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Cinderella Hired for His Revenge: An Office Enemies to Lovers Contemporary Romance

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Her deal with the tycoon from her past will save her from destitution! Discover this thrilling revenge romance from Emmy Grayson.

The boss rarely forgives…
And he never forgets!

Under her father’s ironclad influence, heiress Alexandra Moss was forced to shatter Grant Santos’s heart to save his promising future. Now their positions are reversed. She’s penniless and working every waking hour…and he’s a legendary Manhattan CEO whose signature she needs on a business-saving contract!

Grant hires Alexandra to exact ice-cold vengeance. Except every glance is still red-hot! Being burned twice is not part of his plan… This time, when their passion becomes irresistible, Grant plans to be the one in control!

From Harlequin  Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

13 people are currently reading
2110 people want to read

About the author

Emmy Grayson

192 books791 followers
Emmy's interest in romance can be traced back to her love of Nancy Drew books, when she tried to solve the mysteries of her favorite detective while rereading the romantic chapters with Ned Nickerson. Fast-forward a few years when she discovered a worn copy of "A Rose in Winter" by Kathleen Woodiwiss on her mother's bookshelf, and she was hooked. Over 20 years later, Harlequin Presents made her dream come true by offering her a contract for her first book.

When Emmy isn't writing or reading, she's chasing around her baby boy, feeding her menagerie of fur babies or carving out a little time on her front porch with her firefighter hubby.

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5 stars
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4 stars
41 (41%)
3 stars
18 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,406 reviews902 followers
January 24, 2023
This is my first Harlequin in several years. As soon as I saw "Cinderella", I knew I had to jump in. I'm so glad I did!

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Alexandra and Grant were an exceptional couple that stole my heart and kept me glued to the pages. This couple had a painful history. Their conflict was not easily overcome and the past haunted them as they tried to move forward. However, they could each see changes in the other that helped them to take a chance on a new relationship. I loved that about them.


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The angst was relatively heavy without being painfully so. The steam was not consuming but their chemistry was obvious which made the angst all the more angsty. I loved that Alexandra and Grant's positions had switched, building a foundation for the story that I really enjoyed.


Dual POV
Standalone
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,154 reviews169 followers
October 25, 2022
Quick Summary: A second chance-with-the-love-of-a-lifetime romance

My Review: Cinderella Hired for His Revenge by Emmy Grayson was brilliantly done. Quite simply, this story was an incredible second chance romance. With a reversal of fortune theme, it revealed Alexandra and Grant's love story in a way that showed how two opposites could, indeed, have a forever love, despite their differences.

What made this story so endearing was the fact that both characters were good at heart. They both wanted to love and protect the ones they cared for the most. They were likeable and decent.

One of my favorite takeaways from this story was seeing that despite having hurt feelings and a broken heart, love has the ability to help people reconcile, forgive, connect, and build love anew.

My Final Say: This one is a keeper.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Yes
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley. Thank you for affording me an opportunity to review this title. The words I have shared are my own.
Profile Image for Mary.
111 reviews
February 15, 2023
H used to work as a gardener for the heroine’s family and they fell in love. She suddenly breaks his heart and dumps him. So years later, he is super rich and she is super poor. He wants revenge by rubbing his new money in her face. But as the truth comes to light, they end up with a second chance.

I loved how the H couldn’t help but fall in love with her. And upon learning of her sad situation, he slowly became instinctively protective of her. I also love how the heroine was not trying to win him back. She wasn’t a doormat and just kind of accepted her new place in the world. No ow/om drama.

Second chance
Revenge (but it’s a much lighter one)
Profile Image for Lisa.
469 reviews38 followers
November 10, 2022
I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Presents and the author
So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.

Cinderella Hired for His Revenge is a delightful second Chance read. Alexandra and Grant I loved there love story can't wait until it comes out so I can get a physical copy 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Happy Reading
Lisa 📚
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews183 followers
January 16, 2023
Cinderella Hired for His Revenge is a terrific second-chance romance that I enjoyed very much. This reversal of fortune story features Cass, who once lived a life of privilege and wealth until her father was imprisoned for fraud and her family became the villains of New York society. Now a florist, she lives a much simpler life.

Grant Santos was the gardener for Cass’s family when he fell in love with her. He dreamed of a future with her. Then suddenly she dumped him with no warning. He worked hard to forget her and built an empire that made him rich beyond his dreams. So, when Cass shows up at his business with a proposal to furnish flowers and arrangements for his various business meetings, he’s determined that it’s time for revenge.

Although this is a revenge story, the revenge is not mean-spirited, nor does it last long. Grant’s and Cass’s feelings for each other are soon resurrected and their chemistry is strong. Although, trust takes a bit longer to return. Eventually, Cass and Grant rekindle their feelings, but can they learn to trust each other again? I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Profile Image for Serena.
367 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2024
**Review: Cinderella Hired for His Revenge by Emma Grayson**

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5 stars)

Emma Grayson’s *Cinderella Hired for His Revenge* is a modern twist on the classic Cinderella tale, blending romance and intrigue with themes of revenge and redemption. While it offers an enjoyable escape into a world of high-stakes emotions and glamorous settings, it falls short in a few areas, resulting in a mixed but entertaining read.

The story centers on Ella, a young woman thrust into the world of billionaire Rafe after being hired for a seemingly straightforward job. As the title suggests, Rafe's intentions are far from innocent, and he seeks to use Ella as a pawn in his elaborate scheme for revenge. The tension between them creates a compelling dynamic that keeps readers engaged.

Grayson’s writing is accessible and fast-paced, making it easy to get lost in the drama and romance. The settings are described with an eye for detail, adding a luxurious backdrop to the unfolding plot. The chemistry between Ella and Rafe is palpable, and their interactions are filled with a mix of passion and conflict that drives the story forward.

However, the novel has its shortcomings. The plot, while intriguing, relies heavily on familiar romance tropes and can be somewhat predictable. Readers who are well-versed in the genre might find the twists and turns a bit too expected. Additionally, the characters, though likable, lack depth in certain areas. Rafe's motivations and backstory could be explored more thoroughly to provide a richer understanding of his actions and transformation.

Ella, as the modern Cinderella, is a sympathetic character, but her development feels somewhat rushed. Her transition from a simple employee to someone embroiled in high-stakes revenge could have been fleshed out more to enhance her journey and growth.

Despite these issues, *Cinderella Hired for His Revenge* succeeds in delivering a romantic and dramatic tale that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. It's a book that doesn't shy away from high emotions and grand gestures, making it a fun and engaging read for those looking for a modern fairy tale with a twist.

In summary, *Cinderella Hired for His Revenge* by Emma Grayson earns a neutral three stars. It’s a solid romance with a compelling premise and enjoyable characters, even if it doesn’t break new ground. If you're in the mood for a dramatic, modern spin on Cinderella with a mix of romance and revenge, this book is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,707 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2025
I was looking for revenge, hate, and of course eventually a happy ending. I was given the opportunity to get revenge after a nine year grudge to a former lover who made the MMC feel inferior to her uppity lifestyle as he was just a gardener and she came from daddies wealth. Were shown the hardship our FMC character faced as her father got into legal trouble. We see her as not an uptight person but a normal trying to survive person. Too much was put on her trying to be good. What revenge was accomplished by hiring her to do your flower bouquet for the banquets you have you didn't even fight her on the arrangements.

As they started to hang out together more one on one the truth came out of her trying to stop her father from destroying their lives while we learn she learned she was also pregnant and lost his kid. We could of been ok with you protecting him why was an added miscarried child needed in this story.

Just for them both being too stubborn to see they love each other to have side characters remind them they work great together. SO they get together rekindling the lost love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
25 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2023
I don’t read a lot of second chance romance, but this reminded me why they can be so great. The yearning is so high. Characters are not just imaging what intimacy with they other would be like, they KNOW what they are currently missing out on. This story captures this feeling well, plus the payoff of familiarity/this feels right vibes once they start to get back together.

Overall I enjoyed this story. I’m glad the hero wasn’t too much of a jerk to the heroine, despite his plan to rub her nose in his success.

There was some emphasis on the heroine’s lack of sexual experience with anyone other than the hero. This was quasi-framed as making her virtuous/worthy of hero’s love and trust, which made me a bit uncomfortable. Also, inconsistency with contraception use took me out of the story a bit, especially because the characters had already had one unplanned pregnancy. I know personal preferences on these things vary for readers, but they stopped this from being a 5 star for me.
Profile Image for Mattie.
2,020 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2023
It was ok, I don't like the story and characters enough to want to re-read it.

The hero and heroine were nice and not cruel to each other. Hero was bitter and rude at times, but for the majority of book he was ok.

I'm just not a fan of the 9 year separation and hero not being celibate* while heroine only ever slept with him. I understand he had the right to sleep with other women, especially when heroine was the one to break up with him (she did it to save his life though, so I don't fault her as much as I normally would), but with how well he got to know her that summer (9 years previously) it's sad how he believed her after just one conversation and didn't fight for her. P.


* He was at least not a manwhore and only slept with 2 other women in which he had relationships with not one night stands. Not sure how long the relationships were for, but I assume they were years long relationships. He was celibate for 1 year before meeting heroine again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,906 reviews17 followers
April 3, 2023
This was a lovely second chance romance. There was some angst built in to the situation, but very little drama beyond the main characters working through their distrust and shame.

I liked that while Alexandra came down in the world financially, adversity showed her tenacity and strength. She was still fragile as far as shame in how she didn’t stand up to her father, but that felt like a real issue that would take years to heal from.

The hero, Grant, wanted revenge for the broken heart he suffered at Alexandra’s hands nine years before. I admired the fact that the author did not drag this plot device out and that Grant showed himself to be self-reflective while he still was trying to work through the pain of the past.

This was a lovely, quick read with a light reference to the Cinderella trope.
Profile Image for Donna.
591 reviews
February 15, 2023
Alexandra Moss was forced by her father to end her relationship with Grant Santos whom she met when she was 19. After her father's downfall and imprisonment, she is penniless and starting over as a florist.
Grant, now successful, still holds a grudge against Alexandra for not telling him the truth behind the ending of their relationship.
Time has been good for Grant and Alexandra is happy for him, being he was the only one she has been with.

This is truly a Cinderella story that you will enjoy.

Received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway and Harlequin. Thank you Emmy Grayso for a great read.
387 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2023
Alexandra Moss , previously Waldsworth, is the daughter of very rich business man. She met Grant Santos 7 summers ago. They separated in bad terms and now crossed paths again. Grant hired her to exact his revenge.

Truly enjoyed the heart-breaking and endearing moments of this modern day Cinderella retelling. The flashbacks and current day events were perfectly sequenced. The emotions ( and changes) were also realistic. Both, especialy Alexandra was delightful. A great story to remind us of what we sometimes sacrifice for the ones we love. This one is an unforgettable love story. (NOTE: Has some scenes for mature readers only). Recommend reading this love story.
Profile Image for RomLibrary.
5,789 reviews
hq-to-read
March 29, 2024
Showing a prospective buyer around the country mansion she works in isn’t a typical day for shy housekeeper Lizzie. But the moment superrich Niccolò Macario arrives, she’s blown away by their mutual attraction. It’s clear he never does commitment, but the promise of one breathtaking night is irresistible…

After a life marked by tragedy, letting someone close goes against Niccolò’s every instinct. So, when he receives a letter with the bombshell that Lizzie’s pregnant, Niccolò is floored—because his only thought is to find her, bring her to Manhattan and claim his child!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,270 reviews147 followers
January 25, 2023
👠Second Chance Romance
👠Slowburn
👠Floral arranging

Loved the revenge hire that Grant did with Alexandra's floral shop. They had dated once upon a time and she broke his heart. She was the wealthy heiress and he was the gardener. Now her father is in jail and she's starting over and he's the billionaire. Though trying to stick it to her isn't working cause she's good at her job. And he's realizing that maybe things didn't end the way he thought they did or for the reasons he thought.

Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for the honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Andrea (Hammock and Read).
1,233 reviews26 followers
January 15, 2023
In this second chance romance and class switch with these two- we get revenge that turns into love. This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed how fast paced- cold to hot- hate to love this one was. One hot summer fling comes back to haunt Alex but she needs the business to keep her flower shop open. Once they talk their true feelings come out past and present. A great billionaire romance!
Profile Image for Jodi Virea.
185 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2023
Good story, the trust issue was prominent in this story. U could feel the love but it was overwhelmed with lack of trust.
4 reviews
October 4, 2023
A good read

I feel as if the story is missing something. Just don't know what. Not as good as the last one I've read.
130 reviews
January 2, 2024
Quick book to read I didn’t like how Alexandra blamed herself for her dad’s actions.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,577 reviews47 followers
January 2, 2023
3.5 Stars. As a teenager Alexandra, an heiress, had a passionate affair with her family’s young gardener, Grant, before her father made her leave him with no explanation. Many years later their fortunes are reversed and Alexandra is a pennyless florist and Grant is a powerful CEO. Grant hires Alexandra so she can see everything she lost out on but the two are still deeply attracted to one another.

I’m not a fan of large wealth gaps in contemporary romances as it creates such an unequal power dynamic. That said, this one had them on more equal footing because Alexandra still had so much power over Grant. I’m also not a fan of revenge, but I honestly did not really notice the revenge aspect of the plot until it was written out in the book as part of Grant’s motivation. I struggled with some of the pacing, which is an odd thing to say as category romances are notoriously fast paced, but this book had multiple occurrences of multiple pages with long paragraphs and no dialog, so it felt like it did a lot of telling rather than showing even though the book itself was short. Overall I was entertained by the story and it was a quick read. I do think the book should have had some trigger warnings including: miscarriage, death of a parent

Thank you to Harlequin for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for anie.
1,142 reviews46 followers
January 30, 2023
Cinderella Hired for His Revenge is a sweet slow burn love story. She works hard to provide for her family. Her stepsisters are entitled, and her stepfather is dealing with addiction. At the bar where she works, she meets him. They flirt, but she does hope for much. Then he reveals who he is and asks her to marry him in a marriage of convenience. He can have his revenge and she can save her family. But the more they get to know each other, the deeper they fall.

I liked that even though it was all about revenge, they both have good hearts and love ultimately wins. I usually love Cinderella stories in any shape or form, but this one wasn't my cup of tea.

thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Presents for the ARC, all thoughts are my own
Profile Image for Andrea Wenger.
Author 4 books39 followers
January 29, 2023
As a teenager, rich girl Alexandra broke laborer Grant's heart—to protect him from her controlling father. Now, the tables are turned. She's a struggling business owner, and he's a powerful CEO. Can they overcome the past and get a second chance at love?

These two have strong chemistry. Grant is bitter at first, but his feelings for Alexandra have never died. She feels guilty for the way she treated him, but she can't regret saving him from her father's treachery. Ultimately, she and Grant are very sweet together.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews183 followers
January 16, 2023
Cinderella Hired for His Revenge is a terrific second-chance romance that I enjoyed very much. This reversal of fortune story features Cass, who once lived a life of privilege and wealth until her father was imprisoned for fraud and her family became the villains of New York society. Now a florist, she lives a much simpler life.

Grant Santos was the gardener for Cass’s family when he fell in love with her. He dreamed of a future with her. Then suddenly she dumped him with no warning. He worked hard to forget her and built an empire that made him rich beyond his dreams. So, when Cass shows up at his business with a proposal to furnish flowers and arrangements for his various business meetings, he’s determined that it’s time for revenge.

Although this is a revenge story, the revenge is not mean-spirited, nor does it last long. Grant’s and Cass’s feelings for each other are soon resurrected and their chemistry is strong. Although, trust takes a bit longer to return. Eventually, Cass and Grant rekindle their feelings, but can they learn to trust each other again? I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Alissa .
868 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2022
I am really hit or miss with second chance books, but this one hit it out of the park for me.

I couldn't put down Alexandra and Grant's story, how it was a second chance at love, along with the who had the money roles being reversed now that they were adults. The chemistry between the two of them was believable, and the struggles that they both were going through in the book made the story move along at a good pace. I really enjoyed this book and will be going back to read Alexandra's brother Finn book.
Profile Image for Bekah Hubstenberger.
581 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2024
4.5 You know those Tiktok ads popping up lately for a new video app where they give you a preview of some low budget, cliche romance that you definitely need to finish watching? This is that. To a t. You’ve got rags to riches and riches to rags, second chance romance, miscommunication leads to long separation and finally man buys woman expensive clothes. Also steamy. It is written well for the formula it follows and scratched the itch those Tiktok vids have given me.
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