#NewRelease #MustRead - Ruby and the Royal: A Red Riding Hood Meets Prince Charming Fractured Fairy Tale (Fumbled Fairy Tales Series) by Christine DePetrillo

Title: Ruby and the Royal: A Red Riding Hood Meets Prince Charming Fractured Fairy Tale

Series: Fumbled Fairy Tales Series

Author: Christine DePetrillo

Genre/Tropes: Fantasy Romance; Fractured Fairy Tale; Opposite sides of the tracks; Fish out of water; Royalty; He falls first; Alternative fairy tale 

Release Date: June 16, 2026

One quick shake of the master book of fairy tales creates a jumbled mess of the treasured stories on the pages inside—and Ruby finds herself in a forest that is not her own.

Having spent years running through the woods she calls home with a pack of werewolves, Ruby is no stranger to peril. She plots heists with the werewolves by day then carries out the plans by night, all with the intent of stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Ruby does not have much herself aside from the red hooded cloak her grandmother gave her, but she is determined to do good . . . even if it breaks a few laws.

When she and the werewolves wake up in an entirely different realm one morning, they resort to their usual strategies in solving problems—scout around and make a plan. They discover a kingdom and hear news of a royal ball to be held there. Recognizing an opportunity for their largest raid yet, they hatch a new scheme, and after a makeover, Ruby attends her first ball.

Inside the castle, Prince Henri Charming dreads the task of selecting a bride at tonight’s ball, the duty of becoming king one day, and the planned future ahead of him. He would much rather read his books, write in his journals, and ride his beloved horse through the forest bordering the kingdom. Out in nature, he can breathe far better than he can within the stone walls of the castle where the weight of expectations often overwhelms.

At the ball, Ruby captures Henri’s interest for she is unlike any of the other noble ladies in attendance. Dancing with her is all it takes to make Henri change his mind about getting married. Unfortunately, one of the werewolves has also changed his mind and has devised a new plan—one that causes Ruby and the pack to face a horrible fate.

Unless they trust the prince, embark on an adventure, and accept that love is the strongest magic of all.

Ruby and the Royal is an opposite sides of the tracks, fish out of water, royalty, he falls first, no spice, alternative fairy tale between a bold and sassy commoner and a prince who is much more than charming.

THE FUMBLED FAIRY TALES SERIES is a collection of reimagined stories by authors who turn fairy tales on their heads to deliver stories that speak to the heart. Inside, you’ll discover bold heroines and unforgettable characters who refuse to wait for rescue, choosing instead to find their own way to a well-deserved Happy Ever After.

“Your Highness.” Lady Cinderella’s voice had a slight sting to it now. “I must protest. Is not the purpose of this ball for you to spend time with multiple ladies so you may choose from amongst a variety?”

She made it sound as if the prince was attempting to choose the ripest tomato from a street peddler by holding each one in his hands and testing its firmness.

Prince Henri did reach out and give the young woman’s arm a quick squeeze. “I thank you for your concern, Lady Cinderella, but I must catch my breath for a moment. I shall return shortly.”

Did that mean he intended to dance with other ladies, Lady Cinderella included? Had he found the woman to be . . . a ripe tomato?

Ruby clenched her teeth, but she was being ridiculous. Of course, the prince would dance with other ladies. Lady Cinderella was right. This ball was in his honor and had one goal—to find him a wife.

And that was not Ruby.

Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.

Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.

She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who defend her fiercely from all evils.

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