Redonk Nutshell: Undercover journalist unwillingly falls for her subject

Macie Graham is a writer for a swanky NYC magazine, and her recent article about birth control and teens has earned her some scorn from conservative radio host Ross Mannon. Macie is livid, enough so that she comes up with a scheme to expose Ross for the fraud that he is…or rather that she suspects he is. She responds to an ad he places for a housekeeper (and sort of babysitter for his teenage daughter). She completely revamps herself into order to become what she envisions his “ideal” woman to be, and when Macie shows up on his doorsteph Ross is pleased as pie. She is more or less exactly what he was hoping for. But then he starts to notice…things. Little quirks here an there that remind him how lonely he is, and suddenly Macie is starting to look like she could be more than a housekeeper to his little family.

This was a cute little book. It reminded me of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days a bit, what with the whole journalism spin. The Cinderella part comes in with Macie’s makeover before traveling to Texas. I think Macie goes into this expecting some sort of pig headed, Bill O’Reilly type guy, but that’s not at all who Ross is. Sure, he falls toward the more conservative end on certain issues, but the man has a good head on his shoulders, and that really takes Macie by surprise. She finds herself drawn to his daughter, who is struggling with her own issues and acts of rebellion against her father. When the truth finally comes out, it’s for the best, though it scatters our characters around a bit until they all get their acts together.

Lovely, sweet story about finding a connection where you least expected it.

Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr

Rating: C+

Romance: 3/5      Raunch: 2/5