Good Cinderella story. Zanai is a respected psychologist who works with neurodivergent kids from the poorer part of Royal, Texas. She has always been introverted, preferring her books to people, and since her family's moved to Royal from Brooklyn when she was a teen, she's never felt like she fits in. She has one very good friend, Morgan, who sees her for the beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate woman she is. As the book opens, we see Morgan talking Zanai into going to the masquerade ball.

Like Cinderella, Zanai can't believe the difference a makeover has made in her looks and attitude. With her face hidden behind a mask, Zanai is free of her inhibitions, making it easier to dance and flirt with rancher/playboy Jayden Lattimore. Jayden is intrigued by the woman he calls the Red Queen, and when she disappears shortly after their dance, he is determined to find her.

Jayden is a man with a reputation as a player. Lately, he's become bored with the society women who all seem the same and the social events where he sees the same people repeatedly. He wants more, even if he isn't sure what that is. After the ball, he becomes obsessed with finding the woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her.

It was surprisingly easy for Jayden to find her, thanks to some luck. I could feel Zanai's shock at his determination to spend time with her. Between the people who don't bother to get to know her and the emotional abuse heaped on her by her father, Zanai has no belief in her appeal. Though she and Jayden have been acquainted for years, it takes the ball for them to actually see each other. After seeing Zanai at the ball, and then as her usual self, Jayden is determined to make her see that the Red Queen is part of who she is.

I enjoyed the time they spent together. Watching Jayden give Zanai the kind of attention she's never experienced was so sweet. I loved seeing him constantly show her that she's a beautiful, intelligent, and caring person. He is surprised at his growing feelings for her because she's so different from the women he's dated. Zanai is just as drawn to Jayden but wary of giving in to her feelings. It's difficult to believe that he won't get tired of her, just like everyone else in her life. The chemistry between them intensifies as they get to know each other. I love the protectiveness that becomes apparent when Jayden has a run-in with Zanai's father and his heartwarming actions when he tells Zanai about it. I loved how that belief in her changed Zanai's entire outlook and gave her the strength to take charge of her future. The ending was excellent, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

There was a short mention of the ongoing oil rights dispute plaguing the Lattimore and Grandin families. The only new information raises more questions that need answers. ( )