Cinderella Is Faking It Audiobook – Princess Crossover Series, Book 1

Some audiobooks are perfect companions for those lazy, golden afternoons when you want to escape reality, and “Cinderella Is Faking It” by Penelope Ward was just that for me. I listened on a drizzly Portland Sunday while piecing together a puzzle—a cozy backdrop for Delilah’s whirlwind adventure through mistaken identity and unexpected romance.

From the first chapter, I felt an immediate kinship with Delilah. Who among us hasn’t daydreamed about slipping into another life—one with more sparkle, a touch of luxury, maybe even a hidden penthouse suite? Yet what makes this story truly resonant is how real Delilah feels beneath the glitz; her struggles mirror so many I’ve known in my own circle: scraping by financially but holding onto humor and hope. When she steps into the shoes (and stilettos) of heiress Cordelia Montgomery after a charity event mix-up, it’s impossible not to root for her—even as each white lie grows heavier.

Ward has such a knack for breathing warmth and wit into her heroines. Delilah’s banter with August Beckett—the swoon-worthy CEO who starts off as her adversary—is electric. Their repartee had me grinning throughout my listen; their chemistry is both charmingly awkward and intensely magnetic. As someone who loves a strong romantic lead paired with sharp dialogue, I found myself eagerly anticipating every verbal volley between them.

What also struck me was how much the story explores questions of authenticity and self-worth beneath its frothy surface. The tension of sustaining an elaborate façade reminded me of times when I too have put on “masks”—whether it was showing confidence before walking into a new classroom or presenting my art at an exhibition opening when all I wanted to do was run away from judgment. That vulnerability makes Delilah wonderfully relatable.

The setting adds another delicious layer: The opulence of the Montgomery hotel empire is painted vividly enough that you can practically feel the plush carpets underfoot or smell expensive perfume lingering in marble hallways. For listeners craving some escapism—and let’s face it, sometimes we all do—this audiobook absolutely delivers.

While listening, I did wish there were more details available about the narrator—I would love to credit whoever brought these characters so vibrantly to life! Their performance captured both sides of Delilah perfectly: wry humor one moment, earnest longing the next. If anything held me back slightly from total immersion, it was wanting even richer vocal differentiation between side characters during tense scenes—but overall, their delivery kept pace beautifully with Ward’s energetic writing style.

I’m always drawn to stories where deception leads not only to comedic hijinks but genuine personal growth—and here Ward doesn’t disappoint. Watching (well…listening!) as both Delilah and Beck wrestle honestly with truth versus desire made their eventual connection far sweeter than any fairytale ending could promise.

If you’re looking for an uplifting romance full of wit, heat, heart—and just enough drama to keep your commute or quiet afternoon utterly engrossing—“Cinderella Is Faking It” belongs at the top of your playlist!