels fresh, dark, and addictive
• the character dynamics are intense and layered
• the atmosphere is gritty and immersive
• it pulls you in and doesn’t let go
✨ If you love:
• dark romantasy 🖤
• morally grey characters
• twisted fairy tale retellings
• high tension + dangerous dynamics
This one is bold, gritty, and impossible to look away from 👀🔥
• dark fairy tale retelling
• why choose / multiple MMCs 🖤
• forced proximity
• power exchange dynamics
• “you came here to survive… but you might not want to leave” energy
Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.
Glass & Sin takes a familiar story and completely *shatters* it—in the best way 👀
Shay??
She’s spent her life invisible… until survival forces her to step into something darker, stronger, and way more dangerous 🖤
And the men??
Not heroes. Not soft. Not safe.
Rough, possessive, and living in a world where survival comes first—and feelings come later (if at all) 🔥
The dynamic starts as a bargain…
cold, necessary, transactional.
But the more time she spends with them??
Yeah… those lines blur FAST 👀
And what really stands out is that shift—
from survival → power → *wanting* something she was never supposed to crave 🖤
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the retelling feels fresh, dark, and addictive
• the character dynamics are intense and layered
• the atmosphere is gritty and immersive
• it pulls you in and doesn’t let go
✨ If you love:
• dark romantasy 🖤
• morally grey characters
• twisted fairy tale retellings
• high tension + dangerous dynamics
This one is bold, gritty, and impossible to look away from 👀🔥
May 6, 2026
This was a very entertaining RH & why choose take on the Snow White fairy tale. And instead of seven dwarves, we have six stunning miners who become Snow's whole world.
King Wilhelm is murdered, Queen Liora is only truly concerned about her looks and the power it gives her over others-especially men.
So it is no surprise when her daughter, Shay/Snow, begins developing into the beauty Liora had been that the queen decides to take her daughter out. After all, she spent years trying to diminish Shay's beauty.
After a harrowing escape from the castle, Snow eventually discovers a cottage. Bargaining with the six men her body in exchange for shelter, a deal is struck. But Snow is not happy. She dreams of a young prince she met as a young girl, believing he is her true love.
I won't give more & spoil it. But the tale is wrapped up beautifully, you even get to choose your ending from two different options. The huntsman gets his due, the queen hers also. And Snow, her prince and her six miners create a space for their joint love.
King Wilhelm is murdered, Queen Liora is only truly concerned about her looks and the power it gives her over others-especially men.
So it is no surprise when her daughter, Shay/Snow, begins developing into the beauty Liora had been that the queen decides to take her daughter out. After all, she spent years trying to diminish Shay's beauty.
After a harrowing escape from the castle, Snow eventually discovers a cottage. Bargaining with the six men her body in exchange for shelter, a deal is struck. But Snow is not happy. She dreams of a young prince she met as a young girl, believing he is her true love.
I won't give more & spoil it. But the tale is wrapped up beautifully, you even get to choose your ending from two different options. The huntsman gets his due, the queen hers also. And Snow, her prince and her six miners create a space for their joint love.
April 30, 2026
Fairytale… but Make It Spicy 👑🔥
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Glass & Sin is a dark and spicy retelling of Snow White that takes the familiar fairytale and gives it a much more mature, unconventional twist. The core elements of the original story are all there—a beautiful princess, a jealous queen determined to be the fairest of them all, and a kingdom shaped by betrayal—but this version leans heavily into darker and more sensual themes.
What sets this retelling apart is the direction the story takes once the princess escapes. Instead of the traditional path, she finds refuge with six miners, and the dynamic that develops introduces a reverse harem element that drives much of the narrative. While this isn’t typically a trope I gravitate toward, I found myself more engaged than I expected. There’s a blend of protection, companionship, and personal growth that adds depth beyond the physical aspects of the story.
I also appreciated how the story weaves in elements of her past, particularly the connection to the prince, which brings a softer, romantic contrast to the intensity of her present circumstances. It helps balance the story and adds an emotional layer that keeps it from being solely focused on the spice.
Overall, this is definitely not a traditional fairytale retelling, but if you enjoy darker, steamier takes on classic stories, it’s worth picking up. It pushed me outside of my usual reading preferences in a good way, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Glass & Sin is a dark and spicy retelling of Snow White that takes the familiar fairytale and gives it a much more mature, unconventional twist. The core elements of the original story are all there—a beautiful princess, a jealous queen determined to be the fairest of them all, and a kingdom shaped by betrayal—but this version leans heavily into darker and more sensual themes.
What sets this retelling apart is the direction the story takes once the princess escapes. Instead of the traditional path, she finds refuge with six miners, and the dynamic that develops introduces a reverse harem element that drives much of the narrative. While this isn’t typically a trope I gravitate toward, I found myself more engaged than I expected. There’s a blend of protection, companionship, and personal growth that adds depth beyond the physical aspects of the story.
I also appreciated how the story weaves in elements of her past, particularly the connection to the prince, which brings a softer, romantic contrast to the intensity of her present circumstances. It helps balance the story and adds an emotional layer that keeps it from being solely focused on the spice.
Overall, this is definitely not a traditional fairytale retelling, but if you enjoy darker, steamier takes on classic stories, it’s worth picking up. It pushed me outside of my usual reading preferences in a good way, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
Fairy Tales… But Make Them Sinful 🔥
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Glass and Sin completely pulled me under—and didn’t let go. Cordelia Cross takes the soft, innocent fairy tales we grew up with and twists them into something dark, seductive, and unapologetically bold.
This isn’t your sweet, sheltered princess. This is a woman awakening—stepping into power, curiosity, and desire in ways that are raw, complex, and undeniably provocative. The journey is intense, exploring blurred lines, shifting control, and the kind of boundaries most stories wouldn’t dare touch.
It’s daring. It’s addictive. And yes… it’s spicy.
If you’re expecting a nostalgic retelling, think again—this is fairy tale fantasy with teeth.
I’m already impatient for whatever deliciously dark world Cordelia Cross creates next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Glass and Sin completely pulled me under—and didn’t let go. Cordelia Cross takes the soft, innocent fairy tales we grew up with and twists them into something dark, seductive, and unapologetically bold.
This isn’t your sweet, sheltered princess. This is a woman awakening—stepping into power, curiosity, and desire in ways that are raw, complex, and undeniably provocative. The journey is intense, exploring blurred lines, shifting control, and the kind of boundaries most stories wouldn’t dare touch.
It’s daring. It’s addictive. And yes… it’s spicy.
If you’re expecting a nostalgic retelling, think again—this is fairy tale fantasy with teeth.
I’m already impatient for whatever deliciously dark world Cordelia Cross creates next.
April 29, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy from the author, Cordelia Cross, and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
This is a really strong debut title. It is a reimagining in the best definition of the word. While it shares all the big beats with the classic tale, it’s definitely its own unique story. The prose is really descriptive and evocative. I could see the Queen in my minds eye so very clearly.
I’m really impressed with how the author handled the miners. Introduced as they were as a group it would have been easy for them to be a faceless generic mob. But they are each unique, defined mostly by their actions and the way they touch.
I felt there were a few pacing issues but overall a great read.
This is a really strong debut title. It is a reimagining in the best definition of the word. While it shares all the big beats with the classic tale, it’s definitely its own unique story. The prose is really descriptive and evocative. I could see the Queen in my minds eye so very clearly.
I’m really impressed with how the author handled the miners. Introduced as they were as a group it would have been easy for them to be a faceless generic mob. But they are each unique, defined mostly by their actions and the way they touch.
I felt there were a few pacing issues but overall a great read.
May 6, 2026
Uf Snow White had 6 men and they were definitely not dwarfs!
If Snow White had 6 men and they definitely were not Dwarfs!
This is a re-telling of Snow White with a little darker theme. Hunter is the Queen's lover and he kills the king.
Snow White is imprisoned by the queen, and when she turns 18 the Queen tells Hunter to kill her. Well he obviously does not, and Snow White finds refuge in the home of 6 miners. Who are NOT dwarfs, and who ARE thrilled to have a woman in their home. They keep her safe and fed in exchange for some enjoyment for all of them.
While there were dark moments, the story was also a lot of fun to read. Snow White grows into a woman and into her own power as the story progresses
The Ending is an interesting option to "choose your own epilogue".
If Snow White had 6 men and they definitely were not Dwarfs!
This is a re-telling of Snow White with a little darker theme. Hunter is the Queen's lover and he kills the king.
Snow White is imprisoned by the queen, and when she turns 18 the Queen tells Hunter to kill her. Well he obviously does not, and Snow White finds refuge in the home of 6 miners. Who are NOT dwarfs, and who ARE thrilled to have a woman in their home. They keep her safe and fed in exchange for some enjoyment for all of them.
While there were dark moments, the story was also a lot of fun to read. Snow White grows into a woman and into her own power as the story progresses
The Ending is an interesting option to "choose your own epilogue".
April 24, 2026
Voluntary review of an ARC received from the author.
Me and fairytale retellings? At this point it’s a full-blown personality trait—I can’t get enough. This Snow White reimagining leans into the familiar bones (the dwarves, the hunter), but adds a spicy, why-choose twist that makes it feel fresh and indulgent.
Since it’s a shorter book, the pacing does mean the relationships don’t get quite enough room to fully breathe. I especially felt that with the miners—I wanted more time, more depth, more connection to really sell the emotional side of things.
That said… I’m completely obsessed with the split ending. Being able to “choose” how the story wraps up is such a fun, interactive touch. Of course I read both (zero self-control), and honestly? They’re both fantastic in their own way. It’s such a clever way to let the reader shape their own experience.
A quick, spicy, and creative retelling that left me wanting just a little more—and still smiling at the end.
Me and fairytale retellings? At this point it’s a full-blown personality trait—I can’t get enough. This Snow White reimagining leans into the familiar bones (the dwarves, the hunter), but adds a spicy, why-choose twist that makes it feel fresh and indulgent.
Since it’s a shorter book, the pacing does mean the relationships don’t get quite enough room to fully breathe. I especially felt that with the miners—I wanted more time, more depth, more connection to really sell the emotional side of things.
That said… I’m completely obsessed with the split ending. Being able to “choose” how the story wraps up is such a fun, interactive touch. Of course I read both (zero self-control), and honestly? They’re both fantastic in their own way. It’s such a clever way to let the reader shape their own experience.
A quick, spicy, and creative retelling that left me wanting just a little more—and still smiling at the end.
April 30, 2026
I am providing my honest review after receiving a copy of this book. Glass & Sin was everything I wanted in a grown up Snow White retelling. The spice was exquisite. The foundation of the classic was built upon beautifully. And the writing was descriptive and well done. I really enjoyed this book and will read more by the author.
May 6, 2026
Like Why Choose books? Like Fairytale retelling? If you answered yes to both of these questions: then Glass and Sin should be your next read! But please check your triggers before, there are quite a few in here.
Glass and Sin is a spicy retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman. Princess Shay (Snow) flees her home to get away from the Evil Queen, who is her mother. While she is in hiding she meets some miners and that’s where the “Why Choose” comes in 😉.
Glass and Sin is beautifully written. I was hooked from the first page! I loved every part of it!
Glass and Sin is a spicy retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman. Princess Shay (Snow) flees her home to get away from the Evil Queen, who is her mother. While she is in hiding she meets some miners and that’s where the “Why Choose” comes in 😉.
Glass and Sin is beautifully written. I was hooked from the first page! I loved every part of it!
April 19, 2026
I absolutely loved this dark SMUTTY retelling of Snow White. Snow isn’t one of my favorite princess but this retelling really gives her a backbone and she starts going for what she wants even if it’s the miners keeping her safe.
I’m excited to see how this series progresses and what other retelling the author brings to life.
I’m excited to see how this series progresses and what other retelling the author brings to life.
May 1, 2026
Reimagined with ALL the Spice
[early reader, voluntary review]
Well that's one helluva debut novel and reimagining of a fairytale!
You think you know Snow White? Think again.
A tale of innocence protected, coveted, and lost. Princess Shay/Snow goes through such a transformation, unintended yet forced at the hand of her envious and jealous Queen mother. And instead of 7 Dwarven men, Shay finds herself with 6 *very* skilled Human men. Iykyk. The Brothers Grimm and Walt can't hold a candle to Cordelia's retelling.
This is now my favorite version of the tale and you'd be hard-pressed to change my mind. See for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
[early reader, voluntary review]
Well that's one helluva debut novel and reimagining of a fairytale!
You think you know Snow White? Think again.
A tale of innocence protected, coveted, and lost. Princess Shay/Snow goes through such a transformation, unintended yet forced at the hand of her envious and jealous Queen mother. And instead of 7 Dwarven men, Shay finds herself with 6 *very* skilled Human men. Iykyk. The Brothers Grimm and Walt can't hold a candle to Cordelia's retelling.
This is now my favorite version of the tale and you'd be hard-pressed to change my mind. See for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
April 30, 2026
I have received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing an honest review.
In my head I thought this would be just a classic retelling of Snow White but I was sooo wrong! Its more than just a spicy retelling. Of course you have to have the evil queen, the handsome prince to save the day but you also have six miners. These miners help Snow White learn who she really is and what she truly desires.
As I was reading I was able to picture everything in my mind so clearly since the author was descriptive enough to give me the picture but not overdoing it.
I can't to see what else this author has in store for the next book in the series!
In my head I thought this would be just a classic retelling of Snow White but I was sooo wrong! Its more than just a spicy retelling. Of course you have to have the evil queen, the handsome prince to save the day but you also have six miners. These miners help Snow White learn who she really is and what she truly desires.
As I was reading I was able to picture everything in my mind so clearly since the author was descriptive enough to give me the picture but not overdoing it.
I can't to see what else this author has in store for the next book in the series!
April 11, 2026
I really struggled with this review. If you love SMUT then this is the book for you. I think you would give it 4 stars. Because I’ve discovered I’m not as much of a SMUT girl as I thought I would give it 3 stars. The reason I gave 4 is because I realize that the book is great, it’s just not completely my jam. That doesn’t mean that it’s not good though. I love the story line. Smut girls will be thrilled to read this. The author is very sweet. I promoted this book for her out of sheer love for the book, and will continue to do. I hope my review makes sense.
May 4, 2026
OMG!!! This book was so much fun to read!!! It was such a wild ride and twist on the faiytale!!! I had fun with the ending of the book as well!! Can't wait to read more fe9m this amazing author
Thank you so much to author for allowing me to read and review
Thank you so much to author for allowing me to read and review
April 30, 2026
I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. And I must admit. This did not disappoint. It really drew me in from the very first page.
March 31, 2026
-Dark fairy tale retelling
-why choose
-found family
Just finished this arc read. I think it was well written and I enjoyed reading it, it was just more of a one and done book for me personally. There were lots of good quotes and a good storyline. There was one part where hunter takes shay’s virginity. The whole scene made me feel so icky I almost dnf-ed. However I did push through and kept reading and I do think that it actually ended up adding to the plot and making so many things make sense with how she views herself and her sexuality and taking that power back for herself.
Would definitely recommend if you are big Snow White fan
I love the dark spicy aspect with the guys and the found family trope amongst that and omg the epilogue with the prince joining in ….. yess. Exactly what I was hoping for!!
-why choose
-found family
Just finished this arc read. I think it was well written and I enjoyed reading it, it was just more of a one and done book for me personally. There were lots of good quotes and a good storyline. There was one part where hunter takes shay’s virginity. The whole scene made me feel so icky I almost dnf-ed. However I did push through and kept reading and I do think that it actually ended up adding to the plot and making so many things make sense with how she views herself and her sexuality and taking that power back for herself.
Would definitely recommend if you are big Snow White fan
I love the dark spicy aspect with the guys and the found family trope amongst that and omg the epilogue with the prince joining in ….. yess. Exactly what I was hoping for!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 7, 2026If you like the story of Snow White and dark romance then this is for you. However, I will say that the book felt a bit rushed and something’s felt forced or missing. I’m also not really sure how we got no real insight into Gage but he suddenly cared a lot? I didn’t ever feel any tension, I didn’t feel the anxiety, edge of your seat feeling. There is though, two epilogues to choose your ending which is always very much enjoyable in a book. It is a quick read as well, so if you do decide to read it, it can be read in a day if you have the time to sit down. Again, if you like the story of Snow White and dark romance, give it a shot. This will be for you.
April 30, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy provided by author.
Glass & Sin is a retelling of Snow White but with a dark twist, and a whole lot of spice.
I love a good fairytale retelling and this book did a good job of that. The author took the well-known classic and put a spin on it to keep it interesting. This book explored the darkness in people’s hearts and how greed, vain, and obsession can seep blackness into your soul. It showed how beauty is power but can also become someone’s downfall. We also see how far people are willing to go to gain someone’s love/ attention.
Another thing I enjoyed was the contrast between the beginning of the novel, before Shay’s father’s death, and the bleakness that follows. She went from being the beloved and pampered princess to a prisoner in a gilded cage within a day. At first, Shay didn’t know she had become a prisoner and lost her mother’s love. This was interesting because the queen was very quiet with her jealousy and toxicity, showing just how fearsome she is.
The middle of the book lost me quite a bit because we get introduced to the six men who take in Shay and help her when she was running away in the forest. I found that it was difficult to separate the six men as their own characters because there wasn’t enough time taken to flush them out. This was also the part of the book with the most smut but I personally liked the overarching plot much more. But if you are a fan of spice, I think you will quite enjoy this!
Overall, this was a good reinterpretation of a classic fairytale with a dark twist and some unexpected turns.
Glass & Sin is a retelling of Snow White but with a dark twist, and a whole lot of spice.
I love a good fairytale retelling and this book did a good job of that. The author took the well-known classic and put a spin on it to keep it interesting. This book explored the darkness in people’s hearts and how greed, vain, and obsession can seep blackness into your soul. It showed how beauty is power but can also become someone’s downfall. We also see how far people are willing to go to gain someone’s love/ attention.
Another thing I enjoyed was the contrast between the beginning of the novel, before Shay’s father’s death, and the bleakness that follows. She went from being the beloved and pampered princess to a prisoner in a gilded cage within a day. At first, Shay didn’t know she had become a prisoner and lost her mother’s love. This was interesting because the queen was very quiet with her jealousy and toxicity, showing just how fearsome she is.
The middle of the book lost me quite a bit because we get introduced to the six men who take in Shay and help her when she was running away in the forest. I found that it was difficult to separate the six men as their own characters because there wasn’t enough time taken to flush them out. This was also the part of the book with the most smut but I personally liked the overarching plot much more. But if you are a fan of spice, I think you will quite enjoy this!
Overall, this was a good reinterpretation of a classic fairytale with a dark twist and some unexpected turns.
May 2, 2026
THE MIRROR LIED.
The Queen doesn't just want to be the fairest; she’ll kill to keep the title. Princess Shay has spent her life mastering the art of invisibility, but silence can no longer save her. Marked for death and hunted by a man who never misses, Shay flees into the deep woods.
But she finds no prince charming.
Instead, she finds the mines and the six hardened outcasts who rule the dark beneath the earth. These men are not heroes. They are rough, possessive, and starving for a touch they haven’t felt in years. To buy her sanctuary, Shay strikes a devil deal, her submission in exchange for their protection.
It was supposed to be a transaction—a cold, calculated surrender to ensure her survival. But as the agreement binds her to Dax, Gage, Bennett, Harry, Drew, Silas, and Jacob, Shay discovers a dark hunger she never knew she possessed. In the shadows of a mirror, she isn’t just a princess to be protected. She is a prize to be shared, claimed, and corrupted.
With the Queen’s magic closing in and Hunter on her trail, Shay must decide who she truly is. Because in a kingdom built on Glass & Sin, the only thing more dangerous than being hunted... is wanting to be caught. Forget the poison apple—in this shattered retelling, the true danger is the temptation to stay.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Dark Fairy Tale Retelling, Why Choose, Found Family, Morally Grey Men, 6 Men & 1 Woman, Romantasy, Evil Villain, Choose Your Own Ending, Evil Queen, True Love, Enchanted Mirror, Spicy Snow-White Retelling, Possessive MMCs, Touch Starved MMCs.
Glass & Sin is the 1st book in the Shattered Crowns Series by Cordilia Cross. This is a dark romantasy fairy tale retelling containing explicit scenes, a Why Choose dynamic, and themes of power exchange. Glass & Sin features an interactive, "choose your own" epilogue. Will you choose the path of redemption, or will you surrender to the darkness? You decide how Shay’s (Snow) story ends.
Alright buttercup’s, you had best buckle-up, cause let me tell you, this is one heck of a while roller-coaster ride.
Everyone knows the story of Snow White; the huntsman, the Evil Queen whose supposed to be a mother figure to Snow, our darling prince charming, a humours group of diverse miners who all live together in this tiny house deep in the woods, a single poisoned apple, a death-like sleep, and only true love’s kiss is able to break the spell of the poisoned apple.
That is the story the world knows. We all grew up with THAT story. But THIS story is one that you don’t know YET, and THIS is a story I WANT you to know.
The first thing you need to know and understand is that Glass & Sin is about so much more than Shay (Snow) entering into a mutually beneficial agreement with six men. Now in my books (as I am a lover of a good Why Choose book) this is far from a bad thing.
No, Glass & Sin is more about Shay’s journey to take back her own name, her identity, and to claim her body, her beauty, and who she is for herself. She’s no longer going to allow others to use her, make choices for her, abuse her, or even neglect her. She’s taking her life, her future and her fate into her own hands and she’s going to make her own choices from now own.
Glass & Sin is truly the story of Shay coming into her own power and Shay coming into her own once and for all. And most of all it’s about Shay stepping into her full strength that she’s always had and she’s just suppressed out of fear.
Glass & Sin is open-door spice with several mild explicit scenes. But, be aware that no all of them involve the FMC or MMCs. I also need to say that the power dynamics/power struggles are substantially explored in this novel. For example, there’s this scene between Shay and one other character that involves dubious consent, so if you have any triggers that revolve around that topic, you just need to be aware.
Glass & Sin is honestly different from a lot of other fairytale retellings; I can’t honestly say I have read any type of fairytale retelling of this sort before. Example: when you come to the end, you get to pick your own final epilogue. Will this story end one way or the other?
As for me? I choose to read both endings and then I choose to believe that both can happen.
Cordelia has this lyrically descriptive writing style and she choose to write Glass & Sin in a narrated in the 3rd person omniscient, and she managed to create a seamless transition between all the characters and the setting.
I do understand that the omniscient POV can at times feel distant in other books, and yet in Glass & Sins it’s explored in this way that feels so very intimate and exposing. Cordelia’s writing is masterful and I truly found myself lost in her words and the world that she created.
One of the things that I loved that Cordilia did with Glass & Sins is the way in which she explores the darkness in people’s hearts and the way greed, vanity, and obsession is able to seep even more pitch blackness into your soul. It reminds us how beauty is power but it can also become another person’s downfall. And at the same time Cordilia reminds us how far people will go in order to gain someone’s love and attention.
Then there’s this contrast between the beginning of the story, before Shay’s father passes away and all the darkness that follows his death. Shay suddenly goes from being the cherished and adored princess to this prisoner in a gilded cage in a single day. At first, Shay didn’t really realize she had become a prisoner and she didn’t realize she’d lost her mother’s love. I found this really interesting as the Queen was rather quiet with her jealousy and her toxicity, and the Queen was deadly quiet with how fearsome she is.
I wish that this book had been a little bit longer as it would have given us a chance to get to know our 6 MMCs better, we would have been able to tell the difference between each of the different MMCs. This would have also allowed us to see the early development of the relationship between Shay and Dax, Gage, Bennett, Harry, Drew, Silas, and Jacob.
I really do find that with the exception of finding Glass & Sin to be too short leading to what I said above, I honestly find it hard to believe that this is Cordilia Cross’s debut novel. This is a stunning, dark, intoxicating reverse harem that I was enthralled with from the very beginning. I was amazed with Cordelia’s abilitity to nail the balance which is so very rare in a debut novel: the blazing spice, riveting plot, emotional depth, and stunning world-building. Glass & Sin has managed to deliver on so much in a way that feels new and reimagined edge with, fresh why-choose dynamics, fierce passionate agency for our FMC, and unapologetic spice and passion.
If you love fairytale retellings, strong FMCs, protective MMCs, a fresh and reimagined twist to end the book, witty banter, then you’re going to want to grab your copy of Glass & Sing as you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did. And I personally can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
The Queen doesn't just want to be the fairest; she’ll kill to keep the title. Princess Shay has spent her life mastering the art of invisibility, but silence can no longer save her. Marked for death and hunted by a man who never misses, Shay flees into the deep woods.
But she finds no prince charming.
Instead, she finds the mines and the six hardened outcasts who rule the dark beneath the earth. These men are not heroes. They are rough, possessive, and starving for a touch they haven’t felt in years. To buy her sanctuary, Shay strikes a devil deal, her submission in exchange for their protection.
It was supposed to be a transaction—a cold, calculated surrender to ensure her survival. But as the agreement binds her to Dax, Gage, Bennett, Harry, Drew, Silas, and Jacob, Shay discovers a dark hunger she never knew she possessed. In the shadows of a mirror, she isn’t just a princess to be protected. She is a prize to be shared, claimed, and corrupted.
With the Queen’s magic closing in and Hunter on her trail, Shay must decide who she truly is. Because in a kingdom built on Glass & Sin, the only thing more dangerous than being hunted... is wanting to be caught. Forget the poison apple—in this shattered retelling, the true danger is the temptation to stay.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Dark Fairy Tale Retelling, Why Choose, Found Family, Morally Grey Men, 6 Men & 1 Woman, Romantasy, Evil Villain, Choose Your Own Ending, Evil Queen, True Love, Enchanted Mirror, Spicy Snow-White Retelling, Possessive MMCs, Touch Starved MMCs.
Glass & Sin is the 1st book in the Shattered Crowns Series by Cordilia Cross. This is a dark romantasy fairy tale retelling containing explicit scenes, a Why Choose dynamic, and themes of power exchange. Glass & Sin features an interactive, "choose your own" epilogue. Will you choose the path of redemption, or will you surrender to the darkness? You decide how Shay’s (Snow) story ends.
Alright buttercup’s, you had best buckle-up, cause let me tell you, this is one heck of a while roller-coaster ride.
Everyone knows the story of Snow White; the huntsman, the Evil Queen whose supposed to be a mother figure to Snow, our darling prince charming, a humours group of diverse miners who all live together in this tiny house deep in the woods, a single poisoned apple, a death-like sleep, and only true love’s kiss is able to break the spell of the poisoned apple.
That is the story the world knows. We all grew up with THAT story. But THIS story is one that you don’t know YET, and THIS is a story I WANT you to know.
The first thing you need to know and understand is that Glass & Sin is about so much more than Shay (Snow) entering into a mutually beneficial agreement with six men. Now in my books (as I am a lover of a good Why Choose book) this is far from a bad thing.
No, Glass & Sin is more about Shay’s journey to take back her own name, her identity, and to claim her body, her beauty, and who she is for herself. She’s no longer going to allow others to use her, make choices for her, abuse her, or even neglect her. She’s taking her life, her future and her fate into her own hands and she’s going to make her own choices from now own.
Glass & Sin is truly the story of Shay coming into her own power and Shay coming into her own once and for all. And most of all it’s about Shay stepping into her full strength that she’s always had and she’s just suppressed out of fear.
Glass & Sin is open-door spice with several mild explicit scenes. But, be aware that no all of them involve the FMC or MMCs. I also need to say that the power dynamics/power struggles are substantially explored in this novel. For example, there’s this scene between Shay and one other character that involves dubious consent, so if you have any triggers that revolve around that topic, you just need to be aware.
Glass & Sin is honestly different from a lot of other fairytale retellings; I can’t honestly say I have read any type of fairytale retelling of this sort before. Example: when you come to the end, you get to pick your own final epilogue. Will this story end one way or the other?
As for me? I choose to read both endings and then I choose to believe that both can happen.
Cordelia has this lyrically descriptive writing style and she choose to write Glass & Sin in a narrated in the 3rd person omniscient, and she managed to create a seamless transition between all the characters and the setting.
I do understand that the omniscient POV can at times feel distant in other books, and yet in Glass & Sins it’s explored in this way that feels so very intimate and exposing. Cordelia’s writing is masterful and I truly found myself lost in her words and the world that she created.
One of the things that I loved that Cordilia did with Glass & Sins is the way in which she explores the darkness in people’s hearts and the way greed, vanity, and obsession is able to seep even more pitch blackness into your soul. It reminds us how beauty is power but it can also become another person’s downfall. And at the same time Cordilia reminds us how far people will go in order to gain someone’s love and attention.
Then there’s this contrast between the beginning of the story, before Shay’s father passes away and all the darkness that follows his death. Shay suddenly goes from being the cherished and adored princess to this prisoner in a gilded cage in a single day. At first, Shay didn’t really realize she had become a prisoner and she didn’t realize she’d lost her mother’s love. I found this really interesting as the Queen was rather quiet with her jealousy and her toxicity, and the Queen was deadly quiet with how fearsome she is.
I wish that this book had been a little bit longer as it would have given us a chance to get to know our 6 MMCs better, we would have been able to tell the difference between each of the different MMCs. This would have also allowed us to see the early development of the relationship between Shay and Dax, Gage, Bennett, Harry, Drew, Silas, and Jacob.
I really do find that with the exception of finding Glass & Sin to be too short leading to what I said above, I honestly find it hard to believe that this is Cordilia Cross’s debut novel. This is a stunning, dark, intoxicating reverse harem that I was enthralled with from the very beginning. I was amazed with Cordelia’s abilitity to nail the balance which is so very rare in a debut novel: the blazing spice, riveting plot, emotional depth, and stunning world-building. Glass & Sin has managed to deliver on so much in a way that feels new and reimagined edge with, fresh why-choose dynamics, fierce passionate agency for our FMC, and unapologetic spice and passion.
If you love fairytale retellings, strong FMCs, protective MMCs, a fresh and reimagined twist to end the book, witty banter, then you’re going to want to grab your copy of Glass & Sing as you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did. And I personally can’t wait to read book 2 in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once Upon a Sin: Scorching Spice, Shattered Crowns & a Princess Who Refused to Choose
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This debut is an absolute triumph! A dark, intoxicating reverse harem retelling of Snow White that had me hooked from start to finish. Cordelia Cross nails the balance that's so rare in romance books: scorching spice *and* gripping plot, emotional depth, and world-building. We readers usually have to choose between spice or story because most books lean heavily on (or only successfully execute) one, but Glass & Sin delivers both in a way that feels new and addictive. If you're craving a fairy tale reimagining with edge, why-choose dynamics, fierce agency for the heroine, and unapologetic heat, this is it!
The book honors classic Snow White elements: jealous queen, huntsman, miners, poisoned apple, and glass coffin. Cross keeps the fairy tale's core bones intact while weaving in intricate, original layers that make her iteration vibrant. The characters’ names are crafted with clever intention: Shay for her snowy birth, Hunter the huntsman, Grimm the loyal horse, and the miners echoing those familiar Disney personalities with a satisfying nod to the classic seventh spot. Shay (our Snow White) isn't a passive princess; she is a survivor who claims her power, her desires, and her happily-ever-after on her own terms in a resolution that's satisfying and bold.
One of the most powerful subplots is how orgasms mapped Shay's arc toward reclaiming her body, agency, and self-worth. After a lifetime centered on others' demands, her path to discovering pleasure is handled with genuine nuance and empowerment. It is rare and wonderful to see a heroine faced with the same dilemma that many women face in real life (in most books it's just insta-coming galore) and this self-discovery thread became one of my favorite parts of the story.
I also loved the recurring "once upon a ___" motif because it subverts the classic fairy tale opening into something darker and more personal, starting with the first chapter titled "Once Upon a Nightmare," and evolving to Shay whispering lines like, "once upon a time a princess forgot how to breathe," "a princess ran away," and culminating in "happily ever after."
The why-choose dynamic with six rugged, possessive miners starts as a transactional bargain for protection, but it evolves organically and beautifully into fierce loyalty, devotion, and unbreakable bonds.
The balance of plot and spice is exceptional. Early chapters create layered tension and world-building through flashbacks to childhood trauma, royal intrigue, and the queen’s growing menace, plus survival tension that keeps the stakes high. Then the heat ignites and varies thoughtfully: it ebbs and flows rather than climbing linearly, which is a subtle and unique strength. Most books just get spicier and spicier, but this one mixes intense peaks with more sweeping, relational descriptions where desire ties directly to emotional growth. Scenes range from commanding dynamics that push boundaries to tender, self-focused explorations of pleasure, and every heat level feels earned and integral rather than gratuitous.
Notably, birth control and pregnancy are not addressed even though circumstances unambiguously warranted it. Initially, I was puzzled but came to appreciate it as a purposeful choice. Frankly, I'm thrilled that Cross skips the usual pregnancy tropes that loom in so many romance books!
The brilliant resolution honors every one of Shay’s relationships in a way that never forces false choices or erases her hard-earned journey, showing just how dedicated Cross is to giving Shay tenacity and real agency. The interactive "choose your own" epilogues add a fun layer of reader choice, letting you lean toward a more traditional fairy tale romance or indulgent surrender.
