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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers #2
Cinderella's Last Stand
If she wants a happy ending
She’ll have to write her own story
Working as Hollywood heartthrob Axel Harrington’s personal assistant isn’t exactly a fairy tale come true for Maddie Henry. Despite crushing on his Prince Charming looks, Maddie has had enough of Axel not recognizing her value. Well, this Cinderella is shattering the glass slipper to pursue her dream career! The "Sexiest Man Alive" has two weeks to find a new assistant. And to realize that Maddie is the key to his happily-ever-after.
She’ll have to write her own story
Working as Hollywood heartthrob Axel Harrington’s personal assistant isn’t exactly a fairy tale come true for Maddie Henry. Despite crushing on his Prince Charming looks, Maddie has had enough of Axel not recognizing her value. Well, this Cinderella is shattering the glass slipper to pursue her dream career! The "Sexiest Man Alive" has two weeks to find a new assistant. And to realize that Maddie is the key to his happily-ever-after.
- GenresRomance
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2022
About the author
Michelle Lindo-Rice
48 books252 followersMichelle Lindo-Rice is the bestselling author of the "Able to Love" and "On The Right Path" series, an Emma Award Winner and a Vivian Award finalist. Michelle enjoys reading and crafting fiction across genres. Originally from Jamaica West Indies, she has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, Teachers College Columbia University, Argosy University and has been educator for over 20 years.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2022
Cinderella’s Last Stand was a clean, romantic story. Axel is an arrogant and selfish actor who doesn’t understand how is choices effect the women around him, mainly his assistant Maddie. This story mad me angry, frustrated, and romantically hopeful all throughout. Read and find out if Axel healed from his past or if he missed curtain call on a love he never knew he wanted and needed?
September 21, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
To say that I didn't enjoy this book honestly feels like it might be an understatement. Lindo-Rice had me somehow intrigued and also so convinced that these two characters needed to do a lot of either growing up or therapy on how to reckon with their own demons before they tried to have a relationship built on the ground of Maddie working as Axel's assistant and feeling like she had no boundaries because he bulldozed over them. I somehow liked neither of the characters and so while I was pleased to see character growth from beginning to end, I couldn't really believe it? It felt unearned somehow. I wish I knew how to better explain what I mean, but these characters felt so two-dimensional. They were certainly struggling with real things. Axel is a celebrity and used to other people catering to his whims. He's kind of an awful boss in that regard, although he tries to make up for it with expensive gifts he mostly lets Maddie pick out for herself. And Maddie is deeply insecure and lets Axel run right through her boundaries and then gets mad at him constantly for doing so. And I can understand why, but it was something about the way the two communicated that really kept me from buying into their shifting dynamic. That said, the writing was certainly compelling and it kept me reading, so I would still recommend it. I'm definitely inclined to try Lindo-Rice again in the future, but I may look a little more into what the tropes are before I do!
To say that I didn't enjoy this book honestly feels like it might be an understatement. Lindo-Rice had me somehow intrigued and also so convinced that these two characters needed to do a lot of either growing up or therapy on how to reckon with their own demons before they tried to have a relationship built on the ground of Maddie working as Axel's assistant and feeling like she had no boundaries because he bulldozed over them. I somehow liked neither of the characters and so while I was pleased to see character growth from beginning to end, I couldn't really believe it? It felt unearned somehow. I wish I knew how to better explain what I mean, but these characters felt so two-dimensional. They were certainly struggling with real things. Axel is a celebrity and used to other people catering to his whims. He's kind of an awful boss in that regard, although he tries to make up for it with expensive gifts he mostly lets Maddie pick out for herself. And Maddie is deeply insecure and lets Axel run right through her boundaries and then gets mad at him constantly for doing so. And I can understand why, but it was something about the way the two communicated that really kept me from buying into their shifting dynamic. That said, the writing was certainly compelling and it kept me reading, so I would still recommend it. I'm definitely inclined to try Lindo-Rice again in the future, but I may look a little more into what the tropes are before I do!
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! Michelle Lindo-Rice is a new author to me and I'm going to be looking for more in her back catalogue because I liked her writing. If there are seven brothers (if some by marriage and some by adoption), in this family, I now intend to read the stories for all of them!
Maddie was such a fantastic and strong character, and I admired her - working for Hollywood heartthrob actor Axel couldn't have been an easy task, and she stood up for herself constantly. When he only noticed her after she quit to go work for her mother (a famous supermodel), that was when things got tricky - both for the character and as the reader.
I definitely would recommend this one - as a white reader of a black author and black characters, it helps to understand the different challenges the different communities out there have, even if this one was about a Hollywood actor who maybe didn't have the same challenges as, say, a small-town single parent who struggles, but certainly good to get different perspectives on the world! This is a good addition to the #23for23 challenge!
Maddie was such a fantastic and strong character, and I admired her - working for Hollywood heartthrob actor Axel couldn't have been an easy task, and she stood up for herself constantly. When he only noticed her after she quit to go work for her mother (a famous supermodel), that was when things got tricky - both for the character and as the reader.
I definitely would recommend this one - as a white reader of a black author and black characters, it helps to understand the different challenges the different communities out there have, even if this one was about a Hollywood actor who maybe didn't have the same challenges as, say, a small-town single parent who struggles, but certainly good to get different perspectives on the world! This is a good addition to the #23for23 challenge!
January 3, 2023
3 1/2 *. Maddie Henry has been the PA for Hollywood action star Alex Harrington. But he has come to depend on her for far more than the usual high profile job requires - like choosing a bed? Maddie has been crushing on Alex for a while, but also has dreams of getting into the entertainment business on her own, as a screenwriter, director, or more. But Alex's world explodes when his co-star in his latest movie proposes to him - live, on air - on Drew Barrymore's talk show. And he says no. To hide from the bad publicity, Alex persuades Maddie to give up her vacation and hide him in her condo.
Good story, although I really wish Maddie had more of a backbone.
Good story, although I really wish Maddie had more of a backbone.
July 11, 2023
Maddie is a personal assistant to Hollywood heartthrob Axel Harrington. Fed up with him and his selfishness and taking her for granted Maddie decides to give her two-week notice. Axel has two weeks to find a new assistant and realize Maddie's worth. When Axel finally realizes what Maddie means to him and why he couldn't ever let her go because he loves her was so good. I loved this story I hope that the other brothers get their own stories I would love to see this series continue. Thank you, Michelle, for the ARC.
October 12, 2022
Riveting!
I am so loving this miniseries! I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to wait to see what would happen next. If you're looking for something riveting to read, get both books that begin this miniseries and join me in waiting anxiously for the next brother's story. Keep them coming Michelle!
I am so loving this miniseries! I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to wait to see what would happen next. If you're looking for something riveting to read, get both books that begin this miniseries and join me in waiting anxiously for the next brother's story. Keep them coming Michelle!
December 15, 2023
Cinderella's last stand
Maddie and A, had to learn what is best for them. Loves was in the cards for them. Movie stars can be so fake, always thinking of their image. Their status is always at the forefront of whatever they do, but care who they hurt.
Maddie and A, had to learn what is best for them. Loves was in the cards for them. Movie stars can be so fake, always thinking of their image. Their status is always at the forefront of whatever they do, but care who they hurt.
March 29, 2024
Great read
Great read, I like the characters and story. Axel and Maddie was an unlikely pair. He was Mr. Hollywood and she was his personal assistant. They both have some insecurities and personal issues to work through. This is their journey to love.
Great read, I like the characters and story. Axel and Maddie was an unlikely pair. He was Mr. Hollywood and she was his personal assistant. They both have some insecurities and personal issues to work through. This is their journey to love.
Read
August 1, 2022African American & Black Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book #2)
Miniseries
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book #2)
November 3, 2022
Loved it. Great fast read with funny moments.
Read
April 28, 2024Dnf
September 29, 2022
Cinderella? Not by name. Nor ie there a wicked stepmother or stepsisters either. The ‘fairy godmother’ is her mother. The handsome prince is an actor hoping to break out of romance movies to dramas. It’s a pleasant novel and a good read.
October 18, 2022
Good book. After reading the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how Axel would redeem himself. He is a Hollywood heartthrob who is all about what he wants, no matter if it inconveniences someone else. The person he most inconveniences is his personal assistant, Maddie. Both characters frustrated me at the start.
Alex thinks nothing of dragging Maddie into whatever he thinks he needs, from mattress shopping to buying gifts. She was hired to manage his schedule and other career-related activities, yet he always manages to make any request about his career to get around her objections. She is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Maddie lost any romantic ideas about Axel early in her career with him. She's frustrated by his thoughtlessness and lack of respect for her time. She is ready to leave on a long-planned and awaited vacation, during which he's promised not to contact her. When he gets into trouble, the next thing Maddie knows, he is on her doorstep, begging to stay with her, completely blowing off his promise. Maddie did what she always does - caved in and gave him what he wanted.
After a few days, Maddie finally has enough. I loved seeing her stand up to Axel and tell him she quit. He has two weeks to find another assistant. In the meantime, his brother Lynx (Rivals at Love Creek) asks Axel to fill in as the drama teacher at his school for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed this segment. Axel and Maddie are great with the kids, and Axel gets a taste of "normal" life. He also begins to see Maddie in a new light after hearing his brothers talk about her. At the same time, Maddie sees a different side of Axel, one that she likes. I liked seeing them grow closer, though both fought against putting a name to their feelings.
Maddie has some self-esteem issues because of what she perceives as her model mother's disappointment in her "plain, ordinary" daughter. There is no way she can believe that Axel would be interested in her. But Axel has deep-seated fears about committed relationships, thanks to his birth father. Maddie and Axel move on when the two weeks are up, each pursuing new career opportunities after sharing a fantastic night. I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, doing what she loves with a boss/mentor who appreciates her. I loved the boost to her confidence and what came out of it.
Meanwhile, Axel gets caught in the manipulative claws of his ex-girlfriend. I understood why he caved in to her blackmail, but the effect on Maddie was devastating. I liked the support Maddie received from her friends, family, and Axel's family. I rooted for Axel to find a way to free himself. The ending was well done. Axel's emotional conversation with his adoptive father opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings for Maddie. I loved seeing them find their way back together. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
#netgalley
Alex thinks nothing of dragging Maddie into whatever he thinks he needs, from mattress shopping to buying gifts. She was hired to manage his schedule and other career-related activities, yet he always manages to make any request about his career to get around her objections. She is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Maddie lost any romantic ideas about Axel early in her career with him. She's frustrated by his thoughtlessness and lack of respect for her time. She is ready to leave on a long-planned and awaited vacation, during which he's promised not to contact her. When he gets into trouble, the next thing Maddie knows, he is on her doorstep, begging to stay with her, completely blowing off his promise. Maddie did what she always does - caved in and gave him what he wanted.
After a few days, Maddie finally has enough. I loved seeing her stand up to Axel and tell him she quit. He has two weeks to find another assistant. In the meantime, his brother Lynx (Rivals at Love Creek) asks Axel to fill in as the drama teacher at his school for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed this segment. Axel and Maddie are great with the kids, and Axel gets a taste of "normal" life. He also begins to see Maddie in a new light after hearing his brothers talk about her. At the same time, Maddie sees a different side of Axel, one that she likes. I liked seeing them grow closer, though both fought against putting a name to their feelings.
Maddie has some self-esteem issues because of what she perceives as her model mother's disappointment in her "plain, ordinary" daughter. There is no way she can believe that Axel would be interested in her. But Axel has deep-seated fears about committed relationships, thanks to his birth father. Maddie and Axel move on when the two weeks are up, each pursuing new career opportunities after sharing a fantastic night. I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, doing what she loves with a boss/mentor who appreciates her. I loved the boost to her confidence and what came out of it.
Meanwhile, Axel gets caught in the manipulative claws of his ex-girlfriend. I understood why he caved in to her blackmail, but the effect on Maddie was devastating. I liked the support Maddie received from her friends, family, and Axel's family. I rooted for Axel to find a way to free himself. The ending was well done. Axel's emotional conversation with his adoptive father opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings for Maddie. I loved seeing them find their way back together. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
#netgalley
August 24, 2022
Maddie a plain and ordinary personal assistant. Axel, her boss is a fit and fine Hollywood A-Lister actor. Maddie was a capable assistant and knows how to take care of Axel’s needs even before he ask. But his arrogance and his ongoing actions of taking her for granted has finally gotten to Maddie. But other men actually noticed Maddie, and Axel feels a sense of jealousy. This jealousy propels him forward with interest in his assistant. Then Maddie interest and hormones goes thru the roof and feelings start to develop -undeniable feelings. Now both of them are in a state of sensual confusion. Love is undeniable and Maddie and Axel are no exception.
Merged review:
Maddie and Axel, will it be possible that these will get together? They don’t even know they like each other. Axel is a self absorbed almost narcissist, and Maddie is his capable assistant that helps him remain under control. When his brothers mentions Maddie’s beautiful eyes, it put Axel mind on wonder. Wonder what color are her eyes? Wonder why the brothers know about her eyes? These heartfelt questions really opens Axel up to the truth of their boss/employee relationship. Lindo-Rice took us on the journey of them finding and losing each other, other career opportunities, and another lover. I do ite Natasha’s effort to snag this handsome Axel, Axel’s had committed his heart to Maddie. And now he’s gotta take actions to protect her; and find his way from the triangle with his ex-and his new true love.
Merged review:
Maddie and Axel, will it be possible that these will get together? They don’t even know they like each other. Axel is a self absorbed almost narcissist, and Maddie is his capable assistant that helps him remain under control. When his brothers mentions Maddie’s beautiful eyes, it put Axel mind on wonder. Wonder what color are her eyes? Wonder why the brothers know about her eyes? These heartfelt questions really opens Axel up to the truth of their boss/employee relationship. Lindo-Rice took us on the journey of them finding and losing each other, other career opportunities, and another lover. I do ite Natasha’s effort to snag this handsome Axel, Axel’s had committed his heart to Maddie. And now he’s gotta take actions to protect her; and find his way from the triangle with his ex-and his new true love.
September 12, 2022
Decent, but not a winner for me. I think many others would like it more.
I'm a fan of longing and yearning and pining, and there isn't that here. Maddie and Axel have worked together for a while and never caught feelings until now the power dynamic is shifting and they're waking up to an attraction. Great, just not what I tend to like out of a romance novel. I found them to blow a little hot and cold, with Maddie wanting to fall for him them getting annoyed and turning away over and over in the span of paragraphs. Probably realistic, as she fights the attraction and wrestles with her self esteem, but I found it a little tedious to read. I loved Maddie's mom and their relationship.
Everything with Axel's girlfriend/ex Natasha fell flat for me. She's offpage for most of the book, with no way as a reader to know who is correct about her character. Maddie seems to like her, even while acknowledging that Natasha would make Axel fire Maddie if they got married, Axel thinks about the proposal as classic manipulative Natasha, but then there also seems some shades of "she knew I wasn't ready for marriage even though she is" as thought she actually has feelings for him, and then when she reappears near the end of the book she is just manipulative and thinking of her career only. I don't know that I believed the stakes for continuing a fake relationship.
Overall, this passed the time nicely, but I wouldn't seek out the other books in the series.
I'm a fan of longing and yearning and pining, and there isn't that here. Maddie and Axel have worked together for a while and never caught feelings until now the power dynamic is shifting and they're waking up to an attraction. Great, just not what I tend to like out of a romance novel. I found them to blow a little hot and cold, with Maddie wanting to fall for him them getting annoyed and turning away over and over in the span of paragraphs. Probably realistic, as she fights the attraction and wrestles with her self esteem, but I found it a little tedious to read. I loved Maddie's mom and their relationship.
Everything with Axel's girlfriend/ex Natasha fell flat for me. She's offpage for most of the book, with no way as a reader to know who is correct about her character. Maddie seems to like her, even while acknowledging that Natasha would make Axel fire Maddie if they got married, Axel thinks about the proposal as classic manipulative Natasha, but then there also seems some shades of "she knew I wasn't ready for marriage even though she is" as thought she actually has feelings for him, and then when she reappears near the end of the book she is just manipulative and thinking of her career only. I don't know that I believed the stakes for continuing a fake relationship.
Overall, this passed the time nicely, but I wouldn't seek out the other books in the series.
September 5, 2022
I missed the release date because I piled too many books on myself (metaphorically speaking, of course)! Oops.
It’s been a long time since I read a Harlequin novel, but this certainly fit what I remembered from past books I’ve read and enjoyed. This is a light, fast read - which isn’t a bad thing, in this case. It’s exactly what I needed at the moment.
The “Cinderella” theme was a bit of a stretch for me, but Michelle Lindo-Rice threw in enough suggestions that she did make it fit.
Good book, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
I missed the release date because I piled too many books on myself (metaphorically speaking, of course)! Oops.
It’s been a long time since I read a Harlequin novel, but this certainly fit what I remembered from past books I’ve read and enjoyed. This is a light, fast read - which isn’t a bad thing, in this case. It’s exactly what I needed at the moment.
The “Cinderella” theme was a bit of a stretch for me, but Michelle Lindo-Rice threw in enough suggestions that she did make it fit.
Good book, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been a long time since I read a Harlequin novel, but this certainly fit what I remembered from past books I’ve read and enjoyed. This is a light, fast read - which isn’t a bad thing, in this case. It’s exactly what I needed at the moment.
The “Cinderella” theme was a bit of a stretch for me, but Michelle Lindo-Rice threw in enough suggestions that she did make it fit.
Good book, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
I missed the release date because I piled too many books on myself (metaphorically speaking, of course)! Oops.
It’s been a long time since I read a Harlequin novel, but this certainly fit what I remembered from past books I’ve read and enjoyed. This is a light, fast read - which isn’t a bad thing, in this case. It’s exactly what I needed at the moment.
The “Cinderella” theme was a bit of a stretch for me, but Michelle Lindo-Rice threw in enough suggestions that she did make it fit.
Good book, would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2022
Axel and Maddie!!! I absolutely loved their story. Michelle Lindo-Rice takes readers on a sweet journey showcasing two imperfect and insecure people, who ultimately find love. I found myself laughing and smiling while enjoying their growth beyond their self-imposed limitations. Fellow readers, if you’re looking for a fun, light, and enjoyable read, you’ll find it in Cinderella’s Last Stand. BTW - I loved how Ms. Lindo-Rice weaved “shoes” throughout the story, giving a nod to “Cinderella”. This 2nd book in this series is my favorite and I’m really looking forward to see which brother is next. Great job Michelle.
August 26, 2022
I received this ARC from a former client in exchange for a review on Goodreads and Amazon. It was my intent to share my review on the author’s release date but time got away from me. Michelle Lindo-Rice is a strong writer. She crafts great stories and Cinderella’s Last Stand is no exception. This story is a great airplane book or weekend read. Starting off with a bang and strong pacing, it draws you right into the storyline. I especially loved the character arc of the protagonists in this story. The male lead goes from shallow to… I won’t give it away. Support this wonderful Black author and by the novel to find out. I will say, the way the main characters grow, evolve, and change their outlook about several things invites us to think deeply about our own interpersonal relationships while remaining lighthearted and engaging. This is book 2 in a series about brothers and I’m excited to see whose story will be released next.
September 13, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series about the Harrington brothers, you don't have to read the prior one to fully understand and enjoy this book.
There is kissing in this book and anything else was just alluded to with no details. Anyone would enjoy reading this.
At first I really didn't like Axel Harrington. I was intrigued with how the author was going to redeem him in the reader's eyes to make him into the male protagonist worthy of Maddie. Axel is a self-absorbed actor that really took some getting used to. It took time but over the half-way point, he started to grow on me.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed but overall the book was one that should appeal to anyone.
While this is a part of a series about the Harrington brothers, you don't have to read the prior one to fully understand and enjoy this book.
There is kissing in this book and anything else was just alluded to with no details. Anyone would enjoy reading this.
At first I really didn't like Axel Harrington. I was intrigued with how the author was going to redeem him in the reader's eyes to make him into the male protagonist worthy of Maddie. Axel is a self-absorbed actor that really took some getting used to. It took time but over the half-way point, he started to grow on me.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed but overall the book was one that should appeal to anyone.
August 28, 2022
Maddie has had enough of her job as personal assistant to heartthrob Axel. Of course she has a huge crush on the movie star (who doesn’t?), but she’s tired of him taking her for granted. After she gives her two weeks’ notice, he realizes how much he stands to lose. Will he come to his senses before it’s too late?
I love how smart and strong Maddie is. Axel is arrogant and clueless at first, but it’s nice to see him grow into a worthy partner for Maddie.
Thanks. NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love how smart and strong Maddie is. Axel is arrogant and clueless at first, but it’s nice to see him grow into a worthy partner for Maddie.
Thanks. NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 4, 2022
Alex Harrington is sometimes not the best boss. Just ask his assistant, Maddie Henry. When Alex get's his self in a world of trouble, he infringes on Maddie's vacation time. While hiding out, Alex starts to develop feelings for Maddie who already had a crush on him.
At first, I wasn't a fan of Alex, but I loved his growth. I loved the pacing of the story as well as the flow. And I loved how strong Maddie was. This was such a great romance and loved the book.
I received a copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
At first, I wasn't a fan of Alex, but I loved his growth. I loved the pacing of the story as well as the flow. And I loved how strong Maddie was. This was such a great romance and loved the book.
I received a copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
August 24, 2022
I actually loved this book! I read the first book and although I enjoyed it, I liked this book a little more. This one kept me turning the pages the whole way through the book. Hoping the rest of the series is as good as this one.
September 7, 2022
A totally average category romance - maybe trying to accomplish too much in the page limit, but the characters are well-developed and the plot is mostly well-paced. It's pretty cheesy at points, but I've read worse, honestly.
Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 25, 2022
Another abrupt ending, it would be nice to see a little bit more of the happily ever after in these things. Overall I absolutely love this book though, and fairly devoured it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews