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The Ugly Stepsister #1
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back
Everyone knows how those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—pretty, smart, and, worst of all, nice—stepsister is dating the charming, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her online. The school mean girl has made it her mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister is the most popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie's going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Fire & Ice Books.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—pretty, smart, and, worst of all, nice—stepsister is dating the charming, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her online. The school mean girl has made it her mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister is the most popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie's going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Fire & Ice Books.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 853 reviews
February 1, 2016
“I sighed, because that's what unrequited love made you do. Sigh with self-pity.”
This was really cute. I never thought I could enjoy YA again but this book made a liar out of me. This a quick, light, and easy to read. Very funny. But very YA. Yup. Shocker, right?
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back, as the title suggest is Cinderella flipped on its head because instead of Cinderella being the heroine, it's actually the ugly step sister who is. Mattie Lowe is your quintessential, manga-loving, snarky, awkward high school girl who never fit in anywhere. Her awkwardness is confounded by the presence of her perfectly awesome step-sister Ella who can do no wrong. At first, I thought this was going to be about sister rivalry considering that Ella's boyfriend happens to be the only boy that Mattie has ever loved. But it wasn't that kind of story, it was so much better.
I loved Mattie. She's far from being a perfect heroine. She's a teenager, so she can be totally selfish, dramatic and self-absorb but her heart is in the right place. Her point of view is a hoot to read. The author totally nailed the insecure but snarky teenager voice.
"The awkwardness between us was so tangible it was like we had another person hanging out with us. Maybe I should ask Awkward if it wanted to go to the masquerade ball with me since lately, we seemed to be spending so much time together."
Sure, this was a bit predictable, in a John Hughes movie kind of way, but it's still funny and cute and totally perfect for the mood I was in. I liked the coming of age angle and the romance was totally sweet. And clean. Very clean. Nothing graphic which made this book totally safe to recommend to actual teenagers, which I'm totally not but heck yeah, I still enjoyed it. I'm babbling, but you guys know what I mean.
"There were no words to describe what that level of hope and excitement feels like. Which made me finally understand why they lived happily ever after in those fairytales. Because there was a lot of happy to be had with a boy who loved you and kissed you like nothing else in the world mattered."
November 30, 2023
WARNING - this is a totally self-indulgent and beside the point review!
"O tempora! O mores!" And I might add O juventa! O innocentia! -though there is no way I would take the mickey out of Cicecro. This is added with the deepest respect. :))
This book sent me for a long stroll down Memory Lane. It reminded me of the time (long past) when at 15, as a high school junior I had this ginormous C*R*U*S*H on one of the senior guys which obviously was Platonic and (needless to say) unrequited. Or, who knows, if I hadn't been so painfully shy and awkward - Shy and Awkward being my middle names - or if I had a sister like Ella to give me some serious talking-to and boost my ego, I might have believed that the stares and smiles I kept sending HIS way, had some effect and they might have been returned. Well, no point in crying over spilt milk etcetera .....
My only consolation back then was writing wishful-thinking stories where WE -after various and gigantic obstacles were removed from our lives in quite dramatic ways- got together to stroll away into a glorious sunset .... and reading the "Sweet Valley High" series which were translated into Hungarian and published just when a lovelorn teenager needed them the most. :)))
Oh, sorry, got really lost in all this reminiscence, but getting to my point eventually. In a way, The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back reminded me very strongly of these glorious times past and the heroine Mattie of my teenage self (OK, I never stood out and wasn't quirky or artistically talented, but I loved manga & Jane Austen, was supershy and you know ... the crush...).
I also like Cinderella-goes-to-the-ball stories, so I found this book appealed to me on several levels. It was with no little satisfaction my Real-Time-self read this book, while my retarded-romantic-teenage self alternately shed a tear or 2 or did a happy dance.
Although the title & blurb suggests differently, it is a Cinderella-story and a funny, delightful one at that.
I thought I'd get sister rivalry and that stuff, but no: things have taken a better turn, for actually the sisters turned out to love each other despite grievances and gave support to one another when needed. I loved how Mattie's and Ella's relationship developed and how Mattie is learning to accept herself and growing stronger in the process.
The meanies were a bit one-sided to be sure and the "obstacles" a bit repetitive, but all in all I was satisfied when finishing the book. And there is a lovely bonus at the end
"O tempora! O mores!" And I might add O juventa! O innocentia! -though there is no way I would take the mickey out of Cicecro. This is added with the deepest respect. :))
This book sent me for a long stroll down Memory Lane. It reminded me of the time (long past) when at 15, as a high school junior I had this ginormous C*R*U*S*H on one of the senior guys which obviously was Platonic and (needless to say) unrequited. Or, who knows, if I hadn't been so painfully shy and awkward - Shy and Awkward being my middle names - or if I had a sister like Ella to give me some serious talking-to and boost my ego, I might have believed that the stares and smiles I kept sending HIS way, had some effect and they might have been returned. Well, no point in crying over spilt milk etcetera .....
My only consolation back then was writing wishful-thinking stories where WE -after various and gigantic obstacles were removed from our lives in quite dramatic ways- got together to stroll away into a glorious sunset .... and reading the "Sweet Valley High" series which were translated into Hungarian and published just when a lovelorn teenager needed them the most. :)))
Oh, sorry, got really lost in all this reminiscence, but getting to my point eventually. In a way, The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back reminded me very strongly of these glorious times past and the heroine Mattie of my teenage self (OK, I never stood out and wasn't quirky or artistically talented, but I loved manga & Jane Austen, was supershy and you know ... the crush...).
I also like Cinderella-goes-to-the-ball stories, so I found this book appealed to me on several levels. It was with no little satisfaction my Real-Time-self read this book, while my retarded-romantic-teenage self alternately shed a tear or 2 or did a happy dance.
Although the title & blurb suggests differently, it is a Cinderella-story and a funny, delightful one at that.
I thought I'd get sister rivalry and that stuff, but no: things have taken a better turn, for actually the sisters turned out to love each other despite grievances and gave support to one another when needed. I loved how Mattie's and Ella's relationship developed and how Mattie is learning to accept herself and growing stronger in the process.
The meanies were a bit one-sided to be sure and the "obstacles" a bit repetitive, but all in all I was satisfied when finishing the book. And there is a lovely bonus at the end
February 6, 2016
I loved this adorable take on the Cinderella story! Very clever, very sweet and tons of hilarious dialogue. Matilda--Mattie, for short--feels like a bum compared to her gorgeous, sweet, smart and selfless stepsister, Ella. Having been raised together by Mattie's dad since Ella's mom passed away, Ella represents everything Mattie isn't. They go to the same prestigious and rich high school, and while Mattie refuses to conform to the popular crowd, she does have a secret crush on the IT-GUY, Jake Kingston. Too bad he's dating Ella.
but not everything is as it seems. Ella might not be into Jake and vice versa, Mattie may have underestimated the power of sister love and the most popular guy in school may possibly like her, too.
Only when Mattie and Jake have a project together, do things start getting interesting for them. It was so cute watching Mattie obsess over Jake. Her reactions to him, her thoughts about him and even her insecurities rang true for a girl who's been desperately in love with the same guy forever. The angst! The angst! So spot on.
I really loved the relationship between Ella and Mattie, and how it blossomed from preconceived assumptions to something genuine and real. They truly loved each other and had each other's back. But at first, Mattie wasn't always so sweet to her step-sis, at least not in her head.
"Oh, to be blonde and beautiful and totally delusional."
There was your token mean girl, Mercedes Bentley, that one made me laugh. The attempted smear campaign against Mattie by the nefarious popular kids, and the miscommunication between Mattie and Jake. Mattie had some major insecurities. A sub-plot concerning her mom was heartbreaking and took this story from being too light to something much more tangible. I loved that, since it showed why Mattie felt and saw herself the way she did.
There were so many funny lines.
"Here's the thing. Math and I broke up two years ago, and now whenever we get together it's just weird and awkward for both of us."
There were many references to those awesome eighties movies, like Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. I loved how they played into the story. And the gesture Jake pulled at the end was sweet perfection.
Of course, this had a sweet and happily ever after ending. I just read there's a sequel for Ella, where we'll see more of Jake and Mattie. Ella gets an assumed HEA here, but that's still great news to me. I loved this and it's original take on Cinderella. This was very clean, I should add, like squeaky. But it worked here.
Another clever take on this particular Fairytale was Cinder & Ella, by Kelly Oram, which I absolutely adored. Both have a fresh and modern vibe that's hard to do with retellings.
but not everything is as it seems. Ella might not be into Jake and vice versa, Mattie may have underestimated the power of sister love and the most popular guy in school may possibly like her, too.
Only when Mattie and Jake have a project together, do things start getting interesting for them. It was so cute watching Mattie obsess over Jake. Her reactions to him, her thoughts about him and even her insecurities rang true for a girl who's been desperately in love with the same guy forever. The angst! The angst! So spot on.
I really loved the relationship between Ella and Mattie, and how it blossomed from preconceived assumptions to something genuine and real. They truly loved each other and had each other's back. But at first, Mattie wasn't always so sweet to her step-sis, at least not in her head.
"Oh, to be blonde and beautiful and totally delusional."
There was your token mean girl, Mercedes Bentley, that one made me laugh. The attempted smear campaign against Mattie by the nefarious popular kids, and the miscommunication between Mattie and Jake. Mattie had some major insecurities. A sub-plot concerning her mom was heartbreaking and took this story from being too light to something much more tangible. I loved that, since it showed why Mattie felt and saw herself the way she did.
There were so many funny lines.
"Here's the thing. Math and I broke up two years ago, and now whenever we get together it's just weird and awkward for both of us."
There were many references to those awesome eighties movies, like Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. I loved how they played into the story. And the gesture Jake pulled at the end was sweet perfection.
Of course, this had a sweet and happily ever after ending. I just read there's a sequel for Ella, where we'll see more of Jake and Mattie. Ella gets an assumed HEA here, but that's still great news to me. I loved this and it's original take on Cinderella. This was very clean, I should add, like squeaky. But it worked here.
Another clever take on this particular Fairytale was Cinder & Ella, by Kelly Oram, which I absolutely adored. Both have a fresh and modern vibe that's hard to do with retellings.
July 7, 2016
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
Seemed like a book for me
What I thought
OMG Mattie obsession with Jake had me rolling my eyes constantly, I was seriously embarrassed for her. Girl get a life! You have major problems. The secondhand embarrassment in this book was also too much, I wanted to scream! I was face palming like crazy! The only thing good about this book was Ella, I really liked her. The rest is just ridiculous!
Why this book?
Seemed like a book for me
What I thought
OMG Mattie obsession with Jake had me rolling my eyes constantly, I was seriously embarrassed for her. Girl get a life! You have major problems. The secondhand embarrassment in this book was also too much, I wanted to scream! I was face palming like crazy! The only thing good about this book was Ella, I really liked her. The rest is just ridiculous!
Read
December 27, 2016I nearly bailed on this YA romance near the beginning, but I kept reading because someone whose taste often intersects with mine had recommended it. So I figured, the heroine won't make the obvious choice --and I'm glad I did.
Mattie has two artists as parents--very self-involved parents. One tries to be a good parent, when he remembers, the other is a destructive, emotionally abusive force that one can see as Mattie's major cause of very low self-esteem.
Mattie isn't helped by her own jealousy of her wonderful, beautiful stepsister.
The relationship between the two girls is one of the pleasures of this book. The other is Mattie's gradual attainment of some self-awareness--while still sticking to her guns at decision points that in far too many YA novels carry the other way because that's easier drama.
There is plenty of potential emotional drama in dealing with consequences and choices, which Wilson is aware of, and it's all narrated in a funny, vivid voice that made this book an easy read while I was standing at the stove stirring pots and watching various things cook for a couple of hours.
There is so much insight that I kind of wish the two villains had not been so one-dimensional but that is a small quibble about what is basically a lovely book that I could give a sixth grader to read who is just sliding into the boy-crazy stage. The language stays away from explicit, and so does the behavior, plus there is some real resonance there for kids who have workaholic parents.
Mattie has two artists as parents--very self-involved parents. One tries to be a good parent, when he remembers, the other is a destructive, emotionally abusive force that one can see as Mattie's major cause of very low self-esteem.
Mattie isn't helped by her own jealousy of her wonderful, beautiful stepsister.
The relationship between the two girls is one of the pleasures of this book. The other is Mattie's gradual attainment of some self-awareness--while still sticking to her guns at decision points that in far too many YA novels carry the other way because that's easier drama.
There is plenty of potential emotional drama in dealing with consequences and choices, which Wilson is aware of, and it's all narrated in a funny, vivid voice that made this book an easy read while I was standing at the stove stirring pots and watching various things cook for a couple of hours.
There is so much insight that I kind of wish the two villains had not been so one-dimensional but that is a small quibble about what is basically a lovely book that I could give a sixth grader to read who is just sliding into the boy-crazy stage. The language stays away from explicit, and so does the behavior, plus there is some real resonance there for kids who have workaholic parents.
December 3, 2017
5 glorious and shiny stars for laugh out loud fun, humor, wit and causing my emotions to run the gamut. This is a book for all you teens out there or parents of teens or anyone who wants to just have fun while reading about some high schoolers. Ok, I know what you're thinking...you're past the high school age and so grateful to be on to greener pastures and happily content. Or you're thinking, never again for high school. Well I'm here to tell you that no matter if high school is a distant memory (and not really pleasant at that), or high school is a fabulous memory, or you're still in high school navigating all the ups and downs, this book could have you laughing and sighing for the happily ever afters (and of course I'd be remiss if I didn't say the journey that gets you there).
Aside from enjoying previous books that I've read by this author, the whole twisted Cinderella concept caught my eye and had me wanting to experience this book. I'm a huge Cinderella fan! Love, love, love Cinderella! She's my favorite, but I think I might just say I love the stepsister just as much or more in this version. Ella, our Cinderella character, is absolutely fabulous in this book. Even though at the beginning you want to dislike her because reading from the point of view of Mattie the stepsister, you feel the frustration and hurt from her regarding their relationship. But honestly, you just can't but help love her and that's part of Mattie's frustration.
What a fun spin-off on these two characters. I could go on and on about the dynamics between Mattie and Ella, how there's a good connection but there are walls built up to protect each other. I could talk about the change in those dynamics when one wall starts to come down and the girls get to see the other side of each other's walls. Oh it was great. Hurt to healing and a fuller joy of life.
I think this is a great read for teenage girls. Yes, it's positive and happy and sappy. But there are plenty of moments of sorrow and introspection. Some real soul searching and laying bare the truth of who you are. I love how real the characters seemed with their struggles and learning that the hurt can be fixed with truth and courage. And kindness. I can't not mention kindness when talking about Cinderella.
And hello, can I just say Jake Kingston???!!!! Every teenage girl's dream boy for sure! I can't wait for my teenage daughters to dive in and enjoy this book. Yes, there's teenage romance but it was sweet and lovely and fun. And guess what? Bonus features in this new version of the book...Prince Charming...er I mean, Jake Kingston's point of view. Yes! The whole book is from Mattie's perspective, but after the end the author gives us several key chapters of just Jake talking and thinking. It was so fun to reread those scenes from his thoughts. He's the best! Can I just say 16 Candles? Oh Jake a million pats on the back for your wonderfulness. Every young teenage girl needs a gentlemanly young man in their lives, even if he's just a good friend.
There's plenty of teenage angst and lots of real life angst as well. Heartache and not young love type of heartache. Broken family and dreams and lives type of heartache. Mattie and Ella have kind of an unconventional life and I loved watching how their perspectives changed as they grew and matured. I loved their friendship growing as they relied on each other and helped each other. A girl needs a good friend to lift and support her. Someone who will love her unconditionally. Not just teenage girls but old girls too! And I loved seeing these two ladies find that in each other.
So many funny one liners. Another book that I found myself highlighting like crazy and laughing out loud while reading! Definitely one I'm going to (and already have) tell many friends about. It's a book I'm going to tell my teenage daughters that they must read and I'm hoping to find myself rereading it several times over. Mattie's humor is fun and very witty. I wish I could share every single one of those moments with you in my review to show you how much I just love her character. But of course I can't. So if you're a YA genre lover, a good witty book lover, a Cinderella fan, a sweet clean high school romance lover then I highly recommend this book for you. If those aren't your thing, no worries, I'll enjoy it for you! ;-) I'm sure I could ramble on more and more about this one. Even as I'm typing these words right now I'm thinking of more fun and fabulous moments that I loved. Now excuse me while I go wait for book two (there's a little preview for that at the end of this book)!!!!!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Kindle Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Aside from enjoying previous books that I've read by this author, the whole twisted Cinderella concept caught my eye and had me wanting to experience this book. I'm a huge Cinderella fan! Love, love, love Cinderella! She's my favorite, but I think I might just say I love the stepsister just as much or more in this version. Ella, our Cinderella character, is absolutely fabulous in this book. Even though at the beginning you want to dislike her because reading from the point of view of Mattie the stepsister, you feel the frustration and hurt from her regarding their relationship. But honestly, you just can't but help love her and that's part of Mattie's frustration.
What a fun spin-off on these two characters. I could go on and on about the dynamics between Mattie and Ella, how there's a good connection but there are walls built up to protect each other. I could talk about the change in those dynamics when one wall starts to come down and the girls get to see the other side of each other's walls. Oh it was great. Hurt to healing and a fuller joy of life.
I think this is a great read for teenage girls. Yes, it's positive and happy and sappy. But there are plenty of moments of sorrow and introspection. Some real soul searching and laying bare the truth of who you are. I love how real the characters seemed with their struggles and learning that the hurt can be fixed with truth and courage. And kindness. I can't not mention kindness when talking about Cinderella.
And hello, can I just say Jake Kingston???!!!! Every teenage girl's dream boy for sure! I can't wait for my teenage daughters to dive in and enjoy this book. Yes, there's teenage romance but it was sweet and lovely and fun. And guess what? Bonus features in this new version of the book...Prince Charming...er I mean, Jake Kingston's point of view. Yes! The whole book is from Mattie's perspective, but after the end the author gives us several key chapters of just Jake talking and thinking. It was so fun to reread those scenes from his thoughts. He's the best! Can I just say 16 Candles? Oh Jake a million pats on the back for your wonderfulness. Every young teenage girl needs a gentlemanly young man in their lives, even if he's just a good friend.
There's plenty of teenage angst and lots of real life angst as well. Heartache and not young love type of heartache. Broken family and dreams and lives type of heartache. Mattie and Ella have kind of an unconventional life and I loved watching how their perspectives changed as they grew and matured. I loved their friendship growing as they relied on each other and helped each other. A girl needs a good friend to lift and support her. Someone who will love her unconditionally. Not just teenage girls but old girls too! And I loved seeing these two ladies find that in each other.
So many funny one liners. Another book that I found myself highlighting like crazy and laughing out loud while reading! Definitely one I'm going to (and already have) tell many friends about. It's a book I'm going to tell my teenage daughters that they must read and I'm hoping to find myself rereading it several times over. Mattie's humor is fun and very witty. I wish I could share every single one of those moments with you in my review to show you how much I just love her character. But of course I can't. So if you're a YA genre lover, a good witty book lover, a Cinderella fan, a sweet clean high school romance lover then I highly recommend this book for you. If those aren't your thing, no worries, I'll enjoy it for you! ;-) I'm sure I could ramble on more and more about this one. Even as I'm typing these words right now I'm thinking of more fun and fabulous moments that I loved. Now excuse me while I go wait for book two (there's a little preview for that at the end of this book)!!!!!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Kindle Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 12, 2018
Little did I know that when I first read this book four years ago, Sariah Wilson would become one of my very favorite authors! This was the first book of hers I read and I was hooked.
I'm still coming down from my #Starstruck high and thought it'd be fun to read this one again. Besides, I know this newer edition had some bonus material that I really wanted to read.
For those who know me, I adore Cinderella. It's probably my favorite fairy tale and I always enjoy a good modern retelling. The title really caught my eye on this one and I had to give it a try. Our main character Mattie is pretty hard on herself, and doesn't let too many people get close to her. She's interesting though, because she may be reserved but she doesn't let people walk all over her and isn't afraid to share her opinions. I really liked that about her. I liked her sister Ella and their relationship. Jake was a fun character as well, I like him even more after reading his POV chapters at the end (SO FUN!).
Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming type book. Definitely one of the better YA Contemporaries I've read and it'd be one I'll read again. It's really hard to find good clean teen-lit now days and I was glad to have found this one.
Content
Content: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Yay, there is a sequel in the works!! Found that out at the end when there was a sneak peek for the next book! #happydance
I'm still coming down from my #Starstruck high and thought it'd be fun to read this one again. Besides, I know this newer edition had some bonus material that I really wanted to read.
For those who know me, I adore Cinderella. It's probably my favorite fairy tale and I always enjoy a good modern retelling. The title really caught my eye on this one and I had to give it a try. Our main character Mattie is pretty hard on herself, and doesn't let too many people get close to her. She's interesting though, because she may be reserved but she doesn't let people walk all over her and isn't afraid to share her opinions. I really liked that about her. I liked her sister Ella and their relationship. Jake was a fun character as well, I like him even more after reading his POV chapters at the end (SO FUN!).
Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming type book. Definitely one of the better YA Contemporaries I've read and it'd be one I'll read again. It's really hard to find good clean teen-lit now days and I was glad to have found this one.
Content
Content: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Yay, there is a sequel in the works!! Found that out at the end when there was a sneak peek for the next book! #happydance
January 22, 2015
"Salad isn't food. Salad is what food eats."
This book is so much more than I expected. The characters are wonderful but definitely not perfect. Sometimes I thought they were jerks but they're so alive and multi-dimensional. I absolutely adore multi-dimensional characters. Aaaaa....dore. I loved everything about this book from the plot delivery to the beautiful and timeless concepts of self-acceptance and love. But most of all I was enchanted with Mattie. She just makes everything so interesting – even the predictable bits like a makeover.
Before I could tell her that she could stop, that I would be just fine with mismatched eyebrows, she already had the wax on my right eyebrow.
Ella the Stepsister is Jane Bennett from Pride and Prejudice reincarnate. 'Nuff said. Despite Ella's stereotype I really enjoyed her relationship with Mattie. In fact, I enjoyed all the relationships, screwed up or not. They're pulled off brilliantly.
Mattie is such a realistic heroine. I liked her. I really really liked her. Probably because I could see a lot of me in her. She's into manga art, is a whizz at poker and has a guy best friend named Trent. Oh, and she has pink hair. Now we're talking. What I liked about Mattie is that she's very emotional but she handles herself with dignity and doesn't get out of control. There's a reason for that. Her absent mother is an absolute she-cat who deliberately tries to provoke Mattie at every opportunity.
Mattie is in love with Ella's boyfriend, Jake. I was rolling my eyes at this piece of information, but it turns out that even though Mattie is crazy about Jake, the girl's got a backbone. I loved that even while she was going all swoony, she could stand up to him and put him in his place.
He had no reason to want me though. Not when he could have any girl just by snapping his fingers. Well, not me, I decided. If he wanted me, he'd have to work for it. I wouldn't be like those other skanks.
As she gets to know him, she stops putting him on a pedestal. I'm glad it didn't take long for her rose-tinted glasses fade. She sees that he's just a normal dude with his own problems.
Jake comes from a performance-oriented home in which his father puts intense pressure on him to succeed. Jake, despite all his high school glory, is under a lot of stress. Mattie helps him loosen up, and I loved that she could make him laugh and remember to be a kid.
The bad guy is Mercedes Bentley.
Trent - "Someone who was named unironically after two cars is not worth listening to. You can't take anything she says seriously."
Really loved this book. I'll be reading more from Ms. Wilson.
This book is so much more than I expected. The characters are wonderful but definitely not perfect. Sometimes I thought they were jerks but they're so alive and multi-dimensional. I absolutely adore multi-dimensional characters. Aaaaa....dore. I loved everything about this book from the plot delivery to the beautiful and timeless concepts of self-acceptance and love. But most of all I was enchanted with Mattie. She just makes everything so interesting – even the predictable bits like a makeover.
Before I could tell her that she could stop, that I would be just fine with mismatched eyebrows, she already had the wax on my right eyebrow.
Ella the Stepsister is Jane Bennett from Pride and Prejudice reincarnate. 'Nuff said. Despite Ella's stereotype I really enjoyed her relationship with Mattie. In fact, I enjoyed all the relationships, screwed up or not. They're pulled off brilliantly.
Mattie is such a realistic heroine. I liked her. I really really liked her. Probably because I could see a lot of me in her. She's into manga art, is a whizz at poker and has a guy best friend named Trent. Oh, and she has pink hair. Now we're talking. What I liked about Mattie is that she's very emotional but she handles herself with dignity and doesn't get out of control. There's a reason for that. Her absent mother is an absolute she-cat who deliberately tries to provoke Mattie at every opportunity.
Mattie is in love with Ella's boyfriend, Jake. I was rolling my eyes at this piece of information, but it turns out that even though Mattie is crazy about Jake, the girl's got a backbone. I loved that even while she was going all swoony, she could stand up to him and put him in his place.
He had no reason to want me though. Not when he could have any girl just by snapping his fingers. Well, not me, I decided. If he wanted me, he'd have to work for it. I wouldn't be like those other skanks.
As she gets to know him, she stops putting him on a pedestal. I'm glad it didn't take long for her rose-tinted glasses fade. She sees that he's just a normal dude with his own problems.
Jake comes from a performance-oriented home in which his father puts intense pressure on him to succeed. Jake, despite all his high school glory, is under a lot of stress. Mattie helps him loosen up, and I loved that she could make him laugh and remember to be a kid.
The bad guy is Mercedes Bentley.
Trent - "Someone who was named unironically after two cars is not worth listening to. You can't take anything she says seriously."
Really loved this book. I'll be reading more from Ms. Wilson.
January 28, 2013
<3
This book made me so happy. It reminded me so much of my reading experience with some of the other books I absolutely loved. Especially Fat Cat, Sean Griswold's Head and Flipped. If you're a fan of any of these books, you're bound to love The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back.
Mattie has been hopelessly in love with Jack Kingston since the age of 9. But before anything could happen between them he started dating her super nice, perfect stepsister Ella. Not like she believes that a guy like Jake would ever fall for her, no. But in her fantasy world she still has hope left. When Mattie and Jake are assigned to do a project together, they start to spend more time with each other and it seems like not only Mattie is enjoying it. But could Jake like Mattie really as much as she likes him?
I can't really describe this book without feeling like stopping after a few words, telling everyone that you shouldn't be explaining the story to them, they should be reading it themselves. Explaining this story is already hard enough without making it sound like it's only about the crush Mattie has on Jake because believe me, it's about so much more.
This review is an example about how people feel when they don't know how to express their love for a book in words.
I think this status update of mine describes the best how I feel about The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back:
"This book is making me grin like a fool, feel the need to stop reading to get up and clap like an overly excited audience cheering Mattie on and is making me so, so happy. I love it so friggin much. Dear Book Gods surrounding me, please let it stay this way."
I can't wait for the promised kind-of-sequel that takes place 4 years later with Ella as main character. I really hope that until then this hidden gem will be read by many others because this author truly deserves to gain more readers.
I don't know what else to say than that this wasn't the last time I'll read this book. When I feel like visiting an old friend, I'll always come back to this book and its absolutely wonderful main character Mattie.
This book made me so happy. It reminded me so much of my reading experience with some of the other books I absolutely loved. Especially Fat Cat, Sean Griswold's Head and Flipped. If you're a fan of any of these books, you're bound to love The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back.
Mattie has been hopelessly in love with Jack Kingston since the age of 9. But before anything could happen between them he started dating her super nice, perfect stepsister Ella. Not like she believes that a guy like Jake would ever fall for her, no. But in her fantasy world she still has hope left. When Mattie and Jake are assigned to do a project together, they start to spend more time with each other and it seems like not only Mattie is enjoying it. But could Jake like Mattie really as much as she likes him?
I can't really describe this book without feeling like stopping after a few words, telling everyone that you shouldn't be explaining the story to them, they should be reading it themselves. Explaining this story is already hard enough without making it sound like it's only about the crush Mattie has on Jake because believe me, it's about so much more.
This review is an example about how people feel when they don't know how to express their love for a book in words.
I think this status update of mine describes the best how I feel about The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back:
"This book is making me grin like a fool, feel the need to stop reading to get up and clap like an overly excited audience cheering Mattie on and is making me so, so happy. I love it so friggin much. Dear Book Gods surrounding me, please let it stay this way."
I can't wait for the promised kind-of-sequel that takes place 4 years later with Ella as main character. I really hope that until then this hidden gem will be read by many others because this author truly deserves to gain more readers.
I don't know what else to say than that this wasn't the last time I'll read this book. When I feel like visiting an old friend, I'll always come back to this book and its absolutely wonderful main character Mattie.
March 26, 2013
First of all: WHY DOES THIS BOOK HAVE A HIGH RATING??
I want to keep this review short because I’m pretty sure this book killed few of my brain cells. I.FEEL.ABSOLUTELY.NOTHING. It’s like I read the book but I couldn’t connect with the characters even though the story line wasn't that bad. The main character, Mattie Lowe, was insecure, doubtful, with low self-esteem. And I’m sure that this was author’s intention of making her seem that way but personally I found it very annoying. Oh no, Jake looked at the pictures of himself that I drew and even though he’s joking around about it, she thinks the world is about to it.get over yourself. Also, there was no real conflict or climax. The only “enemy” that was in this book was Mercedes but what happens? Oh yeah, she gets suspended and everyone is happy. *Yawn*
So... THE END.
I want to keep this review short because I’m pretty sure this book killed few of my brain cells. I.FEEL.ABSOLUTELY.NOTHING. It’s like I read the book but I couldn’t connect with the characters even though the story line wasn't that bad. The main character, Mattie Lowe, was insecure, doubtful, with low self-esteem. And I’m sure that this was author’s intention of making her seem that way but personally I found it very annoying. Oh no, Jake looked at the pictures of himself that I drew and even though he’s joking around about it, she thinks the world is about to it.
So... THE END.
December 11, 2017
I loved everything about this book. It was hilarious. It was a super quick read. Oh, and it was hilarious.
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is obviously a take on Cinderella - but you know, about one of her sisters. Mattie, aka Matilda, is known as the ugly sister. Well, next to her step sister Ella she believes so. However, that's not the case. Mattie just has lots of insecurities (like everyone else does) and you watch her grow throughout this book.
I honestly loved and adored Mattie so freaking much. She made me laugh, and then cry from laughing so hard. I loved her secret (but not so secret) obsession with Jake - who was dating Ella in the beginning. I love how her and Ella's friendship starts to develop more.
Like I said earlier - I loved everything about this book. I could just type I love I love I love all day - but I wont. I totally recommend this book for people who love YA and just need a quick and easy book to fall in love with.
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is obviously a take on Cinderella - but you know, about one of her sisters. Mattie, aka Matilda, is known as the ugly sister. Well, next to her step sister Ella she believes so. However, that's not the case. Mattie just has lots of insecurities (like everyone else does) and you watch her grow throughout this book.
I honestly loved and adored Mattie so freaking much. She made me laugh, and then cry from laughing so hard. I loved her secret (but not so secret) obsession with Jake - who was dating Ella in the beginning. I love how her and Ella's friendship starts to develop more.
Like I said earlier - I loved everything about this book. I could just type I love I love I love all day - but I wont. I totally recommend this book for people who love YA and just need a quick and easy book to fall in love with.
January 1, 2018
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review contains mild spoilers for the book.
This story is a twist on the Cinderella fairytale with the stepsister being the protagonist. I am a sucker for fairytale retellings - whether they are a fantasy version or modern day - so I was very excited to read this book for that reason. And I enjoyed the book overall, but there were just a few things that prevented me from liking it more than I did.
First, it really bothered me in the beginning of the book how Jake would constantly try to use Mattie to do his bidding (to get out of detention and to do the whole school project) and even though she wouldn't let him use her, she basically didn't care that he treated her that way and still went on loving him anyway.
I also felt that the book was almost too short. I am all for short books. Unless it's one of my all time favorite series, I start to get wary when books get over 400 pages. However, I feel that this book at a little over 200 pages could have benefited from being a little longer. I think there was a lack of development with the characters and the plot that while the story kept going, I didn't really find any of the characters to act in a believable way due to a lack of development. We do get some backstory on the characters (like how their parents treat them) but I didn't feel like it really helped them develop to be the characters they were by the end of the book.
That being said, there were things I liked. I thought Mattie was really funny and a good protagonist. I also loved that she and Ella actually teamed up (I never expected that based on the book summary but it was really awesome how they really became friends). I think the story was cute, but it just needed a little more something to make it better. I will also say, this was my second book by this author, and I have to say that I enjoyed this one a whole lot more than the other one. Enough that I would be interested in checking out some of her other stories as well.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a light/fun read that isn't too deep and for people who don't mind a little cheesiness.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review contains mild spoilers for the book.
This story is a twist on the Cinderella fairytale with the stepsister being the protagonist. I am a sucker for fairytale retellings - whether they are a fantasy version or modern day - so I was very excited to read this book for that reason. And I enjoyed the book overall, but there were just a few things that prevented me from liking it more than I did.
First, it really bothered me in the beginning of the book how Jake would constantly try to use Mattie to do his bidding (to get out of detention and to do the whole school project) and even though she wouldn't let him use her, she basically didn't care that he treated her that way and still went on loving him anyway.
I also felt that the book was almost too short. I am all for short books. Unless it's one of my all time favorite series, I start to get wary when books get over 400 pages. However, I feel that this book at a little over 200 pages could have benefited from being a little longer. I think there was a lack of development with the characters and the plot that while the story kept going, I didn't really find any of the characters to act in a believable way due to a lack of development. We do get some backstory on the characters (like how their parents treat them) but I didn't feel like it really helped them develop to be the characters they were by the end of the book.
That being said, there were things I liked. I thought Mattie was really funny and a good protagonist. I also loved that she and Ella actually teamed up (I never expected that based on the book summary but it was really awesome how they really became friends). I think the story was cute, but it just needed a little more something to make it better. I will also say, this was my second book by this author, and I have to say that I enjoyed this one a whole lot more than the other one. Enough that I would be interested in checking out some of her other stories as well.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a light/fun read that isn't too deep and for people who don't mind a little cheesiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2014
I REALLY wanted to love this story...or even like it. However, the heroine is one of the most whiny, insecure, absurd characters I've ever come across.
She is in love with Jake, but why?? When our introduction to the guy is him getting mad and yelling at our heroine because she won't lie for him in detention, and them the very next day he is trying to get her to cheat for him on an assignment, I fell off of the "I love Jake" bandwagon. But wait, Mattie is in love with him despite all of these things because hey, he is just THAT good looking.
Between Mattie's head case and Jake's less than stellar qualities I could never quite bring myself to care. There are literally pages upon pages of Mattie's internal dialogue hating on her beautiful, supermodel stepsister and then switching it up to 'Why would Jake ever be attracted to a girl like me?'. Mostly the latter, that left me skimming paragraphs. I just couldn't take any more of her insecurities. I am a pretty tolerant reader and I even wanted to scream, "That's enough!!!".
The ending was sweet, but I was so tired of it all, at that point I just wanted it to be over. Definitely not my favorite read...I would NOT recommend this book, and frankly I'm baffled at how many high ratings this book has. If you are looking for a GOOD clean romance check out Kasie West's 'On the Fence'. It is infinitely better than this book.
She is in love with Jake, but why?? When our introduction to the guy is him getting mad and yelling at our heroine because she won't lie for him in detention, and them the very next day he is trying to get her to cheat for him on an assignment, I fell off of the "I love Jake" bandwagon. But wait, Mattie is in love with him despite all of these things because hey, he is just THAT good looking.
Between Mattie's head case and Jake's less than stellar qualities I could never quite bring myself to care. There are literally pages upon pages of Mattie's internal dialogue hating on her beautiful, supermodel stepsister and then switching it up to 'Why would Jake ever be attracted to a girl like me?'. Mostly the latter, that left me skimming paragraphs. I just couldn't take any more of her insecurities. I am a pretty tolerant reader and I even wanted to scream, "That's enough!!!".
The ending was sweet, but I was so tired of it all, at that point I just wanted it to be over. Definitely not my favorite read...I would NOT recommend this book, and frankly I'm baffled at how many high ratings this book has. If you are looking for a GOOD clean romance check out Kasie West's 'On the Fence'. It is infinitely better than this book.
November 7, 2017
4.5 stars
**I received a free eARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
This book made me do something I haven't done in a long, long time: I finished it in one sitting (with an obligatory coffee and bathroom break, obviously). My apartment was falling down around me, my dog thought he was dying, my cat was breaking every fragile object around him, but it didn't matter because I COULD NOT put this book down!
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is a fantastic example of how a fluffy, lighthearted YA contemporary should read. It is funny, the MC doesn't take herself too seriously, and the love interest isn't some jock-y douche. Our MC Mattie is funny, snarky, and head over heels in love with Jake. Her inner monologue seriously cracked me up, because I could totally relate. Even as a 28 year old woman, Mattie's thoughts on guys and relationships were completely relatable. I loved her friendship with Jake, and I loved the relationship development between her and Ella, her (step)sister (aka the "Cinderella" in the story, but is she really?). Ella is fantastic, and is a great foil to Mattie's snarky-ness.
Overall, a fantastic and fun read. I am looking forward to the sequel!
**I received a free eARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
This book made me do something I haven't done in a long, long time: I finished it in one sitting (with an obligatory coffee and bathroom break, obviously). My apartment was falling down around me, my dog thought he was dying, my cat was breaking every fragile object around him, but it didn't matter because I COULD NOT put this book down!
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is a fantastic example of how a fluffy, lighthearted YA contemporary should read. It is funny, the MC doesn't take herself too seriously, and the love interest isn't some jock-y douche. Our MC Mattie is funny, snarky, and head over heels in love with Jake. Her inner monologue seriously cracked me up, because I could totally relate. Even as a 28 year old woman, Mattie's thoughts on guys and relationships were completely relatable. I loved her friendship with Jake, and I loved the relationship development between her and Ella, her (step)sister (aka the "Cinderella" in the story, but is she really?). Ella is fantastic, and is a great foil to Mattie's snarky-ness.
Overall, a fantastic and fun read. I am looking forward to the sequel!
March 21, 2013
Matilda (aka Mattie or Tilly) is a tall, awkward, fuschia haired, manga drawing girl with the perfect stepsister--Ella. I guess I'd always thought of Cinderella's stepsisters as being lazy, ugly, with big noses, big feet, and grating, irritating voices. In this modern re-telling, Mattie does not come off across as that way at all. In fact, I think she is just a very insecure girl. Her mother all but abandoned her when she was young and has very limited contact with her and her dad is a busy, distracted artist. I loved the relationship that these two girls shared with one another.
Jake. It's interesting to think that everyone has their idea of a perfect guy. He's perfect for one, but not the other. He was great!! And patient.
Loved this story!!
Content: clean!!
Jake. It's interesting to think that everyone has their idea of a perfect guy. He's perfect for one, but not the other. He was great!! And patient.
Loved this story!!
Content: clean!!
July 11, 2021
You probably know me well enough by now to realise that while I’m more than happy to wander between genres, I’m a romantiphobe. The only books that I voluntarily sign up for knowing upfront that they will involve kissing are by Chris Cannon, who sucked me in with talk of bookstores and food and a liberal sprinkling of banter, and Melissa McShane, who upped the ante by giving me a magical bookstore!
So, how did this book wind up on my TBR pile? Your guess is as good as mine. It probably had something to do with the fact that this story is told from the perspective of the ugly stepsister, and you know how much I love a good underdog story.
Mattie, despite being everything that Ella is not, can’t hate her. Ella is too adorable to hate. Although, the fact that she’s dating the boy Mattie has been in love with for half of her life isn’t exactly helping.
Despite this, I liked the main characters. Mattie was a good underdog, even though she needed some self esteem. Ella was loveable, even though she was too perfect. Jake, who was almost too perfect himself, had vulnerabilities that endeared him to me. Though, I did want to punch him every time he thought of Mattie’s best friend as a “poor man’s Jon Snow”, “wannabe Edward Scissorhands” or “Guyliner”.
I wanted to get to know Trent, said best friend, better because he was sidelined for most of the book. I also wanted Mercedes Bentley to have more page time. Surely a girl who is not embarrassed to be named after two cars is worth getting to know. Come to think of it, maybe she is mortified by her name and that’s the reason she feels called to be a mean girl.
There’s drama and what ifs and that really irritating lack of communication that I’ve come to expect from my limited experience reading romance novels. If the lovey dovey teenagers actually communicated, their story could be all about the HEA by chapter two.
I’ve got to give Jake credit for summing up the plot of pretty much any romance story for me (change the pronouns where appropriate):
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kindle Press for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
So, how did this book wind up on my TBR pile? Your guess is as good as mine. It probably had something to do with the fact that this story is told from the perspective of the ugly stepsister, and you know how much I love a good underdog story.
“So come here, Cinderella. You need to see this.”Mattie’s stepsister, Ella, is practically perfect in every way. She’s gorgeous, kind and loved by everyone. She’s a cheerleader, she volunteers, she fundraises and she is happy to clean their home, even though they’re super rich and have staff employed to do that for them. Mattie’s father is so rich their home comes with its own part of the beach!
“I think you’re confused as to which one of us is which girl in that story.”
Mattie, despite being everything that Ella is not, can’t hate her. Ella is too adorable to hate. Although, the fact that she’s dating the boy Mattie has been in love with for half of her life isn’t exactly helping.
I went from raging mad to helplessly in love to totally confused to completely embarrassed in the space of a few seconds when I was with him.This was a light read but I enjoyed it much more than I expected I would. Sure, the requisite romance novel eye rolls were there, my favourite of which happened when Mattie .
Despite this, I liked the main characters. Mattie was a good underdog, even though she needed some self esteem. Ella was loveable, even though she was too perfect. Jake, who was almost too perfect himself, had vulnerabilities that endeared him to me. Though, I did want to punch him every time he thought of Mattie’s best friend as a “poor man’s Jon Snow”, “wannabe Edward Scissorhands” or “Guyliner”.
I wanted to get to know Trent, said best friend, better because he was sidelined for most of the book. I also wanted Mercedes Bentley to have more page time. Surely a girl who is not embarrassed to be named after two cars is worth getting to know. Come to think of it, maybe she is mortified by her name and that’s the reason she feels called to be a mean girl.
There’s drama and what ifs and that really irritating lack of communication that I’ve come to expect from my limited experience reading romance novels. If the lovey dovey teenagers actually communicated, their story could be all about the HEA by chapter two.
I’ve got to give Jake credit for summing up the plot of pretty much any romance story for me (change the pronouns where appropriate):
“He likes her. She likes him. They find out.”Now, this is probably going to be the most unexpected thing you’ll hear me say in the near future: I’m planning on reading the sequel.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kindle Press for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 26, 2020I dnfed this book roughly 10% in. Even though I did not finish it, it is handy for me to know why I did not finish it so here I go.
This sounds like it could be a cute book but I just could not stand the MC, Mattie. Mattie is supposed to be quirky and snarky, but I found her whiny and annoying. She certainly has a voice in the text, but I did not find her sarcasm funny, I found it cringey. She spends most of the beginning complaining about her stepsister Ella and how she is The Worst. Her crimes? Basically that Ella is a Good Person which makes Mattie look bad. Instead of feeling bad for Mattie, it made her out to be a brat. Mattie has a crush on a boy named Jake (who happens to be popular and dating Ella) and she monologues about how awesome he is. What bothered me was that she says she loves Jake for being nice and charitable, when she hates Ella for the exact same reason. (although looking at the reviews, it seems that Jake is not such a nice guy which makes Mattie's reasoning even more ridiculous). My "not like other girls" alarm bells were also ringing. Mattie is an outsider at school and she makes it seem like she is an outsider because she wears black and draws manga and she's different. Overall, I did not feel inclined to read the rest of the book.
This sounds like it could be a cute book but I just could not stand the MC, Mattie. Mattie is supposed to be quirky and snarky, but I found her whiny and annoying. She certainly has a voice in the text, but I did not find her sarcasm funny, I found it cringey. She spends most of the beginning complaining about her stepsister Ella and how she is The Worst. Her crimes? Basically that Ella is a Good Person which makes Mattie look bad. Instead of feeling bad for Mattie, it made her out to be a brat. Mattie has a crush on a boy named Jake (who happens to be popular and dating Ella) and she monologues about how awesome he is. What bothered me was that she says she loves Jake for being nice and charitable, when she hates Ella for the exact same reason. (although looking at the reviews, it seems that Jake is not such a nice guy which makes Mattie's reasoning even more ridiculous). My "not like other girls" alarm bells were also ringing. Mattie is an outsider at school and she makes it seem like she is an outsider because she wears black and draws manga and she's different. Overall, I did not feel inclined to read the rest of the book.
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November 5, 2017
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a typical Highschool drama with a „ugly“ outsider girl who is in love with the hottest guy in school, who has a relationship with her stepsister. Of course they were always secretly in love with each other and after a lot of Highschool drama there’s this super cute moment and then there’s only ♥️.
I mean sure, this is all in all a cliche. But it was cute, funny and entertaining.
I really enjoyed reading it.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So there’s the typical outsider Mattie which only has one friend (a „goth“ guy) and has a beautiful stepsister Ella. But Mattie is sometimes so relatable, understanding and funny. I really liked her.
Jake is also the typical highschool star, but like Ella he has his good sides. He’s forgiving, respectful and really lovable. He really listened to her and tried to be the best for her. That was absolutely adorable.
Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cliche. But cute. So, so cute.
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author writes in a nice and funny way that is really entertaining. It’s a short book that you easily could read in one day.
This is a typical Highschool drama with a „ugly“ outsider girl who is in love with the hottest guy in school, who has a relationship with her stepsister. Of course they were always secretly in love with each other and after a lot of Highschool drama there’s this super cute moment and then there’s only ♥️.
I mean sure, this is all in all a cliche. But it was cute, funny and entertaining.
I really enjoyed reading it.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So there’s the typical outsider Mattie which only has one friend (a „goth“ guy) and has a beautiful stepsister Ella. But Mattie is sometimes so relatable, understanding and funny. I really liked her.
Jake is also the typical highschool star, but like Ella he has his good sides. He’s forgiving, respectful and really lovable. He really listened to her and tried to be the best for her. That was absolutely adorable.
Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cliche. But cute. So, so cute.
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author writes in a nice and funny way that is really entertaining. It’s a short book that you easily could read in one day.
February 19, 2013
How super cute was this book? Okay, I am a sucker for a good Cinderella story, we all know that. And I love fun fluffy romantic comedies. So yes, this rating comes totally biased. But still I loved it. So super cute! I loved Tilly. So funny! And, I'm sorry, but how could you not love somebody who was literally named after Jake Ryan? LOL!
September 1, 2012
4 1/2 stars. Very fun and enjoyable book. Adults will enjoy it as much as teens will. My daughter loved it too, even as much as me. Characters were fun. Ella was my favorite.
September 5, 2014
Oh my goodness why didn't I read this book sooner?!?! I've had it on my kindle for so long. It was so cute! And clean!! I really liked it.
January 3, 2021
It was a struggle not to vomit getting through this one. Mattie is wildly not smart, and she reeks of "I'm not like other girls" and the book's got plenty of inappropriate comments to boot. DNF.
November 6, 2018
❌ Auxiliary Challenge™ 2018 winner for
October
over at Fallen Into Tijan Books -- Theme: Retellings ❌
The Cheese is strong in this one
I lurve cheese. And I liked this! A lot.
This is kind of a retelling of Cinderella but from the Ugly Stepsister POV. I say kind of cause it really is loosely based.
This was good fluff with look warm action. If you go in expecting battles & drama (like someone that isn't me did) you will be thoroughly and utterly disappointed. Although it is good disappointment and it won't last very long. This was purely character based but instead of creating super angsty drama for the heroes to step into loving themselves we got a couple very mild scenes and a lot of thinking and working stuff out. Which was great! It got somewhat annoying at times but that didn't factor in my enjoyment much.
We also got a lot of cheese. Lot of cheese.
I liked Mattie quite a bit. Snark and fire and self knowledge. Jake is also cute though he is a bit of an arsehole. Ella is the sun, you like her but you want to run away from her after a while.
It could have used some battles thrown in there imo but all in all enjoyable. I started it today and finished in one sitting.
Loved the bonus: At the end of the book we get a few chapters from Jakes' POV. :D
Looking forward to reading the next one ✔
• Quotes
The Cheese is strong in this one
I lurve cheese. And I liked this! A lot.
This is kind of a retelling of Cinderella but from the Ugly Stepsister POV. I say kind of cause it really is loosely based.
This was good fluff with look warm action. If you go in expecting battles & drama (like someone that isn't me did) you will be thoroughly and utterly disappointed. Although it is good disappointment and it won't last very long. This was purely character based but instead of creating super angsty drama for the heroes to step into loving themselves we got a couple very mild scenes and a lot of thinking and working stuff out. Which was great! It got somewhat annoying at times but that didn't factor in my enjoyment much.
We also got a lot of cheese. Lot of cheese.
I liked Mattie quite a bit. Snark and fire and self knowledge. Jake is also cute though he is a bit of an arsehole. Ella is the sun, you like her but you want to run away from her after a while.
It could have used some battles thrown in there imo but all in all enjoyable. I started it today and finished in one sitting.
Loved the bonus: At the end of the book we get a few chapters from Jakes' POV. :D
Looking forward to reading the next one ✔
• Quotes
March 3, 2014
Clean, cute and sweet. How often such adjectives apply to YA fiction these days? They all apply to this book, and although I don't belong to its target readership, I enjoyed this quirky teenage romance.
Its protagonist Mattie is the ugly stepsister, or she thinks she is. Very insecure beside her beautiful, petite stepsister Ella, Mattie is steeped in her teenage angst.
• She loves the most desirable boy at school, but there is no way he could like her back.
• She is a talented manga artist but there is no way anyone could appreciate her art.
• She is tall and curvy, a man’s wet dream, but there is no way anyone could like her clumsy ways, when her blonde cheerleader stepsister Ella is around.
You get the drift, right? So instead of doing anything positive, she hides behind a mask of a snarky, dressed-in-black hoyden with fuchsia-colored hair and conceals her sketchbook from anyone. And she blames her misfortunes on her pretty stepsister.
Until a series of events forces her out of her comfort-zone disguise and she has to reevaluate everyone around her, including herself. Growing up is always hard, and unmasking yourself is an agonizing process. The author is painfully honest as she writes about Mattie’s self-discovery journey. Despite setbacks and self-doubts, Mattie muddles through, striving for truth and love, stumbling but getting up again.
I liked her. I understood her wish to cringe when she looked in the mirror, her jealousy, and her love-struck puppy’s idiosyncrasies. She is a good girl… deep inside. Her only sin is total self-absorption. She doesn’t see anyone beside herself and isn’t interested in anyone else’s plight.
Vulnerable and egotistic – how often such traits go hand in hand in teenagers. They are egotistic because they’re so vulnerable, so full of insecurities. They need constant confirmation from the adults – teachers and parents – but can’t admit it even to themselves, so they fake insouciance and act like brats. They desperately need acceptance from their peers, so they parrot each other… to seem original.
Mattie reminds me of my daughter, when she was the same age. Just like my daughter once upon a time, Mattie practically always behaves stupidly and makes mistakes, but her integrity pulls her through every time, and eventually she reaches her happily-ever-after. Or at least, the ‘happy now.’
The pacing of this novel is fast, although the events it describes are very insignificant – in my opinion. But from Mattie’s perspective, they must be huge: a class project in partnership with her secret sweetheart, a spat with the class’s certifiable bitch, a stolen drawing, an almost kiss.
The writing is perfect, flowing without a hitch. I’m a grammar nerd and I haven’t spotted even one spelling mistake, which is an extremely rare occurrence for indie writers. This book was a pleasure to read from the English purist’s point of view.
It was also fun to read. Hilarious situations popped out of the pages like little jokers, and the dialog sparkled, quick and witty, with a spattering of teenage lingo to make it authentic. I smiled more often than not as I read it. Sometimes though, the mood of the tale changed so swiftly the switch made me dizzy: from funny to poignant in one line.
If I had to pinpoint this novel’s exact genre I would call it chic lit in high school.
Recommended.
Its protagonist Mattie is the ugly stepsister, or she thinks she is. Very insecure beside her beautiful, petite stepsister Ella, Mattie is steeped in her teenage angst.
• She loves the most desirable boy at school, but there is no way he could like her back.
• She is a talented manga artist but there is no way anyone could appreciate her art.
• She is tall and curvy, a man’s wet dream, but there is no way anyone could like her clumsy ways, when her blonde cheerleader stepsister Ella is around.
You get the drift, right? So instead of doing anything positive, she hides behind a mask of a snarky, dressed-in-black hoyden with fuchsia-colored hair and conceals her sketchbook from anyone. And she blames her misfortunes on her pretty stepsister.
Until a series of events forces her out of her comfort-zone disguise and she has to reevaluate everyone around her, including herself. Growing up is always hard, and unmasking yourself is an agonizing process. The author is painfully honest as she writes about Mattie’s self-discovery journey. Despite setbacks and self-doubts, Mattie muddles through, striving for truth and love, stumbling but getting up again.
I liked her. I understood her wish to cringe when she looked in the mirror, her jealousy, and her love-struck puppy’s idiosyncrasies. She is a good girl… deep inside. Her only sin is total self-absorption. She doesn’t see anyone beside herself and isn’t interested in anyone else’s plight.
Vulnerable and egotistic – how often such traits go hand in hand in teenagers. They are egotistic because they’re so vulnerable, so full of insecurities. They need constant confirmation from the adults – teachers and parents – but can’t admit it even to themselves, so they fake insouciance and act like brats. They desperately need acceptance from their peers, so they parrot each other… to seem original.
Mattie reminds me of my daughter, when she was the same age. Just like my daughter once upon a time, Mattie practically always behaves stupidly and makes mistakes, but her integrity pulls her through every time, and eventually she reaches her happily-ever-after. Or at least, the ‘happy now.’
The pacing of this novel is fast, although the events it describes are very insignificant – in my opinion. But from Mattie’s perspective, they must be huge: a class project in partnership with her secret sweetheart, a spat with the class’s certifiable bitch, a stolen drawing, an almost kiss.
The writing is perfect, flowing without a hitch. I’m a grammar nerd and I haven’t spotted even one spelling mistake, which is an extremely rare occurrence for indie writers. This book was a pleasure to read from the English purist’s point of view.
It was also fun to read. Hilarious situations popped out of the pages like little jokers, and the dialog sparkled, quick and witty, with a spattering of teenage lingo to make it authentic. I smiled more often than not as I read it. Sometimes though, the mood of the tale changed so swiftly the switch made me dizzy: from funny to poignant in one line.
I’m pretty sure I started saying some unkind things about calculus’s mother under my breath because Jake raised one eyebrow and looked over at me. “Jeez, what did calculus ever do to you?”Sentimental? Yes, a bit. But her love is so heartwarming too.
“Here’s the thing. Math and I broke up two years ago, and now whenever we get together it’s just weird and awkward for both of us.”
He laughed. Laughed and laughed and I couldn’t believe that I’d made him laugh like that. It made me feel all bubbly and warm inside and suddenly I didn’t want anything but to make Jake Kinston laugh over and over again.
If I had to pinpoint this novel’s exact genre I would call it chic lit in high school.
Recommended.
February 20, 2013
4.5 stars
Love. I'm pretty sure you are going to read that word one too many times in this review but it just cannot be helped. This book was so cute and I just loved it.
Here's the thing. I have a teenage daughter that loves to read. She especially loves romantic teenage books but it is so hard to find those kind of books that are clean (no swearing, no sex). I practically become giddy when I find a book like The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back. It is full of all things teenager- school drama, boy crazy drama, imperfect family relations and self doubt. (Did I totally just sum up a teenager's world?!) That was this book. It not only deals with the problem side of these things, it deals with the overcoming as well. That's where my love comes in.
Mattie is a normal teenage girl that we can all relate to. She has spent her life comparing herself to her step sister. The mean girl at school picks on her and her own mother belittles her. No wonder the girl struggles. I think we can all relate to having a crush in high school. Ah, the unrequited love. But what if your sister was dating said crush? Ouch. What I love about Mattie is that she keeps plugging along. She doesn't set out to change the world right off the bat but she does come to the realization that she can be herself and she can do things that are great. Once her thoughts change, her actions change and she begins to feel better about herself. She realizes what a great friend she has in her sister and life becomes better for her. I loved seeing that transformation. It's what this mother wishes for her daughter. :)
This really is such a cute book. It's a fast, breezy, easy book to read. It made me smile and it had the happily ever after ending that every romantic heart loves. My daughter is going to love this book.
Love. I'm pretty sure you are going to read that word one too many times in this review but it just cannot be helped. This book was so cute and I just loved it.
Here's the thing. I have a teenage daughter that loves to read. She especially loves romantic teenage books but it is so hard to find those kind of books that are clean (no swearing, no sex). I practically become giddy when I find a book like The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back. It is full of all things teenager- school drama, boy crazy drama, imperfect family relations and self doubt. (Did I totally just sum up a teenager's world?!) That was this book. It not only deals with the problem side of these things, it deals with the overcoming as well. That's where my love comes in.
Mattie is a normal teenage girl that we can all relate to. She has spent her life comparing herself to her step sister. The mean girl at school picks on her and her own mother belittles her. No wonder the girl struggles. I think we can all relate to having a crush in high school. Ah, the unrequited love. But what if your sister was dating said crush? Ouch. What I love about Mattie is that she keeps plugging along. She doesn't set out to change the world right off the bat but she does come to the realization that she can be herself and she can do things that are great. Once her thoughts change, her actions change and she begins to feel better about herself. She realizes what a great friend she has in her sister and life becomes better for her. I loved seeing that transformation. It's what this mother wishes for her daughter. :)
This really is such a cute book. It's a fast, breezy, easy book to read. It made me smile and it had the happily ever after ending that every romantic heart loves. My daughter is going to love this book.
Read
November 7, 2022Another free kindle book that I bought on whim that turned out to be AMAZING, and possibly one of my new favourites!
Firstly I love the main character - she is perfectly relate able, and I think a lot of girls feel they are in the same position as her, except perhaps without the flawless (step)sister, rich background and of course the pink hair! Mattie Lowe is amazing, and is now a heroine of mine.
The true colours of high school life are shown very clearly and realistically, which again is one of my favourite things. I thought the book as a mix of 'A Cinderella Story', 'Easy A', John Hughes things (who doesn't like John Hughes' movies?!) and then manga references too, and being someone who draws and loves to read manga this trait in character made me love the book 143% more than I thought I already did.
There are some cliche moments, however they were not done in a cringey way. The plot line had me guessing the whole way through, and it made me feel so many things; I was angry at Jake and then nervous for Mattie. I though that Mercedes was a complete meany, but there had to be one in every story. Ella and Mattie had me crying at some points because their friendship was so real and even Jake had me tearing up a bit at the end there.
This book was AMAZING. To any one that hasn't read it yet put it on your reading list and make sure you read it soon, because I can guarantee that this is going to be one of those books that everyone loves. When I read at the end there is going to be a sequel I literally screamed I can't wait for it, I just hope that one has a happy ending too and I can't wait to read it!
Firstly I love the main character - she is perfectly relate able, and I think a lot of girls feel they are in the same position as her, except perhaps without the flawless (step)sister, rich background and of course the pink hair! Mattie Lowe is amazing, and is now a heroine of mine.
The true colours of high school life are shown very clearly and realistically, which again is one of my favourite things. I thought the book as a mix of 'A Cinderella Story', 'Easy A', John Hughes things (who doesn't like John Hughes' movies?!) and then manga references too, and being someone who draws and loves to read manga this trait in character made me love the book 143% more than I thought I already did.
There are some cliche moments, however they were not done in a cringey way. The plot line had me guessing the whole way through, and it made me feel so many things; I was angry at Jake and then nervous for Mattie. I though that Mercedes was a complete meany, but there had to be one in every story. Ella and Mattie had me crying at some points because their friendship was so real and even Jake had me tearing up a bit at the end there.
This book was AMAZING. To any one that hasn't read it yet put it on your reading list and make sure you read it soon, because I can guarantee that this is going to be one of those books that everyone loves. When I read at the end there is going to be a sequel I literally screamed I can't wait for it, I just hope that one has a happy ending too and I can't wait to read it!
August 3, 2015
Full of humor and teenage drama that had me laughing.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back. It was full of humor and sometimes laugh out loud teenage drama. Although our main character Mattie had some extremely serious issues that she was dealing with the book was light hearted and a lot of fun. It was great watching her self confidence grow and so fun to see her and her sweet sister Ella become best of friends. I was cheering for our Hero of the story Jake to turn out to be a good guy and I loved watching their relationship grow.
Cute, clean read. Some brief talk of teen drinking and one incident of mild innuendo. Adorable ending.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back. It was full of humor and sometimes laugh out loud teenage drama. Although our main character Mattie had some extremely serious issues that she was dealing with the book was light hearted and a lot of fun. It was great watching her self confidence grow and so fun to see her and her sweet sister Ella become best of friends. I was cheering for our Hero of the story Jake to turn out to be a good guy and I loved watching their relationship grow.
Cute, clean read. Some brief talk of teen drinking and one incident of mild innuendo. Adorable ending.
November 20, 2014
This is a good one! It was hilarious. I liked the personalities of both sisters. I liked how the book showed growth and development and moral strength of both sisters. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
April 27, 2014
Why in the world did I wait so long to read The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back?! Oh my heck! It was adorable and I absolutely LOVED it!! Can't wait to read more books by Sariah Wilson!
December 18, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Everyone knows Cinderella’s story, but the stepsister’s is just as good. Sariah Wilson gives an old classic a twist and tells the story from a different POV in The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back.
Mattie is always left in the shadows of her beautiful and popular stepsister Ella. Ella has the looks, the friends and the guy. That’s right, she’s dating the guy Mattie has crushed on since elementary school. But Mattie is through being Ella’s ugly stepsister. She’s out to rule the school, starting by running for class president against her long-time crush Jake.
“I sighed, because that's what unrequited love made you do. Sigh with self-pity.”
This was a fun and entertaining spin on the fairytale, but to me it was more a retelling. Sure, Mattie considered herself the ugly, down and out stepsister, but isn’t that what Cinderella thought of herself too. Anyway, that has absolutely no bearing on how I feel about the book.
“I was constantly amazed by the depths of my own shallowness. Wait. Could a shallow person have depths?”
This was a novel that reminded me of a mashup of Pretty in Pink and She’s All That, and yes, I just crossed decades in RomComs and dated myself all at once. I am a sucker for those types of movies and secretly devour them. Publicly I will scream I am a horror fan, but I am a romantic at heart and I love when the underdog, or in this case ugly stepsister, gets the guy.
“Maybe I should ask Awkward if it wanted to go to the masquerade with me since lately we seemed to be spending so much time together.”
I truly enjoyed the humor and the clean fun aspect of the romance presented in this book. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up as a movie or TV series, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, if you are hankering for a fairytale that isn’t the same old same old, pick this one up. 4.5 stars.
Everyone knows Cinderella’s story, but the stepsister’s is just as good. Sariah Wilson gives an old classic a twist and tells the story from a different POV in The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back.
Mattie is always left in the shadows of her beautiful and popular stepsister Ella. Ella has the looks, the friends and the guy. That’s right, she’s dating the guy Mattie has crushed on since elementary school. But Mattie is through being Ella’s ugly stepsister. She’s out to rule the school, starting by running for class president against her long-time crush Jake.
“I sighed, because that's what unrequited love made you do. Sigh with self-pity.”
This was a fun and entertaining spin on the fairytale, but to me it was more a retelling. Sure, Mattie considered herself the ugly, down and out stepsister, but isn’t that what Cinderella thought of herself too. Anyway, that has absolutely no bearing on how I feel about the book.
“I was constantly amazed by the depths of my own shallowness. Wait. Could a shallow person have depths?”
This was a novel that reminded me of a mashup of Pretty in Pink and She’s All That, and yes, I just crossed decades in RomComs and dated myself all at once. I am a sucker for those types of movies and secretly devour them. Publicly I will scream I am a horror fan, but I am a romantic at heart and I love when the underdog, or in this case ugly stepsister, gets the guy.
“Maybe I should ask Awkward if it wanted to go to the masquerade with me since lately we seemed to be spending so much time together.”
I truly enjoyed the humor and the clean fun aspect of the romance presented in this book. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up as a movie or TV series, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, if you are hankering for a fairytale that isn’t the same old same old, pick this one up. 4.5 stars.
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