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The Billionaire Surprise #4
The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball
His painful past and her uncertain future come to a head in this modern-day Cinderella story.
Billionaire Xander Callahan certainly seems to have it all: more money than he could spend, a flourishing company, and women lined up to date him. But he has spent years closing himself off from real happiness because of a painful secret in his past. When a mystery woman captures his attention at his masquerade gala, Xander begins to think about opening himself to love again--until she disappears before he gets her name.
After Cynder Glass loses her father, she also says goodbye to her dream of running the family event-planning company. Stuck slaving under her ladder-climbing stepmother, Cynder struggles to preserve the legacy her father left behind. When she sneaks into the masquerade gala she helped plan, Cynder doesn’t expect to be swept off her feet by none other than her billionaire client. But if her stepmother finds out that she attended the gala, she will lose her job and her chance to keep the company afloat.
When his past and her identity are revealed, is there any chance for a happy ending?
This is Book 4 in The Billionaire Surprise series! Check out all the books here:
Book 1 - The Billionaire Love Match
Book 2 - The Billionaire Land Baron (where you first meet Xander!)
Book 3 - The Billionaire Benefactor
Book 4 - The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball
Each book is a standalone, happily ever after sweet romance!
Billionaire Xander Callahan certainly seems to have it all: more money than he could spend, a flourishing company, and women lined up to date him. But he has spent years closing himself off from real happiness because of a painful secret in his past. When a mystery woman captures his attention at his masquerade gala, Xander begins to think about opening himself to love again--until she disappears before he gets her name.
After Cynder Glass loses her father, she also says goodbye to her dream of running the family event-planning company. Stuck slaving under her ladder-climbing stepmother, Cynder struggles to preserve the legacy her father left behind. When she sneaks into the masquerade gala she helped plan, Cynder doesn’t expect to be swept off her feet by none other than her billionaire client. But if her stepmother finds out that she attended the gala, she will lose her job and her chance to keep the company afloat.
When his past and her identity are revealed, is there any chance for a happy ending?
This is Book 4 in The Billionaire Surprise series! Check out all the books here:
Book 1 - The Billionaire Love Match
Book 2 - The Billionaire Land Baron (where you first meet Xander!)
Book 3 - The Billionaire Benefactor
Book 4 - The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball
Each book is a standalone, happily ever after sweet romance!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2018
307 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
61 books3,836 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 19, 2019
I was a little hesitant to read another Cinderella formula book, but Emma St. Claire wowed me! Even with a somewhat predictable fairytale storyline, I found many of the plot twists and turns quite unpredictable in many ways. This clean, sweet romance struck a chord with me with believable characters and situations and is a well-written story with only minimal editing errors noted. I was a bit disappointed when the evil step-mother, step-sisters, and stepbrother seemed to escape justice and walk away with a fat paycheck. I guess the lesson taught is that offering mercy and forgiveness rather than retribution and revenge is the higher road to follow. Great Job Emma!
September 12, 2023
I love Emma St. Clair's romantic comedies; the Love's Cliches series being one of my favorites. So that series led me to try other books by Emma St. Clair. I have read one other book in the Billlionaire Surprise series and found it to be a sweet, clean, light romance. The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball however, wasn't as strong in character development, but offered a unique modern spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. Cynder/Cindel's character was strong one moment and very emotional the next. The switch from one emotion to the other did not flow as smoothly as in other books. Alexander/Xander/Xan's character will give you whiplash; blunt and rude one moment, tender the next. I understood that both characters were grieving in their own ways, but I really struggled to get into their stories. I will say that Lucy and Wyatt's secondary characters were more believable and more enjoyable. All in all this one didn't strike the right note with me. That being said, I have read enough Emma St. Clair books to know she writes good stories and can keep me laughing long after I finish a book, so I'll be reading more ESC books...but maybe not this series.
December 25, 2018
Emma St Clair knows how to write a billionaire story! The fourth in her Billionaire Surprise series is one of her best. This modern retelling of the Cinderella fairytale is a must read for romance fans. I am so happy that Xander, whom we first met in The Billionaire Land Baron, finally gets his own book.
Xander is ruled by his private grief and shuts himself away from connecting with people. Cyndil is dealing with the death of her father and his unexpected betrayal as well as an evil stepmother & step-siblings. The journey of Xander and Cyndil to overcome the obstacles in their path, including hidden feelings, misunderstandings, and slight dishonesty, makes for a delightful book.
The Billionaire’s Masquerade Ball has all the components for a great book: villains you can despise, a lead couple that makes your heart ache for them, and well thought out secondary characters. It’s hinted that there may be a book about Lucy & Wyatt in the future. I would love to see Judy get her own story as well.
Xander is ruled by his private grief and shuts himself away from connecting with people. Cyndil is dealing with the death of her father and his unexpected betrayal as well as an evil stepmother & step-siblings. The journey of Xander and Cyndil to overcome the obstacles in their path, including hidden feelings, misunderstandings, and slight dishonesty, makes for a delightful book.
The Billionaire’s Masquerade Ball has all the components for a great book: villains you can despise, a lead couple that makes your heart ache for them, and well thought out secondary characters. It’s hinted that there may be a book about Lucy & Wyatt in the future. I would love to see Judy get her own story as well.
December 28, 2018
On the one hand, Emma St. Clair’s The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball (The Billionaire Surprise Book 4) is clearly a takeoff on the classic Cinderella fairy tale (an absolute favorite of mine). Cyndil (“Cynder”) Glass (and I do love the Star Wars /Ewok Adventures origins of her full name - it adds the perfect touch to her backstory) is clearly Cinderella complete with wicked stepmom and cruel stepsisters though a sexist prig stepbrother is added, and billionaire Xander is a perfect Prince Charming in so many ways. On the other hand, the wonderful back stories of Cynder and Xander add wonderful layers to this tale and really make it into its own separate and wonderful tale. Add in a wonderful supporting cast (Xander’s PA and admin assistant and Cynder’s best friend and virtual fairy godmother) who are fully fleshed out and “real” characters, a strong supporting cast and a wonderfully written and imaginative story, and the result is a simply (you guessed it) wonderful romantic treat. 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, and it is easy to highly recommend
January 24, 2024
Apparently I've been on a Cinderella kick recently, but The Billionaire's Masquarade Ball by Emma St. Clair was so well done! Even though I knew exactly how this would end (because, retelling 😁), it had some really fun twists and turns that really set it apart from the original story and other retellings. Emma St. Clair never disappoints, and this was no exception!
Things to love:
🎭 Thoughts on truth
🎭 Empathy with Sarah Ryder
🎭 Wyatt's role
🎭 Punching Patrick
🎭 Magazine writeup
🎭 "He would do what was best for her. Always" My heart!!
🎭 Friday tradition
🎭 Lucy!! “Best friends have to be a little bit evil. Or we wouldn’t be doing our jobs."
If you are a lover of fairy tales, or even if you're not, this is one you won't want to miss!
Things to love:
🎭 Thoughts on truth
🎭 Empathy with Sarah Ryder
🎭 Wyatt's role
🎭 Punching Patrick
🎭 Magazine writeup
🎭 "He would do what was best for her. Always" My heart!!
🎭 Friday tradition
🎭 Lucy!! “Best friends have to be a little bit evil. Or we wouldn’t be doing our jobs."
If you are a lover of fairy tales, or even if you're not, this is one you won't want to miss!
June 7, 2024
I laugh so hard and I love it. This book is full of humour, funny.
After Xander lost his wife and his daughter, he became a good time playboy and he got so good doing that. Leaving a very long heartbreaks and bitter woman. Well he later got it right after this Mystery and beautiful woman walked into his broken life.
Cynder is heartbroken about her father's death and the fact that her father left his or her legacy to a wicked-stepmother, who do not have any idea on what the business entired or how to run a business but at the end she got her life back and it was a very beautiful ending. I love it.
I laughed a lot reading this book, from the beginning of this book to the ending.
Thank you 😊 Emma St Clair for this funny and humorous book.
After Xander lost his wife and his daughter, he became a good time playboy and he got so good doing that. Leaving a very long heartbreaks and bitter woman. Well he later got it right after this Mystery and beautiful woman walked into his broken life.
Cynder is heartbroken about her father's death and the fact that her father left his or her legacy to a wicked-stepmother, who do not have any idea on what the business entired or how to run a business but at the end she got her life back and it was a very beautiful ending. I love it.
I laughed a lot reading this book, from the beginning of this book to the ending.
Thank you 😊 Emma St Clair for this funny and humorous book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2018
Book four in the series but you could read it as a standalone, for me I like reading in order as characters in this story have appeared in the previous ones.
This story could so be turned into a Christmas cinderella movie! It's got so much going for it I really enjoyed reading it. Good storyline, characters you like and ones you don't and two couples to fall for (although a novella of Lucy and Wyatt would be great! ) I kept trying to guess what would happen next, where the story would go....I loved the character development of Cynder and Xander. A well written story. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
This story could so be turned into a Christmas cinderella movie! It's got so much going for it I really enjoyed reading it. Good storyline, characters you like and ones you don't and two couples to fall for (although a novella of Lucy and Wyatt would be great! ) I kept trying to guess what would happen next, where the story would go....I loved the character development of Cynder and Xander. A well written story. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
December 30, 2018
For those who haven't read any books by Emma St. Clair, Ms. St. Clair writes 'clean' and inspirational romances. Her books aren't just romances, but a whole lot more. The Billionaire's Masked Ball [The Billionaire Surprise Book 4] is her newest book and one of her best. The book is a modern take on a well know story- Cinderella. The story and character were very believable. The story moved quickly and caught my interest from the first page. The main characters had a few problems but it all works out in the end [and the mean stepmother and her children get what they deserve.] I think that anyone who reads romance will really enjoy The Billionaire's Masked Ball. Good Job Emma!!
February 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball. Cynder and Xander have both suffered deep losses and are grieving. They meet at a masquerade ball and feel a deep connection. Unfortunately, neither one takes the simple route. As Xander's assistant tells him, "If you like the girl, ask her out." The plot has some twists and moves quickly. There is a swoon-worthy kiss and a sweet HEA. I love the glimpses of Cinderella. Don't worry, there are no singing mice or fairy godmothers. If you like the fairy tale, you'll enjoy finding the similarities; if you don't, you can just enjoy the romance.
December 24, 2018
I'm a sucker for a Cinderella story, so I was excited to read this story. The story line was of course, predictable in it's more basic elements, yet it was unpredictable in so many ways. I was kept guessing throughout the book, wondering what direction the story was going to take. The dialogue was believable. Along with the complexity of the characters, this story truly came to life. I enjoyed the connection to another of her books, but it's still completely stand alone if you haven't read the other books in this series. It made for the perfect Christmas break reading.
December 23, 2018
The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball features Cynder Glass, her step mother, 2 step sisters and step brother. Add a billionaire rather than a prince. Cynder is still grieving her father's death as she watches her step mother tear apart the event planning agency Cynder built with her father. This is an interesting story where the two main characters refuse to tell each other their true feelings. It is a well written, clean romance that captivated me from the first page.
December 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this modern day romance based on Cinderella complete with an evil stepmonster, two step sisters, and a step brother. Throw in a good looking billionaire, tragedy, and a will and you have a unique twist to the fairy tale. I really liked the main character, Cynder Glass. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
December 24, 2018
From Sorrow Grows Joy
This is a sweet and clean romance. It is partially poor girl finds a rich boy and partially getting past sorrow to find joy. The plot is fun, witty and entertaining. The characters are excellent with well - defined motivations. This is an enjoyable read and a book you will enjoy reading again and again. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
This is a sweet and clean romance. It is partially poor girl finds a rich boy and partially getting past sorrow to find joy. The plot is fun, witty and entertaining. The characters are excellent with well - defined motivations. This is an enjoyable read and a book you will enjoy reading again and again. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
January 8, 2019
A fairy tale, re-written.
I loved this book. Just when you think you've read all possible scenarios for a new Cinderella, along comes Ms. St. Clair with another twist. The main characters were likeable and had great chemistry. The side characters...let's just say every book has to have a villian. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean read.
I loved this book. Just when you think you've read all possible scenarios for a new Cinderella, along comes Ms. St. Clair with another twist. The main characters were likeable and had great chemistry. The side characters...let's just say every book has to have a villian. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean read.
January 30, 2019
Fun Cinderella story
Though not particularly original in its take, it is at least well written and entertaining. The hero seems a bit too obtuse as well, but he & the heroine make a likeable couple, and this is a great read when you're just looking for a fun diversion.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Though not particularly original in its take, it is at least well written and entertaining. The hero seems a bit too obtuse as well, but he & the heroine make a likeable couple, and this is a great read when you're just looking for a fun diversion.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
March 26, 2019
Such a sweet and well written book. One (of many) thing that I appreciate about this author is how she weaves a believable story that is so easy (in the best of ways) to read. The story is sweet without saccharine-just enough salty to cut through. I hope that the side characters get their own books!
March 30, 2021
This was another fun, quick read in Emma St. Claire's billionaire series. It's a Cinderella story and a bit predictable, but I liked the characters. They both are learning how to manage grief. This story definitely falls in the category of "characters making things more complicated than they need to be", buy I enjoyed it. It's sweet and clean with mild kissing.
June 3, 2022
Billionaires Masquerade
Council or Cheer is like Cinderella in that she loses her father and has evil step sisters and an evil step brother. Xandercer had Ben a foster child in the system who becomes a successful Billionaire who hides private secrets of the loss of his wife and child. Cancer meets Cancer at a Masquerade ball funding
Council or Cheer is like Cinderella in that she loses her father and has evil step sisters and an evil step brother. Xandercer had Ben a foster child in the system who becomes a successful Billionaire who hides private secrets of the loss of his wife and child. Cancer meets Cancer at a Masquerade ball funding
August 5, 2023
This has been my favorite book of the series!!
What you'll find inside:
♥️ Cinderella/evil stepmother
♥️ Hidden identity
♥️ Office romance
♥️ Stand alone
♥️ Sweet, clean romance
♥️ Emotionally heavy
Trigger warning at the bottom of the review has a bit of a spoiler.
What I loved:
♥️ The real Xander.
♥️ Wyatt and Judy
♥️ The "meat market"
Triggers/content warning:
- Cancer, loss of unborn baby
What you'll find inside:
♥️ Cinderella/evil stepmother
♥️ Hidden identity
♥️ Office romance
♥️ Stand alone
♥️ Sweet, clean romance
♥️ Emotionally heavy
Trigger warning at the bottom of the review has a bit of a spoiler.
What I loved:
♥️ The real Xander.
♥️ Wyatt and Judy
♥️ The "meat market"
Triggers/content warning:
- Cancer, loss of unborn baby
October 31, 2023
Cynder and her father built an event planning business. After his death, Cynder finds out he left the business to his new wife. Cynder gets demoted to secretary but still does everything in her power to make sure the events go off without a hitch. When she sneaks into the masquerade gala Xander is throwing for his new charity, they meet.
This is a fun contemporary Cinderella retelling. I really like Xander. I love his dynamic with Judy and Wyatt. I also love the added dimension of Cynder's personality added to the mix. This book has Christian themes.
Content Warning:
-Death of a wife and child
-Talks of cancer
-Sexual harassment
*This is a clean contemporary romance.
This is a fun contemporary Cinderella retelling. I really like Xander. I love his dynamic with Judy and Wyatt. I also love the added dimension of Cynder's personality added to the mix. This book has Christian themes.
Content Warning:
-Death of a wife and child
-Talks of cancer
-Sexual harassment
*This is a clean contemporary romance.
December 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! There was a little mystery about his life and that was why he was having such a hard time with his life now. She was trying to get over her fathers death and didn't like him, she thought! I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance!
December 24, 2018
Super cute Cinderella spin off
One off the cutest Cinderella spin offs I've read. Witty and charming. Fun secondary characters. Clean. I would read this one again. Can't wait for more from this author!
One off the cutest Cinderella spin offs I've read. Witty and charming. Fun secondary characters. Clean. I would read this one again. Can't wait for more from this author!
January 1, 2019
Awesome
I loved Xander and Cynder’s story. I was totally captivated by this sweet love story. I couldn’t stop reading it. Such an intriguing storyline that I was riveted to every moment of their journey. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great love story
I loved Xander and Cynder’s story. I was totally captivated by this sweet love story. I couldn’t stop reading it. Such an intriguing storyline that I was riveted to every moment of their journey. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great love story
January 9, 2019
SWEET LOVE STORY
I really enjoyed this book. Only wish it could have been a little longer and maybe a little more romance. Look forward to reading more by this author. Clean. HEA
I really enjoyed this book. Only wish it could have been a little longer and maybe a little more romance. Look forward to reading more by this author. Clean. HEA
January 11, 2019
Fun story
A great, entertaining story of a girl learning through grief & tough circumstances a bit more about life. Roommate Lucy adds some great humor & some bits of advice.
The ballgown sounded wonderful. It'd be fun to get to wear it for about an hour in real life.
A great, entertaining story of a girl learning through grief & tough circumstances a bit more about life. Roommate Lucy adds some great humor & some bits of advice.
The ballgown sounded wonderful. It'd be fun to get to wear it for about an hour in real life.
January 24, 2019
Good read
Another wonderful billionaire story. This one with two main characters with past issues to overcome, which they eventually do after quite a bit of drama. Well worth reading.
Another wonderful billionaire story. This one with two main characters with past issues to overcome, which they eventually do after quite a bit of drama. Well worth reading.
February 24, 2019
One of the author’s best!_
The story hit all the right marks. It was heartfelt and well written. Really wanted the main characters succeed
and be happy though their ups and downs. Highly recommend!
The story hit all the right marks. It was heartfelt and well written. Really wanted the main characters succeed
and be happy though their ups and downs. Highly recommend!
April 27, 2019
Another wonderful book from a great author. I throughly enjoyed the story of Xander and Cynder, a modern take on an ageless fairytale. It is a clean tale that any one who enjoys happily ever after should read. I received a complimentary copy and chose to write a review.
April 15, 2020
Fantastic Book
This is a very interesting,inspiring,and refreshing book. There are so many twist and turns in this book that it keeps you interested. It is very hard to put the book down. Very interesting story.
This is a very interesting,inspiring,and refreshing book. There are so many twist and turns in this book that it keeps you interested. It is very hard to put the book down. Very interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews