Cute romance.
I think maybe I am just out of love with harkequin books but I found this one was just ok. It’s an ok quick read.

A masquerade ball, family friends, a desire to be seen beneath the exterior, and wanting to belong. What would you do if were still sorting out who you were and what you wanted?

Romance, heat, and passion will make this ball one to remember. Who will find their happy-ever-after?

In LaQuette’s Cinderella Masquerade, Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals #7,
a wealthy player tries to seduce a nerdy bookworm out of her protective shell but instead ends up falling for her. I love LaQuette’s vivid and detailed description, colorful and authentic-sounding dialogue, complex and well-developed characters, and the banter, intimacy, and sexy interactions between the hero and heroine.

I am genuinely surprised by how quickly and effortlessly Jayden discovers Zanai’s identity. However, it’s pretty cool because most of the novel focuses on the development of their relationship. I love how deeply Jayden falls for Zanai and how protective he becomes of her. Laquette pens a lovely romance about Zanai and Jayden evolving with their relationship—because of each other’s presence in their lives. Zanai discovers her own strength and is empowered to stand up for herself and what she wants with her controlling and emotionally abusive father. Zanai helps Jayden to feel comfortable letting down his guard and sharing his true self, which he’s kept hidden for so long.

Laid back and easy-going, Jayden is a wealthy playboy/player who has grown bored with social events and society women. But underneath the façade he presents to the world lurks a quiet intensity and a longing for more. After being blown away and captivated by a sexy, masked red queen he dances with at the Texas Cattleman’s Club’s Annual Ball, he becomes obsessed with finding her. She’s different from the women he’s used to being around. Little does he know she’s been right in front of him this whole time.

A nerdy, socially awkward, and self-protective Black girl from Brooklyn, Zanai doesn’t quite fit in with Royal’s wealthy society. Although she’s beautiful, intelligent, accomplished, and compassionate, she hides her true self because of self-doubt from her experiences as the child of a toxic parent and with people who don’t get her or her interests. With her Ph.D. in Psychology, she works with neurodivergent kids.

Jayden is drawn to Zanai’s quick intelligence, honest and straightforward personality, willingness to speak freely with him, and depth of character. Zanai finds Jayden’s quiet intensity and disregard for what others think about him intoxicating. However, she’s sure things can never go beyond the dance and time they shared at the ball because of their differences. So, she chooses to avoid getting too emotionally involved so she can walk away before she can get hurt.

I am thoroughly drawn into the secondary characters’ interactions and the scheme to matchmake Zanai’s best friend Morgan with Ryan—the two spend all their time verbally sparring. And I can’t wait to read their book.

Cinderella Masquerade is a steamy, slightly angsty, funny, sexy, emotional, fast-paced contemporary romance that explores belonging, issues of race and social/financial status, self-discovery, self-confidence/self-esteem, and neurodivergence.

Advanced review copy provided by HARLEQUIN - Romance via Netgalley for review.

Cinderella Masquerade was a great read. The love story of Dr. Zanai James and Jayden Lattimore leads each down a path of self-discovery. They learn a lot about themselves and Jayden works really hard to get Zanai to believe in her own self-worth. Zanai thinks she can never possibly fit in with Jayden and his old-money family but Jayden and his family and Zanai's friend continually show her otherwise. It is Zanai's father and stepmother who continually try to undermine her self-confidence and do not value Zanai or her work. I highly recommend this book which has a great ending.

A serious-minded doctor of psychology dons mask and gown for one evening to be someone she’s not and captivates an easy going wealthy rancher who is determined to know the woman behind the mask. LaQuette is steadily becoming a go-to author for me when it comes to contemporary romance with her heart-felt situations, engaging characters, and romantic relationships.

Cinderella Masquerade is a standalone romance attached to a series written by various authors. There is a connection to setting and a loose connection to past characters.

Dr. Zanai James is persuaded to let go just for one night when a sexy red gown and mask allow her to show more of herself than she feels comfortable showing to anyone besides her best friend. Between her oppressive family and past experiences of people not appreciating her quiet, studious, and serious side and using her hidden, exciting nature against her when they did, she keeps to herself and hides behind a book to avoid being hurt.

Then Jayden Lattimore is captivated by the mysterious Red Queen on the dance floor and like a true prince charming uses her piece of lost jewelry to hunt down the woman who wore it. He has no idea why one night with the lady got to him, but the easy going man who sweetly flirts, has a good time, and moves on is suddenly intent on showing Zanai that she’s something special and he wants to explore their attraction.

As can be presumed from the title and the blurb, this was a Cinderella retelling. But, in true LaQuette fashion, it digs a little deeper and introduces a bright, intelligent, and emerging sexy powerful woman who has a fab bestie and an abhorrent family. Zanai knows her stuff when it comes to her career, but it takes Jayden’s patient and consistent work on their relationship to believe there is more and that a woman like her can capture the interest of a man like him.

This is a light and easy romance for the most part and I liked the surround of friends and romantic encounters. The conflict was mostly Zanai believing in herself and the relationship. I was cheering for her and appreciated the charming Jayden being a nice romantic opposite for her and loved seeing her confront her awful dad and family finally.

All in all, this hit the spot and I enjoyed the light drama, sexiness, and quick read of it. Look forward to seeing their best friends have their story maybe next. Recommended to those who want a contemporary romance to relax to maybe for a free fall afternoon.

I love LaQuette's stories as they're always clever, featuring strong women and an unusual plot.
This is a sort of Cinderella retelling featuring a professional woman. As it mirrors Cinderella something is going to happen at midnight.
LaQuette always delivers interesting stories and characters, this one was no exception and I was rooting for the characters.
Entertaining and well written.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Desire for this arc, all opinions are mine

224 pages, ebook
Published October 25, 2022

Thank you to #netgalley and #harlequin for the advanced reader's copy of #cinderellamasquerade by #laquette. This is a remixed version of the classic Cinderella story. This is book 7 of the Texas Cattleman's Club.

Dr. Zanai James feels like a fish out of water at the Texas Rancher's masquerade ball. There she chats with handsome rancher Jayden Lattimore and they share an electrifying kiss. Jayden does not recognize her in her mask so he begins to track down his Cinderella.

Overall this was a cute romance novel. The Cinderella trope regarding Zanai's family was cringe. The main characters were a bit lackluster for me. I found Zanai to be self-depreciating and Jayden arrogant. The spice was hot which I always appreciate. I rate this romance 3 stars.

The Texas Cattleman's Club series has a new addition by LaQuette. All of these books are written by different romance authors. I just read Vanessa Jared's Got a Man and was excited to see her name on this book.

This was the Cinderella book I needed this week. With the brainy doctor whose friend dresses her up for a masquerade ball where one of the Lattimore's takes notice. He can't stop thinking about her after she drops an earring and when he realizes that his Queen is unassuming Zanai he wants to spend time with her. She isn't the debutante her family and their set want her to be, she's a therapist for neurodivergent youth in the low income area of her community. And omg it's like she's a social pariah. Instead of being proud of her they are disgusted by that. Ugh some people are just trash.

Love how she removes the toxicity from her life once she realizes that she can survive without it. Also, we can all survive without those toxic people in our lives. 

Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-aRC for my honest and voluntary review.

This is the seventh book involving Ranchers and Rivals and is a great read
With a quiet, reticent Dr Zanai James taking the lead.
With her father and step mother both denigrating her always
She prefers keeping quiet and rarely strays.

However her best friend has other ideas and so
To the Masquerade it is that Zanai is to go.
Whilst there she catches the eye of Jayden Lattimore
They've met a plenty but never spoken much before.

With sizzling chemistry, their attraction is there from the start
But Zanai doesn't trust him not to break her heart
She's grown up feeling worthless and cannot believe it is true
That someone can really see her and grow to love her, too.

What a heartwarming romance this proved to be
With family drama and an added mystery.
Can love find a way to help bring them together
Or will her father split them up forever?

A great story to enjoy and escape into
So I have no hesitation in recommending it to you!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

Jayden Lattimore doesn’t recognize Dr. Zanai James at the towns Masquerade ball, but her beauty catches his eye. A flirty conversation, sealed with a kiss, leaves Jayden wanting more. It’s like real life Cinderella when Zanai leaves something behind. Being hidden at the masquerade ball is one thing, but interacting in a closer way allows them to truly see each other.

There is more to Jayden than meets the eye. He is about having fun, but he knows one date is not enough. Jayden’s romantic and caring spirit surprised me. He brings out the inner Queen that attracted him to Zanai. I don’t like how Zanai looks down on herself and thinks she isn’t good enough. The most eligible bachelor is interested in her for a reason! He thinks she is gorgeous and has an inner appeal. She is at the top of her game professionally and her inner confidence and passion comes out in how she makes Jayden feel in the bedroom. She is the total opposite in how she feels about herself. Her terrible father plays a part in that.

The story is rounded out by characters who are featured in other books in the series. All in all, this is a great read and I recommend it.

An enchanting modern day Cinderella twist! With the seventh book in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals series LaQuette picks up the reins and brings us Jayden Lattimore's story. I enjoyed Zanai and Jayden together, but felt like there was a disconnect from a good bit of the continuity saga we have been leading up to as the series has been built and several plot holes on her side of the story that could have been fleshed out more for a smoother storyline. I'm looking forward to the last couple of books in the series to see how it all plays out.

Jayden was a really enjoyable character. He is smooth and dignified and not afraid to show his attraction. I enjoyed his family interaction throughout the book.

I wasn't super fond of Zanai's portrayal. She was supposed to be accomplished and successful, but the fact that she didn't support herself more and stop allowing herself to be mistreated and walked over made her come across as weak and lacking.

I recommend this series as a whole to anyone that enjoys a storyline rich in family saga and happily ever afters.

First of all, that COVER! The gown, the pose, the pursed lips make you want to see what is inside. And it does not disappoint. I love fairytale retellings and LaQuette did so with her own twist. From beginning to end, I loved the transformation! This story was fun, fun, fun and it goes without saying, HOT. The chemistry was sizzling between these two! Enjoyed it!

I love Cinderella retellings in any shape or form, there is something magical about meeting your prince at a ball. :)

I was very much looking forward to the story and liked the synopsis, but it kind of fell flat for me.

Dr Zanai James is only focused on her work. After a stunning makeover, she finds herself and a masquerade dance and even kisses Jayden Lattimore.

She was hidden by her mask, but Jayden tracked her down quite fast. She doesn't have the best home life, so trusting that someone actually wants her, it's not an easy thing.

And with everyone meddling, it takes a while for trust to build and for them to find their HEA.

At a friend's urging, therapist Zanai undergoes a makeover and attends a masked ball. She attracts the attention of her old crush, Jayden. But will the attraction last once he discovers her identity?

LaQuette takes this familiar trope and creates a unique and complex story. After a lifetime of being disparaged by her father, Zanai has no self-confidence. Jayden helps her realize how special she is, so she can finally let go of the toxic people in her life. Beautiful and uplifting.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is my first time reading LaQuette and it won't be my last! I loved this book! This one had so many layers that I appreciated. Meet-cutes are so important to me as a reader. I need it to catch me at that exact moment when I can believe this relationship can happen. I loved the whole scene of Jayden and Zanai at the ball. Zanai was able to leave some of her father's crap behind and seriously have fun. While Jayden was intrigued because the woman he encountered wasn't the usual woman. Zanai challenged him with the banter and left an impression on Jayden. So much so that he was determined to find her.
I loved the play on the whole fairy tale of Cinderella. It was done in such a modern way that it added to the story.
I haven't read the other books in this series but I was able to follow along quite easily. I will definitely add other books of hers to my tbr.

TW: drug abuse, death of a parent, verbal/emotional abuse from father and step-mother, and self-deprecation,

Thank you to Harlequin Romance and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

When I started reading the book I felt as though it rushed right into the ball storyline without giving us more detail about Zanai (Cinderella) or Jayden (Prince Charming). I wanted more of the backstory for the characters. I didn’t really care for both of the main characters always needing reassurance. They both were well off so to act like the money class was so different didn’t really sit well with me. I did happen to love That Zanai was well established and had money of her own as well as having a brain.

This is the 3rd book by LaQuette that I have had the pleasure of reading and I will most definitely be adding LaQuette to my list of favorite authors. I love LaQuette’s style of writing, her way with words, her characters are awesome, her plots are simply the best. So, if you’re looking for a good modern day Cinderella romance this is the book to read. You will not be disappointed. Morgan Grandin who is Zanai James’s best friend who convinces her to attend to the Texas Cattleman’s Masquerade Ball. Zanai’s life was going pretty good until her mom passed away with mental illness. Zanai goes to college and obtains a PhD in psychology to help people of the world with mental illness. Zanai’s father remarried and has other children and they do not treat Zanai well; and yet Zanai continues stays in her dad’s home endures whatever is issued out to her. Zanai meets Jayden Lattimore at the Masquerade Ball and Jayden is totally smitten with Zanai and can’t keep “The Lady In Red” off is his mind. Pick up your to find out Jayden pursues Zanai and see how responds to Jayden.

This is a fast paced, easy quick read that is entertaining, family drama, romantic, steamy, tear jerker, realistic, great characters that takes the readers on a romantic journey with Zanai James and Jayden Lattimore.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Desire and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

LaQuette is such a gifted writer. I felt like I knew Zanai and Jayden, and I loved watching their story blossom. It was sexy, sweet, and emotionally complex.

At first I thought Jayden was trying to change Zanai into a socialite but as the book progressed you notice he simply want Zanai to come out of the self-imposed shell she's had to construct to get through life with her TERRIBLE "family" who treat her like trash as if she isn't a successful Psychologist. Jayden and the Lattimore family are breath of fresh air and the antithesis of everything the James family stands for which is so refreshing because again Zanai's family really deserve to be left in the dust. Overall, it gave similar vibes to the 1997 version of Cinderella with several twists and turns.

I thought Cinderella Masquerade was a good read. Loved it when Zanai finally stood up for herself. Happy that Jayden and Zanai finally got what they deserved. I enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC for my honest opinion.