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Cinderella's Jilted Billionaire

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Sicilian business tycoon Carlo Messina is used to getting his way, so when his supposedly biddable fiancée leaves him standing at the altar he's shocked...and furious.

Annette has spent her entire life trying to be worthy of her family's love, but she's never measured up. Her parents and two perfect sisters make up their own little family and she has no place in it, unless it's as a modern day Cinderella. When she realizes her gorgeous billionaire fiancé expects her to change to fit his idea of family too, she does the only thing she can. She runs.

It's five years later and Carlo and Annette are living in the same house in charge of their niece while their siblings recover from a terrible accident. The desire between these two passionate people has only grown during their time apart and inevitably, it explodes. Results? An unexpected pregnancy.

For Carlo there's only one solution: the wedding that never took place. Can a marriage of convenience lead to the love Annette craves and her Sicilian billionaire doesn't know he needs?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

179 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Monroe

609 books1,575 followers
I write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.

Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...

I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.

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5 stars
191 (47%)
4 stars
115 (28%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
2 stars
26 (6%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley.
371 reviews
July 3, 2023
If Red Flags Were a Book

What can I say except that Carlo and Annette were unbelievably toxic. Not even a last ditched effort of exchanging I Love Yous (in the last three pages no less) could salvage the abhorrent behavior that was so freely expressed in this “contemporary romance.” So much of Carlo’s character was based around a machismo pride that never fully justified half of his actions towards Annette. There was so much masculine toxicity that overshadowed whatever attempt the author had at creating chemistry between Carlo and Annette.

The humiliation that came with being jilted at the altar was entirely on Carlo since Annette had the grace to do it before the wedding even took place. His stubborn pride was not her burden to take on and yet he still had the nerve to place all the blame on her.

Now with Annette, she just elicited a whole slew of frustrations, namely with her clingy behavior in the aftermath of meeting Carlo again after the five years of separation. She had absolutely zero gall and gumption. And the initial conviction she had when she left him? Nowhere to be found. Sure she showed fleeting displays of strength when it came to her niece, but apart from that she’s an absolute doormat when it came to Carlo. The irony that she was willing to settle for a man who doesn’t love her just because she loved him and was pregnant with his baby was not lost on me. By the end she became the very thing she ran away from in the beginning. She had a 360 degree of growth.

Additionally, the writing could use several sessions of revision. Often the sentences were disjointed and unclear. I understand that Carlo is meant to be an Italian living in America hence the lack of contraction usage, but Annette was born and raised in America so why is she speaking like English is her second language?
Profile Image for Amy Brown.
2 reviews
December 1, 2022
**SOME SPOILERS

A modern Cinderella with a flawed Prince. This book made me want to scream and throw it across the room more than once. The feelings the author created were genuine and so very relatable to everyday situations. Miscommunication, jealousy, love, hate, regret, arrogance with a hint of misogyny, and fear were all a part of the narrative. While the plot line was the stuff of fantasies (adopted girl marries billionaire tycoon), the characters were made to be very real. They experience real emotions during specific situations, and you can really “feel” what they are feeling. I appreciated the author’s suspected commentary on feminism and the topic of post-partum depression. This was refreshing to see. I did like that in the end Annette seemed to be making her own choices based on what she actually wanted, but I was disappointed to see that she still seemed to give up her dream to become the wife/mother figure, especially as she seemed very emotionally and professionally invested in her career. That was a major point of contention between the main characters and a MAJOR reason for their initial breakup at the beginning of the novel. It almost felt worthless in the end as Annette just seemed to give it up based on mismatched morals with the organization. Overall, I enjoyed the story and seeing Carlo grovel a bit didn’t hurt either, but I would have liked to see Annette continue her dream of being both a professional woman and wife.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle the Romance Witch.
2,536 reviews74 followers
January 30, 2023
I definitely see the similarity to Lucy's previous novel but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm glad I read it and enjoyed this alternate version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ash Juillet.
660 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2022
This was a very different story than I had expected from the title, and I wasn't at all disappointed by the content. It had a medium pace, a good buildup to the climax, and background plot points that led to the progression of the main characters' relationship. I have to admit that I did not like Carlo at all in the beginning and even halfway through the book, but my feelings changed just a bit when he married Annette after she got pregnant with his child. He seemed rude and standoffish to me (when I usually like fictional men like this), but his actions revealed more than his words. He cared for Annette in his own strange way and wanted her to be his, which I can't begrudge him because who wouldn't want a woman who speaks her mind and has gone to therapy?

That being said, Annette going to therapy was one of the best parts of this book. She learnt how to speak her mind, be honest and have boundaries with her loved ones, and how to stand up for herself without feeling guilty. I absolutely loved that.

I still have a question about why Joyce and Fantino didn't name Annette co-guardian of their daughter, but I'll just chalk that up to plot purposes for relationship progression.

Overall, this book could have been even better with more smut, where we could have happily experienced Carlo's emotional changes, and with a more dramatic scene where Carlos realises he's in love with Annette. The angst could have been wonderful, heartwrenching, and beautiful.

I'd also recommend this book to people who want to read the Cinderella trope where the woman is a strong woman who isn't afraid to go to therapy, a Prince Charming who isn't as charming as he thinks he is, and of course, an unplanned pregnancy.
Profile Image for Dee Dee.
203 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2022
Once upon a time Annette Hudson and Carlo Messina were engaged to be married. And then they weren't. Because Annette refused to slot herself into the role Carlo expected of his wife. So, she ran. Leaving him alone at the alter. That's when the trouble came to a head. Annette had always felt left out of her family's loving circle, never accepted by her adopted parents, never equal to her sisters, never fitting into the family dynamics, never accepted for who she was. She absolutely refused to commit to a lifetime role of always being taken for granted, unloved and used. Five years passed by while neither Annette nor Carlo ever forgot each other. Annette always loved Carlo, but that glass slipper didn't fit her foot. Carlo simply gave up, clinging to his personal hurt and the humiliation of being publicly left to deal with a wedding that wasn't, the magical ending that didn't happen. They came to an agreement to try for closure by having a one night stand with each other. Oops, then Cinderella got pregnant with the Prince's baby. This is a SUPER wonderful story! Another hit by one of this author's visions being made into a can't put down until you finish it book. Well done Lucy Monroe!
Profile Image for Riet.
64 reviews
November 15, 2022
I loved this romance so much! It ticks a few of my favourite tropes: Second chance, “playing” nanny, an unexpected pregnancy- so happy to read this book. And frankfully- a Lycy Monroe book never gets old. I love Ms Monroes style.
Sicilian business tycoon Carlo Messina is used to getting his way, so when his supposedly biddable fiancée leaves him standing at the altar he's shocked...and furious.
Annette has spent her entire life trying to be worthy of her family's love, but she's never measured up. Her parents and two perfect sisters make up their own little family and she has no place in it, unless it's as a modern day Cinderella. When she realizes her gorgeous billionaire fiancé expects her to change to fit his idea of family too, she does the only thing she can. She runs.
It's five years later and Carlo and Annette are living in the same house in charge of their niece while their siblings recover from a terrible accident. The desire between these two passionate people has only grown during their time apart and inevitably, it explodes. Results? An unexpected pregnancy.
For Carlo there's only one solution: the wedding that never took place. Can a marriage of convenience lead to the love Annette craves and her Sicilian billionaire doesn't know he needs?
Profile Image for RomanceBookLoverinSeattle.
1,117 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2022
This is an angsty romance. Carlo was "left at the altar" when Annette talked with him right before the wedding and felt like he didn't really understand her or take her into consideration when making decisions. She had always been treated in her family like she was less than and not important to them and this felt to her like more of the same. It's years later and they are being thrown together when her younger sister is marrying Carlo's younger brother. What follows is how their siblings relationship continues to bring them into contact with each other, and things between them begin to progress.

I enjoyed the story, but was taken aback at first, sure I had already read it. In fact there are a large number of similarities between this and a release from earlier in the year in the same series(but not connected I believe) by the same author. Despite that, this story is somewhat different from that one and I very much enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Tones.
644 reviews
December 5, 2022
As much as I loveeeeed Lucy Monroe’s earlier books, this did not do it for me. There were some mixups with timelines that I considered to be bad editing. Especially because the book takes places over an extended period of time.

I really liked the heroine and found her reasons for ending the initial engagement to be very valid - especially because we readers get to experience the flashback and Carlo does nooooot come out looking very attractive. She gets a solid 4.5* because she faced her mistakes, sought help to address toxic family relationships and self-issues, and looked out for her sister.

Carlo gets like 1.5 stars. I wasn’t truly convinced that a) he actually truly loved the heroine vs it being just convenient and great chemistry and b) he learned from his past behavior. I mean, he definitely gets better but I’m not sold on it being a true, permanent transformation.

868 reviews
October 13, 2023
DNF 37%

I knew I read this before- it is the same premise as blackmailed by the billionaire. This one was better, but I gave up at the same point when she was begging to stay in the baby's life because she was taking care of him for the last two months, or however long it was. I would have liked to read about a co-parenting situation where they were forced to compromise for the sake of the baby and then learned how to respect each other as a result. In this, the guy went on and on about how he wouldn't put up with a nanny and then when the parents died he immediately hired a nanny. It didn't track with the set-up.
Profile Image for Jenn Dacey.
1 review
July 13, 2024
great love story

This one is amazing! Learning to embrace yourself wholly, and not let the level of your worth be influenced by those who are supposed to be family. We don’t get to choose our family but we are in complete control of how we allow others to treat us. Finding courage and embracing it is the best confidence boost. Anyone who’s ever struggled with believing their worth will love this true love story. It may have started about a runaway bride, but as the author pulls back all the layers, true beauty and love has always been there. We let fear and self doubt overtake us. Always believe in yourself and never stop believing in love!!
Profile Image for Heather K.
173 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2022
3 stars only because I'm convinced I've read this story before, but could not figure out if this is a republish or just too similar to another story. It was very enjoyable as all Lucy Monroe stories are- didn't want to put it down and the main characters are always loveable.
This one is very emotional with a wide variety of possible triggers. Content warnings: adoption, abusive (adoptive) parents, abusive sibling, therapy, extreme people-pleasing behavior, car accident, post-partum depression, suicidal thoughts, jilted wedding
3,552 reviews52 followers
November 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Annette is such a sweetheart and I loved watching her grow throughout this book. I also adored Carlo as he is pretty swoon-worthy as she is so protective over her, and we also saw him evolve into a better man. The chemistry between these two are off the charts sizzling, and I loved the relationship Marco has with his family and Annette with her sister. I found this such an entertaining read from start to finish.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
578 reviews5 followers
Read
December 31, 2022
Carlo and Annette were engaged, and she left him at the altar. Now her sister marries his brother, and they have a beautiful little girl. Then the unthinkable happens and they have an accident and cannot take care of their little girl and Carol is her guardian so he takes over, but Annette has been taking care of her since her birth so she will not give up on her. Then magic happens and happily ever after comes to the family.

Not my favorite of her books, but I do love a good Lucy Monroe book.
2,789 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2023
More than love

Annette was brought up in an indifferent family who stifled any attempts to stand for her own principles and left behind a finance who seemed to have the same ideology. Five Yeats brings about changes and growth that finally allow Annette to resolve the issues left unresolved with Marco before moving on. Opening up to each other brings more into the open.
This is a beautifully written story that gives the reader satisfaction of a story taken to a well thought out conclusion.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lee.
219 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2023
Cinderella

This was a very good book. The similarities between Anettes family dynamics and Cinderella's were the perfect balance. As a reader I don't always enjoy retellings of fairytales. That is not what this was.
The story was original and entertaining. The charectors were likeable when they were supposed to be and villainous when required.
4 stars instead of five because I was left wanting in some areas. I do however highly recommend this book. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
November 27, 2022
Carlo and Annette touched my heart and had me cheering for them. Five years ago, she called off the wedding. Fate have them back in each other's lives and the feelings are still there. Will these two get a chance to rekindle the love and will it lead them to a happily ever after? This story has a few triggers but overall, it is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
720 reviews
December 24, 2022
A very beautiful book

This is a story about 2nd chances, the h and H were engaged to be married but she left him at the altar. She didn’t think she could be the wife he wanted, her adopted family treated her horribly, she was very insecure. 5 years later they reunite at her sister’s wedding to his brother, they had a sex only relationship in the beginning. An unexpected pregnancy had them getting married and discovering they still loved each other. Great epilogue.
Profile Image for Paola.
242 reviews
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book..I usually do with Lucy Monroe books.. You always hey enough background on the characters so they don't feel underdeveloped and the pacing of the story is always good. Not so drawn out that you want to skip anything to see what's going to happen..

This book reminded me so much of Bond of Hatred by Lynne Graham. It has super similar story. I'd almost think this one was inspired by that one.
1,176 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2023
get a clue

Not as deeply emotive as other books of hers, but engaging.
We have the usual denying of feelings, altho less orchestrated misunderstandings.
Hero and heroine both go thru a necessary growth arc.
I wouldnt really call it romantic, although it was clearly supposed to be.
It's more like.. eyeroll on both of you for letting this go on for 5 years.
Life's short. Get a clue.
725 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2022
Annette and Carlo were going to be married five years ago, until Annette canceled the wedding. When life throws them back together, their chemistry cannot be contained. I love how Lucy Monroe brought these two people back together! No one tells a story like Lucy, and I can’t wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Janice.
3,067 reviews
November 17, 2022
Annette has always been on the outside looking in with her family as the adopted child. She believed Carlo was willing to allow her to be herself. When she realized he wasn't she left him at the altar. It is now 5 years later; the mutual attraction is still there, and a one nighter meant for closure turns into more.
425 reviews
November 21, 2022
A repeat

Cinderella's Jilted Billionaire is a repeat of her book, Blackmailed by the Billionaire. The story line is the same. Names are changed and Carlo is Italian, not Greek. The heroine cares for a niece (or nephew) and will lose this to the hero when something bad happens to the parents of the child. I liked the Blackmailed story better.
34 reviews
April 2, 2023
Cinderella

This book had great potential, but it was a tough read way way to much dialogue. To many weird names. It lost me many times that I started skimming, the ending was probably the best say the last 2 or 3 chapters. I really was disappointed for I do love reading Lucy Monroe I have read ALOT of her books in the past and enjoyed them. Maybe the next one.
63 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
My Beauty

This was such a refreshing change to the 2nd chance trope. Bright and non ditzy h, who knows her H sometimes better than he knows himself.

A lot of real problems contrasted in a billionaire environment.

Even the length of the new romance made sense so that a lot could happen to test and show the couple's maturity along the way.
266 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2022
I was a page turner romantic and suspenseful I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a nice romantic book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
50 reviews
November 16, 2022
I loved this book! Highly suggest! A beautiful story of two lovers who are brought back together after a back breakup years earlier. Both have grown and matured, and are now in a better place to be in each others lives.

Thank you Lucy for letting me be an ARC for you!
213 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2022
this was a awesome book by the brilliant lucy monroe
i really loved this book great story and characters i could not
put down and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,629 reviews
December 4, 2022
Annette left Carlo at the altar five years ago after a conversation that paint her future as bleak as her family life.
It was engaging, there was character growth and it was medium-paced.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheila Schwartz.
1,725 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2022
5 year of waiting

Lucy Monroe is an amazing writer, her stories leave me giddy in love and so engrossed in her characters that at the end I am rushing to purchase more!
110 reviews
November 24, 2022
Excellent

Great love story. Very descriptive. I like how the past was explained. I like the reasoning of why she left him but came back to him…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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