Maybe it's because I haven't read the previous books in the series, even though I was under the impression they could be read out of order without trouble, I found it difficult to get into this one. The description seemed really interesting and usually, I love these sorts of retellings, but this was really hard to get into, and I wasn't able to actually finish it.

Thank you to the publishers for this ARC!

I got this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.This is book # 8 in a 9 book series.It can be read as a standalone read.If you love Disney villains this is a must read series.

This novel is a villain story of why Lady Tremaine was evil. I liked how she goes from a warm-hearted girl to a cold-hearted. The thing that did not really do for me was that it was also trying to be a redemption story. Since she abused Cinderella, I did not find her actions justified. Still, I recommend this for fans of villain origin stories!

This story is an amazing twist on a beloved classic. Ms. Valentino gives readers a view into the heart of Lady Tremaine and what led her to becoming the villian we love to hate. There are always three sides to every story and now we know what actually happened. No longer will I regard Lady Tremaine with a cold shoulder, but a warm heart as I recommend this phenomenal book to students who frequent our school library! Now go grab a copy and read it!!!! FIVE STARS!!!!

What a great read. Love reading more about Lady Tremaine’s story and how the wanting of love can turn someone evil. If you are a Disney fan, please read this book! You will learn more than what the Cinderella movie showed about the wicked stepmother.

We all know the story of Cinderella - the young girl who meets her Prince Charming after being made beautiful by her fairy godmother. But what about Lady Tremaine? We know her as the evil stepmother. But was she always that way?

Cold Hearted is an origin story that tracks Lady Tremaine's decent into being a villain. She starts out as a kind woman, and thanks to the abuse she received from Cinderella's father, she slowly loses touch with her kindness.

This is an interesting take on the classic fairytale. The story is always from Cinderella's POV, and Lady Tremaine, Drizella, and Anastasia are notorious for how poorly they treat Cinderella. But Cold Hearted provides a different view point, and actually allows sympathy towards the "evil" characters. It shows that they were viewed as evil because of their circumstances (nurture) versus being rotten on the inside (nature).

I haven't read the other books in the series, but after reading this one, I think I will go back and read them. There are references to other characters (Belle, Beast, and Rapunzel, to name a few) peppered into the book, and I think it's something that would be more appreciated if the series were read in order. However, I do think that can be read out of order, readers just won't pick up on some of the overlap.

I'm such a sucker for fairy tale retellings, especially ones based on the villains and what could had been their backstory.

And I've read a lot of retellings regarding Cinderella's evil stepmother.

While there is reason as to why Lady Tremaine is the way she is, and while this title does give us insight on how she came to be... it's still hard to imagine why she would treat Cinderella with the cruelty she did. I wish we got more of a point of view from her daughters as well.

This title did pleasantly surprise me with how much I enjoyed it. I can't wait to see who's next in this line up!

Loved reading abour Lady Tremaine and her life before Cinderella and how she became the evil step mother. She had her reason for why she became who she was. Her two daughters werent the easiest to raise especially after the loss of her husband. I do wish I could have read the other previous books since I heard that their were characters from past books in this one. I can't wait to see what Serena comes up with for the next villian book.

We all know the story of Cinderella. Have you ever wondered why Lady Tremaine was the way she was, or even what her story was prior to marrying Cinderella's father? If only you knew, you just may see things in a whole other light....
This was the first time I've read one of the twisted fairy tales/ Villains books. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I can honestly say I now have a completely different outlook on Lady Tremaine, that's for sure. Twisted tale, that's putting it lightly. I'm a huge Disney fan and really loved reading the different aspect of a story that I grew up with. Although I wasn't completely sold on the ending,and I won't say why because I don't want to spoil it, I loved the book. Thank you to Netgalley, Selena Valentino, and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating for me.

i think i feel the exact same way about all of the Disney villain books and this one was no different -- they're all true, true YA and in an attempt to capture the same level of story telling, it almost reads MG than YA and i just don't love that. but i loved reading this book -- one of my favorite Disney movies is Cinderella 3 and this really reminded me of it, the way all the characters are turned on their heads, including Lady Tremaine.

This was a really interesting back story for Lady Tremaine. I really wasn't sure how this one was going to work since there's so little background into the character, but it was better than expected.

I love Disney, and this novel played to my interests. I loved that it shed a new light on a character that would normally be perceived to be 'bad'.

Really enjoyed this!! I love her series and will keep on reading them! They are light heart and easy to read, but still engaging. I love how she adds her own story to some already over written characters and brings out more depth to their personalities.

I love when retellings focus on villains. I think they’re so fun and a different take from all other retellings. Such a great read!

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for a honest review.

I would give Cold Hearted by Serena Valetino a 3 star review because, 1; the idea of the story of Cinderella's Stepmother is really interesting 2; its told in her point of view which explains how she treated Cinderella.

I love everything Disney so I had to request this! I must say I haven't read any other books in the series but for the most part it wasn't an issue. I was fascinated to know what could have made Lady Tremaine so mean and this book did a great job of setting that up. You know its a good book when you feel sorry for the villain!

I love fairytale retellings especially villain origin stories so when I saw this one I jumped at the chance to read it. I'm not sure if this series is meant to be read in order but I think it might help since there are some characters referenced from previous books in the series. Other than that I definitely enjoyed this book and now I need to go back and read all the previous ones.

We all love a good villain- or misunderstood stepmother! This spin on a classic fairytale gave a more in depth look at a wicked stepmother we all hated growing up!! I loved getting to know what contributed to such a closer off, icy woman and what she went through, especially taking in Cinderella.

Well written, fitting well with a classic fairytale retelling! A slow burn of a woman hardening heart over time.

Retellings are some of my favorite books to read, I have read every single book of the villain's series and they never disappoint. . The book begins with Lady Tremaine after she has lost her loving husband and is now left to raise her daughters alone. You would think that I wouldn’t go into the book saying “I won’t end up feeling sorry for this villain” but I am always wrong.

First, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

Cold Hearted is the story of Cinderella's stepmother, Lady Tremaine and her two daughter, Anastasia and Drizella. Not long after she lost her husband, she's left to raise them alone. This is her story of before she met Cinderella father's. And also this one role in the villain we will all know later.