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Arrangement #1
The Cinderella Arrangement
Fake Cinderella. Real Romance. Luke Pardini is many playboy, tabloid fodder, ridiculously attractive billionaire. He’s the Prince Charming every woman dreams of. And he wants me to be his fake girlfriend. I don't want a relationship, even a make-believe one, but I do need the money. Writing isn't paying the bills, and I hardly have time for a second job, let alone a romance. But he's offering me a dream-come true. I'll get the fancy dresses, the formal dinners, the full Luke Pardini experience. I get to be Cinderella for a few weeks, then I'll trade in the shoes. No problem, right? Except I don’t have to pretend when he touches me, but he’s made it clear I only get to play his girlfriend for a few weeks. When midnight strikes, our Cinderella Arrangement is over. He promised the arrangement would be simple. I promised I wouldn’t fall in love. Author's The Cinderella Arrangement was previously published as Break and Crash. The books have been re-edited and some elements of the story changed. Both stories are standalone novels with HEAs.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2016
1379 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Waltz
36 books1,488 followersVanessa Waltz is an author of Dark Bad Boy Romance and lives in Seattle with her two ill-behaved cats.
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.
Vanessa is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Email: info@vanessawaltzbooks.com
Website: www.vanessawaltzbooks.com
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2JQ4PZ9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JQ7i5R
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
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June 20, 2016DNF.
Fueled by desperation, Jessica signs up on a "sugar daddy" program online. Luke Pardini, a famous billionaire in his late twenties, enlists her help to pretend to be his girlfriend to avoid disownment from his dying father.
The obvious need for more editing was quite distracting and it was too fast-paced for my taste. One moment, they were strangers, the next, Jessica's declaring her love. It was hard to get attached to their relationship, since it's seemingly driven by lust alone. The characters were too confusing as well. I didn't know whether Jessica was naive or a woman whose decisions are influenced by her libido. Luke's personality fell flat, too.
This book wasn't for me.
Fueled by desperation, Jessica signs up on a "sugar daddy" program online. Luke Pardini, a famous billionaire in his late twenties, enlists her help to pretend to be his girlfriend to avoid disownment from his dying father.
The obvious need for more editing was quite distracting and it was too fast-paced for my taste. One moment, they were strangers, the next, Jessica's declaring her love. It was hard to get attached to their relationship, since it's seemingly driven by lust alone. The characters were too confusing as well. I didn't know whether Jessica was naive or a woman whose decisions are influenced by her libido. Luke's personality fell flat, too.
This book wasn't for me.
January 14, 2018
OH MY GOD! What did I just listen to?!?
Okay, yes, this was an audio book and yes I did probably get this book due to the cover and the title. AND NO, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS BOOK WAS ACTUALLY ABOUT.
First, Jessica ... oh JESSICA, AN ESCORT?!?! REALLY?!? LE SIGH! I just couldn't accept her as an MC. Like, she couldn't get another job?! I'm sure McDonald's was hiring. But no, she goes and signs up on a sugar daddy website or some other type of crap. Now I have nothing against people aspiring to be an Escort. You do you. I just don't want that as my job. And I didn't like her because of her desperation for money, no I just didn't like her for her.
Before I go into a rant about this book I should probably mention the billionaire (AKA SUGAR DADDY) in this book: Luke. So he hires her to be his "girlfriend" and all that jazz. I didn't hate the guy persay, I just didn't like him for him either.
I didn't care about the storyline or the characters. I was so confused that they went from hating each other and being strangers to loving each other?!?! It's reasons like this that I hate insta-love stories. I just wanted to reach into book and bitch slap the both of them. Then strangle them.
I'm happy this book is over. I probably wont read or listen to the next one. UNLESS it's not about them - then maybe.
Okay, yes, this was an audio book and yes I did probably get this book due to the cover and the title. AND NO, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT THIS BOOK WAS ACTUALLY ABOUT.
First, Jessica ... oh JESSICA, AN ESCORT?!?! REALLY?!? LE SIGH! I just couldn't accept her as an MC. Like, she couldn't get another job?! I'm sure McDonald's was hiring. But no, she goes and signs up on a sugar daddy website or some other type of crap. Now I have nothing against people aspiring to be an Escort. You do you. I just don't want that as my job. And I didn't like her because of her desperation for money, no I just didn't like her for her.
Before I go into a rant about this book I should probably mention the billionaire (AKA SUGAR DADDY) in this book: Luke. So he hires her to be his "girlfriend" and all that jazz. I didn't hate the guy persay, I just didn't like him for him either.
I didn't care about the storyline or the characters. I was so confused that they went from hating each other and being strangers to loving each other?!?! It's reasons like this that I hate insta-love stories. I just wanted to reach into book and bitch slap the both of them. Then strangle them.
I'm happy this book is over. I probably wont read or listen to the next one. UNLESS it's not about them - then maybe.
June 6, 2016
A bundle with two stories in one -
Jessica´s facing trouble, no money, no job and no prospects, when the answer comes along a billionaire escort page. Not having anything to lose, Jessica signs up, and the first proper inquiry she gets turns out to be the start of something incredible, and soon Jessica is living the dream. If it only could be real.
Luke needs a girlfriend quick, to appease his dying father, and secure his inheritance, so hiring a girlfriend is the perfect answer. He never expected to meet someone who tempts him like Jessica does, though. What will happen when time´s up?
Natalie´s longterm relationship ended when her fiancée betrayed her best friend, and now months after the break up Natalie´s still grieving. When she´s layed off from work it all becomes too much, but rescue isn´t far away. When an offer too good to refuse comes along, she just has to accept.
That it will take her on a trip through Europe with a gorgeous billionaire is just icing on the cake. Now not to give in to temptation, though..
Will knew that offering the project to Natalie would have them up close and personal for a good while, and he wanted it, but he never expected Natalie to get under his skin as well.
Can he let her see what he´s been hiding for all to see?
Contemporary romance, feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica´s facing trouble, no money, no job and no prospects, when the answer comes along a billionaire escort page. Not having anything to lose, Jessica signs up, and the first proper inquiry she gets turns out to be the start of something incredible, and soon Jessica is living the dream. If it only could be real.
Luke needs a girlfriend quick, to appease his dying father, and secure his inheritance, so hiring a girlfriend is the perfect answer. He never expected to meet someone who tempts him like Jessica does, though. What will happen when time´s up?
Natalie´s longterm relationship ended when her fiancée betrayed her best friend, and now months after the break up Natalie´s still grieving. When she´s layed off from work it all becomes too much, but rescue isn´t far away. When an offer too good to refuse comes along, she just has to accept.
That it will take her on a trip through Europe with a gorgeous billionaire is just icing on the cake. Now not to give in to temptation, though..
Will knew that offering the project to Natalie would have them up close and personal for a good while, and he wanted it, but he never expected Natalie to get under his skin as well.
Can he let her see what he´s been hiding for all to see?
Contemporary romance, feelings and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 26, 2016Part one bored me and part two irritated me. What a bunch of unlikeable characters. I can't believe I wasted my time reading this. Part one was bad when it was released on its own but to bundle it with part two was just cruel.
February 22, 2018
Listened to this one on audio when I was testing out the Audible Romance package, and it was flawed to say the least. I kept going for some reason -- something to do while doing other things, I guess -- but for a romance, it's really lacking in chemistry for all of the individuals involved (there are essentially 2 couples and stories in this).
I may end up reviewing it more fully, if I feel like giving it the time, but for now, it's a mostly cheesy, fluffy, not entirely horrible to listen to throwaway.
I may end up reviewing it more fully, if I feel like giving it the time, but for now, it's a mostly cheesy, fluffy, not entirely horrible to listen to throwaway.
July 23, 2018
Jessica has hit rock bottom, no matter how hard she works or tries to make a career out of her degree she is fighting an uphill battle. When she finds out about being a "date" for money, her desperation takes over. Fortunately she ends up with Luke Pardini, a man who is trying to please his never pleased father. All Jessica has to do is pretend to be Luke's girlfriend, but what happens when her heart enters the picture?
This was a fun read, if you are looking for something light this is one to pick up. I am curious about Jessica's roommate story which you get a glimpse of in this book. Checking out more in the series.
This was a fun read, if you are looking for something light this is one to pick up. I am curious about Jessica's roommate story which you get a glimpse of in this book. Checking out more in the series.
June 15, 2016
I don't know what to feel about this book. It started out right, and I was intrigued. But it was hard to finish once I got through to a few chapters.
It was too fast. Not that much connection at all between the characters when they got serious. And for the heroine to have suffered that past wasn't really related much to the book. It was just that, a past she keeps thinking about but it eventually faded into the background and was overwhelmed by the issues of the hero instead.
And can I sat that the hero's issues are a bit fucked up? I mean, if your father does not want to give you money and a job, go find one somewhere else and make your own money right? You have the name, and the ideas, surely someone will give you the time of day.... I guess I was waiting for that light bulb moment to go through his head, but I was disappointed.
The ending was a bit rushed and I don't think much was resolved in the end. So that's that.
-----
After reading the first installment, I was wondering who Natalie will end up with since Ben was a nasty piece of work even from the first book. So I thought it will be just a friend of Luke's. It turns out, it will be his cousin! So I was looking forward to it from the start. To say their family is very strange is putting it mildly.
I loved a lot of things about this book. The way they met. The way he was chasing the heroine from the start. Their chemistry. The well thought of issues and the way they put those to rest at the end. The way they were trying to avoid a physical relationship at first but failing the way. And the ending, of course.
But there are also shortcomings, I think. A lot of things were strange with this book. Will's mother. His job. The heroine's monologues. And the issue with the media and Ben. As much as I hate drunk driving and rich people covering people up, I hate the media even more for twisting and covering some thing's up.
I didn't like how they resolved the issue. They settled, sure - but where was the justice? I was looking for that in the book, but again, I was disappointed.
---
Overall, both books were okay. I wanted more since it was a bit fast, but they ended good.
The bonus about their family was good too, that they were mending. I was hoping to read about some insight whether the goal of Will's father really was that, to liquidate their own empire, but in the end it wasn't stated in the book what happened.
It was too fast. Not that much connection at all between the characters when they got serious. And for the heroine to have suffered that past wasn't really related much to the book. It was just that, a past she keeps thinking about but it eventually faded into the background and was overwhelmed by the issues of the hero instead.
And can I sat that the hero's issues are a bit fucked up? I mean, if your father does not want to give you money and a job, go find one somewhere else and make your own money right? You have the name, and the ideas, surely someone will give you the time of day.... I guess I was waiting for that light bulb moment to go through his head, but I was disappointed.
The ending was a bit rushed and I don't think much was resolved in the end. So that's that.
-----
After reading the first installment, I was wondering who Natalie will end up with since Ben was a nasty piece of work even from the first book. So I thought it will be just a friend of Luke's. It turns out, it will be his cousin! So I was looking forward to it from the start. To say their family is very strange is putting it mildly.
I loved a lot of things about this book. The way they met. The way he was chasing the heroine from the start. Their chemistry. The well thought of issues and the way they put those to rest at the end. The way they were trying to avoid a physical relationship at first but failing the way. And the ending, of course.
But there are also shortcomings, I think. A lot of things were strange with this book. Will's mother. His job. The heroine's monologues. And the issue with the media and Ben. As much as I hate drunk driving and rich people covering people up, I hate the media even more for twisting and covering some thing's up.
I didn't like how they resolved the issue. They settled, sure - but where was the justice? I was looking for that in the book, but again, I was disappointed.
---
Overall, both books were okay. I wanted more since it was a bit fast, but they ended good.
The bonus about their family was good too, that they were mending. I was hoping to read about some insight whether the goal of Will's father really was that, to liquidate their own empire, but in the end it wasn't stated in the book what happened.
January 13, 2018
So bad. So so bad!
The “author” doesn’t even know the difference between “then” and “than”. Lots of sentences that made no sense whatsoever.
Why do people with a poor grasp of language want to write? I don’t get it.
The characters were not only unlikable, but unbelievable.
The “author” doesn’t even know the difference between “then” and “than”. Lots of sentences that made no sense whatsoever.
Why do people with a poor grasp of language want to write? I don’t get it.
The characters were not only unlikable, but unbelievable.
Want to read
January 6, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/6/2018)! 💝
June 16, 2023
Oh good lord, why can’t I just NOT finish a book. Instead I put myself through the misery.
I only got it as it was free on audible.
You may Iike it if you are younger than 20!! Narrator sounded so young that it was uncomfortable during the intimate moments. And all I kept thinking was… oh grow up!
I only got it as it was free on audible.
You may Iike it if you are younger than 20!! Narrator sounded so young that it was uncomfortable during the intimate moments. And all I kept thinking was… oh grow up!
February 24, 2017
Cute story. Very simple writing, but easy to read and made you want to keep going. The reason the ebook was over so soon is because the sequel is attached to the same thing!
Honestly I ended up a bit disappointed with this one. It definitely started out pretty well, and I liked the idea behind it, but there was just something about the hero that I didn't like, or rather he just didn't quite win me over. I did enjoy it though, it was a quick read, and one that I kept going and had trouble stopping when I had to go back to work because it kept you wanting to know how certain things would be handled.
Honestly I ended up a bit disappointed with this one. It definitely started out pretty well, and I liked the idea behind it, but there was just something about the hero that I didn't like, or rather he just didn't quite win me over. I did enjoy it though, it was a quick read, and one that I kept going and had trouble stopping when I had to go back to work because it kept you wanting to know how certain things would be handled.
June 12, 2016
Trying to clean my Kindle off! This one was on KU, and the first book is only about 50% of the story. Then you get the second one in the series!
January 8, 2018
Life has been hard for Jessica growing up in foster care didn't leave her much after she turned 18 to start her future. She was able to attend college working hard for it even graduating with an English degree but finding a job seems to elude her. When it's clear that working two retail jobs aren't going to cut it she decides to try something else. Signing up to be a sugar baby for billionaires just to get enough money till she can find a job. It's not like she will be having sex with them so it can't be too bad to go on a few dates.
Jessica never expected that she would be given the role of girlfriend to Luke a sex playboy who's inheritance is at stake. Luke needs someone who can help him get what he deserves as his father is threating to write him out of the will. While it started as nothing more than a business deal that would help them both out it was hard to deny the chemistry. Pretending to be Luke's girlfriend isn't hard but the more time she spends with him she finds herself falling for him.
I like Jessica she has issues but she's working hard to move past them, and with Luke, she finds what she's not so lonely anymore. I like the chemistry between the two of them it was sizzling right from the start. Jessica is just so sweet you can't help liking her right from the start and even Luke who may be a playboy he's the Prince Charming she needs.
I happened across this one a few months ago adding it to my wishlist. Just by chance, I saw this is was currently free and had to pick it up. I've been craving a good billionaire romance and who doesn't love a Cinderella spin story. I admit it's one of my favorite concepts so I knew that I had to give it a chance. Quickly I fell in love with the characters as well as the story it's an emotionally charged story of two broken people finding a happy ever after. This is my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more of her books. This was a great book to start off my billionaire romance challenge. Highly recommend it's a sweet HEA with a little steamy romance.
Jessica never expected that she would be given the role of girlfriend to Luke a sex playboy who's inheritance is at stake. Luke needs someone who can help him get what he deserves as his father is threating to write him out of the will. While it started as nothing more than a business deal that would help them both out it was hard to deny the chemistry. Pretending to be Luke's girlfriend isn't hard but the more time she spends with him she finds herself falling for him.
I like Jessica she has issues but she's working hard to move past them, and with Luke, she finds what she's not so lonely anymore. I like the chemistry between the two of them it was sizzling right from the start. Jessica is just so sweet you can't help liking her right from the start and even Luke who may be a playboy he's the Prince Charming she needs.
I happened across this one a few months ago adding it to my wishlist. Just by chance, I saw this is was currently free and had to pick it up. I've been craving a good billionaire romance and who doesn't love a Cinderella spin story. I admit it's one of my favorite concepts so I knew that I had to give it a chance. Quickly I fell in love with the characters as well as the story it's an emotionally charged story of two broken people finding a happy ever after. This is my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more of her books. This was a great book to start off my billionaire romance challenge. Highly recommend it's a sweet HEA with a little steamy romance.
January 10, 2018
Here's my point breakdown:
Writing: 2/4
Pacing: 4/4
Story: 3/4
Characters: 3/4
Personal: 2/4
Total: 14/20
Okay, before I get into my actual review, let me say that I got the ebook of this for free through BookBub (this is not sponsored) and it included two books. I read the first but couldn't care less about the second so I'm not reading it. I'm counting this as read, though.
So, now onto the review.
I was enjoying this book immensely for the entire time. The writing wasn't spectacular and it could have used a decent editor, but it was fine. The story itself caught my attention and I enjoyed it. Great.
My issue was that there was abuse and rape both mentioned in this book (the main character has gone through both) but it was not even remotely done correctly. It wasn't handled in a good way at all, in my opinion. I can't vouch for what the author was trying to do, but I would assume that she was trying to make it seem like the main character was moving on from it and growing past it (it was mentioned in the book). But I still would have liked to see it explored more. As someone who is married and has been with her husband for 4 years, if something like this would have happened to me before I got with him, I would have shared that fact with him. He would have known, especially when something happened that caused me to relive those memories. I would have told him. But that never happens in this book. Maybe it's just my personal thoughts on the subject, but it definitely seemed like the rape and assault was just used as a plot driver rather than it being used in a useful way. That's what brought the writing down to a 2 for me.
Writing: 2/4
Pacing: 4/4
Story: 3/4
Characters: 3/4
Personal: 2/4
Total: 14/20
Okay, before I get into my actual review, let me say that I got the ebook of this for free through BookBub (this is not sponsored) and it included two books. I read the first but couldn't care less about the second so I'm not reading it. I'm counting this as read, though.
So, now onto the review.
I was enjoying this book immensely for the entire time. The writing wasn't spectacular and it could have used a decent editor, but it was fine. The story itself caught my attention and I enjoyed it. Great.
My issue was that there was abuse and rape both mentioned in this book (the main character has gone through both) but it was not even remotely done correctly. It wasn't handled in a good way at all, in my opinion. I can't vouch for what the author was trying to do, but I would assume that she was trying to make it seem like the main character was moving on from it and growing past it (it was mentioned in the book). But I still would have liked to see it explored more. As someone who is married and has been with her husband for 4 years, if something like this would have happened to me before I got with him, I would have shared that fact with him. He would have known, especially when something happened that caused me to relive those memories. I would have told him. But that never happens in this book. Maybe it's just my personal thoughts on the subject, but it definitely seemed like the rape and assault was just used as a plot driver rather than it being used in a useful way. That's what brought the writing down to a 2 for me.
January 21, 2018
This was two stories in one book. I enjoyed them but both stories lasted about 4 hours each which in turn means they are novellas or short stories. They were sweet, funny, and sexy but they also attempted to touch on some really heavy issues that I thought were not resolved in either of the stories. Overall, I am happy with listening to them.
This specific video review will be included in the January 2018 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the January 2018 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
March 19, 2018
three stars
A Cinderella romance between Jessica, and Luke. Not bad, it would have been twice as good, in half the time. It seemed very slow moving to me. One imaginary obstacle after another, all while winding toward a rather anti-climatic climax.
The next story, is from the perspective of Jessica's friend, Natalie, whom we meet briefly in the first story. It seems to be in the same 'going nowhere fast' style as the first. After only a few chapters in, I gave up on it, and deleted it from my kindle.
A Cinderella romance between Jessica, and Luke. Not bad, it would have been twice as good, in half the time. It seemed very slow moving to me. One imaginary obstacle after another, all while winding toward a rather anti-climatic climax.
The next story, is from the perspective of Jessica's friend, Natalie, whom we meet briefly in the first story. It seems to be in the same 'going nowhere fast' style as the first. After only a few chapters in, I gave up on it, and deleted it from my kindle.
April 13, 2019
This was 2 stories in one book. The first story had some promise but in my opinion failed to deliver. To me a lot of the story needed to be 'flesh out' so to speak. I didn't like the characters. Very shallow and just not the kind of people I would like to be with. Especially the room mate. Holy moley. And then the second story was about the room mate. Ugg. The men were weak and uninspiring, in a book boyfriend I expect much more. If I want real world I would just take a look around. I had to finish because I started it and that is the only reason I gave 2 stars otherwise it would have been 1 star. Not my kind of characters at all.
January 17, 2018
I was enjoying this book the entire time. The writing isn't spectacular and could have used a decent editor, but it didn't bother me too much. The story itself caught my attention and I enjoyed it. Great.
tbr-already-own
August 10, 2017Included FREE with The Roommate Arrangement.
October 14, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters were fun and engaging and kept me guessing as to how things were going to turn out.
May 31, 2018
It was... an interesting book. Good story line and everything, but some sketchy content. Beware of the sketchy content in this, but otherwise it’s a pretty great book. I especially liked that the author used Oxford commas at least sometimes
June 6, 2016
Both stories are extremely entertaining and keep you glued to your kindle. The plot is entertaining and fresh –The parties from both stories want something and the ways they go about getting what they want are delicious. They say they do not want love nor do they want to “fall in love” but wow do they fall fast and fight it hard.
Cinderella Arrangement 1—Jessica was at the end of her rope. She didn’t know what to do or where to go. She was out of college and didn’t have a job, nor could she land a job. She even approached her professor for job assistance and somehow ended up working as an escort. Jessica was so down and broken, she ended up finally becoming an escort. She didn’t have a choice. This would be her chance to get money to get her car fixed, money to pay rent and money to eat on.
Luke is the rich guy who was always getting bad press and looked like the jerk . He had serious trust issues and people’s first impressions of him are womanizer, stuckup, prick, etc. All these were not true, this is not who Luke was. Luke did have trust issues and he had father issues—and he needed to settle down and get his life straightened out or he would lose everything. That is where Jessica comes in. He hires an escort to give an appearance that everything in his life is coming up roses when he is barely holding on.
Jessica and Luke’s story is so beautiful and will touch you as it did me. They come from different backgrounds and Both had things in their past that were unpleasant . Trust issues are huge with them and it will play a part in them either staying together or breaking up. Also Luke’s family plays a huge part in trying to separate them but do not fear. Keep reading this fantastic story. The passion is HOT and Steamy between them. Oh my, my kindle kept wanting to melt and I loved it.
My rating: 4.6 stars *****
Cinderella Arrangement 2:
The second story is about Natalie and Will. In this story , we get to know all about Natalie –she is Jessica’s best friend and I didn’t think she was a strong lady but this story brings out her character. Will is Luke’s cousin. Will in story #1, acted so jerky and punky , I disliked him but in this story, I really warmed up to him. Will shows a softer side as he interacted with Natalie.
It started out that Will started out by telling Natalie how lucky she would be to have him give her attention. She blew him off, offended. She let him know how wrong he was. Will was so sure she would be grateful then, he started to see how wrong he was BUT it took time.
There was so much tension between the two; the passion and chemistry was hot. I enjoyed how they bantered and as Natalie got to really know Will, she saw beneath the outer exterior to the man there, to the pain and demons he is fighting. To the good man he is and she really fell hard for him at that moment.
Natalie and Will do not have an easy road in their relationship. There are so many bumps and bruises on their road in their relationship. There are things that could easily break them up for good or seal them close- for good. For Will, Natalie is his one lovely white light and he is afraid what will happen if she goes…and I have to say, this story at time had me in tears and I loved how the emotions that were shown. I really came to love Natalie and Will’s love story.
My rating: 4.6 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Cinderella Arrangement 1—Jessica was at the end of her rope. She didn’t know what to do or where to go. She was out of college and didn’t have a job, nor could she land a job. She even approached her professor for job assistance and somehow ended up working as an escort. Jessica was so down and broken, she ended up finally becoming an escort. She didn’t have a choice. This would be her chance to get money to get her car fixed, money to pay rent and money to eat on.
Luke is the rich guy who was always getting bad press and looked like the jerk . He had serious trust issues and people’s first impressions of him are womanizer, stuckup, prick, etc. All these were not true, this is not who Luke was. Luke did have trust issues and he had father issues—and he needed to settle down and get his life straightened out or he would lose everything. That is where Jessica comes in. He hires an escort to give an appearance that everything in his life is coming up roses when he is barely holding on.
Jessica and Luke’s story is so beautiful and will touch you as it did me. They come from different backgrounds and Both had things in their past that were unpleasant . Trust issues are huge with them and it will play a part in them either staying together or breaking up. Also Luke’s family plays a huge part in trying to separate them but do not fear. Keep reading this fantastic story. The passion is HOT and Steamy between them. Oh my, my kindle kept wanting to melt and I loved it.
My rating: 4.6 stars *****
Cinderella Arrangement 2:
The second story is about Natalie and Will. In this story , we get to know all about Natalie –she is Jessica’s best friend and I didn’t think she was a strong lady but this story brings out her character. Will is Luke’s cousin. Will in story #1, acted so jerky and punky , I disliked him but in this story, I really warmed up to him. Will shows a softer side as he interacted with Natalie.
It started out that Will started out by telling Natalie how lucky she would be to have him give her attention. She blew him off, offended. She let him know how wrong he was. Will was so sure she would be grateful then, he started to see how wrong he was BUT it took time.
There was so much tension between the two; the passion and chemistry was hot. I enjoyed how they bantered and as Natalie got to really know Will, she saw beneath the outer exterior to the man there, to the pain and demons he is fighting. To the good man he is and she really fell hard for him at that moment.
Natalie and Will do not have an easy road in their relationship. There are so many bumps and bruises on their road in their relationship. There are things that could easily break them up for good or seal them close- for good. For Will, Natalie is his one lovely white light and he is afraid what will happen if she goes…and I have to say, this story at time had me in tears and I loved how the emotions that were shown. I really came to love Natalie and Will’s love story.
My rating: 4.6 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
August 29, 2023
from the audible plus category
if i had nickel for every book i read with a billionaire mmc (with extreme trauma) and an adopted fmc (with extreme trauma) who are fake dating, i would have 3 nickels.
but it’s weird that it happened 3 times. right?
if i had nickel for every book i read with a billionaire mmc (with extreme trauma) and an adopted fmc (with extreme trauma) who are fake dating, i would have 3 nickels.
but it’s weird that it happened 3 times. right?
June 5, 2016
Arc for honest review
the first story in this book was about Jessica and Luke. Luke he needs a girlfriend to get his inheritance from his dad and Jessica needs money so Luke hires her to be his pretend girlfriend. once they start travelling they become close but then they get ripped apart. gripping story loved these two characters.
book two involves will [lukes cousin] and natalie [jessicas best friend] . will hires natalie to be his graphic designer as she gets laid off work due to her broken heart. they both have pasts that haunt them as their relationship begins they get ripped apart but natalie tries to save Will. can these two have a relationship they both deserve. another brilliant read from this author.
the first story in this book was about Jessica and Luke. Luke he needs a girlfriend to get his inheritance from his dad and Jessica needs money so Luke hires her to be his pretend girlfriend. once they start travelling they become close but then they get ripped apart. gripping story loved these two characters.
book two involves will [lukes cousin] and natalie [jessicas best friend] . will hires natalie to be his graphic designer as she gets laid off work due to her broken heart. they both have pasts that haunt them as their relationship begins they get ripped apart but natalie tries to save Will. can these two have a relationship they both deserve. another brilliant read from this author.
July 6, 2016
this book was just Meh for me. I love fake relationships and this one sounded really neat. I hung in there through both stories, even thou I felt Natalie really didn't need her own tale. I wanted to love Luke and Jessica but, at the end of the day I had a hard time connecting with them on any level. Jessica came a crossed as simple and just kinda moving with the motions. Luke was just eh, and i never truly felt that....Pizzazz from either one of them and certainly not from them together. I saw so many 5 star reviews for this book, so maybe I missed something, or got the wrong book in my Kindle, lol. I really enjoyed the authors bad boy series and was hoping for something with a little more ...punch if you will. But please try the book out for yourself, it could be your cup of tea.
December 21, 2016
3.5 ✨ ✨ ✨
This is a charming twist on a old favorite.
Luke is a cocky playboy who needs a fake girlfriend asap to fulfill his fathers demands or else he won't get his inheritance. Jessica is a down on her luck college grad who is Luke's polar opposite.
Together they come to a mutually beneficial agreement that will work in both of there favors. Lukes behavior at times really got on my nerves cause I thought he was inappropriate but Jessica was just so sweet and kind.
I was gifted a copy of this book for a honest review
This is a charming twist on a old favorite.
Luke is a cocky playboy who needs a fake girlfriend asap to fulfill his fathers demands or else he won't get his inheritance. Jessica is a down on her luck college grad who is Luke's polar opposite.
Together they come to a mutually beneficial agreement that will work in both of there favors. Lukes behavior at times really got on my nerves cause I thought he was inappropriate but Jessica was just so sweet and kind.
I was gifted a copy of this book for a honest review
June 3, 2016
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. I loved it. Vanessa Waltz is always a go to author for me. Can't wait for her next book.
August 24, 2025
This is Book 1 in the “Arrangement” series by Vanessa Waltz but can be read as a standalone. In truth, the book comprises two different stories or parts.
The first story is about Jessica Knight, a life-long Californian. Jessica graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in English, after which she’d had a year’s internship. On finding that there were no paid positions available, she quit. That was a year ago, and she was getting desperate for work. She couldn’t afford not to be paid. She’d applied for editing jobs, even technical writing, but to no avail. For any writing gigs, at least five years of experience was required.
In her whole life, Jessica had found sanctuary in libraries, escaping into books. As she did so once again, she came across a “Time” magazine article about a young woman offering her services as a sugar baby. Jessica tore the article from the magazine and took it home with her.
Her home was a dirty, two-bedroom East Bay apartment, with only a few beaten-up pieces of furniture that she and her roommate Natalie had scrimped and saved for. Natalie, Jessica’s only “family”, needed her half of the rent money but Jessica didn’t even have anything to hock. She therefore decides to try one of the sugar daddy online sites, making a profile, describing herself as an aspiring writer, and listing a $5.000-$10.000 per month fee.
Jessica soon receives an e-mail requesting she interview with a potential client. She is asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement on arrival, for which she is paid $2.000, whether or not she is deemed suitable. At the end of the interview, she is asked to fill in an information sheet, so that the client can carry out a background check.
The client turns out to be billionaire playboy Luke Pardini, who is in his late twenties. His father, Giacomo Pardini, is the owner of a multi-billion-dollar hotel industry. The business magnate has had a strained relationship with his only son, who’s expected to take over Pardini Worldwide, as last year Giacomo had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Luke needs someone quickly to pretend to be his girlfriend, as his father is threatening to write him out of his will, unless he “shapes up” and settles down. Luke would lose his entire inheritance and his job. Jessica would be required to travel with Luke, staying in the same hotel rooms, as well as getting photographed by the media. They would keep their relationship strictly professional; it would all be an act. For her services, Jessica would be paid $10.000 per month.
Although Jessica’s and Luke’s financial status and living conditions are the polar opposites of each other, they soon find some things in common.
I give this story a 2/5.
The second story is about Jessica’s roommate Natalie Porter, a graphic artist. Natalie’s parents were well off but believed that once you turned eighteen, you had to manage on your own. Natalie is therefore shocked when she is let go from her job at the San Francisco Bay Aquarium.
The decision had been a purely financial one, but it didn’t help that her efforts had been minimal since her fiancé Ben had broken up with her some eight months earlier, posting photos of himself with other women on Facebook within a month of the breakup. We met Ben in the first story. He is 6 feet tall, with Norwegian features, i.e. fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, and is a lawyer. Natalie had ended her long-term relationship with Ben when he betrayed her best friend, Jessica.
Natalie is offered a position at Pardini Worldwide, working with Luke’s cousin, William Pardini, the VP of Marketing. It involved travelling in Europe with him. William had said that he chose her because she was the only candidate that didn’t suck up to him.
It’s amazing what rotten parents both William and Natalie have! Especially Natalie, and I feel that her parents got what they deserved at the end. Will was freed from his self-imposed torture, and Natalie learned that you have to accept that you can’t control people, and can’t make them love you or be proud of you.
I liked this second part more, as it was more realistic. The end was a beautiful HEA, but wasn’t over the top. The story overall was more emotive too.
I give this story a 3/5.
Both stories were rather disappointing. Difficult topics were glossed over, and the characters lacked depth.
The first story is about Jessica Knight, a life-long Californian. Jessica graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in English, after which she’d had a year’s internship. On finding that there were no paid positions available, she quit. That was a year ago, and she was getting desperate for work. She couldn’t afford not to be paid. She’d applied for editing jobs, even technical writing, but to no avail. For any writing gigs, at least five years of experience was required.
In her whole life, Jessica had found sanctuary in libraries, escaping into books. As she did so once again, she came across a “Time” magazine article about a young woman offering her services as a sugar baby. Jessica tore the article from the magazine and took it home with her.
Her home was a dirty, two-bedroom East Bay apartment, with only a few beaten-up pieces of furniture that she and her roommate Natalie had scrimped and saved for. Natalie, Jessica’s only “family”, needed her half of the rent money but Jessica didn’t even have anything to hock. She therefore decides to try one of the sugar daddy online sites, making a profile, describing herself as an aspiring writer, and listing a $5.000-$10.000 per month fee.
Jessica soon receives an e-mail requesting she interview with a potential client. She is asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement on arrival, for which she is paid $2.000, whether or not she is deemed suitable. At the end of the interview, she is asked to fill in an information sheet, so that the client can carry out a background check.
The client turns out to be billionaire playboy Luke Pardini, who is in his late twenties. His father, Giacomo Pardini, is the owner of a multi-billion-dollar hotel industry. The business magnate has had a strained relationship with his only son, who’s expected to take over Pardini Worldwide, as last year Giacomo had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Luke needs someone quickly to pretend to be his girlfriend, as his father is threatening to write him out of his will, unless he “shapes up” and settles down. Luke would lose his entire inheritance and his job. Jessica would be required to travel with Luke, staying in the same hotel rooms, as well as getting photographed by the media. They would keep their relationship strictly professional; it would all be an act. For her services, Jessica would be paid $10.000 per month.
Although Jessica’s and Luke’s financial status and living conditions are the polar opposites of each other, they soon find some things in common.
I give this story a 2/5.
The second story is about Jessica’s roommate Natalie Porter, a graphic artist. Natalie’s parents were well off but believed that once you turned eighteen, you had to manage on your own. Natalie is therefore shocked when she is let go from her job at the San Francisco Bay Aquarium.
The decision had been a purely financial one, but it didn’t help that her efforts had been minimal since her fiancé Ben had broken up with her some eight months earlier, posting photos of himself with other women on Facebook within a month of the breakup. We met Ben in the first story. He is 6 feet tall, with Norwegian features, i.e. fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, and is a lawyer. Natalie had ended her long-term relationship with Ben when he betrayed her best friend, Jessica.
Natalie is offered a position at Pardini Worldwide, working with Luke’s cousin, William Pardini, the VP of Marketing. It involved travelling in Europe with him. William had said that he chose her because she was the only candidate that didn’t suck up to him.
It’s amazing what rotten parents both William and Natalie have! Especially Natalie, and I feel that her parents got what they deserved at the end. Will was freed from his self-imposed torture, and Natalie learned that you have to accept that you can’t control people, and can’t make them love you or be proud of you.
I liked this second part more, as it was more realistic. The end was a beautiful HEA, but wasn’t over the top. The story overall was more emotive too.
I give this story a 3/5.
Both stories were rather disappointing. Difficult topics were glossed over, and the characters lacked depth.
April 17, 2018
This this audiobook bundle, I got two audios in one. SO I was able to listen to the story of Luke and Jessica and Will and Natalie, back to back. Which works out great, since they are all characters from the original book. SO I knew who they were. Well, we get to know Natalie quite well. I mean really, she is a huge part of book one. Without her, where would we have been?
Natalie is the one that is really the cause of a lot of the drama in book one. She may not directly be the instigator, but she ultimately was involved. She ultimately betrayed Jessica's trust, when asked not to, even to her fiance, and thus the root cause of all the drama. And we need to keep this in mind, because it becomes a huge main focus of book two.
The issues i ran into were things like with Jessica. We hear what her issue is, and we see her battle it individually, but she never TELLS Luke or Natalie what happened. So they just guess? And they're right? And then she sees them and does nothing, tells him nothing, and it's never an issue. I mean, it's a slight issue once or twice, but then it's like it goes away. And I get it, it's a shorter story but I don't know, that didn't jive well. Not only that, never once does Jess (or Luke) stand up for her against the press, her foster parents, nothing. One time she stands up to his dad, but other than that, she's a bit of a pushover. Then when it comes to Will and his family and the money. Do we hate each other or not? Do we trust them or not? So if he's giving it up, what is he doing with his life? But then her profile disappears and his does too, but HOW? What is going on here?
Then when we move on to Natalie's story, and her parents and Ben. They're all just a-holes. Natalie does stand up to both of these people in her life, but for a large majority of the story we get to see people dictate how she should feel about herself, her actions, her decisions, her life. And we have Will who is struggling with PTSD, but we don't get to see him actually doing anything about it. He's not going to therapy, talking about it, nothing. So again, while this is a huge deal for him, it's kind of brushed under the rug. It's a crutch for us to lean back on. This all then links in to the original story line from book one and Will and his shares. So now, we don't like the uncle because now the uncle is lying? Now his uncle is the a-hole? What is happening with this family and company and money? It's kind of all over the place. Then we have Ben and her career. So all that was done to her profile , but nothing ever happens? he locked her out and there's no backlash with everyone seeing what they saw? No impact? Okayyy. Again, I'm left feeling like- what is going on?
Ultimately, I did like these stories. They were cute, quick, and entertaining. While i did find some plotholes and unanswered questions, it wasn't enough to make me want to put down the audios. They were cute and the narrator was great. If you like insta-love, this will be right up your alley.
Natalie is the one that is really the cause of a lot of the drama in book one. She may not directly be the instigator, but she ultimately was involved. She ultimately betrayed Jessica's trust, when asked not to, even to her fiance, and thus the root cause of all the drama. And we need to keep this in mind, because it becomes a huge main focus of book two.
The issues i ran into were things like with Jessica. We hear what her issue is, and we see her battle it individually, but she never TELLS Luke or Natalie what happened. So they just guess? And they're right? And then she sees them and does nothing, tells him nothing, and it's never an issue. I mean, it's a slight issue once or twice, but then it's like it goes away. And I get it, it's a shorter story but I don't know, that didn't jive well. Not only that, never once does Jess (or Luke) stand up for her against the press, her foster parents, nothing. One time she stands up to his dad, but other than that, she's a bit of a pushover. Then when it comes to Will and his family and the money. Do we hate each other or not? Do we trust them or not? So if he's giving it up, what is he doing with his life? But then her profile disappears and his does too, but HOW? What is going on here?
Then when we move on to Natalie's story, and her parents and Ben. They're all just a-holes. Natalie does stand up to both of these people in her life, but for a large majority of the story we get to see people dictate how she should feel about herself, her actions, her decisions, her life. And we have Will who is struggling with PTSD, but we don't get to see him actually doing anything about it. He's not going to therapy, talking about it, nothing. So again, while this is a huge deal for him, it's kind of brushed under the rug. It's a crutch for us to lean back on. This all then links in to the original story line from book one and Will and his shares. So now, we don't like the uncle because now the uncle is lying? Now his uncle is the a-hole? What is happening with this family and company and money? It's kind of all over the place. Then we have Ben and her career. So all that was done to her profile , but nothing ever happens? he locked her out and there's no backlash with everyone seeing what they saw? No impact? Okayyy. Again, I'm left feeling like- what is going on?
Ultimately, I did like these stories. They were cute, quick, and entertaining. While i did find some plotholes and unanswered questions, it wasn't enough to make me want to put down the audios. They were cute and the narrator was great. If you like insta-love, this will be right up your alley.
September 12, 2018
I don't remember buying this book, but it was in my Nook and, when books are free or cheap a lot of times I'll buy them and stumble across them later. I had some serious issues with this book. First, I despise the trope of someone's problems being magically solved by getting in a relationship. But the way that was handled in Jessica's story was excessively problematic. Jessica suffered both physical and sexual abuse growing up and she's never dealt with it, which is made very clear. She's never been in a single romantic relationship because of the issues from her past. She suffers a panic attack type episode where she gets locked into her own mind reliving her rape and she is helpless to stop it. She talks about coming to school bruised from the physical attacks of her foster family.
AND YET. When she is attracted to the hot guy she just met (who, not so incidentally is also paying her to be his girlfriend so he can get back in his father's good graces), she has barely even a second of hesitation before sleeping with him because "he makes her feel safe." She literally takes him into the bathroom (her rape took place in a bathroom) and after about 1.5 miliseconds is able to put aside a lifetime's worth of emotional and mental damage because she's so attracted to him and has no problem having sex right there. WHAT. Even worse, her issues are never ever handled or dealt with. She never talks about her past with Luke. Ever. But they end up in a happy, healthy relationship? WHAT?! I almost stopped reading, but I kept going partly because I hoped it would get better and partly because I knew I wanted to critique it and wanted the whole picture. The included sequel in my copy is marginally better because at least the characters both confront and begin to deal with their emotional and mental trauma. Jessica is magically fixed by having sex with a hot stranger who ends up being her "soul mate" or something. Ugh and blech. Also, I don't understand at all why Jessica and her friend are even friends or stay friends. They spend basically every moment on screen together yelling at each other (even if much of it is out of concern for the other).
AND YET. When she is attracted to the hot guy she just met (who, not so incidentally is also paying her to be his girlfriend so he can get back in his father's good graces), she has barely even a second of hesitation before sleeping with him because "he makes her feel safe." She literally takes him into the bathroom (her rape took place in a bathroom) and after about 1.5 miliseconds is able to put aside a lifetime's worth of emotional and mental damage because she's so attracted to him and has no problem having sex right there. WHAT. Even worse, her issues are never ever handled or dealt with. She never talks about her past with Luke. Ever. But they end up in a happy, healthy relationship? WHAT?! I almost stopped reading, but I kept going partly because I hoped it would get better and partly because I knew I wanted to critique it and wanted the whole picture. The included sequel in my copy is marginally better because at least the characters both confront and begin to deal with their emotional and mental trauma. Jessica is magically fixed by having sex with a hot stranger who ends up being her "soul mate" or something. Ugh and blech. Also, I don't understand at all why Jessica and her friend are even friends or stay friends. They spend basically every moment on screen together yelling at each other (even if much of it is out of concern for the other).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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