A Bustle Best Books of Fall 2020 SelectionAn Amazon Best of the Month SelectionA Library Journal Best Book of 2020An Apple Books Best of the Month SelectionA Best Book of Fall 2020 by NPR’s Boston AffiliateA Bookish Most Anticipated Books Selection“An adorable retelling, engaging and character-rich…this kind of mutual empowering is one of Weatherspoon’s hallmarks.” —The New York Times… retelling, engaging and character-rich…this kind of mutual empowering is one of Weatherspoon’s hallmarks.”
—The New York Times
“Heart-melting…a perfect fit for fans of contemporary romance authors Jasmine Guillory and Alexa Martin.”
—Booklist
From award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon comes a thoroughly modern take on the timeless tale of a struggling Cinderella who finds her prince charming at the eleventh hour—and the adventure that ensues the morning after . . .
Working as the personal assistant to one of Hollywood’s cruelest divas has left Amanda Queen more determined than ever to sell her screenplay and gain her independence. In the meantime, she’ll settle for a temporary escape. When her employer is felled by the flu on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, Amanda gets her glam on, struts out the door, and parties with the glitterati. But she never expects to come face to face—and closer than close—with one of the hottest stars in the game . . .
Following up his first Oscar win with a steamy after-hours romp with an enigmatic woman seems like the perfect way for actor Sam Pleasant to celebrate—until she suddenly disappears. Worse, she’s vanished with the wrong swag bag: the one containing his Oscar statue, leaving Sam even more intrigued about the beauty’s identity—and wondering if a repeat performance of their amazing night is in the stars. And when a second chance encounter happens, only a trip to Sam’s family ranch—and revealing the whole, not-always-glamorous, truth about themselves—will give them a chance to turn one magical night into forever . . .
“Wonderfully inventive…Uniting a heart-stopping hero and a plus-size heroine who knows her own worth, this steamy fairy tale shines.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW
“One of romance’s brightest stars…[this is] a thoroughly modern Cinderella story.”
—Bookpage, Starred Review
“Another winner from rising star Weatherspoon.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review
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Loved this Cinderella retelling from Rebekah Weatherspoon in her Cowboys of California. Yay for Black cowboys! Yay for a big, beautiful heroine who bangs a Hollywood hottie in a one-night stand and then accidentally steals his Oscar when she sneaks out the next morning without him knowing her name! Yay for the HEA that kapt me from worrying (too hard) that these two stressed out people would figure out a way to make it work. 🙂 I especially love series where a big family/friend group keeps growing and sprawling all over the place, and this book just builds on the foundation laid in A Cowboy to Remember in that aspect. A pure pleasure read.
Super flirty and fun contemporary romance, with a bit of Cinderella flare. I loved the characters, and especially the thoroughly modern friend and family dynamics in this romance. Given the one night stand premise, I was hoping it would be a little hotter, a little faster, though the relationship developed in a natural way with plenty of sexual tension. If you like Hollywood stories with complex characters set against the glitter of tinsel town, this is the book for you.
Compelling characters and story. Solid writing. I so hated Dru, though, that I had to skim some.
Rebekah Weatherspoon’s books always feel like taking yourself to the spa for an afternoon—just warm and uplifting and relaxing. This is delightful.
Love. I love love love this book. I legit was screenshotting passages and sending them to my friends. I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I love Amanda, who is beautiful and kind and giving and stuck in this terrible job but wants and deserves more. I love Sam, who has it all, and has everyone encouraging him, but has no idea what he wants next and no one to really challenge him. I love all the puppies, oh my god. Mostly, I loved this story. It was beautiful, and is one of my very favorites.
Sam Pleasant has just won his first Oscar. At an afterparty, he meets a wonderful woman. They spend the night together and when he wakes up the next morning, she is gone. Amanda is the assistant of Hollywood’s cruelest diva. A friend invites her to an after-party for the Oscars, where she meets first-time Oscar winner Sam Pleasant. They spend the night together and Amanda leaves secretly first thing in the morning thinking they would never see each other again.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Sam and Amanda. I find Sam and his family so welcoming and I love reading about them. I thought Amanda was such a great character to read. I loved seeing her grow and understand her worth. I loved seeing them both grow as characters and people in this book. I honestly didn’t even realize that it was a retelling of Cinderella while reading it. Now thinking back it does make sense. I cannot wait to read the next in this series!
The story line was great.
I loved this book and I love cowboys
If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Cowboys of California #2
What fun this book was! There is definitely a bit of the fairytale vibe in this one and it was a joy to read!
What I liked:
* Amanda: strong, talented, works hard, caring, capable, beautiful, confident in many if not all things, a delight and delightful.
* Sam: gorgeous, talented, loves deeply, Oscar winner, caring, confident, intriguing, and so much more!
* The introduction – what fun!
* That both H/h were nice people
* The contrast between Amanda and Dru, the woman she worked for
* Helene, friend to both Amanda and Sam
* The families of both Sam and Amanda
* That I needed to look up terms I was unfamiliar with (triangle braids & Hotep…perhaps others) and through this learned and grew
* That this felt/is an OwnVoice story and as such gave me a different perspective
* That there was a HFN/HEA for the couple
* Knowing that Jesse, the third Pleasant brother, will get a book of his own soon.
What I did not like:
* Dru – perfectly evil though how Amanda put up with her so long boggles the mind!
* Having to wait for Jesse’s story…and wondering if the series will end after Jesse’s story or if others mentioned in this book might show up in books of their own.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC – This is my honest review
5 Stars
The book starts out with a bang and does not let you down. Amanda McQueen has been trying to get her toe in the door to write scripts. She is funny, upbeat and everyone likes her. Her problem is that she works as an assistant to a nasty, low self-esteem actress. Samuel Pleasant has just won an Oscar and should be on top of the world. Instead he is at an after party going through the motions. He sees the happiest fun person and just wants to spend time with her. They dance the night away and in the morning, she slips away. He wants her and she knows it can’t go anywhere. The chase is on. What Amanda doesn’t realize, is that Sam would do anything to protect her. They are just swoon worthy.
I had the Cha Cha shuffle playing in my head reading this book. I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. Loved it so much, I just bought the first book in the series.
I’ll admit, the first book in this series didn’t really work for me. However, I went into If The Boot Fits hopefully and I definitely enjoyed it more. Sam and Amanda were both delightful characters and I loved watching their relationship develop. This was the type of one-night stand I enjoy. Neither felt guilty after and running into each other again was a plus. I totally understand Amanda’s hesitancy in getting involved with Sam. However, them spending time together on Sam’s family’s ranch allowed for their relationship to develop. While I wasn’t a fan of how things played out with the “villain” of the story, it was nice to see Amanda learn to accept help from the people in her life. Her relationship with Sam was lovely and I especially liked him as a character. Overall, a solid 4 star read.
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
If The Boot Fits is the second story in the Cowboys of California series and had me hooked from the engaging beginning right through to the ending that was all I could hope for. So, now I’m kicking myself a bit because I somehow missed the first book in the series, A Cowboy to Remember – but that is easily fixed. Although I will always suggest reading a series from the beginning if you can’t (or missed it like me) Sam and Amanda’s story can easily stand on its own yet I would like to know what I missed so I’ll go back.
I happen to love a retelling of a classic fairy tale romance, so putting Cinderella in the cutthroat world of Hollywood put a fun and unique spin on that trope for me. Complete with an evil woman to despise on principle alone, I felt for Amanda’s situation and for the struggle to have her own dreams become reality while dealing with a bullying diva constantly. There was a point where I thought Dru would find a redeeming quality… but nope, not happening so she really was a woman to hate throughout this story for several reasons.
I adored Sam, it really is as simple as that. He’s a realistic figure in a profession where it’s often difficult to tell the real person from the constant role-playing. His love of family and their traditions, his willingness to respect Amanda’s boundaries spoke volumes about the values he was raised with. And… hotness in a cowboy hat. Yeah, adored is a good word for my reaction to Sam.
Amanda I loved. She’s a woman who gives off the feeling of being comfortable in her own body, curves and all. She’s also vulnerable in realistic ways that she acknowledges as she works toward what she sees as her future. She’s talented but those dreams are being drowned by the woman she works for. Sam sees all of her and wants every aspect of her personality in his life, that’s obvious.
I loved the banter between Sam and Amanda (and the other members of the Pleasant family as well), yet what made this couple realistic were their conversations, at times heavy and complicated, but they talked and that is as sexy and loving as a romp in bed… sure different ways, but to really be seen and respected by actually talking to each other is something often under-used in Romance, or it seems that way with all the misunderstandings about what someone did or didn’t say. Yes, there was hot and heavy chemistry between them, and there were also thoughtful conversations… that was a combination that worked so well for me.
In all, I had a fun, laughter-filled, emotional time with Amanda and Sam in If The Boot Fits – and if you love a Romance that feels more like real life with all its ups, downs, and baggage then you’ll want to pick this one up today.
I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I haven’t read a book this fast in a long time, this is a keeper. If the Boot Fits is a low conflict, m/f Black romance with characters that you want to be friends with. Both Amanda and Sam are just genuinely NICE. No alpha hole, no ego that’s out of control in this Hollywood star that’s Sam. Amanda is not lacking in self-confidence, she has dreams, she’s a good friend, and she’s fun. I really enjoyed both of them so much. I also love the Pleasant family, all the different dynamics at play just like in a big family. This is family that’s got your back and will call you out when you need it. There are other friends involved and they are also the rock solid friends we need. Heat is on the page, fully satisfying and sexy.
CW for an abusive boss and some nasty social media that includes some fat shaming. This is not the core of the story and is not something that brings down the characters, it’s nasty gossip and handled as such.
I highly recommend this one, a great second story in the Cowboys of California series. It will go on the keeper shelf.
I read an e-ARC from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This book was definitely a mixed bag. Sam was a great hero, ambitious, but kind, respectful and very grounded with a strong family behind him. He was finally starting to see real success as an actor and wanted to further his career, but at the same time, he was at a crossroads and wasn’t sure exactly where he wanted his life to go. Amanda was a PA to an actress on a hit show, had a positive attitude, and was also a very kind person, sometimes too much so as she let her unlikable boss walk all over her. She was secure enough to decide she needed to bust loose and have a one-night stand with Sam when she met him at an Oscars after-party, but then walked away as she felt she didn’t have room in her life for more emotional entanglements. While I liked them both separately, I didn’t feel much connection or chemistry between them so I found the book a bit slow and wasn’t invested in their relationship. I also felt like the drama and the relationship obstacles were not that big of a deal and I had a hard time understanding why Amanda kept pushing away this obviously great guy, who was totally into her. However, I loved all of the scenes at Sam’s family ranch outside of LA and I loved the glimpses of his family and friends and how they welcomed Amanda with absolutely no hesitation. Overall, love the family, love the ranch, and was intrigued enough by Sam’s brother to want to read his story which will be the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This my first book reading by this author. I have her first book in the series in my TBR pile and after reading “If the Boot Fits” ” I most definitely am putting it in the forefront for my next read.
Sam and Zack Pleasant are cowboys and are brothers of which Zack was introduced in “A Cowboy to Remember”. The Pleasants have and run their own resort. These cowboys are awesome. “If the Boot Fits” is a page turner and kept me intrigued from the beginning.
Sam Pleasant is an actor and also a cowboy and has just won his first Oscar and attends the after party and meets the gorgeous and intriguing Amanda Queen.
Amanda Queen is the personal assistant to Dru one of Hollywood’s divas from hell and isn’t liking her job very much. Hollywood’s diva suddenly becomes ill and Amanda gets a chance to party in the big league and meets the hot cowboy actor Sam Pleasant, love that cowboy hat.
Sam are Amanda are truly meant to be together and are awesome. Sam and Amanda are both feeling each other and have a fantastic time rolling around underneath the sheets, hot, hot. Amanda has not given Sam her real name and once playing under the sheets is over, she seeks out and accidently grabs Sam’s swag bag containing is Oscar.
Sam’s gets his Oscar back and he and Amanda go for it. Sam is patient and not rushing Amanda into anything. Sam’s family is great and we can see where Sam chose the field of acting, his grandmother is a famous actress. Amanda fits right in with the Pleasant Family and has a grand old time.
I loved this cowboy romance and I know that I have other cowboy romance stories on my tablet and I gotta read them. I like when I read books and they hold my interest and I find I have similar books in my TBR pile. So many books but not enough time to read them all. But I so love it.
Love how Amanda handled Dru her boss from hell. Way to go Amanda.
Hopefully Jesse’s book is quickly on the way. Love these cowboys.
I requested an ARC and got approved “If the Boot Fits” from Netgalley. I also purchased the paperback and I’m waiting for it to arrive.
I’m voluntarily reading and leaving a review that are my own opinions, a big thanks to Netgalley.
Sam definitely deserves an Oscar for not playing games when it comes to who he wants, he’s strong and confident enough to be selfish in his choosing, regardless. They just click instantly, those dance floor scenes are…tantalizing and the songs really drew me into visualizing them. Amanda was just all over the place though, she definitely adds shock factor. I felt sorry for her but couldn’t understand her justification of her discouraging job. The pace had an ebb and flow, the spark kind of trickled but did eventually build again. Love the family circle and how supportive they are of one another, the dude ranch made me want to visit one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the cowboys of California series. It was a fast read. Good story a bit different type than I usually read but was nice to pass the time with
This was my first time reading Rebekah Weatherspoon and I’m determined to read ALL of her books now! Weatherspoon’s writing is so good, realistic and draws you in emotionally. Weatherspoon is an incredible
Talent.
If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Cowboys of California series, but it worked very well as a stand alone. I have not read the first novel in the series, but you can be sure I will be going back to it!
The story opens on Amanda Queen sneaking out of a one night stand with a famous actor (who just won an Oscar). Amanda is a personal assistant to a diva actress, longing for her break as a screenwriter. That actor in bed is Sam Pleasant. He is not only a super sexy, talented actor he also is a great guy from
a big family with a ranch/resort.
When Amanda slips out of the room with her event swag bag…. she takes something of Sam’s by mistake. She sends it back to him but thankfully this book is full of some meet cutes.
The story takes place in LA and at the Pleasant ranch. We get an amazing cast of characters in Sam’s Family’s, Amanda’s friends and the awful actress Amanda works for. I love that this book has its own world and it put me right into it.
What we readers get is a delicious, slow burn romance. We see these two build a strong relationship by getting to know each other with friendship, talking and communicating. Their banter is a highlight for me for sure. This all leads up to their steamy romance and I just want to give
that .
I love that Weatherspoon doesn’t shy away from handling issues in such a masterful way (race, wealth, celebrity and body positivity). Weatherspoon balances humor and deep emotion in such a skillful way.
BIG Thanks to NetGalley and Rebekah Weatherspoon for the chance to read and review.