Book Review for Stalking Cinderella by Leann Belle
I received this book for free. This does not impact my reviews in any shape or form.
Stalking Cinderella, by Leann Belle, is a dark, erotic retelling of Cinderella about how a woman finds her sexual freedom. The story introduces Elise, the titular Cinderella, who finds herself in the hands of the three most powerful men in her life; Rowan, her stepbrother and obsessive lover; Zakari, the Crown Prince and obsessive stalker; and Nero, her fairy godfather and obsessive demon. As Elly explores the darker parts of herself, she realizes the joys of being tormented by her suitors, and begins to understand the power she has and how she doesn’t have to settle for a half-baked happily ever after.
This was entertaining. Yes, there are a lot of dark moments, some of which contain dubious consent. That being said, I liked seeing how all three men gathered together to ensure Elly was protected. I enjoyed how Rowan wasn’t willing to watch the abuse his mother was putting Elly through, how Zakari wanted to court Elly properly, even though it ended with a rather despicable man dying, and how possessive Nero was, and that, even though Elly and the others had literally sold their souls to him, may very well care for them after they go to Hell. The bliss they share was worth damning themselves and Zakari’s entire line. It may seem selfish, even cruel, but they were all pretty miserable before they met. If this is what gives them any semblance of life, I’m not one to judge.
It’s interesting how accurate Elise’s relationship is with Carter mirrors real life. She isn’t one to bow to anyone, and is able to manipulate anyone she desires if it meant getting out of her stepmother’s thumb and securing her inheritance. This is a far cry from the Cinderella I’ve grown up with. And as her suitors have rightly pointed out, Carter would’ve used her and discarded her. She would’ve allowed herself to undergo the same abuses that her stepmother had subjected her to if it meant making sure she wouldn’t have to rely on her stepmother, or even Rowan, again. It makes for a rather attractive dynamic. I also liked how Rowan and Zakari decided to work together with Nero as a way to ensure her safety and happiness. True, I may not agree with the secrets they’re hiding from her, nor do I agree with the deal that Rowan and Nero made behind Zakari’s and her back, but I like the idea of Elise having some semblance of power, even over Rowan. The sex scenes were the epitome of debauched, tasteful, and downright sinful, the positions they were in paralleling to Elise’s newfound pleasure.
As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
