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Once Upon a Billionaire #2
Ella and the Billionaire's Ball
Fairytales with billionaires.
From Goldilocks being found by the billionaire bear in his cabin, to Jasmine falling in love with the genie, to Wonderland being a theme park under the whims of its billionaire owner, each retelling in the much-loved Once Upon a Billionaire series by sweet romance author Catelyn Meadows will whisk you away to a world of friendship, sweet romance, and happily ever afters.
As a custodian, Ella usually cleans up after the Christmas ball. She’s never been invited. Until now. Hawk Danielson is sweet, endearing, and chivalrous. As owner of the building she cleans, he can’t know who Ella is. But she’s entranced by him, especially when, of all the women at the ball, he only has eyes for her. Before midnight, they share an enchanting kiss. Ella gets whisked away in the fantasy of being with him… until office supplies go missing and she becomes a suspect. Can a relationship between Hawk and Ella be possible, or will he accuse her of stealing more than his heart? With a secret crush, a sexy billionaire heartthrob, and a girl who never gives up, don’t miss this twist on the beloved Cinderella story by Catelyn Meadows!
From Goldilocks being found by the billionaire bear in his cabin, to Jasmine falling in love with the genie, to Wonderland being a theme park under the whims of its billionaire owner, each retelling in the much-loved Once Upon a Billionaire series by sweet romance author Catelyn Meadows will whisk you away to a world of friendship, sweet romance, and happily ever afters.
As a custodian, Ella usually cleans up after the Christmas ball. She’s never been invited. Until now. Hawk Danielson is sweet, endearing, and chivalrous. As owner of the building she cleans, he can’t know who Ella is. But she’s entranced by him, especially when, of all the women at the ball, he only has eyes for her. Before midnight, they share an enchanting kiss. Ella gets whisked away in the fantasy of being with him… until office supplies go missing and she becomes a suspect. Can a relationship between Hawk and Ella be possible, or will he accuse her of stealing more than his heart? With a secret crush, a sexy billionaire heartthrob, and a girl who never gives up, don’t miss this twist on the beloved Cinderella story by Catelyn Meadows!
458 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2024
About the author
Catelyn Meadows
37 books298 followersCatelyn Meadows is a romantic at heart. A mom of four munchkins, Catelyn married a true-blue farm boy who still makes her heart pitter-pat, and she wanted to create stories that do the same. She also writes clean, young adult fantasy romance as USA Today bestselling author, Cortney Pearson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 10, 2022
Ella and the Billionaire's Ball is a clean romance with Cinderella twist. Min drama. Min twist and turn. Just a straight forward clean vanilla romance.
Miss Meadows done good job bringing the story of modern Cinderella to live. I am not complaining about the min drama. I am just listening to the audiobook as vanilla romance.
3 stars
Miss Meadows done good job bringing the story of modern Cinderella to live. I am not complaining about the min drama. I am just listening to the audiobook as vanilla romance.
3 stars
November 19, 2019
What a wonderful version of Cinderella. Absolutely loved it. Perfect for adults and the characters and plot were just superb. Don’t miss out
March 6, 2024
Catelyn Meadows has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Ella and Hawk. Hawk is the owner and CEO of Ever After Sweets and Ella is one of the people who clean the building. She gets a call from her newfound cousin Gabby and is told that Hawk is flying in and has offered to fly Ella and Addie in with him. Ella doesn't want to be anywhere around Hawk since he is the owner of the building. She thinks he is just a rich playboy. Ella tells her that she would have to talk to Allie and call her back soon. When Addie gets there, Ella tells her that Adrian's best man has offered to let them fly to the wedding with him. Addie says that it is fine. Hawk gets a call from Adrian and is told that he will have two passengers with him. Once on the flight, Ella tries not to talk to Hawk. At the wedding, Ella and Hawk are paired together. She tries to change the setting arrangements but Hawk changes them back. At the reception, Hawk asks Ella to dance with him. She tries to get out of it but he takes her into it. Hawk wants another dance but she tells him no. At dinner, Hawk, Adrian, Maddox, and River get notes under their plates. The note said Bad things happen to those who go back on their promises. He thinks it has something to do with The Pack they all signed back in college to not ever fall in love. The rest of the guys don't think it has anything to do with The Pack. One back home, Ella goes back to work for her stepmother Stina. Things are not good between them and Ella is kept away from her father by Stina. Ella's stepsister Pris has it out for her over something that happened in the past. Things start to go missing from Ever After Sweets and Kawk sends a message to Stina about it. Stina has a meeting about this and after she tells Ella that she will be working on Christmas Eve to clean some apartments. Ella is leaving the building and gets stuck in the elevator with Hawk. Something happens and the elevator stops. Hawk doesn't like closed-in spaces and Ella helps to calm him down. Hawk wants her to come to the Christmas Ball so he has his assistant send her an invitation. She decides that she will make her dress and goes to get the stuff to make it. Things happen that cause her to not finish her gown. She calls Hawk and tells him what happened and she can't come to the Ball because she doesn't have a dress. Hawk makes arrangements for her to get a dress and have her hair done with his godmother's help. At the Ball, Pris is mad that Ella is there and ruins Ella's gown by throwing a glass of wine on it. Hawk saw what happened and he took her up to his office and let her change into some of his clothes. The next day at work, Stina has Ella stay after and starts giving her a hard time. Ella has had enough and tells her that she quits. Hawk has had his security team check the video to see if they can find out who is stealing the things from Ever After Sweets and they have found what they are looking for. Hawk calls Ella and asks her to come to his office. When she gets to his office, he takes her to the security office and has her watch a video and it shows her taking some things. She tells him that she did not do it.
Can Ella prove that she was not the one stealing things from Hawk's company?
Can Ella and Hawk work out their problems?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Ella prove that she was not the one stealing things from Hawk's company?
Can Ella and Hawk work out their problems?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2024
Ella and the Billionaire's Ball is the second book of Once Upon a Billionaire series by Catelyn Meadows. This series features modern retellings of beloved fairytales, for the present book we have a modern day Cinderella.
This book could probably be read as a standalone book. However, there is also an overarching plotline, where the heroes of the series are college friends who signed a shady deal to never fall in love - and after so many years and in their thirties, there's danger for the men falling in love, to life, love and business.
In this book, Ella is avoiding getting too close to her billionaire boss, Hawk, at the wedding of his best friend and her cousin (couple from book one). She doesn't want the billionaire in charge of a massive candy company to realise that she is one of the cleaners at his operational headquarters. Ella has enough issues to deal with, mostly surrounding her evil stepmother, her two conniving stepsister and her absentee father. She just wants to save her money and get out of town, preferably to New York where she wanted to study fashion design. Ella has no time for love or romance.
Doesn't help that their friends/cousin have already tried to set them up together.
Hawk is enchanted by Ella when they meet, especially when he gives Ella (and her cousin Adelia) a ride on his private plane to the wedding of his best friend. He's pretty down to earth for a billionaire, he has seemingly infinite patience when it comes to Ella. She is a mystery that he wants to solve, but he is also falling in love with her quickly. However, the danger from the old deal that he and his frat brothers signed back in college seems to be connected with some of the current trouble Ella is having with her family.
There is still more to come with the plot line about the old college pack, but I am looking forward to the next billionaire romance in the series with Ella's single cousin Adelia.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book could probably be read as a standalone book. However, there is also an overarching plotline, where the heroes of the series are college friends who signed a shady deal to never fall in love - and after so many years and in their thirties, there's danger for the men falling in love, to life, love and business.
In this book, Ella is avoiding getting too close to her billionaire boss, Hawk, at the wedding of his best friend and her cousin (couple from book one). She doesn't want the billionaire in charge of a massive candy company to realise that she is one of the cleaners at his operational headquarters. Ella has enough issues to deal with, mostly surrounding her evil stepmother, her two conniving stepsister and her absentee father. She just wants to save her money and get out of town, preferably to New York where she wanted to study fashion design. Ella has no time for love or romance.
Doesn't help that their friends/cousin have already tried to set them up together.
Hawk is enchanted by Ella when they meet, especially when he gives Ella (and her cousin Adelia) a ride on his private plane to the wedding of his best friend. He's pretty down to earth for a billionaire, he has seemingly infinite patience when it comes to Ella. She is a mystery that he wants to solve, but he is also falling in love with her quickly. However, the danger from the old deal that he and his frat brothers signed back in college seems to be connected with some of the current trouble Ella is having with her family.
There is still more to come with the plot line about the old college pack, but I am looking forward to the next billionaire romance in the series with Ella's single cousin Adelia.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
A romantic modern retake of a classic story. Ella is our modern-day Cinderella and Hawk is the modern-day prince. They fly in an airplane instead of a carriage. We meet our main characters as they fly in a private jet from Vermont to Montana along with Ella’s cousin Adelie. They are on the way to attend the wedding of Adrian (Hawk’s best friend) and Gabby (Ella and Adelie’s cousin). This is also a reunion of sorts with the guys from Sigma Phi Rho, who along with Adrian and Hawk, were members. Ella knows Hawk because he is the CEO of a candy company, and Ella’s stepmother has the contract to clean it, and sends Ella to work there. Adrian and Gabby have been trying to set Ella up with Hawk, but she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him, even though she is secretly attracted to him. Hawk, on the other hand, is fascinated with Ella and tries to impress her. This story follows their journey to HEA. Hawk slowly breaks down her walls and Ella begins to trust him.
I don’t want to give spoilers so I will just say that the story further develops into a mystery about theft, the consequences of an old promise Hawk and his college frat buddies signed long ago, and the meaning of family. It was a well-developed story that can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. You’ll have to read the book to find out more about who doesn’t want Ella and Hawk together.
I enjoyed the main and side characters and getting to know more about them. I liked the banter between Ella and Hawk. I liked the romantic scenes. I liked the continuation of The Pact story. The content was enjoyable and is written in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages. If you like a story with all the feels, romance, and suspense, this may be the book for you. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don’t want to give spoilers so I will just say that the story further develops into a mystery about theft, the consequences of an old promise Hawk and his college frat buddies signed long ago, and the meaning of family. It was a well-developed story that can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. You’ll have to read the book to find out more about who doesn’t want Ella and Hawk together.
I enjoyed the main and side characters and getting to know more about them. I liked the banter between Ella and Hawk. I liked the romantic scenes. I liked the continuation of The Pact story. The content was enjoyable and is written in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages. If you like a story with all the feels, romance, and suspense, this may be the book for you. I look forward to reading more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
*Note: This review is for the revised/second edition.
Very charming, modern, and fresh retelling of Cinderella! There are sprinkles of humour alongside the drama, plot points, and romance, such as the Kissing Menu, the early-on connection between Ella and Hawk through truth or dare, and lines like, "...That worked about as well as one-ply toilet paper."
There's a lot of sweet charity and caring about people in general, there are just deserts, and there is a glad point of Hawk staying on Ella's side and trusting her even when other people don't. I like Charlotte's character, too.
I just have to say that I don't know if I'd stay at a job with a stepmother like that only for a stipend of a thousand dollars --- dang, Ella! It's sad how that doesn't even go very far in education nowadays.
Overall, it was a lot of fun and a great continuation of Meadows' Billionaire series. Excited to see where this keeps going!
Very charming, modern, and fresh retelling of Cinderella! There are sprinkles of humour alongside the drama, plot points, and romance, such as the Kissing Menu, the early-on connection between Ella and Hawk through truth or dare, and lines like, "...That worked about as well as one-ply toilet paper."
There's a lot of sweet charity and caring about people in general, there are just deserts, and there is a glad point of Hawk staying on Ella's side and trusting her even when other people don't. I like Charlotte's character, too.
I just have to say that I don't know if I'd stay at a job with a stepmother like that only for a stipend of a thousand dollars --- dang, Ella! It's sad how that doesn't even go very far in education nowadays.
Overall, it was a lot of fun and a great continuation of Meadows' Billionaire series. Excited to see where this keeps going!
December 8, 2019
This was a cute little story, a modern twist on a classic tale. I enjoyed the characters, Hawk being down to earth and a secret video game addict, Ella designing clothing. The problem is it follows the original in the fact that its basically instalove (instalust I get but love is more effort and time). Also I think I have watched a hundred different movies where Cinderella is either a clothing designer or singer (seem to be the only 2 things they feel is memorable about the original character) so while the book was sweet and cute and I enjoyed Ella's silver lining attitude I was a bit bored with it but it not being long decided to go for the finish. I was thinking of giving the reverse Aladdin one a try, it's not an overly done story and gender swaps make things interesting so it might seem more original.
January 30, 2021
So very entertaining! This had me smiling so much. I loved Ella and Hawk and their story is one that will touch your heart.
I love retellings and this modern day Cinderella tale was simply wonderful. The magic of the story came from humans in gifts of kindness and heartfelt good will. And what better time of the year to host a ball, but at Christmas time when all true magic happens.
The twists with the characters being whom they were made this absolutely unputdownable! I loved those surprises layered throughout.
One pure fun thing of note is how these different fairytale characters intermix from book to book. I love seeing past characters make appearances! I can't wait to begin the next book! If you love contemporary fairytale settings, pick this up! You won't want to put it back down!
I love retellings and this modern day Cinderella tale was simply wonderful. The magic of the story came from humans in gifts of kindness and heartfelt good will. And what better time of the year to host a ball, but at Christmas time when all true magic happens.
The twists with the characters being whom they were made this absolutely unputdownable! I loved those surprises layered throughout.
One pure fun thing of note is how these different fairytale characters intermix from book to book. I love seeing past characters make appearances! I can't wait to begin the next book! If you love contemporary fairytale settings, pick this up! You won't want to put it back down!
March 8, 2022
Hawk Danielson is sweet.
Endearing. And chivalrous.
And so charming he makes her insides tingle.
As owner of the building she cleans, he can’t know who Ella is.
But she’s entranced by him, especially when, of all the women at the ball, he only has eyes for her.
Before midnight, they share an enchanting kiss.
Ella gets whisked away in the fantasy of being with him.
Until office supplies go missing,
And she becomes a suspect.
Can a relationship between Hawk and Ella be possible, or will he accuse her of stealing more than his heart?
One-click this romantic, contemporary Cinderella retelling today!
True love with a twist. These billionaire fairy tale retellings take beloved stories you know and add a pinch of modern, a dash of happy, and a whole heap of clean, swoon-worthy romance. Shaken, not stirred.
Endearing. And chivalrous.
And so charming he makes her insides tingle.
As owner of the building she cleans, he can’t know who Ella is.
But she’s entranced by him, especially when, of all the women at the ball, he only has eyes for her.
Before midnight, they share an enchanting kiss.
Ella gets whisked away in the fantasy of being with him.
Until office supplies go missing,
And she becomes a suspect.
Can a relationship between Hawk and Ella be possible, or will he accuse her of stealing more than his heart?
One-click this romantic, contemporary Cinderella retelling today!
True love with a twist. These billionaire fairy tale retellings take beloved stories you know and add a pinch of modern, a dash of happy, and a whole heap of clean, swoon-worthy romance. Shaken, not stirred.
May 21, 2020
Sweet Romance Fairy Tale Retell
I love Fairy Tales updating! This was a sweet story of Ella and Hawk. Ella was a custodian in his office building and he found her interesting when they were stuck in the elevator together. Fast forward to evil stepsister and stepmother ruining everything and good stepsister coming forward with the truth. I totally cried, because of how unloved she felt! I didn’t love that her Dad was still alive and allowing her stepmother to behave like that. Not okay!
I love Fairy Tales updating! This was a sweet story of Ella and Hawk. Ella was a custodian in his office building and he found her interesting when they were stuck in the elevator together. Fast forward to evil stepsister and stepmother ruining everything and good stepsister coming forward with the truth. I totally cried, because of how unloved she felt! I didn’t love that her Dad was still alive and allowing her stepmother to behave like that. Not okay!
December 15, 2022
This is probably my least favorite audiobooks to date. I didnt mind the storline, but the dialogue seemed choppy and broken as if English was their second language. While listening to the book, I kept thinking to myself " No one talks like that" or "why would this character say it this way?". The language seemed much too formal for a modern day book. Finally, I got really annoyed with the lack of character development of the stepmom and stepsisters, ane Ella's feeling need to feel sorry for herself throughout thebook. The author has potential, but this book needs a bit of work.
January 4, 2023
This is a cute, modern Cinderella retelling (though, for some reason, Ella's father is still alive). I liked the relationship between Ella and Hawk, and I loved how the author used a modern-day meet cute trope (stuck in an elevator) as their first meeting (and why he had to invite everyone to his ball). The part with the stepmother and stepsisters was fairly standard, though Ella's dad is a real jerk sometimes for siding with his wife over his daughter. Reading this book is an entertaining way to spend an hour or two.
November 22, 2019
Ella and the Billionaire’s Ball is an entertaining take on a classic fairytale. There are several twists that make this sweet romance fresh and fun to read. Great characters that have depth and a couple of villains that make you even more sympathetic to Ella. I received a complementary copy of this book and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
December 31, 2022
As someone with a family full of steps and half siblings, nieces, nephews, I find it hard to understand how someone can be so vindictive as Ella’s stepmother and sister. Especially since the offense was only in their minds. Catelyn Meadows keeps you reading to find out just how much damage those two can do. Leaving with a smile on my face and looking forward to the next book.
February 20, 2024
You will be taken on a ride of a lifetime reading this book by Catelyn. It has LOVE, ROMANCE and a great ending to a perfect book. I highly recommend you give Catelyn a try if you haven't already because her books are really sweet and fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2019
Sweet, fairy tale romance with a very mean step-mother and step-sister. Ella tries to please everyone and visits the local children's hospital. Getting stuck in an elevator with the owner of the company may change everything. I enjoyed my ARC copy of this book. Hope you will like it too.
February 2, 2021
Holy. Wow. This story sucked me in and didn't let go. Twists, turns, bullying and revenge all rolled into an epic story. I absolutely loved this story! It is filled with wishes, lost hope and amazing characters. Jennifer Jill Araya does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
June 28, 2021
Beautiful Cinderella Retelling
If kindness were as plentiful as wishes, Ella would be the best wish. She's strong and fully committed to working hard. One chance meeting with Hawk in an elevator. Read and watch the magic of the season flow!
If kindness were as plentiful as wishes, Ella would be the best wish. She's strong and fully committed to working hard. One chance meeting with Hawk in an elevator. Read and watch the magic of the season flow!
January 15, 2024
I decided to give the second book a chance because I love retellings, but this is just too childish. Are this people supposed to be adults? Also, the obsession with money is ridiculous (maybe that is an american thing? No idea).
February 23, 2024
Ella didn't realize how lucky she was when Hawk decided she was the woman for him. He made her feel all the good feelings that she has been lacking for so long. I enjoyed this Cinderella retelling with so many interesting characters as well as the evil stepmother and step sister.
February 28, 2024
Great story that is a completely new tale, but has enough of the classic Cinderella story in it still to be recognizable. I love seeing the blending of a modern story and a classic fairytale and the characters are wonderful.
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this sweet story! I love the subtle mystery woven throughout! I especially enjoyed Hawk's character (swoon). Can't wait to see what comes next!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
This is a sweet romance that was a joy to read. Ella and Hawk's story is a fresh retelling of the Cinderella story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2024
Loved the Updates
This is a fabulous book but so much richer with other members of the Pact added. I loved this take on Cinderella. The candy stores sound like a destination to enjoy.
This is a fabulous book but so much richer with other members of the Pact added. I loved this take on Cinderella. The candy stores sound like a destination to enjoy.
August 28, 2025
Another pair of sweet characters. Very reminiscent of Willy Wonka in a lot of ways, and crossed with Cinderella. This is a fast easy read with clean romance. There is one continued mystery that runs through the series which adds some suspense and breaks up the sweetness.
November 19, 2019
This is a modern Cinderella story. I loved the book and recommend it. Great interesting characters. This is a voluntary review
November 24, 2019
Loved it
Such a sweet and entertaining story. It kept my attention through out. Loved Ella and Hawk. Just love a Cinderella story
Such a sweet and entertaining story. It kept my attention through out. Loved Ella and Hawk. Just love a Cinderella story
December 3, 2019
A new Cinderella!!
I loved this book and the characters.
The plot was so entertaining.
I loved this book and the characters.
The plot was so entertaining.
April 28, 2020
Cinderella strikes again
Good book with a nice fresh take on the always loved Cinderella story . Character where good and a lovely read.
Good book with a nice fresh take on the always loved Cinderella story . Character where good and a lovely read.
May 14, 2020
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews