I’ll be honest, I’ve never been the biggest fan of the traditional Cinderella story.
Something about the love at first sight/ whirlwind romance after just a night of dancing always felt too surface-level. Did they really connect? Or were we all just distracted by the glass slipper and the ballgown?
That’s why Cinder Luna felt like such a refreshing surprise.
ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ:
Luna moves to the cozy town of Brookhaven to help her best friend, but things don’t go exactly as planned. Her job is stressful, her apartment is cramped, and the only bright spot is gaming at night with her online friend, MidKnight. As their bond deepens, she finds herself torn when she unexpectedly connects with a handsome stranger she met on the train. With hidden identities, growing feelings, and a few Cinderella-inspired twists, Luna must decide where her happily ever after truly lies.
ᴍʏ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴄᴇɴᴛs:
This story offers a clever, contemporary spin on the Cinderella archetype, complete with unexpected plot choices and a quirky twist: the prince in question is a gamer. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never played video games and don’t know much about that world, so this angle was totally new to me. And it absolutely worked. The gamer angle added a layer of relatability and realism I hadn’t seen before in Cinderella-inspired stories.
Luna’s decision to uproot her life to plan her friend’s wedding felt completely unrealistic, and I wish she had moved to the small town for a reason beyond that. However, the quaint town and new community did provide the setup for some sweet moments and internal growth. There’s a certain charm to the way the story balances fairy-tale whimsy with modern-day complications, and that charm is what ultimately won me over.
If you’re looking for a light, fun read that plays with familiar tropes in new ways, Cinder Luna might just be your next escape.
BONUS: If you’re as curious about this unique twist on Cinderella as I was, you’re in luck! I had the chance to chat with Marie Soleil, the author behind Cinder Luna! We talked all things fairy tale retellings, unexpected inspirations, and more. Read the Q&A here!
Once Upon a RomCom
Cinder Luna is book 1 in the Once Upon a RomCom series. Book 2, Isabelle and the Beast, was released earlier this year, and I’m ready to dive into a retelling of my favorite fairytale!
And be sure to add Cinder Luna to your Goodreads shelf!
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