How to Read Selena Kitt's Modern Wicked Fairy Tales
Selena Kitt’s Modern Wicked Fairy Tales series has captured the hearts—and fired up the imaginations—of romance readers worldwide. Reimagining childhood classics with modern settings, complex emotional journeys, and very high steam levels, this series has sold over two million copies. If you are looking to plunge into these provocative adult retellings, you might wonder what the best reading path is.
Because each book in the series is written as a standalone novella focusing on a different classic fairy tale, there is no single overarching story arc or cliffhanger to worry about. You can read them in almost any order you choose. However, following the publication order is the most popular way to experience the evolution of Kitt's writing and the diverse array of tropes she explores.
The Complete Publication Order
Selena Kitt began releasing these stories in 2011, starting with a rapid burst of seven novellas. Over the years, she has continued to add to the series with longer novellas and varied settings. Here is the complete list of books in the order they were published:
- Alice (2011) – A wild, BDSM-infused trip down the rabbit hole involving a secret erotic club.
- Rapunzel (2011) – A poignant, highly emotional story focusing on healing and love, widely noted by readers for being less overtly erotic and more focused on romance.
- Beauty (2011) – The story of Jolee Mercier escaping a dangerous husband and finding refuge with a mysterious, reclusive man in a remote cabin.
- Goldilocks (2011) – A playful, contemporary reimagining of the classic three bears dynamic.
- Red (2011) – A lush historical romance set in 1920s New York, mixing jazz-age glamour with desire.
- Gretel (2011) – A daring and adventurous contemporary spin on the classic forest trap.
- Briar Rose (2011) – A modern take on sleeping beauty, focusing on awakening deep desires.
- Wendy (2012) – A darker, thrilling modern retelling of Peter Pan.
- Bluebeard (2012) – A mail-order bride story where Petra travels from Minsk to Los Angeles to marry the lead singer of a famous American rock band.
- Pinocchio (2014) – A sensual retelling that plays with themes of truth, lies, and physical transformation.
- Peter and the Wolf (2015) – A thrilling hunt with high passion and dark suspense.
- The Frog Prince (2016) – A modern romance dealing with hidden identities and dramatic transformations.
- Jack and the Beanstalk (2019) – A high-climbing modern adventure with plenty of heat.
- The Pied Piper (2019) – A seductive tale about temptation and irresistible music.
- Aladdin (2019) – A modern spin on wishes, wealth, and intense passion.
Best Starting Points for New Readers
If you are not sure where to start, here are three recommended entry points depending on what flavor of romance you prefer:
The Classic Option: Beauty
For readers who love traditional romance tropes with a modern edge, Beauty is the perfect entry point. It features a classic 'forced proximity' situation where a woman seeking safety hides out with a gruff, scarred man in the woods. It strikes a great balance between emotional romance and heat, making it an easy favorite for series beginners.
The Emotional Option: Rapunzel
If you prefer a highly emotional, character-driven story with a softer touch, start with Rapunzel. Many reviews highlight this book as one of the most moving in the collection. It focuses heavily on the characters' emotional healing, offering a gentler, more romantic introduction to Selena Kitt's style before you tackle the spicier books.
The Daring Option: Alice
For readers who want to dive straight into the deep end of erotic romance, Alice is the way to go. Set in a secret BDSM club, it is one of the most provocative and sexually adventurous novellas in the series. It showcases the bold, boundary-pushing writing that Selena Kitt is famous for.
Understanding the Tone and Variety
Before you begin reading, it is important to know that the tone of these books varies dramatically. While some are sweet and heavy on romance, others venture into intense BDSM, dark themes, and historical elements. For example, Red transports readers back to the 1920s, whereas Bluebeard delivers a rockstar romance with a mail-order bride twist. Knowing this helps you pick the book that matches your mood.
Additionally, while the novellas are available individually, Selena Kitt has collected the first eight stories into a single volume titled Modern Wicked Fairy Tales: The Complete Collection. If you plan to read the core titles, purchasing the collection is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to get the full experience.