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Cinder
A CinderFella Story
Eldon Cinder would give anything to see Prince Xavier one last time, but only women are invited to the royal ball. When the local witch offers to make Eldon female for just one night, he agrees.
One spell.
One night.
One dance.
What could possibly go wrong?
This story also available in print in the anthology Ever After: The Collected Short Works of Marie Sexton.
Eldon Cinder would give anything to see Prince Xavier one last time, but only women are invited to the royal ball. When the local witch offers to make Eldon female for just one night, he agrees.
One spell.
One night.
One dance.
What could possibly go wrong?
This story also available in print in the anthology Ever After: The Collected Short Works of Marie Sexton.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
69 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sexton
71 books2,227 followersMarie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
The absolute best way to stay up-to-date on my books is by joining my FB group. You can view livestreams about Oestend, Coda, and the Heretic Doms Club. I also give away books on a regular basis. NO DRAMA ALLOWED!!
Or, you might want to check out these pages:
Coda: Which book do I read first?
Find a book by trope or heat level.
Visit my website/blog at http://www.MarieSexton.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
August 23, 2014
troubling, but excellent.
sexton writes with a light touch here, and it's marvelous.
critically important, also, as there are far too many opportunities for unpleasant implications, like in all the greatest of our culture's fairy tales.
in this case, though, the dark side of the story was plain to see: everything that is everything wrong with being a gay boy in a straight boy's world.
as such, i found myself triggered to fuck and back—weeping my guts out in the last half of it, while a stupid straight prince stupidly fails to figure out the stupid secret while his stupid gay beloved is standing right in front of his stupid face, stupidly.
...er.
*crushingly awkward silence*
um.
sorry.
where was i?
oh: cinderfella.
s'good. real good.
and while it didn't turn out so hot for the ladybitch cousin, with whose own triggery tribulations nobody is expected to sympathize, you can rest assured that sexton delivers a happy ending for the rest o'youse as can't be made to cry over the memory of a friend to whom you could never have found a way to say i love you.
sexton writes with a light touch here, and it's marvelous.
critically important, also, as there are far too many opportunities for unpleasant implications, like in all the greatest of our culture's fairy tales.
in this case, though, the dark side of the story was plain to see: everything that is everything wrong with being a gay boy in a straight boy's world.
as such, i found myself triggered to fuck and back—weeping my guts out in the last half of it, while a stupid straight prince stupidly fails to figure out the stupid secret while his stupid gay beloved is standing right in front of his stupid face, stupidly.
...er.
*crushingly awkward silence*
um.
sorry.
where was i?
oh: cinderfella.
s'good. real good.
and while it didn't turn out so hot for the ladybitch cousin, with whose own triggery tribulations nobody is expected to sympathize, you can rest assured that sexton delivers a happy ending for the rest o'youse as can't be made to cry over the memory of a friend to whom you could never have found a way to say i love you.
January 19, 2020
Cinder is an alternative version of Cinderella, taking place in the same time period, with a genuinely original storyline.
Actually, it could have been a little dirtier. ;) There is only one erotic scene, and it is not even that explicit.
It is a lovely, nice romance, a real fairy tale with magic, a witch, evil cousins, wonderful moments, and a surprising happy end!
Actually, it could have been a little dirtier. ;) There is only one erotic scene, and it is not even that explicit.
It is a lovely, nice romance, a real fairy tale with magic, a witch, evil cousins, wonderful moments, and a surprising happy end!
He saw me, in a way nobody else in the world did. I was real to him. I mattered. It was the most amazing gift I’d ever been given.
August 26, 2019
A CinderFella fairy tale!!! Okay I was a little hesitant at first but it’s actually really cute. Oh and for those of you skeptics out there, yup you know who you are, this was PG-13! Lol. Go ahead and enjoy the heck out of this quick read.
July 3, 2019
3 Stars
Lovers of fairy tales, specifically a retelling of a classic, should have no problem enjoying this MM short!
Cinder and Prince Xavier meet cute while Xavier is hiding from his obligation to find a wife. However, the dreaded ball waits for no one, and when Cinder is granted entry through the magic of a thankful witch, his being disguised as a girl poses quite the obstacle in saying a proper goodbye to his prince one last time.
This had a really clever solution to these guys’ obvious problem, and I finished this with a smile on my face!
Lovers of fairy tales, specifically a retelling of a classic, should have no problem enjoying this MM short!
Cinder and Prince Xavier meet cute while Xavier is hiding from his obligation to find a wife. However, the dreaded ball waits for no one, and when Cinder is granted entry through the magic of a thankful witch, his being disguised as a girl poses quite the obstacle in saying a proper goodbye to his prince one last time.
This had a really clever solution to these guys’ obvious problem, and I finished this with a smile on my face!
February 27, 2014
3.5 stars
I'll admit, I'm not the most adventurous reader. I like books that make me happy. I need the HEA. Real life can be hard enough as it is. Reading is my escape. I read, well, for the fairy tale.
So, Cinder is kinda the epitome of that, right? It's the M/M Cinderella tale...and on this day, at this hour, in the midst of madness and bruhaha happening in the Ukraine, in Arizona, and even in the M/M social webz of GR, FB, and a certain-author's own Crazytown...it reminded me of why I read and have the preferences that I do. I want to be in my happy place.
You know the story...it doesn't stray too far from the original. But, Ella is actually a fella...an adorable one named Eldon. I want to hug Eldon. And I want to kiss fuss up his hair. And I want to go fishing with him. He's just such a sweet character...a perfectly charming and slightly innocent fairy tale lead.
The Prince, Xavier...well, I like him a lot in the beginning parts. He became a bit of a doofus towards the middle...trying to find the one-that-ran-away. And being a M/M book, I was a little sad that he did want the 'girl' before even considering his feelings for the guy. But, that's just a tiny grumble. Moreso, I was irritated that he allowed that biotch, Jessalyn, treat Cinder (Eldon) badly. *hmph*
But, he does end up saving the day, as all princes do. And there is...*BIGGEST SPOILER ALERT OF ALL TIME* (<-sarcasm), a HAPPILY EVER AFTER ending. Woot!
If you're craving a feel-good and one that's quick and easy to read, definitely give "Cinder" a go!
September 30, 2024
4 Stars
Cinder is an utterly charming and wholly unique fairytale retelling of the classic Cinderella story, this time with an M/M spin that made my heart swoop in the most wonderful way.
Shame on me for leaving this unread for so many, many years on my kindle. This story was a pure joy to read.
Cinder is an utterly charming and wholly unique fairytale retelling of the classic Cinderella story, this time with an M/M spin that made my heart swoop in the most wonderful way.
Shame on me for leaving this unread for so many, many years on my kindle. This story was a pure joy to read.
November 19, 2017
Cute M/M Cinderella themed story.
February 4, 2012
Warning: a kind of girlie bits because well, Eldon is turned into a female by the witch in order to be able to come to Prince's ball and dances with the Prince. So yes, there are female breasts, but don't worry Eldon stays as male in the end :).
....
I love fairy tales -- yes, I passed my 30th birthday a couple of years ago but I still love fairy tales and happy ever after. Anything with reference or reminders to those fairy tales I know as a kid, I can't avoid them (that is why I am enjoying ABC's TV Show "Once Upon a Time") and Marie Sexton has just written one of the most wonderful fairy tales for me, with reference of (gay) Cinderella. It's just the perfect fairy tale, complete with a royal dog, a witch, evil cousin, magic, and happily ever after.
I love how Eldon and Xavier meet. It's cute and just like how fairy tales start when it comes to two people from different social status. I love how the two men forge their friendship, a servant and a prince. I love their back-and-forth conversations, how Xavier pouts when Eldon starts to call him, "sire". I love how Eldon grabs that chance to come to the ball, and after some trouble with the wrong girl, Xavier finally sees the truth about the 'princess' he falls in love with. And Eldon gets his happiness with the prince. I think how Marie Sexton writes the ending to accomplish the fact that the prince needs to be taken a bride is VERY smart (and in tune with fairy tale/magic theme).
Oh, and those references to other fairy tales in form of servants' gossips are very well done, for example ...
"Well, I heard the same things Penelope heard—that the prince is in town. But I also heard there's a group of diamond-hoarding dwarves living in the woods, and that the king from the next country over is burning every spinning wheel in his land because he's afraid of spindles, and that Bella's maid kissed a frog and it turned into a duke."
It makes me smile, it makes me all in a dreamy state, imagining the beautiful dance, and the kiss, and well, it leaves me all satisfied, with butterflies in my heart.
....
I love fairy tales -- yes, I passed my 30th birthday a couple of years ago but I still love fairy tales and happy ever after. Anything with reference or reminders to those fairy tales I know as a kid, I can't avoid them (that is why I am enjoying ABC's TV Show "Once Upon a Time") and Marie Sexton has just written one of the most wonderful fairy tales for me, with reference of (gay) Cinderella. It's just the perfect fairy tale, complete with a royal dog, a witch, evil cousin, magic, and happily ever after.
I love how Eldon and Xavier meet. It's cute and just like how fairy tales start when it comes to two people from different social status. I love how the two men forge their friendship, a servant and a prince. I love their back-and-forth conversations, how Xavier pouts when Eldon starts to call him, "sire". I love how Eldon grabs that chance to come to the ball, and after some trouble with the wrong girl, Xavier finally sees the truth about the 'princess' he falls in love with. And Eldon gets his happiness with the prince. I think how Marie Sexton writes the ending to accomplish the fact that the prince needs to be taken a bride is VERY smart (and in tune with fairy tale/magic theme).
Oh, and those references to other fairy tales in form of servants' gossips are very well done, for example ...
"Well, I heard the same things Penelope heard—that the prince is in town. But I also heard there's a group of diamond-hoarding dwarves living in the woods, and that the king from the next country over is burning every spinning wheel in his land because he's afraid of spindles, and that Bella's maid kissed a frog and it turned into a duke."
It makes me smile, it makes me all in a dreamy state, imagining the beautiful dance, and the kiss, and well, it leaves me all satisfied, with butterflies in my heart.
December 30, 2017
I think this was such a cute and sweet take on classic Cinderella story. 😌 Of course, Cinderella is a guy in this novella and called Cinder and he and the prince actually met and befriended with each other before the ball. The plot was simple but charming and interesting. Not a very big fan of Cinder transforming into a woman for a short period of time but it worked for the story and they got a HEA. Yes, big surprise! 😁 This was such a light and tasty treat between heavy books. And this is my favorite quote from Disney’s “Cinderella” story.
3.5 they lived happily ever after stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 they lived happily ever after stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 19, 2015
This fantastic twisted fairy tale was a light, sweet, FUN retelling of an old classic that gave me the expected happily ever after in a completely unexpected way.
February 4, 2012
"Appropriate is boring."
This story was absolutely adorable! The relationship between Eldon and Xavier was super sweet. The sex not at all explicit but perfectly fits with the style of the story. Yes, it is a gay fairy tale inspired by Cinderella and the first half of the story follows the tale that we all already know. But then there's a twist! And I really liked how Xavier worked everything out in the end. See, Milton really was a good tracker after all. So cute!
Yes, Eldon does end up with some envy worthy cleavage for a brief period of time, but what can I say..."appropriate is boring."
I recommend this to anyone who is in the mood for a sweet, light read that will make you smile...a lot.
This story was absolutely adorable! The relationship between Eldon and Xavier was super sweet. The sex not at all explicit but perfectly fits with the style of the story. Yes, it is a gay fairy tale inspired by Cinderella and the first half of the story follows the tale that we all already know. But then there's a twist! And I really liked how Xavier worked everything out in the end. See, Milton really was a good tracker after all. So cute!
Yes, Eldon does end up with some envy worthy cleavage for a brief period of time, but what can I say..."appropriate is boring."
I recommend this to anyone who is in the mood for a sweet, light read that will make you smile...a lot.
August 23, 2014
I am grudgingly putting this on my "M/M steamy" shelf, but this is more of a fairy tale than a romance.
Very much a spoof/twist on Cinderella, Cinder is cute and fluffy. There's a big, floppy dog, a handsome prince, and a sweet orphan boy named Eldon. There's also a witch in a cave, a magic slipper, a bitchy cousin, champagne, and a cleverly executed HEA. I would bill this as GFY, except since there was so little sexuality here, it doesn't quite fit.
Were it not for the mention of hard male members once or twice, I would let my 8-year-old read this. It's ALMOST that kind of fairy tale.
Very much a spoof/twist on Cinderella, Cinder is cute and fluffy. There's a big, floppy dog, a handsome prince, and a sweet orphan boy named Eldon. There's also a witch in a cave, a magic slipper, a bitchy cousin, champagne, and a cleverly executed HEA. I would bill this as GFY, except since there was so little sexuality here, it doesn't quite fit.
Were it not for the mention of hard male members once or twice, I would let my 8-year-old read this. It's ALMOST that kind of fairy tale.
August 10, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I was just a servant who'd gone fishing on the right day and been befriended by a prince.”
Drawing inspiration from Ever After and the Disney classic Cinderella, Marie Sexton writes her own unique take on the timeless tale, featuring Eldon Cinder, poor unfortunate servant-anointed to his cruel Aunt Cecile, his dearly deceased mother's twin sister, and her equally wicked two daughters, his 'marriageable cousins' Jessalyn and Penelope. One fated day while fishing at the lake he frequently visits for fishing, he is drawn into the royal affairs of the heart, when he stumbles upon Prince Xavier.
Riddled with metaphors of love such as 'I was as insignificant as my lure, and Xavier was the current' and 'a flood that carried me with or without my consent. If he beckoned, I felt compelled to follow. I was light as a feather, and he was the wind' that would have previously made me roll my eyes, but so spellbound was I, in the delightful moments shared between the two hapless fools in which Eldon Cinder was ever-so charmed by Crown Prince Augustus Alexandre Kornelius Xavier Redmond (yes, that's his full name!! 😂) that I could not bring myself to find fault in any of it.
“And so it was that my friendship with the prince became the center of my life, for a few short days, at least.
Each afternoon, I managed to spend a few glorious hours in his presence.”
For in the short period of time, where Cinder forces his family to eat more fish than they would like to have included in their dietary plan and exchanging truths with Xavier and getting hounded into the ground by the prince's overly zealous and large loyal tracking dog, Milton, Cinder can no longer deny that he is in love with the Prince. But, they can't stay forever in this little world they've made of their own, because as fate would test them, a ball is to take place, where the prince will choose his bride-to-be. Two weeks before the Prince marries his future queen, two weeks for Eldon to win his heart for his own. 🥺🥺
“Of course I'd known he wouldn't be around forever, but somehow, I'd let myself forget just how little time I might have with him.
One more day?
It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.”
The writing was so pure and simple and full of honest affection - Cinder's heart was raw and open and all he wanted was a chance to be with Xavier. You know the story, but do you really know the story, when Marie Sexton changes up the little details here and there, from the fairy witch, to having a chance for the spell to break at dawn, a box of mice in exchange for a shoe made of lace - the unique way in which the true owner of the shoe is revealed, and the most enchanting of all surprises that carried the suspense throughout, that defied the notion of even his cruel cousin being able to trick Xavier into thinking the destined shoe belonged to her. 🥹 🥹 The dreamy-esque feel in Cinder's desire of happiness to convince Xavier of the truth - how Xavier sensed the connection between them, but too afraid to act upon it - ah, my heart was floating in giddy happiness, as silly as that sounds. 👏🏻👏🏻
“Most people want the world. Most would ask for wealth, or true love. Any girl in the kingdom right now would ask to be his bride."
Of course they would, but I wasn't one of them. I was just a servant who'd gone fishing on the right day and been befriended by a prince. I'd already had more of him than I could ever have hoped.
"I only want to say goodbye.”
I was caught up in the magic of the moment - the wicked stepsisters - that fated dance before the clock strikes midnight on that enchanted evening - and the beautiful way in which Xavier still wanted Eldon - even as a friend, before he discovered that he was the one. 😳😳 If you need a reason to believe in fairy-tales, no matter who you are - this is sure to bring a smile to your face, as much as it brought one to mine. 🥹🥹 Who can forget watching Cinderella for the first time, and watching the realization slip upon Xavier's face when he discovers that if the shoe fits - it must be so - and how in even a short story, their few intimate and passionate scenes that lit up my heart and blocked out the cruelty of Jessalyn's endeavors to break Cinder's spirit, because '...through it all, I felt his touch on my skin.' 🫠 🫠
“I was lost in him—the weight of him on top of me, the way he tasted, the sounds he made, the softness of his lips, and insistence of his hands.
Lord, his hands.”
Xavier and Cinder were adorable and so very cute together - Xavier was a true prince, who believed in the righteousness of life and who could deny the candor and kindness Cinder showed him in every possible way that endeared to his heart and ways. It was just full of such love and tenderness - even their banter - that it felt like a dream. 💞💞 And with levity and humor, the story moved along for one enchanting chance of a happily ever after that was truly deserved and earned for their kingdom of hearts. 😇😇
“Appropriate is boring.”
It was sweet - it was endearing - 'it was magic' - it was simply delightful and with enough fun twists to the classic favorite fairy-tale, it was the perfect short story to lighten my heart after a stressful day. 🧡🧡 Less than an hour to read, but enough to leave a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. 🥰🥰
“I was just a servant who'd gone fishing on the right day and been befriended by a prince.”
Drawing inspiration from Ever After and the Disney classic Cinderella, Marie Sexton writes her own unique take on the timeless tale, featuring Eldon Cinder, poor unfortunate servant-anointed to his cruel Aunt Cecile, his dearly deceased mother's twin sister, and her equally wicked two daughters, his 'marriageable cousins' Jessalyn and Penelope. One fated day while fishing at the lake he frequently visits for fishing, he is drawn into the royal affairs of the heart, when he stumbles upon Prince Xavier.
Riddled with metaphors of love such as 'I was as insignificant as my lure, and Xavier was the current' and 'a flood that carried me with or without my consent. If he beckoned, I felt compelled to follow. I was light as a feather, and he was the wind' that would have previously made me roll my eyes, but so spellbound was I, in the delightful moments shared between the two hapless fools in which Eldon Cinder was ever-so charmed by Crown Prince Augustus Alexandre Kornelius Xavier Redmond (yes, that's his full name!! 😂) that I could not bring myself to find fault in any of it.
“And so it was that my friendship with the prince became the center of my life, for a few short days, at least.
Each afternoon, I managed to spend a few glorious hours in his presence.”
For in the short period of time, where Cinder forces his family to eat more fish than they would like to have included in their dietary plan and exchanging truths with Xavier and getting hounded into the ground by the prince's overly zealous and large loyal tracking dog, Milton, Cinder can no longer deny that he is in love with the Prince. But, they can't stay forever in this little world they've made of their own, because as fate would test them, a ball is to take place, where the prince will choose his bride-to-be. Two weeks before the Prince marries his future queen, two weeks for Eldon to win his heart for his own. 🥺🥺
“Of course I'd known he wouldn't be around forever, but somehow, I'd let myself forget just how little time I might have with him.
One more day?
It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.”
The writing was so pure and simple and full of honest affection - Cinder's heart was raw and open and all he wanted was a chance to be with Xavier. You know the story, but do you really know the story, when Marie Sexton changes up the little details here and there, from the fairy witch, to having a chance for the spell to break at dawn, a box of mice in exchange for a shoe made of lace - the unique way in which the true owner of the shoe is revealed, and the most enchanting of all surprises that carried the suspense throughout, that defied the notion of even his cruel cousin being able to trick Xavier into thinking the destined shoe belonged to her. 🥹 🥹 The dreamy-esque feel in Cinder's desire of happiness to convince Xavier of the truth - how Xavier sensed the connection between them, but too afraid to act upon it - ah, my heart was floating in giddy happiness, as silly as that sounds. 👏🏻👏🏻
“Most people want the world. Most would ask for wealth, or true love. Any girl in the kingdom right now would ask to be his bride."
Of course they would, but I wasn't one of them. I was just a servant who'd gone fishing on the right day and been befriended by a prince. I'd already had more of him than I could ever have hoped.
"I only want to say goodbye.”
I was caught up in the magic of the moment - the wicked stepsisters - that fated dance before the clock strikes midnight on that enchanted evening - and the beautiful way in which Xavier still wanted Eldon - even as a friend, before he discovered that he was the one. 😳😳 If you need a reason to believe in fairy-tales, no matter who you are - this is sure to bring a smile to your face, as much as it brought one to mine. 🥹🥹 Who can forget watching Cinderella for the first time, and watching the realization slip upon Xavier's face when he discovers that if the shoe fits - it must be so - and how in even a short story, their few intimate and passionate scenes that lit up my heart and blocked out the cruelty of Jessalyn's endeavors to break Cinder's spirit, because '...through it all, I felt his touch on my skin.' 🫠 🫠
“I was lost in him—the weight of him on top of me, the way he tasted, the sounds he made, the softness of his lips, and insistence of his hands.
Lord, his hands.”
Xavier and Cinder were adorable and so very cute together - Xavier was a true prince, who believed in the righteousness of life and who could deny the candor and kindness Cinder showed him in every possible way that endeared to his heart and ways. It was just full of such love and tenderness - even their banter - that it felt like a dream. 💞💞 And with levity and humor, the story moved along for one enchanting chance of a happily ever after that was truly deserved and earned for their kingdom of hearts. 😇😇
“Appropriate is boring.”
It was sweet - it was endearing - 'it was magic' - it was simply delightful and with enough fun twists to the classic favorite fairy-tale, it was the perfect short story to lighten my heart after a stressful day. 🧡🧡 Less than an hour to read, but enough to leave a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. 🥰🥰
February 4, 2012
You know the recipe.
One part orphaned child (A very adorable young man named Cinder)
One part wicked stepmother (Or in this case, aunt)
Two parts nasty stepsisters (This time it's nasty twin cousins)
One cup O' hot and smexy prince(a royal prince named Xavier, not the pop star in purple lace)
Stir that all together with a dash of adorably over-sized puppy, two shakes of magic, lacy slippers and a fairy god-witch!
When you bake that at 350 degrees in an oven for the hour or so it takes to read it, you get a book full of syrupy sweet and clever cuteness.
If you couldn't tell already, I adored this story. Every single word of it. I loved the references and shout-outs to other fairy tales, and the way that Sexton presented them as rumors that run rampant through through the towns.
Milton, the over-sized puppy that loves to play fetch, just made me want to hug him. When he gives Xavier a look of disgust and all but says "Duh, Xavier, duh!" I giggled.
The friendship between Xavier and Cinder was so appreciated because there are all too many short stories where the love seems to explode like a premature firecracker. That was not so in this book. I liked that Cinder and Xavier were friends first. I wish there were more books like that.
So, this story (even though it's a short story), gets a very strong and full four stars from me. So, what's that recipe above for? Well, it's a recipe for a smile, of course. Duh, you guys, duh. *snicker*
One part orphaned child (A very adorable young man named Cinder)
One part wicked stepmother (Or in this case, aunt)
Two parts nasty stepsisters (This time it's nasty twin cousins)
One cup O' hot and smexy prince(a royal prince named Xavier, not the pop star in purple lace)
Stir that all together with a dash of adorably over-sized puppy, two shakes of magic, lacy slippers and a fairy god-witch!
When you bake that at 350 degrees in an oven for the hour or so it takes to read it, you get a book full of syrupy sweet and clever cuteness.
If you couldn't tell already, I adored this story. Every single word of it. I loved the references and shout-outs to other fairy tales, and the way that Sexton presented them as rumors that run rampant through through the towns.
Milton, the over-sized puppy that loves to play fetch, just made me want to hug him. When he gives Xavier a look of disgust and all but says "Duh, Xavier, duh!" I giggled.
The friendship between Xavier and Cinder was so appreciated because there are all too many short stories where the love seems to explode like a premature firecracker. That was not so in this book. I liked that Cinder and Xavier were friends first. I wish there were more books like that.
So, this story (even though it's a short story), gets a very strong and full four stars from me. So, what's that recipe above for? Well, it's a recipe for a smile, of course. Duh, you guys, duh. *snicker*
September 7, 2017
3 1/2 stars.
I needed to read a book based on a fairy tale for the Turning Pages at Midnight Challenge, and this was the perfect choice. It was a short and sweet M/M version of Cinderella, kind of.
Very cute, not a lot of drama.
I needed to read a book based on a fairy tale for the Turning Pages at Midnight Challenge, and this was the perfect choice. It was a short and sweet M/M version of Cinderella, kind of.
Very cute, not a lot of drama.
September 14, 2021
I've been on a roll of MM re-tellings of classic tales, and this one's the best so far! Really creative, and a truly fantastic ending.
July 31, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this one. I've found myself loving these m/m takes on fairy tales, and usually Marie Sexton is one of my favorite authors. But this book just did not work for me in so many ways.
Biggest: it just seems so wrong in this time when people are fighting so hard for equality--especially in a world where magical solutions to problems are not only possible, but actually happen--that Cinder would have to turn into a woman in order to get his happy ending. And I'm not talking about people who are transgendered and choose to become what they feel they are inside... Cinder didn't want to be a woman permanently. First he did it so he could get into the prince's party, which was bad enough. But to have the prince's wonderful, magical solution to his marriage problem be to turn Cinder back into a woman just for the ceremony seems wrong on so many levels.
If that much magic is possible, why not magic the king into re-writing the law at the last minute? Or magic the law so that it would always have said two people of any gender can be married if they choose?
Honestly, it seemed to me like the prince's "solution" was really telling Cinder that he wasn't quite good enough. I know the prince did it just to satisfy the law so he wouldn't be disinherited, but why change Cinder? Why not change something else so that Cinder is never left wondering if he's really what the prince wanted after all?
Ugh, I'm just so frustrated by this book. If I could give it less than a star I absolutely would. I would recommend avoiding this book, especially as there's a delightful m/m version of the Cinderella story in the Bedknobs & Beanstalks: Anthology of Gay Erotic Fairy Tales anthology that doesn't involve turning anyone into anything they're not just to satisfy selfish whims. Read that one instead.
Biggest: it just seems so wrong in this time when people are fighting so hard for equality--especially in a world where magical solutions to problems are not only possible, but actually happen--that Cinder would have to turn into a woman in order to get his happy ending. And I'm not talking about people who are transgendered and choose to become what they feel they are inside... Cinder didn't want to be a woman permanently. First he did it so he could get into the prince's party, which was bad enough. But to have the prince's wonderful, magical solution to his marriage problem be to turn Cinder back into a woman just for the ceremony seems wrong on so many levels.
If that much magic is possible, why not magic the king into re-writing the law at the last minute? Or magic the law so that it would always have said two people of any gender can be married if they choose?
Honestly, it seemed to me like the prince's "solution" was really telling Cinder that he wasn't quite good enough. I know the prince did it just to satisfy the law so he wouldn't be disinherited, but why change Cinder? Why not change something else so that Cinder is never left wondering if he's really what the prince wanted after all?
Ugh, I'm just so frustrated by this book. If I could give it less than a star I absolutely would. I would recommend avoiding this book, especially as there's a delightful m/m version of the Cinderella story in the Bedknobs & Beanstalks: Anthology of Gay Erotic Fairy Tales anthology that doesn't involve turning anyone into anything they're not just to satisfy selfish whims. Read that one instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
An M/M retelling of Cinderella. I didn't know how she was going to pull of their HEA, especially since the part we're all familiar with was over by the end of the first chapter, with two chapters left to go. But I liked how that came about, even if it was the most fantastical part of this tale, lol.
Ends at 83%
Ends at 83%
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March 8, 2022
Both Cinder and the prince were agreeable characters, and I enjoyed how they fell for each other. The second half of the story went beyond the Cinderella fairytale, which was a nice surprise. Overall truly enjoyable, where the only disturbance to my reading pleasure was the occational misuse of honorary and ranked titles.
January 11, 2016
OMG ! This book makes me happy.
I rarely found myself happy after reading books, and keep on smiling after.
Everyone who knows me , knew that I'm a fairy tales junkies... :)
And Cinder has fulfill my need of a slash of my all time favorite tale!
It was like, I'm stuck inside the book with Cinder/Eldon, Xavier and Milton the dog !
It's so much fun reading this story. And this one has easily become my favorite read of 2016 !
Highly recommended!
December 28, 2014
I've heard only great things about this book so maybe that's why I'm disappointed; my expectations were too high. I was expecting a very cute light read but instead I found myself more often than not annoyed instead of going "awwww". None of the characters really stuck with me tbh and some things were pretty confusing/annoying:
- Did Xavier like boys or girls or both? I guess it's both because he get's turned on by girl!Eldon when they kiss, but maybe it's just because she (subconsciously) reminding him of Eldon?... but yeah that was pretty confusing.
- Also, it bothered me how he said that he loved Eldon for a very long time but then he basically falls for girl!Eldon and is ready to mary her and forget about Eldon just like that. Yes it was girl!Eldon he was falling for but in the end he didn't know that it was Eldon.
- Too many Jessalyn and Xavier scenes that just cut in the Eldon/Xavier scenes and were just annoying.
Yeah, basically all these points kept me from really liking this book.
- Did Xavier like boys or girls or both? I guess it's both because he get's turned on by girl!Eldon when they kiss, but maybe it's just because she (subconsciously) reminding him of Eldon?... but yeah that was pretty confusing.
- Also, it bothered me how he said that he loved Eldon for a very long time but then he basically falls for girl!Eldon and is ready to mary her and forget about Eldon just like that. Yes it was girl!Eldon he was falling for but in the end he didn't know that it was Eldon.
- Too many Jessalyn and Xavier scenes that just cut in the Eldon/Xavier scenes and were just annoying.
Yeah, basically all these points kept me from really liking this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2015
I think I understand why the ratings are not off the roof. If you consider this story seriously, I'm sure a lot of gay people and women would be taking offence. But, if you consider this for the spin-off that it is, then you'd enjoy the book. I mean, come on. It's Marie Sexton! And the story is a nice take to the well-loved Disney classic. It was both funny and nostalgic. And well, a gay guy can dream, right? Although, I was kinda hoping there could have been an epilogue or something to solidify Eldon's happy ending with the "unconventional" prince.
March 3, 2013
A short retelling of "Cinderella" with Cinder being a young man. It was light, fast, low-angst and smoothly written. I've seen reviews unhappy with one aspect of the "get him to the ball" magic. For me, it worked fine, and the ending wasn't some kind of cop-out but sweet and openly M/M HEA. There's not much to this story, but what there is gives a sweet little taste of fluff and a smile.
June 11, 2014
Bippity Boppity Boo! What a very smart Prince :) I love Fairy Tales!
Peas in a pod, thank you Cat.
Peas in a pod, thank you Cat.
Want to read
June 11, 2014Free on Smashwords today with coupon code UN95P, 6/10/14!
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this! Marie Sexton is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors, which is a small group that I'm always happy to add to. Her creativity blows me away and when you add in great writing, enjoyable characters and a sweet romance, it almost always results in a book that I love reading. This book is a Cinderella retelling, which is a genre I haven't tried yet (and haven't been interested in) but this was available for free through the author's newsletter so I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did.
I loved what the author did with the Cinderella aspects. There was the minor plot hole regarding why Eldon Cinder (ie Cinderella) stays working for his aunt and cousins when they treat him like garbage and don't even pay him. At one point in the story, Eldon even points out that he could find employment as a servant in another household, so it's never explained why he stays. Since the author did a good job addressing all the other plot holes that come with the original fairytale, I wish this one had been plugged too.
But I loved the author's take on everything else because certain parts of the fairytale that made no sense or were rushed were done properly through this retelling. I loved the amount of effort that Marie Sexton put into the story!
I also loved the progression of the relationship between Xavier and Eldon. It's so much better developed than the relationship in the fairytale was and as a result, it's a lot more interesting too. And I loved the clever gender twist that the author added in. I don't want to spoil anything but the author made very good use of the magical aspects of the fairytale and they were used to add interesting twists along the way. To be honest, I did guess what the final twist would be and I'm assuming it won't come out of left field for most seasoned romance readers but I loved seeing Eldon's surprise when he realized what Xavier had done.
The whole story was very sweet and it was also creative and interesting. It's made me re-examine my automatic refusal to try fairytale retellings and it's added to my delight at having discovered what many of you have known for years - that Marie Sexton knows how to tell good stories.
I loved what the author did with the Cinderella aspects. There was the minor plot hole regarding why Eldon Cinder (ie Cinderella) stays working for his aunt and cousins when they treat him like garbage and don't even pay him. At one point in the story, Eldon even points out that he could find employment as a servant in another household, so it's never explained why he stays. Since the author did a good job addressing all the other plot holes that come with the original fairytale, I wish this one had been plugged too.
But I loved the author's take on everything else because certain parts of the fairytale that made no sense or were rushed were done properly through this retelling. I loved the amount of effort that Marie Sexton put into the story!
I also loved the progression of the relationship between Xavier and Eldon. It's so much better developed than the relationship in the fairytale was and as a result, it's a lot more interesting too. And I loved the clever gender twist that the author added in. I don't want to spoil anything but the author made very good use of the magical aspects of the fairytale and they were used to add interesting twists along the way. To be honest, I did guess what the final twist would be and I'm assuming it won't come out of left field for most seasoned romance readers but I loved seeing Eldon's surprise when he realized what Xavier had done.
The whole story was very sweet and it was also creative and interesting. It's made me re-examine my automatic refusal to try fairytale retellings and it's added to my delight at having discovered what many of you have known for years - that Marie Sexton knows how to tell good stories.
January 22, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Short and sweet MM retelling of Cinderella. I enjoyed the adaptations and the connection between the characters, but the ending felt a little rushed and overly simplistic.
Short and sweet MM retelling of Cinderella. I enjoyed the adaptations and the connection between the characters, but the ending felt a little rushed and overly simplistic.
June 8, 2020
I’m not the biggest fan of retelling of fairytales.
That being said I thought this was adorable.
I thought it was the correct length.
I thought it was sweet.
That being said I thought this was adorable.
I thought it was the correct length.
I thought it was sweet.
August 31, 2017
Once upon a time........
Sweet m/m version of the Cinderella fairytale.
Sweet m/m version of the Cinderella fairytale.
September 1, 2013
I read this book yesterday but had to think about how I wanted to rate and review it. It's a beautifully told story, a male-male adaptation of one of my favorite fairy tales. In my opinion, this author is one of the best in the genre. I loved the story and was especially impressed with the way the dialogue provided foreshadowing and how everything all worked out so magically in the end. Although I knew before I began reading that it was a fairy tale and would have its HEA, I didn't know exactly how everything would be resolved.
The element of the story that seems to have created some controversy is that the main character, Eldon Cinder, has to be magically transformed into a woman in order to attend the ball and dance with his Prince. I had no problem with that, personally. In fact, that twist is probably the thing I loved most about the story.
What gives me pause and makes me uncomfortable is the careful way Eldon's masculinity was emphasized. Once physically transformed, the witch who'd cast the spell realized she hadn't done enough. She had to cast a second spell, one that would strip Eldon of his masculinity in order for him to be able to pass as a believable woman.
I wonder what would have been so wrong with simply allowing the character to be softer, less masculine. After all, he'd been raised around all women. He did their hair, primped on them, tended to their needs. He was their servant, and I think it would have been so touching to stress the contrast of his softer more feminine nature with that of his manly prince.
We don't see that much in m/m romance, though. In the rare cases that an author writes a story like that, the masses begin to rant and rave, labeling the character as a "girly boy" or a "chick with a dick". I wish Cinder had, in fact, been more like Cinderella. I think the reason so many of our m/m romances are written with two equally masculine lead characters speaks more about the genre than it does about what really exists in gay relationships. But then again, this is fiction, and the audience is comprised primarily of women who want both lead characters to be manly (you know, like taking a m/f romance and simply substituting the female character with a masculine man). In actual gay relationships, there often is a softer, more submissive partner, and they really don't give a damn if anyone asks, "which one of you is the woman?"
The element of the story that seems to have created some controversy is that the main character, Eldon Cinder, has to be magically transformed into a woman in order to attend the ball and dance with his Prince. I had no problem with that, personally. In fact, that twist is probably the thing I loved most about the story.
What gives me pause and makes me uncomfortable is the careful way Eldon's masculinity was emphasized. Once physically transformed, the witch who'd cast the spell realized she hadn't done enough. She had to cast a second spell, one that would strip Eldon of his masculinity in order for him to be able to pass as a believable woman.
I wonder what would have been so wrong with simply allowing the character to be softer, less masculine. After all, he'd been raised around all women. He did their hair, primped on them, tended to their needs. He was their servant, and I think it would have been so touching to stress the contrast of his softer more feminine nature with that of his manly prince.
We don't see that much in m/m romance, though. In the rare cases that an author writes a story like that, the masses begin to rant and rave, labeling the character as a "girly boy" or a "chick with a dick". I wish Cinder had, in fact, been more like Cinderella. I think the reason so many of our m/m romances are written with two equally masculine lead characters speaks more about the genre than it does about what really exists in gay relationships. But then again, this is fiction, and the audience is comprised primarily of women who want both lead characters to be manly (you know, like taking a m/f romance and simply substituting the female character with a masculine man). In actual gay relationships, there often is a softer, more submissive partner, and they really don't give a damn if anyone asks, "which one of you is the woman?"
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