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Barely a Fairy Tale #1
Cinderella Blackmail
High school was a long time ago, but some things never change. Like Mackenzie's teenage nemesis, Jacob Hartley, for example. Still an entitled heir to his father's media mogul throne and as cocky as ever. But Mackenzie is no longer the miserable loner she'd been in high school, she's a reporter with a news site to save. When she gets her hands on incriminating photos that Jacob would rather keep hidden, this Cinderella will do whatever it takes to get her story. If that means blackmailing her way into the Hartleys' exclusive gala, then so be it. It's strictly business, certainly not a real date. If only the media prince would stop being so damn charming....
Jacob has jumped through every one of his father's hoops, and it will all pay off once he's named head of the company's new division. The only thing standing in his way is Mackenzie, his harshest critic and worst temptation. When she strong-arms her way back into his life, all of the old sparks are there....for better or for worse.
Jacob has jumped through every one of his father's hoops, and it will all pay off once he's named head of the company's new division. The only thing standing in his way is Mackenzie, his harshest critic and worst temptation. When she strong-arms her way back into his life, all of the old sparks are there....for better or for worse.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2016
229 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 16, 2017
a href="http://www.romanceisageless.com"... at Romance Is Ageless
Cinderella Blackmail is a charming and fun Romantic Comedy that serves an additional purpose, at least for me. It will make you think twice about your own pre-conceived notions, those memories that you’re certain you recall correctly in every detail – the way you may look at another person who you “think” you know everything about.
Jacob was once a fierce high school nemesis, but look at him today stumbling out of the holding cell at the local jail. And there she was bright and early, camera in hand to capture this grand moment for herself and for her readers. Mack had to admit, it felt good to have something that the rich, entitled brat wanted… enough to do a bit of strategic blackmail maybe? She needed a way into the no reporters allowed gala that his media mogul dad was throwing, and Jacob just handed it to her so very nicely. Too bad he wasn’t as accommodating in every encounter they’d had over the years.
It had been ten years since their high school days. Ten years of working his fingers to the bone, ten years of being under his father’s control – and now he was days away from gaining what he’d fought so hard for. A promotion to take over control of the digital media division of the company. Finally, something that he’d worked for, he’d oversee, he’d be responsible for without his father’s strings. But he had to get through this obvious blackmail attempt by a stunning woman who absolutely hated his guts. Yeah, one great evening to look forward to.
In the world that Jacob’s father rules, nothing is what it appears on the surface, nothing is guaranteed… and absolutely nothing gives the old man more pleasure than screwing someone over, especially his son.
On the surface you might think that Cinderella Blackmail is a light-hearted romance with enemies as the main couple. And in many ways it is. Yet it’s also a good look at how we perceive people, how we think we know everything worth while knowing and base our assumptions on a pack of misconceptions and even lies.
There were reasons behind how and why Mac and Jacob had acted in the past. Number one is… teenage years, anyone? Beyond that is the fact there has always been an attraction there, never acted on but there nonetheless. Cinderella Blackmail gives us a couple who need to let down their walls a bit, to really see each other for people not products of their upbringing. Once they start to care about the person in front of them everything changes for them. The possibilities are endless, but they have to take a few risks that won’t be comfortable – and they have to believe in each other over everyone else.
I completely enjoyed this story. I was looking for a light-hearted romance, what I got was a slice of real life, with true emotions and situations that no one should have to face. What I got was a love story that brought out emotions, sadness, anger, tears and happiness for the people I was watching. I’d have no trouble recommending Cinderella Blackmail to any Romance reader. You’ll find a solid story, a couple worth rooting for, a despicable villain and a story to remember long after the final page is turned.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Cinderella Blackmail is a charming and fun Romantic Comedy that serves an additional purpose, at least for me. It will make you think twice about your own pre-conceived notions, those memories that you’re certain you recall correctly in every detail – the way you may look at another person who you “think” you know everything about.
Jacob was once a fierce high school nemesis, but look at him today stumbling out of the holding cell at the local jail. And there she was bright and early, camera in hand to capture this grand moment for herself and for her readers. Mack had to admit, it felt good to have something that the rich, entitled brat wanted… enough to do a bit of strategic blackmail maybe? She needed a way into the no reporters allowed gala that his media mogul dad was throwing, and Jacob just handed it to her so very nicely. Too bad he wasn’t as accommodating in every encounter they’d had over the years.
It had been ten years since their high school days. Ten years of working his fingers to the bone, ten years of being under his father’s control – and now he was days away from gaining what he’d fought so hard for. A promotion to take over control of the digital media division of the company. Finally, something that he’d worked for, he’d oversee, he’d be responsible for without his father’s strings. But he had to get through this obvious blackmail attempt by a stunning woman who absolutely hated his guts. Yeah, one great evening to look forward to.
In the world that Jacob’s father rules, nothing is what it appears on the surface, nothing is guaranteed… and absolutely nothing gives the old man more pleasure than screwing someone over, especially his son.
On the surface you might think that Cinderella Blackmail is a light-hearted romance with enemies as the main couple. And in many ways it is. Yet it’s also a good look at how we perceive people, how we think we know everything worth while knowing and base our assumptions on a pack of misconceptions and even lies.
There were reasons behind how and why Mac and Jacob had acted in the past. Number one is… teenage years, anyone? Beyond that is the fact there has always been an attraction there, never acted on but there nonetheless. Cinderella Blackmail gives us a couple who need to let down their walls a bit, to really see each other for people not products of their upbringing. Once they start to care about the person in front of them everything changes for them. The possibilities are endless, but they have to take a few risks that won’t be comfortable – and they have to believe in each other over everyone else.
I completely enjoyed this story. I was looking for a light-hearted romance, what I got was a slice of real life, with true emotions and situations that no one should have to face. What I got was a love story that brought out emotions, sadness, anger, tears and happiness for the people I was watching. I’d have no trouble recommending Cinderella Blackmail to any Romance reader. You’ll find a solid story, a couple worth rooting for, a despicable villain and a story to remember long after the final page is turned.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 9, 2017
I love Maggie Dallen's writing! I have loved all of her books I have read but this one is my favorite! I love the characters, Mackenzie (Cinderella) and Jacob (Prince Charming). I love the humor, I love their banter and I love their chemistry! A quick, hilarious read! Great book for when you don't have a lot of time and need something light and funny!
Want to read
March 11, 2020FREE on Amazon today (11/15/2017)!
July 24, 2018
I’ve long loved Maggie Dallen’s YA high school romances. They are easily the best I’ve read in the genre and several of the books resonate with me on a personal level. That’s why I was so eager to try an adult-age contemporary romance by her and so excited therefore to get my hands on Cinderella Blackmail, book one in her Barely a Fairy Tale series. Each of these is loosely based on a classic fairy tale. In this case it’s Cinderella. The cinder girl here is reporter and news site owner Mackenzie Rivers and the prince is the uber-charming (of course) and uber (dare I say princely) wealthy Jacob Hartley. I’m not going to give away the plot here but it’s a doozy - and the HEA is superb. Yes, no surprise really, Maggie Dallen is as much a master of this type of story as she was with her YA romances. Lucky me. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 7, 2021
Charming Romance!
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. Mack was the poor girl in school with no friends and attitude to spare. Jacob was the super popular rich boy that made her high school experience difficult. In the 10 years since high school, both have grown in their careers and, while Mack has made it on her own, Jacob is still controlled by his dad.
It was interesting to watch these enemies banter their way into a friendship and then a romantic relationship. They had chemistry for days.
Fun romance and interesting story, but I didn’t really connect emotionally with the characters.
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. Mack was the poor girl in school with no friends and attitude to spare. Jacob was the super popular rich boy that made her high school experience difficult. In the 10 years since high school, both have grown in their careers and, while Mack has made it on her own, Jacob is still controlled by his dad.
It was interesting to watch these enemies banter their way into a friendship and then a romantic relationship. They had chemistry for days.
Fun romance and interesting story, but I didn’t really connect emotionally with the characters.
May 25, 2018
Quick light-hearted read
Although this book was fairly short (about an hour and a half to read), the plot was sound and the characters were well developed. The conflict was resolved quickly towards the end, but in a way that didn’t seem rushed. All in all, an enjoyable read.
Although this book was fairly short (about an hour and a half to read), the plot was sound and the characters were well developed. The conflict was resolved quickly towards the end, but in a way that didn’t seem rushed. All in all, an enjoyable read.
January 8, 2017
a fun read
I couldn't put this book down until I reached the last page. I loved this quick witted romantic. The Chemistry between Cinderella (Mack) and Prince Charming (Jacob) makes them click. I can't wait to read more from Maggie Dallen.
I couldn't put this book down until I reached the last page. I loved this quick witted romantic. The Chemistry between Cinderella (Mack) and Prince Charming (Jacob) makes them click. I can't wait to read more from Maggie Dallen.
May 27, 2017
Pleasantly surprised
OK at about chapter 2ish I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "DId you lock the car door after you unloaded the groceries?" But right after that thought came "this is already so predictable, here's how it ends, they fall in love, duh. Then he makes a grand gesture by leaving the company, possibly taking all the clients with him because he is the more ethical and likable of the two men, and he and Mack form their own rag tag company. They are wildly successful and the dad is left with no business and no prospects and realizes he's a bad father and asks forgiveness which of course is granted by the non condom wearing couple because no surprise here, they want the grandfather to be in the baby's life. Because they ate having a baby. Yay.
WELL..... This isn't exactly a fairy tale and thankfully doesn't follow typical fairytale protocols.
Not to keep you in suspended anticipation but my thoughts were way off base. I totally locked the doors.
I know you were worried.
Oh and the ending, was nothing like I thought it would be. But they do live happily ever after. At least I think they do. As we learned in this post however, my thoughts are not always how things turn out. Guess I should stop telling people I'm a wizard.
XOXO
Maliceon Books
OK at about chapter 2ish I rolled my eyes and said to myself, "DId you lock the car door after you unloaded the groceries?" But right after that thought came "this is already so predictable, here's how it ends, they fall in love, duh. Then he makes a grand gesture by leaving the company, possibly taking all the clients with him because he is the more ethical and likable of the two men, and he and Mack form their own rag tag company. They are wildly successful and the dad is left with no business and no prospects and realizes he's a bad father and asks forgiveness which of course is granted by the non condom wearing couple because no surprise here, they want the grandfather to be in the baby's life. Because they ate having a baby. Yay.
WELL..... This isn't exactly a fairy tale and thankfully doesn't follow typical fairytale protocols.
Not to keep you in suspended anticipation but my thoughts were way off base. I totally locked the doors.
I know you were worried.
Oh and the ending, was nothing like I thought it would be. But they do live happily ever after. At least I think they do. As we learned in this post however, my thoughts are not always how things turn out. Guess I should stop telling people I'm a wizard.
XOXO
Maliceon Books
June 9, 2017
3.5 stars
This was actually written pretty well and the plot was interesting enough.
Sadly, the author has a lot of problems with ellipses. She uses the 3 dots correctly less than half of the time. Sometimes, an ellipsis consists of 5 dots in this ebook. 5! Not even 4, but 5. Well, on too many occasions, 4 dots were actually used instead of 3. 4 dots (ellipsis + full stop/period) are acceptable sometimes, but not in the ways this author was using them.
This ebook wasn't too heavy on comma splices, but they still popped up quite a lot. There were some missing words—many times it was a missing pronoun, homophones (e.g.: than instead of then and clicky instead of cliquey), and some fused sentences.
The serial comma was mostly used correctly, and so were the em dashes (—). I think.
I'm making my notes and highlights visible. All corrections I've made through the book should be there.
-------
I do recommend this book. It's kinda sweet. Plus, it really is written well ... except for some of the things I mentioned.
This was actually written pretty well and the plot was interesting enough.
Sadly, the author has a lot of problems with ellipses. She uses the 3 dots correctly less than half of the time. Sometimes, an ellipsis consists of 5 dots in this ebook. 5! Not even 4, but 5. Well, on too many occasions, 4 dots were actually used instead of 3. 4 dots (ellipsis + full stop/period) are acceptable sometimes, but not in the ways this author was using them.
This ebook wasn't too heavy on comma splices, but they still popped up quite a lot. There were some missing words—many times it was a missing pronoun, homophones (e.g.: than instead of then and clicky instead of cliquey), and some fused sentences.
The serial comma was mostly used correctly, and so were the em dashes (—). I think.
I'm making my notes and highlights visible. All corrections I've made through the book should be there.
-------
I do recommend this book. It's kinda sweet. Plus, it really is written well ... except for some of the things I mentioned.
March 31, 2018
5/5
Cinderella Blackmail was another great book by Maggie Dallen. And an interesting take on Cinderella.
It takes place post high school. In which, Mackenzie and Jacob used Prince Charming and Cinderella as insults. Now they meet again 10 years later.
I loved Mackenzie because she was independent and knew what she wanted, and went for it. She had hard decisions to make. But she tried to use sense and not feeling to make it.
Jacob was a bit harder to love. He had some maturing that needed to happen. But he got there. I felt for him, and was rooting for him the whole time.
Together, they were a team. Though they hated each other at the beginning, they needed each other to make it through. They used each other, but also cared.
Though it was a short book, I felt that the characters were developed and never felt that I needed more from them. The story flowed well and did not seem lacking, though with shorter books it can feel that way.
Don’t worry, I will have more Maggie Dallen reviews coming because she is just so good!
Cinderella Blackmail was another great book by Maggie Dallen. And an interesting take on Cinderella.
It takes place post high school. In which, Mackenzie and Jacob used Prince Charming and Cinderella as insults. Now they meet again 10 years later.
I loved Mackenzie because she was independent and knew what she wanted, and went for it. She had hard decisions to make. But she tried to use sense and not feeling to make it.
Jacob was a bit harder to love. He had some maturing that needed to happen. But he got there. I felt for him, and was rooting for him the whole time.
Together, they were a team. Though they hated each other at the beginning, they needed each other to make it through. They used each other, but also cared.
Though it was a short book, I felt that the characters were developed and never felt that I needed more from them. The story flowed well and did not seem lacking, though with shorter books it can feel that way.
Don’t worry, I will have more Maggie Dallen reviews coming because she is just so good!
March 23, 2022
This title has been replaces "Cinderalla Blackmail"
What terrible things that happened in High School, really should not influence you ten years later. Although, thinking on some of the obnoxious darlings in my school years, I don't think, fifty years later, that I would be very friendly, if I recognized them today.
So, that's the basis of this story. Two people that tormented each other in a Prep High school, re-encounter each other and have a hard time reconciling who they were then, to who they were now. Plus, there's another component that makes our two antagonists become allies against a common foe..
Bamboozled!! Just read and enjoy this tale.
What terrible things that happened in High School, really should not influence you ten years later. Although, thinking on some of the obnoxious darlings in my school years, I don't think, fifty years later, that I would be very friendly, if I recognized them today.
So, that's the basis of this story. Two people that tormented each other in a Prep High school, re-encounter each other and have a hard time reconciling who they were then, to who they were now. Plus, there's another component that makes our two antagonists become allies against a common foe..
Bamboozled!! Just read and enjoy this tale.
May 16, 2017
Mackenzie and Jacob knew each other in high school, but they were far from being friends...she was a loner who hated everyone at her new private school and he was a spoiled rich kid who loved to tease her. Now 10 years later they meet again...she's now a reporter who owns her own digital media site and he works for his mega rich media mogul dad. Add in a failing business, a ruthless dad, and some hot chemistry between Mackenzie and Jacob and you a great story that you won't put down till the end!
February 22, 2018
My first time reading a book of Maggie Dallen’s, and I have to say, I LOVED it!!- so much I finished it in less than a day. The book contained both lightheartedness and a strong urge of temptation between both Jacob and Mackenzie and just flutters of romance oozing out the whole book. I highly recommend it towards someone , who is propelled to the “fairytale romance “. I can’t wait to read the next book:).
September 18, 2018
I got it for free on Instafreebie with 2 other books and because the other books ended up disappointing, I was a little wary when I started this one. Turns out it’s pretty great! Mackenzie and Jacob know each other from High school and they hated each other so you can imagine what happened when they met again 10 years later. Sparks everywhere! I like the characters’ personnality and their relationship. The next book should be interesting...
March 26, 2022
This title has been replaces "Cinderalla Blackmail"
What terrible things that happened in High School, really should not influence you ten years later. Although, thinking on some of the obnoxious darlings in my school years, I don't think, fifty years later, that I would be very friendly, if I recognized them today.
So, that's the basis of this story. Two people that tormented each other in a Prep High school, re-encounter each other and have a hard time reconciling who they were then, to who they were now. Plus, there's another component that makes our two antagonists become allies against a common foe..
Bamboozled!! Just read and enjoy this tale.
What terrible things that happened in High School, really should not influence you ten years later. Although, thinking on some of the obnoxious darlings in my school years, I don't think, fifty years later, that I would be very friendly, if I recognized them today.
So, that's the basis of this story. Two people that tormented each other in a Prep High school, re-encounter each other and have a hard time reconciling who they were then, to who they were now. Plus, there's another component that makes our two antagonists become allies against a common foe..
Bamboozled!! Just read and enjoy this tale.
May 28, 2017
This was a book about getting over the conceptions we hold over from high school. There was a line in the book, I think it said that none of us are at our best in high school. Though it was an issue for too long in the book, I felt, the resolution of the issue was a mature revelation that each character had their own issues in high school and looked at the actions of others through that lens.
February 10, 2019
This contemporary romance is about second chances between a couple poles apart as teens They fought because of their instant attraction didn't really mesh with their social standings. Both had personal battles the other was unaware of, Mackenzie battled and won her self esteem battle and went on to create a popular news site and she gave Jacob the knowledge and the strength to find his own way.
May 8, 2019
Good quick read
This is my 1st book by this author. I will definitely read more of her books. This was a quick read but just great if you're looking for a light hearted romance. Mack was the emo girl back in school, Jacob the golden boy. 10 yrs later the sparks still fly. Witty banter & sexual tension galore. A good enemies to lovers tale.
This is my 1st book by this author. I will definitely read more of her books. This was a quick read but just great if you're looking for a light hearted romance. Mack was the emo girl back in school, Jacob the golden boy. 10 yrs later the sparks still fly. Witty banter & sexual tension galore. A good enemies to lovers tale.
January 2, 2021
I liked it but Mackenzie irritated me. She judge him for things that happened a decade ago, for being born rich, made assumptions about him, but if he did the same, even the slightest bit, he was the one at wrong. Even at the end, she had a right to be upset but not that much, he had more right than her, but he was the one that gave the first step
February 19, 2021
Mack is an investigative reporter who has built her own news website from the ground up and Jacob is her old high school rival who is set to inherit his family's news business. The pretend to be in a relationship because Mack has blackmail on Jacob that would ruin him for his promotion and it's a short book so the story is a bit rushed but it's a good mix of plot with romance.
August 2, 2018
Got this one as a kindle freebie and it was a fun read. I liked the characters, their banter and the storyline. It could use some grammatical clean up but all and all a good story and I would read others by this author!
December 20, 2019
Not really to my liking. Why ? Why Cinderella ? I still don't know. Its about a reporter who blackmails a popular dude from her highschool. They knew each other,or did they ? Not cheesy, but not really interesting.Characters are flat as hell, storyline kinda boring.
April 12, 2020
This book had a lot of editing/or grammar problems. The ending was anticlimactic and there wasn't enough backstory for either MCs. I don't want tons of emotion but I would have liked more background and fleshing of their life stories.
April 14, 2021
Are 1st impressions always right?
It was fun, realistic, and kind of sweet. No sex until the end and then behind closed doors. Really nice change of pace. Good solid story. Good character development. Good job.
It was fun, realistic, and kind of sweet. No sex until the end and then behind closed doors. Really nice change of pace. Good solid story. Good character development. Good job.
November 25, 2017
Average
Although I thought that this was an average romance, it was still enjoyable enough to keep me interested. The story and characters were believable.
Although I thought that this was an average romance, it was still enjoyable enough to keep me interested. The story and characters were believable.
May 28, 2018
Better than I thought
Conflict , back biting and slow but sure love. A good story and in today's cut throat business world quite logical.
Conflict , back biting and slow but sure love. A good story and in today's cut throat business world quite logical.
August 13, 2018
Cinderella Blackmail
This was a very interesting book. Good plot which kept me reading to the end in one sitting. A few typos but doesn't distract from the story.
This was a very interesting book. Good plot which kept me reading to the end in one sitting. A few typos but doesn't distract from the story.
October 6, 2018
I loved the main characters but I got a little annoyed as their interactions where few and far between. There was too much explaining in between. So it got a little boring
Read
June 24, 2020PG. Lots of drinking but no cussing and no on stage sex.
March 13, 2021
I do like a Cinderella type story but this one wasn’t working for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews