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Christmas Contract for His Cinderella
December in the brooding Sicilian’s castle…
Spending the holidays with the man who broke her heart is Monet’s worst nightmare. But when commanding Marcu’s children urgently need a nanny, she can’t refuse. Landing back in his aristocratic world, where free-spirited Monet never belonged, is bittersweet torture…
Marcu doesn’t anticipate his overly ordered life being disrupted by the enchanting woman Monet’s become. Duty has always dictated his actions, making Monet, with her infamous family history, strictly forbidden. But when their long-simmering passion burns intensely enough to melt the snow, will Marcu finally claim his Christmas Cinderella…?
Spending the holidays with the man who broke her heart is Monet’s worst nightmare. But when commanding Marcu’s children urgently need a nanny, she can’t refuse. Landing back in his aristocratic world, where free-spirited Monet never belonged, is bittersweet torture…
Marcu doesn’t anticipate his overly ordered life being disrupted by the enchanting woman Monet’s become. Duty has always dictated his actions, making Monet, with her infamous family history, strictly forbidden. But when their long-simmering passion burns intensely enough to melt the snow, will Marcu finally claim his Christmas Cinderella…?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
44 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
630 books2,051 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 24, 2019
Too beta H for me even if I loved the proposal surprise!
November 11, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one, it doesn't give emotional satisfaction but leaves the feathers ruffled. It was more 'A Christmas Carol' then 'Cinderella' in my opinion. And the H changed his attitude to his children and christmas just as suddenly as Scrooge. Only here the ghost of christmas past was the h. Both mc's managed to irritate me, and right now I can't be bothered to list what else I found wrong with it.
December 6, 2019
Christmas Contract for His Cinderella by Jane Porter is a passionate and thoroughly enjoyable second chance romance.
Monet and Marcu have a complicated history. At one time, Monet’s mother was Marcu’s father’s mistress and she and her mother lived with the Uberto family. Monet grew up with them and their traditions, and had a serious crush on Marcu. When she was 18, they almost slept together but were caught by Marcu’s father and Monet overheard Marcu’s father telling him that Monet was not a woman he could ever marry. Crushed, Monet begged a favour from Marcu, that he would help her leave Palermo, and once gone, she never looked back.
Years later, Monet is working at a bridal salon when Marcu comes back into her life. His wife died a few years ago, leaving him with three young children. Their full time nanny will be away and Marcu has come to claim the debt she owes him for helping her leave Palermo. For a few weeks, he needs her to come and care for his children in their Sicilian estate as their nanny while he plans an engagement to another woman for a marriage of convenience. Monet cannot refuse Marcu’s request. She thought she’d put Marcu in the past, but could this be their second chance?
I loved this Christmas themed romance! It’s got some echoes of the plot of The Sound of Music – a woman becomes a nanny to some children, their strict father plans to marry someone else but falls for the nanny instead –there’s even a part where Marcu has avoided music since his wife died and Monet is able to bring that joy back to his life and to his children (but no worries, they don’t start a family singing troupe). But of course there are plenty of differences too, with Marcu and Monet’s complicated history. Monet doesn’t want to be mistaken for being like her mother, a woman good enough for sex but not for marriage, though she finds out later in the story that in fact, Marcu’s father had proposed to her mother and she had turned him down.
The setting of this story is beautiful, with the wintry 12th century castle in the Italian Alps playing host to the family . Very early in the story as Monet is settling in with the children, Marcu realizes that he can’t marry someone else and breaks off that relationship before anything really happens with him and Monet. Once he is free, they share some sensual love scenes. Monet isn’t afraid to challenge Marcu over his lack of a relationship with his children (not because he doesn’t want to be there for them, but because he doesn’t know how) and helps him bond with them. She’s a strong, passionate woman and that comes through clearly.
Eventually Marcu thinks that marriage to Monet is the perfect answer to his problems but Monet will not accept anything less than love and she rejects him, leaving him to figure out how to fix his mistakes.. His grand gesture is quite satisfying and they get a sweet happy ending complete with a lovely epilogue. If you’re looking for a delightful Christmas romance to add to your collection I highly recommend this one.
This review is posted at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ch...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Monet and Marcu have a complicated history. At one time, Monet’s mother was Marcu’s father’s mistress and she and her mother lived with the Uberto family. Monet grew up with them and their traditions, and had a serious crush on Marcu. When she was 18, they almost slept together but were caught by Marcu’s father and Monet overheard Marcu’s father telling him that Monet was not a woman he could ever marry. Crushed, Monet begged a favour from Marcu, that he would help her leave Palermo, and once gone, she never looked back.
Years later, Monet is working at a bridal salon when Marcu comes back into her life. His wife died a few years ago, leaving him with three young children. Their full time nanny will be away and Marcu has come to claim the debt she owes him for helping her leave Palermo. For a few weeks, he needs her to come and care for his children in their Sicilian estate as their nanny while he plans an engagement to another woman for a marriage of convenience. Monet cannot refuse Marcu’s request. She thought she’d put Marcu in the past, but could this be their second chance?
I loved this Christmas themed romance! It’s got some echoes of the plot of The Sound of Music – a woman becomes a nanny to some children, their strict father plans to marry someone else but falls for the nanny instead –there’s even a part where Marcu has avoided music since his wife died and Monet is able to bring that joy back to his life and to his children (but no worries, they don’t start a family singing troupe). But of course there are plenty of differences too, with Marcu and Monet’s complicated history. Monet doesn’t want to be mistaken for being like her mother, a woman good enough for sex but not for marriage, though she finds out later in the story that in fact, Marcu’s father had proposed to her mother and she had turned him down.
The setting of this story is beautiful, with the wintry 12th century castle in the Italian Alps playing host to the family . Very early in the story as Monet is settling in with the children, Marcu realizes that he can’t marry someone else and breaks off that relationship before anything really happens with him and Monet. Once he is free, they share some sensual love scenes. Monet isn’t afraid to challenge Marcu over his lack of a relationship with his children (not because he doesn’t want to be there for them, but because he doesn’t know how) and helps him bond with them. She’s a strong, passionate woman and that comes through clearly.
Eventually Marcu thinks that marriage to Monet is the perfect answer to his problems but Monet will not accept anything less than love and she rejects him, leaving him to figure out how to fix his mistakes.. His grand gesture is quite satisfying and they get a sweet happy ending complete with a lovely epilogue. If you’re looking for a delightful Christmas romance to add to your collection I highly recommend this one.
This review is posted at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ch...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
December 15, 2019
I freaking loved and adored this book. I wasn’t expecting how much I was going to love this one until I really dove into the story. As soon as I jumped right into the story, I was hooked. It automatically gave me all the feels with all the backstory with Monet and Marcu and that emotions that it brought up once the met again. It was so good. It was angsty. It was intense filled with glorious tension. There were hurt feels. Just a lot of goodness going on in such a short amount of time that I absolutely loved and was totally into it. I found myself really taking my time with this book because I just wanted to savor it all between Marcu and Monet and their story. I was just consumed with them and didn’t really stop.
I thought the pacing was really good with this one, which created a lot of build up and tension between them through the story. It took them awhile for them to even experience their first kiss in the story despite massive chemistry and heat that bounced off of them throughout the book like it did in the past. It didn’t feel to drawn out or overly done, however I would have liked to see more of Marcu and Monet be together as a romantic couple then just the last third of the book. I wouldn’t change how long it took for them together, but I would have changed the length of this book, in order to make it longer so there could have been more romantic moments between Monet and Marcu.
Because when they had those romantic moments together, they were just so freaking good that I needed more of them. They had some great romantic scenes together once Marcu decided to pursue a relationship with Monet then really pulled out all the stops. It started from the time they first made love, and he ordered breakfast in bed to the surprise Christmas ball to the proposals that he made in the story. I would have never pictured Marcu as a romantic in the beginning, but he was totally a romantic when it came to Monet. I swooned over those proposals scene. He really knew how to do over the top and grand romantic gestures and it was just absolutely beautiful. I wanted to see more romantic Marcu. He knew had to romance.
Actually I really loved when Marcu had his wake up moment because that changed everything for him and really changed the direction of the story between being a more present and emotionally available father to being a emotionally open man with Monet and wanting to pursue a relationship her to just being more in touch with his feelings period. It was all good. That was when the softer side of him really came to play, and he just put it all out there when before he was distant and cold and a very much Scrooge type character until this wake up call came for him. The transformation in him was so significant. It was very clear this was the man he was supposed to be. He made me swoon multiple times after that.
Another thing about Marcu was it was very, very clear that he had deep emotions and hurts just like Monet after what happened between them all those years ago that left them to part ways in a painful way. It was clear he had buried those emotions deep beneath the surface and attempted to move on with his life without Monet, but when they reunited again the hurts and vulnerabilities really came to the surface that it was clear that he had as deep of feelings for Monet as Monet did him, even though she didn’t think he did. One line in particular really stuck out in my mind and made me convince that he loved her all those years ago and still did despite not having seen each other for 8 years. He referred to trying to see her like three years before, but she rebuffed and kept them apart. And just how he said that revealed so much I thought. It revealed his pain, hurt and vulnerability of not seeing when he really, really wanted to see the woman that he loved. It also was very clear to me he was very hurt after her departure eight year previous and that was because he loved her, even if he never told her the fact that he did. It was clear me, but Monet due to the fact was dealing with her own pain, hurt and humiliation after that fateful night so she couldn’t see clearly what was right in front of her eyes. I thought that came across really well in the story, and I believed in his love for her a hundred percent even way before he decided to get romantic with her.
I loved all the angst that this story had in it. A lot of it had to do with the fact that Monet had feelings for Marcu for years and years that she took so much time to suppress so he wouldn’t see it, but then to compound all that was the romantic incident that happened between them then misunderstandings on both sides in ensued causing hurt feelings in both for different reason, but also because they both loved each other while believe in the other did not. That caused a great amount of tension, which I loved so much and just really created that great angst that I am always looking for in a romance. So, I loved all that. Plus they had history together just added another layer of complication that I loved seeing played out on the pages. It was a lot of the driving force in the beginning of the story, and I loved it.
I was just amazed with this book on so many levels. It was so much more than I was expecting, which made it all the more amazing. I adored pretty much everything in this book, and I devoured it. I found myself taking my time to read this book just so I could savor it because I didn’t want to rush through a single second of it. This was exactly the kind of feels that I wanted while reading a romance book. It ticked all my boxes off to tee. I could go on more and more why I loved it, but then I would be going on forever and ever about it. I will definitely rereading this one multiple times and just not just at Christmas either despite this being a Christmas themed story because it was just that good. I want to relive this story over and over again because it was amazing.
Highly recommend this book for Presents readers as well as readers who love angsty romances this is this is the one for you. You will adore this one just like adored this one I think. I don’t think you will be disappointed if you pick up this book.
I thought the pacing was really good with this one, which created a lot of build up and tension between them through the story. It took them awhile for them to even experience their first kiss in the story despite massive chemistry and heat that bounced off of them throughout the book like it did in the past. It didn’t feel to drawn out or overly done, however I would have liked to see more of Marcu and Monet be together as a romantic couple then just the last third of the book. I wouldn’t change how long it took for them together, but I would have changed the length of this book, in order to make it longer so there could have been more romantic moments between Monet and Marcu.
Because when they had those romantic moments together, they were just so freaking good that I needed more of them. They had some great romantic scenes together once Marcu decided to pursue a relationship with Monet then really pulled out all the stops. It started from the time they first made love, and he ordered breakfast in bed to the surprise Christmas ball to the proposals that he made in the story. I would have never pictured Marcu as a romantic in the beginning, but he was totally a romantic when it came to Monet. I swooned over those proposals scene. He really knew how to do over the top and grand romantic gestures and it was just absolutely beautiful. I wanted to see more romantic Marcu. He knew had to romance.
Actually I really loved when Marcu had his wake up moment because that changed everything for him and really changed the direction of the story between being a more present and emotionally available father to being a emotionally open man with Monet and wanting to pursue a relationship her to just being more in touch with his feelings period. It was all good. That was when the softer side of him really came to play, and he just put it all out there when before he was distant and cold and a very much Scrooge type character until this wake up call came for him. The transformation in him was so significant. It was very clear this was the man he was supposed to be. He made me swoon multiple times after that.
Another thing about Marcu was it was very, very clear that he had deep emotions and hurts just like Monet after what happened between them all those years ago that left them to part ways in a painful way. It was clear he had buried those emotions deep beneath the surface and attempted to move on with his life without Monet, but when they reunited again the hurts and vulnerabilities really came to the surface that it was clear that he had as deep of feelings for Monet as Monet did him, even though she didn’t think he did. One line in particular really stuck out in my mind and made me convince that he loved her all those years ago and still did despite not having seen each other for 8 years. He referred to trying to see her like three years before, but she rebuffed and kept them apart. And just how he said that revealed so much I thought. It revealed his pain, hurt and vulnerability of not seeing when he really, really wanted to see the woman that he loved. It also was very clear to me he was very hurt after her departure eight year previous and that was because he loved her, even if he never told her the fact that he did. It was clear me, but Monet due to the fact was dealing with her own pain, hurt and humiliation after that fateful night so she couldn’t see clearly what was right in front of her eyes. I thought that came across really well in the story, and I believed in his love for her a hundred percent even way before he decided to get romantic with her.
I loved all the angst that this story had in it. A lot of it had to do with the fact that Monet had feelings for Marcu for years and years that she took so much time to suppress so he wouldn’t see it, but then to compound all that was the romantic incident that happened between them then misunderstandings on both sides in ensued causing hurt feelings in both for different reason, but also because they both loved each other while believe in the other did not. That caused a great amount of tension, which I loved so much and just really created that great angst that I am always looking for in a romance. So, I loved all that. Plus they had history together just added another layer of complication that I loved seeing played out on the pages. It was a lot of the driving force in the beginning of the story, and I loved it.
I was just amazed with this book on so many levels. It was so much more than I was expecting, which made it all the more amazing. I adored pretty much everything in this book, and I devoured it. I found myself taking my time to read this book just so I could savor it because I didn’t want to rush through a single second of it. This was exactly the kind of feels that I wanted while reading a romance book. It ticked all my boxes off to tee. I could go on more and more why I loved it, but then I would be going on forever and ever about it. I will definitely rereading this one multiple times and just not just at Christmas either despite this being a Christmas themed story because it was just that good. I want to relive this story over and over again because it was amazing.
Highly recommend this book for Presents readers as well as readers who love angsty romances this is this is the one for you. You will adore this one just like adored this one I think. I don’t think you will be disappointed if you pick up this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
Beautiful writing as usual from this author and set in Italy at Christmas. A typical mills and boon story that I liked, but I had a difficult time warming up to the H/h and feeling their connection. A nice seasonal romance.
PS - Who thinks up these strange titles for M & B?
PS - Who thinks up these strange titles for M & B?
December 6, 2019
This is a great Harlequin Presents, with the hallmarks of this line: stunning locations, handsome wealthy hero, steamy in all the right places, a heroine to cheer for. A Christmas Contract for His Cinderella is reminiscent of pieces of Sound of Music - a widower, with children who need a mother, who plans to marry for all the wrong reasons, and the woman who is caring for them, is who he really wants. Other tropes here are second chance, a little bit of forced proximity, a contemporary version of an alpha-duke who thinks love is a waste of time and the "governess" who tames him. It's all here, except not really Cinderella. Monet has some issues to deal with about class differences but this isn't really a Cinderella rags to riches
Monet and Marcu parted ways 8 years ago, for reasons. Now Marcu needs Monet's help and plays a little dirty to get it. This is the only time where I was not enjoying Monet. While she was not a doormat and didn't hesitate to push back against Marcu, initially when he is trying to get her to come to his castle (of course it's a castle), I needed her to show a little more spine. It's a small quibble, Monet got stronger and so did the story. Because of course the passion erupts between them. Monet stands up for herself, Marcu figures it out, the children stay adorable, the snow falls for Christmas in the Italian alps. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Monet and Marcu parted ways 8 years ago, for reasons. Now Marcu needs Monet's help and plays a little dirty to get it. This is the only time where I was not enjoying Monet. While she was not a doormat and didn't hesitate to push back against Marcu, initially when he is trying to get her to come to his castle (of course it's a castle), I needed her to show a little more spine. It's a small quibble, Monet got stronger and so did the story. Because of course the passion erupts between them. Monet stands up for herself, Marcu figures it out, the children stay adorable, the snow falls for Christmas in the Italian alps. I enjoyed this one a lot.
May 10, 2020
Well I am really uncertain about how to rate this one. I normally love everything Jane writes and the premise of this sounded interesting enough for me to purchase it. However I found myself loving and hating it in almost equal proportions.
The heroine Monet, was the daughter of the hero Marcu’s father’s mistress by a different man (yes, somewhat messy and confusing!) when she was 18 they had been discovered in bed by his father and she overheard the father telling Marcu that she was not suitable to marry and he had not defended her so she ran away. Within months he got another woman pregnant and married her. They had 3 kids and then she died.
Fast forward and he is planning to marry another woman that he’s been with for a year (although it is never clear whether he’s had sex with her. I think probably not because he admits to himself he never wanted her like that.). She wants a marriage proposal before new year so he plans to take her skiing for Christmas, propose and needs a temporary nanny to look after his kids who are staying at the wife’s house - not their palazzo in Palermo. Confused? Yes, me too by this point which is quite early in the book!
Monet finally agrees to go with him - and then we have a great Sound of Music rip-off as Monet persuades Marcu to relax and be a good Dad and of course he realises he doesn’t want to marry the other woman so ends that relationship so he can focus on Monet.
This section, as Monet gets to know the children and constantly challenges Marcu is actually very good and I really enjoyed the developing relationship and the ultimate seduction. During this section, I thought Monet was a fabulous heroine and I loved the way Marcu was starting to relax.
And then - we have Monet refusing to believe Marcu’s declaration of love, and demanding to leave and return to London. I wanted to slap her for taking the distrust to such a ridiculous level.
By this time, I was loving Marcu and had totally appreciated what had made him like he was. I must also note that Monet’s contempt for her mother was pretty unpleasant and I found myself lacking any sympathy for her self-made angst. Her determination to take charge of her life was not matched by her willingness to take a chance with Marcu at this point and it made no sense to me by this time!
The opera finale in the store was sweet - but that and the epilogue were altogether too brief and unconvincing.
I haven’t figured how to do half stars so I’m making this 3 stars because it is well written but in my opinion had an overly complicated plot with a heroine who lost my empathy towards the last few chapters.
Have to say I loved the kids!
The heroine Monet, was the daughter of the hero Marcu’s father’s mistress by a different man (yes, somewhat messy and confusing!) when she was 18 they had been discovered in bed by his father and she overheard the father telling Marcu that she was not suitable to marry and he had not defended her so she ran away. Within months he got another woman pregnant and married her. They had 3 kids and then she died.
Fast forward and he is planning to marry another woman that he’s been with for a year (although it is never clear whether he’s had sex with her. I think probably not because he admits to himself he never wanted her like that.). She wants a marriage proposal before new year so he plans to take her skiing for Christmas, propose and needs a temporary nanny to look after his kids who are staying at the wife’s house - not their palazzo in Palermo. Confused? Yes, me too by this point which is quite early in the book!
Monet finally agrees to go with him - and then we have a great Sound of Music rip-off as Monet persuades Marcu to relax and be a good Dad and of course he realises he doesn’t want to marry the other woman so ends that relationship so he can focus on Monet.
This section, as Monet gets to know the children and constantly challenges Marcu is actually very good and I really enjoyed the developing relationship and the ultimate seduction. During this section, I thought Monet was a fabulous heroine and I loved the way Marcu was starting to relax.
And then - we have Monet refusing to believe Marcu’s declaration of love, and demanding to leave and return to London. I wanted to slap her for taking the distrust to such a ridiculous level.
By this time, I was loving Marcu and had totally appreciated what had made him like he was. I must also note that Monet’s contempt for her mother was pretty unpleasant and I found myself lacking any sympathy for her self-made angst. Her determination to take charge of her life was not matched by her willingness to take a chance with Marcu at this point and it made no sense to me by this time!
The opera finale in the store was sweet - but that and the epilogue were altogether too brief and unconvincing.
I haven’t figured how to do half stars so I’m making this 3 stars because it is well written but in my opinion had an overly complicated plot with a heroine who lost my empathy towards the last few chapters.
Have to say I loved the kids!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2019
I’m a sucker for Christmas romances. And this one made me happy.
It had everything;
The sad, lonely, but adorable children.
The cold, obnoxious H who the h has adored forever.
The beautiful castle in Italy.
The supposed other woman.
Unrequited love.
Secrets kept for years that caused so much hurt.
I loved it! I especially LOVED the proposals. Especially the final one. This was a winner for me.
It had everything;
The sad, lonely, but adorable children.
The cold, obnoxious H who the h has adored forever.
The beautiful castle in Italy.
The supposed other woman.
Unrequited love.
Secrets kept for years that caused so much hurt.
I loved it! I especially LOVED the proposals. Especially the final one. This was a winner for me.
December 22, 2019
2.5 stars
November 11, 2019
A magical Christmas romance.
Monet Wilde spent her teenage years in the Uberto palazzo in Palermo where she fell in love with Marcu Uberto only to end up with a broken heart. With a loan and a plane ticket to London, Monet put the Uberto family way in the back of her mind. She worked hard for her new life managing the bridal department at a department store.
The last thing Monet wanted to do was to leave her job at the peak of the busy Christmas season. But she owed Marcu a favor and when he asked Monet to repay it, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He needed her as a temporary nanny to his three children while he set off on a Christmas holiday to propose to his girlfriend. But when old memories and feeling return, anything can happen.
I got totally swept away in this book. Everything from the characters to the setting, in the Italian Alps, was just right. I couldn’t ask for more. There were a lot of memorable scenes. Of course this is a romance book and I was glad to see Monet and Marcu get their happily ever after, but the children are such a big part of the story too. I couldn’t help but fall for them just like Monet did. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel-good Christmas romance.
Monet Wilde spent her teenage years in the Uberto palazzo in Palermo where she fell in love with Marcu Uberto only to end up with a broken heart. With a loan and a plane ticket to London, Monet put the Uberto family way in the back of her mind. She worked hard for her new life managing the bridal department at a department store.
The last thing Monet wanted to do was to leave her job at the peak of the busy Christmas season. But she owed Marcu a favor and when he asked Monet to repay it, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He needed her as a temporary nanny to his three children while he set off on a Christmas holiday to propose to his girlfriend. But when old memories and feeling return, anything can happen.
I got totally swept away in this book. Everything from the characters to the setting, in the Italian Alps, was just right. I couldn’t ask for more. There were a lot of memorable scenes. Of course this is a romance book and I was glad to see Monet and Marcu get their happily ever after, but the children are such a big part of the story too. I couldn’t help but fall for them just like Monet did. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel-good Christmas romance.
December 29, 2020
Both Monet and Marcu are fairly melodramatic characters with a tendency to react with big emotions to even the smallest situation which occasionally was a bit much, I mean, I don’t know that these are people I’d want to spend time with in actual life, but if you know going in like I did that you’re in the mood for something a little heightened as Presents novels tend to be, then you’ll likely find this entertaining.
I liked Monet and Marcu together, they had chemistry and she stands up to him at every turn so even though he’s the bossy/demanding alpha type his obnoxiousness is kept mostly in check by the heroine. Marcu does have some really old-fashioned views which can be tough to swallow, those views are often attributed to him being Sicilian, but since my knowledge of Sicilian culture starts and ends with Sophia on The Golden Girls, I can’t speak to how accurate the portrayal of his culture is, be assured however that Marcu grows over the course of the novel.
Lastly, It’s annoying how often I’ve picked up a book with Christmas in the title only to find the Christmas content underwhelming. I thought this one delivered fairly well on its title, it may not be Christmas on every page, but Marcu is something of a grinch, plus there’s a big deal made about the importance of a tree and the overall setting of a castle surrounded by snow definitely gives off seasonal vibes.
I liked Monet and Marcu together, they had chemistry and she stands up to him at every turn so even though he’s the bossy/demanding alpha type his obnoxiousness is kept mostly in check by the heroine. Marcu does have some really old-fashioned views which can be tough to swallow, those views are often attributed to him being Sicilian, but since my knowledge of Sicilian culture starts and ends with Sophia on The Golden Girls, I can’t speak to how accurate the portrayal of his culture is, be assured however that Marcu grows over the course of the novel.
Lastly, It’s annoying how often I’ve picked up a book with Christmas in the title only to find the Christmas content underwhelming. I thought this one delivered fairly well on its title, it may not be Christmas on every page, but Marcu is something of a grinch, plus there’s a big deal made about the importance of a tree and the overall setting of a castle surrounded by snow definitely gives off seasonal vibes.
November 21, 2019
Monet and Marcu have a complicated history. Her mother was the longtime mistress of Marcu's father. Monet has cared deeply for Marcu. When that love had ended disastrously, she had left heartbroken.She never wanted to see Marcu again. I felt her pain and rejection and it made me angry. When Marcu approached Monet eight years later and demanded that she drop everything and come care for his children, I was happy that she stood up to him. His arrogance and dismissive attitude was beyond belief. I disliked him immediately. Marcu wasn't an easy man. He was damaged by the death of his wife. He refused to open his heart. I was glad Monet came to help his children. These little ones stole my heart. Christmas Contract for His Cinderella is a romantic and emotional second chance for Monet and Marcu to find the love and happiness that they deserved. I was glad to see the truth revealed and their misunderstandings corrected. Jane Porter does a wonderful job with two prickly stubborn characters. I love this story. The holiday setting was enchanting. It added so much to the romance.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
December 10, 2019
A quick, sweet Christmas read complete with a beautiful setting, sweet children, and a second chance romance. Monet and Marcu have a long and complicated history. When Marcu needs help, he decides that Monet is the only person that can help, despite the fact that his reasoning is a more than a little skewed. The years and loss have hardened Marcu, and he’s built a wall to keep him from getting emotionally involved with anyone, even his children. It took everything Monet had to move past her relationship with Marcu and his family, so she has no desire to revisit the past, but she owes him, so it’s time to pay up. She gets to know the children, and brings the whole family a bit of Christmas magic. The only question that remains is whether the magic will extend to Monet and Marcu and lead to their happily ever after.
With a beautiful setting and engaging characters, this is a story that will leave you with some Christmas magic to brighten your day.
#JanePorter #ChristmasContractforhisCinderella #HarlequinPresents
With a beautiful setting and engaging characters, this is a story that will leave you with some Christmas magic to brighten your day.
#JanePorter #ChristmasContractforhisCinderella #HarlequinPresents
October 20, 2025
This started as interesting story but disappointing on so many levels. First of all the hero sending heroine away eight YEARS ago because they shared a steamy kiss? the hero than marries another woman and ends up having THREE children with his wife who dies after birth of their third child... not a big fan of hero/heroine having children with other partners...
hero is a complete dumbass first having another woman lined up as potential wife/stepmother for his children while he brings the heroine over after eight years to babysit his kids as he plans a Christmas trip with another woman????
towards the hero and heroine reunite after EIGHT years .. heroine is still a virgin.. they have sex and after hero figures out his priorities, they become a family and heroine is so excited??? because she will be a mother to his beautiful THREE children.. two extra stars because heroine was a virgin...
hero is a complete dumbass first having another woman lined up as potential wife/stepmother for his children while he brings the heroine over after eight years to babysit his kids as he plans a Christmas trip with another woman????
towards the hero and heroine reunite after EIGHT years .. heroine is still a virgin.. they have sex and after hero figures out his priorities, they become a family and heroine is so excited??? because she will be a mother to his beautiful THREE children.. two extra stars because heroine was a virgin...
April 2, 2020
Monet's first love returns and demands she honor the favor she owes him, it's beyond a normal request--be a nanny to his children over the holidays as he is about to marry another.
Marcu is a workaholic, loves his children, but he needs someone to care for them. He's demanding and doesn't give Monet much of a choice.
Monet ignores Marcu's regimented rules for his children and gives them the opportunity to play and enjoy life. She has the nerve to create a Christmas for the children, complete with a tree. It angers Marcu, but in that anger, they argue and a fiery passion emerges between them. They uncover some truths which had been hidden from them in the past, but is it enough to give them the life they were destined to have? They need to find a way to they rekindle the love into something new before it's too late...
Marcu is a workaholic, loves his children, but he needs someone to care for them. He's demanding and doesn't give Monet much of a choice.
Monet ignores Marcu's regimented rules for his children and gives them the opportunity to play and enjoy life. She has the nerve to create a Christmas for the children, complete with a tree. It angers Marcu, but in that anger, they argue and a fiery passion emerges between them. They uncover some truths which had been hidden from them in the past, but is it enough to give them the life they were destined to have? They need to find a way to they rekindle the love into something new before it's too late...
July 7, 2020
Rated 3.75, would've given it 4 if the epilogue included their own baby or something. I like this book a lot like i wasn't even sure if i would like it at first. I literally didn't stop reading this book and I started to read this at literally 12.30 AM and I didn't sleep until I finished this book 😭😭😭 anyway, the relationship between father and children and the nanny reminded me of The Sound of Music, 1960s film 😂
It was intriguing for sure, the hero was such a jerk and was not a very good father yet still wanted the best for his children, i was annoyed but I couldn't stop reading it. The heroine was so sweet towards his children. And she literally changed him to be a better father. Yet, the heroine didn't jump at his proposal, not at first, i like her for that.
It was intriguing for sure, the hero was such a jerk and was not a very good father yet still wanted the best for his children, i was annoyed but I couldn't stop reading it. The heroine was so sweet towards his children. And she literally changed him to be a better father. Yet, the heroine didn't jump at his proposal, not at first, i like her for that.
December 3, 2019
2.75 stars.
Oh, man, this story really had me side-eyeing this guy waiting and waiting and waiting for him to change his ways like scrooge. and as another review put it better, he changed almost instantly like scrooge, there was no lead up, just bam. And that felt too jarring.
I didn't like that we had to contend with a dead wife and a chick he was thinking of making his wife again, all the while wanting the nanny he'd dumped years ago because of miscommunication.
I like second chances but only if the hero works for it. this guy took too long so I didn't feel it.
I liked the writing, the story not much.
Oh, man, this story really had me side-eyeing this guy waiting and waiting and waiting for him to change his ways like scrooge. and as another review put it better, he changed almost instantly like scrooge, there was no lead up, just bam. And that felt too jarring.
I didn't like that we had to contend with a dead wife and a chick he was thinking of making his wife again, all the while wanting the nanny he'd dumped years ago because of miscommunication.
I like second chances but only if the hero works for it. this guy took too long so I didn't feel it.
I liked the writing, the story not much.
December 16, 2019
Jane Porter does not disappoint, a wonderful written story of second chance romance which involves kids and Christmas. Monet has a broken heart from Marcu from eight years ago and has tried to go on with her life. Marcu now has a favor to ask of Monet, come to my home over the Christmas holiday to help take care of my children. Soon neither can deny the attraction that they share, but can a broken heart be mended.
This story has it all, The Italian Alps, kids that just want to have fun and you know it a happily ever after. I must admit I did shed a few happy tears in the end. The perfect Christmas read!!
This story has it all, The Italian Alps, kids that just want to have fun and you know it a happily ever after. I must admit I did shed a few happy tears in the end. The perfect Christmas read!!
January 11, 2020
Marcu calls on a long standing favor from a family friend. Monet can’t imagine, after all this time, why he needs her help. Monet is to look after his children while he works and spends time with another woman whom he is to propose to. She, quite reluctantly, agrees. As Christmas grows nearer, will Marcu realize what Monet has been telling him all along? I loved Monet’s spirit and willingness to break a few rules so Marcu would realize what he was missing. While I did shed tears, this is a wonderful Christmas story full of Christmas magic. A must read!
January 21, 2020
Do you love a second chance love story? Me to. And this one takes place 8 years after Marcu and Monet broke up and now because she owed him a favor she will be watching his children for the holidays. So yes there is plenty of angst but let this one take you away to the Italian Alps at Christmas time and see if the chemistry between these to can take them to a HEA.
November 12, 2022
CHRISTMAS CONTRACT FOR HIS CINDERELLA by Jane Porter
Ex-friends-to-lovers . . . Can Monet trust Marcu after he had broken her heart? Duty has always dictated Marcu’s actions, making Monet, with her infamous family history, strictly forbidden. Emotional-packed romance about a second chance to fall in love. I received this copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
Ex-friends-to-lovers . . . Can Monet trust Marcu after he had broken her heart? Duty has always dictated Marcu’s actions, making Monet, with her infamous family history, strictly forbidden. Emotional-packed romance about a second chance to fall in love. I received this copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
November 18, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A wonderful romance that I found was hard to put down. Christmas contract For His Cinderella by Jane Porter. Jane Porter's books never disappoint me. I enjoyed the setting, characters, storyline and dialogue.
A wonderful romance that I found was hard to put down. Christmas contract For His Cinderella by Jane Porter. Jane Porter's books never disappoint me. I enjoyed the setting, characters, storyline and dialogue.
March 10, 2022
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December 13, 2019
Starts off slow but gets sooooo good
December 28, 2019
Great book, great story, Enjoyed it. Jane Porter is a great writer.
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars
January 9, 2020
Just a wonderful read . My kind of story second chance . Just wish it was longer. Didn't want it to end.
September 21, 2020
This turned out to be the perfect book to snuggle down in bed with. I really enjoyed this book!
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November 7, 2020Hasta Que Pase La Tormenta (Versión)
December 26, 2020
This was fine. It didn't do anything wrong, but it didn't stand out either. Still a fun Christmas read.
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