What do you think?
Rate this book
Kings of California #8
El vecino nuevo
Scrooge had moved in next door and Ivy Holloway was at his mercy. Billionaire Tanner King wanted her year-round Christmas-tree farm shut down so he could have his peace and quiet. He had enough money and power to do it, too. Leaving Ivy with only one option—tame the savage beast.
Tanner had found little tranquillity thanks to his annoying neighbor. And then he found himself saddled with a gorgeous housekeeper he couldn't keep his mind—or hands—off. Trouble was, these two women were the same person…leaving the CEO wondering if he could really love his enemy.
Tanner had found little tranquillity thanks to his annoying neighbor. And then he found himself saddled with a gorgeous housekeeper he couldn't keep his mind—or hands—off. Trouble was, these two women were the same person…leaving the CEO wondering if he could really love his enemy.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2010
44 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Child
1,148 books548 followersUSA Today best selling author Maureen Child is the author of more than ninety romance novels and novellas. Maureen is a five time nominee for the prestigious Rita award from Romance Writers of America.
One of her novels, A Pocketful Of Paradise, was made into a CBS-TV movie called The Soul Collector, starring Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Greenwood and Ossie Davis.
Over the years, she’s written under lots of different names and she prefers the term ‘pseudonym’ to ‘alias’. As Ann Carberry, she wrote western historical romances. As Kathleen Kane, she wrote not only Americana romances, but western paranormal romances as well. As Sarah Hart, she wrote one really spectacular western paranormal that is still one of her favorites. And once, Ann Carberry even wrote a Victorian historical which she absolutely loved doing.
Under her own name, Maureen writes short contemporary novels for Silhouette Desire—books she loves to write because of their fast pace and condensed story telling. Maureen is also writing funny, contemporary paranormal romances for NAL and darker paranormal stories for Silhouette Nocturne.
Maureen writes paranormal romance novels under the pesudonym of Regan Hastings
One of her novels, A Pocketful Of Paradise, was made into a CBS-TV movie called The Soul Collector, starring Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Greenwood and Ossie Davis.
Over the years, she’s written under lots of different names and she prefers the term ‘pseudonym’ to ‘alias’. As Ann Carberry, she wrote western historical romances. As Kathleen Kane, she wrote not only Americana romances, but western paranormal romances as well. As Sarah Hart, she wrote one really spectacular western paranormal that is still one of her favorites. And once, Ann Carberry even wrote a Victorian historical which she absolutely loved doing.
Under her own name, Maureen writes short contemporary novels for Silhouette Desire—books she loves to write because of their fast pace and condensed story telling. Maureen is also writing funny, contemporary paranormal romances for NAL and darker paranormal stories for Silhouette Nocturne.
Maureen writes paranormal romance novels under the pesudonym of Regan Hastings
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 7, 2017
Tanner King (billionaire CEO) has just moved into his new home in Cabot Valley a couple of months ago and he needs a housekeeper. A friend of Tanner's helps him out by hiring pretty Ivy Holloway for the job. Tanner was expecting someone less tempting and distracting so he can get his work done (he designs computer games). But he is finding it impossible with Ivy in his house. Tanner is also having a problem with his neighbors who run a year-round Christmas Tree Farm which has been driving him crazy...they play Christmas music all day, kids are climbing his trees... He has already complained to the sheriff about this. But, unknown to Tanner, Ivy is his neighbor who runs the Christmas Tree Farm with her Grandfather, and she is trying to get on Tanner's good side (as his housekeeper) by making him see how helpful the tree farm is for the community, by bringing in more business and publicity for the town (since Tanner and his complaints may ruin things).
I really enjoyed this book. I've never read a story with a Christmas Tree Farm featured in it before so that was nice and different. The farm also held weddings, parties, etc. I liked Ivy, she was friendly, cheerful, kind and sweet, but she was also feisty at times. She was devoted to (and loved) her tree farm. I also liked Tanner, who eventually visited the tree farm and became interested in it. I liked the part when Ivy was showing Tanner around the tree farm and she got Tanner to go into the kids' inflated bounce house with her. It was nice seeing serious and staid Tanner let loose and have fun. Ivy and Tanner had good chemistry. I liked the cute abandoned dog Hairy that Tanner took into his home as his own. Even though there was a Christmas Tree Farm in the book the story didn't take place at Christmastime.
I really enjoyed this book. I've never read a story with a Christmas Tree Farm featured in it before so that was nice and different. The farm also held weddings, parties, etc. I liked Ivy, she was friendly, cheerful, kind and sweet, but she was also feisty at times. She was devoted to (and loved) her tree farm. I also liked Tanner, who eventually visited the tree farm and became interested in it. I liked the part when Ivy was showing Tanner around the tree farm and she got Tanner to go into the kids' inflated bounce house with her. It was nice seeing serious and staid Tanner let loose and have fun. Ivy and Tanner had good chemistry. I liked the cute abandoned dog Hairy that Tanner took into his home as his own. Even though there was a Christmas Tree Farm in the book the story didn't take place at Christmastime.
August 5, 2012
Video game creator Tanner King buys a house in Cabot Valley, right next to a Christmas tree farm. Neglected as a child, he has an aversion to holiday spirit and is aggravated when he finds out Angel Tree Farm is open year-round complete with infuriating Christmas carols he can hear from his house. How can he concentrate on his upcoming video game?! Ivy Angel Holloway, owner of said farm, poses as his housekeeper to try and befriend him before he files a lawsuit.
This book gets points because Tanner went through some major character development and Ivy wasn't annoying or stupid. What peeved me, though, was Tanner being extremely fit from the workout of sitting in front of a computer. WTF?
This book gets points because Tanner went through some major character development and Ivy wasn't annoying or stupid. What peeved me, though, was Tanner being extremely fit from the workout of sitting in front of a computer. WTF?
August 24, 2013
Originally read June 2011 and re-read in August 2013 - rated this 4 Stars both times.
January 1, 2012
Ivy Holloway knew keeping the fact that she's the owner of Angel Christmas Tree Farm from her new neighbor Tanner King would blow up in her face, but she wanted to have a chance to meet and win over the man who constantly complained to the sheriff about her business.
Over the years, computer game designer, Tanner King has become closed off from the rest of the world. Sleeping during the day and working at night, Tanner had no want to be around others. His poor childhood has made his trust few. So when he built his dream house in Cabot Valley, he thought he was getting the perfect place. Quite and remote. Yes he knew there was a Christmas farm across the street, but with Christmas only taking up 2 months of the year, he figured for the other 10 it would be deserted. That, however was not the case. Ivy Holloway on was her way to making the farm a year round spectacular and it was disturbing his way of life.
So, how do you over come this problem? Well, you send in the owner of said Tree Farm and have her be his housekeeper with the hope that she can win over the Scrooge that lives there. Crazy idea right? Yes, but that's what his lawyer and Ivy cooked up together.
Ivy is not a lair, but she knows this is necessary in order to save her farm. However, she soon gets in way over her head when she finds she enjoys being with Tanner more than she should and is finding it difficult to lie to him.
All Tanner knows is that he should have fired Ivy the minute he met her because now all he can think about is her. Soon he's experiencing feelings and wants he has never had before and learns not all women are easily bought.
Until he learns the truth that is.
I loved reading about these two totally opposite people be pulled together by pure fate.
Over the years, computer game designer, Tanner King has become closed off from the rest of the world. Sleeping during the day and working at night, Tanner had no want to be around others. His poor childhood has made his trust few. So when he built his dream house in Cabot Valley, he thought he was getting the perfect place. Quite and remote. Yes he knew there was a Christmas farm across the street, but with Christmas only taking up 2 months of the year, he figured for the other 10 it would be deserted. That, however was not the case. Ivy Holloway on was her way to making the farm a year round spectacular and it was disturbing his way of life.
So, how do you over come this problem? Well, you send in the owner of said Tree Farm and have her be his housekeeper with the hope that she can win over the Scrooge that lives there. Crazy idea right? Yes, but that's what his lawyer and Ivy cooked up together.
Ivy is not a lair, but she knows this is necessary in order to save her farm. However, she soon gets in way over her head when she finds she enjoys being with Tanner more than she should and is finding it difficult to lie to him.
All Tanner knows is that he should have fired Ivy the minute he met her because now all he can think about is her. Soon he's experiencing feelings and wants he has never had before and learns not all women are easily bought.
Until he learns the truth that is.
I loved reading about these two totally opposite people be pulled together by pure fate.
August 26, 2011
A quick, short contemporary with a smart, very likable heroine. Ivey is dedicated to expanding and making a success of her family business. Her new neighbor, successful, talented Tanner King is trouble and the pages heat up as soon as these two meet. An easy, quick read that I liked with some smexy lovin'.
This book is part of Harlequin's "King Series" and has mention of other King family members that I'm sure have books of their own.
This book is part of Harlequin's "King Series" and has mention of other King family members that I'm sure have books of their own.
February 19, 2013
She's not a Cinderella character and he's not really a CEO as we've come to expect in the other Kings books. Just wasn't quite as good for me as some of the other books in this series.
September 21, 2012
Well, well, well.. it seems a solitary man who doesn't believe in love, lasting relationships or Christmas can find a way to be happy after all.
Introducing Ivy. Small town girl, runs the family business, & lost her partner in a car crash. Ivy doesn't like anybody who tries to shut down her home & fantastic Christmas tree business, so when attractive but moody Tanner comes along, her defences are on guard.
Tanner? Tanner's childhood consisted of him & his mum moving about far too regularly, therefore he was never settled long enough to enjoy what Ivy would call, "a proper family Christmas". All family members seated around a huge dining table, presents under the tree, in fact, Tanner can't even recall whether there was ever a tree present. So when Tanner moves into his newly renovated home, he finds himself living next door to Santa's grotto. Christmas carols & holiday music being played repeatedly, gigantic Christmas trees growing just in view from his window, children screaming & laughing, he doesn't like it all. After a few complaints are made to the Sheriff, Tanner is certain he's going to get rid of the business next door, before he is rid of his sanity.
When Ivy finds about the new man in town who isn't too fond of her business, she decides to take action. Not in the violent way, oh no, she's putting on a disguise & going in for the kill.
Ivy decides to pose as a housekeeper in Tanner's home. Cooking, cleaning, & trying to gradually persuade him that the business she runs is not as bad as he thinks.
I think we all kinda' know what happens from there on? Without meaning to, Tanner & Ivy slowly begin to fall in love with each other. There is a lot of passion filled moments between these two, lots of tense situations between them, & a lot of love to be shown, but the question is, are either of them ready for it? ;)
Introducing Ivy. Small town girl, runs the family business, & lost her partner in a car crash. Ivy doesn't like anybody who tries to shut down her home & fantastic Christmas tree business, so when attractive but moody Tanner comes along, her defences are on guard.
Tanner? Tanner's childhood consisted of him & his mum moving about far too regularly, therefore he was never settled long enough to enjoy what Ivy would call, "a proper family Christmas". All family members seated around a huge dining table, presents under the tree, in fact, Tanner can't even recall whether there was ever a tree present. So when Tanner moves into his newly renovated home, he finds himself living next door to Santa's grotto. Christmas carols & holiday music being played repeatedly, gigantic Christmas trees growing just in view from his window, children screaming & laughing, he doesn't like it all. After a few complaints are made to the Sheriff, Tanner is certain he's going to get rid of the business next door, before he is rid of his sanity.
When Ivy finds about the new man in town who isn't too fond of her business, she decides to take action. Not in the violent way, oh no, she's putting on a disguise & going in for the kill.
Ivy decides to pose as a housekeeper in Tanner's home. Cooking, cleaning, & trying to gradually persuade him that the business she runs is not as bad as he thinks.
I think we all kinda' know what happens from there on? Without meaning to, Tanner & Ivy slowly begin to fall in love with each other. There is a lot of passion filled moments between these two, lots of tense situations between them, & a lot of love to be shown, but the question is, are either of them ready for it? ;)
September 13, 2021
Cinderella and the CEO was a great Christmas read.
Ivy and Tanner are total opposites. She loves Christmas. He hates it. But as the saying goes, opposites attract.
Ivy Holloway loves Christmas. She runs the Angel Christmas tree farm that has been with her family for generations. But because of her new neighbor, the powerful Tanner King, who always complained to the sheriff about her business, she could lose it. So she worked as his housekeeper, hoping she could win him over and make him realize that Christmas wasn't so bad after all while keeping her real identity. And she was almost there until she fell in love with him.
Tanner King... Hayy. I love the name. A solitary man, gorgeous, sexy, loner, doesn't trust people easily, and a total scrooge. He never had trouble with that self-imposed imperative until Ivy Holloway had come into his life.
Cinderella and the CEO is a heartwarming read. The romance between Tanner and Ivy had me sighing. If you love Christmas, a dog, and romance, pick this book and read it.
Ivy and Tanner are total opposites. She loves Christmas. He hates it. But as the saying goes, opposites attract.
Ivy Holloway loves Christmas. She runs the Angel Christmas tree farm that has been with her family for generations. But because of her new neighbor, the powerful Tanner King, who always complained to the sheriff about her business, she could lose it. So she worked as his housekeeper, hoping she could win him over and make him realize that Christmas wasn't so bad after all while keeping her real identity. And she was almost there until she fell in love with him.
Tanner King... Hayy. I love the name. A solitary man, gorgeous, sexy, loner, doesn't trust people easily, and a total scrooge. He never had trouble with that self-imposed imperative until Ivy Holloway had come into his life.
Cinderella and the CEO is a heartwarming read. The romance between Tanner and Ivy had me sighing. If you love Christmas, a dog, and romance, pick this book and read it.
July 26, 2013
Loved the main characters, they really were well developed. Now, hated the title because it really doesn't feel like it has anything to the with the book, but then, nothing to do about it. And then, my mind wandered and I was hoping Tanner showed his love for Ivy through the video game, so much for hoping...
October 11, 2010
I'm a sucker for the Kings series.
January 22, 2012
Because sometimes I need a little pointless, self-indulging romance. :)
October 28, 2013
very sweet one ! made me feel kind of dreamy;) dunt miss it
May 17, 2020
I was attracted to this book to read as a sample because of the title since Cinderella is my favourite fairy tale and I am a recent huge fan of Maureen's!
After the first few pages, I was hooked and wanted to read more of Ivy and Tanner's love story and so, I bought the book! Best decision ever!!
This was my first Kings of California book and I am SUPER EXCITED about reading the rest of this series.
I loved this story so much and was delighted with the twists and turns.
I really enjoyed the storyline and was intrigued to see how Ivy was going to get out of the entangled situation she had created. The chemistry between Ivy and Tanner was super hot and I enjoyed every delicious moment with them.
I highly recommend this book! It is a stand alone and you do not need to have read the previous books.
Thank YOU, Maureen, for having written this heartwarming and magical book!
After the first few pages, I was hooked and wanted to read more of Ivy and Tanner's love story and so, I bought the book! Best decision ever!!
This was my first Kings of California book and I am SUPER EXCITED about reading the rest of this series.
I loved this story so much and was delighted with the twists and turns.
I really enjoyed the storyline and was intrigued to see how Ivy was going to get out of the entangled situation she had created. The chemistry between Ivy and Tanner was super hot and I enjoyed every delicious moment with them.
I highly recommend this book! It is a stand alone and you do not need to have read the previous books.
Thank YOU, Maureen, for having written this heartwarming and magical book!
July 5, 2024
✅️〰️REGRESANDO A MIS "RAÍCES LECTORAS", FUE UNA DE ESTAS NOVELITAS LA QUE ME ATRAPÓ EN UNA FILA DE SUPERMERCADO INMENSA UNA VÍSPERA DE THANKSGIVING
✅️〰️PASÉ LA TARDE DEL 4 DE JULIO 2024 LEYENDO ESTA HISTORIA, NO ESTUVO MAL...MEMORIES 💘📚📕
✅️〰️PASÉ LA TARDE DEL 4 DE JULIO 2024 LEYENDO ESTA HISTORIA, NO ESTUVO MAL...MEMORIES 💘📚📕
June 12, 2017
Leído el 05/09/2012
December 12, 2022
Nice story. He is alone in his "castle". She is pretending she is not his noisy neighbour.
October 27, 2024
Tu vida se puede estar derrumbando por la presencia de un nuevo vecino solitario y gruñón que odia la navidad.
October 19, 2025
Love this series!!!!
April 27, 2016
Cinderella & the CEO is a story about video game designer Tanner King and christmas tree farm owner Ivy Holloway. Tanner moves in next door to Ivy's farm and immediately hates everything about the tree farm. His goal is to get the establishment shut down. Ivy can't let this happen. Not only is the farm her home and dream, she has plans for future developments to help the whole town. To try and get Tanner to see what a beautiful idea she has created, she begins working for Tanner as his housekeeper trying to get close to him but doesn't disclose to him who she really is. When Tanner finds out the truth will he be able to forgive her for lying to him, or will he push her away like everyone else?
I really hated giving this book 2 stars (It's probably more like 2.5 stars) because I did like it but I just thought it was OK. The main character Ivy was amazing, you fall in love with her right away. She doesn't want to lie but has to do something to save her home. Tanner King is someone that has to grow on you a little more. At the beginning he's exactly what the book calls him-scrooge. Later on though, he begins to open up, and you get to see another side (which I liked a lot more) of him. I almost wish there would have been more romance between the two. There seemed to be a lot of times when they weren't actually together and then in the end they actually hadn't known each other long at all.
I really hated giving this book 2 stars (It's probably more like 2.5 stars) because I did like it but I just thought it was OK. The main character Ivy was amazing, you fall in love with her right away. She doesn't want to lie but has to do something to save her home. Tanner King is someone that has to grow on you a little more. At the beginning he's exactly what the book calls him-scrooge. Later on though, he begins to open up, and you get to see another side (which I liked a lot more) of him. I almost wish there would have been more romance between the two. There seemed to be a lot of times when they weren't actually together and then in the end they actually hadn't known each other long at all.
September 6, 2011
For such a short read i felt the characters were developed well & the storyline was cute.
Tanner King wants peace & quiet as he designs new computer games unfortunatley the christmas tree farm next door, that he thought would be quiet isn't. Angel Christmas Tree farm has year round activities thanks to owner Ivy Holloway. So Tanner files complaints with the local sheriff about noise & complains to his best friend & lawyer Mitchell. To help Tanner notice he;s becoming a recluse/hermit Mitchell hires Ivy as Tanners housekeeper, without telling Tanner who she is.
I hoping this is a series...it mentions he has lots of half brotheres & cousins.
Tanner King wants peace & quiet as he designs new computer games unfortunatley the christmas tree farm next door, that he thought would be quiet isn't. Angel Christmas Tree farm has year round activities thanks to owner Ivy Holloway. So Tanner files complaints with the local sheriff about noise & complains to his best friend & lawyer Mitchell. To help Tanner notice he;s becoming a recluse/hermit Mitchell hires Ivy as Tanners housekeeper, without telling Tanner who she is.
I hoping this is a series...it mentions he has lots of half brotheres & cousins.
November 18, 2013
Creo que es cosa de un par de veces al año que me gusta leer algo cursi y pasteloso (sobre todo si es de Maureen Child o SEP) y disfrutarlo a conciencia.
En el día a día no soy mucho de romance, pero un par de veces al año me llega la nostalgia.
Los libros de Maureen son como un chocolate caro. Sabes que los disfrutas pero solo muy de vez en cuando.
En el día a día no soy mucho de romance, pero un par de veces al año me llega la nostalgia.
Los libros de Maureen son como un chocolate caro. Sabes que los disfrutas pero solo muy de vez en cuando.
May 11, 2014
3.5 I did't like how they fell in love in only 2 weeks. The romance books i've been reading have been going down in ratings. Anyone have any amazing romance books that make your heart flutter and not so typical story line boringness?
Read
December 23, 2014Miniseries: Kings of California
January 6, 2011
This was actually pretty good. I really liked the way Tanner's character developed over the course of the book. The ending was sweet.
August 20, 2011
Liked it.
November 11, 2014
4 stars
Loved the heroine. Hero wasn't that bad too and it's Christmas theme!
Loved the heroine. Hero wasn't that bad too and it's Christmas theme!
February 9, 2016
Although this was your typical Harlequin romance book I enjoyed reading it. I liked the premise of small town business girl bringing millionaire loner (that moves to small town) out of his shell.
September 20, 2010
Another satisfying Kings of California story from Maureen Child.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews