He thinks he has it all… …until he meets his spirited Cinderella!Under threat of eviction, Alina Martin finds herself making a deal with infamous CEO Graham Toliver. He may be used to getting what he wants, but Alina’s not going to back down. Yet as Alina gets to know Graham, she realizes that there is more to the charming CEO than she initially thought–could their arrangement lead to her … lead to her happily-ever-after in time for Christmas?
From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
Once Upon a Fairytale
Book 1: Beauty and Her Boss
Book 2: Miss White and the Seventh Heir
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Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire by Jennifer Faye is a different take on the classic fairytale Cinderella.
Can Graham and Alina get what they want?
Alina Martin
Alina Martin is our Cinderella character, and she is trying to save the only home that she has known. She is a great character with her own flaws, and I love how she is different from the Disney fairytale Cinderella we grew up with. Alina is working as a waitress while also being the building manager of her beloved apartment building. She works hard making sure that everybody else is happy first before even thinking about what she needs to do to make herself happy. Alina also loves Christmas and can’t believe that anyone wouldn’t love this holiday.
I have to say that there is a lot to love about Alina, but the one major thing she has is being a people pleaser, even if that means doing what her stepmom needs to be done with her apartment rather be doing something else. Like she always wants to do when her stepmom calls.
Graham Toliver
Graham Toliver is the new CEO of his family’s business, and he is trying to make his own mark on the company. Alina is a problem as she lives in a building that he needs to tear down. Throughout the book, Graham realizes what a gem she sees in the building with the residents, but he also sees things that Alina doesn’t want to see. He is a complex guy who keeps things buried and tries to be a strong face. Graham also suffers from the people-pleasing, just not as much as Alina and only to the people he thinks will help with his company.
I loved a lot about Graham. He isn’t a character that I could dislike since everyone has something in their past that he isn’t fond of. For him, it’s the reality of what it was like growing up as a Toliver. I hope that he doesn’t make the same mistake his dad did with his kids.
Five Stars
Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire by Jennifer Faye is a great story that I loved reading from the very beginning to the very end. Ms. Faye has a way with her words that sucks you in and doesn’t want to let go for reality to sink in. I loved her take on Cinderella, and I can’t wait to go back at one point to read the first two. It’s sad to be saying goodbye to these friends that I have made in this book.
For that, I am giving it 5 stars and recommending it to anyone that loves fairytales and romance together.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire by Jennifer Faye.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
A charming holiday romance.
Jennifer Faye sparkles in this heartwarming tale! With the final book in her Once Upon a Fairytale trilogy the author spins a story of a modern day Cinderella meeting her Prince Charming and it’s sure to melt your heart. Loved the characters, loved the supporting cast and loved the happily ever after!
Alina is a doll. She goes out of her way to be helpful to all, even the ones that are only out to ridicule her. When she’s faced with an eviction, she sets out to track down the owner of the building and convince him the tenants deserve more.
Graham is easy to like. He might be a billionaire businessman but from the start it’s easy to see that he has a caring heart.
I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a little fairytale magic mixed in with their romance.
I know I’m constantly gushing over Jennifer Faye’s books, but there’s a reason…they’re amazing! Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire really touched my heart. It’s filled with many sweet and touching moments, and I think it will touch your hearts too.
Like Cinderella, Alina’s mother died when she was very young. Since her father was the building manager of the rent-controlled Stirling apartments, Alina quickly learned how to fix things by following him around. Of course, thinking Alina needed a mother, her father married again to a woman with two daughters. You got it. The wicked step-mother and step-sisters! Now, Alina’s precious building is in jeopardy, and she wants to do everything she can to save it.
I absolutely loved the close “family” feeling in Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire. Alina is close to many of the residents in “her” building, and she doesn’t want her family to be separated or left with no place to go. I know I’d do the same thing. After all, it’s Manhattan! Where are these people, most on very limited budgets, going to find another place with the same family feeling and the same less expensive rent? You can feel Alina’s stress while you’re reading this book. She is deeply concerned for others, not just for herself.
Of course, the book is filled with sweet, romantic moments, and one thing I really appreciate about Jennifer Faye’s books is that they’re like 98.9% clean. Anything that happens is closed door, fade to black moments. Like, I’d let my mom read this book, so that’s saying something! And my mom has read her books! So, even though this is in the Romance line from Harlequin, it’s very tasteful and not risque.
Again, like Cinderella, Alina’s story has many Cinderella-like moments, and no, I’m not giving them away! They’re very cute, and you’ll get the connection right away. Cinderella has always been my favorite princess. Her story and Alina’s story just make you feel good.
We all can agree that this has been a rough year. It’s definitely the weirdest year of my life! Happily ever after is the kind of story we need right now! Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire will keep you turning the pages and staying up until you reach the end. It’s that good. It’ll warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face. I highly recommend it to all of you romance lovers!
This book has all the feels. I laughed, swooned, got mad, and was in awe of Alina and Graham. Most don’t know that I’m a sucker for Cinderella stories. Cinderella is my all-time favorite Disney princess so this book is a win for me. It had the wicked stepfamily, the handsome prince, a fairy godfather, and a heroine with a heart of gold. But it also had the setting of New York City at Christmas so another score for me. The icing on the cake was that Ms. Faye was able to weave the classic story of Cinderella into a modern tale of hope, love, and above family with a twist.
Not everyone has a perfect family and the residents of Stirling have become that family and not just for Alina but for everyone in the building. That family pulls together when Graham decides to tear down the building to put up his own building. I loved how the residents pulled together to make the Snow Ball a success. It was interesting to see the different talents that they had and made the party a huge success without a lot of money. Ms. Faye knows how to tug on the heartstrings but also make it realistic. She takes her time revealing the tenants and what they mean to Alina. OMG, the grumpy older man with the issue of the day is a gem. I could hug him every day and bring him cookies, too.
The romance between Graham and Alina is magical. It’s not rushed and beautifully written. She takes her time with them. They are enemies, then friends, and then lovers. I love how Ms. Faye lets them grow into their relationship. It’s a joy to read.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem of a Christmas/Cinderella story. Ms. Faye has written another book that is on my keeper shelf. But then, I love all of her books.
A Cinderella Christmas and a billionaire Grinch was what this cute little story was about. Alina loves Christmas and she loves the old building she calls home. Not only does she work as a waitress but she is also the beloved building manager. Taking her father’s place after he passed.
Graham Toliver is also trying to live up to his late father’s expectations. But to do that he needs to take away what Alina is trying most in the world to save. Her apartment building, thus displacing her and all the residents she considers family.
As they meet, sparks fly along with attraction. A plan is made and a deal is struck. Each of their hearts soften toward one another, but it will take more for them to come to a satisfying conclusion.
This is a contemporary story but I really enjoyed how the author brought in all of the elements of the fairy tale and wrapped it in a nice Christmas package as well. This was a heartwarming story of finding new love and new reasons to move on from the past and live in the present and hope for the future.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I really liked this modern day version of Cinderella. The characters were wonderful, especially sweet Alina, who did indeed have a wicked stepmother and stepsisters yet she was so kind and always helping others. It was a beautiful Christmas story complete with her very own Prince Charming in Graham. I loved how Alina made him become a better person that even his mother could love. The Snow Ball was magical. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I loved this book. Both Alina and Graham are very hard working people. When Graham wants to tear down the apartment building that Alina has lived in her whole life they have to try and find a compromise. It is interesting watching them work together to come up with a solution.
Thank you in advance to the author, Jennifer Faye, for providing a review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required in any way, nor was it requested. All words are my own.
This is the third book in the author’s “Once Upon a Fairytale” series. And, despite being part of a series, this is easily a standalone read. Other than having a fairytale type story, they do not seem to be connected.
I’ve been a fan of the author since reading the first book of her “The Bartolini Legacy” series earlier this year, as well as her Christmas book from Hallmark Christmas in Bayberry. There is a slight difference in the writing in the Harlequin books as opposed to the Hallmark one.
But, Faye’s Harlequin Romances don’t have explicit scenes or foul language which makes them a perfect beach or “cozy” day read. Most of the “scenes” are written respectfully and discretely so readers who enjoy some romance without explicit content are not offended or caught off guard. In fact, the one “scene” occurs about halfway (½) in and is truly “closed door”.
The premise of this book is interesting, and having been evicted from a few places in the past (and one time was around Christmas), I could definitely identify with the panic of having to find a new home that is affordable, along with another pet peeve of mine – I HATE MOVING. I know, strong emotion, but I really do hate the process. Packing/Unpacking, that’s okay, moving? Uh, no!
Anyway…
Faye highlights some of the problems associated with moving – money, packing, finding a new place, in some cases needed help due to age. Alina also points out that bonuses don’t last very long and it costs a LOT of money to relocate, not to mention being able to afford rent on the new place. These are some things I don’t think others consider. So, Faye’s ability to create a romance and keep certain things real is amazing.
I think this is something that a lot of people can identify with. Moving around Christmas? Whether one wants to or not, that definitely adds a LOT of stress to the process. So the plot is alternately cute and yet realistic. It does have a “Hallmark movie” like vibe to it.
Also, I LOVE Christmas stories. A romantic one? I honestly couldn’t resist reading it, and I am SO glad I was able to!
The cover is romantic, yet subtle. There is nothing inappropriate here at all. It is definitely charming.
The main characters are (obviously) Alina, who is working two jobs – at the café and as the building manager, a job she inherited from her late father who was the previous one.
And, there is Graham Toliver, who wants the building for an office tower.
The minor support characters were all wonderful and had their own gifts. Merryweather was a surprise – pleasant one at that! The worst, of course, was Alina’s step-mother and those step-daughters. Though, the step-daughters didn’t have much to say or do (thank goodness).
Faye really gets the story going with a running start – not even before the end of the second chapter – Alina and Graham are having dinner.
But, the dinner is no real date. What it does is buys each of them time – Alina in hopes of saving the building, the only home she has known; Graham is given time to get the “eviction” or rather “incentivized moving” process going. As Alina points out, and this is true no matter what – actions do have consequences.
Faye was able to present a balanced perspective into both Alina’s reasons for keeping the building as well as Graham for wanting to demolish it. And, Graham was definitely fascinated by Alina as she didn’t seem to care what he thought.
Alina is hoping for a Christmas miracle, but Graham doesn’t believe in the holiday. That made me want to keep reading – what was his angle there? He was right in telling her that she didn’t really know him, and she didn’t.
The two eventually strike a bargain – Graham works in the building and Alina agrees to get everyone to agree to move out by the appointed time. Well … if it is necessary.
Along the way, the two develop a mutual attraction to each other.
Graham watches as Alina works (to an excess) and he knows it is because of his choices. He also notices how quickly she gives help, but doesn’t accept it. He then sees the challenges in moving – Alina really can’t afford it, her neighbors are her family, and she grew up in the building. Still, he knows his company has to expand and the apartment building as seen better days.
Graham realizes that while he has been busy, he hasn’t been “happy”. He also knows that his parents’ marriage wasn’t ideal. And, while he admired his father – his father wasn’t a good business man either.
Graham also realizes the bond the people of the building have when he accidentally invites some prospective business partners to a party he isn’t throwing. The residents of the building chip in to help without expectations.
That leads to an incident with Alina and her step-mother, but Merryweather steps in to “rescue” the day with a Cinderella like offer.
Graham almost sabotages everything when he confronts Alina’s step-mother, but as most romances go – this has a very happy and unexpected ending that shows everyone can get “close” to what they want if they work together. It also shows that happiness isn’t about the big things in life, but the little ones. Truly a “fairytale” ending with a realistic slant.
Watching Graham and Alina work together is a beautiful and different type of story – they almost immediately stopped being adversarial and worked together to find a solution for everyone. And, it was both heart-warming and heart-breaking as Faye presented both sides as to why the building should be kept, and really needed to go.
I truly enjoyed this as evidence by how fast I read it and how much I really loved it!
This particular book is written in relatively short chapters compared to the other books of the line. That, along with pacing that really moves the story along, made this a super fast read. I was over 2/3 done within several hours. And, I don’t read continuously. Usually I take about 20-30 minutes at a time as I was setting up my Christmas tree. This was such an addicting little read that I kept wanting to turn the pages. Definitely an easy read. Fastest read “romance” line book!
Fans of the author, genre, and those who’ve read the first two books will more than likely enjoy this little read. I always enjoy Jennifer Faye’s books and look forward to reading them!
Graham Tolliver surprises himself when he agrees to act as handyman for a building he is hoping to tear down. Alina Martin’s job as caretaker for this building is her life, plus her job at a restaurant keeps her running at the holidays. This unlikely deal works for her, as she hopes he will come to love the quirky residents of the building as much as she does. Alina and Graham spark right away, their time together on the pages make each a better person. As Graham learns more about the true characters that live in the building, he starts to see what Alina does. When big clients turn out to love Christmas, this Grinch like businessman depends on Alina and her resident friends to help him deliver a Snow Ball to remember, complete with touches of a sweet Cinderella story.
I do not think it is no surprise that I am a huge fan of Jennifer Faye’s books. I was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire. What another delightful read by her. It was so very good. I loved Alina right from the start. I was no so sure with Graham at first but he quickly grew on me within a couple of chapters. The two had perfect chemistry. I enjoyed their sweet and entertaining interactions with one another.
I am giving Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading sweet and heartwarming romance, as well as, those that are set during the magical time of Christmas.
I received Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Found this to be an adorable story! The characters are intense, determined and stubborn as both Alina and Graham fight for what they want. The story line was delightful to read and made this book hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
I liked this book a lot. Alina was about to lose her home. What are the odds of Alina running into CEO Graham Toliver where she lives, and then sees again in the restaurant she works at?He thinks she’s a man and now he needs her to see things his way. They need to come an understanding of things. He agrees to have a business meeting with her to hear her side, but knows he won’t budge. He has a lot to prove. One to his dad and then to the board that he’s capable of the position in the company.
So much more to come.
A very sweet, heartwarming and uplifting story. Alina will do everything in her power to keep her friends, who are more like family, in their homes. Graham wants to tear down their building to make more space for his company. They are both headstrong people who firmly believe in what they are doing is right. Can they come to an agreement so that everything will work out in the end? You will have to read this fantastic story to find out.
I love the Cinderella story and this retelling is made even better by being set during the Christmas season. Jennifer Faye’s Once Upon a Time series has gotten better with each new book.
I read an advanced copy of this book
Awwwwwwwwww, what a perfect fairytale Christmas! Loved Alina and Graham – two very different people, with very different backgrounds…or maybe they aren’t so different. I really appreciated reading about how hard these two work, at their respective professions, and try to help others AND live up to what they think their parents would want them to be/do. As always, life throws them a curveball, and when they meet and mix lives for the holiday, it makes for a great story.
The characters living in Alina’s apartment building (well, minus her step-family) are hilarious! But they are very protective of Alina and keep Graham on his toes. The story has some really magical moments for both Graham and Alina and what happens to them, and around them, will break and warm your heart.
They make a great couple and although their road to an HEA has its potholes, them finding each other, helping the other to see a different point of view, and learning to open their hearts to love, warmed my own heart this season. Great story!
Jennifer Faye never disappoints her readers. She is brilliant in transforming fairytale storylines into real life situations.
Fairytale Christmas With The Millionaire showcases Jennifer Faye’s never ending imagination and talents.
Alina Martin is about to be evicted after her dad passes away and her stepmom and step-sister’s move, leaving her to fend for herself.
When she meets with CEO Graham Toliver to try and persuade him from tearing down the apartment building, she in for a fight to save the other tenants, as well as herself.
In the spirit of Christmas and a fairytale plot based off Cinderella, Jennifer Faye captures more than the spirit of the season, she will capture her fan’s heart and soul.
The author gives the reader another sweet, and touching romance about two individuals from different backgrounds and whose view of Christmas is totally opposite.
Alina Martin is all about Christmas. She has created a family with the tenants of the building where she not only lives but is also the part-time building manager.
When she finds out that the building is going to be demolished and everyone is going to lose their homes and their “family”, she is determined to fight the Toliver corporation.
CEO Graham Toliver has inherited the company from his father and has no time for Christmas. His father was obsessed with his business and spent little time with his family. Now Graham wants to continue his legacy as well as get rid of any obstacles that can hinder the development of the new Toliver Towers. When he sets out to meet the “instigator” of the protest, he never expected to meet a woman that would change his life forever.
But the road to success and happiness seems to be working against each other. He must learn that “…family isn’t bound by bloodlines. It’s made up of the people of our hearts”. How many times have we all come to that same conclusion?
Though this story is part of a series, rest assured that this one is a stand alone.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.