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Once Upon a Shifter #1
Ella and Her Shifters
No need to make a choice with this fairy-tale retelling, where five shifters are better than one! Each standalone in the "Once Upon A Shifter" series contains a witch, her guards that love her, and a guaranteed HEA!
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2021
35 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Aria Winter
51 books194 followersAria Winter is the pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson. She loves to write romance. Especially science fiction and fantasy since that's pretty much all she reads.
She lives with her husband, 2 cats and 1 dog in TX. In addition to reading and writing, she loves biking, travel, and sitting on the deck drinking coffee or tea when it rains. For more information, follow her on www.AriaWinter.com
She lives with her husband, 2 cats and 1 dog in TX. In addition to reading and writing, she loves biking, travel, and sitting on the deck drinking coffee or tea when it rains. For more information, follow her on www.AriaWinter.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 31, 2021
Insta-love with a touch of multiple personality
SPOILERS (kinda)
Apparently she falls in love really fast, loses her virginity within a day or so (i think), and has no problem killing. This girl was first presented as a shy, damaged girl with no backbone to speak of. Then all of a sudden she loses the V, kills someone, takes multiple lovers, kills again (a very powerful being). No way this girl could have done all this without receiving a full personality flip. Story was decent, but definitely rushed and skimped on the details.
SPOILERS (kinda)
Apparently she falls in love really fast, loses her virginity within a day or so (i think), and has no problem killing. This girl was first presented as a shy, damaged girl with no backbone to speak of. Then all of a sudden she loses the V, kills someone, takes multiple lovers, kills again (a very powerful being). No way this girl could have done all this without receiving a full personality flip. Story was decent, but definitely rushed and skimped on the details.
February 6, 2021
Ella has a quiet strength
Ella has spent the years since her father's death as a servant in the house that used to be her home. Remembering the stories he told her as a child, she goes into the woods on her 18th birthday. He told her that was when she'd finally hear the animals talking, just like he did. Not believing it, but wanting to sit in their spot, for comfort, she enjoys the peace. Until a chipmunk talks to her. And then another. And then a wolf tries to kill her. Now she's being told by forest animals that there's a prophecy she features in? Then the real shocker happens, and those chipmunks turn into men.
Spoilers ahead.
This is a Cinderella tale with shifters. Not the usual predators, either. Being told that a bunny, a cat, a bluejay and 2 chipmunks are your guards is a little laughable. Until they change into hulking muscled slabs of men. Being told that it's your destiny to marry a prince sounds great, especially when you've been an abused servant in your own house. But it isn't so great when you're in love with your guards. Then it's torture. The focus is on the characters, we only get the barest of world building. Only a bit about the shifters in her guard, not much of their past, and a warning that bonding to who you gaurd can happen but probably shouldn't. Some things are revealed and then walked back, like a certain illusion. The prophecy is mentioned, repeatedly, but we never are given it- just the interpretation of it. I'm hoping because this appears to be the first that the world is built a little more in it. It was a fun read, but a couple things didn't match and I'm not sure if that's because this is a collaboration or not. I did like that Ella didn't allow hate to dictate her actions. She wasn't broken, she wasn't bitter, she never hated those that hurt her. She kept her dignity, pitied them, and used her inner strength to her advantage. She asked questions instead of just accepting what was told to her. She asked to learn how to defend herself. Meek doesn't mean doormat.
Ella has spent the years since her father's death as a servant in the house that used to be her home. Remembering the stories he told her as a child, she goes into the woods on her 18th birthday. He told her that was when she'd finally hear the animals talking, just like he did. Not believing it, but wanting to sit in their spot, for comfort, she enjoys the peace. Until a chipmunk talks to her. And then another. And then a wolf tries to kill her. Now she's being told by forest animals that there's a prophecy she features in? Then the real shocker happens, and those chipmunks turn into men.
Spoilers ahead.
This is a Cinderella tale with shifters. Not the usual predators, either. Being told that a bunny, a cat, a bluejay and 2 chipmunks are your guards is a little laughable. Until they change into hulking muscled slabs of men. Being told that it's your destiny to marry a prince sounds great, especially when you've been an abused servant in your own house. But it isn't so great when you're in love with your guards. Then it's torture. The focus is on the characters, we only get the barest of world building. Only a bit about the shifters in her guard, not much of their past, and a warning that bonding to who you gaurd can happen but probably shouldn't. Some things are revealed and then walked back, like a certain illusion. The prophecy is mentioned, repeatedly, but we never are given it- just the interpretation of it. I'm hoping because this appears to be the first that the world is built a little more in it. It was a fun read, but a couple things didn't match and I'm not sure if that's because this is a collaboration or not. I did like that Ella didn't allow hate to dictate her actions. She wasn't broken, she wasn't bitter, she never hated those that hurt her. She kept her dignity, pitied them, and used her inner strength to her advantage. She asked questions instead of just accepting what was told to her. She asked to learn how to defend herself. Meek doesn't mean doormat.
February 3, 2021
While this story is loosely based on the Cinderella fairy tale, it does have it’s own twist on the story. I did like that the plot was unpredictable in a few aspects, but overall I just didn’t find the story to be that great. The number of times that Ella says “I trust you” and “it could be the bond but....” is so repetitive that I found myself rolling my eyes every time she says it! In addition, the sexy scenes really weren’t all that sexy. The details were lukewarm and awkward at best and I ended up skipping over most of them. She may have ended up with all five men, but I only felt like she had chemistry with two of them. The characters weren’t really developed and most of their feelings were explained away as being because of the “bond”, which I feel negated those feelings, instead of them being real and developed over the course of the story. The world building was okay but a bit on the generic side, if you have seen any medieval movies then this is what you will likely imagine. I gave this book three stars simply because I liked some of the unpredictable aspects of the storyline, this is what kept me reading to the end. Otherwise I would have rated this story much lower because of the uninspiring sexy scenes, generic world building and lack of character development or chemistry between the main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2021
Wish it wasn't a standalone
I really wish we could've divided all the happenings into two books...
maybe its just cause I enjoyed the retelling of Ella enchanted in this way.
Ella is part of a prophecy that aims to unite the Human and Shifter kingdoms. She's meant to marry her Prince and the royal ball is the perfect place to catch his attention. Her Guard must ensure her safety so that their kingdoms prosper. But maybe everything isn't what it seems. and maybe finding love is better than marrying someone after meeting them at a ball.
I love that we don't dwell on her torturing from her step family. Its mentioned but it isn't dragged on. it was the right amount for us to not like her family but to still understand why she remains so kind hearted. She bonds with her guard quickly as they save her. Her intuition leads her to trust them even though she just met them. Each of the guys has a different personality and stigma to overcome. Honestly I thought the kitty mark was worse and want to slap the gals (not ella & other cat shifters) that made Devon feel bad. To those who couldn't tell the twins apart, shame on you for treating Cash & Finn that way.And those that made thumper.. I mean Nyx... feel bad for how he mates... tsk tsk...
I'm just invested in their little world.
I really wish we could've divided all the happenings into two books...
maybe its just cause I enjoyed the retelling of Ella enchanted in this way.
Ella is part of a prophecy that aims to unite the Human and Shifter kingdoms. She's meant to marry her Prince and the royal ball is the perfect place to catch his attention. Her Guard must ensure her safety so that their kingdoms prosper. But maybe everything isn't what it seems. and maybe finding love is better than marrying someone after meeting them at a ball.
I love that we don't dwell on her torturing from her step family. Its mentioned but it isn't dragged on. it was the right amount for us to not like her family but to still understand why she remains so kind hearted. She bonds with her guard quickly as they save her. Her intuition leads her to trust them even though she just met them. Each of the guys has a different personality and stigma to overcome. Honestly I thought the kitty mark was worse and want to slap the gals (not ella & other cat shifters) that made Devon feel bad. To those who couldn't tell the twins apart, shame on you for treating Cash & Finn that way.And those that made thumper.. I mean Nyx... feel bad for how he mates... tsk tsk...
I'm just invested in their little world.
February 12, 2021
DNF - quit at 15%
While the story has potential for the plot, I found there was just something about it that was off. The overlap at times was way to similar to the original Cinderella fairytale, but then adding quirky stuff to the story, just seemed to contradictory for me. I didn't like that Ella seems to just accept everything told to her. I guess I would have thought that she would try harder to lie/deceive her step-family to avoid the beatings. And yes, I understand she was treated horribly (basically abused) by her stepmother & stepsisters, but to willingly share things with them that could set her up for another beating seemed off, I would have expected her to be way more sneaky. I also didn't like the feel of the story that was projected with the insta-chemistry right off the bat. The developing relationship with the chipmunk guards with in maybe an hour (& from some of the reviews, sex by the next day)? It actually took away from the story for me. It just felt off kilter.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
While the story has potential for the plot, I found there was just something about it that was off. The overlap at times was way to similar to the original Cinderella fairytale, but then adding quirky stuff to the story, just seemed to contradictory for me. I didn't like that Ella seems to just accept everything told to her. I guess I would have thought that she would try harder to lie/deceive her step-family to avoid the beatings. And yes, I understand she was treated horribly (basically abused) by her stepmother & stepsisters, but to willingly share things with them that could set her up for another beating seemed off, I would have expected her to be way more sneaky. I also didn't like the feel of the story that was projected with the insta-chemistry right off the bat. The developing relationship with the chipmunk guards with in maybe an hour (& from some of the reviews, sex by the next day)? It actually took away from the story for me. It just felt off kilter.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
February 8, 2021
This is the story based on Cinderella but with a new twist. Ella has been treated badly by her step-family ever since her father died. She remembered his tales about being able to talk to animals, but she thought they were just stories and not real. But on her 18th birthday, she finally meets 5 shifters and finds that her father spoke the truth!
Devon, Finn, Cash, Nyx and Kai claim to be Ella’s guards because she will be a crucial part of a prophecy concerning shifters, to unite two kingdoms as one. Part of it also is that she will have to marry the prince. As expected, not everyone will be pleased with her arrival. But with the influence of her guys, will she grow in confidence and become what they need her to be?
I just loved Ella’s meeting with her guards -- a bunny, a cat, a bluejay and two chipmunks. These are not what you might imagine as being her guards, but they will surprise! The story is interesting as we see the new direction it heads. Grab your copy and see if Ella can fulfill the prophecy.
Devon, Finn, Cash, Nyx and Kai claim to be Ella’s guards because she will be a crucial part of a prophecy concerning shifters, to unite two kingdoms as one. Part of it also is that she will have to marry the prince. As expected, not everyone will be pleased with her arrival. But with the influence of her guys, will she grow in confidence and become what they need her to be?
I just loved Ella’s meeting with her guards -- a bunny, a cat, a bluejay and two chipmunks. These are not what you might imagine as being her guards, but they will surprise! The story is interesting as we see the new direction it heads. Grab your copy and see if Ella can fulfill the prophecy.
March 13, 2021
A reverse harem twist on a classic fairytale. Ella and her shifters is a cute insta love retelling of Cinderella.
On her eighteenth birthday, Ella finds out that all the stories her father used to tell her are true. Her life is forever changed when she’s saved from a wolf attack by 2 chipmunks, who turn into men. She finds out she’s supposed to marry a prince and save the kingdom. What’s a girl to do when it’s not the prince she longs for?
Finn, Cash, Kai, Devon, and Nyx have all been chosen to be Ella’s guard. This is what they’ve been born to do. With the attacks on Ella growing more frequently they try to put aside their feelings for her and keep her safe until she can marry the prince. But what happens when their feelings get in the way?
I love that Ella’s men are not your typical shifters. They are what you would associate with Cinderella: chipmunks, a blue jay, a cat, and a rabbit. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Once Upon a Shifter series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On her eighteenth birthday, Ella finds out that all the stories her father used to tell her are true. Her life is forever changed when she’s saved from a wolf attack by 2 chipmunks, who turn into men. She finds out she’s supposed to marry a prince and save the kingdom. What’s a girl to do when it’s not the prince she longs for?
Finn, Cash, Kai, Devon, and Nyx have all been chosen to be Ella’s guard. This is what they’ve been born to do. With the attacks on Ella growing more frequently they try to put aside their feelings for her and keep her safe until she can marry the prince. But what happens when their feelings get in the way?
I love that Ella’s men are not your typical shifters. They are what you would associate with Cinderella: chipmunks, a blue jay, a cat, and a rabbit. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Once Upon a Shifter series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this spin on Cinderella. Ella has been abused and used by her step mother and step sisters since her father’s death. Growing up her father would tell her fanciful stories of communicating with animals in the forest, and while she enjoyed them, she believed they were just stories. On her 18th birthday, she discovers that the stories her father told her when she was little were true, and that those animals are actually shifters. We are introduced to the 5 shifters that are meant to be Ella’s guards as she is central to prophecy for shifters. Devon, Finn, Cash, Nyx and Kai are all very unique individuals and each has their own personal struggles. I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2021
This is a Cinderella story. Her father tells her that when the animals start talking to her she is ready, and that shifters was a tale told to children to scare them. Then sitting in the spot where she used to sit with her father, when a chipmunk comes up a talks to her. They are her guards and she is to marry a prince. She is falling for her guards instead. Ella is abused by her step family but she takes it in stride. This is a very interesting twist on the Cinderella story. I loved the fact that the shifters were not bears and tigers or dragons, but a bluejay, a cat, a bunny, and two chipmunks. Very unique and a great story line. It is a wonderful book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2021
Turning eighteen, Ella goes to the woods to hear the animals speak, as her father had told her. She first hears a chipmunk and then the whole world opens up to her. The characters are divine and the storyline runs smoothly. The five shifters are her ultimate protection and so much more. Loved the origins of Cinderella and the twists that upgraded the story. The twist dealing with the prince was thoughtful and sure. Very well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2021
Had potential and is cute
This was a cute twist on the Cinderella story and while I liked it I had a hard time getting into it. Since it's a standalone I understand it will be a fastburn but it just felt like outside of the twins the other relationships were forced. There wasn't that connection it felt like to me. It had lots of potential though and had good parts. It's definitely worth checking out if you like fairy tale twists.
This was a cute twist on the Cinderella story and while I liked it I had a hard time getting into it. Since it's a standalone I understand it will be a fastburn but it just felt like outside of the twins the other relationships were forced. There wasn't that connection it felt like to me. It had lots of potential though and had good parts. It's definitely worth checking out if you like fairy tale twists.
February 8, 2021
Ella is just like cinderella in this book right down to her step mother and sisters but with a few twists the step mother is twisted and likes to hurt Ella and then there are the shifters. The good ones that want to protect Ella and the ones that want to stop her at all costs.This was a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2021
The first book in the Once Upon A Shifter series a well written fairy-tale retelling story that kept me turning pages. Ella and her shifters Devon, Cash, Finn, Nyx, and Kai, plus a human Prince that are part of her prophecy. I enjoyed reading this book and I want to read the next book. What a beautiful cover. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2021
Good
I liked it and definitely want to read more in series.
It got rather repetitive however that all five guards kept going over and over how they wanted Ella more than anything but couldn’t be more than her guards.
Great action outside the inner monologues. Glad the guys were able to fully vent their feelings as bond brothers to Devon at the end too.
I liked it and definitely want to read more in series.
It got rather repetitive however that all five guards kept going over and over how they wanted Ella more than anything but couldn’t be more than her guards.
Great action outside the inner monologues. Glad the guys were able to fully vent their feelings as bond brothers to Devon at the end too.
January 31, 2021
No spoilers!
I really enjoyed reading this author’s retelling of Cinderella as a RH fantasy.
Ella grows as a character from shy to brave. And Her shifter mates were exciting and unique.
I Can’t wait to read more RH fairytales when they are released!
I really enjoyed reading this author’s retelling of Cinderella as a RH fantasy.
Ella grows as a character from shy to brave. And Her shifter mates were exciting and unique.
I Can’t wait to read more RH fairytales when they are released!
February 9, 2021
This is a cute and enjoyable retelling of Cinderella. This story is interesting with great characters. There are unpredictable twists and good world building. I enjoyed reading how Ella grew through her story.
May 17, 2021
Intriguing indeed
This was a very hot rendition of Cinderella; who needs a prince when you can have some protective, handsome, and loyal shifter guards? Haha the story was filled with some steamy scenes! Lovely characters as well. It really was worth the read.
This was a very hot rendition of Cinderella; who needs a prince when you can have some protective, handsome, and loyal shifter guards? Haha the story was filled with some steamy scenes! Lovely characters as well. It really was worth the read.
February 7, 2021
Very sweet
You've got the classic cruel steps but the prince or princes are unexpected. This book was a quick and sweet read. Looking forward to the next fairytale!
You've got the classic cruel steps but the prince or princes are unexpected. This book was a quick and sweet read. Looking forward to the next fairytale!
February 8, 2021
RH retelling of Cinderella
February 8, 2021
Enjoyable mix of fairy tale, science fiction with likeable characters trying to unite two kingdoms. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2022
I loved this book and how the author describes the scenes as they unfold. The details are easily pictured without being overly wordy.
May 27, 2023
1.75 stars
March 26, 2021
This is basically a retelling of the story of Cinderella, but with a shifter kingdom. Ella turns eighteen and expects to be able to talk to animals like her father, but is disappointed at first when it doesn't happen. Two chipmunks keep her company when a wolf shows up. He tries to kill her but to her surprise, the two chipmunks turn into human men and kill the wolf. Ella finds out that shifters exist and that they and three other shifters are her guards. They need to fulfill the prophecy of her marrying the prince in order to bring peace to the two kingdoms. As the title clearly states, this is a harem romance so of course she does not marry the prince as planned. Someone is out to kill her to prevent peace happening. This was a different retelling of the story and I am not sad to say that this one is a lot hotter than the original. Who wouldn't want five hunky men? This was a really good story and I like how Ella puts her foot down for what she wants and not what fate says she should do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2021
I really liked this retelling of Cinderella. With the help of her guards Ella gains confidence from the meek sad mistreated girl she started out as. She learns to stop accepting what life hands her and start making her own decisions. This book has magic, action and steam. I would read again and recommend to various readers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews