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The Cinderella Deal
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Crusie brings humor and storytelling magic to this modern-day romance of a match made anywhere but in heaven—but destined for a fairy-tale ending.Daisy Flattery is a free spirit with a soft spot for strays and a weakness for a good story. Why else would she agree to the outrageous charade offered by her buttoned-down workaholic neighbor, Linc Blaise? The history professor needs to have a fiancée in order to capture his dream job, and Daisy is game to play the role. But something funny happens on their way to the altar that changes everything. Now, with the midnight hour approaching, will Daisy lose her prince, or will opposites not only attract but live happily ever after? From the Paperback edition.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1996
About the author
Jennifer Crusie
79 books7,604 followersJennifer Crusie is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty-three novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and the editor of three essay anthologies.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
She was born in Wapakoneta, a small town in Ohio, and then went on to live in a succession of other small towns in Ohio and New Jersey until her last move to a small town in Pennsylvania. This may have had an impact on her work.
She has a BS in Art Education, an MA in literature, an MFA in fiction, and was ABD on her PhD when she started reading romances as part of her research into the differences between the ways men and women tell stories. Writing a romance sounded like more fun than writing a dissertation, so she switched to fiction and never looked back. Her collaborations with Bob Mayer have pretty much proved everything she was going to say in her dissertation anyway, so really, no need to finish that.
For more information, see JenniferCrusie.com and her blog, Argh Ink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,236 reviews
April 21, 2017
Once I got past the premise, I found myself completely enjoying this book. I mean, I don't buy the whole pressure on Linc to be all Stepford and to go so far as to propose his deal with Daisy. It just didn't work for me.
Fortunately, I knew that was going to be weak going in. As fortunate, I found myself liking both Daisy and Linc and their mutual maturation through the course of the story—after subtracting about ten years from their stated ages . . . okay so the surrounding story wasn't very solid and I'm trying to justify liking it so dang much!
Was it the humor? The banter? That they eventually come to not only tolerate, but to actually appreciate their individual strengths and weaknesses? Probably all of that. Plus, it was a fast read with fun characters and a few laugh-out-loud moments.
It's an early Crusie, so it makes sense if some of the story doesn't hang together very well. Even so, her strength with wit and humor and simply charming characters stands out and I was completely along for the entire ride.
A note about Steamy: This was middle-road steam even if there was only one explicit scene and not a lot of extraneous kissing or fooling around. It was an excellent scene and went on for some pages...
Fortunately, I knew that was going to be weak going in. As fortunate, I found myself liking both Daisy and Linc and their mutual maturation through the course of the story—after subtracting about ten years from their stated ages . . . okay so the surrounding story wasn't very solid and I'm trying to justify liking it so dang much!
Was it the humor? The banter? That they eventually come to not only tolerate, but to actually appreciate their individual strengths and weaknesses? Probably all of that. Plus, it was a fast read with fun characters and a few laugh-out-loud moments.
It's an early Crusie, so it makes sense if some of the story doesn't hang together very well. Even so, her strength with wit and humor and simply charming characters stands out and I was completely along for the entire ride.
A note about Steamy: This was middle-road steam even if there was only one explicit scene and not a lot of extraneous kissing or fooling around. It was an excellent scene and went on for some pages...
November 13, 2015
I loved, loved this book. There is the fairytaile-y feeling, the romance is deep, there is humor, and two strays cats and a stray dog, what more can you ask?
The love-hate initial relationship is great and the development of the love story is even better. I would definitely recommend this book.
The love-hate initial relationship is great and the development of the love story is even better. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 31, 2009
The Cinderella Deal is a straight-forward romance, minus the secondary characters and complicated mystery plots in Crusie's later books. She manages to take the old fake marriage trope and add her own clever spin to it.
Daisy and Linc are both likable and very typical of Crusie's characters (him/straight-laced and her/bohemian). Even the pets developed their own personalities.
The banter between Daisy and Linc was entertaining and the sexual tension between the two had me glued to this book from the get-go. I really appreciated the fact that Daisy's character painted "weird", strong and independent women from history in an unusual manner. I was so fascinated by the details of Daisy's paintings that I put the book down long enough to research Lizzie Borden.
This book was adorable and loads of fun - exactly what I needed during a stay-at-home, sick day. =) While this book is a little dated (written in the early 90's), I can't imagine why the author is so embarrassed by her earlier novels. I truly enjoyed this one more than her newer books. A total riveting read!
NOTE: Crusie just announced that this book is being re-released next year, so don't be a dumb ass like me and pay $20+ for it on some obscure website unless you really, REALLY have to read it right now!
Daisy and Linc are both likable and very typical of Crusie's characters (him/straight-laced and her/bohemian). Even the pets developed their own personalities.
The banter between Daisy and Linc was entertaining and the sexual tension between the two had me glued to this book from the get-go. I really appreciated the fact that Daisy's character painted "weird", strong and independent women from history in an unusual manner. I was so fascinated by the details of Daisy's paintings that I put the book down long enough to research Lizzie Borden.
This book was adorable and loads of fun - exactly what I needed during a stay-at-home, sick day. =) While this book is a little dated (written in the early 90's), I can't imagine why the author is so embarrassed by her earlier novels. I truly enjoyed this one more than her newer books. A total riveting read!
NOTE: Crusie just announced that this book is being re-released next year, so don't be a dumb ass like me and pay $20+ for it on some obscure website unless you really, REALLY have to read it right now!
June 4, 2012
Just when I am ready to 'embrace' M/F contemporary romance again, I have to stumble into this BLAH story. At first I though, "Hey, I used to like Jennifer Crusie's older stories, so this might work". Especially since this is supposed to be a revised version. Oh, how WRONG I was!!
How wrong? Let me count the ways.
Yes, I know the blurb says it will going to be one-of-those-fake-wife thing. I'm good with that ... if only I can find each of the character as likeable. But nope, not at all. I think Linc is a douchebag, an ass. He practically think that Daisy is 'plain' (He needed a … a wifely-looking woman. A Little House on the Prairie kind of woman) but wants her appearance (at least her style) should look more academic wifey. The only reason he starts to notice Daisy is because he sees her in her slip and feel the impact of Daisy undressed. Oh, GOD!! No, not about Daisy's character, or her mind, but it's the state of her undressing. Sure, THAT will make me believe that he falls in love with her *hmph*
Daisy is no better. Okay, at first I think she's intriguing because she's not conventional. But then she thinks of Linc, and she likes him because he makes her feel safe and because "there's his body" (Especially stop thinking about how nice and solid he was with his arms around you and how gorgeous he looks with his shirt off). WTF?!?
Then they got pretending to be married, which is a total bore ... it's so stupid and ridiculous. Let's see, Linc starts to like her because he thinks "Daisy Blaise. My wife. My wife, the adult." Oh yes, there goes Daisy's personality (which I realize is not even good to start with, considering she likes Lincoln for his body -- wait, maybe they do belong to one another) as she becomes (the boring) Daisy Blaise instead of Daisy Flattery.
I even feel mad for myself because I actually finish this. I know, I know, I try to at least see if there's some miracle in the end. Which there isn't. And there goes my time of reading this. Aaaaarcckkk!! Okay, I'm definitely getting cranky with M/F contemporary romance again. Maybe I should just dig some of urban fantasy/paranormals; with women that can fight demons or vampires.
PS: Why the cover for this new revision features a dog when the dog does not appear until about half the book is beyond me
How wrong? Let me count the ways.
Yes, I know the blurb says it will going to be one-of-those-fake-wife thing. I'm good with that ... if only I can find each of the character as likeable. But nope, not at all. I think Linc is a douchebag, an ass. He practically think that Daisy is 'plain' (He needed a … a wifely-looking woman. A Little House on the Prairie kind of woman) but wants her appearance (at least her style) should look more academic wifey. The only reason he starts to notice Daisy is because he sees her in her slip and feel the impact of Daisy undressed. Oh, GOD!! No, not about Daisy's character, or her mind, but it's the state of her undressing. Sure, THAT will make me believe that he falls in love with her *hmph*
Daisy is no better. Okay, at first I think she's intriguing because she's not conventional. But then she thinks of Linc, and she likes him because he makes her feel safe and because "there's his body" (Especially stop thinking about how nice and solid he was with his arms around you and how gorgeous he looks with his shirt off). WTF?!?
Then they got pretending to be married, which is a total bore ... it's so stupid and ridiculous. Let's see, Linc starts to like her because he thinks "Daisy Blaise. My wife. My wife, the adult." Oh yes, there goes Daisy's personality (which I realize is not even good to start with, considering she likes Lincoln for his body -- wait, maybe they do belong to one another) as she becomes (the boring) Daisy Blaise instead of Daisy Flattery.
I even feel mad for myself because I actually finish this. I know, I know, I try to at least see if there's some miracle in the end. Which there isn't. And there goes my time of reading this. Aaaaarcckkk!! Okay, I'm definitely getting cranky with M/F contemporary romance again. Maybe I should just dig some of urban fantasy/paranormals; with women that can fight demons or vampires.
PS: Why the cover for this new revision features a dog when the dog does not appear until about half the book is beyond me
February 18, 2015
1.5 stars
This is a story that i can't even complaint on how much it disappointed me...
I picked it up because i just wanted a nice, fast read to just "cleanse" my mind for the next "earth shattering" story that happened to come my way!
So yes, i just wanted something fluffy to read! Something that would just leave me with a stupid smile on my face, and that i would mostly forgot in the following week.... o_O
Instead i got a novel capable of rousing my inner feminist...not that she needs being roused much...but, *you know!*
Okay, this story, _how should i say this _ could have been written in the fifties, sixties....top eighties!!! That's how dated it feels!
But, no, apparently it was written in the end of the twentieth century, em 1996!!
I don't get it!! o_O Was this some sort of veiled attack on feminism?
The main characters are card board stereotypes, worst that most of the harlequin characters books that i read about two decades ago!!
Daisy our main character who is a free spirit, and who "as such", uses long dresses and a weird looking hat, is a painter...well she was a teacher who decided to quit her job to pursue her dream...
Years later, she is still trying to survive and things aren't looking good.
Now Daisy our free spirit through the course of the book will see how important it is to change her way of being...because she was just being childish...
She will have no problem getting married due to money difficulties..
Changing the way she dresses...
Basically *growing up*, until her way of thinking pretty much corresponds to her husband way of seeing things...
*This is me reading this....*....minus the noose ring...or the horns...or the fur...but the eye expression looks about right!!!
Then there was an ass, who could and SHOULD be arrested, due to sexual harassment, but which she endured up until the end.
Basically most of the woman that where presented here, were seen as weak flowers...and the ones that didn't, were just disagreeable b*****s!
The "good woman" in this book, is the little wife type who stays home, and who is kept by her husband. Of course she is the artsy type, and she has all the adjacent stereotypes that come with this role.But check this out:
She is so AMAZING, that she's even capable of predicting when she will get sick, so she takes care of all the bills, and of all the things that had to be done, in order for the poor little dark, brooding, sexy husband of hers won't have to overtire himself!!
Isn't she wonderful???
Then she has this amazing smile that makes all the men around her go insane..
As for the husband, he got a really round, amazing body to go with the deal...honestly, i lost track of the number of times that this word (round) appeared!
As for her, she got security with her marriage. Yay....
If none of the above gets on your nerves, then go ahead and read it! Its quite a fast read....
If however this troubles you..better skip this one!
Honestly, if this was a Cinderella Deal i would just continue keeping the wicked stepmother's company!!
Author Official Site
bookdepository.co.uk
This is a story that i can't even complaint on how much it disappointed me...
I picked it up because i just wanted a nice, fast read to just "cleanse" my mind for the next "earth shattering" story that happened to come my way!
So yes, i just wanted something fluffy to read! Something that would just leave me with a stupid smile on my face, and that i would mostly forgot in the following week.... o_O
Instead i got a novel capable of rousing my inner feminist...not that she needs being roused much...but, *you know!*
Okay, this story, _how should i say this _ could have been written in the fifties, sixties....top eighties!!! That's how dated it feels!
But, no, apparently it was written in the end of the twentieth century, em 1996!!
I don't get it!! o_O Was this some sort of veiled attack on feminism?
The main characters are card board stereotypes, worst that most of the harlequin characters books that i read about two decades ago!!
Daisy our main character who is a free spirit, and who "as such", uses long dresses and a weird looking hat, is a painter...well she was a teacher who decided to quit her job to pursue her dream...
Years later, she is still trying to survive and things aren't looking good.
Now Daisy our free spirit through the course of the book will see how important it is to change her way of being...because she was just being childish...
She will have no problem getting married due to money difficulties..
Changing the way she dresses...
Basically *growing up*, until her way of thinking pretty much corresponds to her husband way of seeing things...
*This is me reading this....*....minus the noose ring...or the horns...or the fur...but the eye expression looks about right!!!
Then there was an ass, who could and SHOULD be arrested, due to sexual harassment, but which she endured up until the end.
Basically most of the woman that where presented here, were seen as weak flowers...and the ones that didn't, were just disagreeable b*****s!
The "good woman" in this book, is the little wife type who stays home, and who is kept by her husband. Of course she is the artsy type, and she has all the adjacent stereotypes that come with this role.But check this out:
She is so AMAZING, that she's even capable of predicting when she will get sick, so she takes care of all the bills, and of all the things that had to be done, in order for the poor little dark, brooding, sexy husband of hers won't have to overtire himself!!
Isn't she wonderful???
Then she has this amazing smile that makes all the men around her go insane..
As for the husband, he got a really round, amazing body to go with the deal...honestly, i lost track of the number of times that this word (round) appeared!
As for her, she got security with her marriage. Yay....
If none of the above gets on your nerves, then go ahead and read it! Its quite a fast read....
If however this troubles you..better skip this one!
Honestly, if this was a Cinderella Deal i would just continue keeping the wicked stepmother's company!!
Author Official Site
bookdepository.co.uk
October 26, 2020
Cute and predictable and I enjoyed it.
Picture this girl with a crazy, coloured shirt on her ...
This book definitely had a "feel good" factor to it... was smiling quite a lot while reading it.
Picture this girl with a crazy, coloured shirt on her ...
This book definitely had a "feel good" factor to it... was smiling quite a lot while reading it.
June 19, 2017
Easy read - just what I needed. The characters did not rush into a romantic relationship. It actually took a while for them both to overcome prejudices about each other. H is uptight with a lot of baggage and expectations. h has baggage as well - but keeps trying to overcome. Side characters are great and I like how the h brings perspective and color into the H's life. She is just what he needs against his better judgement. h makes quite a few concessions but she grows from it. H comes to appreciate and love her. His life is richer for it. 3.5 rounded happy ending stars.
October 6, 2015
Adored this book, really romantic. I don't know how to explain it, but the style was different... somewhat old fashioned...profound!
I loved it.
I also love stories that start as a love/hate relationship.
I loved it.
I also love stories that start as a love/hate relationship.
August 21, 2012
Loved the book, JC just has this very different style. The heroine is quite bohemian, she quit her teaching job to be an artist, lives in a mis-matched apartment with cats, wears weird loose clothes and is not the hero's type who likes blondes but she is his perfect fake fiancée and would help him get a teaching job at a college. Her transformation makes him want her but he knows she is a hurricane while he is all dull and boring, the heroine finds him stifling, he reminds her of her father who she can never impress, she does like his body though. Things happen and the hero suggests they get married for a year or so in return she gets financial stability to pursue her art. I loved how their marriage started out, both try to hide they have the hots for each other, the adjustment they had to go through and how Daisy transformed his life for the better without his knowing. They both had people around them who fit their "type" but what you think you want is not always what your heart wants. Daisy becomes a bit more adult yet she is still her open, friendly self and even manages to repair Linc's relationship with his mother. I loved the end when Daisy transformed herself into what Linc thought he wanted and he ended up hating it and hated thinking what he would have become, had she not come into his life.
February 18, 2019
Audiobook review. A sweet romantic comedy with a fake relationship opposites attract trope. The heroine is the free spirited artist and the hero is the uptight college professor. It was short and sweet. The 3rd person narration made for a great audiobook listen.
November 1, 2011
Daisy, a woman who has a messy apartment, messy clothes, and a messy life, is seriously in need of money. Her landlord came one day and found the cat Daisy just adopted. And he also came to tell her that she didn't pay her last month's rent. Lincoln, who was next to them, couldn't help but overhear her predicament and came up with a proposition. Daisy was to pretend to be his fiancée, so that he could land a job at Prescott. In exchange for helping her pay her rent ($300), and add in a thousand bucks and bam! Linc landed himself a job at Prescott, and a fiancée. They agreed that after Daisy helped him get the job, they would part ways and never see each other again. So, they got on with their lives.
Then, Chickie, wife of the man who insists that Daisy is a great wife, and mentioned (once or twice, maybe more than that, it might've slipped out) what a lucky man Lincoln is, asked if Lincoln wanted to have his wedding in she and her husband's backyard. Lincoln flew back to get Daisy back, only to find her ex-boyfriend wanting to get back with her. Daisy, having lost total interest in Derek, agrees and they're off to Prescott—again. Daisy bonded with Lincoln's students and everybody in the neighborhood (not exaggerating) loves her. Including Lincoln. Well, you can pretty much guess the rest. :)
A word of advice: Never, I repeat never, read this book before a test. I have a test tomorrow and when I was doing last-minute revision, I kept thinking of this book. Argh. So freaking frustrating! I revised finish, picked up this book immediately where I left off, and was rewarded! Thank goodness my studying paid off, and I got to read such a great, awesome book! This book would never disappoint you, I assure you. (maybe not 100%, cause we might have our likes and dislikes, but if you crave a good romantic book, this is the book for you!) Pick this up like, right now!
Then, Chickie, wife of the man who insists that Daisy is a great wife, and mentioned (once or twice, maybe more than that, it might've slipped out) what a lucky man Lincoln is, asked if Lincoln wanted to have his wedding in she and her husband's backyard. Lincoln flew back to get Daisy back, only to find her ex-boyfriend wanting to get back with her. Daisy, having lost total interest in Derek, agrees and they're off to Prescott—again. Daisy bonded with Lincoln's students and everybody in the neighborhood (not exaggerating) loves her. Including Lincoln. Well, you can pretty much guess the rest. :)
A word of advice: Never, I repeat never, read this book before a test. I have a test tomorrow and when I was doing last-minute revision, I kept thinking of this book. Argh. So freaking frustrating! I revised finish, picked up this book immediately where I left off, and was rewarded! Thank goodness my studying paid off, and I got to read such a great, awesome book! This book would never disappoint you, I assure you. (maybe not 100%, cause we might have our likes and dislikes, but if you crave a good romantic book, this is the book for you!) Pick this up like, right now!
October 4, 2020
2.5
You'll have to suspend your disbelief quite a bit when it comes to this romance.
I love Cinderella-themed stories. I mean, really love them. It's hard to mess it up when the theme itself is doing half the work for you. At least, for those of us who like it. The Cinderella Deal is only loosely that type of story. I liked some of the author's additions and changes to the theme.
The heroine is older than thirty, one of those colourful (inside and out) people. Her upstairs neighbour is a serious history professor who asks her to act as his fiancée because that seems to be the only thing important to the members of the hiring committee. Daisy accepts. She needs money, after all.
After some time, hero falls in lust with her and the book keeps on hitting us on the head with the 'she's not his type - tiny blondes are'. There are funny moments here, but somehow everything made me sad. Throughout the whole book, she starts to change into something completely different than her.
The way Daisy treats everyone is wonderful to read - from the animals she finds to strangers. To be honest, I'd like a Daisy in my life too. She sounds lovely.
I have a couple of questions about other people, though. Caroline, Linc's colleague, is one. She is a tiny blonde who works at the college. It was never explained why and how she got a job since the person deciding who gets it is a creepy old man who likes to grope other people's wives and make his own miserable and drunk. This isn't about her qualifications - she has them and probably deserves the job, but I don't remember the explanation (if there was one).
If it's a foundation of this story (what they expect Linc to have or be), then she should have a damn good reason to be there.
This is a romance so it's not a spoiler to say don't worry, there's a happy ending. I liked it well enough, but most of it goes to Daisy.
You'll have to suspend your disbelief quite a bit when it comes to this romance.
I love Cinderella-themed stories. I mean, really love them. It's hard to mess it up when the theme itself is doing half the work for you. At least, for those of us who like it. The Cinderella Deal is only loosely that type of story. I liked some of the author's additions and changes to the theme.
The heroine is older than thirty, one of those colourful (inside and out) people. Her upstairs neighbour is a serious history professor who asks her to act as his fiancée because that seems to be the only thing important to the members of the hiring committee. Daisy accepts. She needs money, after all.
After some time, hero falls in lust with her and the book keeps on hitting us on the head with the 'she's not his type - tiny blondes are'. There are funny moments here, but somehow everything made me sad. Throughout the whole book, she starts to change into something completely different than her.
The way Daisy treats everyone is wonderful to read - from the animals she finds to strangers. To be honest, I'd like a Daisy in my life too. She sounds lovely.
I have a couple of questions about other people, though. Caroline, Linc's colleague, is one. She is a tiny blonde who works at the college. It was never explained why and how she got a job since the person deciding who gets it is a creepy old man who likes to grope other people's wives and make his own miserable and drunk. This isn't about her qualifications - she has them and probably deserves the job, but I don't remember the explanation (if there was one).
If it's a foundation of this story (what they expect Linc to have or be), then she should have a damn good reason to be there.
This is a romance so it's not a spoiler to say don't worry, there's a happy ending. I liked it well enough, but most of it goes to Daisy.
September 18, 2010
ETA: (9/17/10) I listened to this on audio narrated by Susan Boyce. The narrator has a nice, strong voice and does a fine job with the story. I usually listen to audiobooks while I occupy myself doing chores or walking. However, this time I simply listened to the last 2 hours of the book while sitting quietly with my eyes shut. It was a great way to experience the story, being immersed in it. Even knowing the ending, I felt the anxiety of both Linc and Daisy as they came to grips with their feelings while trying to understand what best to do about them. Linc turns out to be a great hero, and Daisy is equally wonderful.
This book is different than the other lighthearted contemporaries I've read by Jennifer Crusie, although Bet Me had some serious moments. The Cinderella Deal is certainly humorous, even laugh-out-loud at times, but the humor is laced with poignancy. This story about two mismatched people trying to work things out could have been simply another zany tale of opposites attracting, clashing, and finally getting it right. But for Linc and Daisy, getting it right was at times a painful experience. Both struggle with who they think they are suppose to be, and who they think the other person is. I've read several fun books with the basic "pretend fiance/spouse" plot line, but I've never gotten so caught up in the characters or their feelings. This book may be a fairly short, easy read, but it certainly has depth.
This book is different than the other lighthearted contemporaries I've read by Jennifer Crusie, although Bet Me had some serious moments. The Cinderella Deal is certainly humorous, even laugh-out-loud at times, but the humor is laced with poignancy. This story about two mismatched people trying to work things out could have been simply another zany tale of opposites attracting, clashing, and finally getting it right. But for Linc and Daisy, getting it right was at times a painful experience. Both struggle with who they think they are suppose to be, and who they think the other person is. I've read several fun books with the basic "pretend fiance/spouse" plot line, but I've never gotten so caught up in the characters or their feelings. This book may be a fairly short, easy read, but it certainly has depth.
October 15, 2016
What a cute book! And so relatable.
I am once again absolutely flummoxed why Jennifer Crusie gets such average ratings. Such is the unfairness of life.
