Knocked-Up Cinderella was a true romcom. At times I laughed out loud and others I was cringing. It was a toss up for me. It's a solid story that was entertaining but I'm not sure I'd read the next book if there is one for Erin's sister.
If you enjoy a solid romcom with cringe-worthy and laugh out loud moment then check out Knocked-Up Cinderella.

This novel was a lot of fun. The title is a bit deceptive because the only thing that makes the heroine, Erin Sharpe, a Cinderella is that she dressed as Cinderella for a Halloween fundraiser at the private Chicago school where she is the new principal. There she meets Ian Donovan, a wealthy alumnus of the school who is infamous for his one-date rule for the many women he sleeps with.

He’s charmed by Erin’s mouthy bravado and take-no-prisoners attitude. He bids on her for the bachelorette auction at the fundraiser and well...the title tells you what happens.

Ian fears that he will never be a good bet or a relationship because his mother walked out on him and his father when he was 11. That is why he never goes beyond a one-night hookup. Also, he’s very busy running his venture capitalist firm with his two best friends.

But he’s still attracted to Erin and, against his better judgment, intrigued by their baby. It’s sweet how he slowly grows interested in the baby. There are some very cute scenes as he takes care of his friend’s baby and has to ask Alexa how to change a diaper. Though who leaves their baby with a single guy who doesn’t know the basics?

The book was funny. Erin and Ian don’t fit the standard models for romance novels which made the book more enjoyable for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

“These flimsy pieces of garbage were not going to cut it. The girl needed a power washing.” Just close your eyes and imagine someone saying that about a baby that has pooped her diaper and try not to laugh. I bet you can’t. That is just one of the many hilarious situations in this romantic comedy. The fact the characters are of a mature age adds even more to the hilarity. The author has done a fantastic job with the situational aspects of the story by looking at how Erin and her sister Katie viewed life as they were ten years apart. She also looked at various aspects of relationships in a light and fun way. Ian and Erin made the rules of their relationship about what would make them happy and it did.

I thought this was going to be a cute yet predictable read but it was so much more than that. I loved that this story was able to pull such real emotions from me and Erin was such a great female character! I loved the she knew that she deserved better and she was taking any less than she deserved! Ian... lets just say I loved to hate him. I wanted to smack some sense into to him so many times in the book but in the end you truly can’t help but fall in love with him! This story had it all! It was the perfect cute and quirky read that I needed.

My first book by this author but not my last! I have found so many great authors through Netgalley and Julie is no exception. Her storytelling ways kept me turning the pages all while rooting for these two characters to get it together already. I wanted to reach into the story and shake them lol. A great read that I’d recommend.

I liked the setup of this story - as a mature woman, I adored the fact that the leads are both 40, they have full lives outside of the romance that impact the story, and they each learn to change their lives because of their baby, putting aside the past to reach for that future. I thought the pregnancy aspect, especially considering it’s an older heroine experiencing it for the first time, was a fresh take that I don’t see eveyr day. Many times, if I read a romance with older heroes and heroines, a surprise pregnancy is the “bow” on the gift of an epilogue, not when their story actually begins and I enjoyed that.

The reason I’m not rating this higher is because of a couple of reasons: First and foremost, I’m a romance junkie and to me, their relationship was more friendship than romance. I didn’t feel that strong romantic chemistry between them. I thought they made good buddies, and generally I’m into friends to lovers romances, but that turn to romance from friendship took a loooooong time. In the pursuit of realism, I was missing some of that emotional oomph, for lack of a better term. For the majority of the story, it’s about Ian being a fuckboy (whose inner voice sounds much younger to me than 40), and Erin not giving him a chance to hurt her. Those beats are stressed in almost every scene and it got a bit monotonous for me by the end. When we’re at 88% and there’s still serious doubts they’ll ever be more than friends, the sexual tension isn’t strong, and I just wasn’t sure Ian was ready for a real romance, I stopped reaching for that dangling carrot of an HEA. Giving me two chapters, right at the end, didn’t quite satisfy my romance needs.

Which leads me to now - I didn’t hate the story, it just didn’t give me that love jones that I look for in my romance reads. However, your mileage may vary, so if you love a good old ONS turns to pregnancy trope, you may enjoy this.


**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

3.5⭐
Knocked-Up Cinderella was an enjoyable story that for the most part held my interest, and it certainly had little in the way of angst or drama.
Plus, the characters were likable, although I didn't really connect with them, or feel they shared any chemistry. However, I did like that these two characters were older and Erin certainly was a unique individual and different to a lot of lead characters I've read about in the past, and it was a straightforward, and at times entertaining story. That I'm sure fans of the author will enjoy.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I have previously read some of Hammerle's YA romances, and jumped at the chance to read an adult contemporary by her. Well, the results are in, and I loved this book!

Five Things I Loved About Knocked-Up Cinderella

• Erin was a stupendous heroine. Her first appearance on page had me laughing, but she wasn't just funny. She was smart, witty, quirky, driven, and independent too. I could totally see myself being friends with her.

• I had zero problems shipping Erin and Ian. I enjoyed seeing them together, because they had it all. They had great chemistry, but they also really talked to each other. They could let loose, and it was obvious how much they enjoyed their time together. Talk about relationship goals.

• I love a good rom-com, and this was a great rom-com. I laughed so much while reading this book. Hammerle did a great job maintaining the tone of the story, while putting in just enough drama, and never forgetting to give us a good dose of heart.

• Let's hear it for heroes and heroines in their 40s! I so rarely read romances with older characters, and it's nice to see people near my age finding love.

• That ending was so, so precious! I love when a book ends on a high note, and this one just had me wiping those happy tears out of my eyes.

My first adult romance from Julie Hammerle was a hit, and I look forward to reading many more.

2 1/2 Star Review.....

Knocked-Up Cinderella was a story of contradiction. It was funny, steamy and packed with drama and angst, but slow moving and I really had to push through. Unfortunately it was also overloaded with YA dialogue and its 40 plus year-old characters were unbearably immature. That said, Erin was fabulous, and funny as all get out, but the male portrayals were mediocre. I’m sure it will appeal to many readers, but it was just OK for me.

Thank you for Entangled Publishing, LLC for giving me a chance to read this book.
Knocked-Up Cinderella tells the story of Erin, a 40-year-old private school principal, and Ian, a 40-year-old playboy venture capitalist millionaire, who buys a date with Erin for 40k for charity. But that is only the beginning.
Erin has recently broken up with his boyfriend of 10 years and is thinking a family is not in the cards for her. Ian has no plans for a family or wife. But after a very steamy night, they are both faced with an unexpected surprise. To see, how their story concludes you should read the book!
This is a light romantic comedy that I read in one sitting. It is fun and engaging. I liked that the characters were older than we usually see in this trope. However, they did not really act their age (unless the said something about being older than most in this situation).In fact, Ian's characters read a bit like an 18-year-old girl. He uses phrases like BFF, "melting during kissing", ride-or-die. He is still a fun character but it was hard to picture him as a 40(!) year old.

When Ian Donovan, a bad boy, venture capitalist millionaire comes to her rescue, Erin Sharpe is more than thrilled to have a night on the town with the man who saved her from a creep at an auction. After an enjoyable night of dinner and dancing the pair decide to continue their night of fun back at her place. Which leads to some between the sheets fun... and a few weeks later an unexpected positive pregnancy stick. Both agreed the night they met that they weren't looking for forever, but when faced with this unexpected news they both begin to reconsider their stance on it.

Knocked-Up Cinderella was charming little fairy tale that brought many smiles, and feel good vibes. This was an evenly paced, heartfelt contemporary romance, that came with a modern day fairy tale twist, and I really enjoyed spending my afternoon devouring it! If you like humorous, light-hearted reads, then this one will be right up your alley... it comes with loads of laughs and heart!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

I had,looked,foreward to reading this book because of the age of the characters. I was excited to read about a woman who was 40 and experiencing the unintended consequences of a one night stand. I thought it would bring a new perspective to an otherwise uninspired storyline. Unfortunately this fell far short of the mark for me. If not for the constant reminders of their ages I would never have pegged them simply by reading their dialogue or by their actions. They spoke and acted like 20 somethings. Very immature. So it was disappointing.

This is a fun romance novel of two people in their 40's who just want to hook up and what happens when the condom fails. Erin is a responsible school principal who throws caution to the wind one night. Ian is all about the one night stand. This is a recipe for parenthood that I thoroughly enjoyed. Cute.

This was a pretty speedy, easy-going read which fit inbetween the gaps of receiving eagerly awaited new releases. It was refreshing to read a romance where both characters were over the age of 35 and acted it. I enjoyed the strong personality of the heroine throughout the story, and how she carried herself and her beliefs so unapologetically. Although I always prefer to have a couple together at the end of a story, I could have seen how this particular woman would have been able to do things for herself, her personality came out so well. She certainly didn't seem a Cinderella waiting to be rescued.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..

"I’m a walking contradiction.
School principal who liberally drops the F bomb.
Fiercely independent yet willing to auction myself off for charity.
Serial monogamist who’s down for a no-strings one-night stand.
Except now I’ve gone from one-working-ovary to co-parent in the time it took a stick to turn blue."

This was an adorable read that was unique take on meeting Prince Charming. The main characters, Erin and Ian, are wonderful and the backstory of both of them were interesting. I also enjoyed that they were closer to middle age, unlike most romantic novels where the main characters are in their 20s. A quick, refreshing read that keeps you hooked until the last page.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #KnockedUpCinderella
Pub Date: 12 Nov 2018

Ughhhh this book was just so dang CUTE but also funny, sexy, and snarky!!

I immediately loved both Ian and Erin as our main characters as well as their story. I also liked that they were in their early 40’s as opposed to the usual mid-20’s/early 30’s characters in rom-coms.

I had absolutely no problem reading this in just one day and I just think it’s a great fluffy, contemporary romance!! The ending practically made my heart explode with happiness!!!

A completely fun read, complete with your 40 year old workaholic, never will commit hot male and his 40 year old PhD private school Principal who drops F bombs like rain drops and has sworn off men and relationships. The two meet at a Halloween fundraiser for the school she works for. Irritated by her costume, yes she's dressed as Cinderella hides behind a tree outside the ballroom to reach up under her dress to give herself a good scratching not realizing she isn't alone and watched by the all dressed up in no costume Ian Donovan. He's only there to make a sizable donation and leave. He's certainly not there for the auction, which our poor Principal Erin has begrudgingly agreed to take part in. The two have a brief chat and then it's auction time, Ian decides to watch seeing the men who are bidding on her with his disapproval decides to place that winning bid and one date it is. The date which he had no intention of going on, the date she could care less about. The two end up spending the night together, he has rules, so does she. He breaks his first by falling asleep and spending the night. When she boots him out the door in the morning, he's befuddled and disturbed. That's never happened to him before. Plus he actually likes her. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, he doesn't like it. It bothers him for several months, so much that he can't get back into the one and done routine. He's in business with his two best friends he grew up with, one now married with a baby which has thrown a wrench in the works, now the days of bar crawling and trawling are over. Three months goes by and Ian gets a text from Erin to meet for coffee. He thinks it's code for another roll in the rack and she clarifies just coffee. She had gone in for a check up and discovers she's pregnant. After trying for years, her one night stand and the last person who'd make the top of the baby daddy list, he's little swimmers won the game. She tells him out of courtesy, she makes it clear she expects nothing and can do this on her own. Because that's always been her plan. Ian decides to test the water, but proves to be exactly what he says he is. He's a runner. The months go by quickly, things happen with school and also in his business, he's traveling overseas a lot. Coming close to delivery and does he make it to the class as he said he would? Good question. Where's Ian reminded me of where's Waldo. I liked Erin and Ian not as well, yet there was something a little charming about his immature 40 yr old self. There are plenty of supporting characters to meet and you get to know a few.
The plot was good, I loved reading about a 40 year old woman who had her act together and was a professional woman. Big thumbs up on that. That in itself is the best part of the story. It does however drag in places, it's a slow read. I like something that flows a little quicker but that's just me.
It's a cute read, Erin wins the crown for this beauty.

arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review

Erin Sharpe is a school principal forced to dress up as Cinderella and auction herself off for charity. Ian Donovan is a businessman afraid of relationships who only shows up at the gala auction to support his former school. He never bids for any women...until a chance encounter in the lobby, a hilarious meet cute, changes his mind and he buys Erin for $40,000. Just dinner, no strings attached that turns into a one night stand. But a few weeks later a big complication occurs when Erin discovers she's pregnant.
I was looking for a good light hearted romance novel and the title of this book caught my eye. From the first line I was hooked. Ian catches her scratching her butt and adjusting her nylons and is still attracted to her. The main character's imperfections make the story and the romance more believable. If you're looking for humor and romance this is the book for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Really fun story about a well-educated elementary school principal who just may have found the one in a playboy venture capitalist. Read this one in two days; couldn’t put it down!

Dr Erin Sharpe is 40, a Ph.D and a school principal. She's also the queen of the bad relationships, so when she finally asserts her independence and says she's going to live a lifestyle that lets her enjoy her sexuality and forget about every finding Mr. Right and having a family, she means it.
What's that saying about the best laid plans?
As soon as Erin decides she's a free spirit, she finds out she's...pregnant from a one night stand ( well, actually 3 times the same night, but with the same guy!)
Ian Donovan is rich, single, an unencumbered emotionally and he plans to stay that way, But when he finds out Erin is pregnant with his child, those single guy forever thoughts start to fade a little.
Can these two committment-phobes find their own HEA despite not wanting one?
I loved this book.
The pacing was great, the conversation witty and timely, the conflict real. The only issue ( and it's a small one!) I had was that the last scene felt rushed and a little anachronistic to me.
I also loved that the H/H weren't twenty-somethings trying to figure their lives out but 40-somethings!!! Love that.
brava to Ms. Hammerle on a well constructed and just plain good book!
Thanks, Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a sneak peek for an honest opinion.