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Suddenly Cinderella #1
Operation Cinderella
Manhattan magazine editor Macie Graham always gets her story—and she’ll do anything to uncover the dirt on famous radio personality Ross Mannon. After he smears her article on his show, nearly costing Macie her job, she devises a plan to masquerade as a modern-day Cinderella and get her revenge on the infuriating Texan.
All Ross wants is a woman with old-fashioned values to be his housekeeper and role model for his troubled teenage daughter. When the perfect woman shows up, Ross is relieved—until he finds himself drawn to his gorgeous, red-stiletto-wearing new employee. “Martha Jane” is opinionated and sexy, and Ross is intrigued…and more than a little turned on.
Macie thought Operation Cinderella was foolproof, but Ross, with his rugged good looks and southern charm, proves to be as perfect behind-the-scenes as he does in public. But when she finally uncovers a secret that could destroy Ross's reputation, she faces losing her job or losing the fairy-tale ending she didn't even know she wanted.
All Ross wants is a woman with old-fashioned values to be his housekeeper and role model for his troubled teenage daughter. When the perfect woman shows up, Ross is relieved—until he finds himself drawn to his gorgeous, red-stiletto-wearing new employee. “Martha Jane” is opinionated and sexy, and Ross is intrigued…and more than a little turned on.
Macie thought Operation Cinderella was foolproof, but Ross, with his rugged good looks and southern charm, proves to be as perfect behind-the-scenes as he does in public. But when she finally uncovers a secret that could destroy Ross's reputation, she faces losing her job or losing the fairy-tale ending she didn't even know she wanted.
287 pages, ebook
First published October 7, 2012
173 people are currently reading
2412 people want to read
About the author
Hope C. Tarr
51 books211 followersAward-winning author of the American Songbook series: IRISH EYES and STARDUST (Joffe Books).
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Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/y2s7cfkj
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/3hfkehad
Bookshop.org: https://tinyurl.com/3xhmfvzm
Walmart: http://tinyurl.com/dwbf554r
Target: http://tinyurl.com/374se9aw
Books-a-Million: http://tinyurl.com/bdenart2
Thunder Road Books: https://shop.thunderroadbooks.com/boo...
Book Culture: https://www.bookculture.com/book/9781...
River Road Books: https://www.riverroadbooks.net/book/9...
The Comfort Zone: https://comfortzone-og.com/
And more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
November 26, 2012
Though I very much enjoy Entangled Publishing's releases, it has been some time since I devoured and loved one of their titles as much as I did with Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr.
I'm partial to anything that is even loosely connected to Cinderella, but that also means that my expectations are high: I want the Cinderella retelling to enchant me as much as the original classic fairy tale did when I was 4. And well, I'm happy to say that Operation Cinderella was wonderful! The story sucked me in, I was living and breathing with the characters for those 160 or so pages and I was enjoying it so much I wouldn't have minded if the story went on a bit longer. ;-)
The way the story started (the newsroom atmosphere, the dare, the undercover assignment, etc.) reminded me of the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but things soon took a different turn and Operation Cinderella is very much its own story.
The hero, Ross Mannon besides being described as a very handsome "Robert Redford of the Right", will make your heart melt: he is a single dad trying to connect with his 15 year old teenager daughter and ensure she is safe, healthy and happy. It's for this reason that he wants to employ a housekeeper/role model, preferably someone younger but wholesome to whom his daughter could talk to and open up. He was wonderful: he had integrity, a warm-heart and irresistible charisma.
Macie, is an interesting character: on the surface she is a rebellous partying young woman, from her gothic looks and her belly button ring to her ever changing hair colour, however once she gets to know Ross and see how his beliefs and morals ground him and that it's truly his conviction and he lives his life according to them not just preaches them, she finds peace with herself and it becomes apparent her flashy and vibrant previous public persona was just a costume she donned.
But besides that both main characters packed more substance and depth: Ross didn't come off as a preachy goody-two-shoes, oh no, he was mature, responsible and movingly affectionate towards his daughter (and Macie). And Macie was an amazing woman too: though she was cynical (you'll learn the reason for her disillusion in the story), she was brave, strong, independent and resourceful.
I loved to see all the small references to the classic fairy tale(s) entwined with a lot of humour peppered in the story:
"Stepping out into the neon-lit hallway, she pulled the office door closed behind her. Fairy tales were for kids. Exposing a fake prince for his true frog self—real grownup life didn’t pack more magical mojo than that."
"He wasn’t just looking for a child care provider or a housekeeper or a cook, but some magical meshing of all three and more. What—no, make that who—he needed was a modern day fairy godmother, a woman not only young enough but also cool enough to connect with a jaded fifteen-year-old who’d spent most of her formative years in Manhattan. If she came with a magic wand, so much the better."
ps. and the way the glass slippers were incorporated into the story was terrific as well! :-D
Verdict: I LOVED Operation Cinderella! Both the characters, from the hero and heroine to the supporting cast (Ross' daughter, Macie's gay friends aka the fairy godfathers) as well as the story were wonderful. The romance played beautifully into the bigger picture and I enjoyed that Operation Cinderella was so much more than a "simple love story". I really got attached to the characters and was interested to see what would happen to them. Now that I've discovered Hope Tarr I won't let her and her books out of my sight! ;-) And I am SO happy that Operation Cinderella is the 1st book in the Suddenly Cinderella series, featuring at least 4 stories, yay, I can't wait!! :-D
Operation Cinderella was wonderfully heart-warming and romantic, so it deserves those 5 shiny stars I'm gladly giving to it!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10 - she looks like she's wearing a bit too much make up...
I'm partial to anything that is even loosely connected to Cinderella, but that also means that my expectations are high: I want the Cinderella retelling to enchant me as much as the original classic fairy tale did when I was 4. And well, I'm happy to say that Operation Cinderella was wonderful! The story sucked me in, I was living and breathing with the characters for those 160 or so pages and I was enjoying it so much I wouldn't have minded if the story went on a bit longer. ;-)
The way the story started (the newsroom atmosphere, the dare, the undercover assignment, etc.) reminded me of the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but things soon took a different turn and Operation Cinderella is very much its own story.
The hero, Ross Mannon besides being described as a very handsome "Robert Redford of the Right", will make your heart melt: he is a single dad trying to connect with his 15 year old teenager daughter and ensure she is safe, healthy and happy. It's for this reason that he wants to employ a housekeeper/role model, preferably someone younger but wholesome to whom his daughter could talk to and open up. He was wonderful: he had integrity, a warm-heart and irresistible charisma.
Macie, is an interesting character: on the surface she is a rebellous partying young woman, from her gothic looks and her belly button ring to her ever changing hair colour, however once she gets to know Ross and see how his beliefs and morals ground him and that it's truly his conviction and he lives his life according to them not just preaches them, she finds peace with herself and it becomes apparent her flashy and vibrant previous public persona was just a costume she donned.
But besides that both main characters packed more substance and depth: Ross didn't come off as a preachy goody-two-shoes, oh no, he was mature, responsible and movingly affectionate towards his daughter (and Macie). And Macie was an amazing woman too: though she was cynical (you'll learn the reason for her disillusion in the story), she was brave, strong, independent and resourceful.
I loved to see all the small references to the classic fairy tale(s) entwined with a lot of humour peppered in the story:
"Stepping out into the neon-lit hallway, she pulled the office door closed behind her. Fairy tales were for kids. Exposing a fake prince for his true frog self—real grownup life didn’t pack more magical mojo than that."
"He wasn’t just looking for a child care provider or a housekeeper or a cook, but some magical meshing of all three and more. What—no, make that who—he needed was a modern day fairy godmother, a woman not only young enough but also cool enough to connect with a jaded fifteen-year-old who’d spent most of her formative years in Manhattan. If she came with a magic wand, so much the better."
ps. and the way the glass slippers were incorporated into the story was terrific as well! :-D
Verdict: I LOVED Operation Cinderella! Both the characters, from the hero and heroine to the supporting cast (Ross' daughter, Macie's gay friends aka the fairy godfathers) as well as the story were wonderful. The romance played beautifully into the bigger picture and I enjoyed that Operation Cinderella was so much more than a "simple love story". I really got attached to the characters and was interested to see what would happen to them. Now that I've discovered Hope Tarr I won't let her and her books out of my sight! ;-) And I am SO happy that Operation Cinderella is the 1st book in the Suddenly Cinderella series, featuring at least 4 stories, yay, I can't wait!! :-D
Operation Cinderella was wonderfully heart-warming and romantic, so it deserves those 5 shiny stars I'm gladly giving to it!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 8/10 - she looks like she's wearing a bit too much make up...
January 17, 2013
In the wake of this year’s divisive elections, Operation Cinderella gives us faith that not only can staunch supporters of opposing parties find common ground, but they can also make good bedfellows. Hope Tarr spins this fun romance that, at times, reminds me of a modern day Pride and Prejudice.
Macie Graham is a features writer for an edgy, and somewhat muckraking, magazine in New York City. She’s infuriated when her heartfelt piece on teenage birth control is blasted by ultra conservative radio mega personality Ross Mannon. There’s fall out, and the magazine loses a major advertiser for their “immoral” stance, which also infuriates Macie’s editor. In a bold move, Macie decides to go undercover, using her real, terribly uncool name of Martha Jane Gray, and apply for Ross’ housekeeper/nanny opening in Washington DC, convinced she’ll find a scandal she can expose. She taps into her small town Indiana childhood and conservative upbringing and Ross takes the bait.
Ross Mannon. Picture that annoying conservative radio host (yes, even some conservatives find him annoying), only super hot. And young. Ross has a PhD in Sociology and is a former college professor whose book went viral and found himself riding the wave of celebrity right to the top of the nation’s far right movement. His good old fashion values conflict with everything Macie believe. Or do they? As they both spend time together, they find there are a lot of values they share as well as an intense attraction. But, of course, Macie is not entirely the Martha Jane she’s presented herself as. Will Ross still love her, or even forgive her, once her duplicity is brought to light?
I really loved the DC setting of the book, although I had terrible concerns for Ross jogging on Rock Creek Park at night and pre dawn. He maybe a studly dude, but that’s just begging for some psycho listener to jump out with a knife. Macie was a likable protagonist, and I enjoyed how she revealed a good heart beneath her fast-lane NYC veneer. I also got a kick out of her smuggling a personal chef friend in and out to convince Ross she was an old-fashioned cook, just like his mama. I have no problem with conservative family values, but it did bother me that Ross was so judgmental in the beginning. Expecting perfection from everyone else, while he consistently failed himself, is just hypocritical. Don’t get me wrong, Ross is a good guy, and he is trying to stay true to his values, but he himself is divorced and realizes that although it’s not an ideal situation for his teenage daughter, staying together with his wife was a far worse scenario. He does redeem himself in the end, still staying true to his values, but understanding that sometimes circumstances dictate a different choice.
There’s a Happy Ever After for the two, in spite of Macie’s subterfuge and Ross’ rigidity. At times, the ending dialogue was overly sticky sweet for my “kick-ass heroine” tastes, but absolutely in keeping with the genre. The sexy tension between the two was well done, and I was thrilled to see Ross’ conservative nature ended at the bedroom door.
Macie Graham is a features writer for an edgy, and somewhat muckraking, magazine in New York City. She’s infuriated when her heartfelt piece on teenage birth control is blasted by ultra conservative radio mega personality Ross Mannon. There’s fall out, and the magazine loses a major advertiser for their “immoral” stance, which also infuriates Macie’s editor. In a bold move, Macie decides to go undercover, using her real, terribly uncool name of Martha Jane Gray, and apply for Ross’ housekeeper/nanny opening in Washington DC, convinced she’ll find a scandal she can expose. She taps into her small town Indiana childhood and conservative upbringing and Ross takes the bait.
Ross Mannon. Picture that annoying conservative radio host (yes, even some conservatives find him annoying), only super hot. And young. Ross has a PhD in Sociology and is a former college professor whose book went viral and found himself riding the wave of celebrity right to the top of the nation’s far right movement. His good old fashion values conflict with everything Macie believe. Or do they? As they both spend time together, they find there are a lot of values they share as well as an intense attraction. But, of course, Macie is not entirely the Martha Jane she’s presented herself as. Will Ross still love her, or even forgive her, once her duplicity is brought to light?
I really loved the DC setting of the book, although I had terrible concerns for Ross jogging on Rock Creek Park at night and pre dawn. He maybe a studly dude, but that’s just begging for some psycho listener to jump out with a knife. Macie was a likable protagonist, and I enjoyed how she revealed a good heart beneath her fast-lane NYC veneer. I also got a kick out of her smuggling a personal chef friend in and out to convince Ross she was an old-fashioned cook, just like his mama. I have no problem with conservative family values, but it did bother me that Ross was so judgmental in the beginning. Expecting perfection from everyone else, while he consistently failed himself, is just hypocritical. Don’t get me wrong, Ross is a good guy, and he is trying to stay true to his values, but he himself is divorced and realizes that although it’s not an ideal situation for his teenage daughter, staying together with his wife was a far worse scenario. He does redeem himself in the end, still staying true to his values, but understanding that sometimes circumstances dictate a different choice.
There’s a Happy Ever After for the two, in spite of Macie’s subterfuge and Ross’ rigidity. At times, the ending dialogue was overly sticky sweet for my “kick-ass heroine” tastes, but absolutely in keeping with the genre. The sexy tension between the two was well done, and I was thrilled to see Ross’ conservative nature ended at the bedroom door.
November 13, 2012
Macie Graham is lucky to still have her job as magazine editor after an article she wrote on teen sex caught the attention of radio personality Ross Mannon. Ross makes his opinions well known on the subject, calling Macie out for encouraging sex in teens.
Macie comes up with a plan to undergo a slight change in appearance, from quirky to clean and proper Macie becomes Martha Jane who is all things proper, hoping to have the article of a lifetime by being Ross's live in role model and housekeeper for his daughter. The problem with Macie's new role though is she likes Ross, he is sweet and only has his daughters best interest at heart. When polar opposites mix the chemistry becomes alive and Macie is forced to choose between her heart and her story.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7966
Macie comes up with a plan to undergo a slight change in appearance, from quirky to clean and proper Macie becomes Martha Jane who is all things proper, hoping to have the article of a lifetime by being Ross's live in role model and housekeeper for his daughter. The problem with Macie's new role though is she likes Ross, he is sweet and only has his daughters best interest at heart. When polar opposites mix the chemistry becomes alive and Macie is forced to choose between her heart and her story.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=7966
November 27, 2012
This review was orginally published at DearAuthor.com
Dear. Ms. Tarr,
Halfway through your new fairytale Operation Cinderella, I began to wonder: Where is the woman who wrote Vanquished and what have you done with her?
Vanquished, which you published in 2006, is a kickass historical about a suffragette and the photographer who has been hired to ruin her. The characters, the plot, and the setting in that novel are all excellent; it’s a book I’ve read several times and was thrilled to see is finally available digitally.
Operation Cinderella is a silly, saccharine, sexist tale that reminded me of a Disney film if Disney films used phrases like “clit tease” and “ass” and “laving tongue.” It’s a book that takes a smart-mouthed, sexually active, brassy Manhattanite and turns her into Ms. Donna Reed, complete with an apron and a talent for making huevos rancheros. By the time I came to the “It’s A Wonderful Life” angels-are-watching-over-you shoutout epilogue, I honestly wondered if the woman who wrote Vanquished had been replace by a Stepford writer.
Operation Cinderella began with a timely and interesting premise. Macie Graham, the features editor of On Top magazine, “one of the hottest, hippest women’s magazines to come on the scene since Jane,” has a hangover, a belly ring, an all black wardrobe, and a loathing for sanctimonious conservatives. She’s currently enraged by the behavior of the hottest Republican radio star in the country, Ross Mannon. On a recent broadcast, during one of “Ross’s Rants,” the man railed against an article written by Macie.
He’d gotten his hands on a copy of On Top’s current issue, spotted Macie’s feature article on the growing number of parents opting to prevent unwanted pregnancies by putting their teenage daughters on birth control before they had sex—“Forget the Fairy Tale. Teen Sex is Fact, Not Fiction”—and made the magazine the target of that morning’s “Ross’s Rant.” He’d ended by giving out On Top’s website, mailing address, and toll-free phone number, urging his listeners to make their voices heard.
Within minutes the magazine’s overloaded server had crashed and the switchboard had lit up like a billboard in Times Square.
Along with the phone calls, which had ranged from hostile to deranged, there’d been e-mails to the corporate Powers That Be denouncing Macie’s article as trash. Macie hadn’t really worried much about that. On Top’s readership and Ross Mannon’s radio audience were planets apart, a separate species of entertainment news consumer. But when a major advertising account, Beauté, a manufacturer of highend hair care products targeting the “tween” to teen market, pulled the ad spread they ran in every issue, citing the morals clause in their contract and concerns over branding and corporate image, well, that was another story.
Macie is now worried about her job and will do just about anything to save it. So when she hears Ross talking on his show about how difficult it’s been for him to find a suitable nanny for his 15 year old daughter Samantha—he’s been unable to find a “a role model, a lady who models the kind of core values” he talks about on his show–Macie decides to go undercover. She’ll turn herself into pious, sweet, domestically gifted Martha Jane Gray, infiltrate his home, and find out all the nasty dirt on him Macie just knows is there. She calls it “Operation Cinderella.”
The book plummeted from here.
Macie turns to her lovely gay friends (her fairy godfriends) who run a hair salon and, with their help, turns herself into Martha Jane. She cuts her long dyed black hair into a “Martha Stewart” do and has it returned to her natural color, a lovely multi-hued blonde. She pulls out the belly ring, takes off all her heavy makeup, and, presto chango, she’s ready for some serious investigative journalism. Before she leaves, her friends give her a pair of very special shoes.
The vintage ruby velvet-covered high heel was in mint condition and dated from the late thirties or early forties, Macie surmised, based on the styling and exquisite detailing. Amber crystals beaded the strap and the vamp above the peep toe, flashing like flawless canary diamonds.
Smiling broadly, Franc nodded. “Vintage Saks and first worn by the famous film star Maddie Mulligan. She had them on the night she received the news that she was nominated for an Oscar. That same night she received a marriage proposal from international financier Carlos Banks, her fourth and final husband.”
(I think the four husband thing is to make sure readers don’t think the film star is a stand-in for the perennially depressed Judy Garland who married five times.)
Macie heads to DC, has one interview with Ross, who despite having a PhD in sociology and an awareness of the internet, is completely snookered by Martha Jane. He hires her and she moves into his Watergate apartment. Macie, who secretly hires others to do the cooking and cleaning she’s told Ross she’s so fond of, sets about going through Ross’s things and trying to bond with his daughter in order to get her to dish on her dad. The latter is arguably the most morally egregious thing Macie does. Of course, within days of living in the Mannon household Macie has begun to fall for Ross and his spunky rebellious daughter—we know she’s a rebel because the kid has tongue stud and wears heavy black eye-liner.
Ross is not only handsome, he’s perfect (don’t let that silly Republican label fool you–he cares.) He’s just human enough to carry a story—he frets about his lack of parenting skills and often orders pizza for dinner. He thinks Martha Jane is beautiful, sweet, funny, and oh so easy to talk to and if it weren’t for his pesky sense of honor that tells him he shouldn’t date his daughter’s live-in nanny, he’d totally ask her out. Not sleep with her; no! Ross doesn’t do casual relationships; he would just ask her out and treat her like a princess.
Miss Martha Jane deserves to be treated like a Cinderella (after the Prince slipped on her special shoe) because a long time ago in a place called Heavenly, Indiana, something bad happened to Martha Jane Gray—Macie’s real name. In fact, that whole ballsy, tough New York chic act was just a cover caused by the pain in Martha Jane’s past. What Martha Jane has really needed all her life is a good man, a nice apron, and (after he’s declared his undying affection for her) her first orgasm.
There are a few hiccups along the way so the book has some narrative (weak sauce) tension. Will Ross love Martha Jane if he finds out she’s an unethical liar? Can the two find their happy ever after though Ross is a Republican and Macie is a “proud member of NOW”? Does it matter that the shoes aren’t made of glass? But, by the tale’s end, it’s clear good girls get the good guys and the good sex, especially if they learn how to cook.
I can’t think of anyone I’d recommend this book to. (Really, though, do read Vanquished.) I give Operation Cinderella a D.
I’m off to order takeout, let the house got to hell, drink wine, and curse.
Sincerely,
Dabney
Dear. Ms. Tarr,
Halfway through your new fairytale Operation Cinderella, I began to wonder: Where is the woman who wrote Vanquished and what have you done with her?
Vanquished, which you published in 2006, is a kickass historical about a suffragette and the photographer who has been hired to ruin her. The characters, the plot, and the setting in that novel are all excellent; it’s a book I’ve read several times and was thrilled to see is finally available digitally.
Operation Cinderella is a silly, saccharine, sexist tale that reminded me of a Disney film if Disney films used phrases like “clit tease” and “ass” and “laving tongue.” It’s a book that takes a smart-mouthed, sexually active, brassy Manhattanite and turns her into Ms. Donna Reed, complete with an apron and a talent for making huevos rancheros. By the time I came to the “It’s A Wonderful Life” angels-are-watching-over-you shoutout epilogue, I honestly wondered if the woman who wrote Vanquished had been replace by a Stepford writer.
Operation Cinderella began with a timely and interesting premise. Macie Graham, the features editor of On Top magazine, “one of the hottest, hippest women’s magazines to come on the scene since Jane,” has a hangover, a belly ring, an all black wardrobe, and a loathing for sanctimonious conservatives. She’s currently enraged by the behavior of the hottest Republican radio star in the country, Ross Mannon. On a recent broadcast, during one of “Ross’s Rants,” the man railed against an article written by Macie.
He’d gotten his hands on a copy of On Top’s current issue, spotted Macie’s feature article on the growing number of parents opting to prevent unwanted pregnancies by putting their teenage daughters on birth control before they had sex—“Forget the Fairy Tale. Teen Sex is Fact, Not Fiction”—and made the magazine the target of that morning’s “Ross’s Rant.” He’d ended by giving out On Top’s website, mailing address, and toll-free phone number, urging his listeners to make their voices heard.
Within minutes the magazine’s overloaded server had crashed and the switchboard had lit up like a billboard in Times Square.
Along with the phone calls, which had ranged from hostile to deranged, there’d been e-mails to the corporate Powers That Be denouncing Macie’s article as trash. Macie hadn’t really worried much about that. On Top’s readership and Ross Mannon’s radio audience were planets apart, a separate species of entertainment news consumer. But when a major advertising account, Beauté, a manufacturer of highend hair care products targeting the “tween” to teen market, pulled the ad spread they ran in every issue, citing the morals clause in their contract and concerns over branding and corporate image, well, that was another story.
Macie is now worried about her job and will do just about anything to save it. So when she hears Ross talking on his show about how difficult it’s been for him to find a suitable nanny for his 15 year old daughter Samantha—he’s been unable to find a “a role model, a lady who models the kind of core values” he talks about on his show–Macie decides to go undercover. She’ll turn herself into pious, sweet, domestically gifted Martha Jane Gray, infiltrate his home, and find out all the nasty dirt on him Macie just knows is there. She calls it “Operation Cinderella.”
The book plummeted from here.
Macie turns to her lovely gay friends (her fairy godfriends) who run a hair salon and, with their help, turns herself into Martha Jane. She cuts her long dyed black hair into a “Martha Stewart” do and has it returned to her natural color, a lovely multi-hued blonde. She pulls out the belly ring, takes off all her heavy makeup, and, presto chango, she’s ready for some serious investigative journalism. Before she leaves, her friends give her a pair of very special shoes.
The vintage ruby velvet-covered high heel was in mint condition and dated from the late thirties or early forties, Macie surmised, based on the styling and exquisite detailing. Amber crystals beaded the strap and the vamp above the peep toe, flashing like flawless canary diamonds.
Smiling broadly, Franc nodded. “Vintage Saks and first worn by the famous film star Maddie Mulligan. She had them on the night she received the news that she was nominated for an Oscar. That same night she received a marriage proposal from international financier Carlos Banks, her fourth and final husband.”
(I think the four husband thing is to make sure readers don’t think the film star is a stand-in for the perennially depressed Judy Garland who married five times.)
Macie heads to DC, has one interview with Ross, who despite having a PhD in sociology and an awareness of the internet, is completely snookered by Martha Jane. He hires her and she moves into his Watergate apartment. Macie, who secretly hires others to do the cooking and cleaning she’s told Ross she’s so fond of, sets about going through Ross’s things and trying to bond with his daughter in order to get her to dish on her dad. The latter is arguably the most morally egregious thing Macie does. Of course, within days of living in the Mannon household Macie has begun to fall for Ross and his spunky rebellious daughter—we know she’s a rebel because the kid has tongue stud and wears heavy black eye-liner.
Ross is not only handsome, he’s perfect (don’t let that silly Republican label fool you–he cares.) He’s just human enough to carry a story—he frets about his lack of parenting skills and often orders pizza for dinner. He thinks Martha Jane is beautiful, sweet, funny, and oh so easy to talk to and if it weren’t for his pesky sense of honor that tells him he shouldn’t date his daughter’s live-in nanny, he’d totally ask her out. Not sleep with her; no! Ross doesn’t do casual relationships; he would just ask her out and treat her like a princess.
Miss Martha Jane deserves to be treated like a Cinderella (after the Prince slipped on her special shoe) because a long time ago in a place called Heavenly, Indiana, something bad happened to Martha Jane Gray—Macie’s real name. In fact, that whole ballsy, tough New York chic act was just a cover caused by the pain in Martha Jane’s past. What Martha Jane has really needed all her life is a good man, a nice apron, and (after he’s declared his undying affection for her) her first orgasm.
There are a few hiccups along the way so the book has some narrative (weak sauce) tension. Will Ross love Martha Jane if he finds out she’s an unethical liar? Can the two find their happy ever after though Ross is a Republican and Macie is a “proud member of NOW”? Does it matter that the shoes aren’t made of glass? But, by the tale’s end, it’s clear good girls get the good guys and the good sex, especially if they learn how to cook.
I can’t think of anyone I’d recommend this book to. (Really, though, do read Vanquished.) I give Operation Cinderella a D.
I’m off to order takeout, let the house got to hell, drink wine, and curse.
Sincerely,
Dabney
November 10, 2012
Reviewed at: HarlequinJunkie.com
A fairy tale romance with a modern view and human twists.
Macie Graham is always after the best story. But her last article was smeared by famous radio personality Ross Mannon. Now seeking revenge she will go under what she calls Operation Cinderella and dig up dirt on him.
Ross is a very conservative person with very high standards and opinion about how people should think and live. The article he found by Macie on On Top magazine was about an issue that he does not agree with at all.
After Macie meets Ross while applying for the job as his housekeeper and helper with his teenage daughter, he thinks he has met the perfect woman. But little does he know that she stands for everything that he despises and that she is after his ruin, since he nearly made her lose her job after his Ross's Rant show where the magazine lost a major sponsor. Now as they both think they have the discovered the perfect person they could fall in love with they must face the past and their own mistakes if they want to have a HEA.
I really liked this book because like any fairy tale it has a moral. To me it was like the saying, don't judge a book by its cover. While it may seem that both Macie and Ross are a certain way that may seem like they don't care about others, there is a reason for the way they think and act. And if you look a little deeper you may understand them better.
The epilogue is a total cliffhanger for future books about other characters in this story, which now I can't wait for them to be released so I can read them. Sounds like more fun ahead. ☺
A fairy tale romance with a modern view and human twists.
Macie Graham is always after the best story. But her last article was smeared by famous radio personality Ross Mannon. Now seeking revenge she will go under what she calls Operation Cinderella and dig up dirt on him.
Ross is a very conservative person with very high standards and opinion about how people should think and live. The article he found by Macie on On Top magazine was about an issue that he does not agree with at all.
After Macie meets Ross while applying for the job as his housekeeper and helper with his teenage daughter, he thinks he has met the perfect woman. But little does he know that she stands for everything that he despises and that she is after his ruin, since he nearly made her lose her job after his Ross's Rant show where the magazine lost a major sponsor. Now as they both think they have the discovered the perfect person they could fall in love with they must face the past and their own mistakes if they want to have a HEA.
I really liked this book because like any fairy tale it has a moral. To me it was like the saying, don't judge a book by its cover. While it may seem that both Macie and Ross are a certain way that may seem like they don't care about others, there is a reason for the way they think and act. And if you look a little deeper you may understand them better.
The epilogue is a total cliffhanger for future books about other characters in this story, which now I can't wait for them to be released so I can read them. Sounds like more fun ahead. ☺
February 2, 2013
Reviewer: April
Source: Entangled Publishing
April's review was first posted at Romancing the Book's blog.
A fairytale with a liberal dose of heated chemistry makes Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr the perfect fantasy for adults! I have read a few other books written by Hope Tarr and have always enjoyed her style of writing, her characterization, vivid attention to detail and her creative story lines. Operation Cinderella is no exception.
In this tale, we meet Macie Graham, a dedicated editor of a well-known magazine. She prides herself on her no-holds-barred writing and loves her job – or so she thought. When she goes head to head with the well-known Conservative radio personality Ross Mannon, neither will know what hit them.
Ross is the single father of a fifteen-year-old, slightly troubled daughter. When he discovers an article on “sex and the teens of today” written by one of the top magazines, he makes his feelings well known on his radio show. This leads to trouble at the magazine and the person behind the article – Macie – finds herself in hot water. As a way to retaliate, she decides to go undercover as a live-in nanny/housekeeper for Ross and his daughter, determined to find the most heinous and horrible dirt on him imaginable to expose the real him behind the goody-goody persona. The problem? There is no dirt, but there is plenty of undeniable chemistry that is oh-so-hard to deny between the two. With lies, betrayal and a hidden agenda surrounding Macie and Ross, is there any way that they can find a happy ending or will the wicked witch known as the truth slash any hope of true and everlasting love?
Operation Cinderella is such a sweet, emotional, engrossing and impossible-to-put-down story. I loved every aspect of it and all of the characters. Macie, I did want to throttle a couple of times, but a good story always needs a bit of an antagonistic pull. Ross is the perfect gentleman – yes he has his issues, but he has such an amazing heart, intelligence and is a bit beyond hotness personified. Neither of these leading characters holds faith in the “happily ever after/forever love” idea, but they lead their lives the best they know how. Macie has hidden demons in her closet and a darkness that has nearly suffocated her since her teen years. Watching her open up to her feelings to Ross is an amazing journey and I couldn’t help but truly embrace both of these characters. I also loved Ross’s daughter, Sam, and Macie’s close friend Stefanie. I can’t wait to read Stefanie’s story.
There is also a bit of a twist on the Fairy Godmother aspect of this fairytale that I absolutely loved!! I don’t want to mention anything other than that to give it away, but I think readers will be equally as delightfully surprised as I was!
For anyone looking for a remarkable story that is fun, will leave you smiling, pull at your heart-strings and send your heart pounding, Operation Cinderella is definitely a book that you will want to check out. The story is very romantic and has a couple of steamy, yet tasteful parts that will have you holding your breath and reaching for a glass of ice water. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the ‘Suddenly Cinderella” series, A Cinderella Christmas Carol!
Favorite Quote: She might be dressed like an angel but thinking of Mannon in terms of “inches” and “packages” had her demon heart beating double time.
Source: Entangled Publishing
April's review was first posted at Romancing the Book's blog.
A fairytale with a liberal dose of heated chemistry makes Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr the perfect fantasy for adults! I have read a few other books written by Hope Tarr and have always enjoyed her style of writing, her characterization, vivid attention to detail and her creative story lines. Operation Cinderella is no exception.
In this tale, we meet Macie Graham, a dedicated editor of a well-known magazine. She prides herself on her no-holds-barred writing and loves her job – or so she thought. When she goes head to head with the well-known Conservative radio personality Ross Mannon, neither will know what hit them.
Ross is the single father of a fifteen-year-old, slightly troubled daughter. When he discovers an article on “sex and the teens of today” written by one of the top magazines, he makes his feelings well known on his radio show. This leads to trouble at the magazine and the person behind the article – Macie – finds herself in hot water. As a way to retaliate, she decides to go undercover as a live-in nanny/housekeeper for Ross and his daughter, determined to find the most heinous and horrible dirt on him imaginable to expose the real him behind the goody-goody persona. The problem? There is no dirt, but there is plenty of undeniable chemistry that is oh-so-hard to deny between the two. With lies, betrayal and a hidden agenda surrounding Macie and Ross, is there any way that they can find a happy ending or will the wicked witch known as the truth slash any hope of true and everlasting love?
Operation Cinderella is such a sweet, emotional, engrossing and impossible-to-put-down story. I loved every aspect of it and all of the characters. Macie, I did want to throttle a couple of times, but a good story always needs a bit of an antagonistic pull. Ross is the perfect gentleman – yes he has his issues, but he has such an amazing heart, intelligence and is a bit beyond hotness personified. Neither of these leading characters holds faith in the “happily ever after/forever love” idea, but they lead their lives the best they know how. Macie has hidden demons in her closet and a darkness that has nearly suffocated her since her teen years. Watching her open up to her feelings to Ross is an amazing journey and I couldn’t help but truly embrace both of these characters. I also loved Ross’s daughter, Sam, and Macie’s close friend Stefanie. I can’t wait to read Stefanie’s story.
There is also a bit of a twist on the Fairy Godmother aspect of this fairytale that I absolutely loved!! I don’t want to mention anything other than that to give it away, but I think readers will be equally as delightfully surprised as I was!
For anyone looking for a remarkable story that is fun, will leave you smiling, pull at your heart-strings and send your heart pounding, Operation Cinderella is definitely a book that you will want to check out. The story is very romantic and has a couple of steamy, yet tasteful parts that will have you holding your breath and reaching for a glass of ice water. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the ‘Suddenly Cinderella” series, A Cinderella Christmas Carol!
Favorite Quote: She might be dressed like an angel but thinking of Mannon in terms of “inches” and “packages” had her demon heart beating double time.
November 7, 2012
Operation Cinderella, the first in Hope Tarr's new contemporary series, is a breezy, fast-paced read with a genuine, heartfelt, emotional undercurrent. If this book is any indication, the Suddenly Cinderella series will have delighted readers believing in modern-day fairy tales and rooting for each and every Happily Ever After!
January 11, 2013
A fairytale with a liberal dose of heated chemistry makes Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr the perfect fantasy for adults!
I have read a few other books written by Hope Tarr and have always enjoyed her style of writing, her characterization, vivid attention to detail and her creative storylines. Operation Cinderella is no exception.
My full review will appear at Romancing the Book.
I have read a few other books written by Hope Tarr and have always enjoyed her style of writing, her characterization, vivid attention to detail and her creative storylines. Operation Cinderella is no exception.
My full review will appear at Romancing the Book.
January 3, 2015
My first Hope Tarr book and won't be the last.
Loved the fairytale theme woven cleverly through the story but ultimately, the characters made this book.
While the romance between Ross and MJ rocket, the secondary characters made this particularly interesting.
And the clever twist at the end leading into the rest of the series? Delightful.
Loved the fairytale theme woven cleverly through the story but ultimately, the characters made this book.
While the romance between Ross and MJ rocket, the secondary characters made this particularly interesting.
And the clever twist at the end leading into the rest of the series? Delightful.
October 27, 2012
Fun and sexy-thought I was just going to read a chapter and couldn't put it down!
August 12, 2016
What a nice little story! Ross was a bit too perfect, but it worked in this. I loved Macie and how she changed in the story.
January 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this story two people who really weren't who they were so to speak a great story
August 12, 2020
Operation Cinderella simply rubbed me the wrong way. It's an opposites attract, nemesis to lovers Romance. Although Ross doesn't know that they're opposites or nemeses, since Macie is undercover to write an expose on him for her magazine after he trashed one of her articles. He's ultra conservative and has some serious issues with teenage sex, and teenage girls in general, so he wants a live-in housekeeper/nanny for his daughter who will uphold his old school values. Macie is anything but old school, but she fakes it to get into his life. Needless to say, her plan fails and they fall in love and live happily every after.
My main issue with Operation Cinderella was Ross himself, and not just because he's a Republican--he actually wins a Republican of the year award, ew. He hires a woman to be a role model for his fifteen year old daughter. As far as I could tell, the only thing the girl did wrong was wear too much makeup, have a few piercings, and wear ripped jeans. Otherwise, she's a normal teenage girl. Later into things, Ross is lamenting about being an awful father because he forgot to pick her up and she wound up in a car accident. Then five minutes later he whisks Macie away to have sex because his daughter probably isn't going to wake up anytime soon. THEN, Macie reveals her issues with sex, and his response is basically that she just hasn't had sex with him (and it works). Gross.
My main issue with Operation Cinderella was Ross himself, and not just because he's a Republican--he actually wins a Republican of the year award, ew. He hires a woman to be a role model for his fifteen year old daughter. As far as I could tell, the only thing the girl did wrong was wear too much makeup, have a few piercings, and wear ripped jeans. Otherwise, she's a normal teenage girl. Later into things, Ross is lamenting about being an awful father because he forgot to pick her up and she wound up in a car accident. Then five minutes later he whisks Macie away to have sex because his daughter probably isn't going to wake up anytime soon. THEN, Macie reveals her issues with sex, and his response is basically that she just hasn't had sex with him (and it works). Gross.
June 18, 2017
I'm not sure what to think of this story. On one hand, it was a cute little twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, but on the other hand I was bored silly half the time! Macie was a very unbelievable character for me, and I didn't care for Ross that much as a hero. The story felt a bit forced and contrived, so I was thankful it was a shorter story. It definitely left me hesitant to continue the series, even though I own the rest of the books.
December 6, 2012
Shey's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
Hope Tarr is a new author to me and I have to say she definitely put a new spin on this Cinderella tale for sure. It’s definitely not the version we grew up with as kids.
Macie Graham had always hidden herself behind coloring her hair, makeup and clothes. Changing her style like the change of seasons since she was sixteen years old and her life had taken a turn for the worse. A rebel with a cause she left her small Indian town as soon as possible for college in Washington, D.C. then on to New York where she became a features editor for a trendy women’s magazine. All of that change with one single article that got the attention of Dr. Ross Mannon, an uptight Texas conservative with his own radio talk show. Whom decided to take it upon himself to make the article a topic of national discussion.
Dr. Ross Mannon has just become a full-time single parent, his fifteen year old daughter Samantha ran away from home in New York to his place in D.C. and although he loves his daughter very much he’s not quite sure what to do with this broody, depressed version. He’s in desperate need of a housekeeper/nanny but he has very specific requirements as well and so far he hasn’t had much luck finding anyone.
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, Macie sets out to get dirt on Ross for trashing her article and when he announces on the air that he’s looking for a housekeeper what better way to dig up dirty laundry than while you’re washing it? Armed with a pair of red vintage stilettos a gift from her “fairy godfathers” she sets out to expose the “perfect” Ross Mannon.
Ross never expected to find the perfect whole-some housekeeper, but he does in Macie. She’s young, beautiful with small town values can cook and even worked with teenagers the perfect package, right? At least that is what he’s lead to believe. In truth Macie can’t cook, can’t keep house to save her life but thank goodness she has friends in D.C. that can!!
Although what Macie didn’t expect to find was a struggling dad with a daughter he isn’t sure how to deal with a true Texas gentlemen that doesn’t trash talk his ex-wife and actually believes in what he preaches. Prince Charming in boots and jeans Macie knew things were as they seemed Ross Mannon was the real deal. Believing fairy tales weren’t meant for her she did the only thing she could, she ran leaving her red heels behind.
A fairy tale ending with an adult twist you will definitely not be disappointed. This being the first in the Suddenly Cinderella series I have to admit I am looking forward to the rest of them.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
Hope Tarr is a new author to me and I have to say she definitely put a new spin on this Cinderella tale for sure. It’s definitely not the version we grew up with as kids.
Macie Graham had always hidden herself behind coloring her hair, makeup and clothes. Changing her style like the change of seasons since she was sixteen years old and her life had taken a turn for the worse. A rebel with a cause she left her small Indian town as soon as possible for college in Washington, D.C. then on to New York where she became a features editor for a trendy women’s magazine. All of that change with one single article that got the attention of Dr. Ross Mannon, an uptight Texas conservative with his own radio talk show. Whom decided to take it upon himself to make the article a topic of national discussion.
Dr. Ross Mannon has just become a full-time single parent, his fifteen year old daughter Samantha ran away from home in New York to his place in D.C. and although he loves his daughter very much he’s not quite sure what to do with this broody, depressed version. He’s in desperate need of a housekeeper/nanny but he has very specific requirements as well and so far he hasn’t had much luck finding anyone.
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, Macie sets out to get dirt on Ross for trashing her article and when he announces on the air that he’s looking for a housekeeper what better way to dig up dirty laundry than while you’re washing it? Armed with a pair of red vintage stilettos a gift from her “fairy godfathers” she sets out to expose the “perfect” Ross Mannon.
Ross never expected to find the perfect whole-some housekeeper, but he does in Macie. She’s young, beautiful with small town values can cook and even worked with teenagers the perfect package, right? At least that is what he’s lead to believe. In truth Macie can’t cook, can’t keep house to save her life but thank goodness she has friends in D.C. that can!!
Although what Macie didn’t expect to find was a struggling dad with a daughter he isn’t sure how to deal with a true Texas gentlemen that doesn’t trash talk his ex-wife and actually believes in what he preaches. Prince Charming in boots and jeans Macie knew things were as they seemed Ross Mannon was the real deal. Believing fairy tales weren’t meant for her she did the only thing she could, she ran leaving her red heels behind.
A fairy tale ending with an adult twist you will definitely not be disappointed. This being the first in the Suddenly Cinderella series I have to admit I am looking forward to the rest of them.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 28, 2012
My Review:
I love it when I finish a book and I have a grin on my face. This was one of those books.
Macie is an assistant editor on a liberal magazine out of NYC. She wrote a piece about prepping teenage girls with birth control BEFORE they become sexually active. When Ross Mannon saw the article, he was panicking over his 15 yo daughter's uncharacteristic behavior and it struck pure terror into his heart. As a conservative radio talk show host, he took that and ran with it, lambasting the magazine on his nationally broadcast radio show. The effects were immediately felt at the magazine as advertising was pulled, which sends Macie scrambling. Her plan....to expose Ross by going undercover within his household as a housekeeper/nanny for his daughter.
For Ross, he doesn't really know his daughter anymore. He hasn't had her for more than a couple of weeks at a time since he divorced her mother. He sure doesn't know what to do with this moody teenager who shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep to stay. He just knows that he needs help since he's very busy with his job and sees Macie as the perfect applicant. She's made sure that she presents a face that he will see as perfect...conservative, old-fashioned, raised in a small town with small town values. He doesn't question it, especially after her references check out.
On paper, these are two very different people... politically... but they connect in all the ways that matter. They have fun together and truly enjoy each other. There are several background stories at play here and one of those is Macie and her past. In her real life, she's goth and edgy, but a lot of it is a cover for something that happened to her during her teen years. Because she has to lose that armor, she begins to find herself again. I really liked that aspect of the story line and liked how it tied in with Ross's daughter, Sam's, story. If there is one thing that I could change with this story, I wish that the author had a moment between Sam and Macie about that. It really could have had an amazing emotional impact. But as the book is, it was really very good. I truly enjoyed everything about the story...the shoes, the magazine, the political background, Sam, Frannie, Macie's family...it was all really well-done and made for a great story!
Note: The touch of whimsy at the end of this book was just perfect. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I love it when I finish a book and I have a grin on my face. This was one of those books.
Macie is an assistant editor on a liberal magazine out of NYC. She wrote a piece about prepping teenage girls with birth control BEFORE they become sexually active. When Ross Mannon saw the article, he was panicking over his 15 yo daughter's uncharacteristic behavior and it struck pure terror into his heart. As a conservative radio talk show host, he took that and ran with it, lambasting the magazine on his nationally broadcast radio show. The effects were immediately felt at the magazine as advertising was pulled, which sends Macie scrambling. Her plan....to expose Ross by going undercover within his household as a housekeeper/nanny for his daughter.
For Ross, he doesn't really know his daughter anymore. He hasn't had her for more than a couple of weeks at a time since he divorced her mother. He sure doesn't know what to do with this moody teenager who shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep to stay. He just knows that he needs help since he's very busy with his job and sees Macie as the perfect applicant. She's made sure that she presents a face that he will see as perfect...conservative, old-fashioned, raised in a small town with small town values. He doesn't question it, especially after her references check out.
On paper, these are two very different people... politically... but they connect in all the ways that matter. They have fun together and truly enjoy each other. There are several background stories at play here and one of those is Macie and her past. In her real life, she's goth and edgy, but a lot of it is a cover for something that happened to her during her teen years. Because she has to lose that armor, she begins to find herself again. I really liked that aspect of the story line and liked how it tied in with Ross's daughter, Sam's, story. If there is one thing that I could change with this story, I wish that the author had a moment between Sam and Macie about that. It really could have had an amazing emotional impact. But as the book is, it was really very good. I truly enjoyed everything about the story...the shoes, the magazine, the political background, Sam, Frannie, Macie's family...it was all really well-done and made for a great story!
Note: The touch of whimsy at the end of this book was just perfect. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2012
Republicans, democrats and teenagers, oh my! Operation Cinderella is the first in what appears to be a 4 book series by vetted romance author Hope Tarr. When we meet our heroine, Macie J. Graham, she appears to be a tough as nails New York City reporter looking to make her name in the world. Started off as a personal vendetta, she goes undercover as a squeaky clean Martha Jane, live in Nanny and Housekeeper (mind you she can't cook or clean to save her life) for Washington D.C. political radio personality Ross Mannon, who almost single-handedly ended her career. As she gets to know him better, she sees a side of him that she didn't expect to see, that maybe... perhaps... her Prince Charming. A Texas transplant (save a horse, ride a cowboy) he has all the makings of a genuine gentleman, something that Marcie has no experience in dealing with, as we learn of her damage as the tale unfolds. As her 6 week deadline approaches, she comes to realize that she has broken her number 1 cardinal rule, do not fall in love with your subject. As a single dad to a 15 year old, Ross worries about the harsh world that his daughter Sam is growing up in, and hopefully does not make the same mistakes that he and his ex wife had made (teen pregnancy, gasp!). They had married for all the wrong reasons and he never thought that love would come his way. The heat between Martha Jane (Macie) and Ross was unmistakable. Could they find love? Could Macie admit to Ross her true intentions and would he be able to forgive her so that they could have their very own “happily ever after”? With several “Fairy God Mothers” (and let's not forget those wonderful “Fairy God Fathers” too), and her very own pair of “glass” slippers (sparkly red ones really but who cares, they are GORGEOUS!) has Macie met her Prince Charming? There are so many likeable characters that I look forward to getting to know as this saga continues. The Grimm brothers may not have pictured their cinderella quite in this way, but Ms. Tarr certainly made me feel like I had been swept away into her modern day fairy tale. I give it 4 glass slippers.
November 14, 2012
Also found on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com
I must be on a heart-warming kick or something, because that is what I'm bring you today. You must admit Cinderella stories tend to be heart-warming. After all it wouldn't be a Cinderella story without being a housekeeper or leaving a shoe behind. So, today I bring you Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr.
Ross Mannon a conservative media pundit might have been a tad bit over zealous when he attacked the magazine Macie Grahm worked for about an article she wrote. Had he not attacked her, she might not have put into motion to knock him down a peg or two.
The plan is set, Macie goes down to DC to masquerade as a housekeeper, while trying digging up dirt on the guy. Come on now, could Ross actually have a pristine background with no hidden secrets or his perfect persona just an act?
I actually really enjoyed this book. Here's why: First off you have Macie Graham who has a very cynical out look on love and happily ever afters. Her point of view is that happily ever afters are better left in fairytales. However, you don't know how she got her cynical point of view until her secret is reveal closer to the end. Amazing how things from the past can shape the future.
The second reason is Ross. He's an all around good guy, who tries to stick to his core values. Which is a tad bit different. Not only that, he tries to be a good father to his daughter and tries to instill his core values to her even though they have rocky relationship at first.
The third an final reason is Ross and Macie learn how to build love and how fairytales can happen outside the book. (Granted this is book, but work with me). Each of them tries to put the past behind them and try to move forward. So, is it possible have a happily ever after?
So, I leave you today with the hope that dreams come true and the book you are reading is enjoyable.
I must be on a heart-warming kick or something, because that is what I'm bring you today. You must admit Cinderella stories tend to be heart-warming. After all it wouldn't be a Cinderella story without being a housekeeper or leaving a shoe behind. So, today I bring you Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr.
Ross Mannon a conservative media pundit might have been a tad bit over zealous when he attacked the magazine Macie Grahm worked for about an article she wrote. Had he not attacked her, she might not have put into motion to knock him down a peg or two.
The plan is set, Macie goes down to DC to masquerade as a housekeeper, while trying digging up dirt on the guy. Come on now, could Ross actually have a pristine background with no hidden secrets or his perfect persona just an act?
I actually really enjoyed this book. Here's why: First off you have Macie Graham who has a very cynical out look on love and happily ever afters. Her point of view is that happily ever afters are better left in fairytales. However, you don't know how she got her cynical point of view until her secret is reveal closer to the end. Amazing how things from the past can shape the future.
The second reason is Ross. He's an all around good guy, who tries to stick to his core values. Which is a tad bit different. Not only that, he tries to be a good father to his daughter and tries to instill his core values to her even though they have rocky relationship at first.
The third an final reason is Ross and Macie learn how to build love and how fairytales can happen outside the book. (Granted this is book, but work with me). Each of them tries to put the past behind them and try to move forward. So, is it possible have a happily ever after?
So, I leave you today with the hope that dreams come true and the book you are reading is enjoyable.
November 29, 2012
Reviewed on: http://readyourwrites.blogspot.com
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Operation Cinderella is a romance loosely based on the Cinderella fairy-tale. I know, been there, read that way too many times. I wanted to not like this book after reading the first couple of pages of the first chapter. I will admit, the prologue had me intrigued and I wanted to know where the story was going to go.
Operation Cinderella is NOT your childhood Cinderella fairy-tale turned into a romance. It’s a little dark, diving into an issue people don’t generally want to talk about or discuss. Once you get past your first impression of the characters and see who they REALLY are, you’ll find that they can all be likable, at least Ross, Macie, and Ross’s daughter Sam.
While reading the book, I wasn’t exactly sure if Ross or Macie was supposed to be playing the part of Cinderella. For me, the ending pulled the story together and everything started to make sense.
I believe in the whole love at first sight phenomenon so I can totally believe that Ross and Macie fell for each other quickly. What I love about this book is that Ross and Macie aren’t who they appear to be. I love that through the course of the book, each of them were able to do some soul searching and “grow up” a little bit. By being around each other, they helped each other to come into their own and find the courage to be who they really are.
I can’t say I loved the book, but I did like it enough to want to give the next book in the series a try.
My rating is actually 3 1/2 stars.
Source: NetGalley
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Operation Cinderella is a romance loosely based on the Cinderella fairy-tale. I know, been there, read that way too many times. I wanted to not like this book after reading the first couple of pages of the first chapter. I will admit, the prologue had me intrigued and I wanted to know where the story was going to go.
Operation Cinderella is NOT your childhood Cinderella fairy-tale turned into a romance. It’s a little dark, diving into an issue people don’t generally want to talk about or discuss. Once you get past your first impression of the characters and see who they REALLY are, you’ll find that they can all be likable, at least Ross, Macie, and Ross’s daughter Sam.
While reading the book, I wasn’t exactly sure if Ross or Macie was supposed to be playing the part of Cinderella. For me, the ending pulled the story together and everything started to make sense.
I believe in the whole love at first sight phenomenon so I can totally believe that Ross and Macie fell for each other quickly. What I love about this book is that Ross and Macie aren’t who they appear to be. I love that through the course of the book, each of them were able to do some soul searching and “grow up” a little bit. By being around each other, they helped each other to come into their own and find the courage to be who they really are.
I can’t say I loved the book, but I did like it enough to want to give the next book in the series a try.
My rating is actually 3 1/2 stars.
Source: NetGalley
November 24, 2012
This is a nice little romance between a divorcee with a teenage daughter and the journalist out to get him. Macie believes Ross Mannon can't possibly be the goody two shoes he pretends to be on his conservative radio program. She devises a plan to go undercover as his housekeeper in order to find out the truth.
Ross is after a good role model for his daughter who is going through some teenage angst. When Martha Jane turns up all dolled up like Martha Stewart he thinks he's hit the jackpot. The fact that he finds her attractive is a bonus, or a complication, whichever way you look at it.
This is an opposites attract story and we see Macie developing some of the characteristics of her pretend persona and we also see Ross is not the stiff judgemental guy he comes across as on the radio. That was really sweet and I really liked Ross in particular.
The story is fairly straightforward with secrets and lies being the main conflicts. It is well written and nicely paced for a category length story. It has a satisfying happy ending.
What I didn't like:
1. The link to join this story with the others in the Suddenly Cinderella series is a postscript with a fairly heavy handed Angel scenario with bells on. It even references "It's a Wonderful Life" which is one of my keeper movies.
2.The political stuff. I'm not an American and I assume I was supposed to find it amusing or that it added to the opposites attract theme. It didn't. It just felt like I was being hit over the head with a political agenda. Perhaps it is too soon after the elections.
Ross is after a good role model for his daughter who is going through some teenage angst. When Martha Jane turns up all dolled up like Martha Stewart he thinks he's hit the jackpot. The fact that he finds her attractive is a bonus, or a complication, whichever way you look at it.
This is an opposites attract story and we see Macie developing some of the characteristics of her pretend persona and we also see Ross is not the stiff judgemental guy he comes across as on the radio. That was really sweet and I really liked Ross in particular.
The story is fairly straightforward with secrets and lies being the main conflicts. It is well written and nicely paced for a category length story. It has a satisfying happy ending.
What I didn't like:
1. The link to join this story with the others in the Suddenly Cinderella series is a postscript with a fairly heavy handed Angel scenario with bells on. It even references "It's a Wonderful Life" which is one of my keeper movies.
2.The political stuff. I'm not an American and I assume I was supposed to find it amusing or that it added to the opposites attract theme. It didn't. It just felt like I was being hit over the head with a political agenda. Perhaps it is too soon after the elections.
October 16, 2012
I'd attempted to read Enslaved by Hope Tarr before, still have it somewhere in the TBR piles, but I think I got three chapters in and went, yeah, no. So I was a mite apprehensive going into this one, but someone sent me the book and was like, 'just try it.'
It reminded me a lot of a Harlequin Special Edition. The book's fairly short, about 178 pages or so. I remember thinking, 'there's like thirty pages left, and still so much story to tell,' but Tarr managed to pull it off. There were also a time or two I thought she was heading into cliche territory, but she sidestepped and kept the story zooming. Tarr also kept the focus pretty tight on the relationship between MJ and Ross. Very little time was spent on their occupations and supporting characters kinda darted in & out at lightning speeds. The book's epilogue introduces a paranormal element. While Tarr appears to be going for a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants type deal with a pair of red stilettos, I think the reader would have coped just fine without the paranormal explanation.
If you are a straight-up category reader, I think you'd like this one. You could probably stop reading before the epilogue and be just fine. If you tried Tarr's historicals and had a similar reaction to mine, keep an open mind about the contemporaries. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'd read the next book in the trilogy when it's released.
It reminded me a lot of a Harlequin Special Edition. The book's fairly short, about 178 pages or so. I remember thinking, 'there's like thirty pages left, and still so much story to tell,' but Tarr managed to pull it off. There were also a time or two I thought she was heading into cliche territory, but she sidestepped and kept the story zooming. Tarr also kept the focus pretty tight on the relationship between MJ and Ross. Very little time was spent on their occupations and supporting characters kinda darted in & out at lightning speeds. The book's epilogue introduces a paranormal element. While Tarr appears to be going for a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants type deal with a pair of red stilettos, I think the reader would have coped just fine without the paranormal explanation.
If you are a straight-up category reader, I think you'd like this one. You could probably stop reading before the epilogue and be just fine. If you tried Tarr's historicals and had a similar reaction to mine, keep an open mind about the contemporaries. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'd read the next book in the trilogy when it's released.
July 31, 2013
Macie almost loses her job as a writer for a magazine when one of her articles about teens and sex was talked about on Ross Mannon’s radio show. Macie decides to go undercover and reveal that Ross isn’t as squeaky clean as he appears. So she changes her appearance and lies about what she does in order to become his live in housekeeper and to help out with his teen daughter. What she never expected was that he is just as perfect as he seems and that she would fall for him…
The synopsis calls this “a modern day retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella’. So that was what I was hoping for because I love those kinds of books. Well parts that were similar to the Cinderella fairytale just didn’t really work for me. In fact as I was reading it I actually forgot it was supposed to be like a Cinderella story. If you just read it as a regular romance then this was a good story to read right before you go to bed.
The synopsis calls this “a modern day retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella’. So that was what I was hoping for because I love those kinds of books. Well parts that were similar to the Cinderella fairytale just didn’t really work for me. In fact as I was reading it I actually forgot it was supposed to be like a Cinderella story. If you just read it as a regular romance then this was a good story to read right before you go to bed.
November 7, 2012
I had so much fun reading this book. Macie made me laugh throughout. As the heroine, she has been through hell. She’s been trying to hide herself so she doesn’t have to deal with the past and never really living. She’s the editor at a magazine and thinks that’s her whole world. When she goes undercover to blow up the goody goody image of Ross, she finds out there is so much more to live than living. She learns that love really does exist.
Ross is in need of a caretaker for his 15 year old daughter, a housekeeper and cook. He hires Martha Jane (Macie in disguise as her old self) and is instantly attracted. Frannie (ex-wife) is an added bonus in this story I loved her and if Sam (daughter) telling her dad how it is and how it should be is any example, she’s going to be a spitfire just like her. I loved the secondary characters almost as much as I loved the main family. I can’t wait to read more about this couple and the secondary characters in the books to come.
Ross is in need of a caretaker for his 15 year old daughter, a housekeeper and cook. He hires Martha Jane (Macie in disguise as her old self) and is instantly attracted. Frannie (ex-wife) is an added bonus in this story I loved her and if Sam (daughter) telling her dad how it is and how it should be is any example, she’s going to be a spitfire just like her. I loved the secondary characters almost as much as I loved the main family. I can’t wait to read more about this couple and the secondary characters in the books to come.
February 4, 2013
This was pure and simple a Cinderella story on the new century. Macie is very successful and decides to pretend to be the perfect housekeeper to discover all the dirty stories about the past of the infamous Ross Mannon.
I liked Ross and his views for life and family. He had a hard time with his own and he knows the world is not perfect, but he’s trying really hard to understand his teenage daughter better. He’s fun, smart and a really good looking guy, so I could see this Cinderella having real problems an unwanted attraction.
I also loved the shoe story. The reason why she received and her friends are really fun, plus I liked the romance in this book. It’s a very real story. She liked and Ross was single for a long time. It made things easier because she was living with him. But I actually found some funny parts and this book was a very good romance.
I liked Ross and his views for life and family. He had a hard time with his own and he knows the world is not perfect, but he’s trying really hard to understand his teenage daughter better. He’s fun, smart and a really good looking guy, so I could see this Cinderella having real problems an unwanted attraction.
I also loved the shoe story. The reason why she received and her friends are really fun, plus I liked the romance in this book. It’s a very real story. She liked and Ross was single for a long time. It made things easier because she was living with him. But I actually found some funny parts and this book was a very good romance.
November 27, 2012
This book tell the story of Macie who seek to take revenge on Ross for his action in trashing her article vide his radio programme. She almost lost her job because of his action. When he get to know that Ross is looking for a housekeeper to take care of his teenage daughter, she kick started an undercover operation; hence the name "Operation Cinderella" which will give insight to the life of ROss and an opportunity to reveal the actual Ross to the public and to tarnish his reputation just as he did to her.
I love Macie very much and she make me laugh ;). She is tough and independent but the most important of all was that she is not pretentious. Not in the slightest way. This book is an opposite attract story which you can see the spark between the two of them despite their denial on their true feeling. Overall, i have a good time reading this book!
I love Macie very much and she make me laugh ;). She is tough and independent but the most important of all was that she is not pretentious. Not in the slightest way. This book is an opposite attract story which you can see the spark between the two of them despite their denial on their true feeling. Overall, i have a good time reading this book!
December 27, 2014
3 So So Stars.... * * *
The overall theme was the classic "everything isn't as it seems" tale.
There were two politically opposed people in the media... and both learn through experiencing interaction together... maybe they aren't so opposed as they thought. Throw in a young 15 year old daughter, magic shoes and there is a story to be told.
My only problem was the premise would never happen... not the learning to like each other... but the woman becoming the nanny /housekeeper. In today's internet and security world... it just wouldn't fly not doing an in depth background check on someone who was going to live in your home and take care of the daughter you love.... so with that warning... If you can over look that and other "real" factors... then the idea will engage for a simple read.
The overall theme was the classic "everything isn't as it seems" tale.
There were two politically opposed people in the media... and both learn through experiencing interaction together... maybe they aren't so opposed as they thought. Throw in a young 15 year old daughter, magic shoes and there is a story to be told.
My only problem was the premise would never happen... not the learning to like each other... but the woman becoming the nanny /housekeeper. In today's internet and security world... it just wouldn't fly not doing an in depth background check on someone who was going to live in your home and take care of the daughter you love.... so with that warning... If you can over look that and other "real" factors... then the idea will engage for a simple read.
March 12, 2017
Priznám sa, tituly so slovom Popoluška v názve ma k sebe vždy pritiahnu. Ten príbeh je jednoducho neodolateľný, nezabudnuteľný, milovaný. Tak ma k sebe pritiahla i táto kniha. (Aj obálka vyzerá sľubne.) Avšak ničoho nezabudnuteľného, neopakovateľného ani neodolateľného som sa v nej nedočkala :-(
Operácia Popoluška je jednoduchý príbeh, akých sme tu už mali tisíce. Mladá žena - novinárka - s úmyslom vyhrabať "špinu" na verejnosťou obdivovaného a uznávaného a, pravdaže, zazobaného muža sa u neho ubytuje prezlečená za gazdinú. Zhodou okolností píše v novinách pod pseudonymom a ešte väčšou zhodou okolností študovala na katolíckej univerzite a má úžasné odporúčania vhodné na pozíciu gazdinej a výchovu Rossovej dcéry. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokina1.blogspot.sk/2015/10/op...
Operácia Popoluška je jednoduchý príbeh, akých sme tu už mali tisíce. Mladá žena - novinárka - s úmyslom vyhrabať "špinu" na verejnosťou obdivovaného a uznávaného a, pravdaže, zazobaného muža sa u neho ubytuje prezlečená za gazdinú. Zhodou okolností píše v novinách pod pseudonymom a ešte väčšou zhodou okolností študovala na katolíckej univerzite a má úžasné odporúčania vhodné na pozíciu gazdinej a výchovu Rossovej dcéry. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokina1.blogspot.sk/2015/10/op...
March 1, 2016
Une romance légère et à l'eau de rose ! Je ne demandais pas mieux à ce livre qui a su me charmer. Après l'avoir complètement dévoré en presque une soirée, je ne peux me montrer qu’élogieuse face à ce roman qui m'a fait rire et a su toucher mon coeur fleur bleu.
Le style de l'auteure est très agréable. Les péripéties multiples et même si on sait d'avance comment tout va se terminer, on se laisse surprendre par quelques événements inattendus. Entre les gaffes de Macie, la nécessité qu'elle a de caché la vrai raison de sa présence, mais surtout ses pensées qu'on partage avec plaisir, je me suis plusieurs fois surprises à rire.
Bref, un roman décalé qui met en scène un conte de fée actuel, et qui vous fera sans doute passer un aussi bon moment que moi !
Le style de l'auteure est très agréable. Les péripéties multiples et même si on sait d'avance comment tout va se terminer, on se laisse surprendre par quelques événements inattendus. Entre les gaffes de Macie, la nécessité qu'elle a de caché la vrai raison de sa présence, mais surtout ses pensées qu'on partage avec plaisir, je me suis plusieurs fois surprises à rire.
Bref, un roman décalé qui met en scène un conte de fée actuel, et qui vous fera sans doute passer un aussi bon moment que moi !
February 20, 2013
Operation Cinderella is so classically sweet. It's a slow-paced, beautiful romance that has you waiting for THAT scene. You know what I'm talking about. The scene where the cute couple you desperately want be together, get together. It's emotional and intense and... SCHEMING. I love it! I love how Macie was so devious and it was fun seeing her get to know Ross and know him as a person and not this very conservative Republican public figure. Which in her book, republicans may well be "axe-wielding murderers". LOL.
A great read and a wonderful story where we learn that there is a middle ground to things and instead of being white or black we can enjoy a nice shade of gray.
A great read and a wonderful story where we learn that there is a middle ground to things and instead of being white or black we can enjoy a nice shade of gray.
January 27, 2014
This was a great introduction to this series. Macie is a hot headed liberal and Ross is an ultra conservative family man that are at each other's throats professionally. When Macie goes undercover to find a deep dark secret she can use against him, she doesn't expect to find the type of guy she could fall in love with and a teenage daughter that needs her. This was a very cute story with lots of laughts and "awwwww" moments. I especially loved the relationship Macie developed with Ross's daughter, Samantha. It was very sweet and touching how they helped each other out and in the end Samantha was a very important force bringing them together.
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