Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Deveraux Legacy #2

The Cinderella Secret

Rate this book
Aidan Deveraux has secrets. His secrets could get her killed.

Aiden Deveraux is a hot-shot lawyer with a Prince Charming reputation and a secret identity. Even his wealthy family is unaware of his alter-ego—the lucha libre mask wearing street-fighter, Number Nine. But when his family's company is threatened, Aiden faces his toughest opponent yet, the brilliant and gorgeous Ella Zhao. But Ella has secrets of her own. Six years ago she escaped from Mexico with the help of the mysterious Number Nine and now she's in New York to bring down the people to blame for her father's death—the Deveraux family. But when Aiden and Ella square off in court they realize that they might not be the strangers they thought. As their attraction grows, Aiden and Ella become convinced that someone else is responsible for her father’s death and that person is very much alive and well. As Aiden and Ella scramble to uncover a past that no one, including their own families, wants revealed they find themselves running from a murderer who knows the Deveraux and Zhao all too well. With their hearts, lives, and millions of dollars on the line, Aiden and Ella may have to trust each other with their secrets if they want to survive.

ebook

First published October 19, 2020

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Bethany Maines

56 books349 followers
Bethany Maines, a native of Tacoma WA, is the award-winning author of action adventure tales that focus on women who know when to apply lipstick and when to apply a foot to someone’s hind end. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing after her daughter, or glued to the computer working on her next novel.

FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorBethanyMaines
INSTA: @AuthorBethanyMaines
TWIT: @BethanyMaines
WEB: www.bethanymaines.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (46%)
4 stars
18 (41%)
3 stars
4 (9%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 27, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: THE CINDERELLA SECRET.


GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
AUTHOR: BETHANY MAINES.
POV: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 "ACTION PACKED" STARS.



Ella and Aiden met at an MMA fighting scene 6 years ago but they had no knowledge of their real identity. He was her Number 9 and she was his Cinderella. After Aiden rescues her, flash forward to 6 years...Ella is a defense attorney and fighting a case in a courtroom against Aiden's family. They feel an intense attraction towards each other but had no idea how much they really matters to each other. When the secret's out...you gotta be ready for the rough ride.



This was my first read from this author and it was a terrific start for a book...only After reading the book I came to know that this was a part of a series but it is still alright to read as a Standalone apart from some hazy details.

The plotline of this book was smoking...don't be mistaken by the title here...Our Ella here is nothing like Cinderella...she isn't some naive, innocent girl...well she kinda was in the beginning but after she turns her life around she became beautiful, a badass and so smart...a lethal combination for a woman.



Aiden was a man from a rich, privileged family but still craves adrenaline rush...He secretly visits MMA fighting and that's where he first encounters Ella...



The storyline was stunning...loved the characters and the family drama present here...the attraction between Aiden and Ella was overloaded with hotness.



Fast-paced, entertaining, and a romantic thriller to the best. I am desperately waiting for the next book ...
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
7,135 reviews41 followers
October 13, 2020
I fell in love with these characters while reading the first book. Now I get to come back and fall in love with them all over again. One of the things I liked best about this book was that we got to peel back even more layers of the masks these Deveraux youngsters shield themselves with. And in the case of Aiden, one of them is an actual, physical mask. No one expects the charming Deveraux son to be just as dangerous as his ex-con cousin, so it’s a very effective disguise. Ella was everything I love the heroines I read about to be. She’s talented, and capable, and so smart it’s almost frightening. It was so much fun to watch these two dance around their feelings for one another, not knowing why they were there. The villain behind this particular plot wasn’t a big surprise to me, but the hows and whys that we know so far certainly caught me off guard. There are lots of tantalizing little lures thrown out in the ending of this book that have left me absolutely rabid to learn more. I NEED the next book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
1,799 reviews23 followers
October 13, 2020
I am so enjoying this series as the author’s style of writing makes you not want to miss even one word. The humorous and sarcastic interaction between this blended family highlights their closeness. Well known lawyer Aiden Deveraux, has kept a secret from his family. He enjoys MMA fighting and sneaks off at times to participate. At one match he meets “Cinderella” and is able to rescue her. Years later, Cinderella aka attorney Ella Zhao is still searching for “Number Nine” the man who saved her that night. As they appear in court to litigate a case that her family has brought against his, they are still unaware of their shared history. There is a strong attraction between them and soon they are working together while trying to evade the unknown party who wants the case solved, no matter who has to die. Great sequel to “The Second Shot”. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Karen Tully.
Author 9 books32 followers
October 18, 2020
Fast paced, super enjoyable romantic thriller. I love these characters! They are all smart and humorous, with their own strengths. It's Such a messed up family, but they're all trying in their own ways to get better. I loved the first one too, but I think you could read them in any order.
Profile Image for Clayr Catherall.
1,298 reviews87 followers
October 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book once I got into the storyline. Think I was thrown for a loop a bit with it being second book in the series, which I hadn’t realised till I had read.

This was a new author for me and looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
1,827 reviews115 followers
October 14, 2020
This was a new to me author.
Although it took awhile to truly get into it, I think it might just of been my frame of mind as I raced through the second half.
Once the puzzle pieces started coming together and the characters started communicating and working together itwas definitely more edge of your seat enjoyable.
Will definitely be interested in checking out the next book.
Profile Image for Ara.
111 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
The Cinderella Secret by Bethany Maines

Review

The Cinderella Secret is book 2 of The Deveraux Legacy, book 1 of which read a little awkward/slow for me at first. But I was honestly pleasantly surprised by book 2. I enjoyed it significantly more, and was overjoyed to have a POC main character.

I do have to say that reading in third person is still a little odd for me, but I couldn’t, for the life of me, leave this series unfinished. That, and I was excited to read more about Aiden’s secret life. (But if I can be completely honest, the only Deveraux cousin I’m interested in reading more, and more, and more about, is Evan…)

The plot of TCS was a lot more intriguing than the first, and the characters were honestly so much better and more likable/relatable. Dominique and Maxwell’s book/relationship was a bit awkward and clumsy, their bond a little lacking. But Aiden and Ella on the other hand…I loved theirs.

Aiden as a character was truly the highlight of this book for me, but please do not ask for too many specifics, for this opinion of mine might be biased. (Sorry, but I love Aiden.) To the outside world, he’s seen as this rich boy play-pretending to be a lawyer, a job they think he doesn’t even need with the family connections he has. But it’s also a ‘role’ he plays into/goes along with, to somewhat fool his opponents. As a result, his true brilliance/skills as a lawyer almost always catches people off guard, a fact that’s truly beneficial in almost every situation he finds himself in. However, if it were up to me, I would’ve liked a bit more of a backstory, something or anything, related to his underground fighting. Maybe a chapter or two of it would’ve been sufficient.

Ella grew up thinking the world of her dad. When he passed away, she took it pretty hard. But soon, they moved far, far away, and life with her mother became even worse. When she finally managed to escape her mother’s clutches, she sought shelter with her father’s brother, who later molded her to his likes. All he had in mind for her, was to have her avenge her father’s death. In my opinion, Ella was a pretty strong character from beginning to end. Strong, smart, and resilient. What I would’ve liked for her, though, was a more in-depth backstory – her life with Sabine, and also when she found her uncle.

Overall, I thought The Cinderella Secret was more enjoyable compared to the first book, and I’m excited to continue this series with Evan as the main character.

I received a copy of The Cinderella Secret through the BookSirens website, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[This book was somehow a lot more fun to read, the cousins were all closer, they even joked around, and the hero in this book? Fuckin' A, man. He's Prince Charming with a deadly hobby and deceiving looks. He looks like an airheaded rich-boy, but he's anything but. So good, I'm excited to see what Evan's book will be (I've been excited for his story every since Nika's book, YAY!)]
Profile Image for Persephone-L17.
311 reviews34 followers
October 20, 2020
I have to say “Cinderella Secret” is an exciting reading and I can assure you don’t want stop reading it until the end. It start with an alter ego: a fighter (Number 9) rescuing Cinderella aka Ella Zhao, both with faces covered. Years after he is a prominent lawyer who is living a double life and has a unconventional family. In other hand, Ella is now an adult woman. She and her uncle are searching for justice because of the murder of Ella’s father; the family implicated: the Deveraux. At the same time she is still trying to find “Number 9”, the man who saved her 6 years ago. So, when it comes the moment of the reunion at the court between Aiden and Ella, an invisible connection is developing. Furthermore, a situation make them to work together to solve a mystery that involves their families...

“Cinderella Secret” contains all the elements to enjoy and entertain us: suspense, action, mystery, romance and well structured characters. I love the interaction between the Deveraux family, each member has a type of personality that make you want to know more of them. The chemistry between Ella and Aiden is palpable and I am satisfied with the development of the story.

**All the thoughts and opinions written here are on my own.**
Profile Image for Mar.
1,771 reviews33 followers
November 29, 2020
3 stars

This book started great. Fast-paced. Fun. Intriguing. But then... I don't know what is it lately that authors decide to throw a bunch of info dump in their books. Telling things instead of showing them to the readers. This book was good but it would have been better if it kept the action pace instead of the paperwork/business talk it got.
The romance was good but there is the thing that I find ridiculous and is that Ella was looking for nine for months and suddenly he's right in front of her and she doesn't recognize him. Like... what? I'd get that he won't recognized her because she was a teenager when they met and features can change plus she was in costume but she saw him without anything on and so her not knowing it was him i find that odd and unbelievable. Also unbelievable and something that annoyed me is the relationship with Sabine and how our female lead seemed like she brushed away all the horrible things that her mom did. Like really? That easy? Their first phone conversation was horrible to read. I also stopped reading after that to be honest.
This one fun read and although i do admit i skimmed a little some parts (especially the business talk) overall it was an entertaining book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,692 reviews21 followers
October 22, 2020
Well now! I wasn't quite sure what to expect with my first read from Bethany Maines but I was sucked into The Cinderella Secret from the very beginning.

To say the first time Ella and Aiden met was intense would be a gross understatement. But man I really liked them both. They were so much alike; strong willed, stubborn, dedicated to their family, smart and willing to battle for what they want. Too bad they were fighting on opposite sides of the war that brought them back together.

I loved how the mystery unfolded. It was layers and layers of lies and deception piled upon revenge and greed. Add family loyalty and ties into the mix and it was a recipe for drama. And as Aiden and Ella got closer to revealing the truth behind the trouble, they also got closer to one another.

There was something so real about the relationship between Aiden and his family that struck a chord with me. The sibling dynamic was on point and gave some great moments of levity to all the intrigue and danger laced in the rest of the pages. And let me tell you, The Cinderella Secret was intense. But that ending! It was oh so satisfying and has be eager to see what Bethany Maines has in store for the Deveraux's next!
Profile Image for Lindsy.
579 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2020
The Cinderella Secret is the second book in the Devereaux legacy series. Once I started reading this I couldn’t put it down. Suspenseful and interesting with a little bit of romance thrown in is a good way to describe this book.
I was curious to see how Aiden would be in this story and who Cinderella was since she’s mentioned in the first book. I felt really bad for Ella and hated her mother in the beginning. I couldn’t even imagine how that would feel considering it’s your own mother pushing you to do that. Ella was an awesome character though and finally had family that wanted what was best for her. I loved that she could hold her own and wasn’t afraid of a fight.
Aiden was a hero from the beginning though. He’s so smart and thankfully things are better between him and Jackson and Evan. I really enjoyed reading about him and his “family” again.
So many things were happening in this story but thankfully things are explained a few times so you don’t miss many details about the court case and who killed who. I was a little sad that Max wasn’t a bigger part of this story with Dominique but I’m still glad that they were included. Loved the little peeks at the end from Evan and Dominique. I’m soooo ready for Evans story and to see what comes of the file he found!
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,187 reviews28 followers
November 9, 2020
First, let me say that there is a lot going on in this book. From the opening pages with an underground fight scene and with fighter number nine wanting to help save, rescue a young woman, a girl from the life she is in there in Mexico. Ella becomes Cinderella looking for her prince that helped her so many years before by going to underground fights looking for fighter number nine. Years have gone by and now she is an attorney working for her uncle’s firm and he wants her to sue the Deveraux family for shares of their company because her father worked for them and with them back when it was just starting out and feels they are owed those shares.
It is here when she meets the lawyer for the family Aiden Deveraux that she thinks that there is something familiar about him. Can he be number nine and if he is how can she go up against him in court. This story has multiple mysteries and twists as you get further into the story. The author does a good job putting it all together and does so with all of the characters. A good book worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Profile Image for Karly Wise.
279 reviews22 followers
October 21, 2020
Wow wow wow!!! 100/5 star review!!!
Book 2 of The Deveraux Legacy series, “The Cinderella Secret.” This book was a nice blend of mystery, romance, court room drama, and maybe even a little bit of Illegal fighting. In this book you follow Aidan Deveraux AKA Prince Charming, a hot shot lawyer with an airhead reputation, Ella Zhao AKA Cinderella, a very smart sassy lawyer with a hatred for cocky rich lawyers who where supposed to be stupid. But what happens when Aidan and Ella realize they may not be the strangers they believe they are. Follow their epic, steamy, and thrilling adventures as they try to find who was responsible for what happened to their families.
This is a great book for fans of thriller romance and steamy romance!!
I received this as a free ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.
643 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2020
I was introduced to this author through the Hidden Gems ARC program and anxiously requested the ARC for this book since I had read the first one in the series. Having read the prior book, I think I understood a bit more about the characters and how the Deveraux family fits together.
As the story opens, we see the meeting of Adrian Deveraux and Ella, which happens six years ago in Mexico and incredibly unique “meet cute.” Then we move to present day, where they are both in New York and on opposite sides in a lawsuit. The case has to do with their families’ businesses and therefore is personal and has family drama. As the case progresses, Adrian and Ella learn more about their families’ history and about each other. The story will keep you guessing and there is plenty of action to keep you reading.
936 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Aiden meets Ella when she's 17 and desperate to escape from the clutches of her evil mother. He manages to save her as fighter Number 9 but then they are separated, with neither knowing the other's true identity. Years later, fate determines it's time for their paths to cross again... but not in the way either tried to make happen. There is plenty of drama, betrayal, deceipt and more in this story about the Deveraux and Bhao families. Will secrets from their pasts be revealed? Will the truth set them free? The action and intrigue, along with the amazing chemistry between Ella and Aiden pulled me along to the very end. Enjoyed the characters in this story and look forward to reading more about Evan, Jackson and Dominique.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,203 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2021
Aiden Deveraux is a wealthy attorney who hides behind the mask of number nine, an MMA underground fighter throughout the world. His secret. Cinderella was rescued by the masked man.
Ella is a strong, calculating defense attorney who is determined to get revenge on Deveraux 's who killed her father.
Together Ella and Aiden unravel the mystery surrounding her father's death as they face the mercenaries.
I really enjoyed this second book. Glad to see Evan coming out of his shell. I suggest reading the first book The Second Shot to get a better history of the characters. Loved the banter between the siblings.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
Profile Image for Krystal.
108 reviews
October 21, 2020
I had been waiting in anticipation for this sequel and it did not disappoint.

In continuation of exploring the lives and loves of the Deveraux, this book follows the devil may care Aiden Deveraux.

Aiden Deveraux is the hot shot lawyer who has a secret identify, street fighting under the mask of Number Nine. He saved Ella Zhao, masked as Cinderella, from her evil mother's clutches years back and the two have been looking for each other ever since neither knowing the other's identity. But when they come up against each other in a battle of law and family ties, will they unmask and reunite?

Cannot recommend enough. This series is a page turner and I cannot wait for the next book.
377 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
I'm hooked

What a ride! Exciting, funny, intriguing, page turner, etc. Even though this is Aiden and Ella's story, the other family members get their own POV. Usually I don't like it when an author does that because it takes the focus away from the H and h and it doesn't add to the story. Not in this book, in this book, it totally works and it does add to the story. This family is so awesome with their love, support and witty banter that you'd find yourself wishing you were part of their family. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it but I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Hook line and sinker. My first book by this author but it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
1,855 reviews43 followers
October 13, 2020
Definitely a lot going on in this book. We have a secret fighting club, family businesses, paying back favors and revenge. Ella and Aiden have a very complicated history that comes to a head in some court room drama. Aiden and Ella had some intense chemistry. I felt that this book dragged a little for me. I would Definitely read another book by this author.
Profile Image for Thi.
4,456 reviews39 followers
October 30, 2020
My first read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I’m totally intrigued by the Deveraux family and want to know so much more. I can’t wait to read Jackson and Evan’s story. Hopefully we won’t have long to wait.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
October 14, 2020
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.