Cinderella's time-honored story gets some all-new twists | Bandits and Ball Gowns by Christina Bauer

I’m Magicorum, meaning I’m one of the lucky folks whose future is locked into a fairy tale life template. In my case, that’s Cinderella.

Bandits and Ball Gowns

Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #5

Christina Bauer

Publication Date: November 10, 2020

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Retellings

One Prince Finds True Love ... And Risks It All

Elle Cynder has fallen hard for Alec, the 'prince' of Le Charme Jewelers. Time for some happily in their ever after, right?

Not so much.

While the new couple shares joyful moments--and sizzling kisses--serious trouble is brewing. Elle's evil stepmother, Marchesa, schemes with none other than Alec's twisted father, Legend. Their plan? Destroy Elle and Alec, along with everything the young lovers hold dear, including Bry, Knox, and Wilhelm.

Another Royal Freezes His Heart ... But For How Long?

As a prince of the dark fae, Jacoby focuses on one goal: avoid assassination. Marrying Elle would certainly aid in that cause, considering how she's both a Cinderella life template and a powerful fae warden. Even better, Jacoby doesn't truly love Elle. In court life, deep romantic attachments only mean certain death.

Then Jacoby notices Elle's youngest stepsister, Agatha.

For the first time in his life, Jacoby's cold heart warms with true affection. The elven prince struggles to ignore his feelings, but it might be a losing battle. And what would the prince's newfound emotions mean for Elle and Alec? Could Jacoby really stand by and watch another's true love be destroyed?

Buckle up for a wild ride as Cinderella's time-honored story gets some all-new twists.

Stomp… stomp… stomp…

Another morning, another mob of enchanted humans are marching outside my apartment, shouting “Elle, Elle, we want Elle!”

Not a surprise.

Lately, supernatural stalkers have been drawn to me like subway rats to a dropped Egg McMuffin. No question why, either. It’s because I’m Magicorum, meaning I’m one of the lucky folks whose future is locked into a fairy tale life template. In my case, that’s Cinderella. Sadly, there’s a reason it’s called the Grimms’ Fairy Tales and not the Chipper Funtime Fables. When magic’s in the mix, stuff turns ugly. Humans become enchanted. Shouting is involved. I’m forced into odd footwear. You get the idea.

Not that I worry about it too much. I take my Cinderella-ness, kick it in the ass and call it a bitch. Boom.

Rolling over, I peep through the glass pane and scan the sidewalk below. Since my apartment is twenty stories up, I’ve got a perfect view. Sure enough, about thirty humans mill around the concrete. They aren’t alone.

She waits, too.

Skye.

And I’m the only one who can see her. A heavy sense of dread settles into my bones.

To me, Skye appears to be about my age—meaning eighteen—and she’s made of mist and magic. When solid, Skye resembles a sheriff from the Old West who has blonde hair, black chaps and a six shooter. When she’s hazy, Skye looks like…

A shiver runs across my shoulders. Can’t think about that now.

Sensing my attention, Skye locks onto my line of vision. I could look away, but that’d be admitting that Skye gets to me. Which she doesn’t. Mostly.

Hold her gaze, Elle.

Every morning, Skye finds a new and decidedly strange way to greet me. Today, she crosses her eyes while sticking out her tongue.

Gah. On second thought, maybe I should’ve looked away. This woman is nuttier than cashew pie.

About the Author

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. It is now available as an audiobook on Audible and iTunes.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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