There’s just something about a Cinderella retelling, right? The grand ball, the hidden identity, the romance that defies all the rules—these stories never get old! And when you mix that with historical romance? It’s pure magic.

But what if the hero is the one playing Cinderella? What if the prince isn’t so charming? What if the girl in the glass slippers would rather burn them than wait to be rescued?

In today’s episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we’re diving into five incredible historical romance Cinderella retellings—each with its own twist on the classic fairytale. These books fit perfectly into the Crystal Lake prompt for Romanceopoly 2025, which challenges you to read a fairy tale retelling or cozy fantasy.

If you’re looking for strong heroines, broody heroes, grand balls, masquerade balls, and love that defies expectations, this episode is for you!

🔹 Books Featured in This Episode:

Marry Me at Midnight by Felicia Grossman

• A gender-swapped Cinderella where the hero is the one trapped in an impossible situation. A strong, business-savvy heroine needs a husband fast—but the one man who truly sees her is the one she can’t have.

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

• Bridgerton fans, this is your moment! A classic masquerade ball Cinderella romance where a nobleman falls for a mysterious beauty—only to later discover she’s the housemaid he never saw coming.

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James

• What if Cinderella had no patience for fairy tale nonsense? A smart, sharp heroine, a broody prince in a political marriage, and a single kiss at midnight that changes everything.

The Prince Who Loved Me by Karen Hawkins

• A Scottish Cinderella retelling featuring a bookish, glasses-wearing heroine who turns the tables on a flirtatious prince—only for him to fall first and fall hard.

One Night with You by Sophie Jordan

• One magical night. One hidden identity. One scandalous masquerade ball. When a woman who was once ignored by her childhood crush has a single unforgettable night with him, he has no idea it’s her—but she knows the second he finds out, it’s over.

🔹 What is Romanceopoly?

If you haven’t joined Romanceopoly yet, it’s a year-long reading challenge full of fun prompts, special events, and themed readathons! You can move through a cute reading map and discover new genres, authors, and books you might never have picked up before.

Join the challenge here

These books fit perfectly into the Crystal Lake prompt—so if you’re looking for a fairytale-inspired romance, this is your sign to pick one up!

🔹 Want Even More Cinderella Retellings?

Looking for even more Cinderella-inspired romance books? Whether you love historical, contemporary, or even fantasy retellings, I’ve got a full list for you on the blog!

Check out the list here

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