A review by joreadsromance
Surprise Reunion with His Cinderella by Rachael Stewart

5.0

Second chances in the sultry sun
5 stars

I adore a second chance romance and what could be better than one written by the brilliant [a:Rachael Stewart|15103378|Rachael Stewart|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1526372299p2/15103378.jpg]? Turns out, not a lot!

We start off with a prologue set 10 years past, witnessing the beginning of the end of Freddie and Jasmine’s young love. With him being aristocracy and her the daughter of the hired help, the pair are world’s apart.

10 years later, Jasmine and Freddie are world’s apart again - but a week long date in paradise set up by a matchmaker brings our two lovers back together once again. But are they doomed to repeat the past or is this the start of a new beginning?

Jasmine is an extremely likeable heroine both when we glimpse her as a shy teen and as a more confident, assured adult. She’s got guts and smarts and is no longer afraid to ask for what she wants - and go after it. But that’s not to say she’s not as normal as you or me. She blushes easily, worries often and is still conflicted over the feelings that the past has brought up. I loved her for all her strength as well as all her relatable insecurities.

Now Freddie… Freddie was a hero I can 100% get behind - and not just because he was a hot Scot! Young Freddie was playful and sweet while older Freddie more mature, more stoic and a little cold. Or at least he was before Jasmine comes back in his life. I love, love, love it when a man can’t help but show his feelings. Even if he’s learned to master his emotions and is now something of a ruthless businessman, Freddie is overcome by Jasmine and he is almost tortured by his feelings for her. And I do so love it when an author tortures a hero in the quest for true love.

And I guess that’s one of the reasons why I adore a second chance romance - there’s always that underlying chemistry, passion and love all just waiting to burst through once again, and Jasmine and Freddie are the perfect example of this. They re-click almost immediately and you feel every moment. There’s an underlying simmering of emotion throughout the whole book which is subtle but packs a huge punch. It’s not too much that you’ll be a blubbering mess, but it touches you and makes you feel for these characters and will them to get it right this time.

[a:Rachael Stewart|15103378|Rachael Stewart|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1526372299p2/15103378.jpg] was one of the stand out stars of Mills & Boon’s now defunct Dare line and she brings her passion and storytelling perfectly to the Romance category. There’s still sex in this tale and it is perfection - probably in part due to the emotions between our couple. Maybe not as spicy as in a Dare, but still wholly satisfying.

In terms of the writing - as per usual - Ms Stewart is on point. It’s not often I actually stop reading a book simply to exclaim to myself over the wonderful intricacy of the writing. And the author herself will probably belie this fact - but it’s just so effortlessly done. It’s so smooth and readable and I’m a little (okay a lot) in awe.

Wherever you are, this story will transport you to an island paradise and give you that satisfaction of true love winning over all. You will devour this book and - I warn you now - you’ll want to buy up everything [a:Rachael Stewart|15103378|Rachael Stewart|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1526372299p2/15103378.jpg] has written once you’re done. 5 stars.