***Note: Deciding not to review this book since I am no longer interested and I just need to get this book off my feedback list.***

I wanted to like this book, but it lacks authenticity. This is not Meister's fault, it is mine. I'm recently in an #ownvoices spree and can't help but wonder what this book would have read like when written by someone with a bit more experience.

This books is modern. LGBT+ as a literary theme is relevant and, we can even say, quite fresh.
And those are the main reasons why I wanted to pick up this book.

On the good side: the books contains a modern portrayal of current young adults, including teen sex, feminism, freedom and a bunch of geeky things.

On the bad side: this book took forever. It was probably the fact that these teenage boys sometimes sounded like 70 year old philosophers. The writing was casual, but it does sound a little awkward and off at times.

None of the issues I have with this book are related to the main theme, it’s just… I forgot how silly some YA tropes are. LOTS of plot mechanism were so darn convenient.

Parents disappear from the face of the earth, reappearing only to introduce a “drama” that would have been much more realistic if there was some character relationship actually developed during the book.
A sister who is a super make up artist and super acceptive from the very beginning.

I think I can not even picture the main protagonist properly. If there was an enough detailed physical description, it completely flew over my head. Either way, I honestly can not imagine how a boy could look so realistically as a girl, even from the up close inspection that an intimate relationship produces.

For a book (that felt) so long, I didn’t perceive much character development. There is actually a lot of telling and not showing. I could not get emotional about Declan’s or Carter’s growth because I barely witness it.
Same for character relationships. The only relationship that we can see evolving is the main character’s one. There was one attempt to delve deeper into Carter’s parents, but it felt a little shallow and just like added material.

Sadly, there were some really interesting character that could have added some lightness and fun to the book but all their stories were summarize in pretty much one paragraph.

Now Carter... I mostly like him, the lovable, smug guy overcompensating insecurities, but for the few times he sounded a little bit too possessive.

As a whole, this book was OK. Focused a lot on theme, on having meaningful dialogs and being geeky, but maybe neglecting a little character development and relationships.

A charming and much needed story. It's a quick and easy read with depth and heart. I loved the characters and really felt for them.

4.5 Stars

When Young Adult stories are done right, they are simply marvelous. They appeal to any age audience and allow for the reader to see little glimpses of either their own memories or their current truths in every idea discussed. There is an almost universal appeal to a character who is written with such veracity and depth that the reader can feel each emotion that fictional person experiences. Author Kristina Meister offers up a beautiful coming-of-age, coming out story in her latest release, Cinderella Boy. But more than those conveniently boxed tropes, the author explores non-binary gender fluidity and the idea that a person can be both female and male and not always entirely comfortable in either skin all the time.

Declan, who is also Layla, lives in a tortured type of half-life, knowing they sometimes feel more male than female, but also feeling the need to be purely feminine. This constant war between genders and being forced to live a lie by choosing to present as only male has left them anxious and unhappy—unsure of how to feel and terrified that anyone would learn their secret. When their parents leave for a weekend and their sister goes off to a party hosted by the very boy they have had a crush on for quite some time, Declan is given a chance to let Layla breathe. Using their sister’s makeup and clothes, Declan transforms into the beautiful Layla, only to be discovered by the very sibling that was supposed to be long-gone from the house.

Instead of flipping out, Delia helps her brother, and Layla is born. Somehow she convinces them to then attend the party—the one hosted by Delia’s former boyfriend and Declan’s current crush, Carter. Once he sets eyes on the mysterious “cousin” Delia has brought to the party, Carter is smitten. As Layla and Carter grow closer, Declan is torn apart with guilt over not confessing their secret to Carter. In the end, Layla must disappear, but Carter still hangs around, and not just because he thinks he can get to Layla through her cousin Declan but because Carter is having strange feelings of his own.

This story is gorgeous. While I do feel the author gave an emotional maturity to her characters that was a bit above their pay grade, so to speak, this book still resonated for me. The idea of being trapped in a gender that doesn’t really convey who you truly are is just heartbreaking, and you can feel Declan/Layla’s emotional turmoil over their situation. Don’t get confused here—Meister has not simply written a tale about a cross-dressing high school boy but a detailed and deeply emotional story about a person who feels both feminine and masculine at any given time. The inner conflict this produces for Declan is overwhelming and pushes them into the loneliest of places, feeling that no one could ever understand what they themselves continually grapple with as well.

Yes, it could be argued that the way in which Carter and Declan intellectualize their attraction is a bit mature, and yet there are constant glimpses of the boys they are—young men on the cusp of adulthood and facing decisions that will influence the rest of their lives. This story was just gorgeous in its attempt to give a tiny window into the life that a non-binary/genderfluid person lives. We see the pain caused by the gender confusion, the need for acceptance, the desire to be loved not for just the feminine or the masculine side but for both. Cinderella Boy runs the emotional gamut and exudes hope and acceptance for the inner person we are all meant to be.

Reviewed by Sammy

This book is a cute YA contemporary which had a new concept for me- gender-fluid. I wasn’t aware before this book what gender-fluid actually was. This book was a surprise for me, for sure. I had requested this book because of the title and the cover but I am glad that the story was so unique. As the title says, this is a retelling of Cinderella but with LGBT theme.

Declan/Layla and Carter are the protagonists and the chapters are alternated with their PoV. Carter is a heartthrob of the school and is the popular one while Declan is the boy who always remains behind the scenes and had a secret crush on Carter. It was so good to see the struggles of Declan and how he came out in front of his sister, Delia. Both Declan and Carter goes through a lot of character improvement over the book and it was so good to see different layers of their characters.

That being said, I absolutely adored the characters in this book. Both Declan and Carter proved to be strong ones. Delia, Declan’s sister, was probably my favourite. I loved how she supported her brother when he came out to her. She helped him in getting dressed as a girl and was always there to support him. I wish every person could get a support system like her.

Surely enough, the book has its own share of fluffiness and cliches of a typical YA contemporary too, but I can easily overlook them because this book explores some serious issues without sugar-coating them. There are talks of sexuality, gender equality, civil rights, love and lust, LGBTQ+ presentation and what not.

There is one highlight of the story and that is the school’s policy of intolerance. We don’t often see such kind of issues raised in YA but I am glad that this book shows it. It is not okay to discriminate LGBTQ students and I loved the way the characters in this story came forward to oppose it. This issue brought them, even more, closer to each other and helped them to understand each other.

There is so much going on in this book in terms of plot, but in the background, the focus is on Declan and Carter and their transforming relationship. I loved the ending and how beautifully everything was enclosed.

This story has everything to think about. It is not only about romance but also is about standing for what you believe in and fighting for it. This is really an addictive story and I would definitely recommend to read it if you are looking for something refreshing and enjoyable.

I knew I’d enjoy Cinderella Boy but I didn’t expect to not be able to put it down. I read it in one sitting on a lazy Sunday afternoon – I’ve not done that for a long, long time!

Cinderella Boy is a true coming-of-age tale. We follow Declan on his journey of self-discovery. From angst and torment to confidence and peace, it’s the story of a shy geeky kid exploring his gender-fluidity and becoming free from his anxieties.

I absolutely adored Declan. He had that great mix of vulnerability and strength, and I loved that although he was scared of being different and how people would react if they knew he was living as Layla as well as Declan, he knew that being both genders is who he is, and only by being himself would he be happy. It helped that he managed to bag a hot guy as both Layla and Declan.

This book wasn’t perfect, of course. I found it quite hard to believe that no one could tell that Layla was Declan…I mean just how good was that make up? It was also a little predictable at times, but it didn’t matter. It’s a wonderful, diverse story, a great romance, and the pages just seemed to turn themselves!

This was a disappointment. I love the Cinderella story and I love queer retellings, so this was a no brainer for me. Additionally it was about crossdressing! This was tailor made for me. But around the 50% mark I realized that Cinderella Boy didn't seem interested in exploring gender identity or sexuality as much as it did in telling a sort of generic romance. Sure there's a few discussions here and there, but I couldn't understand why Meister just didn't...go there. And because of that this book meandered into just ok territory for the remaining 50%. I just wanted more from this. I'll check out Meister's other works, but Cinderella Boy was just...fine.

What attracted me to the book was its genderqueer protagonist, Declan. When his sister catches him wearing her clothes, instead of losing her top, she takes matters in her own hands and helps him out. Declan, as Layla, charms the boy he has secretly been attracted to, Carter. A romance results -- at times typically teenage, at others refreshingly new.
It was wonderful reading about supportive siblings, and about exploring one's gender identity. I especially appreciated the fact that Declan was shown to accept his gender fluidity rather than box him into the binary. What I did not like was that the one thing that made him pass as a girl was the fact that he was extraordinarily beautiful. For a book that was exploring gender, it fell easily into the stereotype of girls being defined by what they look like, a boy falling for one because of what she looks like, and what she looked like being the most important thing.
(Review copy from NetGalley.)

Declan tries on his sister’s clothes, and through her prodding and makeover skills, becomes Layla. When Declan’s crush Carter starts falling hard for “Layla”, Dex must decide what he’s willing to risk for the chance of love.

I loved this story so so much! Carter was so sweet and Dex/Layla broke my heart into a million pieces. Essentially, this book was able to crack through my cold dead heart in a way hasn’t been done in many a years. Probably since I was a young tween. Not only was this a sweet romance, but there was fantastic character development, as well as serious commentary on how we think about sexuality and attraction.

If you’re looking for a feel good romance with some depth, this is the story for you.

I received a copy of this story via Netgalley, and have provided a review of my own accord.

This is an absolutely adorable book that not only deals with quite a prominent social topic, but really delves into teenage life (and angst!) I really loved the characterisations and truly adored the dynamics between them all.

A very poignant and sweet approach to the reality of finding your true self. Cinderella Boy made me cry, laugh and swoon. I loved everything about this book.

Can I say how much I love this cover?The story was great, it wasn't exactly what I expected still I like it!It was cute but I didn't fall in love immediately it took me a little time!I thought that the topics this book dealt with were very applicable to today's social situations. I loved the relationship in this book.

This is such a good book. I don't often read YA anymore but once in a while one comes along that just calls to me. That's what Cinderella Boy did.


Now, I'll admit Declan frustrated for a while, I understood him. He was young and just looking to fit in and not be so different. But when he hid behind Layla while allowing Carter to fall in love with him I was not happy. I got it, I did, but that doesn't mean I had to like it.


Carter, I loved him. He was so good. He was popular yes, a good student, hard-working, and determined. He grew so much during the book. All the characters did. But Carter, he didn't change so much as he grew into the person he was always meant to be.


This book sends a much needed message in today's society. These characters go against the intolerance and fight for each other and everyone else not only in their school but their community. Because what they don't doesn't just affect them and those closest to them, it opens the eyes of everyone and teaches them to open their minds. They don't have to understand it, that's not the point. The point is that they come to terms with the fact that not everyone is black and white. Some people are all colors and they show it in unique ways.

I love how easy Declan and Carter's relationship came about. Even though nothing about them was easy. Not with the secrets Declan was keeping.


When everything came out. When everything Carter and the rest of his classmates worked hard for came to a head, when Declan told Carter the truth it was sweet. I loved how Kristina Meister brought the justice for Carter and everyone else. I loved how Carter reacted to the truth of Layla. I shouldn't have been surprised by it, since Carter isn't your average character, but he's just so mature, so good and sweet he blew me away with how well he handled it all.


This book is good. I loved the ending, even though I knew what was coming. It was happy and feel good and everything that all the characters deserved.


I wouldn't mind getting more of these characters, especially Carter and Declan, I'd love to see how life treats them away from their hometown.


I suggest that everyone reads this book. It's on a list of favorites for me.

I received a free review copy of this book from Netgalley.

Librarian: This is a super cute, trans-positive, romance. I think it will make an excellent addition to the library's retellings section. I look forward to recommending it.
Reader: As I said this book is super cute. And it manages to keep the suspense, (and anguish) without going overboard. Romance is not normally my genre, too overblown, but this one does a good job of balancing the sweet/sappy with the melodrama. This is a good choice for anyone looking for an GLBT romance.

If I had to choose one thing I loved most about this book it would be...well, everything! From the main characters to the supporting cast, there were people who I adored and those I seriously wanted to smack upside the head. Both Carter and Dex were smart with their own brand of sass, but they were also a wee bit lost in their own ways. They had personas that they showed the world, but not as easily as one may think. The fear and apprehension--the pressure from adults, their peers, and society in general--was a very real thing and something many can recognize.

The author did a wonderful job crafting a story that encourages her readers to actually sit up and take notice of what's happening on the page. Kristina Meister doesn't offer up your typical YA romance. This novel of hers truly is the poster child for the label "coming of age"; yet somehow, that doesn't even feel sufficient. Simply put, Cinderella Boy is about embracing the person that you are, fighting for acceptance because mere tolerance no longer cuts it, and believing that the truest version of you is worthy of love. This 2018 favorite gets five-plus stars. ♥

This was a fantastic book with great gender fluid representation. See video review linked below. https://youtu.be/34Raqh58EXY

"You're never too young to see the potential for a lifetime."

I don't read a lot of YA but I was impressed by Cinderella Boy. I was drawn to it by the crossdressing element but this is so much more than a crossdressing book. Both Carter and Declan are wise beyond their years, insightful, perceptive and full of angst. They have angst about themselves, each other and general high school angst.

There were times when I thought their intellects exceeded their years but then I remembered the Parkland kids and how amazingly wise, brave, intelligent and well spoken they are, so in that regard Cinderella Boy is more of a zeitgeist, but in other ways their insecurities are much the same as any teen in any time which is what made them sympathetic and relatable.




Both Carter and Declan undergo significant changes which we get a front row seat to courtesy of dual perspectives. Over the course of their brief romantic relationship as "boyfriend and girlfriend" but moreso through their burgeoning friendship during the first semester of Carter's senior year they take on a bigoted principal and stand up for not only themselves but the entire student body all while growing closer and trying to figure out their feelings and what to do with them. When they stand up together amazing things happen not just for them but the entire community proving the point that when people with a modicum of power are determined, and these two are determined, change can happen.

"Silence never makes things better. It only ever leads to regret, regret leads to suffering, suffering leads to anger... and that is path to the dark side."

Sure, there is fear, trepidation and Star Wars quotes to bedevil them along the way but their love for each other outshines all else and at the end of the day these two make each other better. There's nothing I like more in my romance reads than couples who strengthen and bring out the best in each other. It also helped that I really liked some of the secondary characters many of whom played a vital role in the narrative.

Carter is so easy to like whereas Declan is prickly and insecure, but what I found touching about him was his struggle to try to identify his sexuality. He's definitely the most well developed and layered gender fluid character I've ever read and it made my heart ache that he kept trying to make himself fit into a category to satisfy the needs of others when in reality he's just Dex. What warmed my heart was how much Carter got that. He loves Dex for Dex whether he's a boy in geek chic or a girl in a dress. Dex is his person and that's what made this a memorable and satisfying read.

Recommend to YA and angst fans.




An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

I think I have to start simply by just sharing that I loved this book. Cinderella Boy is one of the books that I'd have to describe as "sweet but still savory." It has some "squee"-able moments and a sometimes awkward but adorable teen romance, but it's still savory and packed with depth that really gets you thinking. I am a sucker for books that entertain but still challenge me to think, and wow, Cinderella Boy will suck you in and push you to evaluate relationships, sexuality & social identity, the way we treat people who are different from us, and what we want our future to look like.

The book is kind of divided into two parts: Layla and Carter's whirlwind romance & Dex and Carter's journey to build a relationship.

After Carter is swept away by Layla's brutal honesty and fresh outlooks, the two of them go on several dates where they're both continually challenged. Carter starts to evaluate what love, respect, and trust really mean- how do you show them? How do you earn them? while Layla/Dex struggles to figure out who he really is. He knows that he's interested in boys, but is he just Dex? Why does he finally feel so free when he's out in the world as Layla?

This first half moves a bit slowly, but it has some great thought-provoking conversations, bittersweet romantic moments, and some great comedic relief when Layla schools Carter's jocktourage on what a girl's world is really like (and how to play paintball like a boss b*tch).

Even with a slower pace, I think those moments as Layla were completely essential- Dex is finally able to experiment and try to understand himself and how to live his best, most authentic life. He needs that time as Layla to help him in his own journey.

The second half jumps quickly enough into some complicated school politics. Challenged by Layla and Dex, Carter also has his own journey of self-discovery ahead of him. He wants to be brave, be bold, be someone who makes a difference instead of just pleasing others. When the LGBTQ+ community is completely ignored and insulted by their principal and BOE, Dex and Carter bring out the best in each other.

Meister has built such a rich cast of characters that are hard to resist. Dex's wit, intellect, and raw honesty won me over in just a few pages. He's sincere and lonely and desperate to just be himself; regardless of sexual or gender identity, I think any reader can find pieces of themselves in Dex's struggles and triumphs. Carter, our other leading man, is confident, open-minded, and charming. He's Mr. Popularity on the surface, but underneath he's a sweetheart-ed boy who's looking for someone to inspire him.

The rapport between the boys feels so genuine and smooth; Cinderella Boy is a story about finding and fighting for yourself, but it's also a story where love comes from an unexpected place. Overall, Meister has written a beautiful story about two boys who will challenge you to think about your world even as you laugh and cheer along with them.

I'm extremely excited to dive into whatever she writes next.

While I was excited to see a genderqueer protagonist, I was disappointed in the quality of the writing and stopped reading about a third of the way through. The characters didn't feel well developed, everything happened too fast, and I found it unrealistic that Carter would not recognize who Declan was.