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Redeemed by His New York Cinderella
What if the man from her past is the key to her future? Don’t miss Jadesola James’s thrilling romantic debut for Harlequin Presents!
She could save him…
If only he’d let her!
Kitty Asare will do anything for the foundation inspired by her tumultuous childhood. Including charming her way into Manhattan’s most exclusive gala…then sparring with the man from her past who catches her there!
To land his next deal, Laurence Stone needs a stunning woman on his arm. Kitty agrees to the ruse for her foundation, but the electricity between them is more than make-believe! After breaking away from his family, Laurence vowed never to need anyone. Yet could Kitty be the exception to his rule?
From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
She could save him…
If only he’d let her!
Kitty Asare will do anything for the foundation inspired by her tumultuous childhood. Including charming her way into Manhattan’s most exclusive gala…then sparring with the man from her past who catches her there!
To land his next deal, Laurence Stone needs a stunning woman on his arm. Kitty agrees to the ruse for her foundation, but the electricity between them is more than make-believe! After breaking away from his family, Laurence vowed never to need anyone. Yet could Kitty be the exception to his rule?
From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 6, 2022
I received this ARC from Mills and Boon and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I didn't find this a warm-hearted Cinderella story at all.
I think this could have been a really engaging story if the heroine had been different. At the start of the story, she is scamming a meal by charging it to a stranger's room in the hotel. It's not just any old meal - it's oysters, Kobe beef, and expensive wine. She is stealing, and she shows not a jot of remorse at any point in the book. Whoever was in the penthouse 'could afford it' is her excuse.
Yet, throughout the book, we're supposed to admire her independent spirit. We have her proclaiming her 'principles' being independent and not taking anything from anyone, and yet she steals? On top of this, she is simply a miserable, mean-spirited shrew and I just couldn't engage.
The hero is not much better, but I could see him changing, and developing. Sorry, I just couldn't get over the heroine as a thief - such an unpleasant character.
The book is well written otherwise, but without a sympathetic heroine, I just couldn't like it.
I didn't find this a warm-hearted Cinderella story at all.
I think this could have been a really engaging story if the heroine had been different. At the start of the story, she is scamming a meal by charging it to a stranger's room in the hotel. It's not just any old meal - it's oysters, Kobe beef, and expensive wine. She is stealing, and she shows not a jot of remorse at any point in the book. Whoever was in the penthouse 'could afford it' is her excuse.
Yet, throughout the book, we're supposed to admire her independent spirit. We have her proclaiming her 'principles' being independent and not taking anything from anyone, and yet she steals? On top of this, she is simply a miserable, mean-spirited shrew and I just couldn't engage.
The hero is not much better, but I could see him changing, and developing. Sorry, I just couldn't get over the heroine as a thief - such an unpleasant character.
The book is well written otherwise, but without a sympathetic heroine, I just couldn't like it.
September 16, 2021
I was immediately drawn in by this cover. I don't normally read Harlequin Presents but being familiar with the line I knew I was in for a glamorous adventure.
Biriacial billionaire Laurence Stone is left scrambling for a new fake girlfriend after his go-to reveals she found a real relationship and can no longer play the role of his eye candy. He has a run in with a woman from his past, Katherine "Kitty" Asare who was once a foster child of his parent's. His parents tried to use her to during campaign season to better his father's image and Laurence derailed their plans which resulted in Kitty getting sent back into the system.
Kitty runs a foundation where she tries to help foster kids transition out of the system. She's at a fancy hotel party trying to meet doners when she ends of saving Laurence from a near death experience. She agrees to fake date Laurence to help elevate her foundation even though she still harbors feelings of resentment towards his family.
This was a sexy and luxurious ride. I enjoyed the chemistry. It's set in NYC but the characters use some British terms here and there that felt a little out of place but other than that I got sucked into this world. It had just enough depth while still keeping things fun.
I recieved an arc from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
Biriacial billionaire Laurence Stone is left scrambling for a new fake girlfriend after his go-to reveals she found a real relationship and can no longer play the role of his eye candy. He has a run in with a woman from his past, Katherine "Kitty" Asare who was once a foster child of his parent's. His parents tried to use her to during campaign season to better his father's image and Laurence derailed their plans which resulted in Kitty getting sent back into the system.
Kitty runs a foundation where she tries to help foster kids transition out of the system. She's at a fancy hotel party trying to meet doners when she ends of saving Laurence from a near death experience. She agrees to fake date Laurence to help elevate her foundation even though she still harbors feelings of resentment towards his family.
This was a sexy and luxurious ride. I enjoyed the chemistry. It's set in NYC but the characters use some British terms here and there that felt a little out of place but other than that I got sucked into this world. It had just enough depth while still keeping things fun.
I recieved an arc from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2021
4 stars. That cover gets five stars though because wow! It is absolutely gorgeous. I really liked this book and I would’ve given this the full five stars but the ending felt super rushed and anticlimactic. I wanted more from it.
The writing was good and I felt for and loved both of the characters. Kitty and Laurence are both such broken and damaged people. Neither are interested in love or relationships but their chemistry is undeniable. The hatred they have towards each other in the beginning was soaked in sexual tension and it was so damn good. It takes a while for them to really open up to each other and develop feelings. Laurence is stoic and a jerk and a bit mean but Kitty knew how to really hold her own against him which I loved. She is headstrong and determined and keeps Laurence on his toes. They were great together.
There’s so much angst and hurt in this and it made for an emotional read and I loved watching them both learn to be vulnerable with each other. It was great. This was a quick read but I really enjoyed it and I hope this author will write more for Harlequin soon.
The writing was good and I felt for and loved both of the characters. Kitty and Laurence are both such broken and damaged people. Neither are interested in love or relationships but their chemistry is undeniable. The hatred they have towards each other in the beginning was soaked in sexual tension and it was so damn good. It takes a while for them to really open up to each other and develop feelings. Laurence is stoic and a jerk and a bit mean but Kitty knew how to really hold her own against him which I loved. She is headstrong and determined and keeps Laurence on his toes. They were great together.
There’s so much angst and hurt in this and it made for an emotional read and I loved watching them both learn to be vulnerable with each other. It was great. This was a quick read but I really enjoyed it and I hope this author will write more for Harlequin soon.
September 18, 2021
Redeemed by His New York Cinderella is Jadesola James’s debut novel for Harlequin Presents.
Jumping straight away into the action, before you know it and all in the same night, Kitty is billing her dinner to Laurence’s room, gate crashing an important party and saving Laurence’s life. Thinking Laurence doesn’t recognise her from the past she’s stunned when he introduces her to his potential clients as his girlfriend; using her full name. In desperate need for a fake girlfriend, he thinks Kitty will be pleased to step in, especially when he can offer her the world for her charity foundation. Shock is an understatement when she says no!
I really enjoyed the background stories of Laurence and Kitty; I liked the political elements and the feel that created. I liked the fast-paced world Laurence lived in and the dramatic difference between his and Kitty’s worlds.
I’m really quite torn on this book, the plot had wonderful elements; perfect for the Presents line but I struggled with Laurence’s character, he was hard to like. Presents heroes are hard and made of ice; but there’s always redeeming qualities that shine through in one way or another. Laurence always had Kitty “follow” him... he was harsh and his redeeming didn’t shine through very well. I really liked Kitty, I thought the opening chapters gave her character that was different to other heroines. in saying all this I couldn’t stop turning the pages because I wanted to know how it all turned out.
I will absolutely read more of the authors Presents stories, and I send my congratulations on writing a debut novel, I really enjoyed the plot and the world they were in and the feeling it evoked, if Laurence was more likeable and not so harsh I’d have enjoyed it more.
Jumping straight away into the action, before you know it and all in the same night, Kitty is billing her dinner to Laurence’s room, gate crashing an important party and saving Laurence’s life. Thinking Laurence doesn’t recognise her from the past she’s stunned when he introduces her to his potential clients as his girlfriend; using her full name. In desperate need for a fake girlfriend, he thinks Kitty will be pleased to step in, especially when he can offer her the world for her charity foundation. Shock is an understatement when she says no!
I really enjoyed the background stories of Laurence and Kitty; I liked the political elements and the feel that created. I liked the fast-paced world Laurence lived in and the dramatic difference between his and Kitty’s worlds.
I’m really quite torn on this book, the plot had wonderful elements; perfect for the Presents line but I struggled with Laurence’s character, he was hard to like. Presents heroes are hard and made of ice; but there’s always redeeming qualities that shine through in one way or another. Laurence always had Kitty “follow” him... he was harsh and his redeeming didn’t shine through very well. I really liked Kitty, I thought the opening chapters gave her character that was different to other heroines. in saying all this I couldn’t stop turning the pages because I wanted to know how it all turned out.
I will absolutely read more of the authors Presents stories, and I send my congratulations on writing a debut novel, I really enjoyed the plot and the world they were in and the feeling it evoked, if Laurence was more likeable and not so harsh I’d have enjoyed it more.
September 3, 2021
It’s an upcoming debut book from Jadesola James! I was so absorbed into this another version of Cinderella with unusual heroine whom I simply adore. A handsome brooding hero, Laurence is going to attend a gala in a lavish hotel then he spots a familiar pretty woman, Kitty Asare, in the same dining room having extravagant dinner alone. Waiting for his mutual girlfriend while having dinner, Laurence doesn’t realize that he is discarded by her when he needs her to deal with his intended business.
Kitty has to join the gala in order to gain lifetime supporters for her foundation despite her demurral. I love how the author, Jadesola defines Kitty as the real Cinderella. Kitty is physically and sexually attractive that Laurence can’t stop scrutinizing her during dinner, she is very intelligent, poor, fiercely independent, kind-hearted, witty and funny. She sets up the foundation for youths so that they can forge their own life in the future.
When Kitty warmly greets Laurence to start finding supporters, he immediately asks her to leave because she charges her extravagant dinner into his room (I told you she is very intelligent and funny) yet both Kitty and Laurence apparently have clear and close connection in the past that I kept wondering what it was until an accident happens upon them which Kitty kindly safes Laurence’s life and their past reveals gradually (I’m not giving you more spoiler). Feeling compelled to pay the debt, Laurence offers Kitty to be his fake girlfriend which she instantaneously refuses but after proposing Kitty will gain an expeditious access finding donation for her foundation, she accepts.
To be frank I love the author’s writing. Despite a debut book, it wanders into something which I had never read before, (because I’m a bit picky at reading). She helps me understand how foster kids from other states have to live, how detail the food is with its obvious explanation (hmm, so tempting), how Laurence obtains his business through stories and more important how steamy the relationship between Laurence and Kitty is until some dramatic traumas appear and they end up hurting each other but don’t worry, happily-ever-after is guaranteed here!
Redeemed by his New York Cinderella has special compelling multicultural story which wrapped into steamy, pleasant and funny relation between the characters that amuses me over and over. Thank you, Jadesola James, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed. I really recommend it!
Kitty has to join the gala in order to gain lifetime supporters for her foundation despite her demurral. I love how the author, Jadesola defines Kitty as the real Cinderella. Kitty is physically and sexually attractive that Laurence can’t stop scrutinizing her during dinner, she is very intelligent, poor, fiercely independent, kind-hearted, witty and funny. She sets up the foundation for youths so that they can forge their own life in the future.
When Kitty warmly greets Laurence to start finding supporters, he immediately asks her to leave because she charges her extravagant dinner into his room (I told you she is very intelligent and funny) yet both Kitty and Laurence apparently have clear and close connection in the past that I kept wondering what it was until an accident happens upon them which Kitty kindly safes Laurence’s life and their past reveals gradually (I’m not giving you more spoiler). Feeling compelled to pay the debt, Laurence offers Kitty to be his fake girlfriend which she instantaneously refuses but after proposing Kitty will gain an expeditious access finding donation for her foundation, she accepts.
To be frank I love the author’s writing. Despite a debut book, it wanders into something which I had never read before, (because I’m a bit picky at reading). She helps me understand how foster kids from other states have to live, how detail the food is with its obvious explanation (hmm, so tempting), how Laurence obtains his business through stories and more important how steamy the relationship between Laurence and Kitty is until some dramatic traumas appear and they end up hurting each other but don’t worry, happily-ever-after is guaranteed here!
Redeemed by his New York Cinderella has special compelling multicultural story which wrapped into steamy, pleasant and funny relation between the characters that amuses me over and over. Thank you, Jadesola James, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed. I really recommend it!
September 21, 2021
Jadesola James makes her debut for Harlequin Presents!
Kitty Asare is desperate enough to help her foundation by crashing Manhattan's exclusive event for the affluent members of society. She didn't expect to encounter a man from her past, one that brings her trauma when she was a teen back into her mind with full force.
Laurence Stone is all about closing the deal and doing whatever he has to in order to do so, including pretending to date Kitty Asare. He is all about remaining detached and keeping everything business but the chemistry he feels with Kitty is overpowering his good sense. He doesn't need any attachments yet he find himself drawn to this woman from his past.
I really enjoyed this story, although I didn't agree with Laurence's actions of the past. However, he is on a journey to redemption and it is always great to see how love can bring heartwarming change. I read this quickly and I loved seeing how Kitty came full circle.
I will definitely read more from this author. She has a way of drawing you in and you're halfway through a book before realizing it.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #Harlequin.
Kitty Asare is desperate enough to help her foundation by crashing Manhattan's exclusive event for the affluent members of society. She didn't expect to encounter a man from her past, one that brings her trauma when she was a teen back into her mind with full force.
Laurence Stone is all about closing the deal and doing whatever he has to in order to do so, including pretending to date Kitty Asare. He is all about remaining detached and keeping everything business but the chemistry he feels with Kitty is overpowering his good sense. He doesn't need any attachments yet he find himself drawn to this woman from his past.
I really enjoyed this story, although I didn't agree with Laurence's actions of the past. However, he is on a journey to redemption and it is always great to see how love can bring heartwarming change. I read this quickly and I loved seeing how Kitty came full circle.
I will definitely read more from this author. She has a way of drawing you in and you're halfway through a book before realizing it.
Thank you, #Netgalley and #Harlequin.
October 21, 2021
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin Presents, Netgalley, and Jadesola James for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
Did I have to shout out Brandy’s Cinderella with this post? Yes I freaking did!
This was also James’ debut novel, and it was a great one. This was such an interesting take on a Cinderella type of story. Don’t think of it as a retelling by any means, because it’s not. It’s just interesting to see our main female MC coming from nothing to something to nothing again, with the possibly of going back to something. Why do I say it like that? Because Kitty Asare used to be a part of Laurence Stone’s family. The Stone family adopted her from the system, but that all went away when drama ensued. It wasn’t Kitty’s fault by any means, but the result of what happened ended up having the Stone family giving Kitty back to the system, like she was a shirt that they didn’t like after they bought it. There’s no way that didn’t affect her and her feelings for any member of the Stone family.
So when she’s doing a “scheme” in a fancy hotel to get money for her foundation that helps foster children transition out of the system and runs into Laurence freaking Stone…. well, imagine that kind of drama. Is this going to be a second chance for both of them? Can she even forgive him for what his parents did? Should she hold the sins of his father against Laurence and put it behind them? Who knows?
Not to mention what Laurence is going through…
This was a great debut and I’m glad that I got to read this one.
Did I have to shout out Brandy’s Cinderella with this post? Yes I freaking did!
This was also James’ debut novel, and it was a great one. This was such an interesting take on a Cinderella type of story. Don’t think of it as a retelling by any means, because it’s not. It’s just interesting to see our main female MC coming from nothing to something to nothing again, with the possibly of going back to something. Why do I say it like that? Because Kitty Asare used to be a part of Laurence Stone’s family. The Stone family adopted her from the system, but that all went away when drama ensued. It wasn’t Kitty’s fault by any means, but the result of what happened ended up having the Stone family giving Kitty back to the system, like she was a shirt that they didn’t like after they bought it. There’s no way that didn’t affect her and her feelings for any member of the Stone family.
So when she’s doing a “scheme” in a fancy hotel to get money for her foundation that helps foster children transition out of the system and runs into Laurence freaking Stone…. well, imagine that kind of drama. Is this going to be a second chance for both of them? Can she even forgive him for what his parents did? Should she hold the sins of his father against Laurence and put it behind them? Who knows?
Not to mention what Laurence is going through…
This was a great debut and I’m glad that I got to read this one.
September 21, 2021
It is quite some years since I last read a Mills & Boon/Harlequin Romance. They pretty much follow the same formula (A traditional romance novel where the couple will get their HEA after overcoming the Stumbling Block - and always by page 220) and after you have read one, you can pretty much use that as a template for any of them. Nostalgia must have driven me to request this from NetGallery (thank you NetGallery and Mills & Boon for approving my request) and not one to shirk responsibility, I decided to pick it up for review before publication.
This particular Modern Romance is quick easy reading of the 'fake date' trope, where both characters find themselves in circumstances that can be solved by the world believing they are in a relationship. Despite often liking this trope, the story didn't feel too consistent to me. Kitty's character in particular felt false - boldly stealing a lavish dinner without remorse, whilst proclaiming independence, acting insecure and running a Foundation for the homeless - these conflicting traits just can't feel realistic or consistent in a character.
Apart from the dual PoV's, Harlequin really haven't moved on from the tried and tested formula of old - in the first 5% you can predict exactly what is going to happen - no surprises with this book either folks - I think it's perhaps time to diversify or get better writers.
This particular Modern Romance is quick easy reading of the 'fake date' trope, where both characters find themselves in circumstances that can be solved by the world believing they are in a relationship. Despite often liking this trope, the story didn't feel too consistent to me. Kitty's character in particular felt false - boldly stealing a lavish dinner without remorse, whilst proclaiming independence, acting insecure and running a Foundation for the homeless - these conflicting traits just can't feel realistic or consistent in a character.
Apart from the dual PoV's, Harlequin really haven't moved on from the tried and tested formula of old - in the first 5% you can predict exactly what is going to happen - no surprises with this book either folks - I think it's perhaps time to diversify or get better writers.
September 19, 2021
I enjoyed this Cinderella-style romance. The protagonists both had difficult and emotionally bereft childhoods. Kitty is self-reliant. She created a charitable foundation to help young people forgotten by the welfare system to realise their potential. Laurence is rich but emotionally distant.
Both flawed characters have unlikeable traits, but they have a powerful chemistry that catalyses a sensual romance. It's easy reading, and the main characters develop as individuals and deserve their happy ending.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Both flawed characters have unlikeable traits, but they have a powerful chemistry that catalyses a sensual romance. It's easy reading, and the main characters develop as individuals and deserve their happy ending.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 27, 2021
Kitty sneaks into a high-society gala hoping to connect with affluent donors to her foundation. The last person she expects to see there is Laurence. This man from her past is a reminder that people will always let you down. But when he makes her an offer she can't refuse, can she open her heart?
This is a well-constructed, emotional second-chance romance. Both Kitty and Laurence have been damaged by his ruthless parents. Though they struggle to trust, they understand each other in a way no one else can. The fake relationship aspect was also well done, a slow build to an explosive finish.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a well-constructed, emotional second-chance romance. Both Kitty and Laurence have been damaged by his ruthless parents. Though they struggle to trust, they understand each other in a way no one else can. The fake relationship aspect was also well done, a slow build to an explosive finish.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 4, 2021
It's a fake girlfriend romance for this Cinderella. This story is well-written and fast-paced, and I liked Laurence. That said, it took a while for me to warm up to Kitty, especially with some of the things she does at the beginning - it was hard to picture her as Cinderella in light of her behavior. Anyway, as I mentioned, I really liked Laurence, and as fake romances go, I like the way Jadesola James did this one. As I understand it, this is her Harlequin debut, and it may have taken some doing for me to get behind these two as a couple, but by the end, I was convinced. So, with that in mind, I'll be interested to see what she does next.
September 18, 2021
2/5 Stars
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
This one was unfortunately not for me. I just didn't really enjoy my time with this book. I found the "hero" completely insufferable. I just really didn't enjoy him as a character thus giving me a difficult time feeling connected to the romance between these two characters. He just felt really selfish and mean. I'll admit he did have a few lighter moments, but overall this just didn't work for me.
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
This one was unfortunately not for me. I just didn't really enjoy my time with this book. I found the "hero" completely insufferable. I just really didn't enjoy him as a character thus giving me a difficult time feeling connected to the romance between these two characters. He just felt really selfish and mean. I'll admit he did have a few lighter moments, but overall this just didn't work for me.
March 12, 2022
Another book baby I watched grow up. I love Kitty so much (AND I'M SORRY) but she'll never let Laurence off his toes, and he wouldn't want to. They're perfect together and the willingness to work at their love constantly shows.
October 9, 2021
**Actually a 2.5-rating**
October 19, 2021
Redeemed by his New York Cinderella is an Enemies to Lovers story - one of the best romance tropes!
I thought this was such a well told and engaging multicultural retelling of Cinderella, with the added bonus of steamy scenes!
I loved Kitty, she was such a headstrong and independent woman. It was great to have such an inspiring character in a romance, that you could forget you were reading a romance!
I am really enjoying the Mills and Boon Modern Series, this is the first book I have by Jadesola James but I will definitely be looking for more!
I thought this was such a well told and engaging multicultural retelling of Cinderella, with the added bonus of steamy scenes!
I loved Kitty, she was such a headstrong and independent woman. It was great to have such an inspiring character in a romance, that you could forget you were reading a romance!
I am really enjoying the Mills and Boon Modern Series, this is the first book I have by Jadesola James but I will definitely be looking for more!
May 7, 2022
A nice mills and boon book.
August 16, 2022
I got drawn to this book by the cover and the author’s name. While I found the story interesting, a lot of things didn’t add for me
September 26, 2021
Atmospheric and witty debut!
Quite a departure from usual HP. The hero is arrogant but not necessarily an alpha like readers are used to. The plucky heroine is also a departure and certainly made for an interesting take on fake dating trope.
The best part of this Presents debut is the rich details of the opulent lifestyle the characters lead, as well as the funny banter.
Quite a departure from usual HP. The hero is arrogant but not necessarily an alpha like readers are used to. The plucky heroine is also a departure and certainly made for an interesting take on fake dating trope.
The best part of this Presents debut is the rich details of the opulent lifestyle the characters lead, as well as the funny banter.
September 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! Jadesola manages to meld together a retelling of Robin Hood with her heroine (a funny twist on "robbing the rich" actually starts the book) with Cinderella (and a really exasperating fairy god-father in the hero.) I enjoyed their banter and dynamic. It kept the pages turning and was a lot more fast paced than The Sweetest Charade
March 2, 2023
Enjoyable piece of pure escapism m exactly what you want to leave reality behind for awhile and just have some chill time and happiness. Lovely story and great characters
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2021
Beautiful tale of strangers becoming lovers. The author weaves a story of a hero and heroine that being total opposite but eventually becomes each others balance in romance and business.
July 30, 2023
A modern twist in a multicultural version based story of Cinderella, with hot, steamy sex to spice it up and entertain.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews