Every royal has their dirty little secret. His was… me.
It should have been simple.
Go to the ball, meet the prince, and secure his patronage for my favorite charity.
But beneath the mask, the brooding beast of a man was not at all who I expected.
He was dark and intense and eerily quiet.
When I left, I could still feel the ghost of his touch branded into my skin.
He haunted my dreams, but … into my skin.
He haunted my dreams, but I never expected to see him again.
Then he came for me.
And he took me.
And I learned that his darkness was a void I never could have conceived.
He’s the crown prince.
And, now, I’m his captive.
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Oh my lord… I won’t lie it is dark, but it’s SOOOOO good. I promise I’ll be more descriptive, but feel like that is how this needs to be started. Plus, I still have a book hangover from this read. It really draws you in and messes with you, however it is soooooooooo worth it. Now onto more detail lol
I’ve heard amazing things about A. Zavarelli, but I’m just now getting to a book by her and I feel like this was the perfect intro into her work as well as an incredible addition to the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection. This is a dark, modern retelling of Cinderella and if you thought you loved the original tale… you will LOVE this one.
In general, I dig the broken and brooding male leads… add in a prince who thrives on the hate… Just thinking about it makes me all hot and bothered. *drool* Instead of getting that perfect “Prince Charming” we are giving the prince you love to hate. Thorsen, Prince of Norway. Most hated royal. There is so much going on beyond the surface of this man, and as it all comes to light, there isn’t anything he won’t do to get what he wants. I do mean ANY-THING!
Ella, slave to her step mother and sister, bleeding heart for all animals, and the one thing Thorsen can’t resist. She is the classic character with a dark side. When her world is opened to His Majesties “tastes”, she welcomes it instead of wilting to its demands. She is beautiful in all her brokenness, and is willing to trade her life and happiness for others.
I couldn’t get enough of the balance between these two, and the seedy world of the royals around them. If you read it and meet the brother, *wink wink*, you’ll be like me and wondering who you have to harass to get his story… cause I NEEEEEEEEEEED it… *fingers crossed*
Anyway, if you’ve been reading the Collection, make sure you don’t miss this retelling as it’ll give you everything you didn’t realize you were missing from the sweet Disney take on it. I think I may prefer this version to that one now… my childhood has been ruined and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
/ : Stealing Cinderella by A. Zavarelli is a dark retelling, of course, the classic fairy tale Cinderella and book eleven in the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection. Told in dual POV Stealing Cinderella has many similarities with the original Cinderella, and although the important parts were there, A. Zavarelli added some suspenseful sinister, dark, and devious differences. Like if Prince Charming was actually a dominant and kidnapped and held Cinderella hostage. Although there is a sinister twist, Stealing Cinderella is a love story, an unconventional love story but a love story no less. I really enjoyed the plot, it was an excellent dark twist.
A. Zavarelli is a new-to-me author. I’ve been meaning to take a peek at one of her releases but just haven’t had the time. Luckily, she was a part of this Sinister Fairy Tale Collection and I was able to get a peek into her writing. I’m intrigued and will most definitely be checking out more of her work soon.
After the death of Ella Laurent’s father, she was left in the cruel and abusive care of her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Ella found solace during short reprieves at the Hilliard Animal Sanctuary.
But when the sanctuary becomes at risk of shutting down due to lack of funding, Ella knows she has to do something drastic and getting in touch with Prince Aston is the only way to save Hillard’s.
So when her wealthy best friend Charlotte (fairy godmother) gets Ella a ticket into the Royal Charity Masquerade Ball, Ella knows this is her golden opportunity to plead with Prince Aston and finally get the help the sanctuary so desperately needs.
But in a case of mistaken identity, Ella catches the eye of the WRONG prince.
Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇɴ I ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴀᴛ ʜᴇʀ ғᴀᴄᴇ, sᴏ ғᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ, ᴀɴᴅ I ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ I’ᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴅ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴏ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ. Hᴇʀ ɪɴɴᴏᴄᴇɴᴄᴇ sᴘᴇᴀᴋs ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴀ ᴘʀɪᴍᴀʟ ʟᴇᴠᴇʟ, ᴀɴᴅ I ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇsᴛʀᴏʏ ɪᴛ.
Prince Thorsen Lykken is the heir apparent to the Norway throne. He’s also hated among his people for his coldhearted behavior. But Ella’s beauty and innocence captivate Thor and he’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been before. He wants her and what the Prince wants, he gets.
Even if he has to take…
In a plan to keep Ella with him he brokers a deal. Two months. Ella will be by his side and willing to do anything he wants for two months and at the end of the two months, he will let her go back home AND provide the funding Hillard’s needs.
Aɢᴀɪɴsᴛ ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴜᴅɢᴍᴇɴᴛ, I’ᴍ ʜᴇʀᴇ. I’ᴍ ɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ʜɪᴍ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴍᴏɴᴛʜs ᴏғ ᴍʏ ʟɪғᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴏʀᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴇ, ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴍᴇ, ᴏᴡɴ ᴍᴇ.
But there is more to Prince Thorsen than meets the eye and the more time Ella spends with him… the more she wonders if her heart will make it through these two months intact.
Hᴇ ɪsɴ’ᴛ ᴊᴜsᴛ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴏғ ᴍʏ ʙᴏᴅʏ. Hᴇ’s ɪɴ ᴍʏ ᴍɪɴᴅ. Mʏ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ. Mʏ ʙᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ. Aɴᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ I ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴜᴘ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜɪs ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟ, ᴛᴏʀᴍᴇɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴇʏᴇs, I ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʜᴏᴡ I’ᴍ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ sᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ.
A broody damaged anti-hero, a broken and innocent heroine, a royal charity ball, and a slipper left behind. Stealing Cinderella includes everything we know and love about the original classic tale and so much more.
I ᴡᴀs ʙɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ᴏɴᴄᴇ, ᴘᴏɪsᴏɴᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇɴᴏᴍ I ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴡᴀs ʟᴏᴠᴇ. Nᴏᴡ, I ᴄᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅs ᴏғғ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠɪᴄɪᴏᴜs ᴡᴏʀᴅs ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ sʜɪᴇʟᴅ ᴏғ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟᴛʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴇɴsᴜʀᴇs ᴛʜᴇʏ’ʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ɢᴇᴛ ᴄʟᴏsᴇ ᴛᴏ sɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴛᴇᴇᴛʜ ɪɴ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ.
() : Thorsen Lykken is more the villain than the hero. But he’s an excellent villain. He’s ruthless, broody, coldhearted, and possessive. But the more we get to know him, the more you can’t help but feel for him. Adding Thorsen’s past… put an entirely different emotional aspect to the story and made me like Thorsen more. You can’t help but crave his dark side but his sweet and caring side is a sight to behold. I also enjoyed the bond he shared with his twin brother Calder, I would love to see maybe one day read Calder’s story.
Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ʜᴀs ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ʙᴇᴇɴ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴏғ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛs ᴛᴏ ғɪx ᴛʜᴇ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴇɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜʀᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ʜᴇʟᴘ ᴛʜᴇᴍsᴇʟᴠᴇs.
() : Ella Laurent is the sweet, caring, loving Cinderella that we all remember from the original. But her past and present are much darker than the original story. It’s that caring nature that makes her want to stick it out and fix this broken hateful man. I was a little iffy on Ella. In a way I liked her, she was feisty at times and stood up to Thorsen in a way that I think he needed but at other times she lacked backbone. I like my heroines a little tougher, that may just be a personal preference though.
Mʏ ʙᴏᴅʏ ɪs ʜɪs ᴄʜᴜʀᴄʜ. Hɪs ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ᴏғ ᴡᴏʀsʜɪᴘ. Aɴᴅ ʜᴇ’s ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏɴɪɢʜᴛ.
/ : Dark, deviant, and filled with dominance! Stealing Cinderella was SMOKING HOT! These two needed each other much more than they realized. Both of their past had been filled with hurt and pain. Ella brought light and warmth into Thorsen’s cold dark world and Thorsen’s dominance brought out Ella’s submissive side, a side she never knew she had.
Yᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ sᴏ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ, ᴍɪɴ ɢᴜᴅɪɴɴᴇ.” Hᴇ ᴍᴀssᴀɢᴇs ᴍʏ ᴊᴀᴡ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ʜɪs ғɪɴɢᴇʀs. “I’ᴍ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴡʀᴇᴄᴋ ʏᴏᴜ.
: Nope, no cliffhanger. Thorsen and Ella’s story wraps up beautiful and the vengeance that was deserved was served HOT…
: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers and with as many as there were, I feel like there should have been a warning. E.g. kidnapping, dubious consent, physical/emotional/psychological abuse, child sexual abuse (flashback, but the scene is a bit graphic), unsafe BDSM practice, drug use, mental illness/self-harm, a very little scene of MFM. If you would like to know more about what those subjects are, feel free to DM me!
Sᴏᴍᴇʜᴏᴡ, ᴀᴛ sᴏᴍᴇ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ, ᴍʏ ʟɪғᴇ ᴛᴜʀɴᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ғᴀɪʀʏᴛᴀʟᴇ. Iᴛ’s ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʏᴘᴇ ᴏғ ғᴀɪʀʏᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴜsʙᴀɴᴅ sᴛɪʟʟ sᴘᴀɴᴋs ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴜᴄᴋs ᴍᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʜᴇ ᴏᴡɴs ᴍᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ’s ᴀ ғᴀɪʀʏᴛᴀʟᴇ ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴍᴇ.
Although I did enjoy the plot, there were a couple of things that lowered my rating. I’m usually a huge fan of MFM, in this case, I felt like that scene was unneeded or at least it didn’t need to go as far as it went. The BDSM stuff. Again, I’m normally a fan. But Thorsen was supposed to be an experienced dominant, but with the way that he treated Ella while in his care, I would beg to differ. That wax scene… he took it way too far. I felt sick reading it, knowing what she had already gone through. Not cool at all.
Wᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs ғᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ. Iɴ ᴛʜɪs ʟɪғᴇ ᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ, I ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ʜɪᴍ.
Even though there were a couple of things I didn’t care for, Stealing Cinderella was still one of my favorites from the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection. If you enjoy your fairy tales dark and delicious or captive romances then you should definitely check out Stealing Cinderella.
I ғᴇᴇʟ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴍɪɴ ɢᴜᴅɪɴɴᴇ.”
“I ғᴇᴇʟ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏᴏ, ᴍʏ Kɪɴɢ. Fᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ.
ℎ .
This may be my favorite one from the collection. This author always weaves such wonderful stories and this one was no different. It was a dark, twisted and erotic retelling of one of my favorite fairytales, Cinderella. Couldn’t put it down
I cried by the broken beauty of this story. I love the story of Cinderella – a girl with a heart that can see past the grim and mask, to love the unloved (I mean she made friends with rats and alley cats, birds and snobbish princes); she intern was treated poorly but those who supposed to love her, abused, same neglected. She also managed to keep a pure heart and a kind spirit through it all.
It was always a story that spoke to one damaged heart to never give up. Here is an adult version truly taking that damaged girl and highlighting the beauty in the flaws that the world created when she comes in contact with another heartachingly broken person.
It’s perfect. I really don’t know how AZ does it but she usually leaves me speechless at the end of her books. Right now, I’m giddy because of how much I love this perfect Cinderella retelling and just . . . yeah. No other words
AN UNEXPECTEDLY GOOD RETELLING OF THE CLASSIC TALE!
“Stealing Cinderella” is a modern retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale by A. Zavarelli. A standalone full-length novel that captures my attention and heart.
This particular fairytale has always been one of my favourites and while I have come across a few retelling novels about Beauty and the Beast, a remake of Cinderella does not seem as common. Therefore, I was really excited even before I started reading it.
This version of retelling has many similar elements as the classic tale, such as a doting dad who unfortunately passed away early, a cruel step-mother and the two irritating and evil step-sisters. The Prince Charming, however, is definitely a surprise for me. Despite being a royalty, the author gave him a darker edge and it drew me to him like a moth to a flame.
“You’re the only woman I want, and I can’t let you go. Even if you hate me. I’ll find a way to make you care again.”
Thorsen, the hero, is the Crown Prince and future King who doesn’t do or know love. However, Ella, the heroine, awakens his innermost desire to love and to be loved and now he cannot let her go and THIS IS TOTALLY AWESOME – I am just a sob for typical plots like this. 😉
Thorsen is actually very likeable despite his foul personality and he is definitely one of the book heroes I feel a lot of sympathy for (something to do with his growing up). His feelings for Ella is instantaneous but it is well developed over the course of the book so I wouldn’t say this is an insta-love story with only steam and no substance.
He moves me. He shatters my world. And I understand it at that moment, clearer than the stars in the sky above us. Somewhere along the line, I fell in love with this beautifully broken man.
Ella is also most definitely in love with Thorsen even though she knows him to be broken and might never love her back. Her mild personality and a giving nature is very alluring and to read about some of the things that happened to her in the book is pure angst and torture for me, and I had secretly wish a painful end to those who did that to her – and I must say I am not disappointed.
“I’m in love with you, Ella.” The words are faint and vulnerable but not any less meaningful. “I won’t ever let you go. You have to know that.”
“I don’t want you to.” Tears spill over her eyelids as she offers me the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. “I’m in love with you too, Thorsen. So much.”
Lucky for me, the author didn’t forget the book to be a fairytale retelling and gave us the happy ending it deserves.
Both the plot and character are well developed and the pace of the story is just enough to keep me going without rushing. Zavarelli’s writing is awesome and this book is totally going into my shelf of favourite fairytale retelling novels!
RATING (OUT OF 5):
• Overall: 4.5
• Storyline: 4.5
• Hero: 4.5
• Heroine: 4.5
• Steam: 5
• Angst: 3 (medium)
*CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM HEREON*
SAFETY:
• Hero: Thorsen Lykken (age 30), the Crown Prince of Norway and has a foul personality despite being a royalty. His dark and notorious behaviour is not his true personality but rather he is using it to mask something darker and more sinister.
• Heroine: Ella Bellerose Laurent (age 20), a pet-loving girl who is forced to hard labour by his evil step-mother and step-sisters. She carries a lifetime of guilt which compels her to bear with the tortures her new family dishes out on her.
• Safe sex: Yes, heroine on birth control patch.
• OM/OW drama: Yes
• Sexual acts with OM/OW: Yes, hero’s brother gave the heroine oral sex while hero is present – the brothers have always shared women before heroine.
• Virgin: Yes, heroine only.
• Possible Triggers: Yes, Kidnap, arson, torture, murder, suicidal inclinations and BDSM including bondage and anal sex.
• Push/Pull: No
• Ending: HEA
• POV: Dual POV
Did you like fairy tales and princesses once upon a time? I did. Sleeping Beauty is still my favorite. Now, I’m all grown up, and I love to read retellings of fairy tales. Stealing Cinderella by A. Zavarelli is a darker take on the classic story. Check out my review below!u2063
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Synopsis:
Every royal has their dirty little secret. His was… me.
It should have been simple.
Go to the ball, meet the prince, and secure his patronage for my favorite charity.
But beneath the mask, the brooding beast of a man was not at all who I expected.
He was dark and intense and eerily quiet.
When I left, I could still feel the ghost of his touch branded into my skin.
He haunted my dreams, but I never expected to see him again.
Then he came for me.
And he took me.
And I learned that his darkness was a void I never could have conceived.
He’s the crown prince of Norway.
And, now, I’m his captive.
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REVIEW u2063
Well, that was different. I love retellings, and this version of Cinderella is no where near Disney appropriate. The basic premise remains about Ella, poorly treated, yet, kind and good, attending the ball, etc. The prince, Thor, is not charming, rather he is dark and brooding. This version is dark, erotic and a bit too much at times. Thor is a haunted man because of his childhood. Ella has been a slave, but she didn’t go to the dark side like Thor did. Ella is initially his plaything, but trust evolves tentatively and carefully because their relationship could easily shatter. Thor and Ella are fragile creatures with wounded spirits and haunted memories that can’t be healed quickly. Ella can shine a bit of light on Thor’s black heart, if he will allow it, and it just might save them both. This is a unique spin on a classic story. I enjoyed reading this, but some parts were darker than I care for. While not my favorite, Stealing Cinderella is still a great read with all the right elements for a steamy, dark and slightly disturbing version of the story you know. * I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own. *
I was not sure what to expect from A. Zavarelli’s Stealing Cinderella, but Wow! It was very dark, but also very unexpected in both character and plot. It was definitely not a fairytale for the faint of heart!
While Stealing Cinderella gave a nod to the traditional fairytale, it was extremely unique. Both Ella and Thor needed affection and trust so badly even though they came from very different places in life. Yet, they seemed to be exactly what the other needed . . . even if it wasn’t a traditional romance in any way. Thor was constantly wrestling with his own emotions and trying to figure out how to go on with life. and Ella was just amazingly strong and a true light in the world, even when surrounded by darkness. Thor’s mother also stole my heart, as did Dr. Blom . . . both who always only had Thor’s best interests in mind.
Stealing Cinderella was violent and dark and very twisted at times. But, it was also a strong romance and love story. As I said earlier, it’s definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy a dark romance, it was truly phenomenal. The plays against light and dark and violence and love provide readers with a unique paradox they won’t forget. 4.5 stars.
I love these retellings and this series! Having A.Zavarelli retelling Cinderella (one of my all-time favs) is just a cherry on top! This Cinderella is a freaking hot, sexy, almost disturbing story, that needs to be read.
Ella and Thor are a perfect couple for the retelling in Cinderella. I have to be honest and say that I couldn’t put this book down. It was around 2 a.m before I finished this book. And it was still in my head when I woke up the next morning. Ella is so sweet and kind and her sunshine is perfect for Thor and his darkness.
I highly recommend this story!
There are some authors who you can trust to take you on a wild ride. From beginning to end; they’ll have you so entranced under their spell. Utterly captivated.
A. Zavarelli is one of those authors for me. I found her a few years ago – just before I began my blogging. She’s one of the authors that made me want to blog. One I always recommend when I have friends looking for a great story. I know when she writes a book – she’s going to wrap me around her finger and take me on an incredible journey. She always writes such intriguing, different, witty and beautiful stories with the most addictive characters. It doesn’t matter what it is she writes – I. AM. HERE. FOR. ALL. THE. WORDS.
Stealing Cinderella is definitely a book that I want to scream from the rooftops “READ THIS BOOK, Y’ALL!” I will say this: It’s labeled dark romance for a reason. Please read the blurb. MY dark romance loving heart has gone absolutely crazy while reading this book. The emotions, the angst, the need and desire. Everything you crave in a book like this and more.
Thor and Ella are both beautifully broken characters. Each battles their own demons. Each have their strengths that pushes and pulls at one another like only the strongest magnet can. Reading these two souls and what they go through – You find yourself addicted to their banter and their connection. Their fights and their intense passion. Their intelligence and their heart. The tragedies that have plagued them their entire lives.
Their journey to love – That addictive craving you get when you’re so immersed in a good book? I sat and read this book in one sitting. I stayed up till 4am to finish because I HAD to know what was going to happen. I laughed out loud. I sobbed like a baby. I literally choked my pillows because I couldn’t choke any of these characters. These are my favorite types of books. Ones that I need to finish. Ones that have me feeling so much and so deeply.
Thank you A. Zavarelli, for giving us such a different story. A twisted dark fairy tale, if you will. One that I will never, EVER forget. And one I very highly recommend.
So easy to get lost in books by this author. Also easy to hate the male character. But as the story unfolds, I fall. Every time! And Thorsen might just be one of her most damaged male characters. Ella humanizes him with all of her broken parts to his. He’s harsh and yet softens with her. So many moving parts to the story. So much pain endured. Both Ella and Thorsen. But when they come together it’s electric and passionate and it’s LOVE.
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After volunteering to read an ARC Copy of Stealing Cinderella I was completely Caught off guard. I will be honest in saying I started this book with preconceived notions. I originally thought this book was going to be like all the rest of the “fairy” tales.
I also wondered how on earth is this author going to write a modern day fairy tale after her wonderful Boston Underground Series. WELL, she did it. I am not sure how, nor; do i honestly care.l. A. Zavarelli has this canny ability to do just that. She took a beloved fairly tale and spun it into an edgy, dark, modern day love story.The connection the main characters had to one another was intense and raw. Thorsen was a brooding devil with so much hatred you could almost feel it coming off of the pages. Yet, Ella was hiding secrets of her own, not knowing who to trust or rely on. Each character had their demons. Yet; the more you read on the more realistic the story becomes. As a reader I often wonder how much of real life plays into her books.
You know when sitting down to write my review was hard. How do you put into words just how good this book is without sounding repetitive. A modern day fairy tale spun in a wickedly, dark, and thrilling story. To me this is definitely a top book to read in 2020.
This was definitely a twisted version of the classic cinderella. I mean, I didn’t think it could get any more twisted but then something else was right there to shock me. It packed the heat, rough and demanding, just the way I like it. This book consumed all my attention and had me needy for more!
Such a dark twisted tale inspired by the classic Cinderella.
Two tortured broken souls that have been destroyed by the ones that are meant to help and love them.
Ella and Thorsen lives are not what they appear to be. This is a dark depraved love story that will leave you captivated with the lives around two very different people.
A wonderfully written twisted story about the strength and forgiveness love and betrayal and redemption.
Stealing Cinderella was a deliciously dark twist on this fairytale. Thor and Ella on the outside are the exact opposite of Cinderella and Prince Charming; however as twisted and dark as Thor is, Ella finds herself wanting his brand of depravity. Both Ella and Thor have tragic pasts that have shaped who they are and what they feel they deserve. I was completely consumed by this story and couldn’t put it down!
Well, A. Zavarelli gives us a modern, dark twist on Cinderella’s fairytale. Cinderella is the epitome of a classic fairytale… it’s the rags to riches story we all know and dream for. Ella and Thor were soooo electric! Their chemistry and pull was seductive. I’m not going to lay out the way Zavarelli creates the story but it is definitely a darker tale than the singing cartoon version. I know that version isn’t the original and there were some darker elements in the original. I wonder if this one follows a bit closer to the original. I guess I’ll never know unless I break down and read those original stories and I am getting so curious the more I read the Sinister Fairytale collection.
Anyway, Thor was just fascinating. I could not get enough of his character. Perhaps because we get to know so little about the prince but in Stealing Cinderella, I felt like I got to know Thor better than the movie. He’s definitely harsher and somewhat cruel and hard. But Ella does things to this prince that opens him up… his mind, his heart. It takes Ella and Thor time and some erotic scenes, that I felt made them see each other as more. There wasn’t any possible way these two were walking away from each other unchanged… the only question is would it be for better or for worse?! I enjoyed the deep depravity that walked the line of too much while still bring beauty and acceptance to the table.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
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This is a much darker loosely based contemporary retelling of the fairy-tale Cinderella.
Ella has lived with her abusive stepmother and awful stepsisters ever since her father’s death,
She spends whatever times she can escaping to a local animal sanctuary.
To save this place she loves she attends a local Gala incognito to plead for funding and in a case of mistaken identity makes the acquittance of Thorsten the crown prince of Norway.
Fleeing the charity gala she accidentally leaves behind her shoe at the scene.
Thorsten is indeed an odd one morose cold and disinterested he doesn’t feel things quite like others.
Ella’s fate was sealed the instant she encountered her dark prince.
So this is so far from the sweet fairy tale you’ve come to expect this is dark and depraved with plenty of dubious consent.
This descends into the shadows stripping both Ella and Thorsten back to the bone and they will both learn the very cores of each other the more time they are together.
Both Ella and Thor have things in their pasts that are still affecting there now and their upcoming futures, their actual brokenness is kind of like there glue.
Here we get to watch them put each other back together piece by individual piece and the journey travelled was definitely always going to be unstable and somewhat inflexible to observe.
This was well written with wicked corruption and unapologetic shameless degeneration.
It was ever so dirty and deliciously debased but it was also equally impassioned and certainly unfeigned, the emotion here felt real and authentic despite this being so far from a conventional start.
By the finish, I was totally in love with both Thor and Ella as a couple and I also liked the way this stayed true to there natures none of that ridiculous rise above it stuff.
I really appreciated this sinister alternate take on the whole Cinderella fable loved it.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Stealing Cinderella.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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My Rating: ***1/2
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Royal Prince modern day fairy tale
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Ella & Thorsen
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
This story was similar to the original fairy tale (Even though I don’t remember much of it) but Ella’s experience was much darker and her prince charming, Thorsen, was wicked. Ella tragically loses her father and is left with an evil step mother and step sisters. Her step sisters Lavinia and Magnolia are awful and they takes jealousy and psychotic behavior to the next level.
Thorsen and Ella meet in a masked ball event. Ella assumes him as a different person and pours her heart out to save her favorite animal sanctuary by funding it. Thorsen has an issue of his own and he doesn’t wanna marry anyone. When he meets Ella, he gets a different idea and kidnaps her. They made a sex pact for two months and in return Thorsen would save Ella’s beloved animal sanctuary. This changes the entire dynamics between Ella and Thorsen. Both Ella and Thor have things in their pasts that are still affecting there now and their upcoming futures. Will they be able to overcome it?
Ella is caring and charming (very docile for my taste) whereas Thorsen is dark and aloof. This book has a lot of potential; however, I felt the lack of depth. Plot moved in the study pace initially and later at one point I felt like I have skipped some chapters. At some instances I felt like the author has rushed to glue the characters together just to make it a standalone and not too lengthy.
Secondary Characters: I totally loved Calder, as a twin brother to Thorsen, he is everything you can expect in a twin. Charlotte and Olivia were good as Ella’s best friends, but I didn’t feel the connection between them.
Overall, it’s a retelling of the Cinderella story in a darker way. If you like fairy tales with a modern-day dark twist, this book is for you.
I am not a fan of retellings. They bored me, because I know the end of story.
But when A. Zavarelli annoucened „Stealing Cinderella” I thought that I might read this book.
Only because I really like this author and her books and I have a little hope that this new stroy of „Cinderella” will be different than other retellings.
Ella lost her mother when she was young. Her father was married again, but one day he passed away too. Ella lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. She is doing everything in the home, but her one and only passion are animals. She care about lost cats and different animals with love. Unfortunately the animal shelter has a financial problems and all these animals can be without food and home.
One day Ella’s friend gives her an invite to the charity ball with princes. Undercover she goes on this ball and she meets the Norwegian Prince Thorsen Lykken.
Their friendship didn’t start good, but the things changed when Thor gives her the contract.
What a book! I was totally in this story from the first chapter! It starts shyly, but from chapter to chapter this story was more and more dynamic! This is a really good retelling, because the original „Cinderella” here is only at the beginning. Later we have a really good book with alpha man.
Thor is bossy, dominant, sexy and of course handsome. He is a really bad prince, but his behavior is dictated by events from the past. Ella is like a real Cinderella, but she is more clever than in original version.
„Stealing Cinderella” was a really nice reading. I liked heroes in this book and the plot have sense. And finally Cinderella is a strong woman, not a grey mice. Prince Charming is a real alpha man, not a sweet AF boy.
If you like fairy tales with something new in the plot this book is for you!
A beautifully sinister twist on Cinderella’s fairytale
I am loving each and every one of the books that I have read in this series and firmly believe that every reader needs to delve into it. Kudos to the collective minds who created this initiative, and the authors who have provided their twists on our childhood fairy tales. I have to say, I’m enjoying revisiting these stories now as much I did discovering them for the first time as a kid!!!
A. Zavarelli has put a beautifully sinister twist on Cinderella’s fairytale, and I ended up absolutely loving our damaged anti-hero, Prince Thorsen Lykken. Ella Laurent, our ‘Cinder’-Ella was perfect for him.
I did think for a moment that it was going to cross that line into dub-con, which I won’t cross, but no, it definitely didn’t. Coercion though, or bribery to help family, friends or a favourite charity however?? That line is as old as time, and still so very popular in romance, and I am very ok with that.
While remaining true to the spirit of the fairytale, Ms. Zavarelli created a beautiful love story of two very damaged people who had suffered horrific abuse and during their childhoods and had been betrayed by parental figures who were meant to protect them. As always, unconditional love wins out, and in the best possible way, karma is effected. Thank you, Ms Zavarelli. Just so. I’ll be reading more from you!!
If you’re a dark reader, hell, even if you’re not, I can damn well guarantee that you will find something from this collection that will grab your romantic mind. And I highly recommend Stealing Cinderella! These dark heroes, and their women, and the unconditional love between them is stuff of, well, legends. 5 Stars. Absolutely 5 Stars
I’ve read a few retellings but this has to be one of my favourites. The plot was unexpected. I was kept on the edge of my seat because I didn’t know where the story was heading. There were some wonderful supportive characters like Calder and Charlotte. And some that were cruel and rotten to the core. Some of them deserved to be hit in the face. With a chair.
Thorsen was most certainly a dark prince rather than a Prince Charming. But I think I preferred him that way. He was a kinky prince with darkness lurking inside. His history broke my heart especially because the people who should have protected him left him feeling isolated and ashamed. I don’t think he was ready for Ella or the feelings she invoked in him. That’s why he lashed out. But no matter what, Ella in her selfless and compassionate way fought her way into his heart. She had endured a lifetime of hardships with her step family and those money hungry vultures had no feelings whatsoever for anyone but themselves.
There were many emotions that went through me. There were tears and rage, love and fear for my characters. A. Zavrelli did an incredible job in creating an engaging and captivating story filled with suspense, feeling and finding a person who loves all of your broken pieces.