The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back

This is a cute story about teenage love, insecurity, tempers, competition and odd relationships...and also a lot of misunderstanding between people who are so wrapped up in protecting their own feelings they really don't know those they should be closest to. It is a new twist on the Cinderella story that will make you laugh and cry as you remember those tumultuous, really, really, really difficult teenage years.

A bunch of teenagers figure themselves out. One gets self confidence, another realizes how much her family loves her, and another learns to stop using others and trusting the wrong kind of people. Is it unrealistic? Of course, we're talking about teenagers here (and fairytales, obviously, with a title like that!) But it's a lovely fantasy/romance story that you hope would be real. A very quick and fun read, I greatly enjoyed it.

What a cute story about finding yourself and finding love along the way! I was smiling a lot during this book. This was a very cute rendition of the Cinderella story in a high school setting. You couldn't help but like Mattie and her crazy brain, and you wanted to love and hate Jake but in the end kept rooting for him! I'm very happy to hear there's a sequel and we'll get to know more about Mattie, Jake, Ella and Trent!

Loved this book. Fantastic voice and great plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of fun, but with a serious message about believing in ourselves and shutting out the voices that want to tear us down.

I felt sad about her relationship with her mother, but I could understand why she felt that way and it reminded me to not be that kind of mom.

Highly recommended!! Can't wait for the next book.

This book was wonderfully awesome! The writing sparkled with witty humor and Mattie was an amazing character. This was so much better than I had initially expected. Things to love:
Ella and Mattie's relationship - beautiful, fun and ringing true for sisters, from the jealousy to the moment they reached understanding.
Jake Kingston - he's not as perfect as Mattie thinks he is; his character rings true with authenticity. Totally swoonworthy.
Mattie. Mattie, Mattie, Mattie - how I love you! Snarky, witty, smart and heartfelt. She was amazing and I just wanted to spend more time with her!

I could keep going, but let me just say this: This story is a quick, fun read. It hit a lot emotional spots for me and resonated with my teen experiences. I read it in under a day. The editing/writing was awesome, the pacing was spot on, the dialogue sparkled and Mattie & company totally won my heart. Can't wait to read more from this author!

This was a cute YA retelling of the classic Cinderella story. Mattie Lowe thinks she is the ugly stepsister to her do-gooder, beautiful stepsister Ella. After all, Ella is the one with the perfect boyfriend - Jake, the boy Mattie has loved from afar since she was nine. But when Mattie is assigned to work with Jake on a class assignment and then decides to run against him for senior class president, the love gets a little too close for comfort. What will happen when Jake--and more importantly Mattie--realizes that she's not such an ugly stepsister after all?

Move over Colleen Hoover with your mopey, high drama heroines and their ridiculous emo behavior!

I don't like teen romances. But this is just a great romantic story. Yes, it does take place in a high school and it is a riff on a well-loved fairy tale. But the characters are real and interesting, the plot is great, and Ms. Wilson's writing is superb.

Definitely a teen classic and maybe it will convince the young adult crowd that you can find love without being bitten, cursed or chased around by things that go bump in the night.

Why haven't you purchased this book already?

I don't normally read books like this, but something about it drew me in and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I was very pleasantly surprised! It's such a cute, light, fun read and was exactly what I needed. There were several references to John Hughes movies, which I love, and I can honestly say that the book had that type of feel. I could almost see it being played out as that exact type of movie.

A witty and captivating tale of teenage turmoil that wisks you back to that time in your life. Through the narrator's eyes you follow the ups and downs of that awkward age with humor and a growing wisdom. This is a fun tale that is well written and will keep you chuckling at the main character and smiling at yourself as you remember what it was like to slowly gain confidence and self awareness.

Simple... Loved it!!! The Sixteen Candles tie in was very cute. I really enjoyed Mattie and the other characters views on life. It seemed to mesh with how I remembered high school being. Yes, people might say she was shallow and took things for granted or was jealous,but she was suppsoed to be "the ugly stepsister" no one said she was cinderella. Hello?! This is high school, even the shallow, jealous and petty girls had boyfriends and their own stories.

I really enjoyed Tilly's story. Sariah really captured that high school atmosphere. There were several times I laughed out loud. Really well done and I can't wait to hear more of Ella, Tilly and Jake. I really hope there is a sequel coming soon! Well done!

I borrowed this book using Kindle Unlimited. As you can tell by my rating, I did not love this book.

Sometimes I like to read books and watch movies targeted for teenagers. Some are very entertaining regardless of one's chronological age. They can be fun light reading and watching.

This one does not do it for me. I am way too old to enjoy this one (over 60) and my experience in life does not connect in any way with the lives of these teens (except for the heroine's love of manga and anime/animation).

The teenagers are too rich (they go to a select private high school in Southern California). Their problems are too upper class. I just was the wrong reader for this modern Cinderella based teen story. I did not feel a connection with any of the characters. I know it was a class problem for me.

For the right reader, a teen who goes to private schools, one whose life resembles the life of these teen characters, I am sure this novel would be enjoyable light reading.

If you have an attitude problem like me, if you're a reader who has trouble sympathizing with characters in stories about the every day life of rich people, skip this one. (If some of the personal stories published in magazines like The Atlantic or Vogue, written by rich people, annoy you, you might share my attitude problem and not enjoy this novel.)

A very cute story aimed for the young adult. While I'm not quite the young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this reverse Cinderella story. While the story was predictable of any Cinderella story, it was also written from a different angle which kept it fresh and engaging. I loved the characters and setting of the story. I would highly recommend this book! It's an easy read and will hold your interest from the get go. And who doesn't love happily ever after stories?

"Beauty is as beauty does." Most people are not beautiful outside and in, but both of these sisters are. It's a great story for teens. Most will be able to relate to Mattie's insecurities. This book should help them see themselves in a new light. Remember, no on can make you feel bad without your permission. This book demonstrates that perfectly.

I had actually purchased this book back in January and just got around to reading it. I wish I had read it sooner. I found all the John Hughes references funny. There were times I got teary eyed. The ending was nice and didn't leave it completely open ended, which I hate when writers do that. Promise of a sequel, can't wait.

This book was really good. I just got it because it looked good and it was free. However because of the all references to John Hughes movies and just the plain good writing, I would pay money for this book. It is a really easy quick read, but it is really good. Even though this book is meant for teenagers, I really enjoyed it (and I am NOT a teenager).

Really adorable young adult novel where the kids actually behaved as kids instead of premature grown-ups. Appreciated the character development, the build-up to the precious concluding scene, the pop-culture references etc. My only complaint was the continuous use of "Holy Buddha" - a bit over-used for my liking but I still loved it :)

The Book The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is amazing! The Charaters are in depth. The book was a fast pase, hard to Put Down, Amazing Book. I read this book in a day it was so good! I was really impressed how the book flowed through!! I'm going to be reading the second book I want to see what Happens with Mattie and Jake! Cliff Hanger at the End!!

Sariah Wilson has a new twist on the Cinderella story. It is a charming and uplifting story. It brings back memories of the insecurities of being a teen. It is light hearted and expresses the value of love from the important people around us.
Good book Ms Wilson, I had fun reading it too.

Really adorable young adult novel where the kids actually behaved as kids instead of premature grown-ups. Appreciated the character development, the build-up to the precious concluding scene, the pop-culture references etc. My only complaint was the continuous use of "Holy Buddha" - a bit over-used for my liking but I still loved it :)

The Book The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is amazing! The Charaters are in depth. The book was a fast pase, hard to Put Down, Amazing Book. I read this book in a day it was so good! I was really impressed how the book flowed through!! I'm going to be reading the second book I want to see what Happens with Mattie and Jake! Cliff Hanger at the End!!

Sariah Wilson has a new twist on the Cinderella story. It is a charming and uplifting story. It brings back memories of the insecurities of being a teen. It is light hearted and expresses the value of love from the important people around us.
Good book Ms Wilson, I had fun reading it too.

Not bad. Reminds of all those '80s teenage movies I used to watch, you know the kind: Sixteen Candles (not as good); Some Kind of Wonderful (almost as good); Say Anything (movie waaaay better). A little sugary sweet with a fair amount of humour. More suited to the pre-teen set I think.

I don't normally write reviews. But this was such an enjoyable and entertaining story, I felt I needed to. A charming story concerning a charmingly sassy and flawed Tilly. The characters were well developed and people I found myself caring them.

Great light reading romantic book sure to give you memories from your past and/or hopes for your future. Well written with likeable characters and an interesting plot. I recommend this book for a relaxing weekend....or any time. Enjoy.

I have mixed feelings about this book, and at one stage I’ve wanted to give it a lower star rating than I did, but despite a few minor annoyances, I think I’ll stick with four stars. What could those minor annoyances possibly be, you might ask? Well, for starters, I couldn’t make up my mind whether I liked the protagonist or not. She has all the traits that I despise in YA female leads that aren’t properly fleshed out. For instance, she’s terribly insecure, doubts herself all the time, is indecisive, and, to be quite frank, just downright pathetic at times. To top it all, she has a major crush on – wait for it – the HOTTEST guy in school (mmmm, where have I read THAT before?). This is all she talks about the entire freaking time. He’s so hot. He’s so cute. He’s so sweet. He’s so nice. He’s so adorable. And she loves him. She isn’t even dating him, but she loves him. What happened to being IN love? There is a difference, you know. There’s also the syrupy sweet rather predictable happily-ever-after ending.

The absolute worst part of this cute story for me was the one phrase our leading lady kept repeating that had my gag reflex working overtime: I quote: “Oh my Buddha”. Seriously, if I hear that one more time… I even thought of counting how many times she used this phrase, but I was already halfway through the book and didn’t want to start all over again because I have a ton of books I still have to get around to. But trust me, she uses this phrase A LOT!

Anyway, these really are minor things that bugged me about the book. It’s really well-written and despite my complaints, I actually enjoyed this and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a cozy, clean, feel-good romance. I also really liked Ella despite her having no flaws at all. I can’t think that anyone can be as selfless as she is, but in contrast to her pesky “ugly stepsister” constantly being on one heck of a hormonal rollercoaster, she was a breath of fresh air and probably what kept me reading. So, like I said, I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely read more by this author.

This was a fun, funny, light read. Several parts had me laughing out loud. It wasn't that the story was utterly unique or a piece of classic literature, but that the author managed to so effortlessly take the reader back to those awkward high school days and rewrite them in a hilariously fun, sweet way. While this is geared toward teens, there are moments when the author references things that may be lost on today's youth (not that it would detract from the story) but will make older readers smile. I enjoyed this book and will keep an eye out for the sequel!

I really, really enjoyed this book. Although I am a 33 year old wife and mother and this story centered around teenagers, there were so many references to the 80's and other romantic stories like Austen, that this was very easy to get into. Plus, it was witty and endearing. I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!

The self deprecating way the main character talks about herself starts to get old...until you realize you have likely said the same things about yourself too. It's a light read, predictable, but enjoyable. I was disappointed to have reached the end and i. I look forward to reading more books by this author

Warm and enduring. The perfect coming of age story. Every girl on the journey to adulthood should read this book. It takes you on a journey from ugly duckling to beautiful swan.

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back had the potential to be the next generation's Are You There Good? It's Me, Margaret.

A well written story that anyone that has ever suffered through high school and teen years can relate to.

It made me smile to see a happy ending.

I heartily recommend that you settle down and prepare to enjoy yourself with this delightfully written story.

This book filled a few hours of a quiet afternoon. It was definitely frothy fun. The characters are very likeable and quirky. It's a new take on the old story, but it doesn't exactly turn out like you think! Am going to look for more books by this author, they should be good.

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back was a totally cute book. It was funny and full of teenage wisdom...lol It is great to read a love story like this . Where the not so perfect girl becomes the swampland she gets the chunky guy! I really enjoyed this book and I'm in my 30's. Brings back the good & not so good memories of high school love.

I really enjoyed this book. It was cute, fun, and was enough of a twist on the fairy tale to be fun without being cloying or so much of a stretch that it's just annoying. The striking back is not whiny or evil, it's empowering and conquering her fears. Loved it.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I was able to get the book for free from an offer on Bookbub. I am SO glad I got it! I love the characters and the storyline. When Sariah Wilson comes out with the sequel, I will definitely be buying it. The romance held me in, and it is a clean read that anyone could read.

I loved the twist in this one. not typically your average step-sister book but a great read. from the start till was a force to be reckon with. she just didn't know she was her own force to get over. loved it. Cause I'm still a teen at heart. Juliet

So much fun. The heroine is hilarious and unexpectedly real. I read dozens of romance fiction and humor fiction a year and this one kept my interest the entire way through. I found myself laughing so many times at the non sequitur remarks in her head. Loved it. I can't wait to see what else this author comes out with!

This book was great. I loved the depth the characters had and how they didn't find the typical stereotypes once you got to find out more about them. I think this is a great book that would teach teens that you need to find out who a person really is before you judge them or assume anything. I felt like I was reliving certain high school moments of my life while reading this. I kept thinking things would happen a certain way and then they what would actually happen was so different from what I was thinking. I loved that about this book it had twists and turns you didn't expect from the characters. As you read and got to know the character you got to grow with them. I'm not sure I'm a exact fan of how the book ended (sorta fairy tale like) but I think it was a good strong ending to tie everything up nicely. I would recommend this book to young adults and any adult who has a sense of humor and can tolerate immature moments in the book. I think the cover of the book should reflect more of the manga style drawing on it to become full circle with the book. I don't think the cover really fits all the well but that is besides the point.