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The Alpha Princes #1
Betrothed
A M/M/M Mpreg Romance.
Life’s no fairy tale, especially for an omega.
When William’s father names him heir to the throne, it kicks off an event the alpha has both longed for and dreaded; the courtship contest. In a matter of weeks, he has to choose the two people he’ll spend the rest of his life with. He has Elliott; his best friend and secret love. But his family cares more about making ‘the right kind’ of match and less about little things like love and happiness. Will doesn’t want to end up in an unhappy marriage like his father, and he doesn’t share his family’s loathing of omegas.
Elliott loves Will with all his heart, and the long wait for them to be together is almost over. But first, he has to help William with the difficult task of choosing a third person to share their life with. When he meets Cinder, he knows there’s something special about the shy omega. Choosing an omega won’t be easy given the kingdom’s past, but he’s determined they’ll make it work. Until he realizes there’s more working against them than simple jealousy and family politics.
Like every omega in their island kingdom, Cinder dreams of being invited to the palace and the prince falling in love with him. Too bad that only happens in fairy tales. When his stepfather sabotages any chance he has of being selected, Cinder thinks it’s time to let go of his dreams. But when a twist of fate sees him wind up in the palace anyway, he has the chance he’s always wanted. He finds himself dealing with jealous betas, his bully of a stepbrother, and a royal family who want to pretend omegas don’t exist. Even that won’t deter him when he finally sets his eyes on Prince William and his close friend, Elliott. But someone in the palace is determined to put a stop to things and when Cinder finds himself imprisoned, their fairy tale romance hangs in the balance.
Betrothed is a ~ 97,000-word novel featuring a polyamorous romance, a modern-day fairy tale, intrigue, angst, mpreg, knotting, and of course, happy endings. There are scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
Life’s no fairy tale, especially for an omega.
When William’s father names him heir to the throne, it kicks off an event the alpha has both longed for and dreaded; the courtship contest. In a matter of weeks, he has to choose the two people he’ll spend the rest of his life with. He has Elliott; his best friend and secret love. But his family cares more about making ‘the right kind’ of match and less about little things like love and happiness. Will doesn’t want to end up in an unhappy marriage like his father, and he doesn’t share his family’s loathing of omegas.
Elliott loves Will with all his heart, and the long wait for them to be together is almost over. But first, he has to help William with the difficult task of choosing a third person to share their life with. When he meets Cinder, he knows there’s something special about the shy omega. Choosing an omega won’t be easy given the kingdom’s past, but he’s determined they’ll make it work. Until he realizes there’s more working against them than simple jealousy and family politics.
Like every omega in their island kingdom, Cinder dreams of being invited to the palace and the prince falling in love with him. Too bad that only happens in fairy tales. When his stepfather sabotages any chance he has of being selected, Cinder thinks it’s time to let go of his dreams. But when a twist of fate sees him wind up in the palace anyway, he has the chance he’s always wanted. He finds himself dealing with jealous betas, his bully of a stepbrother, and a royal family who want to pretend omegas don’t exist. Even that won’t deter him when he finally sets his eyes on Prince William and his close friend, Elliott. But someone in the palace is determined to put a stop to things and when Cinder finds himself imprisoned, their fairy tale romance hangs in the balance.
Betrothed is a ~ 97,000-word novel featuring a polyamorous romance, a modern-day fairy tale, intrigue, angst, mpreg, knotting, and of course, happy endings. There are scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2018
232 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 4, 2019
This is a surprisingly good book. Totally not what I expected but in a very good way.
I've expected tones of sex with some slight addition of a plot. But it is quite the opposite. The plot is surprisingly extensive and very interesting. I thought that I would be flipping through the pages looking for more interesting fragments and I ended up really drawn into the story and reading every single page.
It is also a merit of very good characters. The world created by the author also deserves attention. We rarely see an alternative fantasy world set in contemporary realities. I found it nice and fresh.
I've expected tones of sex with some slight addition of a plot. But it is quite the opposite. The plot is surprisingly extensive and very interesting. I thought that I would be flipping through the pages looking for more interesting fragments and I ended up really drawn into the story and reading every single page.
It is also a merit of very good characters. The world created by the author also deserves attention. We rarely see an alternative fantasy world set in contemporary realities. I found it nice and fresh.
October 6, 2022
Me gustó muchoooo💖.
La verdad que William, Elliot y Cinder fueron hermosos juntos.
Por fin una historia de Claire un poco más larga de lo que nos tiene acostumbrados, aunque sí me quedé picada con saber quién es el que está detrás de todo este lío😶.
Muero por conocer las historias de Alex y Jimmy, hermanos de Will💞.
La verdad que William, Elliot y Cinder fueron hermosos juntos.
Por fin una historia de Claire un poco más larga de lo que nos tiene acostumbrados, aunque sí me quedé picada con saber quién es el que está detrás de todo este lío😶.
Muero por conocer las historias de Alex y Jimmy, hermanos de Will💞.
April 25, 2019
Fun read :)
Warning: Cliffhanger
Enjoyed this spin on the classic tale Cinderella. Even though there is Mpreg, it is in no way filled with your typical sexy times. I for one felt like it fit the story perfectly given the time period. Even with the MCs were getting their HEA at the end, the reader is (possibly) still left wondering who is exactly behind everything. I am interested to see what happens next.
Warning: Cliffhanger
Enjoyed this spin on the classic tale Cinderella. Even though there is Mpreg, it is in no way filled with your typical sexy times. I for one felt like it fit the story perfectly given the time period. Even with the MCs were getting their HEA at the end, the reader is (possibly) still left wondering who is exactly behind everything. I am interested to see what happens next.
March 25, 2019
My first encounter with Claire Cullen was not too successful, Entangled had a great cover but was quite uninspiring. When I read the blurb for Betrothed, I decided to give it a try nonetheless. A prince, who will choose his 2 husbands in a competition of eligible bachelors, a Cinder (ella) who works in his stepfathers stable and a beta who already is in love with the prince, but still needs to compete with everyone else, to go by the rules.
It's a perfect Cinderella story, and Cinder the Omega has a lot to endure before he gets his two boys.
There was quite a bit of action and drama, some suspense, unfortunately not convincingly solved at the end, and a sweet love story between those three.
The only thing, I didn't truly enjoy was, how naive William, the future king was.
It seemed to me that everyone around was playing the political game, while he had no idea, what was going on.
The way, he let his father, the king treat him, and the way each new twist and turn surprised him, had me doubt, he would really be a good choice for a future king.
But maybe I am reading a little too much in this little romance story.
It was fun, it was interesting and it never got boring, so this was a big improvement and I will probably continue this series, to see what happens to Williams brothers.
Betrothed was a 4 star read for me and for Omegaverse lovers I would definitely recommend it.
It's a perfect Cinderella story, and Cinder the Omega has a lot to endure before he gets his two boys.
There was quite a bit of action and drama, some suspense, unfortunately not convincingly solved at the end, and a sweet love story between those three.
The only thing, I didn't truly enjoy was, how naive William, the future king was.
It seemed to me that everyone around was playing the political game, while he had no idea, what was going on.
The way, he let his father, the king treat him, and the way each new twist and turn surprised him, had me doubt, he would really be a good choice for a future king.
But maybe I am reading a little too much in this little romance story.
It was fun, it was interesting and it never got boring, so this was a big improvement and I will probably continue this series, to see what happens to Williams brothers.
Betrothed was a 4 star read for me and for Omegaverse lovers I would definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2019
I absolutely hate reading takes on fairy tales. So it was surprising to me that not only did I give this one a chance, but that I finished it. I’ll even admit that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I was going to.
There’s still a lot here that irritated me. Cinder was too much of a damsel in distress for my liking. He gets hurt a lot...like a lot!! The whole competition for the prince to find his partners was a cross between The Bachelor and Mean Girls... And the relationship between Will, Elliott and Cinder kind of hangs by a thread for way too long a long while, making the steam factor quite low.
I liked the world building. It was unusual to have a contemporary story have the feel of a period piece, yet I still believed. And there’s a mystery that runs through most of this...and while there is a HEA for our trio the mystery does not get solved in this. Honestly, I’d kind of forgotten about it by the end and if I’m honest it’s not something that will be the sole reason I read book two. I liked Will and his brothers enough to carry on with this series and I hope against hope that the fairytale vibe is over.
There’s still a lot here that irritated me. Cinder was too much of a damsel in distress for my liking. He gets hurt a lot...like a lot!! The whole competition for the prince to find his partners was a cross between The Bachelor and Mean Girls... And the relationship between Will, Elliott and Cinder kind of hangs by a thread for way too long a long while, making the steam factor quite low.
I liked the world building. It was unusual to have a contemporary story have the feel of a period piece, yet I still believed. And there’s a mystery that runs through most of this...and while there is a HEA for our trio the mystery does not get solved in this. Honestly, I’d kind of forgotten about it by the end and if I’m honest it’s not something that will be the sole reason I read book two. I liked Will and his brothers enough to carry on with this series and I hope against hope that the fairytale vibe is over.
dnf
November 4, 2024DNF for now—im just soooooo booored
October 31, 2019
You know, I've probably mentioned ad nauseum how much I am NOT a fan of Fairy Tales...and yet I keep finding myself drawn to the ones that are "reimagined" - and more often than not I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like them. Definitely more than the Disney versions, anyway.
Count this one among the wins. Maybe it was a case of the Right Book at the Right Time, but I really enjoyed this one...and immediately started the next one.
Count this one among the wins. Maybe it was a case of the Right Book at the Right Time, but I really enjoyed this one...and immediately started the next one.
July 31, 2019
Boring and drawn out too long. Cinder was too emotional and cried too much. he was painful to read.
September 19, 2018
I thought that this was a solid start to a new series, although it had a few little bumps along the road for me, I did enjoy it and I really look forward to the other two princes finding their mates as well.
This is a mix between contemporary and fantasy - cell phones and horses, a bit of Cinder-fella with Cinder living with his evil step-father and finding himself a prince, and ABO mpreg mixed in. What a great, interesting combo!
Claire Cullen writes omegas and hurt/comfort so, so well. It's in many of her stories, and something she excels at. I really enjoyed reading about Cinder, and my heart broke for how he was treated and everything he had to go through to get his HEA. I enjoyed Will and Elliott, their relationship and how they hoped to find a perfect third for their marriage.
This is somewhat light on the steam, although it's still there towards the end, and I do admit that I felt like there were times that we were told things had happened - or we just didn't get to see it. Like, I wanted to read about the wedding and maybe wedding night rather than skip over that.
Looking forward to when William's brothers find their partners!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a mix between contemporary and fantasy - cell phones and horses, a bit of Cinder-fella with Cinder living with his evil step-father and finding himself a prince, and ABO mpreg mixed in. What a great, interesting combo!
Claire Cullen writes omegas and hurt/comfort so, so well. It's in many of her stories, and something she excels at. I really enjoyed reading about Cinder, and my heart broke for how he was treated and everything he had to go through to get his HEA. I enjoyed Will and Elliott, their relationship and how they hoped to find a perfect third for their marriage.
This is somewhat light on the steam, although it's still there towards the end, and I do admit that I felt like there were times that we were told things had happened - or we just didn't get to see it. Like, I wanted to read about the wedding and maybe wedding night rather than skip over that.
Looking forward to when William's brothers find their partners!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
DNF @ 52%
Cinders was just such a sap- I couldn’t stand it anymore! I like my heroes, heroines to have a little bit of bite.
Just couldn’t read anymore.
Cinders was just such a sap- I couldn’t stand it anymore! I like my heroes, heroines to have a little bit of bite.
Just couldn’t read anymore.
October 9, 2018
“Yes, you. Always, you. From that moment I first saw you in the hall, and our eyes met, I knew you were special. You’re like us, you see. You care about others, about protecting them, helping them. You fit, Cinder, right here, with us...”
I’m so intrigued by the blurb when I read it for the first time. This is another gay version of classic Cinderella retelling. But not like other Cinderella story I’ve read, this one had given the new touch to the famous fairytale by make it into a omegaverse menage story. And I’m SOLD instantly!
The author brought this classic fairytale into a different level. There’s no mean stepmother here, instead there’s an evil stepfather and his hateful Beta son who put the omega stepson into misery. There’s also no fairy godmother or godfather here who will spread their magic to help the poor boy each time he’d been bullied. Cinder must take good care of himself from his stepfather wrath or from his stepbrother hateful act. There’s also no the famous glass shoes (or boots?) or magic pumpkin car which bring him to the prince ballrooms dance.
Cinder must depends on his own luck and destiny before fate finally brought him face to face with his Prince charming…
When the King finally choose him as the future king, William must face the next step in his life as the king successor, choosing his spouse through the courtship contest.
The fact is….William already has someone in his heart all these years and they have to keep it secretly. Elliott has become William best friend and lover since their young age back in the school and when they served together as a medic in the army. Elliott and Will are inseparable since then.
William didn’t want his marriage to end like his parents, where his beta father and mother cannot lived in harmony since the beginning. William didn’t want being trapped in the same situation with what his parents have, that’s why finding a right person to added into the relationship he had with Elliott wasn’t the easy things to do. William need to find someone who can related to both him and his lover and understand with what they have. Because Elliott happiness is one he care the most.
When fate then bring the beautiful omega with rare blue eyes into his face, William start to hope that maybe there’s a way to make his dream come true…
For years become William best friend and lover, Elliott know for sure that one day he must accept that there will be another person in their relationship when William crowned as the future king. And he already prepare himself to share William heart with another guy. Deep in his heart he knew that William heart will always be his no matter what will happen in the future. One thing that become Elliott concern is William happiness. He know for sure that William will find the right person to add into their relationship and Elliott willing to help William find that person with all his heart.
When Elliott assigned as one of the courtship contestants, he meet this beautiful omega with the most stunning blue eyes he ever seen. There’s something about this Omega that drawn his attention. When William share same interest with him about this beautiful young omega, Elliott decided that he will do anything to make things right for William, him and the young omega…
Cinder used to have a very happy life, but everything changed after his father died and his mother remarried again with another alpha, his life soon started to trembling down. When his mother passed away, Cinder has to faced all the worst thing his stepfather and stepbrother lashed on him. His only hope is waiting patiently for his 21st birthday so he could be free, leave the house and hopefully find a kindhearted alpha who will love him wholeheartedly.
When the kingdom announced the new selection to be the prince future spouse, hope sparked in Cinder heart, but soon everything turned bad because his stepfather had cut his chance to be selected. But fate seem to find it's own way to bring Cinder destiny to meet his prince charming. And from the dirty hayloft horse stable in his stepfather house, Cinder walk his path to the King palace…
His journey wasn’t easy once he arrived at the palace and become one of the candidates, Cinder must faced a lot of political intrigue inside the palace that almost cost his life and conspiracies caused by people who didn’t want The Prince take an omega as one of his spouse due to The Omega Laws and for what had happen in the past before he finally have his own HEA.
Cinder grow up with very low self confident and have serious trust issues. So, when suddenly The Prince and his lover set their eyes on him and asked him to trust them, he didn’t trust it easily. What he didn’t realize is that there’s an Alpha Prince and his Beta lover who will do anything to keep him safe and engulfed him with their love…
Overall, the story is interesting enough to follow. The conflicts are very intriguing and the mysteries and suspense are written in very good and quite tense. The romance also thick right from the beginning, the interaction and emotional connections between the three and their journey fighting for their love and happiness are portraying in very romantic way.
There are few things that still not clear until the end of the book, like who’s the real puppets master behind all the conflicts is, but maybe it will be reveal in the next book, right?
I really want to know more about the two other princes in this story. Alex and Jimmy’s story really intrigued me, but Jimmy’s story definitely curious me even more.
Bethroted is a heartwarming retelling of the classic Cinderella story with omegaverse-ménage touch that you shouldn’t miss!
September 20, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really loved to read modern takes on classic fairy tales and this was a very good Cinderella story. I loved that it is set in modern times but has a very old world feel about it. I really liked all the MCs. The three of them just meshed wonderfully. I love that the story took elements from the classic Cinderella but was different enough to make it seem fresh.
My only nit-pick with the story was the frustration that I felt with the author leaving one major unanswered question. Still the author has said this is to be a trilogy so hopefully we’ll get the answer in a future installment. If you like re-makes of classic fairy tales and you are a fan of the alpha/beta omega dynamic with a little m-preg thrown in, I really think you will love this story. I highly recommend it.
I really loved to read modern takes on classic fairy tales and this was a very good Cinderella story. I loved that it is set in modern times but has a very old world feel about it. I really liked all the MCs. The three of them just meshed wonderfully. I love that the story took elements from the classic Cinderella but was different enough to make it seem fresh.
My only nit-pick with the story was the frustration that I felt with the author leaving one major unanswered question. Still the author has said this is to be a trilogy so hopefully we’ll get the answer in a future installment. If you like re-makes of classic fairy tales and you are a fan of the alpha/beta omega dynamic with a little m-preg thrown in, I really think you will love this story. I highly recommend it.
September 13, 2018
This started out ok but got frustrating midway. I was also expecting something steamy but sadly the sex was meh and mechanical, a wasted opportunity on the omega's heat. This is a series so there are unanswered questions at the end that may be found on the next. Im not sure if im that excited to read them though.
September 23, 2018
I loved this so much. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this soft and mushy
August 20, 2023
This story had a Cinder but no fairy godmother and no slippers. The things that happened to Cinder were horrible, that missing fairy godmother could have been useful.
June 8, 2020
This was an interesting an enjoyable cinderella type mpreg book.
Cinder - oh my heart just ached for him and what he has to endure throughout this book. I love how strong he actually is for an omega though, and how he looks out for those more vulnerable than him.
Will & Elliott - I loved that despite them being in love and knowing they want to be together, they wait until they find the third in their relationship so their future starts off right as equals.
Great book with some questions still unanswered - which i'm hoping gets resolved in the next book.
Cinder - oh my heart just ached for him and what he has to endure throughout this book. I love how strong he actually is for an omega though, and how he looks out for those more vulnerable than him.
Will & Elliott - I loved that despite them being in love and knowing they want to be together, they wait until they find the third in their relationship so their future starts off right as equals.
Great book with some questions still unanswered - which i'm hoping gets resolved in the next book.
September 28, 2018
This was a nice new series with a poly theme that I can get behind. This first book has a very loose theme of a cinderella story to build around. No fairy godmothers or magic but the omega Cinder does have an evil stepfather and stepbrother. We also get a dashing and caring prince with a tag along military prince's companion that helps bridge the gap between prince and the unsure Cinder. This books doesn't break any molds and the mpreg aspect is a brief barely there thing. Overall this was and entertain book and I will be looking forward to future books in the series.
August 3, 2019
Great take on Cinderella
This is a really great version of the Cinderella story. It also has some tie-ins to modern day royalty, which I thought was really interesting. I love Cinder a lot, he's so loving.
This is a really great version of the Cinderella story. It also has some tie-ins to modern day royalty, which I thought was really interesting. I love Cinder a lot, he's so loving.
September 10, 2018
ARC from author and I thank her! This book was a delightful surprise to me since I normally don't care for poly relationships and I love her shifter books. This one is a unique jewel, strong on plot and not overwhelmed by sex - which is good because I usually get so caught up in mentally placing all those body parts that I completely lose the story. The characters are adorable, there are babies, the story is strong and while there is a great HEA, there's room for more books and I want them - now.
The blurb is good but the book is even better.
The blurb is good but the book is even better.
September 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this fresh take on the Cinderella story. A royal engagement contest gave the author a lot of room to have fun. There’s an ongoing mystery, which will presumably thread through the next two books, but she gave us enough resolution in this volume that the reader isn’t left hanging. Seriously cute and sweet.
I received an ARC, which permitted me to get a head start on writing this review.
I received an ARC, which permitted me to get a head start on writing this review.
September 3, 2025
Read 2019, 2020, 2022
This is the only book by C.C. that I rated 5 stars.
💠 MMM Mpreg Fantasy Romance 💠
✨ In this fairytale story,
a "Cinderfella" named Cinder (an omega),
is included in the courtship contest at the royal palace.
💞 He wins the hearts of
Prince William (alpha) and Elliot (beta).
(Elliot is the prince's best friend and secret love.)
The three of them form a poly relationship, the norm for the royal family.
In this world, omegas are treated as second-class citizens with no rights, often facing verbal and physical abuse. Sweet Cinder endures a lot of suffering from start to near the end. He needs help or rescue several times from the other two MCs. I really enjoy the "damsel/dude in distress" trope.
All that happened to poor Cinder during the contest, plus the omega conspiracy / political intrigue plot thread, made this a win for me. It held my attention up until the 80% mark, when the pacing slowed way down. It concludes with an overly sweet and drawn-out HEA. I speed read and light skimmed to finish. Mpreg plays a small part in the story.
Biggest Complaints:
🔻Almost no descriptions of anyone or anything.
🔻Lukewarm sex scenes with few details.
Three reads show how much I liked the story, overlooking my above issues.
Favorite Scene: Prince William was a true alpha.
“You’re not hearing me, Father.” He got to his feet again, slowly this time. “You’ll need to choose another successor,” he said, holding his father’s gaze with steady eyes as he removed the royal pin from his shirt. “If I cannot choose who I spend the rest of my life with because I’ve agreed to take the throne, then I’ll forgo the throne, forgo my inheritance, and make a life of my own with my omega and beta by my side.”
✱ I initially DNF'd book 2 because Prince James seemed weak compared to William. I'm glad I finished it later, because in book 3, James proves himself, and the story becomes much better. It was satisfying to conclude the series and resolve the "omega conspiracy" plot.
This is the only book by C.C. that I rated 5 stars.
💠 MMM Mpreg Fantasy Romance 💠
✨ In this fairytale story,
a "Cinderfella" named Cinder (an omega),
is included in the courtship contest at the royal palace.
💞 He wins the hearts of
Prince William (alpha) and Elliot (beta).
(Elliot is the prince's best friend and secret love.)
The three of them form a poly relationship, the norm for the royal family.
In this world, omegas are treated as second-class citizens with no rights, often facing verbal and physical abuse. Sweet Cinder endures a lot of suffering from start to near the end. He needs help or rescue several times from the other two MCs. I really enjoy the "damsel/dude in distress" trope.
All that happened to poor Cinder during the contest, plus the omega conspiracy / political intrigue plot thread, made this a win for me. It held my attention up until the 80% mark, when the pacing slowed way down. It concludes with an overly sweet and drawn-out HEA. I speed read and light skimmed to finish. Mpreg plays a small part in the story.
Biggest Complaints:
🔻Almost no descriptions of anyone or anything.
🔻Lukewarm sex scenes with few details.
Three reads show how much I liked the story, overlooking my above issues.
Favorite Scene: Prince William was a true alpha.
“You’re not hearing me, Father.” He got to his feet again, slowly this time. “You’ll need to choose another successor,” he said, holding his father’s gaze with steady eyes as he removed the royal pin from his shirt. “If I cannot choose who I spend the rest of my life with because I’ve agreed to take the throne, then I’ll forgo the throne, forgo my inheritance, and make a life of my own with my omega and beta by my side.”
✱ I initially DNF'd book 2 because Prince James seemed weak compared to William. I'm glad I finished it later, because in book 3, James proves himself, and the story becomes much better. It was satisfying to conclude the series and resolve the "omega conspiracy" plot.
September 22, 2018
Oh, what a ride!
I am thoroughly pleased with this book. It left me feeling quite happy that I read it.
Books with themes like this one tend to have some things that I really dislike. over the top situations that are just cheesy and immature, ridiculously flamboyant characters.
I am happy to say that this book had neither of those things! Some of the situations you could still say, “well that wouldn’t happen if it were real life..” but it doesn’t make you want to roll your eyes and say “oh brother..”
The world created here is fantastic. It is something of a mix of fantasy and modern age, but somehow the author keeps the good side of both genres without one subtracting from the other.
The characters each had a personality and I have to say that I really liked our 3 main characters. They were very sweet and good to each other.
The steam was low on this one but I really didn’t mind because the plot was more than enough to keep my attention. There IS sex in this, just not much.
There were some minor errors but nothing serious or off putting.
A little hurt comfort feels
Some mystery
Court drama
Kittens and horses
And so much more!
I am thoroughly pleased with this book. It left me feeling quite happy that I read it.
Books with themes like this one tend to have some things that I really dislike. over the top situations that are just cheesy and immature, ridiculously flamboyant characters.
I am happy to say that this book had neither of those things! Some of the situations you could still say, “well that wouldn’t happen if it were real life..” but it doesn’t make you want to roll your eyes and say “oh brother..”
The world created here is fantastic. It is something of a mix of fantasy and modern age, but somehow the author keeps the good side of both genres without one subtracting from the other.
The characters each had a personality and I have to say that I really liked our 3 main characters. They were very sweet and good to each other.
The steam was low on this one but I really didn’t mind because the plot was more than enough to keep my attention. There IS sex in this, just not much.
There were some minor errors but nothing serious or off putting.
A little hurt comfort feels
Some mystery
Court drama
Kittens and horses
And so much more!
February 17, 2019
Sappy but escapist and sweet Cinderfella menage
Much of this story was sappy with a capital “S” (even more than typical male/male romance or Omega-in-distress stories), but overall it worked fairly well as very light and escapist fare for me. As an Omegaverse menage mpreg take on the Cinderella story, it has a very fairy tale feel that uses the basic set-up (even if it varies tremendously in details).
I liked the level of royal politics - definitely important but not too detailed or overwhelming. Mystery fans may be underwhelmed by the background, but Omegaverse/romance fans may appreciate that there’s just enough of a background story to add a bit of thin/fairy tale frame to this story (and to set up two sequels about the other two Alpha prince brothers).
There is probably the best for fans of triad relationships (although the steam and heat is saved for a handful of scenes at the very end of the book).
Recommended for those who like light, escapist Omegaverse fare, especially with a role for a beta in a triad and a light Prince Charming/Cinder-omega-fella fairy tale story.
Much of this story was sappy with a capital “S” (even more than typical male/male romance or Omega-in-distress stories), but overall it worked fairly well as very light and escapist fare for me. As an Omegaverse menage mpreg take on the Cinderella story, it has a very fairy tale feel that uses the basic set-up (even if it varies tremendously in details).
I liked the level of royal politics - definitely important but not too detailed or overwhelming. Mystery fans may be underwhelmed by the background, but Omegaverse/romance fans may appreciate that there’s just enough of a background story to add a bit of thin/fairy tale frame to this story (and to set up two sequels about the other two Alpha prince brothers).
There is probably the best for fans of triad relationships (although the steam and heat is saved for a handful of scenes at the very end of the book).
Recommended for those who like light, escapist Omegaverse fare, especially with a role for a beta in a triad and a light Prince Charming/Cinder-omega-fella fairy tale story.
October 11, 2018
What a wonderful surprise. This isn’t at all what I expected. It’s an ABO ménage retelling of a classic fairytale so I was expecting light fluffy smut.
What Claire Cullen gave us is actually a beautiful romance, character development with a mystery thrown in.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Cinder, William and Elliot during the royal courtship process.
The backbone of the fairytale is there but there is no fairy godmother with a magic wand to make everything better. These men have to believe in each other and themselves to survive the challenges they face and get their Happily Ever After.
Yes, there are a few problems and I was thrown out of the story once or twice but was able to easily drop right back in.
The mystery appears to be solved but isn’t really. There are still two unexplained deaths and a poor Omega that needs justice.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait long for the next book in the series. I wonder if it will be Alex or James.
What Claire Cullen gave us is actually a beautiful romance, character development with a mystery thrown in.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Cinder, William and Elliot during the royal courtship process.
The backbone of the fairytale is there but there is no fairy godmother with a magic wand to make everything better. These men have to believe in each other and themselves to survive the challenges they face and get their Happily Ever After.
Yes, there are a few problems and I was thrown out of the story once or twice but was able to easily drop right back in.
The mystery appears to be solved but isn’t really. There are still two unexplained deaths and a poor Omega that needs justice.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait long for the next book in the series. I wonder if it will be Alex or James.
May 5, 2021
If you enjoy books about an insecure, severely abused, damsel (dudesel?) in distress, then this is your book.
Unfortunately for me, that's not what I'm into. It was one bullying situation and injury after another. A constant stream of "oh I'm not good enough for you, you can't possibly want me" and "no we love you so much!" It was just exhausting. The whole mystery who-dun-it wrap up was not convincing at all.
I did enjoy the world though. A modern take of what is usually done as a historical story.
Unfortunately for me, that's not what I'm into. It was one bullying situation and injury after another. A constant stream of "oh I'm not good enough for you, you can't possibly want me" and "no we love you so much!" It was just exhausting. The whole mystery who-dun-it wrap up was not convincing at all.
I did enjoy the world though. A modern take of what is usually done as a historical story.
October 27, 2018
Great A/B/O book!
Who wouldn’t love Prince William in this book, with Elliot coming in a close second-lucky Cinder, who actually has to go through quite a bit of angst in this book before he gets his HEA.
Who wouldn’t love Prince William in this book, with Elliot coming in a close second-lucky Cinder, who actually has to go through quite a bit of angst in this book before he gets his HEA.
November 15, 2022
Eeeeeee! This was so much fun! I put off reading it for quite a while because the cover doesn't appeal and MMM isn't my fave, but I'm so glad I finally ran out of other things to read and "settled" for it 🤣 I'm pretty sure its actually one of my favorites by this author now. 🥰
July 23, 2020
loved it. Claire Cullen is becoming an auto buy for me.
September 30, 2018
A/B/O for the future of the kingdom
This was an entrancing story with an excellent romance along with plenty of deeper story and political intrigue going on that will surely lead to a fascinating series!
The story starts with a basic idea of Cinderella but with alphas and omegas. Cinder is an omega in a kingdom that gives omegas next to no rights. But when the call comes for all eligible suitors aged 18-25 to become a part of the future king's marriage that includes Cinder. From there the story becomes this amazingly beautiful detailed and layered piece of art.
Marriages of the royal family are all triads. The current king has an unhappy marriage and none of his three sons want that for themselves, they want a marriage where they choose their partners and can find love. Will has known for years that one part of his marriage, the beta, will be his best friend and lover Elliott. Together they want to find the third that will complete their marriage and future. But Elliott is low class as it is, so the third is expected to be a noble or high class beta. There are machinations in play to ensure that the marriage is political rather than a love match and the people pulling the strings are willing to go to any lengths to get what they want.
The relationship that builds is based on feelings and matching desires. The three men all have similar values and can build something together that would be strong and loving. The fact that they have to fight for it just makes it that much stronger.
There is something very rotten in the core of this kingdom. The more the story goes on it is evident there is a mystery hidden there, both in what has happened to omegas and what is happening in the palace at present. Someone is trying to control the futures of the crown and of omegas and that is something that will still need to be explored in further books. There is much to be told here and I look forward to the upcoming books!
This was an entrancing story with an excellent romance along with plenty of deeper story and political intrigue going on that will surely lead to a fascinating series!
The story starts with a basic idea of Cinderella but with alphas and omegas. Cinder is an omega in a kingdom that gives omegas next to no rights. But when the call comes for all eligible suitors aged 18-25 to become a part of the future king's marriage that includes Cinder. From there the story becomes this amazingly beautiful detailed and layered piece of art.
Marriages of the royal family are all triads. The current king has an unhappy marriage and none of his three sons want that for themselves, they want a marriage where they choose their partners and can find love. Will has known for years that one part of his marriage, the beta, will be his best friend and lover Elliott. Together they want to find the third that will complete their marriage and future. But Elliott is low class as it is, so the third is expected to be a noble or high class beta. There are machinations in play to ensure that the marriage is political rather than a love match and the people pulling the strings are willing to go to any lengths to get what they want.
The relationship that builds is based on feelings and matching desires. The three men all have similar values and can build something together that would be strong and loving. The fact that they have to fight for it just makes it that much stronger.
There is something very rotten in the core of this kingdom. The more the story goes on it is evident there is a mystery hidden there, both in what has happened to omegas and what is happening in the palace at present. Someone is trying to control the futures of the crown and of omegas and that is something that will still need to be explored in further books. There is much to be told here and I look forward to the upcoming books!
December 23, 2024
Overall, this was a good book but something still felt off about the throuple. Will and Elliot claimed they never had sex because they wanted to wait for their third partner so there wouldn't be an imbalance. But clearly there was. They basically did everything other than sex. And when Cinder made a move on Will hoping to help him take the ease off like Will and Elliot did for each other, Will's immediate response was that it was because they had time to build up to it. This just proves that Cinder will always be years behind them.
I also didn't like how at the beginning Will was basically finding a third partner that would suit him and Elliot. It was obvious Elliot would always be chosen. They also always worked in tandem. They constantly discussed and made plans without Cinder. Will and Elliot saw each other as equals while they treated Cinder like he was weaker and needed protection.
I also felt like Will and Elliot cared more for each other. Even in their short conversations, you could tell there was love and history between them. But when it came to Cinder, they always acted with precaution like they didn't know what to say or do. Even when Cinder went into heat, they were a bit slow and dazed about it. It was almost as it they weren't excited about it.
I also didn't like how Will and Elliot were embracing and getting cozy with each other while Cinder was in prison. Although they only kiss and touched each other, I couldn't understand how could they even be in the mood for that. Overall, I felt like Will and Elliot were weak and didn't do enough for Cinder. Cinder was basically tortured and mistreated throughout the whole book and they guys could barely do anything about it. I wished they had more passion and anger towards the people who harmed him. I wished they had more passion for him. I couldn't feel their love for Cinder.
I also didn't like how at the beginning Will was basically finding a third partner that would suit him and Elliot. It was obvious Elliot would always be chosen. They also always worked in tandem. They constantly discussed and made plans without Cinder. Will and Elliot saw each other as equals while they treated Cinder like he was weaker and needed protection.
I also felt like Will and Elliot cared more for each other. Even in their short conversations, you could tell there was love and history between them. But when it came to Cinder, they always acted with precaution like they didn't know what to say or do. Even when Cinder went into heat, they were a bit slow and dazed about it. It was almost as it they weren't excited about it.
I also didn't like how Will and Elliot were embracing and getting cozy with each other while Cinder was in prison. Although they only kiss and touched each other, I couldn't understand how could they even be in the mood for that. Overall, I felt like Will and Elliot were weak and didn't do enough for Cinder. Cinder was basically tortured and mistreated throughout the whole book and they guys could barely do anything about it. I wished they had more passion and anger towards the people who harmed him. I wished they had more passion for him. I couldn't feel their love for Cinder.
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