I've always been a huge fan of fairytale retellings. Writers finding their own twists to stories that I've grown up with fascinate me and I like collecting as many versions as I can. 'The Ugly Step-Sister' was no exception. I have to admit that I've come across plenty of retellings that don't satisfy my inner geek, and when I say 'plenty', I mean a lot. However, Aya Ling's version is a huge exception. 
 I have to admit before I go any further - I've read this before. I had just never gotten around to talking about it and at some point, I merely forgot everything and placed this book on the back burner. Up until I picked it up again. I'd completely forgotten what it was about, so reading it again was a treat. It wasn't until I was about 70% done with the book that I realized I knew the story. Of all the moments to recall that I'd read it already, right? When I was nearly done with the entire tale. 
 So in this book, Aya spins an incredible tale that carries a little drop of intrigue, a touch of espionage, sprinkled with fairy magic, and frosted with romance. I fell in love with Kat's character - thrown into Cinderella's tale dressed as one of the stepsisters. She was independent, fierce, determined and showcased such a passion for the things she believed in that there were times I forgot that it was a twist on a fairytale. Kat made the story completely her own, and Aya brought such life to Kat that I rooted for her to the very end. 
 The ending wasn't quite how I thought it would pan out but I found myself liking the way she finished it. I fell in love with Edward, with Poppy, Henry and Elle. Oh, and Bertram. I found him oddly endearing and adorable and enjoyed seeing him in every scene he appeared. 
 Glad I actually 'forgot' this tale. It allowed me to enjoy it a second time while feeling like it was the first!