Kissed by Iron and Glass

by E.V. Everest

When my stepmother sold me at auction, I thought I’d experienced the cruelest fate. I was wrong.

Because now I belong to the Iron King, a fae with a heart as cold and unyielding as the cursed iron that encases it. To keep his throne, he needs a queen–his fated mate. And I’m supposed to use my ability to protect him, to see through deception… by posing as one of his potential brides.

Assuming I can survive.

The Iron King’s Bridal Trials are a glittering nightmare of cutthroat fae and deadly secrets. His kingdom is on the brink of rebellion, and every fae lady is willing to kill for the crown.

But when the clock strikes midnight during my first dance with the Iron King, everything changes. Because maybe, just maybe the man I loathe might also become the man I love...if two hearts can break a curse of glass and iron.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Retellings

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

E.V. Everest is the bestselling author of Shadows & Starlight, a YA dystopian series with magic and romance, and the Cursed Kiss Chronicles, a collection of standalone fairy tale retellings with a dash of steam.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her devouring books, indulging in endless replays of Pride and Prejudice, sipping coffee, or exploring the great outdoors. Discover more about her worlds and claim a free short story on her website.

Reviews

[strawberrymatchaprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc <3
"Within every fire, within every flame, there is a spark of life. It is said that if you toss your heart's longing into the hearth, your truest desire may be granted."
⋆˙⟡ 4 stars 💌👑
────୨ৎ────
To expect:
💙Fast Paced
💙Enemies To Lovers
💙Fairytale-Retelling
💙Bridal Trials
────୨ৎ────
Minor spoilers??
Cinderella retelling?! Absolutely count me in, I loved kissed by Iron and Glass it was fast paced and the twists which kept me entertained. We have Alette, She has the magic to see through glamorous she must keep hidden for her safety. Another thing I liked was how Alette showed that beauty does not come from the outside but from the inside, because of the way she treated everyone and how she formed relationships throughout her journey!🥹. We have Harry the king who had been cursed with an iron heart. I adored Ember and crimson, they truly rooted for Alette since the beginning especially since Crimson does not just choose anybody. I also really wish we got to see more of Alette and Harry’s childhood.
────୨ৎ────
𑣲⋆𝒜𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐻𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎
“Every breath,every touch was a promise.”
Once Upon A Time There was The Little Iron King and The Little Glass Lady💙. The fact that despite the king being cursed with a cold iron heart, he always had that soft spot for her his heart just knew she was the one. The bantering too is 🤭🤭 i really love the chemistry between them and how the hearth kept them bounded together ever since they were kids. Most of all, both of them only wanted to be TRULY SEEN😩. Once again thank you, I am truly grateful to read this arc I devoured this book in one day It is truly enchanting, I recommend for those who love romantasy.✨

[Camry Birdwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙
Spice Level: 🌶️ 1.5

In E.V. Everest's amazing retelling of Cinderella, "Kissed by Iron and Glass," us readers are woven into a vibrant tapestry that blends the essence of the beloved fairy tale with bold, unexpected twists. This isn't your typical story of a passive girl waiting for rescue; instead, it transforms familiar elements into a darkly enchanting adventure filled with intensity and heart.

From the very first page, Everest mesmerizes us with rich characters, particularly Alette, a relatable heroine grappling with self-doubt and learning to embrace her power. Her dynamic with Harry crackles with electric tension, drawing readers into their intricate relationship.

The pacing is like your heartbeat, in those electrifying moments of first love, where every glance and touch sets your pulse racing, rapid and exhilarating. While the swift unfolding of events, from intense bridal trials to courtly treachery, sometimes leaves one breathless, it vividly showcases Everest's talent for maintaining coherence amidst the chaos.

One standout moment is the spellbinding first meeting between Alette and Harry, where sparks ignite and destiny takes charge. I devoured this book in just two days, emerging only to crave more of this captivating world.

I’m so thankful to have been part of the ARC gang! Getting to read this incredible story before release was such a blast, and I can’t wait for others to experience it too!

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc from NetGalley

Feel good vibes, read that I could not put down… This Cinderella retelling is one of the best I have come across. You have a peek into the children they once were at the start before you follow them through trials and politics of the Rite of Crowns.
Their story is one of heartbreak, finding love, exploring trust and new friendships. All whilst fighting against 300 other women and a rebel army whose leader was closer to home than we knew.
With an animal familiar thrown in the mix… blunt, sarcastic yet full of wisdom, brought the kind of humour I love in a book.
A cursed king, a strong ‘Cinderella’, a fight to love, with a fiery twist that will make your heart soar, even a small cheeky ‘who did this to you’ trope.
Slow burn, fated mates and a tale you sink into.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Kissed by Iron and Glass by E. V. Everest
Publication Date: 30 April 2026
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Kissed by Iron and Glass is a beautifully dark and enchanting Cinderella retelling that blends high-stakes fantasy with a slow-burning, emotionally charged romance. E. V. Everest crafts a world that feels both magical and dangerous, where survival and desire are constantly at odds.
From the outset, the premise is gripping. A heroine sold into a deadly fae court and forced into a brutal competition for a crown immediately sets the tone for a story filled with tension, intrigue, and shifting power dynamics. The Bridal Trials are particularly compelling—glittering on the surface but ruthless beneath, creating an atmosphere where trust is fragile and danger is ever-present.
The female lead is strong without losing her vulnerability. Her ability to see through deception adds an extra layer of intrigue, making her both valuable and vulnerable in a court built on secrets and manipulation. Watching her navigate this treacherous world while holding onto her sense of self is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
The Iron King is exactly the kind of morally complex, brooding fae ruler that romantasy readers crave. Cold, controlled, and bound by curse and duty, he is both intimidating and magnetic. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between him and the heroine is expertly paced, evolving from tension and mistrust into something far deeper and more compelling.
What truly elevates this story is the atmosphere. The combination of fae politics, looming rebellion, and the ever-present curse creates a rich, immersive backdrop that enhances both the romance and the stakes. The writing flows effortlessly, pulling you into a world where every interaction carries weight.
Kissed by Iron and Glass is a captivating blend of fairy tale magic, dark romance, and court intrigue. With its addictive tension, layered characters, and beautifully woven themes of power, fate, and transformation, it’s a must-read for fans of romantasy and reimagined fairy tales.

[1234567 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling loosely based on Cinderella, taking elements from the beloved fairytale and creating a unique, fantastical, and riveting story.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ (0.5)
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️

Although this book is advertised as a Cinderella retelling, Everest creates a story that’s exclusive to her writing, adding elements from the fairytale in a tasteful and tactful way. I am quite fond of the two main characters in that they are relatable; as living through their pasts make you understand why they think and move the way they do. I enjoyed Everest’s choice on which elements from the fairytale to include then adding her own twist and darkness to these elements. This story was very fast paced, encompassing many conflicts including bridal trials, EVIL STEPMOTHER, court politics, and more.

The only thing I did not enjoy was the conciseness in certain moments. It was fast-paced, but personally speaking, it was a little TOO fast paced. However, it is understandable given that this book is a standalone within an interconnected series. If the author provided more details in the way I crave, this book would have been thousands of pages long. I do wish this was a series in and of itself as I could not get enough of the plot, romance, and characters (main and side).

While the Disney fairytale is innocent and mild, Kissed by Iron and Glass incorporates darker components of your usual Romantasy tropes. With deadly trials, fae magic, nefarious villains, and a touch of steam, fated mates, familiars, and more, Everest creates a fiction fans of ACOTAR, Trial of the Sun Queen, and the Selection will come to love.

Favorite moment: the first official meeting of Alette and Harry 🤭

All in all, I very much enjoyed reading this book, only taking me two days to finish. While this is my first read from E.V. Everest, it will certainly not be the last!

(ARC Review)

[Nimrah Nazim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
I received the ARC by author in exchange for an honest review, and OMG did I enjoy it?!?!

This was such a delightful Cinderella retelling with a touch of 'cursed prince' trope! The whole Bonding Rite gave me such Selection vibes and took me back to my teenage years!!

I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings which add a fresh touch to the story, and this book delivered in all the avenuesn! The characters, the plot, everything! And OMG THE LETTERS?!?! As a die hard Romantic, handwritten letters always make my heart flutter, and IF THEY'RE IN BOOKS?!? EVEN BETTER!!

The best parts of the book, however, wer the short chapters and the fact that it's a standalone. So, if you're not looking forward to commit to a series pick this up!! The only thing for me that fell short was the last battle with the rebels, I wanted more action (maybe that's a Me thing), so it kinda felt anticlimactic to me...

But overall, it was such a heartfell fantasy read where stakes aren't that high, expect maybe those of heart, and you can enjoy it without having to worry about a heart wrenching ending! I look forward to exploring other works by the author as well..

[Rebecka Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨ *NETGALLEY ARC*

I actually really enjoyed this book. It starts off fast-paced and pulled me in right away, though there were a few moments where I would’ve liked a bit more background or build-up. That said, it still hit exactly what I was in the mood for. Nothing major stood out, but I liked the plot and characters enough to keep turning the pages without wanting to put the book down.

Overall, a cute love story and an easy read.

[Jo Wyld · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ARC from Netgalley

I loved Lady Glass and The Iron King, their story is so brilliantly told, weaving in some of the classic elements of the Cinderella story but really this fab fantasy has a storyline that is completely its own!

You can expect:

Trials
Fated Mates
Fae
Duel POV
Slow burn romance

I hope we see more of Ember too! What a cracking character!

[Meesh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for this book, and wow. Absolutely brilliant story writing!

I was immediately captivated by the Cinderella retelling aspect, but not in the traditional “it follows the original plot line” aspect. I really loved how the author pulled from the main points, like the evil step mother, and the strong female main character who just needed to believe in herself and true love.

I was blown away by the trials and how vicious they got. In most fantasy books, women typically aren’t shown as the battle ready types, yet in this book the women are just as brutal as the men.

The characters were well developed, the plot moved quickly but was easy to follow, and the dialogue was wonderful!

The romance was part of the main plot, but it didn’t solely focus on their love, and focused a lot on Alette coming into her own as a person.

Absolutely recommend. 5⭐️

[K.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this book, and all I can say is “wow.” The writing, the character building, the trials? Amazing. I am a sucker for anything that has trials in it, so I loved that this was a retelling of Cinderella, with trials added. The MMC is so delicious!

I just love, love, love this book. This was a book that I honestly wanted to finish within a day, and I kept getting annoyed that real-life responsibilities kept getting in the way.

[Stephanie Schaper · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am who I choose to be.”

Thank you to the author - for writing the book and for the ARC! This book was thoroughly enjoyable, especially because I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. This was a Cinderella retelling - one with its own little twists and turns. It is a darker spin on the fairytale, a tale filled with secrets, danger, and most of all, love. This book captured me almost immediately and I finished it in under a day.
Alette Charles, our heroine, is able to see through glamorous, a secret she must keep for her own safety. Her life changes when her evil step-mother enters the picture, eventually casting her aside into slavery. She is a character who is down on her luck, but make no mistake, she’s no damsel in distress. She is clever, kind, and I admired her inner strength and resilience. Her bond with her step-sister, Alienna, was also sweet. I appreciated the sisterly connection that the two had - it reminded me of my own connection with my older sister. I also thoroughly enjoyed her dynamic with the Iron King, Harry. The whole will they/won’t they moments had me on the edge of my seat. However, the two characters that captured my attention the most - Ember and Crimson. I could read a whole book about those two characters alone.
I do wish this book had been longer, but I understand why it could not be - after all, it is a standalone in a series. However I craved for more details to better paint a picture of the world. Also affected by this would be the pacing, it was slow at times and too fast during other times. All in all, I just simply wanted more - more of the world, the characters, and more of Alette’s story - and to know more of Harry’s past. Honestly, just more about their connection in general, their past history. I really enjoyed their love story - and I am a sucker for happy endings.
Overall, this book was an engaging and fun read. The action throughout the book kept me turning the pages, I was immersed in the world and in Alette’s story. I loved the little nods to the Cinderella fairytale as well - and I could appreciate the little spins the author made to them. If you enjoy dark romance, fairytales, and a touch (or a lot) of danger, then you will enjoy this book!

[Melanie Artis Wuertzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You'd do well to think about what you consider a cage."

I wish this app allowed for half stars, because this book is a solid 3.5/5. Instead, I will have to give it 3.

Overall, this was a solid, if not steady, read. There were some twists and turns I was not expecting, but on the whole, what oftentimes threw me about the story was the writing itself. Honestly a few chapters in I had to go to the online book details and triple-check that I was not reading a book made for 8–12-year-olds. The writing was simple, the story line succinct. It was not until later chapters that I realized the author was writing in the vein of the AGE of the narrator, and that’s when it clicked for me. As the two main characters grew up, so did the writing.

I really liked the way the author wrote Odessa (aka- Cinderella)—she was no shrinking violet, but at the same time she had no clue how to get out of the main desperate situations she found herself in. However, a lot of her plot line assumes the reader is ok with massive jumps in suspension of disbelief. For example, in a matter of weeks Odessa goes from never having picked up a sword, to being good enough to fight off enemies with decades of training. Nope, not believable at all. Also, Odessa’s love of baking seems to come out of nowhere. I like it don’t get me wrong, but it still comes out of nowhere.

One of the reasons I did not give this book more stars was I was hoping for more detail, more storyline, than the book gave in many scenes. I wish there had been more detail about the stepmother’s wrath, but since little to no backstory was provided, it was hard to understand why (other than being a b!tch), she was a villain. The author did the side-character “Vandal” dirty—he might have been the most appealing character in the entire book, with what I can only assume would be the best backstory. Yet he was regulated so far to the back burner that I must wonder if his character was even truly necessary to the story. I was hoping the author was going in a “why choose” trope, but it never came to be.

Finally, I love Crimson. I hate cats, but I love Crimson. Best. Familiar. Ever.

Would I read it again? Maybe. I did however recommend it to my friends with pre-teens, so that is something. 😊

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic tale, but add in fantasy and a pinch of magic and you'll get Kissed by Iron and Glass! The FMC is strong, good hearted and has a hidden magical gift. From a young age her mother told her not to tell anyone about her abilities because of the fear that she would be used for bad and not good. Well as expected with a traditional Cinderella tale, circumstances change and the FMC has to let in a few people in on her secret ability. In one instance this saves her, and in another it ended up getting her sold to the high guard of the palace. The MMC is the current King and is looking to add power to his own in order to stop the rebels from taking over the kingdom. The FMC is supposed to pose as a potential bride, but is sworn to secrecy about her true purpose in the castle. Forced proximity pushes the FMC and MMC together and they feel an instant pull to one another. The MMC attempts to push her away for her own safety; however, the FMC is not having any of that. Overall this was a fun read. The pacing was good, as there were continuously new events occurring that kept me engaged in the story and what would happen next. I enjoyed the character arcs for both the MMC and the FMC and watching them develop as individuals but also learning how strong they could be together supporting one another. Overall I rate this a 4 star read, and spice level a 1-2 with some one page descriptors. However, if you're looking for no spice on-page then please note that the spice was limited to just a couple of short sections, so you could skip past these and it would not deter from the story. The plot was driven more by romance and the idea of allowing yourself to have something that makes you happy, verses on-page spice. For readers that want just a touch of the spice on-page with the romance, then this is a perfect blend. For readers expecting a lot of spicey scenes, then be forewarned this book will not have that. Thank you to author E.V. Everest, NetGalley, and Golden Bird Press for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team!
#KissedbyIronandGlass #NetGalley #KVEverestAuthor

[Kaylee Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an enjoyable read for me. It initially gave strong Cinderella vibes, but quickly evolved into something that felt more like an adult romantasy version of The Selection, with court dynamics, trials, and layered tension between the characters. The Midnight Court setting added a darker, more atmospheric tone, and the fae elements, including the Unseelie, helped ground the story in a familiar but still engaging fantasy framework.

One of my favorite aspects was the magic system, particularly Arlette’s glamour ability. It felt unique compared to a lot of fantasy I’ve read, where powers can sometimes blend together, and it added an interesting layer to both the plot and character dynamics. The male lead also carries strong Rhysand-like energy from ( specifically ACOWAR) - charismatic, powerful, slightly morally gray, and able to command shadows - which made the romantic tension especially compelling.

Even when certain moments or character decisions frustrated me slightly, I was still completely invested in the story and genuinely excited to see how everything would unfold. The ending was satisfying, with no loose ends, and the resolution felt earned.

That said, this is one of those books that could have easily been expanded into a longer series. There were aspects of the worldbuilding, relationships, and emotional tension that I would have loved to see explored more deeply. At times, the pacing felt a bit rushed, particularly when it came to the development of certain dynamics, which is really the only thing that held it back from being a full five-star read for me.

Overall, this was a compelling and enjoyable romantasy that I thoroughly liked. I enjoyed it enough to go out and purchase a physical copy after reading, which says a lot. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy fae, court intrigue, and character-driven tension with a slightly darker, more mature tone.

Rating: ★★★★☆

[Alyse With Booked Up Mamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cinderella Retelling? Sold. Who doesn’t want to be transported back to a childhood favorite with adult stakes?

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. E.V. Everest gave us magic, fae, fated mates, bridal deadly trials, political intrigue, and of course an evil stepmother. It was fast-paced and easy to read. I wished at times there was a bit more world-building and backstory to better establish the characters and the setting. It felt a bit rushed without these key details and explanations. Additionally, it would have helped me connect more if there was more depth to some of the ancillary characters, for example Vandal or Arienna. The plot moved quickly allowing me to read it in a couple sittings, which as a mom, was lovely. Alette, the FMC, was endearing and courageous despite facing many hardships. It was a pleasure to read how she found her strength mentally, magically, and physically. Harry, our MMC, was the tortured shadow daddy we all love. The dual POV was a welcome surprise, it was immensely helpful to see Alette through the eyes of Harry. The romance leaned more sweet than steamy, with a slow-burn that paid off in the last few chapters, though I wished the connection between Alette and Harry had more page time to breathe. The whimsical elements, such as the Brownies, added a layer of magic to the writing. Did it fully recapture the magic of the original? Not quite, but it carved out enough of its own fairy tale charm to make it worth the read.

For those who like “We Who Will Die” by Stacia Stark or “ACOTAR” by SJM.

Overall: 3.5/5 stars
Characters: 4/5 stars
Pacing: 3/5 stars
Writing style: 3/5 stars
Spice: 0.5/5 peppers

Thank you to Golden Bird Press via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to E V Everest, Golden Bird Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Overall thoughts
This was a really fun read! A blend between fantasy and fairytale, Kissed by Iron and Glass is described as a Cinderella retelling but Everest brings her own unique spin and plot points to the story. Great for fans of Divine Rivals and Naomi Novik, a good comfort read with fairytale HEA vibes.

Characters
I really liked the characters in this story. Alette is very quick to adapt to her new circumstances, is resilient and willing to grow. Harry is a layered and complex MMC with more than meets the eye. I believe this is an interconnected standalone, and hoping in future books to get more of Ember and Vandal as they were super interesting!
And of course shout out to the sweetheart Crimson!

Plot and pacing
With inspiration from Cinderella, there’s plenty of excitement to be found in this fast paced novel. I liked how it was a blend of some familiar aspects but with a unique spin and its own storyline.
To me the book sits stylistically somewhere between a fairytale and a fantasy novel, which gives it a distinctive tone. There were parts I’d have loved to learn more about that I’m hoping we see in future books (where the curse came from, for example), but again that’s also the nature of fairytales where things just are!

Overall I thought this was a great book and am interested to see where this world continues in Everest’s future series.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissed by Iron and Glass by E. V. Everest

I went into this expecting a fun fae Cinderella retelling and instead got emotionally attached to a cursed Iron King, a deadly bridal competition, political chaos, and a slow burn that had me stressed the entire time.

This book was so easy to sink into. The atmosphere is dark and magical without feeling overly complicated, and the Bridal Trials were brutal. Every girl wants the crown, nobody can be trusted, and the tension never lets up.

The Iron King was exactly the kind of MMC I fall for every single time unfortunately. Cold, emotionally repressed, cursed, terrifying to everyone else but secretly soft underneath all the iron and emotional damage. I was done for immediately.

And the romance was SO good. The buildup actually feels earned. It’s full of suspicion, tension, forced proximity, little moments that slowly crack their walls down, and the kind of slow burn where one look suddenly means everything.

Also the animal familiar deserves their own fan club because the sarcasm and commentary throughout this book was incredible.

I loved that underneath all the fantasy and romance, the story still had a lot of heart. Trust, survival, loneliness, learning how to let people in — it all hit way harder than I expected.

If you love:
🖤 fae politics
👑 deadly marriage trials
🔥 slow burn romance
⚔️ enemies-to-lovers tension
✨ cursed kings
🖤 morally grey MMCs
🐺 sarcastic animal companions

…you need this on your radar immediately.

[Anna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received free digital copy from NetGalley.

Kissed by Iron and Glass is a richly imagined romantasy that blends Cinderella vibes with ruthless fae politics and a satisfying forced proximity arc. Everest delivers a glittering Midnight Court, dangerous bridal trials, and a brooding fae king whose iron‑bound heart makes for a compelling central conflict.

The setting is one of this book’s greatest strengths—the opulence, tension, and underlying danger of the trials kept me turning pages, and the fae worldbuilding felt immersive without becoming overwhelming. I also enjoyed the romance, of course; the dynamic between Alette and Harry the Iron King is layered, prickly, and charged with just enough emotional tension to make every interaction count. I appreciated we got both characters’ perspectives as well.

That said, there were a few moments where the pacing accelerated too much, particularly in the middle, and I found myself wishing some of the side characters (especially other trial contestants) had been given a bit more depth. Still, the emotional payoff and the evolution of the central relationship ultimately made the journey worthwhile.

Overall, Kissed by Iron and Glass is a strong, engaging fairy‑tale retelling that will appeal to fans of fae courts, cursed kings, and romantic tension with high stakes. A very enjoyable read that just falls shy of perfection—and I’m excited to see what Everest does next in this world!

[Rachel Bires · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Kissed by Iron and Glass by E.V. Everest.

This book has a really compelling premise. The idea of the Bridal Trials, a cursed fae king, and a heroine who can see through glamours immediately caught my attention. I also enjoyed the fairy tale inspired elements and the overall concept of the world.

That said, this one did not fully work for me.

I found the writing style to be quite simple, and the pacing felt very fast, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story. A lot of moments that could have been more impactful or emotionally grounded moved quickly, and I was left wanting more depth.

The characters were also a challenge for me, particularly Alette. I wanted to feel more complexity and personality from her, but she came across as a bit flat, which made it harder to stay invested in her journey and the romance.

At times, the story felt somewhat familiar, with elements that reminded me of other popular fantasy and romantasy books. Because of that, it did not feel as distinct or cohesive as I had hoped, and the overall narrative felt a bit disjointed.

That being said, I did find myself more engaged toward the end, and I can see how this story could appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced romantasy with familiar tropes and a touch of steam.
While this one was a bit difficult for me to get through, I appreciate the opportunity to read it.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜Enemies to lovers romance 

💜Fairy tale retellings

💜Ruthless fae

💜Bridal trials

💜Happily ever after


What a thoroughly enchanting read Kissed by Iron & Glass has been.  The story invokes feelings of one of my favorite fairy tales, Cinderella, where despite the odds that are stacked against her, Cinderella ends up finding her Prince Charming.


In Kissed by Iron & Glass, our "Princess" is Alette, a fae who sees things others cannot.  Sworn to secrecy by her mother, hated by her stepmother, and loved by her father, Alette finds herself grappling to find who she is in a world that feels cold and unfamiliar.


Alette's stepmother casts her out to fend for herself in the City of Gloam, where she finds herself bound & sold to the highest bidder.  She becomes an informant for the Iron King, helping him to survive while finding her heart falling for him. 


We see a story that, through trials to obtain the Kings hand in marriage, shows the depths that women will go to for the chance at power, marriage, and love.  A tale that tells us that there is beauty in imperfection; that the one who truly is meant for us will find us despite the obstacles & our perceived insecurities.


E.V. Everest weaves a powerful tale that has you rooting for the main characters through a delicious slow burn romance culminating in a love that is more powerful than any curse.

[Eleonore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start out by saying that I was given an ARC copy to read and am giving my own opinion.
This book is amazing and incredibly whimsical! I absolutely loved reading it and would highly recommend others to read it as well! The best description of the book that I can give without any spoilers is imagine a Cinderella retelling, but combine it with The Cruel Prince. This Cinderella is no damsel and, while she does have a heart of gold in a place that tries to crush it, she proves it multiple times, especially in the ruthless trials to be the King’s bride. Alette (the FMC) is such an amazing character and I wish I could be like her. She’s strong, kind, takes care of others, while also a protector, especially of the ones that she loves. Watching her learn the meaning of self worth throughout the story was incredible. Harry (the MMC who happens to be the king) is such a fascinating character and I loved seeing how he juggles dealing with a ruthless court while wanting to foster kindness. The relationship between Alette and Harry is absolutely beautiful and I loved watching them slowly fall in love.
The story is absolutely a must read, especially if you love fairytale retellings, court intrigue, trials, ancient magic, fae, and The Cruel Prince!
Thank you so much to E.V. Everest and her team for letting me read the book! I really enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity!

[Jessica’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was an entirely charming read and probably my favourite Cinderella re-telling to date!

Thank you to NetGalley and Golden Bird Press for providing me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure how to properly articulate what it felt like to read Kissed by Iron and Glass, so I will just sum it up as feeling ✨ MAGICAL ✨ . It was so much like reading the classic fairytale while also being entirely different. Set in world full of Fae and magic, I was instantly transported into Alette's story and absolutely adored the parallels between her journey and the classic story of Cinderella.

This was a very quick, easy read that kept me interested the entire time. It is such a feel good! While the plot itself feels very straightforward and almost simplistic, it has this magical quality of being entirely immersive and instantly gripping. I honestly did not want to put it down!

The writing flows so well, the story incorporates so many little tropes without being weighed down by them, and the pace is quick and addicting. I would absolutely recommend this to any reader who loves a re-telling, or even the world of the Fae.

Our Tropes:
✨ Fairytale re-telling
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Bridal Trials
✨ Fae magic
✨ Animal Familiars
✨ HEA

[Rhianna Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella retelling in a Fae kingdom with bridal trials? Immediately 100% yes, I was SAT for this.

I absolutely loved this book. The FMC, Alette, grows up lonely in a house with a cruel stepmother while the MMC, prince Harry grows up across the kingdom also lonely with a cruel father and brothers. The two exchange notes through their fires as children without fully knowing who the other one is. Fast forward to adulthood and Alette is now competing for the iron-wrapped King Harry’s heart in the bridal trials.

This is overall a very enjoyable, fast paced read. I love the premise and how the two main characters manage to stumble back into each others’ lives as adults. My only complaint is that I simply want MORE!! I want to know more about the family’s backstories, Alette’s magic/gift, what is up with the old woman who took Alette in, how does magic work in the kingdom (does everyone have it?), more about Arienna and Vandal, and Crimson and Ember. I know these are standalones but I would LOVE to see a sequel to this, I really want to know what happens to some of these other characters!

Thank you to the publisher and author, E.V. Everest for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC via Netgalley.

[Shanon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this e-arc. All opinions are my own.

I adore fairytale retellings which is why I requested this book. Our FMC “Alette Charles” is also known as Glass Lady and is our Cinderella character. This is a grittier Cinderella tale with some magic and bride trials thrown in to add to the story. I loved that Alette was kind and had the same ability to connect to animals. What I loved even more was that Alette was not a victim. Like Cinderella, Alette has some bad breaks, but she never gave up and almost gained strength from those situations.

I also loved Henry, who is far more complicated than Prince Charming is ever portrayed. The secondary characters are lovable, particularly Crimson.

This book was a fresh take on Cinderella giving it a Romantasy twist which, for me, made the story more appealing. Perhaps it is because I am “of a certain age,” but princess stories where the princess is passive and allows life to happen around her don’t quite work for me anymore. I prefer my princess to be kind but also have the ability to take care of themselves. For me, this book was a 5 star, quick read that felt fresh despite being one of the many Cinderella retellings.

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable Cinderella fairy tale retelling that immediately pulled me in. I loved seeing a familiar story reimagined in a fresh way, while still keeping that classic fairytale essence at its core.

One of the things I appreciated most was the pacing. The story moves quickly and stays engaging throughout, making it very easy to read in big chunks. I also really enjoyed the court politics woven into the narrative, which added an extra layer of intrigue and depth beyond the romance.

The world felt immersive and the storyline was so compelling that I found myself flying through it far too quickly. If anything, my only real “complaint” is that I didn’t want it to end so soon — I would have happily stayed in this world for much longer because I was enjoying it so much.

Overall, this is a fast-paced, addictive fairy tale retelling with engaging political elements and a satisfying romantic arc. A really enjoyable read from start to finish.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, E.V. Everest and Golden Bird Press📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Lb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the author of this book post the cover and list of tropes on an ARC read group I'm in and I knew that I had to sign up it has so many good tropes: Fairy tale retelling (Cinderella), Fated Mates, Romantasy, enemies --> More, Bridal Trials... Yes please!

The only negatives for me were that there were some slower parts in the middle in between the trials and then the ending wrapped up a bit quickly but I'm looking forward to going back and reading the first book to see what happened to Harry previously.

I truly enjoyed this romantasy fairytale retelling and I thank the author for letting me be on their ARC team!

Wrote more on my blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...

*Fairytale retelling (Cinderella) *Political intrigue *ruthless Fae *Bridal trials *truly unlikeable villains *Fated mates *brooding/grumpy MMC *Cursed MMC *Fierce FMC *Some spice (light) *Familiars *magical world *touch her and 💀 *Romantasy *ARC read 2026 *Dual POV

[Clairiefaerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed Kissed by Iron and Glass, I liked the traditional depiction of the fae and the midnight court felt really magical. I liked that there was a hint of the Cinderella story here and there, Allette’s nickname Glass and her pony being called buttons but the story really stands on its own. There are some dark moments like in the auction house so I wouldn’t recommend this as a cosy fairytale retelling.I really liked Alette’s magic of seeing through glamours.

I LOVED Crimson 🐈‍⬛ a world weary talking cat (sorry familiar) is always a winner with me.

There were a few aspects that felt like they were introduced just to hit the tropes, like Harry training Alette. I think it would have made more sense for Vandal to have been the one to teach her to fight.

Speaking of Vandal, I want to know more of his story and Embers, they were both really likeable side characters.

This was a really fun and quick read. I’d read another book by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[that TBR girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

3.75 ⭐️

Whilst browsing titles on Net Galley, I stumbled across “Kissed by Iron and Glass” by E. V. Everest and immediately clicked it. The sprayed edges of the physical version are absolutely stunning (sadly, I read this as an e-ARC so didn’t benefit from them) but the sprayed edges, the cover design, and the title was enough to pique my interest to click on it to find out more).

“Kissed by Iron and Glass” is a Cinderella retelling that puts a unique spin on the old classic. The story follows two main characters, Alette and Harry, which is rather unusual in a standalone Romantasy but having insight into both MCs inner thoughts throughout the book was both refreshing and well-written.

Overall, the plot was generally well-paced, with characters and scenes being well fleshed out.

There were a few elements of the story that could have done with being more fleshed out but overall I really enjoyed this book and will be checking out more of E. V. Everest’s work.

[YW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Kissed by Iron and Glass—an easy 5 stars from me.
I was hooked straight away and found myself fully rooting for the main character. Her journey is emotional from the start—being sold and then placed right under the king’s nose creates instant tension. Watching her navigate that situation, especially with her hidden power, made it impossible to put the book down.

The hate-to-love relationship was done so well. The chemistry builds naturally, and the emotional payoff hits even harder when you discover their shared past—that they were unknowingly each other’s comfort during such turbulent childhoods. That twist added a really touching layer to the story.

I ended up reading this in one day because I just couldn’t stop. If you love emotional romantasy with tension, secrets, and a satisfying romance arc, this one absolutely delivers.

Definitely getting a physical copy when it’s out!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank E.V. Everest for the E-ARC.

Kissed by Iron and Glass is part of the Cursed Kiss Chronicles. It is a Cinderella retelling. But
it’s not your average Cinderella story. A story full of fae, lies, curses, and shadows, E.V. Everest
took Cinderella and gave it a much darker spin.

I fell in love with Harry in Kissed By Songs of Lilies, so I was very excited to see him in his own
story. Allete did not disappoint either.

Kissed By Iron and Glass starts off in a very fairytale tone. It read like the original fairy tales that
I read religiously as a child. It brought me back to the little girl curled up in her butterfly chair
reading The Brothers Grimm. But it quickly forms it’s own style and shifts into a twisted fae
romance.

Every piece of this book kept me hooked and each new twist had my heart in my throat. From
the awful things the characters face to the shadows as they slipped away. I was sad to see their
story end.