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The Cinderella Project #2
Love Me Tender
It was love at first sight…
When her Papa loses his job, indomitable Serafina Scott insists it’s her turn to take care of him – meaning landing a well-paying job…and fast. Which is how she ends up working for the Cinderella Project, a high-end matchmaking business, even though she’s certainly no expert on affairs of the heart. Until she meets Murdoch, the gruff builder restoring her extravagant new work place. He’s inscrutable, infuriating, and gorgeous…
Convincing them was a whole other matter.
Murdoch finds Sera confounding…and luminous. But beneath her firecracker exterior, she is dangerously soft-hearted, and the last thing she needs is a broken brute like him.
While Sera does her best to convince Murdoch that they are a match made in heaven, Murdoch makes it his mission to prove her wrong. Will it come down to who’s the most convincing…or who’s most willing to be convinced?
When her Papa loses his job, indomitable Serafina Scott insists it’s her turn to take care of him – meaning landing a well-paying job…and fast. Which is how she ends up working for the Cinderella Project, a high-end matchmaking business, even though she’s certainly no expert on affairs of the heart. Until she meets Murdoch, the gruff builder restoring her extravagant new work place. He’s inscrutable, infuriating, and gorgeous…
Convincing them was a whole other matter.
Murdoch finds Sera confounding…and luminous. But beneath her firecracker exterior, she is dangerously soft-hearted, and the last thing she needs is a broken brute like him.
While Sera does her best to convince Murdoch that they are a match made in heaven, Murdoch makes it his mission to prove her wrong. Will it come down to who’s the most convincing…or who’s most willing to be convinced?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2015
199 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Ally Blake
351 books224 followersAustralian romance author Ally Blake loves reading and strong coffee, porch swings and dappled sunshine, sparkly notebooks and soft, dark pencils.
She also adores writing love stories. Having sold over four million copies of her Harlequin Mills and Boon novels worldwide, she is living her dream.
Alongside one husband, three gloriously rambunctious kids, and too many animal companions to count, Ally lives and writes in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane.
Find out more about Ally’s books at www.allyblake.com.
She also adores writing love stories. Having sold over four million copies of her Harlequin Mills and Boon novels worldwide, she is living her dream.
Alongside one husband, three gloriously rambunctious kids, and too many animal companions to count, Ally lives and writes in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane.
Find out more about Ally’s books at www.allyblake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 10, 2015
This is the second book in the Cinderella Project series but the first one that I’ve read and it worked well as a standalone, too. It is a romance with a fairy godmother figure, Hazel, trying to help others - usually friends - to find true love.
This story is mainly concerned with Serafina Scott, a half-Italian, feisty, highly intelligent young lady who is trying to take care of her father by landing a well paid job, leaving her current PhD studies and university work. She’s also something of a tomboy, having been brought up from the age of 5 by her Dad and spending lots of time in the garage helping restore vintage cars. Her new job, just happens to be working for Hazel, helping set up the matchmaking business website and digital presence. It is here that she meets Justin Murdoch, the rugged, handsome, attractive builder currently working on the property for Hazel. Their attraction may well be instantaneous but he’s determined not to bring any romance involving him into the life of Hazel so is stubbornly determined to resist. Hazel, however, has other ideas and you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out how things work out!
It is a lovely tale to escape into and I recommend it to anyone who likes to read romances written with humour and a great range of characters.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me have an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review though I confess to accidentally deleting it after the book had been archived so I then bought myself a copy of the novel so I could still review it!
This story is mainly concerned with Serafina Scott, a half-Italian, feisty, highly intelligent young lady who is trying to take care of her father by landing a well paid job, leaving her current PhD studies and university work. She’s also something of a tomboy, having been brought up from the age of 5 by her Dad and spending lots of time in the garage helping restore vintage cars. Her new job, just happens to be working for Hazel, helping set up the matchmaking business website and digital presence. It is here that she meets Justin Murdoch, the rugged, handsome, attractive builder currently working on the property for Hazel. Their attraction may well be instantaneous but he’s determined not to bring any romance involving him into the life of Hazel so is stubbornly determined to resist. Hazel, however, has other ideas and you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out how things work out!
It is a lovely tale to escape into and I recommend it to anyone who likes to read romances written with humour and a great range of characters.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me have an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review though I confess to accidentally deleting it after the book had been archived so I then bought myself a copy of the novel so I could still review it!
August 1, 2019
Love Me Tender (The Cinderella Project Book 2)
The love story of Serafine and Murdoch. Can you run from love? Serafine and Murdoch both want to. Serafine give up collage to help her father and go to work for Helen who run the Cinderella Project. She met Murdoch, who want nothing to do with love. Can she won his heart? Great story.
The love story of Serafine and Murdoch. Can you run from love? Serafine and Murdoch both want to. Serafine give up collage to help her father and go to work for Helen who run the Cinderella Project. She met Murdoch, who want nothing to do with love. Can she won his heart? Great story.
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February 22, 2017Read the full review on Michelle K. Pickett's blog: These Words Tell a Story...
Super cute, feel-good romance with just the right amount of giggles and swoon. Recommend for those looking relatable characters who get their HEA.
Read more of my reviews, inlcuding this one, on my blog: These Words Tell a Story...
Super cute, feel-good romance with just the right amount of giggles and swoon. Recommend for those looking relatable characters who get their HEA.
Read more of my reviews, inlcuding this one, on my blog: These Words Tell a Story...
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Love Me Tender is such a charming, involved story. A story of the past and its hold over the present – and of a determined woman who sees possibilities where others see the impossible. Hazel is a flamboyant, outspoken and seemingly flighty seventy-something woman who is opening a matchmaking enterprise. She needs a website and Serafina can provide that quite easily. Since her father’s health issues, Sera knows she needs to bring in more income to their household.. The job with Hazel appears perfect – and even more perfect is the handsome builder who seems to have a special spot in Hazel’s heart already.
Sera and Murdoch’s romance is rocky at best. While there is a strong attraction between them, Murdoch will fight it tooth and nail. Because of an event in his past which involved Hazel’s granddaughter, he will not allow himself to open himself up to the possibility of love. And as Sera slowly finds herself falling deeper into love with him there seems to be no happy ending for them. Murdoch is one stubborn man whose met his match in an equally stubborn woman.
The past can hold onto us in the most illogical ways. This is what has happened to Murdoch. His misguided belief and determination to avoid love at any cost is a direct result of his past. Once he gets past that barrier he will finally find happiness. But it’s going to be a twisting and winding road to get him to that point. Love Me Tender is a sweet, engaging journey for a daughter and father, and a man and a friend to leave behind the past and move forward to a different, but no less satisfying future. There will be tears, frustrations, hurt feelings and intense joy. But ultimately each one is the only person to decide that they are worth… everything, from the right person.
I would highly recommend this story for any romance reader who loves an involved, complicated story that you could see easily being unfolded by your friends or even yourself. It’s a heartfelt journey to possibilities when we are brave enough to take the risks.
*I received an e-ARC of Love Me Tender from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Love Me Tender is such a charming, involved story. A story of the past and its hold over the present – and of a determined woman who sees possibilities where others see the impossible. Hazel is a flamboyant, outspoken and seemingly flighty seventy-something woman who is opening a matchmaking enterprise. She needs a website and Serafina can provide that quite easily. Since her father’s health issues, Sera knows she needs to bring in more income to their household.. The job with Hazel appears perfect – and even more perfect is the handsome builder who seems to have a special spot in Hazel’s heart already.
Sera and Murdoch’s romance is rocky at best. While there is a strong attraction between them, Murdoch will fight it tooth and nail. Because of an event in his past which involved Hazel’s granddaughter, he will not allow himself to open himself up to the possibility of love. And as Sera slowly finds herself falling deeper into love with him there seems to be no happy ending for them. Murdoch is one stubborn man whose met his match in an equally stubborn woman.
The past can hold onto us in the most illogical ways. This is what has happened to Murdoch. His misguided belief and determination to avoid love at any cost is a direct result of his past. Once he gets past that barrier he will finally find happiness. But it’s going to be a twisting and winding road to get him to that point. Love Me Tender is a sweet, engaging journey for a daughter and father, and a man and a friend to leave behind the past and move forward to a different, but no less satisfying future. There will be tears, frustrations, hurt feelings and intense joy. But ultimately each one is the only person to decide that they are worth… everything, from the right person.
I would highly recommend this story for any romance reader who loves an involved, complicated story that you could see easily being unfolded by your friends or even yourself. It’s a heartfelt journey to possibilities when we are brave enough to take the risks.
*I received an e-ARC of Love Me Tender from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
April 15, 2016
Once again, a book that features insta-love. The hero spends a lot of time moping around, talking about how he can't possibly give his heart to anyone else, and how he's had a hard life, blah blah blah. The heroine has the second sight (maybe? That seemed to come and go), but she doesn't want to allow herself to potentially be hurt. The more I think about it, the more this seems like a college writing exercise.
September 25, 2017
3.5 stars
September 23, 2023
An enjoyable love story between a young woman wanting to take care of her father and a broody contractor with a chip on his shoulder. It's a good read and good chemistry between the two leads.
February 18, 2025
First time reading this author. I only read 2.5 chapters because I found it very confusing. I will not leave a review on Amazon.
October 23, 2025
Chills!
I love books that have romance and excitement and is a page-turner from beginning to end! This is a good read, through and through!
I love books that have romance and excitement and is a page-turner from beginning to end! This is a good read, through and through!
October 21, 2015
3.5 stars. I’ve been a fan of Ally Blake for a few years and this book is full of her usual fare – a smart if slightly misfit heroine, a rugged hero and lots of quirky, fun goings on amongst the extended cast of characters to keep things interesting while the main pair resist falling in love.
Sera has several degrees but is a bit of tomboy. Her mother left when she was a small child and she was raised by her beloved father. Her childhood was full of cars and machinery and she would have been happy with that, except her father pushed her to go to university. She was pretty happy there too getting degree after degree, until her father’s health problems pushed her into the workplace. So you could say she’s a woman who likes to be comfortable and isn’t all that fond of taking risks – unless forced.
Which sort of explains her love life – she doesn’t really have one. Oh, she’s had boyfriends, but no one who makes her feel too deeply and never anyone who could rival her father for her deeper affections. And she’s happy with that. Or she was, until she met Murdoch and all her carefully tender ideas collapse in a heap. I like Sera, she’s smart and funny and determined when she sets her mind on something.
Murdoch I was less fond of. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy who’s worked hard to make his business a success after his father died. In fact Murdoch gave up his dreams of being an architect so that he could look after his mother and keep his brother going through university. He’s also got a lovely strong relationship with Sera’s boss, despite the sad history that connects them. But he’s also really annoying.
This is a love at first sight story that takes a really, really long time for the characters to actually get together. Mostly because Murdoch has issues. Those same issues got really irritating as he goes around and around in his head about them, encourages Sera closer, then pushes her away. He’s also quite inconsistent, in that he’ll make a decision and then apparently forget all about it by the next page. It all got a little drawn out and torturous and annoying for me. I couldn’t believe how many chances Sera gave him. Then again, she has her own moments of less than stellar behaviour, so they’re almost as bad as each other by the end.
And yet, despite that, I still enjoyed this book. Probably because of the fun side characters – the match-making boss, Murdoch’s flirty friend, Sera’s teenage neighbour, Sera’s wonderful Papa. Even when Murdoch was deep in his emotional flip-flopping there was always something else going on to keep me entertained.
So overall this wasn’t my favourite Ally Blake novel, but if you’re looking for a fun contemporary with interesting and entertaining characters, then you might enjoy this. I’ll certainly be catching up on the first in this series soon, while keeping my eye open for more.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Sera has several degrees but is a bit of tomboy. Her mother left when she was a small child and she was raised by her beloved father. Her childhood was full of cars and machinery and she would have been happy with that, except her father pushed her to go to university. She was pretty happy there too getting degree after degree, until her father’s health problems pushed her into the workplace. So you could say she’s a woman who likes to be comfortable and isn’t all that fond of taking risks – unless forced.
Which sort of explains her love life – she doesn’t really have one. Oh, she’s had boyfriends, but no one who makes her feel too deeply and never anyone who could rival her father for her deeper affections. And she’s happy with that. Or she was, until she met Murdoch and all her carefully tender ideas collapse in a heap. I like Sera, she’s smart and funny and determined when she sets her mind on something.
Murdoch I was less fond of. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy who’s worked hard to make his business a success after his father died. In fact Murdoch gave up his dreams of being an architect so that he could look after his mother and keep his brother going through university. He’s also got a lovely strong relationship with Sera’s boss, despite the sad history that connects them. But he’s also really annoying.
This is a love at first sight story that takes a really, really long time for the characters to actually get together. Mostly because Murdoch has issues. Those same issues got really irritating as he goes around and around in his head about them, encourages Sera closer, then pushes her away. He’s also quite inconsistent, in that he’ll make a decision and then apparently forget all about it by the next page. It all got a little drawn out and torturous and annoying for me. I couldn’t believe how many chances Sera gave him. Then again, she has her own moments of less than stellar behaviour, so they’re almost as bad as each other by the end.
And yet, despite that, I still enjoyed this book. Probably because of the fun side characters – the match-making boss, Murdoch’s flirty friend, Sera’s teenage neighbour, Sera’s wonderful Papa. Even when Murdoch was deep in his emotional flip-flopping there was always something else going on to keep me entertained.
So overall this wasn’t my favourite Ally Blake novel, but if you’re looking for a fun contemporary with interesting and entertaining characters, then you might enjoy this. I’ll certainly be catching up on the first in this series soon, while keeping my eye open for more.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
October 16, 2015
Love Me Tender by Ally Blake
It was love at first sight…
When her Papa loses his job, indomitable Serafina Scott insists it’s her turn to take care of him – meaning landing a well-paying job…and fast. Which is how she ends up working for the Cinderella Project, a high-end matchmaking business, even though she’s certainly no expert on affairs of the heart. Until she meets Murdoch, the gruff builder restoring her extravagant new work place. He’s inscrutable, infuriating, and gorgeous…
Convincing them was a whole other matter.
Murdoch finds Sera confounding…and luminous. But beneath her firecracker exterior, she is dangerously soft-hearted, and the last thing she needs is a broken brute like him.
While Sera does her best to convince Murdoch that they are a match made in heaven, Murdoch makes it his mission to prove her wrong. Will it come down to who’s the most convincing…or who’s most willing to be convinced?
how did Serafina and Murdoch meet?
what job does Murdoch do?
why does Serafina get a job?
do you like the cover for Love Me Tender by Ally Blake?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
will Serafina and Murdoch be more than friends?
Serafina boss Hazel try to set her up with what man?
The name of the business where Serafina is working?
I got a free advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love Me Tender by Ally Blake is a 4 star book.
Ally's Books with Tule: Kiss Me Quick
Honeymoon
Love Me Tender
The Cinderella Project
If you enjoyed Love Me Tender, you’ll love the other Cinderella Project stories!
Book 1: Kiss Me Quick
Get Now!
Book 2: Love Me Tender
Book 3: Tell Me True
Book 4: Hold me Now
It was love at first sight…
When her Papa loses his job, indomitable Serafina Scott insists it’s her turn to take care of him – meaning landing a well-paying job…and fast. Which is how she ends up working for the Cinderella Project, a high-end matchmaking business, even though she’s certainly no expert on affairs of the heart. Until she meets Murdoch, the gruff builder restoring her extravagant new work place. He’s inscrutable, infuriating, and gorgeous…
Convincing them was a whole other matter.
Murdoch finds Sera confounding…and luminous. But beneath her firecracker exterior, she is dangerously soft-hearted, and the last thing she needs is a broken brute like him.
While Sera does her best to convince Murdoch that they are a match made in heaven, Murdoch makes it his mission to prove her wrong. Will it come down to who’s the most convincing…or who’s most willing to be convinced?
how did Serafina and Murdoch meet?
what job does Murdoch do?
why does Serafina get a job?
do you like the cover for Love Me Tender by Ally Blake?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
will Serafina and Murdoch be more than friends?
Serafina boss Hazel try to set her up with what man?
The name of the business where Serafina is working?
I got a free advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love Me Tender by Ally Blake is a 4 star book.
Ally's Books with Tule: Kiss Me Quick
Honeymoon
Love Me Tender
The Cinderella Project
If you enjoyed Love Me Tender, you’ll love the other Cinderella Project stories!
Book 1: Kiss Me Quick
Get Now!
Book 2: Love Me Tender
Book 3: Tell Me True
Book 4: Hold me Now
November 9, 2015
Serafina is taking a break from UNI and getting a good job to help her dad, she knows its time that something needs to change but she also knows that when it comes to her dad she better come up with a reason why other then the truth or this won't fly. When she get a job with the sassy Hazel she knows that love is not for everyone but she will do her best to help Hazel have the greatest matchmaking firm. Only thing is she is running from her past and is faced with a choice that can change everything she thought love was, is she willing to accept that or will she allow her past to predict her future? Murdoch is running from a past and he knows it can't go on forever. He has a successful company and loves his job, he loves Hazel and he knows she up to something but he's not sure what until the beautiful Sera walks in and he know he needs to put a stop to this madness before it starts. Will he be able to continue living with this hanging over his head and enjoy life or will secrets and guilt finally ruin the best thing to ever crash into his life?
This book has some fun and crazy characters in it. I really enjoyed the sub characters, Guy, Hazel and Macy I found that they were fun and enjoyable and their personalities really shined through. I did however feel the main characters kind of lacked that sometimes which in these moments made the book kind of drag a little. Over all the story was a really fun and short read. The storyline flowed really well and was well written and the chemistry came off the pages when it was there. I would say this is really a 3.5 almost four star.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
This book has some fun and crazy characters in it. I really enjoyed the sub characters, Guy, Hazel and Macy I found that they were fun and enjoyable and their personalities really shined through. I did however feel the main characters kind of lacked that sometimes which in these moments made the book kind of drag a little. Over all the story was a really fun and short read. The storyline flowed really well and was well written and the chemistry came off the pages when it was there. I would say this is really a 3.5 almost four star.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
August 28, 2016
A joy as always with Ally Blake’s novels.
When Serafina learns her dear dad is in financial trouble, she takes a job setting up a website for aspiring matchmaker Hazel, which puts Sera in the path of the guy doing the remodel on Hazel’s office space, Murdoch. Maybe the conflict keeping them apart could have been a touch stronger, but I didn’t think the book really needed it, there’s plenty of flirty tension between the two, along with humor and heart.
I really enjoyed Sera’s arc, it’s a subtle sort of coming of age even though she’s already deep into her twenties. Her quirky fashion sense, particularly her footwear also spoke quite loudly to my love of that sort of thing in books. As for Murdoch, he’s just the right amount of gruff to mix it up nicely with the bubbliness all around him.
If you’re into heavy drama, this might not be for you, but there’s something about Ally Blake’s voice that I adore. It makes me think of writers like Amy Sherman-Palladino or Aaron Sorkin in the sense that you’d recognize it as their writing even if their name wasn’t attached, there’s such a distinct style and rhythm to it, in Ally’s case her rhythm is bright and bouncy, and I know when I open one of her books it’s pretty much guaranteed to lift my spirits. Plus, I just don’t know many other authors who could make a tea cup and a coffee mug sharing shelf space feel like one of the most romantic things.
When Serafina learns her dear dad is in financial trouble, she takes a job setting up a website for aspiring matchmaker Hazel, which puts Sera in the path of the guy doing the remodel on Hazel’s office space, Murdoch. Maybe the conflict keeping them apart could have been a touch stronger, but I didn’t think the book really needed it, there’s plenty of flirty tension between the two, along with humor and heart.
I really enjoyed Sera’s arc, it’s a subtle sort of coming of age even though she’s already deep into her twenties. Her quirky fashion sense, particularly her footwear also spoke quite loudly to my love of that sort of thing in books. As for Murdoch, he’s just the right amount of gruff to mix it up nicely with the bubbliness all around him.
If you’re into heavy drama, this might not be for you, but there’s something about Ally Blake’s voice that I adore. It makes me think of writers like Amy Sherman-Palladino or Aaron Sorkin in the sense that you’d recognize it as their writing even if their name wasn’t attached, there’s such a distinct style and rhythm to it, in Ally’s case her rhythm is bright and bouncy, and I know when I open one of her books it’s pretty much guaranteed to lift my spirits. Plus, I just don’t know many other authors who could make a tea cup and a coffee mug sharing shelf space feel like one of the most romantic things.
April 25, 2016
I enjoyed this book overall. I really liked sera because she's unique and has an actual personality and is sweet and fun. I also love that she wasn't afraid to really go after Murdoch because she likes him. Ah, breath of fresh air. A girl who knows what she wants and ACTS on it! You go girl. I liked Murdoch too. Though He was the one who was getting a little annoying what with the whole self depreciation and feeling that he doesn't deserve to be happy and all that kind of nonsense that keeps their relationship at bay. But at the same time it actually gave the book some heart renching moments. Sera would go after him and he'd push her away. But then he'd want to be with her again and couldn't help the passion between them and they'd get together again so that gave the story some good ups and downs and made him more real because he wasn't this perfect person. He had flaws. It did get a bit tedious though. So there were a lot of good things with this book. But it was also a little bit boring and a little bit lacking in depth. I wish they would have gotten to know each other better and slower instead of just instantly liking each other. The book is so short that this part was rushed. But Not horribly rushed and not quite insta love so it made it tolerable. It's a good read for the most part.
December 1, 2015
Love Me Tender has been a pure delight to read. Clearly written with Ally Blake's tongue firmly in her cheek it is packed with humour and witty dialogue from start to finish! But there's more to this book, with both lead characters bringing plenty of baggage to their relationship.
Serafina Scott has been raised by her Italian father since the age of five after her mother walked out on them. Her dad has had a workplace injury and Sera feels it is her duty to postpone her postgraduate studies, get a job and help support him. She's warm, passionate and talented, embracing life with both hands though worried about money and how she's going to keep supporting her dad.
Justin Murdoch has been looking after his family since dropping out of his architecture studies at university after his father's death. He's since become a builder and has developed a successful company with an enviable portfolio of highly regarded completed projects. He also has a strong aversion to getting involved, something he's lived with since the death of his girlfriend five years ago as he's always felt responsible for her accident.
Enter matchmaking fairy godmother Hazel and you have a touch of bling as she works her magic, makes these two face their demons and take a chance on each other.
Serafina Scott has been raised by her Italian father since the age of five after her mother walked out on them. Her dad has had a workplace injury and Sera feels it is her duty to postpone her postgraduate studies, get a job and help support him. She's warm, passionate and talented, embracing life with both hands though worried about money and how she's going to keep supporting her dad.
Justin Murdoch has been looking after his family since dropping out of his architecture studies at university after his father's death. He's since become a builder and has developed a successful company with an enviable portfolio of highly regarded completed projects. He also has a strong aversion to getting involved, something he's lived with since the death of his girlfriend five years ago as he's always felt responsible for her accident.
Enter matchmaking fairy godmother Hazel and you have a touch of bling as she works her magic, makes these two face their demons and take a chance on each other.
May 6, 2016
Dave Cousins owns The Wild Rose Inn. He has a young daughter robin who stays with him on occasion. His fiancee Anita had died three years ago but Dave still hasn’t gotten over it. The night clerk told Dave about a young woman he had put in a room the night before as she had passed out from exhaustion. Her name was Cassidy. Dave learned later that morning when she came down looking for caffeine. Cassidy lived a gypsy lifestyle and loved it. Her parents had soured her on the idea of marriage and family. Cassidy and Dave were attracted to each other but Dave didn’t do casual sex and he felt his heart died with Anita. But Cassidy and Dave did start a casual affair. But then Cassidy left when she found out she was sick with a disease.
I liked this story a lot. It had a lot of growth and healing in it.I laughed at some parts and shed a couple of tears in others.It was a different take with the woman going from place to place and only doing casual relationships as Cassidy felt the need or desire to move on and the man in a very settled life style. I loved the characters of Dave and Cassidy and all the twists and turns they go through. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I liked this story a lot. It had a lot of growth and healing in it.I laughed at some parts and shed a couple of tears in others.It was a different take with the woman going from place to place and only doing casual relationships as Cassidy felt the need or desire to move on and the man in a very settled life style. I loved the characters of Dave and Cassidy and all the twists and turns they go through. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
October 14, 2015
A fun book with quirky characters that leave you craving more
When Serafina Scott takes a job working at a new matchmaking business, she didn't expect her boss would try to set her up with the sexy contractor renovating the house. She is drawn to Justin Murdoch like she has never been to any other man in her life.
Murdoch has known Hazel for a long time and he would do anything for her. But he isn't ready to date anyone yet. When he discovers Hazel's plan of fixing him up with Sera, he flat out refuses even though he can't keep his eyes off the girl.
How far will Hazel go in order to see Sera and Murdoch in a relationship?
This entertaining story was a lot of fun to read. I liked how forward Sera was when she decided she wanted Murdoch. He was stubborn and fought the feelings he had for Sera a bit longer than I thought necessary. But in the end it all made sense. It was hard won love for them both.
When Serafina Scott takes a job working at a new matchmaking business, she didn't expect her boss would try to set her up with the sexy contractor renovating the house. She is drawn to Justin Murdoch like she has never been to any other man in her life.
Murdoch has known Hazel for a long time and he would do anything for her. But he isn't ready to date anyone yet. When he discovers Hazel's plan of fixing him up with Sera, he flat out refuses even though he can't keep his eyes off the girl.
How far will Hazel go in order to see Sera and Murdoch in a relationship?
This entertaining story was a lot of fun to read. I liked how forward Sera was when she decided she wanted Murdoch. He was stubborn and fought the feelings he had for Sera a bit longer than I thought necessary. But in the end it all made sense. It was hard won love for them both.
October 17, 2015
What a cute story! Serafina Scott was single-handedly raised by her loving father and knows it is time to give back to him. He has been unable to work and they are about to lose their home. She leaves her PhD program and tutoring job at the university to pursue a career in web design. Her first job is with Hazel Hamilton-Hayes who is starting a match-making business designed around old-style ways. Unfortunately, Sera has no idea that she is the first guinea pig for the project. Justin Murdoch, contractor and friend to Hazel, is the second guinea pig. He is working to make Hazel’s home to make it an office/meeting area for the business.
Both Sera and Murdoch are very attracted to each other but Murdoch has definite reasons to try and nip the whole thing in the bud. Good luck with that!
Both Sera and Murdoch are very attracted to each other but Murdoch has definite reasons to try and nip the whole thing in the bud. Good luck with that!
October 26, 2015
I enjoyed Love Me tender, it's a quick, fun and flirty read about two people who aren't looking, but find a love they can't deny in each other.
Serafina is a graphic designer and marketing specialist while Murdoch is a former architecture student turned construction company owner. They have great chemistry together, but Murdoch isn't ready for love and Serafina, still not over her mother's abandonment days before her 5th birthday, is afraid to put herself in a position to be left again.
The h and H have great support from all corners and only need to get out of their own ways in order to secure their forever love. Hint: They have a HEA in their future.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Serafina is a graphic designer and marketing specialist while Murdoch is a former architecture student turned construction company owner. They have great chemistry together, but Murdoch isn't ready for love and Serafina, still not over her mother's abandonment days before her 5th birthday, is afraid to put herself in a position to be left again.
The h and H have great support from all corners and only need to get out of their own ways in order to secure their forever love. Hint: They have a HEA in their future.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 11, 2017
I received an advance reader copy through Netgalley.
Love Me Tender is a cute story with fun, slightly quirky characters and is the second book in the Cinderella Project series. The story follows Serafina Scott, a feisty and intelligent young woman who lands a good job as a digital marketing consultant for a high-end matchmaking business. There she meets a hunky construction owner, Justin Murdoch. They are instantly attracted to one another and Hazel, Serafina's boss decides they'd be a match made in heaven.
This was not my favourite of Ally Blake's romances. I prefer the books she's written for Harlequin Kiss. At times I found this story to be a little slow, but I like how she's written a strong, independent female character. I think I'll give this series another go.
Love Me Tender is a cute story with fun, slightly quirky characters and is the second book in the Cinderella Project series. The story follows Serafina Scott, a feisty and intelligent young woman who lands a good job as a digital marketing consultant for a high-end matchmaking business. There she meets a hunky construction owner, Justin Murdoch. They are instantly attracted to one another and Hazel, Serafina's boss decides they'd be a match made in heaven.
This was not my favourite of Ally Blake's romances. I prefer the books she's written for Harlequin Kiss. At times I found this story to be a little slow, but I like how she's written a strong, independent female character. I think I'll give this series another go.
August 13, 2016
Serafina Scott's new job takes her, quite literally, in new directions that she's completely unprepared for, not least when she finds out that it's actually at a brand new matchmaking agency run by an old woman with her own agenda and done up by a mysterious but hot builder whose relationship with her boss goes deeper than building plans.
A quirky, fun and a light-hearted read, 'Love Me Tender' is classic Ally Blake, witty and persuasively written (even if I find it hard to believe men sound that quirky) with characters who put themselves out in their own way and find themselves richer by the end of it.
*ARC by netgalley
(and I'm ever grateful, mind)
A quirky, fun and a light-hearted read, 'Love Me Tender' is classic Ally Blake, witty and persuasively written (even if I find it hard to believe men sound that quirky) with characters who put themselves out in their own way and find themselves richer by the end of it.
*ARC by netgalley
(and I'm ever grateful, mind)
October 29, 2015
This was a fun story. It started out a bit slow, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it.
Sera gegts a new job working for an eccentric woman designing a website for her new company. Turns out it is for a matchmaking company. Murdoch happens to be doing renovations at the business as well, and when Sera and Murdoch meet, sparks fly but they both try to deny the feelings.
As I mentioned, once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. The characters were fun and quirky. It was just the first couple of chapters that didn't really grab me as fast as I like. But it was still a good book and I'm very glad I read it.
Sera gegts a new job working for an eccentric woman designing a website for her new company. Turns out it is for a matchmaking company. Murdoch happens to be doing renovations at the business as well, and when Sera and Murdoch meet, sparks fly but they both try to deny the feelings.
As I mentioned, once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. The characters were fun and quirky. It was just the first couple of chapters that didn't really grab me as fast as I like. But it was still a good book and I'm very glad I read it.
November 22, 2015
It seems that grandmother or godmother Hazel is opening a matchmaking site. It looks as if she has also decided that Sera and Murdoch will get her help whether they want it or not. Love Me Tender by Ally Blake is simply a fun, lighthearted read. The older folks in the story are as interesting as the younger ones.
A busybody older woman, a stubborn hunk and a wonderful woman round out this tale of love among the unwilling and unconvinced. The pace is quick, the characters lovable and like Hazel you just want to wave a magic wand over Sera and Murdoch. What a hoot!
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
A busybody older woman, a stubborn hunk and a wonderful woman round out this tale of love among the unwilling and unconvinced. The pace is quick, the characters lovable and like Hazel you just want to wave a magic wand over Sera and Murdoch. What a hoot!
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
October 20, 2015
This wonderfully charming story will lighten your heart and leave you smiling. It's beautifully written with strong entertaining characters. Definitely one you should grab for an afternoon of relaxation and entertainment.
I adored Hazel. The incredibly wise meddling woman who hires Serafina Scott to help her get her website and computer systems up and running for her new matchmaking service. She knows if she can get her friend and contractor Murdoch to slow down enough to get to know Serafina, sparks and love will fly! Will her plan work or go up in flames??
I highly recommend this one!
I adored Hazel. The incredibly wise meddling woman who hires Serafina Scott to help her get her website and computer systems up and running for her new matchmaking service. She knows if she can get her friend and contractor Murdoch to slow down enough to get to know Serafina, sparks and love will fly! Will her plan work or go up in flames??
I highly recommend this one!
October 28, 2015
Hazel is looking for a Digital Branding Consultant. Serafina is looking for a different job and answers the ad. She gets a feeling that this is the job for her. Construction is going on in the house while Serafina is working for Hazel. Justin Murdoch and his company are working on Hazel's house. Electricity flows between Justin and Serafina when they are near. This story was pretty boring, the characters weren't engaging (except for Hazel) and there were several times that this story could have turned around and shone but it never reached that level.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2016
I've long been a fan of Ally Blake's writing style and Love Me Tender doesn't let me down. This is a cute story of a Klutzy woman who runs up against an immovable object- namely carpenter, Murdoch.
The premise is well thought out and the story has plenty of sweet, tender moments as well as lots of laugh-out-loud times.
If you're looking for a light-hearted tale with some undercurrents to keep things interesting, this is the story for you.
I give Love Me Tender 4 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
http://jacqbiggar.com
The premise is well thought out and the story has plenty of sweet, tender moments as well as lots of laugh-out-loud times.
If you're looking for a light-hearted tale with some undercurrents to keep things interesting, this is the story for you.
I give Love Me Tender 4 lovely kisses
First posted on It's All About the Romance
http://jacqbiggar.com
February 1, 2017
New Years is a time for renewal, a fresh start. That is just want April is looking for when she joins the Cinderella Project to help groom her for the promotion she wants. Finn is a loner who needs no one. He doesn't form many attachments and is ready to take off at any moment if his past starts to catch up with him. She is the ultimate good girl looking to be a little bad and he is a reformed bad boy. Despite being opposites they just click. When Finn finally realizes that April has faith in him he finds the faith in himself he was always missing. Love this story.
October 16, 2015
Serafina Scott meets Justin Murdoch when she applies for a website designer job working for Hazel Hamilton-Hayes , and a sweet little love developes between the two of them, but Murdoch can't admit to it or commit to it.
Characters are so well written, and Hazel and Sera's dad are such differant , interesting people, you will be charmed.
The setting is Sydney and its Spring, the best time to fall in love.
Looking forward to more of The Cinderella Project books.
Characters are so well written, and Hazel and Sera's dad are such differant , interesting people, you will be charmed.
The setting is Sydney and its Spring, the best time to fall in love.
Looking forward to more of The Cinderella Project books.
December 22, 2015
Too good to be true but an irresistible story always is. Love Me Tender centers around Serafina Scott is a girl who may not have much but gives of herself by facing life's obstacles with optimism and determination. I enjoy reading stories about people being blessed in surprising ways. This was a story like that. With Love me Tender Ally BLAKE showed a what a good heart, optimism and a helping hand can do. A little secret matchmaking doesn't hurt.
October 16, 2015
I love a book that makes me laugh on the first pages and makes me cry when I get into the nitty gritty of the story, and this book did both. This is a great story of people who value their families above all else, even themselves. Ywt, the lessons they need to learn is that it is ok to put yourself first so you can love and live the life you were meant to.
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