So really this was a Cinderella retelling in loosest definition possible. There's a ball and a more-misguided-than-evil stepfamily and a lost shoe but it's really more of a contemporary M/M romance / coming-out story than anything. It was a pretty good story [even though coming-out stories are not generally my cup of tea] but overall it felt a little bit two-dimensional. I guess it is, at heart, a fairy-tale retelling and fairy-tale characters are generally more stereotypes than anything, but I think I would have cared about the characters a little bit more if they felt more like real people. But despite the insta-love and the [to me] a bit over the top teenage angst, it was still a pretty enjoyable and cute story. Although I wouldn't really recommend it to people who like fairy-tale retellings [what I was looking for], but more to people who like contemporary romance [something I generally try to stay well away from]. I just feel like fairy-tale retellings still need to have a little bit of actual magic in them, and this doesn't, but it was still a very unique story and I liked the casual narration style.

This book surprised me. I really liked the characters, even the stepfamily (which is rare in a cinderella remake). The characters are actually what made this book for me. The story isn't that original, but these awesome characters turned it into something special. I do feel there should've been a bit more of a resolution. It felt a bit too easy.

If you're looking for a fun m/m contemporary and love retellings, this is definitely the book for you.

Didn't care to finish reading it.

This is a totally fun to read modern Cindarellaish retelling. In this story, Chris is the Cinderella stand-in, living with his not really wicked step-mother and his step-brother and sister. When they all go to a fancy ball for the handsome and eligible bachelor, JJ Kennerly, part of a wealthy political family who his sister, Kimberly hopes to catch the attention of and marry for his money, Chris is left at home. That is, until drag queen Coco Chanel Jones shows up and takes Chris to the ball where he sees the handsome JJ and it is love at first sight for both of them. The story is funny and heart-warming and overall, a fun read.

What an odd little piece.
Oddly charming, oddly sassy and oddly emotional, to be exact.

This is a modern YA GLBT romance that is very (and I mean very) loosely based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. There's a ball, a missing shoe and a fairy godmother involved, as well as a selfish (yet strangely lovable) step-family and some sort of Prince Charming.
It is told from the perspective of adorable 17 year old Chris, who's been living with his step-family since his father's death a few years back. Chris likes his low-key existence, blending in while the rest of his family enjoys the spotlight. He wasn't planning on falling in love with her gorgeous sister's new boyfriend though, who's also arguably the country's most eligible bachelor and future President, nor did he expect to meet a bunch of sassy drag queens who gradually bring him out of his shell. When his life gets turned upside down, he's faced with involuntary outings, decisions he never wanted to have to make, and a love he didn't expect to find so soon.

I'm not sure how long I was lost in my unhappy thoughts before a voice said, "Child, if that frown gets any lower, you're gonna trip someone."
And then I looked up to see standing before me... Diana Ross?


When I first read this book's title, I just knew I had to read it. I also knew I was in for something fun, a lot of banter and quirk, but nothing could've prepared me for the giggles and laughing fits I found myself in during the first 15% of this book, mainly courtesy of Coco, Special Kaye and Aphra, the three gloriously bitchy drag queens. I really need a book that revolves fully around them. Stat.

"Bitch, you are one pair of scissors away from going drag queen to transsexual, understand?"


After the hilarious start though, I was surprised to find that it was actually a lot more than just fun and lunacy. It's also a story of self-acceptance, loyalty and friendship, sometimes emotional, but mostly light and humorous.

Also, there was so much character growth going on, especially in Chris's family. While they started out rather shallow and obnoxious, it wasn't long until their facades started to crumble, and the more layers of their personalities were revealed, the harder it was not to fall for them and their odd idiosyncrasies.

Why, oh, why was life always messing up my attempts to get some order and some metaphorical poetry into it?

This was a truly delightful read.