Redeemed by His New York Cinderella by Jadesola James

 

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I had to dive back into romance again because it's my safe space to always bring me out when I'm feeling slumpy. The cover had me running to request this book so thank you to Harlequin for providing me an early copy.

This book is set in New York City and follows Katherine "Kitty" Asare, a former foster child who has since built a foundation to help kids transition out of the system. She sneaks into a exclusive hotel party in hopes of networking for donors when she comes face to face with the ghosts of her past. Laurence Stone is the son of the foster family who tossed her aside when she was finally starting to feel secure. She pushed through and managed to put herself through school and create a life for herself but the pain still runs deep. How was she to know the penthouse suite she charged her dinner to was his?

After a near death experience and a chance encounter, Laurence decides he needs to do right by the woman whose life he turned upside down years ago. So he comes up with a plan that will be mutually beneficial to the both of them. She needs more attention for her foundation and he needs a beautiful woman on his arm while he secures business deals. Laurence was also hurt by his parents and still harbors some resentment and pain there. The book takes it's time revealing the full story about what happened in the past but it's understandable why he cut ties with them.

This was a good read if you're into Cinderella type stories where the woman meets a billionaire and gets to live fabulously. You see them jet setting to fancy events, Kitty gets a full makeover complete with designer clothes and new hairstyle. It was fun to get lost in the fantasy of being whisked away but a handsome rich man. And the yacht sex scenes hit all the right notes. I also liked the added touch of them both having Ghananin heritage. Laurence is white and Ghananian and Kitty moved from Ghana to the US as a little girl. There's just enough depth without sacrificing the fun and sexy moments you love and expect in a Harlequin Presents Romance.