Not Your Cinderella

by Jerica MacMillan

Happily Ever After only happens in the movies, right?

I never expected to cross paths with a celebrity, let alone fall for one. But then Hayden Maddox waltzes into my small town—a Hollywood star with a magnetic presence that lights up the screen and ignites something within me I never knew existed.

Despite the glaring spotlight that follows him everywhere, there's an unexpected intimacy between us, a connection that transcends fame and fortune on the bustling set of his latest film.

But as our romance blossoms amidst the hustle and bustle on set, the reality of our very different lives makes it difficult to imagine a future no matter how much I want it.

Can we find a way through the obstacles facing us to a love strong enough to withstand the relentless scrutiny of the public eye, or are we doomed to be torn apart by the pressures of celebrity life?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Cinderella is an addictive single mom, Hollywood star romance set in Jerica MacMillan's Arcadian Falls world and is Hayden and Victoria's incredible story.
Hayden Maddox is stuck, he used to love his job being an actor but lately it isn't lighting him up like it used to, so when his friend mentions his new project, a western take on Julius Caesar he knows this is just the thing to make him fall back in love with acting. If he only knew how much this film would change his life forever!
Victoria is juggling so much at the moment, she is a single mom to a ten year old little girl called Erin, she is also working as a dental hygienist which she doesn't love, it's not her passion, but when she got pregnant at nineteen fashion design wasn't going to support her and a baby. So when she finds a flyer asking for a seamstress to help with the costumes for a movie which is being filmed in her hometown, she finds it too hard to resist, it may not be the kind of work she dreamt of when she was younger but it is still working with clothes.
As soon as Hayden and Victoria meet the sparks are undeniable but Victoria has barely enough hours in the day as it is to get everything she needs done let alone adding a boyfriend into the mix, especially a famous one.
"getting tangled up with a movie star-even if it is just for a short time-has bad idea written all over it."
But the more time they spend around each other, it's becoming harder and harder to deny the sizzling chemistry between them and when it becomes clear neither of them are looking for anything serious because Hayden will be leaving as soon as the movie is finished and with Victoria's busy schedule, a casual relationship to explore the chemistry between them will be everything they could need or want.
"We'll have some fun, he'll leave once the film is finished, and I'll always get to have fond memories of that time I helped with costumes on a movie and had a fling with a movie star."
As you probably guessed, their casual relationship has turned into so much more and feelings have quickly become involved but no matter what they're feeling for each other it doesn't negate the fact that Hayden will be returning to L.A soon and Victoria's life will still be just as chaotic and she has her daughter to consider as well and no matter how hard she tries she cannot see how they could possibly be together whilst living miles apart.
"This thing between us is getting more real, less fling and more relationship, and that feels dangerous."
Can Hayden and Victoria find a way past all of the obstacles standing in their way and create the family Victoria has always wanted for Erin? Or will they both be left broken hearted?
Read Not Your Cinderella now to find out!
I loved Not Your Cinderella, it was incredibly addictive and I couldn't put it down until I devoured it all and I loved every second of it! Not Your Cinderella was a light, feel good romance with characters you couldn't help but fall for. I also loved being back in Arcadian Falls and I hope it's not the last time we'll be in this small town.
I received an ARC of Not Your Cinderella and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden and Victoria are the definition of right place, right time. Hayden is getting older and frustrated with his career and love life. Victoria is a single mom with a best friend who encourages her to follow her dream when a movie production comes to town and looks for locals to help out. Hayden and Victoria are immediately smitten with each other and start a fling. It quickly becomes something deeper. They find themselves comfortable and desperate for each other. Hayden is afraid to push for more and Victoria is afraid to want and get more. It takes a bit to get where they need to be, but they get there. Overall, it's a smooth read and a fun escape.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Cinderella by Jerica MacMillan is about Hayden, born into a Hollywood dynasty family who was tired of his action hero roles and agreed to play Brutus, a meatier role in Julius Caesar with a different twist of being a Western. The filming location was in a remote town named Arcadian Falls, where an all-call goes out for supporting roles of extras, including a costuming assistant, to which single mom and dentist hygienist Victoria decided to submit her resume. The movie production company hired Victoria temporarily to see if she could fulfill her obligations on set, where she needed to take costumes to the trailers of various actors and actresses to see if any modifications needed to their required wardrobes for the first day of shooting the film. When Victoria goes into Hayden’s trailer, she notices the poor quality of the shirts procured is too modern to be true to the movie period setting. Hayden has the director, a close friend, to run interference so Victoria does not become fired before her job takes off, and he wants to see her again. Hayden makes sure she is called back to his tailor multiple times for made-up costuming needs to see her and explore their attraction for each other. Due to Hayden’s high-profile life and the fact he will be leaving once the movie is in the can, Tori didn’t want to out their special times spent together to the movie set or townspeople. Jerica MacMillan in Not Your Cinderella writes a romance that includes a famous actor who falls for a small-town single mom, but both have insecurities to work through. Hayden has to decide if he can trust Tori not to use him as a stepping stone to make a name for herself in fashion. Tori is men shy after what happened in the past with her daughter’s dad. I love how Jerica MacMillan pulls all the loose ends together in writing this movie-star romance. I had read Ms. MacMillan’s rock star romances and a few of her sports romances, so when I saw the blurb for this book, I knew it would be a book I wanted to read.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for this sweet romance

This book has all the feel good vibes. I really liked that even though Hayden comes from movie royalty, he was down to earth and just wanted to be like normal people ... even though he knew it would never happen. And Victoria was your sweet small town girl and I felt bad that she wasn't able to fulfill her dreams of being a designer. The book flowed good, but I just wanted a little more angst. If you're looking for a light easy read ... then this is the book for you.

Victoria is a single mom who gave up her dreams years ago. But when her small town is the backdrop for a movie, her best friend talks her into applying for the assistant costumer position. It just never dawned on her that there would be A List stars like Hayden a part of the production. Hayden is looking for a change in acting roles. He's tired of the action movies, so when his best friend asks him to be part of a Shakespeare revisited movie, he agreed to act and also be a producer. When the new costume assistant shows up at his trailer to fit him for his costumes, he feels the instant attraction. Normally women fall at his feet or they want something from his ... but not Victoria.

I received an early copy courtesy of the author.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance you can't miss! Hayden comes from Hollywood parents and has followed in their footsteps. After numerous roles playing in action movies he's looking for a change. His best friend decides to do a twisted re-make on Julius Caesar and offers Hayden the lead. The movie is being filmed in a small town called Arcadian Falls. When the movie posts looking for all sorts of extras, single mom Victoria's (Tori) friend feels Tori needs to apply for the costuming assistant. Her dream was fashion design until she became pregnant. She has the experience as long as it doesn't interfere with her day job as a dental hygienist. Tori gets the job and soon catches Hayden's eye. Their story is sweet and beautiful. Their chemistry is hot but can this small town girl and this Hollywood star get over past insecurities and admit their true feelings??? I loved it! Jertica has done it again with another great story!

[Erika [The Smut Files] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Cinderella follows the budding chemistry between Hayden and Victoria.

Victoria (Tori) is a single mom working as a dental hygienist living in the small town of Arcadian Falls. She gave up her dream of fashion design after getting pregnant and dropping out of her program. When a Hollywood production of Julius Caesar with a western twist, Tori is gets a part time job as a costume assistant.

Hayden is a movie star that is trying to break out of his type cast of being an action star. He is having a hard time trusting people's intentions. When he meets Tori, he is entranced and wants to enjoy his time with her. That isn't something she usually does, but is willing to possibly try.

* Small town romance
* Celebrity
* Single mom
* Friends with benefits
* Opposites attract

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Cinderella
By Jerica MacMillan
Main Characters: Victoria and Hayden
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Loved this story. I liked both characters. There is plenty of chemistry and secret trysts with hot sex. I was beginning to think these two would never get around to admitting how much they really loved each other. Victoria is a single 30-year-old mother and has a 10-year-old daughter. She was pretty reluctant to start dating a movie star because she really has not had any long-term relationships in the past. So, these two decide to have secret meet-ups. I couldn't wait to see how their secret rendezvous were going to turn out.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden and Victoria's paths intersect at the perfect moment. As Hayden grapples with career and relationship frustrations, Victoria, spurred on by her supportive best friend, seizes the opportunity presented by a visiting movie production. Their connection is instant, leading to a passionate fling that evolves into something profound. Despite their mutual longing, Hayden hesitates to pursue deeper commitment, while Victoria struggles with her own fears of vulnerability. Their journey towards understanding and acceptance is gradual but rewarding. "Not Your Cinderella" offers a seamless and enjoyable escape into their evolving romance.

I definitely recommend!

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Cinderella is such a sweet, feel good romance. Victoria is single mom who lives in a small town. She gave up her dreams of fashion design when she found out she was pregnant. She just was offered a part time job on the set of a new movie as the costume assistant for a movie being filmed in her town.
Hayden is movie star who is trying to break the typecast for the roles he is always set in. When he meets Victoria, he finds reasons for his clothes to need tailored, just so he can be around her.
The characters were well developed and showed such amazing growth throughout the story addressing past hurts and insecurities. The connection Hayden and Victoria developed was sweet.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing read.
Victoria (Tori) is a single mother to a ten year old and works as a dental hygienist to make ends meet after giving up her dream job of being a fashion designer. When a film is being filmed in her home town she puts herself forward as a seamstress to help with the costumes.
Hayden is a film star and has decided to go with a different type of film to get over the slump he's in.
There's an instant attraction when they meet and soon they are spending time together when they can. But is it just a fling or will they admit their feelings for each other before its too late.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a movie is being filmed in her town, Victoria is urged by her friend to give it a shot to chase her dream, a dream she gave up to be a mom. Hayden is a famous movie star who is tired of the life he’s been leading with drama, fame, failed relationships, but when he sees Victoria sparks fly but should they start something that will only end when he leaves town? This story was emotional and made my heart happy because these two are great characters and perfect for each other, but like most stories they have a lot of ups and downs to go through to get there. The ride to find happiness again isn’t an easy one but it is so worth it in the end.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is love really possible for these two? You bet it is and you will love reading about it. Hayden is a big-time Hollywood actor. Why would he want a small town girl like Victoria? Why wouldn’t he? She is the only woman who is not asking for favors. She just wants to be with him. This is what Hayden has been missing his entire life. Someone who wants him for him and not his money or his fame or his connections. What an absolutely magnificent book. You will love their love story and you will love the strength they both have for each other and what they are willing to do to be together forever. Awesome.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A return visit to Arcadian Falls!!!!

This is a new book that will be kicking off another series by Jerica. And it takes place in Arcadian Falls!!!!!!!! The only issue is that it's not Nora's story. It's a whole new character.
We have Victoria, a single mom and dental assistant, who gets a part-time gig as a seamstress on a movie being filmed in Arcadian Falls. Her possible love interest is lead actor Hayden.
We get a secret relationship, small town romance, single parent, and more in this incredibly beautiful story. Hopefully, the next story will give us some updates on past couples.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this feel good romance! Hayden and Victoria’s story is fantastic! She’s a single mom and he is Hollywood royalty. He’s down to earth and wants to be treated as a regular person. Victoria gave up her dreams of becoming a fashion designer to be a mother. When a movie starts filming her town Arcadian Falls, she takes a job as a costuming assistant. Victoria and Hayden fall for each other. They both have insecurities they’ll have to overcome to make their relationship work. Jerica has written another fantastic book! I loved it!

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in the movies

A bit of an opposites attract story, Hayden is part of a Hollywood family, movies have been his life for a long time. Victoria (Tory) is a small, country town single mother.
They’re both wanting more out of life and a small interaction on the movie set begins a new chapter in lives.
But with an end date to filming will it just be a fling or can they make their love work longer than the movies?
This is sweet and emotional, an easy read with two warm and wonderful characters who found each other at the perfect time in their lives.

Thank you to the author.

[Karen Ruedisueli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise. I liked the characters too. I think Victoria was a super woman while Hayden fussed mostly about not seeing her.
The stars off were for how much she put out physically and mentally (running her household, taking care of daughter, working at the dentist office and as a costume fitter). Crazy. Maybe not have had her intimate while on her period ......that took all that she did for Hayden over the top while he only went to one job and everything else was taken care of for him. I think Cinderella was hardest on herself.

[Jessica Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hollywood star and a single mother, seems like a unlikely match, right? When Hayden comes to her small town to play a new take on Brutus, Victoria scores a PT gig as a costuming assistant. Soon Hayden finds reasons to "need" to have his clothes tailored just to see Victoria again. Both have their fair share of issues from their past and insecurities about getting into a relationship but they are so cute together and have great chemistry.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish. Small town, single mom and so much chemistry! Hayden and Victoria were drawn to each other. They have instant attraction but their lives are in different places. Reading their story will make you smile and at times frustrate you. Trust me when I say you do not want to miss reading this one. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ally Doan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
*Celebrity
*Single mom
*Opposites attract

This book is about Hayden and Victoria. Hayden is an actor who goes to a small town for the filming of a role that is different from what he normally does. Victoria a single mom who has a dream of working in fashion ends up working on the set in costumes. They are an unlikely couple but they are perfect for each other. I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys celebrity or single mom tropes.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerica MacMillan’s Not Your Cinderella is a feel good story of an unlikely couple. Hayden is a movie star and Victoria is a single mom living in a small town. Their attraction is immediate, but they both know there is an expiration date once filming wraps.

Jerica does a great job of developing her characters and making her readers fall in love! I thought this was a great read!

[Amanda S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! I’m not a super big fan of reading movie star or Rock star books but the blurb in this one pulled me in. It was very well written! You gotta love a happy ending! I am definitely reading more books by Jerica MacMillan! If like a romance books about Movie sars or even if you don’t I totally recommend this book! Totally worth it!

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrity and the single mom…

I liked this opposites attract story. Hayden is in a small town, shooting a weird mashup movie. Victoria “Tori” is the single mom, helping out with alterations for wardrobe. Hayden is a famous actor who has ennui and is trying to diversify his acting portfolio. Tori is just busy juggling her job(s) and being a parent.
Obstacles ensue.
Recommend.

[Jennifer Painter Slotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hayden and Victoria's story. Such a well-written book that showed that despite all the complications and possible problems, true love/romance wins in the end! This was my first book by Jerica MacMillan but it definitely won't be my last! Didn't want their story to end! 100% recommend!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse of what happens when your head reminds you to listen to your heart more often. Not Your Cinderella, brings emotions to the surface with endearing characters and unforgettable romance. A serenade of love that wears it's heart like a badge of honor.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this opposites attract story. The relationship between Hayden and Victoria but they soon learn they have chemistry that turns into something more real, but can it last?

[Tiffany Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book the characters were amazing .. and I’m not saying that just because she’s my favorite author ;)

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and I enjoyed every moment from the start. Hayden has a lot of heart, and his pull to Victoria kept the pages turning. I liked their dynamic, and the secrecy added to their spice. The characters are lovable, the story flows well and was able to keep me involved in their journey. Definitely a must read!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Totally fell in love with Hayden and Victoria.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden and Victoria do not start off on the right foot. When Hayden finally calms down, it's all charm for Tori. She takes a while to fall, but fall she does. A good story!!

[zen_s]

[dnf @ 8%] not my cup of tea...