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Passionately Ever After… #5
Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle
Chemistry explodes for one guarded billionaire in this forced proximity romance by Clare Connelly. A twist on the classic fairy tales "Cinderella" and "Beauty and the Beast."
The billionaire wouldn’t let anyone in…
Until she breached his walls!
Tormented by the guilt of his past, Thirio Skartos hides in the shadows of his Alpine castle. He’s deprived himself of the wild pleasures he used to crave. Until Lucinda Villeneuve makes it beyond his imposing steel-reinforced door.
Wedding planner Lucinda must persuade the superrich recluse to hire her. It’s the only way to reclaim her rightful place in her father’s company. But when a storm leaves her stranded, she has no choice but to stay… And to resist a totally forbidden night in Thirio’s powerful arms!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the Passionately Ever After...
Book 1: A Baby to Tame the Wolfe by Heidi Rice
Book 2: Stolen Nights with the King by Sharon Kendrick
Book 3: The Kiss She Claimed from the Greek by Abby Green
Book 4: A Scandal Made at Midnight by Kate Hewitt
Book 5: Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle by Clare Connelly
Book 6: The Princess He Must Marry by Jadesola James
Book 7: Undone by Her Ultra-Rich Boss by Lucy King
Book 8: Her Secret Royal Dilemma by Chantelle Shaw
The billionaire wouldn’t let anyone in…
Until she breached his walls!
Tormented by the guilt of his past, Thirio Skartos hides in the shadows of his Alpine castle. He’s deprived himself of the wild pleasures he used to crave. Until Lucinda Villeneuve makes it beyond his imposing steel-reinforced door.
Wedding planner Lucinda must persuade the superrich recluse to hire her. It’s the only way to reclaim her rightful place in her father’s company. But when a storm leaves her stranded, she has no choice but to stay… And to resist a totally forbidden night in Thirio’s powerful arms!
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the Passionately Ever After...
Book 1: A Baby to Tame the Wolfe by Heidi Rice
Book 2: Stolen Nights with the King by Sharon Kendrick
Book 3: The Kiss She Claimed from the Greek by Abby Green
Book 4: A Scandal Made at Midnight by Kate Hewitt
Book 5: Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle by Clare Connelly
Book 6: The Princess He Must Marry by Jadesola James
Book 7: Undone by Her Ultra-Rich Boss by Lucy King
Book 8: Her Secret Royal Dilemma by Chantelle Shaw
- GenresRomanceContemporary
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2022
73 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Clare Connelly
517 books409 followersFor all things Clare Connelly, please see www.clareconnelly.co.uk, the official home of Clare Connelly on the web.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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June 4, 2022Heroine not a virgin plus immature unemployed hero. Not for me. Lol
September 20, 2022
Another okay read
But I want more. Maybe its me and this book was more passionate than I thought it was? Maybe the hero wasn't as gloomy as I thought he was? Maybe there were sparks? But I don't think so. It was just okay. He pushed her away and she pushed back but it was still just a so so romance. It even had a kind of epilogue with babies!! I think I am suffering from HP ennui!
But I want more. Maybe its me and this book was more passionate than I thought it was? Maybe the hero wasn't as gloomy as I thought he was? Maybe there were sparks? But I don't think so. It was just okay. He pushed her away and she pushed back but it was still just a so so romance. It even had a kind of epilogue with babies!! I think I am suffering from HP ennui!
July 20, 2022
I forgot that this was supposed to be a “Beauty and the Beast” theme, so caught up in this H’s tragic story. Good book
June 23, 2022
Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle is Clare Connelly's beautifully emotional fairy tale mash up of Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast.
Her future riding on absolutely everything, Lucinda bravely approaches the reclusive Thirio. She has developed the most stunning wedding plan for his sister and knows, without a doubt, if she has a chance to explain it to Thirio, he will surely and most certainly choose her as his sister's wedding planner. Not expecting the cranky and fearsome beast of a man Lucinda is heartbroken her dream of a better life is slipping out of her hands when Thirio thunders his rejection and orders her to be gone. The blessing of a torrential storm graces Lucinda with additional time in Thirio's castle and she doesn't waste a second of it to coax Thirio through her wedding plan.
Clare Connelly captured the essence of the beloved Beast perfectly. In my mind Thirio was literally prowling frantically back and forward, tail swishing, almost stomping in absolute detest his sanctuary had been breeched.
I loved the growth and paring of Lucinda and Thirio. I loved watching them grow closer together. Thirio's walls slowly crumbling was humbling. He is a man burnt inside and out with guilt, grief and shame. I feel Thirio's brokenness was one of the best captured I have recently read. It stirred emotions that had me really feeling for him. Thirio is pining for his lost family but beneath the gruff exterior he has a heart of gold and slowly warms to the glow Lucinda weaves around Thirio's darkness.
Lucinda is the perfect partner for Thirio. In her own way she was also broken but she has determination and a plan to change her small world for the better. Together Thirio and Lucinda brought the best out in each other. Lucinda is kind and beautiful inside and out and it's not long before her heart loves Thirio for all he is. Their attraction is combustible once the walls crumble and love shines through. Burrowed feelings are released and the journey had my heart racing.
I really, really enjoyed Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle and I adore the cover. Highly recommended for all those who have magical memories and a fond love for Beauty & The Beast and Cinderella.
Her future riding on absolutely everything, Lucinda bravely approaches the reclusive Thirio. She has developed the most stunning wedding plan for his sister and knows, without a doubt, if she has a chance to explain it to Thirio, he will surely and most certainly choose her as his sister's wedding planner. Not expecting the cranky and fearsome beast of a man Lucinda is heartbroken her dream of a better life is slipping out of her hands when Thirio thunders his rejection and orders her to be gone. The blessing of a torrential storm graces Lucinda with additional time in Thirio's castle and she doesn't waste a second of it to coax Thirio through her wedding plan.
Clare Connelly captured the essence of the beloved Beast perfectly. In my mind Thirio was literally prowling frantically back and forward, tail swishing, almost stomping in absolute detest his sanctuary had been breeched.
I loved the growth and paring of Lucinda and Thirio. I loved watching them grow closer together. Thirio's walls slowly crumbling was humbling. He is a man burnt inside and out with guilt, grief and shame. I feel Thirio's brokenness was one of the best captured I have recently read. It stirred emotions that had me really feeling for him. Thirio is pining for his lost family but beneath the gruff exterior he has a heart of gold and slowly warms to the glow Lucinda weaves around Thirio's darkness.
Lucinda is the perfect partner for Thirio. In her own way she was also broken but she has determination and a plan to change her small world for the better. Together Thirio and Lucinda brought the best out in each other. Lucinda is kind and beautiful inside and out and it's not long before her heart loves Thirio for all he is. Their attraction is combustible once the walls crumble and love shines through. Burrowed feelings are released and the journey had my heart racing.
I really, really enjoyed Cinderella in the Billionaire's Castle and I adore the cover. Highly recommended for all those who have magical memories and a fond love for Beauty & The Beast and Cinderella.
August 10, 2022
Cinderella in the Billionaires Castle, is a beautiful and engaging story and very romantic also. Lucinda has a goal in life and for that she enters the Castle of Thirio Skartos uninvited with a proposal to be the events Coordinator at his sister Evie’s wedding. But when they meet each other, Thirio is stunned by Lucinda’s beauty and is very uncomfortable with another person in the Castle. After a tragedy that took place in his life, he has been away from the outer world in his Castle depriving himself of happiness. In his earlier life he was a party boy.
After the death of her Dad, Lucinda is in the care of her Step Mother and their relationship is not good .Her only goal in life is to get possession of her Dad’s company and lead it to success. Both Lucinda and Thirio are attracted to each other and they just have get past their problems and need time to heal. When your down in life and if the right person comes along and just lifts you out of your problems ,life can be a walk in the park.That is exactly what effect Lucinda had on Thirio.
I was happy it had a happily ever after ending.Long time since I’ve read romantic books by Harlequin, totally loved it.
After the death of her Dad, Lucinda is in the care of her Step Mother and their relationship is not good .Her only goal in life is to get possession of her Dad’s company and lead it to success. Both Lucinda and Thirio are attracted to each other and they just have get past their problems and need time to heal. When your down in life and if the right person comes along and just lifts you out of your problems ,life can be a walk in the park.That is exactly what effect Lucinda had on Thirio.
I was happy it had a happily ever after ending.Long time since I’ve read romantic books by Harlequin, totally loved it.
July 7, 2022
A very beautiful book
This was a very good book about 2 people who wanted and needed love but because of childhood issues, they didn’t think they deserved it. The h was a very beautiful, sweet and kind person who lost her father and had a unfeeling stepmother and stepsisters who abused her emotionally. The H felt he was responsible for the deaths of his parents so he switched off emotionally, he denied himself the pleasures of life. It was touching and poignant, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. They were able to find their way to each other. Great ending.
This was a very good book about 2 people who wanted and needed love but because of childhood issues, they didn’t think they deserved it. The h was a very beautiful, sweet and kind person who lost her father and had a unfeeling stepmother and stepsisters who abused her emotionally. The H felt he was responsible for the deaths of his parents so he switched off emotionally, he denied himself the pleasures of life. It was touching and poignant, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. They were able to find their way to each other. Great ending.
November 14, 2022
Is there anything better than a typical Mills & Boon romance that ends happily for a relaxing read!?
As you would guess from the title the lead character Lucinda has a horrible step mother and step sisters who have taken her down a peg at every opportunity.
The male lead Thirio has has his own share of heartache and has hidden himself away from the world. They are pushed together when Lucinda comes up with the perfect plan for Thirio's sister Evie's wedding.
Lots of character growth in this story along with tears, love and some saucy scenes.
As you would guess from the title the lead character Lucinda has a horrible step mother and step sisters who have taken her down a peg at every opportunity.
The male lead Thirio has has his own share of heartache and has hidden himself away from the world. They are pushed together when Lucinda comes up with the perfect plan for Thirio's sister Evie's wedding.
Lots of character growth in this story along with tears, love and some saucy scenes.
August 25, 2022
It’s hard to review this book because if you’ve read one harlequin book, it follows the same formula. That being said, I did enjoy the Cinderella/Beauty & the Beast tropes. This was one of the better Harlequin quick reads I’ve read; it was well-written and different from other ones I’ve read before. That itself is a good thing. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2022
This book is a great mash-up of two fairy tales, Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast.
Thirio is a reclusive billionaire who ran his empire from a remote castle in the mountains, after a personal tragedy. He is determined to punish himself for his past wrongdoings, but he didn't anticipate Lucinda and her effect on his life choices.
A really enjoyable read.
Thirio is a reclusive billionaire who ran his empire from a remote castle in the mountains, after a personal tragedy. He is determined to punish himself for his past wrongdoings, but he didn't anticipate Lucinda and her effect on his life choices.
A really enjoyable read.
June 28, 2022
Hoping to start her own business, wedding planner Lucinda approaches Thirio with her proposal for his sister's nuptials. Will her gentle spirit help the scarred and reclusive billionaire out of his guilt over his parents' deaths?
This is a clever mashup of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. It's steamy with a strong fairy tale feel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a clever mashup of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. It's steamy with a strong fairy tale feel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by Claire Connelly. It was very well done and would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
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June 2, 2022Categories
Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology
Miniseries
Passionately Ever After... (Book #5)
Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology
Miniseries
Passionately Ever After... (Book #5)
Read
June 2, 2022Categories
Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology
Miniseries
Passionately Ever After... (Book #5)
Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology
Miniseries
Passionately Ever After... (Book #5)
June 15, 2022
I would consider this a mashup of Cinderalla and Beauty and the Beast. Former playboy Theo is a recluse after his parents are killed in a fire. He still has scars from that day and has become a recluse. Lucinda's father has died and her stepmother has control of her father's company. She needs the funds to help her get the company back and so she needs Theo to hire her as the wedding planner for Theo's sister's wedding. Theo has not answered any emails from Lucinda so she shows up at his house and worms her way into staying at his residence and not only gets him to hire her but they develop a romantic relationship. Theo doesn't believe that he deserves Lucinda and so he turns her way when she confess her feelings. I am not a fan of the I don't deserve her trope and I feel the development of feelings between the two characters felt a bit flat and it moved a bit slow for such a short novel.
March 3, 2024
I enjoyed this novel.
I found this a well written novel with an interesting storyline and at a length I prefer to read, with a HEA ending.
I found this a well written novel with an interesting storyline and at a length I prefer to read, with a HEA ending.
May 17, 2025
The hero enforced 6 years celibacy and isolated himself in his castle as a punishment for his involvement in the fire that killed his parents. The heroine on the first night and on second meeting with the hero was the one trying to initiate intimacy with the hero 😬😬he kept turning her down because of the self imposed punishment of celibacy. 😭😭 the heroine was not a virgin, her previous boyfriend cheated with her stepsister. Non virgin heroine is a turn off for me, and also those that are trying to initiate sex with the hero. Good thing I did not have to pay for this book, free on kindle membership.
May 6, 2023
Deeply emotional and addictive, just a truly beautiful story!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews