When a cynical, witty Miss Kate Daltry crosses paths with Prince Gabriel at a glittering ball, their instant clash of personalities masks something far more dangerous—an undeniable attraction that neither of them can afford. She's penniless and scorned by society; he's promised to another woman whose strategic marriage will secure his throne and ambitions. But as their banter becomes increasingly irresistible and the chemistry between them grows impossible to ignore, both begin to question what they truly want versus what they're supposed to want. In this enchanting Cinderella retelling, Eloisa James asks whether a prince would really give up everything for love, or if some fairy tales are just too dangerous to pursue—and delivers a romance that's as witty and engaging as it is swoon-worthy.

Reading soundtrack

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Spotify

yearningtensionopulentforbiddenintoxicating

Regency-era tension and forbidden desire wrapped in orchestral strings, baroque pop, and sultry indie ballads. Think lush, restrained passion—glittering ballrooms meets secret longing. Artists like Florence + The Machine, Hozier, and Two Cellos capture that dangerous chemistry and historical romance.

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