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Rich Little Poor Girl
A "semi-sweet" romance. Renown local designer Cynthia Gordon is a woman of humble beginnings-- starting out as a cafeteria worker at The Dvorak Group, a prestigious investment banking firm in the heart of Wall Street run by Solomon Dvorak. When she steals the heart of the CEO's handsome son and heir apparent Ben Dvorak, Solomon comes up with a plan to keep the girl from de-railing his plans for his son. Ten years later, Cynthia Gordon returns to settle the score, without getting her heart involved. Now that Ben is poised to take over the company after his father's illness, Ben is determined to find out what really happened all those years ago-- and ultimately how to win her back.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2019
About the author
C.L. Donley
16 books206 followersC.L. Donley is a future New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of multicultural and interracial romance, who believes romance novels that are impossible to put down are the only kind that should exist! Armed with a B.A. in English and M.A. in Writing, she is new to the romance game, having written her first novel, Amara's Calling, after discovering the romance genre in September 2017. Donley writes in a style she calls "romantic realism" that is sophisticated yet simple, grounded yet unaplogetically escapist, and character-driven rather than plot-driven. This style creates a unique, modern reading experience ideal for book club discussions, personal epiphanies, satisfying re-reads, and the occasional spiraling reviewer! Love it or hate it, fans and critics alike can't deny her talent, and always find themselves coming back for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 31, 2019
This is my first read by C.L. Donley and I really enjoyed "Rich Little Poor Girl", a second chance romance!
Businessman, Solomon Dvorak ruled with a heavy hand and managed to remove heroine, Cynthia, a cafeteria worker out of his young son's Benjamin's life.
Ten years later, a large check from Cynthia is sent to Solomon Dvorak but his son, Ben now runs the company in his father's absence.
This insightful story had me on the edge of my seat because there were a lot of challenging events going on in this intriguing story. It was easy to see that Ben and Cynthia were still in love with each other no matter how bad the situations were in the story. The feels in this story were plentiful and I really connected to the way C.L. Donley mapped out this tale!
5 endearing stars!
Businessman, Solomon Dvorak ruled with a heavy hand and managed to remove heroine, Cynthia, a cafeteria worker out of his young son's Benjamin's life.
Ten years later, a large check from Cynthia is sent to Solomon Dvorak but his son, Ben now runs the company in his father's absence.
This insightful story had me on the edge of my seat because there were a lot of challenging events going on in this intriguing story. It was easy to see that Ben and Cynthia were still in love with each other no matter how bad the situations were in the story. The feels in this story were plentiful and I really connected to the way C.L. Donley mapped out this tale!
5 endearing stars!
September 27, 2019
I was just re-reading this book the other day and it sucked me in for a little while and I thought, "hey this is a pretty good book." Basically, one day I was reading yet another romance where the billionaire hero gives the heroine a check for a large sum, b/c he's a jerk or whatever, and she rips it up and I was like, "okay. Let's stop doing that." I think I was broke at the time too. So then I got to thinking, "how about she keeps the check, USES it, not just spends it, and becomes this self-made person?" I think the book gets bogged down a little with me trying to appease audience expectations i.e. not make him too much of a jerk, not make her too much of a ho, but I think if I really went for it, this could've been a hot, hot book. But as it is, all of the appeasements made for a really tight read that's emotional and pleasant, and not at all vapid. I'm particularly proud of the Grenadian patois that I sort of pieced together with the sparse research I could find, finding the commonality and rhythms in AA slang, and being otherwise guided by the ancestors. I spent a lot of time on that little detail, so thanks to everyone who thought I was from the islands! haha. It made me feel happy.
July 19, 2019
Hated it
I can’t for the life of me understand why Ben is so into Cynthia. However you want to slice it she sold him out for a 100k. She can disguise it with the repayment at the end but that what she did. She saw an opportunity and she took it. For her to dare say that he had a fiancée was indecisive etc is utter BS. He never lied to her, she knew what she was getting into. If she had an issue with it, she should have said something. She also know how sensitive he was about people using him so for her to do it with no explanation was a low blow. Then she dares have opinions about his fiancées, the fact that he overworks etc. She doesn’t even have the decency to apologize for what she did to him. Ben really came across as a weak pathetic fool happy to have some woman walk all over him just because he feels something. Crazy
I can’t for the life of me understand why Ben is so into Cynthia. However you want to slice it she sold him out for a 100k. She can disguise it with the repayment at the end but that what she did. She saw an opportunity and she took it. For her to dare say that he had a fiancée was indecisive etc is utter BS. He never lied to her, she knew what she was getting into. If she had an issue with it, she should have said something. She also know how sensitive he was about people using him so for her to do it with no explanation was a low blow. Then she dares have opinions about his fiancées, the fact that he overworks etc. She doesn’t even have the decency to apologize for what she did to him. Ben really came across as a weak pathetic fool happy to have some woman walk all over him just because he feels something. Crazy
November 2, 2019
Good interpretation of well known trope
I enjoyed this author’s interpretation of the second chance romance. I thought it was well written and in my opinion the flashbacks worked well and didn’t disrupt my enjoyment of the story. The twist was a good one and I actually appreciated that Cynthia’s rationale for her actions was straightforward as opposed to a deeper reason that was sprung on us at the last minute. It made sense and Ben’s immediate recognition of that spoke to his maturity, i.e. the “why” didn’t need to be tortured to death. All in all. I really enjoyed this story
I enjoyed this author’s interpretation of the second chance romance. I thought it was well written and in my opinion the flashbacks worked well and didn’t disrupt my enjoyment of the story. The twist was a good one and I actually appreciated that Cynthia’s rationale for her actions was straightforward as opposed to a deeper reason that was sprung on us at the last minute. It made sense and Ben’s immediate recognition of that spoke to his maturity, i.e. the “why” didn’t need to be tortured to death. All in all. I really enjoyed this story
August 1, 2019
3 Stars for this bwwm billionaire hero meets and falls in love with poor but resourceful girl. I usually love these types of stories and almost everything from Ms. Donley however, this one did not do it for me. It was an okay read.
October 22, 2019
Interesting...
So this was a good read. I liked the characters in the book. I liked the way we went from current to back in the day to answer the questions of why. Good read, I'd recommend this book.
So this was a good read. I liked the characters in the book. I liked the way we went from current to back in the day to answer the questions of why. Good read, I'd recommend this book.
November 5, 2019
Nice story to read
The build up was really good, the characters were interesting and not too complicated.
The story was sort of predictable but non the less likable. The ending was lovely, a real feel good book to read.
The build up was really good, the characters were interesting and not too complicated.
The story was sort of predictable but non the less likable. The ending was lovely, a real feel good book to read.
November 1, 2019
Back
Great story this one was MUCH better than the other two I bought I’m glad I gave this one a chance and better it’s free with kindle unlimited. Brava
Great story this one was MUCH better than the other two I bought I’m glad I gave this one a chance and better it’s free with kindle unlimited. Brava
January 3, 2020
2.5 Okay read
Want to Read
February 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/14/2020)! 🎁
April 23, 2025
Definite True Love
This a great story. I don't even know why it took me so long to read it, but I'm so glad I finally did. I really love Ben and Cynthia's story. It's definitely a true love story that overcomes some serious family manipulations from the wealthy. But as we see in the ending, we all have our crosses to bare and some are heavier than others. Solomon's cross was definitely heavy and haunting until the end when he couldn't even ask for forgiveness, but was forgiven. The love between Ben and Cynthia was definitely stronger than the two ever realized or acknowledged. I'm glad they found their way back to each other. Definitely a great read as with all of C.L. Donley's books.
This a great story. I don't even know why it took me so long to read it, but I'm so glad I finally did. I really love Ben and Cynthia's story. It's definitely a true love story that overcomes some serious family manipulations from the wealthy. But as we see in the ending, we all have our crosses to bare and some are heavier than others. Solomon's cross was definitely heavy and haunting until the end when he couldn't even ask for forgiveness, but was forgiven. The love between Ben and Cynthia was definitely stronger than the two ever realized or acknowledged. I'm glad they found their way back to each other. Definitely a great read as with all of C.L. Donley's books.
January 19, 2022
Nice easy quick read.
There is a lot of jumping back and forth during a 10-year span but it makes sense in building the story. Wish there could've been more character development and some the plot seemed a bit implausible. Nonetheless, the author's style and mannerisms of writing are pretty good. I'd put CL Conley right up there with Pepper Pace and Sienna Mynx, who really good/better writers for the BWWM genre.
There is a lot of jumping back and forth during a 10-year span but it makes sense in building the story. Wish there could've been more character development and some the plot seemed a bit implausible. Nonetheless, the author's style and mannerisms of writing are pretty good. I'd put CL Conley right up there with Pepper Pace and Sienna Mynx, who really good/better writers for the BWWM genre.
November 15, 2022
Gentle buildup
Enjoyable. A slow gentle build up. I, however did anticipate the great reveal though it was an on and then off uncertainty. It therefore did not really come as a surprise. Not sure I understand the character of Grant and the beef he had with his mother. I could have done with a bit more explanation. The juxtaposition of the present and the past narratives added a bit more depth to the story.
Enjoyable. A slow gentle build up. I, however did anticipate the great reveal though it was an on and then off uncertainty. It therefore did not really come as a surprise. Not sure I understand the character of Grant and the beef he had with his mother. I could have done with a bit more explanation. The juxtaposition of the present and the past narratives added a bit more depth to the story.
May 28, 2023
This really was something else
There are unexpected things in this story. Ms. Donkey really does write character driven stories and if you want light and airy with insta-love, this is not the author for you. If you like complex stories that have you thinking about the character's motivation and behaviors and even arguing with them and wondering where it will lead, then you are ready to receive from C.L. Donley. Poor Little Rich Girl will be a mature story for you.
There are unexpected things in this story. Ms. Donkey really does write character driven stories and if you want light and airy with insta-love, this is not the author for you. If you like complex stories that have you thinking about the character's motivation and behaviors and even arguing with them and wondering where it will lead, then you are ready to receive from C.L. Donley. Poor Little Rich Girl will be a mature story for you.
November 28, 2025
I really didn’t want to like ben, their chemistry was off the charts him and cynthia, but that didn’t mean i had to like ben but noooo c.l. just had to make his life and the character decisions understandable and complex UGHHHHHH i loved these two their chemistry was impossible to escape! this books tension had me at the edge of my seat i had to put the book down so i wouldn’t devour it in one go!
November 30, 2021
Fabulous
Initially you will not like Ben Dvorak as a character . However, if you hang in there, you'll appreciate a fantastical yet realistic love story. Prose is where Donley shines, coupled with a unique premise this book was great. It helps you see life through different lenses and offers a warm love story. 5 stars.
Initially you will not like Ben Dvorak as a character . However, if you hang in there, you'll appreciate a fantastical yet realistic love story. Prose is where Donley shines, coupled with a unique premise this book was great. It helps you see life through different lenses and offers a warm love story. 5 stars.
May 11, 2020
I love it!!!!
I love everything about this book. The story line, characters, love. The ONLY thing th st would make this story better is to make it longer. Like "The never-ending story". I know that won't happen. I couldn't get enough of it. I need more.
I love everything about this book. The story line, characters, love. The ONLY thing th st would make this story better is to make it longer. Like "The never-ending story". I know that won't happen. I couldn't get enough of it. I need more.
May 14, 2022
pretty good
It’s a pretty good storyline this book reminds me of a Hallmark movie mixed with a lifetime movie. Characters are pretty strong the storyline itself will have you engaged
It’s a pretty good storyline this book reminds me of a Hallmark movie mixed with a lifetime movie. Characters are pretty strong the storyline itself will have you engaged
July 10, 2023
One of the best (interracial) second chance romance book I have read. The book pulled me in from the first page and kept me turning the page until the end. The characters were well developed with a great storyline. A must read.
September 25, 2021
Love, love, loved this book!
If you love second chance romance this is the book for you. It has love, trust, betrayal, redemption, steam you name it, it's got it. Must read!
If you love second chance romance this is the book for you. It has love, trust, betrayal, redemption, steam you name it, it's got it. Must read!
September 27, 2021
Great story. It was a little dry at times jumping from present time to ten years ago. Enjoyed the ending.
September 25, 2022
loved it
This book made me laugh, some parts were emotional. Some were triggering however I really enjoyed it.
Very much worth the read.
This book made me laugh, some parts were emotional. Some were triggering however I really enjoyed it.
Very much worth the read.
August 17, 2026
This HEA for Ben & Cynthia came with a great deal of angst & no surprises. AI generated narrations are not the best. This is my second with the same author so I’m not sure where the fault lies.
July 27, 2019
A surprising 3.5 stars.
I have no clue what drew me to this book, but I read the excerpt and needed to continue.
I liked this. I really did. It was a whole different take on the 'rich boy, poor girl' trope. Hero Benjamin was rich, entitled, handsome and cocky...he also had cerebral palsy and walked with a distinct limp. He was spoilt and a bit of a rake and the writer unapologetically showed his flaws right along with his humour, charm and sweetness. He was endearing and very real.
Heroine Cynthia was an aspiring culinary student who worked in the kitchen of Ben's father's company. After falling on hard times and becoming homeless, Cynthia and her mum, Bev, were living in their van. She was a beauty, half Grenadian, and also relatable. She was strong and proud and ambitious, but also recognising that a rich Jewish boy and a poor black girl didn't stand a chance, no matter how they felt for one another.
This is their story, how they fell, were separated, and finally came together over roughly sixteen years. It was a pretty good one. It's angsty and sweet and you really come to feel that powerful connection between the couple. The sex was very intimate but tasteful and non-graphic, which I loved. They didn't spout filth at one another either, and I loved that, too. Best of all, it didn't overtake the story. I can't tell you the last time I read a book where the MC's didn't rut at one another like pigs. It's always awesome when a writer I never heard of surprises me in a good way.
There are some problems. Lots of editing mistakes and the unusual use of third-person present tense made it hard to connect at first. But the story engaged me enough that I was able to ignore the poor editing.
Definitely would recommend.
I have no clue what drew me to this book, but I read the excerpt and needed to continue.
I liked this. I really did. It was a whole different take on the 'rich boy, poor girl' trope. Hero Benjamin was rich, entitled, handsome and cocky...he also had cerebral palsy and walked with a distinct limp. He was spoilt and a bit of a rake and the writer unapologetically showed his flaws right along with his humour, charm and sweetness. He was endearing and very real.
Heroine Cynthia was an aspiring culinary student who worked in the kitchen of Ben's father's company. After falling on hard times and becoming homeless, Cynthia and her mum, Bev, were living in their van. She was a beauty, half Grenadian, and also relatable. She was strong and proud and ambitious, but also recognising that a rich Jewish boy and a poor black girl didn't stand a chance, no matter how they felt for one another.
This is their story, how they fell, were separated, and finally came together over roughly sixteen years. It was a pretty good one. It's angsty and sweet and you really come to feel that powerful connection between the couple. The sex was very intimate but tasteful and non-graphic, which I loved. They didn't spout filth at one another either, and I loved that, too. Best of all, it didn't overtake the story. I can't tell you the last time I read a book where the MC's didn't rut at one another like pigs. It's always awesome when a writer I never heard of surprises me in a good way.
There are some problems. Lots of editing mistakes and the unusual use of third-person present tense made it hard to connect at first. But the story engaged me enough that I was able to ignore the poor editing.
Definitely would recommend.
September 12, 2019
Enjoyed the book
I actually was browsing and I like reading BWWM books and as I said before I I was browsing through the books and I read the excerpts of this book and decided to give it a try, and I must say I was surprised when I was reading and there is so much patois in the book, I had to stop and go and read about the author to see if she has any Caribbean heritage, I could read every single patois, as a Jamaican and it's the language we speak, but probably not everyone would know how to rest the patoia.
I did enjoy reading the book, I loved the fact that Cynthia being of Grenadine decent, Indian and black, poor and Ben didn't see any of that but a beautiful and bright young lady and both falling in love.
Yes in some aspects of the book it gets a little bit draggy, but still a good read,
The sex could be a bit more(my opinion) but I still enjoy reading it. And it probably takes a lot of research to know the patoia and putting it in the right context of the story to make it come alive
So big up to you C. L. Donkey , gawn gal yuh book good mi wi recommend it to some a mi frens. 🙂
I actually was browsing and I like reading BWWM books and as I said before I I was browsing through the books and I read the excerpts of this book and decided to give it a try, and I must say I was surprised when I was reading and there is so much patois in the book, I had to stop and go and read about the author to see if she has any Caribbean heritage, I could read every single patois, as a Jamaican and it's the language we speak, but probably not everyone would know how to rest the patoia.
I did enjoy reading the book, I loved the fact that Cynthia being of Grenadine decent, Indian and black, poor and Ben didn't see any of that but a beautiful and bright young lady and both falling in love.
Yes in some aspects of the book it gets a little bit draggy, but still a good read,
The sex could be a bit more(my opinion) but I still enjoy reading it. And it probably takes a lot of research to know the patoia and putting it in the right context of the story to make it come alive
So big up to you C. L. Donkey , gawn gal yuh book good mi wi recommend it to some a mi frens. 🙂
August 25, 2019
1.00 Stars. (BW/WM). 99 cent Kindle e-book , a total waste of time and money. I am not disparaging the author’s ability to perform the mechanics of her craft; I am saying this storyline and these characters and the moving from past to present failed to produce an enjoyable book with memorable likable characters. Ben Dvorak’s physical disability was not his handicap, it was his incessant pursuit of a romantic relationship with Cynthia, a woman who betrayed him and belittled his choices and a woman with whom he had no romantic chemistry. Cynthia Gordon is an envious self serving opportunist. When Cynthia agrees to stay away from Ben for money from his father, she betrays Ben and places a dollar value on their relationship. Cynthia displays her petty jealousy and distain for Ben’s choice in women with these statements, “The perpetually engaged one?” and “He’s flaunted his international women of color in her face for the past 5 years.” Here she’s of the opinion that his dating and being engaged to a woman is his attempt to ingratiate her. Pathetic.
July 23, 2019
Love and Happiness
Cynthia and Benjamin had 2 completely opposite lives....not because he was rich and she wasn't....not because he was born with a birth defect that had him crippled...not because she was homeless and living in a van with her mother....it's purely because she experienced so much unconditional parental love ...growing up with the wholesome richness of a nuclear family...Benjamin just had richness...enormous amount of wealth....parents...or in this case...a very powerful father who rules his children by manipulation...moving events in their lives as chess pieces...he thought he was the king of kings...money and power wielding...ruining lives..moving them like pawns....but he forgot about the queen ...who trumped him with a Princess...
Cynthia and Benjamin had 2 completely opposite lives....not because he was rich and she wasn't....not because he was born with a birth defect that had him crippled...not because she was homeless and living in a van with her mother....it's purely because she experienced so much unconditional parental love ...growing up with the wholesome richness of a nuclear family...Benjamin just had richness...enormous amount of wealth....parents...or in this case...a very powerful father who rules his children by manipulation...moving events in their lives as chess pieces...he thought he was the king of kings...money and power wielding...ruining lives..moving them like pawns....but he forgot about the queen ...who trumped him with a Princess...
November 24, 2019
Absolutely loved it from beginning to end! The miscommunications between Cynthia and Benjamin were just frustrating enough to be believable and it really shows how people from different backgrounds with their own set of insecurities can interpret the same situation differently. And I alwaysss appreciate a good past-and-present/flashback type storyline... this is how you do it right! The big reveal had me tearing up; finally something went right for them. As for Sol? How do you write a character that’s unsavory but gets manages to get sympathy points? I didn’t want to feel bad for him but in the end I did and that’s a big deal for me lol.
August 16, 2019
Good book great read!
This my first time reading Ms Donkey's work and I really enjoyed it. I had to get use to her going back and forth in time but once you get use to it the story was very enjoyable. The characters were very likable.the storyline was easy to follow and believable. I did not like how she hid their child and it was like a big surprise. You did not know there was a child until the end. But overall it was a good book i would recommend it to my fellow romance readers.
This my first time reading Ms Donkey's work and I really enjoyed it. I had to get use to her going back and forth in time but once you get use to it the story was very enjoyable. The characters were very likable.the storyline was easy to follow and believable. I did not like how she hid their child and it was like a big surprise. You did not know there was a child until the end. But overall it was a good book i would recommend it to my fellow romance readers.
July 28, 2019
Love It
I can’t wait for Grant’s book. This author is doing her niche. Love the last two books. This book was so good. Even though Benji was handicap he was Alpa male. Loved it. Benji was just as fine and loved Cynthia. It was jut a misunderstanding grandfather the times he grew up in. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I can’t wait for Grant’s book. This author is doing her niche. Love the last two books. This book was so good. Even though Benji was handicap he was Alpa male. Loved it. Benji was just as fine and loved Cynthia. It was jut a misunderstanding grandfather the times he grew up in. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews