Romantic Reimaginings: 7 Fairytale Retellings That Will Steal Your Heart

9 minute read

Modern romance novels based on fairytales, enchanted forest with 5 book covers

For so many of us, fairytales are our first introduction to romance, helping shape our understanding of courage, true love and happily ever after. It’s no wonder they make the perfect framework for a modern love story. Whether you’re craving something dark and dangerous or cozy and comforting, these seven retellings prove that the best fairytales are the ones we get to fall in love with all over again.

Inspired by Cinderalla

A Necromancer’s Guide to Grave Mistakes

by Melissa Wright


isbn: 9781950958634,template: list, title: A Necromancer's Guide to Grave Mistakes

Ellenora Morgrave has a problem letting go. When her emotions grow unruly, so does her magic, and the creatures she accidentally raises from the dead refuse to return to the grave. In a kingdom where necromancy exists solely to investigate crimes against the crown, Ella’s undead family could spell her end. But when her father is murdered and her stepfamily stands to inherit not just his estate but his post as head necromancer, Ella must turn to investigations of her own.

Prince Silas has a problem hanging on. Over the years, he’s gained a bit of a reputation. But as sole heir, he’s used to the things he cares about being torn away, including the wild and slightly terrifying girl with a penchant for collecting wounded creatures he fell for in his youth. When his valet dies under suspicious circumstances and the palace guard can’t be trusted, he knows just who to turn to.

Together, Ella and Silas dig up a conspiracy, old wounds and the dead. But setting things right will test the walls they’ve built to protect themselves. As Prince Silas realizes he’s found something worth holding onto, Ella may be forced to finally let go.


Inspired by The Little Mermaid

A Storm in Every Heart

by Kate King

Odessa Ashwater knows there’s a fine line between love and hate. Loving a siren inevitably leads to death or insanity. Nevertheless, after Dessa rescued Crown Prince Kastian of Hydratta from drowning, she was convinced they were destined for each other. Now, a century later, she’s sure the only thing they’re fated for is to destroy each other.

Kastian Stormbreaker is unshakable. Many years ago, he lost his family, his crown, his freedom and the opportunity to find his soul-bonded mate all in a single night. Now, nothing can break through his calm facade. Nothing, except the mesmerizing siren whose captivating beauty and fierce animosity he can’t resist.

When an enemy from Kastian’s past asks for Odessa’s hand in marriage, she views it as an ideal chance to form a strategic alliance for her court while distancing herself from Kas. But when the engagement turns deadly and Odessa gets in over her head, Kastian is the only one who can save her from drowning.

The Little Mermaid meets The Princess Bride in this spicy and addictive standalone sequel to #1 fantasy bestseller, A Thorn in Every Heart.


isbn: 9798991793490,template: list, title: A Storm in Every Heart


Inspired by Beauty & the Beast

The Monster in the Manor: A Contemporary Beauty & the Beast Retelling

by Lyonne Riley


isbn: 9781917032896,template: list, title: The Monster in the Manor: A Contemporary Beauty & the Beast Retelling

Peony Austin has just left her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend, seeking a new life for herself. But it’s hard to achieve independence when all she has is ten dollars to her name. Sleeping in her car, Peony takes a job as a housekeeper for the reclusive billionaire, Mr. Edgewood.

Rupert Edgewood has good reasons for hiding. In exchange for his fortune, he lives as a monster, destined to never find true happiness. After driving away everyone with his temper and discerning taste for food, the winds of change come when Peony arrives and cooks him meals straight out of a fine dining restaurant.

As Rupert starts to fall for his new housekeeper, they still have never met. Will Rupert at last reveal himself despite his curse?


Inspired by Jack and the Bean Stalk

Feast of the Fallen: A Dark and Twisted Jack & The Beanstalk Retelling

by Lydia Michaels

They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.

I was starving when I applied to The Feast of the Fallen-a twisted hunt where the world’s most elite billionaires pay millions to chase women like me through a gilded labyrinth until dawn.

One million dollars just to play. Two million if I’m caught.

I told myself I’d run, hide and take the money, unharmed. so I could finally escape the poverty that’s been choking me my entire life. But I didn’t count on him.

Jack Thorne, the phantom host, who built an empire from ash and blood, watched from the shadows while men hunted like monsters in a storm of his own creation. But when a reckless guest breaks his rules and goes too far, Jack steps out of the darkness, revealing himself as the most dangerous player of all-one who looks like a savior but will stop at nothing for revenge.

Jack doesn’t negotiate with giants. He watches them gorge themselves on power until their true nature spills out. Then he brings the axe.

isbn: 9781968592349,template: list, title: Feast of the Fallen: A Dark and Twisted Jack & The Beanstalk Retelling


Inspired by Sleeping Beauty

A Dream So Wicked: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling

by Tessonja Odette


isbn: 9781955960212,template: list, title: A Dream So Wicked: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling

After 20  years stuck in a fae convent with no word from whoever abandoned her there, Briony Rose is all out of hope. But when her parents suddenly claim her and reveal she’s a lost fae princess, she’s burdened with the weight of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. To secure her family’s precarious position, she must marry a wealthy human stranger. She would have done her duty with pride … if it weren’t for Thorne Blackwood.

Thorne Blackwood harbors three things: a secret name, a love for baked goods and a long-standing plan for revenge on the family that destroyed his own. Briony Rose-a woman born to be his nemesis-provides the solution. With a single touch, he controls her. And through that control, he tricks her into triggering a curse that sends her family into 100 years of enchanted sleep.

But Briony isn’t the soft princess he expected her to be. She’s just as sharp and cunning as he is, and when she traps him in a bargain to reverse her family’s curse, he has no choice but to join a tense alliance. He too stands to gain from her plans, for if they break the sleeping spell, his own family will return from their forced slumber.

To accomplish their goal, they must cooperate on one task: pair Briony with a husband who will make her parents proud. It should be easy. Thorne has connections while Briony has wit and beauty. What neither of them expects is the forbidden desire that burns in their darkest hearts …



Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling

by Holly Roberds

To grandmother’s house I go, though I want nothing to do with magic or my former life. Especially not after being kicked out of the Fairy Fine Arts Academy. But when I find a dangerous, heavily scarred wolf shifter in my grandma’s bedroom, the fragile human lifestyle I’ve built from scratch is suddenly at stake.

Magic, chaos and my past is charging at me like a raging ogre on pixie sticks.

My grandma is nowhere to be found, and I’m being hunted.

The big bad wolf is the only one I can trust to protect me until my grandmother resurfaces.

Worst yet, I’m in heat. I’ve told the werewolf “no touchy,” but just my luck, he hasn’t been to obedience school. The longer we’re stuck together, the closer he is to killing me himself or showing me just how big and bad he really is …

isbn: 9781960961006,template: list, title: Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling


Inspired by Snow White

What Claws Beneath the Crown

by Jen Drapp


isbn: 9798295443305,template: list, title: What Claws Beneath the Crown

In the glittering, sinful court of Masseda, Fae Princess Zara is bound to marry the charming Prince Leer to unite their courts. She has no desire to be queen and she certainly didn’t intend on falling for Leer’s brooding squire. But as their unexpected passion ignites, an ancient and deadly enemy resurfaces, forcing them to join forces, risking treachery and loyalty, only to discover their greatest betrayal may come from within.

Zara would do anything to avoid becoming Queen. That kind of responsibility doesn’t appeal much to her. Too bad her “evil” stepmother has already betrothed Zara to Prince Leer of Lanray to solidify an alliance between their courts. As if a marriage to a male she’s never met isn’t bad enough, Zara still lacks the ability to wield the basic Fae skill of shifting.

Haunted by his tragic past, Alfrie owes his life to Prince Leer. Supporting the prince’s engagement to Princess Zara is just another one of his duties. He expects Zara to be just like every other royal-spoiled and blissfully unaware of the world beyond their sheltered lives at court. And when they meet, Zara’s clumsy magic and childish behavior prove him right.

But after a brutal attack by the Unseelie court, Alfrie’s tasked with teaching Zara how to use her magic to prepare for imminent battle, and what starts as obligation slowly burns into something forbidden-an attraction he can’t ignore and a spark she never saw coming. In the midst of courtly intrigue and the looming threat of war, they discover their shared enemy may be closer than they ever imagined, and Zara’s greatest threat might be the one male she can’t resist.

Looking for More Romance Book Recommendations?

These indie authors prove that classic fairytales still have plenty of room for fresh romance and modern twists. Whether you crave dark enchantments or sweet escapes, these stories are perfect if you’re searching for “happily ever after.” For more book picks, check out our book recommendations for Modern Romantics. Or take the Reader Type Quiz at Bookfinity to have personalized suggestions sent straight to your inbox.

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