An honest note on pacing: the story builds immersively and deliberately until about 88%, then the final stretch feels compressed. The post-climax journey, confrontation, and resolution rush by compared to the intentionally measured build earlier. The epilogues also feel a touch different in tone and polish, and seem briefer or less layered in their execution compared to the masterful earlier scenes. Still, these do not overshadow the incredible ride; the core story and character arcs shine so brightly that the book remains a standout.
Overall, I'm incredibly impressed at Cross’ polished writing and would've never guessed that this was her debut. I'm notoriously picky with romance these days and DNF books if they're not genuinely great. I enthusiastically finished Glass & Sin because I was loving every page (the ARC aspect was just icing on the cake).
Cordelia Cross is a gifted storyteller with a real talent for blending familiar tropes into something fresh, filthy, and emotionally resonant. I devoured this and cannot wait for more in the Shattered Crowns series!
I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This debut is an absolute triumph! A dark, intoxicating reverse harem retelling of Snow White that had me hooked from start to finish. Cordelia Cross nails the balance that's so rare in romance books: scorching spice *and* gripping plot, emotional depth, and world-building. We readers usually have to choose between spice or story because most books lean heavily on (or only successfully execute) one, but Glass & Sin delivers both in a way that feels new and addictive. If you're craving a fairy tale reimagining with edge, why-choose dynamics, fierce agency for the heroine, and unapologetic heat, this is it!
The book honors classic Snow White elements: jealous queen, huntsman, miners, poisoned apple, and glass coffin. Cross keeps the fairy tale's core bones intact while weaving in intricate, original layers that make her iteration vibrant. The characters’ names are crafted with clever intention: Shay for her snowy birth, Hunter the huntsman, Grimm the loyal horse, and the miners echoing those familiar Disney personalities with a satisfying nod to the classic seventh spot. Shay (our Snow White) isn't a passive princess; she is a survivor who claims her power, her desires, and her happily-ever-after on her own terms in a resolution that's satisfying and bold.
One of the most powerful subplots is how orgasms mapped Shay's arc toward reclaiming her body, agency, and self-worth. After a lifetime centered on others' demands, her path to discovering pleasure is handled with genuine nuance and empowerment. It is rare and wonderful to see a heroine faced with the same dilemma that many women face in real life (in most books it's just insta-coming galore) and this self-discovery thread became one of my favorite parts of the story.
I also loved the recurring "once upon a ___" motif because it subverts the classic fairy tale opening into something darker and more personal, starting with the first chapter titled "Once Upon a Nightmare," and evolving to Shay whispering lines like, "once upon a time a princess forgot how to breathe," "a princess ran away," and culminating in "happily ever after."
The why-choose dynamic with six rugged, possessive miners starts as a transactional bargain for protection, but it evolves organically and beautifully into fierce loyalty, devotion, and unbreakable bonds.
The balance of plot and spice is exceptional. Early chapters create layered tension and world-building through flashbacks to childhood trauma, royal intrigue, and the queen’s growing menace, plus survival tension that keeps the stakes high. Then the heat ignites and varies thoughtfully: it ebbs and flows rather than climbing linearly, which is a subtle and unique strength. Most books just get spicier and spicier, but this one mixes intense peaks with more sweeping, relational descriptions where desire ties directly to emotional growth. Scenes range from commanding dynamics that push boundaries to tender, self-focused explorations of pleasure, and every heat level feels earned and integral rather than gratuitous.
Notably, birth control and pregnancy are not addressed even though circumstances unambiguously warranted it. Initially, I was puzzled but came to appreciate it as a purposeful choice. Frankly, I'm thrilled that Cross skips the usual pregnancy tropes that loom in so many romance books!
The brilliant resolution honors every one of Shay’s relationships in a way that never forces false choices or erases her hard-earned journey, showing just how dedicated Cross is to giving Shay tenacity and real agency. The interactive "choose your own" epilogues add a fun layer of reader choice, letting you lean toward a more traditional fairy tale romance or indulgent surrender.
An honest note on pacing: the story builds immersively and deliberately until about 88%, then the final stretch feels compressed. The post-climax journey, confrontation, and resolution rush by compared to the intentionally measured build earlier. The epilogues also feel a touch different in tone and polish, and seem briefer or less layered in their execution compared to the masterful earlier scenes. Still, these do not overshadow the incredible ride; the core story and character arcs shine so brightly that the book remains a standout.
Overall, I'm incredibly impressed at Cross’ polished writing and would've never guessed that this was her debut. I'm notoriously picky with romance these days and DNF books if they're not genuinely great. I enthusiastically finished Glass & Sin because I was loving every page (the ARC aspect was just icing on the cake).
Cordelia Cross is a gifted storyteller with a real talent for blending familiar tropes into something fresh, filthy, and emotionally resonant. I devoured this and cannot wait for more in the Shattered Crowns series!
I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of ARC Read.
This a debut novel from this author and it was so well written and had me hooked from the beginning!
I love fairytale retellings and this was excellently done, this read was an intoxicating, dark and spicy Snow White retelling and I devoured the lot!
This novel did keep with the traditional aspects of the original story and honours the classic Snow White aspects; a princess, a jealous queen, miners, huntsmen a poisoned apple and a glass coffin. Cross keeps the original story’s core and incorporates her own twisty and spicy elements within.
The FMC, Shay (Snow) isn’t a passive princess; she is a survivor of trauma and heartbreak who claims back her own desires and her own power. One of the most powerful aspects within this novel, is that Shay reclaims her body, her beauty and her self-worth. After a lifetime of control by other people, finally putting her own needs and desires first and to be loved in return.
The why-choose and found family aspects of this story, of six rugged miners, begins as a bargain for protection and safety within their home in return for warmth and love. It evolves into fierce loyalty and bonds between all men & their very own princess.
Early chapters within this read create world building, with flashbacks to the past, Shay’s life before the death of her father and how her mother the Queen became cold and unloving and power hungry. The balance between spice and plot was very well done, the emotional depth and world building, all of this is so easily achieved in this read. The spice and plot flows effortlessly.
The only issue I could identify when reading was that the six miner men could have had slightly more interaction, I found myself forgetting who was who and had to keep checking, could have done with a little bit more information on the men themselves. I also found that the first 80 percent of the book flowed nicely and very descriptive and the last part felt rushed and condensed.
This overall is a very good read and would recommend this read!
Cross is a gifted author with the ability to blend stories into a refreshing and sometimes very spicy reads. (PS I loved epilogue 2!)
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the author for choosing me to ARC read this debut novel 💋
As always check your triggers 💋
Tropes;
♥️ Morally Grey Men
♥️ 6 Men & One woman
♥️ Romantasy
♥️ Evil Villain
♥️ Choose your own ending
♥️ Spicy
♥️ Snow White Retelling
This a debut novel from this author and it was so well written and had me hooked from the beginning!
I love fairytale retellings and this was excellently done, this read was an intoxicating, dark and spicy Snow White retelling and I devoured the lot!
This novel did keep with the traditional aspects of the original story and honours the classic Snow White aspects; a princess, a jealous queen, miners, huntsmen a poisoned apple and a glass coffin. Cross keeps the original story’s core and incorporates her own twisty and spicy elements within.
The FMC, Shay (Snow) isn’t a passive princess; she is a survivor of trauma and heartbreak who claims back her own desires and her own power. One of the most powerful aspects within this novel, is that Shay reclaims her body, her beauty and her self-worth. After a lifetime of control by other people, finally putting her own needs and desires first and to be loved in return.
The why-choose and found family aspects of this story, of six rugged miners, begins as a bargain for protection and safety within their home in return for warmth and love. It evolves into fierce loyalty and bonds between all men & their very own princess.
Early chapters within this read create world building, with flashbacks to the past, Shay’s life before the death of her father and how her mother the Queen became cold and unloving and power hungry. The balance between spice and plot was very well done, the emotional depth and world building, all of this is so easily achieved in this read. The spice and plot flows effortlessly.
The only issue I could identify when reading was that the six miner men could have had slightly more interaction, I found myself forgetting who was who and had to keep checking, could have done with a little bit more information on the men themselves. I also found that the first 80 percent of the book flowed nicely and very descriptive and the last part felt rushed and condensed.
This overall is a very good read and would recommend this read!
Cross is a gifted author with the ability to blend stories into a refreshing and sometimes very spicy reads. (PS I loved epilogue 2!)
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to the author for choosing me to ARC read this debut novel 💋
As always check your triggers 💋
Tropes;
♥️ Morally Grey Men
♥️ 6 Men & One woman
♥️ Romantasy
♥️ Evil Villain
♥️ Choose your own ending
♥️ Spicy
♥️ Snow White Retelling
April 29, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to Ms. Cordelia Cross for the opportunity to ARC read Glass & Sin, and this is my honest review.
What intrigued me and motivated me to sign up for this ARC was that it was described as a WhyChoose reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I'm not a big fan of fairytale retellings, but because I am love WhyChoose romances, I had to read Glass & Sin.
This is the first reimagining that I've read and was pleasantly surprised that the characters were written so well. I definitely wasn't imagining the animated Snow White characters, which is greatly appreciated because this is a SPICY🔥 retelling. I loved every single one of Snow White's love interests. They each had their own quirks and their own way of showing their love for her through their touches, words, and actions. The Queen's character was written so well that it delivered its purpose in eliciting such frustrated expletives from me.
I do think Glass & Sin slightly lacks something. I can't quite pinpoint exactly what it is yet, but I think the pacing was a little off. The romance and intimacy came off as fast burn to me, maybe even a medium burn. As much as I enjoyed the two options of epilogues, I wish the story continued to explore the relationship between Snow and the Prince as well as Snow with all seven of her loves.
Thank you to Ms. Cordelia Cross for the opportunity to ARC read Glass & Sin, and this is my honest review.
What intrigued me and motivated me to sign up for this ARC was that it was described as a WhyChoose reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I'm not a big fan of fairytale retellings, but because I am love WhyChoose romances, I had to read Glass & Sin.
This is the first reimagining that I've read and was pleasantly surprised that the characters were written so well. I definitely wasn't imagining the animated Snow White characters, which is greatly appreciated because this is a SPICY🔥 retelling. I loved every single one of Snow White's love interests. They each had their own quirks and their own way of showing their love for her through their touches, words, and actions. The Queen's character was written so well that it delivered its purpose in eliciting such frustrated expletives from me.
I do think Glass & Sin slightly lacks something. I can't quite pinpoint exactly what it is yet, but I think the pacing was a little off. The romance and intimacy came off as fast burn to me, maybe even a medium burn. As much as I enjoyed the two options of epilogues, I wish the story continued to explore the relationship between Snow and the Prince as well as Snow with all seven of her loves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW! I'M REVIEWING THIS WITH NO EXPECTATION OF RECEIVING ANYTHING IN RETURN OF MY OWN FREE WILL.
On to the book review. This was a twisted retelling of snow white. I really liked what little actual plot there was. I liked the little changes made to who the characters actually were and how they got to be that way. I give the plot 5 stars. I wish there was more plot.
On to the part that I tolerated. There was way too much spice in this book. While I enjoy some spice, I usually prefer that it doesn't overwhelm the plot. I give that part of the book 3.5 stars.
That being said, I absolutely adore retellings of fairy tales and while the spice was a little much, the story outweighed the score for how much spice there was because I really liked the story.
I loved the found family. I loved the betrayal and anguish. I loved how the evil queen wasn't the step mother but her actual mother. I would change nothing about the story, although it seems like you kinda forgot about her horse after she arrived at the cottage in the woods. I will still read the next book in the series.
Tropes include:
Found family
Why choose
Evil queen
True love
Enchanted mirror
Spicy Snow White retelling
Rating:4⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
On to the book review. This was a twisted retelling of snow white. I really liked what little actual plot there was. I liked the little changes made to who the characters actually were and how they got to be that way. I give the plot 5 stars. I wish there was more plot.
On to the part that I tolerated. There was way too much spice in this book. While I enjoy some spice, I usually prefer that it doesn't overwhelm the plot. I give that part of the book 3.5 stars.
That being said, I absolutely adore retellings of fairy tales and while the spice was a little much, the story outweighed the score for how much spice there was because I really liked the story.
I loved the found family. I loved the betrayal and anguish. I loved how the evil queen wasn't the step mother but her actual mother. I would change nothing about the story, although it seems like you kinda forgot about her horse after she arrived at the cottage in the woods. I will still read the next book in the series.
Tropes include:
Found family
Why choose
Evil queen
True love
Enchanted mirror
Spicy Snow White retelling
Rating:4⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
This was an advanced copy from the author
This plot was right up my alley. It’s a why choose Snow White retelling with a choose your own epilogue at the end. Unfortunately it was written in third person which is my least favorite form of writing for romance books. Especially a why choose. The entire first half of the book focused solely on the queen. A little too much in my opinion and a lot of the 2nd half of the book was purely smut, but not explicit smut. (Without going into detail the smut was just kind of off for me for a why choose. Lots of it, but not a lot of detail or emotion behind it and almost all of it focused on the guys and she just got left wanting. Just wasn’t for me and I’m a smut reader.) I wish it would have gone into more character building of all the men and the relationship dynamics they had individually with Snow. That all got quickly glossed over for the smutty non smut. The choose your own epilogue ending was a cool idea and something different and I’m glad it was there because the first epilogue left me mad and unsatisfied. Overall the book was written really well. The flow, cadence and prose was done well. If you enjoy third person narration, smut without being detailed or exaggerated and fairytale retellings this might be a book for you.
This plot was right up my alley. It’s a why choose Snow White retelling with a choose your own epilogue at the end. Unfortunately it was written in third person which is my least favorite form of writing for romance books. Especially a why choose. The entire first half of the book focused solely on the queen. A little too much in my opinion and a lot of the 2nd half of the book was purely smut, but not explicit smut. (Without going into detail the smut was just kind of off for me for a why choose. Lots of it, but not a lot of detail or emotion behind it and almost all of it focused on the guys and she just got left wanting. Just wasn’t for me and I’m a smut reader.) I wish it would have gone into more character building of all the men and the relationship dynamics they had individually with Snow. That all got quickly glossed over for the smutty non smut. The choose your own epilogue ending was a cool idea and something different and I’m glad it was there because the first epilogue left me mad and unsatisfied. Overall the book was written really well. The flow, cadence and prose was done well. If you enjoy third person narration, smut without being detailed or exaggerated and fairytale retellings this might be a book for you.
May 9, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I adore fairy tale retellings, so I was excited to read this story, and I can say that it met all of my expectations and then some! A dark romance Snow White retelling with tons of spice and a reverse harem element had me needing a cold shower. The author took an old story and added a sexy twist.
All of the characters were there: Snow, the Evil Queen (Liora), Hunter (The Huntsman), the dwarves (in this they were well endowed, burly miners with voracious sexual appetites), and Prince Charming (Jacob). The way the story built around using beauty and sex as a tool vs pleasure was interesting to me as was the Queen's unhealthy jealousy of her daughter's beauty. The most powerful theme of all was choice. Both the Queen and Snow used sex to keep power, but the difference was Snow used it to earn respect and love where the Queen sowed false promises and fear.
As a woman, I loved the feminine power and commend the author for not being afraid to write about a woman choosing a ployamorous relationship and still enjoying the pleasures of life and feeling loved. This will go down as one of my best reads of the year!
I adore fairy tale retellings, so I was excited to read this story, and I can say that it met all of my expectations and then some! A dark romance Snow White retelling with tons of spice and a reverse harem element had me needing a cold shower. The author took an old story and added a sexy twist.
All of the characters were there: Snow, the Evil Queen (Liora), Hunter (The Huntsman), the dwarves (in this they were well endowed, burly miners with voracious sexual appetites), and Prince Charming (Jacob). The way the story built around using beauty and sex as a tool vs pleasure was interesting to me as was the Queen's unhealthy jealousy of her daughter's beauty. The most powerful theme of all was choice. Both the Queen and Snow used sex to keep power, but the difference was Snow used it to earn respect and love where the Queen sowed false promises and fear.
As a woman, I loved the feminine power and commend the author for not being afraid to write about a woman choosing a ployamorous relationship and still enjoying the pleasures of life and feeling loved. This will go down as one of my best reads of the year!
May 1, 2026
This spicy Snow White retelling had me devouring the book in less than 24 hours — I will never be able to watch Snow White the same way again.
I was hooked from the very beginning. Shay’s (Snow’s) character development was really well done, and watching her evolve throughout the story kept me fully invested. Her mother and Hunter had me wanting to scream at times, but the way their storyline plays out ultimately felt justified.
The “why choose” element definitely caught me off guard — six men was not what I was expecting. While I enjoyed this aspect, I do wish there had been more time spent developing those relationships so the emotional connections and loyalty felt a bit deeper.
When Snow finally meets her prince, I genuinely questioned how that dynamic was going to work with everything already established. The “choose your epilogue” was such a fun and unexpected twist — I read both, but Indulgence was definitely my preferred ending.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, addictive read with a unique twist on a classic story.
I was hooked from the very beginning. Shay’s (Snow’s) character development was really well done, and watching her evolve throughout the story kept me fully invested. Her mother and Hunter had me wanting to scream at times, but the way their storyline plays out ultimately felt justified.
The “why choose” element definitely caught me off guard — six men was not what I was expecting. While I enjoyed this aspect, I do wish there had been more time spent developing those relationships so the emotional connections and loyalty felt a bit deeper.
When Snow finally meets her prince, I genuinely questioned how that dynamic was going to work with everything already established. The “choose your epilogue” was such a fun and unexpected twist — I read both, but Indulgence was definitely my preferred ending.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, addictive read with a unique twist on a classic story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Creative retelling of Cinderella. Definitely a grown up version from chapter one. The evil queen is bone chillingly evil, Hunter is . . . completely off his meds, there are six men versus seven dwarves—but once you factor in prince Jacob, well, you get it 😉 Strap yourself in for murder in the name of the very jealous queen Liora, debauchery in spades, and true love that spans all reasoning.
GLASS & SIN is a fun, sometimes campy, romp to a very full HEA card.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Dax
✨Gage
✨Bennett
✨Harry
✨Drew
✨Silas
+
✨Jacob
FMC:
✨Shay
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1: The Shattered Crowns
Tropes:
👉dark romance
👉Snow White retelling
👉possessive MMCs
👉touch starved MMCs
👉why choose romance
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥dark magic
💥toxic family
💥manipulation
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
GLASS & SIN is a fun, sometimes campy, romp to a very full HEA card.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Dax
✨Gage
✨Bennett
✨Harry
✨Drew
✨Silas
+
✨Jacob
FMC:
✨Shay
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1: The Shattered Crowns
Tropes:
👉dark romance
👉Snow White retelling
👉possessive MMCs
👉touch starved MMCs
👉why choose romance
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥dark magic
💥toxic family
💥manipulation
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Twisted. Fairytale. Temptation.
Glass & Sin was such a deliciously dark and addictive twist on Snow White. I loved how Cordelia Cross took a familiar fairy tale and turned it into something dangerous, seductive, and completely its own. Shay starts as someone who has spent her life trying to survive by staying small and unseen, but watching her step into her power was one of my favorite parts of the story. The world felt gritty, magical, and full of tension, with danger lurking around every corner.
The six outcasts added so much intensity to the story, each bringing their own energy and making the why choose dynamic impossible to ignore. The chemistry was scorching, the possessiveness was top tier, and the power exchange themes gave everything an extra edge. I also loved that beneath all the spice and darkness, there was real emotional growth and connection. This book was bold, sinful, and left me ready for whatever chaos comes next in the series.
Glass & Sin was such a deliciously dark and addictive twist on Snow White. I loved how Cordelia Cross took a familiar fairy tale and turned it into something dangerous, seductive, and completely its own. Shay starts as someone who has spent her life trying to survive by staying small and unseen, but watching her step into her power was one of my favorite parts of the story. The world felt gritty, magical, and full of tension, with danger lurking around every corner.
The six outcasts added so much intensity to the story, each bringing their own energy and making the why choose dynamic impossible to ignore. The chemistry was scorching, the possessiveness was top tier, and the power exchange themes gave everything an extra edge. I also loved that beneath all the spice and darkness, there was real emotional growth and connection. This book was bold, sinful, and left me ready for whatever chaos comes next in the series.
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