Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cinderella Masquerade by LaQuette Series: Ranchers and Rivals #7
Published by Harlequin on October 25, 2022
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 224
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Is the woman behind the mask the one this rancher’s been waiting for? Find out in LaQuette’s installment of the Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals series.
One dance. One kiss.
One unexpected twist.
After a stunning makeover, Dr. Zanai James barely recognizes herself. The reserved, no-nonsense therapist even dared to kiss rancher Jayden Lattimore in the middle of the dance floor. Though a mask had hidden her identity, Jayden tracks down his mysterious Cinderella, claiming he can’t forget her. But Zanai isn’t sure about the motives of a dashing man like Jayden, who’s never looked twice at her before. With their meddling families causing all kinds of trouble, will Zanai finally go after what she really wants?
A serious-minded doctor of psychology dons mask and gown for one evening to be someone she’s not and captivates an easy going wealthy rancher who is determined to know the woman behind the mask. LaQuette is steadily becoming a go-to author for me when it comes to contemporary romance with her heart-felt situations, engaging characters, and romantic relationships.
Cinderella Masquerade is a standalone romance attached to a series written by various authors. There is a connection to setting and a loose connection to past characters.
Dr. Zanai James is persuaded to let go just for one night when a sexy red gown and mask allow her to show more of herself than she feels comfortable showing to anyone besides her best friend. Between her oppressive family and past experiences of people not appreciating her quiet, studious, and serious side and using her hidden, exciting nature against her when they did, she keeps to herself and hides behind a book to avoid being hurt.
Then Jayden Lattimore is captivated by the mysterious Red Queen on the dance floor and like a true prince charming uses her piece of lost jewelry to hunt down the woman who wore it. He has no idea why one night with the lady got to him, but the easy going man who sweetly flirts, has a good time, and moves on is suddenly intent on showing Zanai that she’s something special and he wants to explore their attraction.
As can be presumed from the title and the blurb, this was a Cinderella retelling. But, in true LaQuette fashion, it digs a little deeper and introduces a bright, intelligent, and emerging sexy powerful woman who has a fab bestie and an abhorrent family. Zanai knows her stuff when it comes to her career, but it takes Jayden’s patient and consistent work on their relationship to believe there is more and that a woman like her can capture the interest of a man like him.
This is a light and easy romance for the most part and I liked the surround of friends and romantic encounters. The conflict was mostly Zanai believing in herself and the relationship. I was cheering for her and appreciated the charming Jayden being a nice romantic opposite for her and loved seeing her confront her awful dad and family finally.
All in all, this hit the spot and I enjoyed the light drama, sexiness, and quick read of it. Look forward to seeing their best friends have their story maybe next. Recommended to those who want a contemporary romance to relax to maybe for a free fall afternoon.
About LaQuette
2021 Vivian Award finalist and DEIA activist in the romance industry, LaQuette writes bold stories featuring multicultural characters. She crafts dramatic, emotionally epic tales that are deeply pigmented by reality’s paintbrush.
This Brooklyn native’s novels are a unique mix of unapologetically sexy, stylish, & sensational characters who are confident in their right to appear on the page.
She is the 2016 Author of the Year Golden Apple Award winner & the 2016 Write Touch Readers Award winner. Writing—her escape from everyday madness— has always been a friend and source of comfort. At the age of sixteen, she read her first romance novel and realized the genre was missing something: people that looked and lived like her. As a result, her characters and settings are always designed to provide positive representations of people of color and various marginalized communities.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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I’m not a fan of Cinderella, but it sounds like she’s updated the story to include a much stronger and more intelligent heroine. Nice review, Sophia.
She sure did. Smart and sexy, but a family did a number on her so a charming cowboy makes her feel special. Definitely a better take on the fairytale. 🙂
I do enjoy an easygoing romance with low-angst. Never read this author. Will have to check her out.
I enjoy how mature her couples are and how relaxing to read the romances she writes that involve family and friends no matter the setting.
Great review Sophia! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a bunch, Elizabeth. It was a good one. 🙂
This sounds really good. Glad it was a winner for you!
Yes, I’m really loving on her romance writing style, Suzanne!
That sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the great review of this one.
It sure was, Mary! Thanks!
Sometimes a light romance is just the thing. Good to know these are standalone.
I agree. It hit the spot right when I was in the mood for it.
This sounds really good! I do tend to enjoy Cinderella retellings.
I thought it was a pretty good one with a bright and smart Cinderella who just needed to let her toxic family go.
This sounds really good! I love a good retelling. 😀
I enjoyed seeing her really come out of her shell and take a chance on love. I didn’t think of Cinderella when I was reading it, but there were a few elements from the fairytale. 🙂