katsbookrecords's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lizzypantss's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun little fairy tale. I am happy to suspend reality and be carried away and follow the story even when it’s kinda crazy lol.
I enjoyed everyone, even though Elise was willfully naive, and I was a bit annoyed with her a few times. The spicey stuff made up for it. I was sad I didn’t get more back story with Mason and the Prince. I was a bit confused at times. Though I also read this without realizing it was book 3.
At times the story felt choppy, but I am a very forgiving reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed everyone, even though Elise was willfully naive, and I was a bit annoyed with her a few times. The spicey stuff made up for it. I was sad I didn’t get more back story with Mason and the Prince. I was a bit confused at times. Though I also read this without realizing it was book 3.
At times the story felt choppy, but I am a very forgiving reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
rhreviewer91's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
So, silly me, missed the description of the title originally and just saw "Stalking Cinderella" and that it was a retelling. I'm a fan of RH, and while it isn't ALL I read, it is a bulk of it. This was sitting in my "TBR" list for a bit, so today I finally got around to reading it. Considering I missed the rest of the description, I ASSUMED it was going to be RH while reading it, but considering I wasn't 100% certain, it added an interesting twist for me to figure out how things were going to turn out.
I love that the prince is a darker, slightly stalker-ish character who also seems to have his stuff together. He says that he's only had a couple of one night stands just to say he's done it, but he wasn't really into it, and wanted more of an actual RELATIONSHIP, someone to love. Someone who would interest him and that he could spend time with.
I also love that instead of having an evil step sister (or three), Elise has a stepbrother. One who has always secretly had her back and watched over her, even if she didn't know it or want him to.
The way her "fairy godfather" sealed the deals was also interesting...! I did find it a bit odd that all of them kept "inserting themselves" in her all the time the way they did, and that she went with it, but, I mean, it's an RH fantasy, so why not.
The story was done in a way that a few things were predictable, but not everything. The ending wasn't *quite* how I expected it to finish, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. I actually enjoy where it left off.
Finally, even when the book was finished, I liked reading the author's note at the end. It explains why she wrote this the way she did and a bit about her as well. The fact that she made it a bit more like Brothers Grimm was pretty awesome!
I hadn't heard of this author previously, but I'll definitely be looking up her other reads based on the old tales!!
I love that the prince is a darker, slightly stalker-ish character who also seems to have his stuff together. He says that he's only had a couple of one night stands just to say he's done it, but he wasn't really into it, and wanted more of an actual RELATIONSHIP, someone to love. Someone who would interest him and that he could spend time with.
I also love that instead of having an evil step sister (or three), Elise has a stepbrother. One who has always secretly had her back and watched over her, even if she didn't know it or want him to.
The way her "fairy godfather" sealed the deals was also interesting...! I did find it a bit odd that all of them kept "inserting themselves" in her all the time the way they did, and that she went with it, but, I mean, it's an RH fantasy, so why not.
The story was done in a way that a few things were predictable, but not everything. The ending wasn't *quite* how I expected it to finish, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it. I actually enjoy where it left off.
Finally, even when the book was finished, I liked reading the author's note at the end. It explains why she wrote this the way she did and a bit about her as well. The fact that she made it a bit more like Brothers Grimm was pretty awesome!
I hadn't heard of this author previously, but I'll definitely be looking up her other reads based on the old tales!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Death of parent, and Child abuse
stephv99's review against another edition
5.0
It was an exciting dark remake of Cinderella. I’ve enjoyed reading this little retelling and this book had me hooked right away from the start. It was a great read I couldn’t put down
wanderingsoul333's review against another edition
5.0
Leann Belle reimagines fairy tales and stories in the way my soul most craves. Just when I think she has written my new favorite tale, she writes my next. Stalking Cinderella is currently sitting at number one...where I know it will remain until Belle's next release day.
briannagriffin567's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mandyrobitaille's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a dark and steamy Cinderella-inspired retelling. The storyline was familiar enough to be comfortable but different enough that it didn't feel predictable.
Nero certainly stole the show for me! His interactions with Elise were wicked but also sweet and tender at times. And as the devil, he certainly knows just how to play with all the dynamics.
Elise just wanted someone to love her for who she truly was, and I'm glad that she got her happy - and steamy - ending!
This book does have some dark moments, so be mindful of warnings!
Nero certainly stole the show for me! His interactions with Elise were wicked but also sweet and tender at times. And as the devil, he certainly knows just how to play with all the dynamics.
Elise just wanted someone to love her for who she truly was, and I'm glad that she got her happy - and steamy - ending!
This book does have some dark moments, so be mindful of warnings!
kkeele's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Sultry, intense, retelling. “No one is coming to protect me. My step brother lives for my torment, and I'm the only one who won't be able to go to the masquerade. I just want someone, anyone to help” This retelling was packed full of spice and maybe a little taboo. I found it to be a fun take on the old fairytale, and don’t worry her stepmother is still cruel and unsavory. This story is a quick read, it is a standalone so you do not have to read the two stories that come before it in the series. After reading this one, I need to read the others!
the_bookish_crafter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Deliciously dark, twisted Cinderella retelling. This story isn't the darkest of LeeAnn's stories, but it still contains some dark themes.
I absolutely loved the characters, the gender swapped characters gave it a different twist to the original story line.
Per usual there are a lot of yummy naughty scenes throughout the story. Including an early scene with some inappropriate "items". 😏😏 I will never look at corn the same again.
I absolutely loved the characters, the gender swapped characters gave it a different twist to the original story line.
Per usual there are a lot of yummy naughty scenes throughout the story. Including an early scene with some inappropriate "items". 😏😏 I will never look at corn the same again.