The Cinderella Deal is pretty close to the actual fairy tale and yet, it is not. Daisy isn't an ordinary, suffering soul. And Linc's not the perfect and good saviour. They are polar opposites yet when they are put together, they're the cosiest and most perfect union. At the risk of sounding cheesy, my heart is still fluttering.
Daisy is the quintessential artist who lives totally free of any kind of mandates of society. Be it her clothes, her furniture or her behaviour. She's quirky and disorganised but she's kind hearted and loving. Linc is appying for a job at the university in Prescott. He's always sharply dressed, lives a completely disciplined and organised life. Both are far from each other's type. But Linc's got himself into a situation at the university and he needs a wife pronto to secure the job he wishes to have. After a lot of hesitation, he and daisy decide to put up the temporary show of being a couple. But the temporary turns into not so temporary and soon they both secretly wish that their fake marriage becomes real.
I am glad Daisy wasn't shown to be the annoying, frivolous type of heroine who acts chirpy and lost, and cute just for the sake of it. She has her own logic that is believable. Her stories, her feelings are so true that as a reader, one gets heavily invested in how her life turns out to be.
Even Linc, who is often disapproving of how different and odd Daisy is according to his own standards of life, is never someone you hate. I completely understood his exasperation. This is the beauty of Jennifer Crusie's writing. No one is the villain and no one is perfect. The perfect relationship arises when both the partners' compromise and respect each other.
And the writing itself! Très bien! The story is always moving at a uniform pace, never slowing down too much. The characters themselves show gradual development that is easy to keep up with. And each character is memorable. I have the problem of forgetting names but the book has a limited number of people and each is cleverly sketched out.
You should totally read it.
I am once again absolutely flummoxed why Jennifer Crusie gets such average ratings. Such is the unfairness of life.
The Cinderella Deal is pretty close to the actual fairy tale and yet, it is not. Daisy isn't an ordinary, suffering soul. And Linc's not the perfect and good saviour. They are polar opposites yet when they are put together, they're the cosiest and most perfect union. At the risk of sounding cheesy, my heart is still fluttering.
Daisy is the quintessential artist who lives totally free of any kind of mandates of society. Be it her clothes, her furniture or her behaviour. She's quirky and disorganised but she's kind hearted and loving. Linc is appying for a job at the university in Prescott. He's always sharply dressed, lives a completely disciplined and organised life. Both are far from each other's type. But Linc's got himself into a situation at the university and he needs a wife pronto to secure the job he wishes to have. After a lot of hesitation, he and daisy decide to put up the temporary show of being a couple. But the temporary turns into not so temporary and soon they both secretly wish that their fake marriage becomes real.
I am glad Daisy wasn't shown to be the annoying, frivolous type of heroine who acts chirpy and lost, and cute just for the sake of it. She has her own logic that is believable. Her stories, her feelings are so true that as a reader, one gets heavily invested in how her life turns out to be.
Even Linc, who is often disapproving of how different and odd Daisy is according to his own standards of life, is never someone you hate. I completely understood his exasperation. This is the beauty of Jennifer Crusie's writing. No one is the villain and no one is perfect. The perfect relationship arises when both the partners' compromise and respect each other.
And the writing itself! Très bien! The story is always moving at a uniform pace, never slowing down too much. The characters themselves show gradual development that is easy to keep up with. And each character is memorable. I have the problem of forgetting names but the book has a limited number of people and each is cleverly sketched out.
You should totally read it.
April 1, 2018
[April 1st, 2018: Cut-price on Amazon.]
I hope for something more (after Agnes and the Hitman, here is my review) but still, I have had a nice time.
It was funny.
And this was a romance with a little deeper view into human nature.
But to me, there was no space for a evolving love. I felt that first I had: "they don't like each other" and then: "they love each other but don't know it is mutual". And then they found out that it was mutual and we had happy ever after. You could tell, the story consist of three horizontal parallel lines, instead of one continuous (going up or/and going down).
One big plus for that it was about an ordinary people in they thirties. No millionaires, secret agents and so on.
And I am going to read yet another novel by Jennifer Crusie. Probably she will never be for me so good like Kristen Higgins, but still I think I will enjoy her romances.
I hope for something more (after Agnes and the Hitman, here is my review) but still, I have had a nice time.
It was funny.
And this was a romance with a little deeper view into human nature.
But to me, there was no space for a evolving love. I felt that first I had: "they don't like each other" and then: "they love each other but don't know it is mutual". And then they found out that it was mutual and we had happy ever after. You could tell, the story consist of three horizontal parallel lines, instead of one continuous (going up or/and going down).
One big plus for that it was about an ordinary people in they thirties. No millionaires, secret agents and so on.
And I am going to read yet another novel by Jennifer Crusie. Probably she will never be for me so good like Kristen Higgins, but still I think I will enjoy her romances.
September 7, 2014
I guess it was okay. For some reason, I didn't like the characters very much. Both were very indecisive so..I dunno, I like my hero to be sure that the heroine is the only one he wanted and not go about how she's not his type and all that excuses. The heroine's the same. She wanted to fall in love with someone else. So I guess that on-going theme irritated me and prevented me from enjoying the story.
February 9, 2023
Loved, LOVED this story. It was cute and romantic and funny and a wonderful HEA. Very satisfying! Right up there with “Bet Me”.
Some graphic sex but no profanity.
Some graphic sex but no profanity.
August 21, 2018
Linc is in a spot of trouble, and he needs his neighbor Daisy’s help. They have a prickly relationship at best, but when Linc needs someone to pretend to be his fiancée, and Daisy needs to earn some real money, her art work not bringing in enough to live on, she agrees to his request. The dean at the college where Linc hopes to teach is enchanted by Daisy, but soon things escalate out of hand. Now it seems Linc really needs a wife to have any chance at being a full professor. Well, it’s not hard to guess from the beginning how things will end. Still, this story is a quick and entertaining tale and the characters are delightful. There is not much substance in this tale, just a bit of consciousness raising, but if you are in the mood for something light an fluffy, this is it.
Read
July 13, 2021It's been so long since I read this I don't remember any more how much I liked it (or didn't like it) so I won't rate it.
August 2, 2020
Because I liked "Charlie All Night" so much, I was excited to get into another of Jennifer Crusie's books. "Charlie All Night" is not even in the the top 10 books that Crusie has written, and I liked it so much so, when it came to reading another Crusie book, I chose one that seemed to have a lot of favorable reviews: "The Cinderella Deal". What's not to like? I love a forced marriage trope, and this one seemed primed for me.
However. I mean, the two star rating should tell you how I felt about it.
All the little niggling things I didn't like in "Charlie All Night" came back in full blast in "The Cinderella Deal". The somewhat condescending male character. The somewhat vapid female character. The woman who does all the work and is unappreciated for it. I don't want to see awful real-life things in a romance. I'd read contemporary fiction for that. Please give me a Happily Ever After and a reversal of normalized patriarchal social norms.
Also, "The Cinderella Deal" had very little substance. The whole focus was on their little deal, which started off as a good plot point... but then that was it. "The Cinderella Deal" was about their falling in love, with all roadblocks being removed and everything being super easy and lovely because Daisy is so easy to love. There wasn't a lot of conflict, no misunderstandings (thank God), but also very little substance. Things kept falling into place because the two main characters were so nice and sweet and kind.
I mean, I would love to yell at my new boss and have nothing aftermath. I would love to invite an attractive co-worker to a party at my house, and have her hit on me in front of my wife and other co-workers and no one minds. I would love to have my neighbor's severe drinking problem and impending divorce go off without a hitch. Yes, there is always a suspension of disbelief involved in romances, but I also like to be grounded in at least some reality. There is no substance. There is no conflict. Everything happens and goes well because the characters are so nice and lovely that they deserve it. It was boring.
Lincoln and Daisy kept arguing and Daisy just kept changing so much of herself to suit him, which, again, Crusie has done in the previous book. Some parts of what Daisy had to change of herself were good because yes: you do need to dust and do laundry and clean. Daisy, you are a grown adult please learn how to, I don't know, do basic things to take care of yourself. How have you survived until now? Oh, you barely have. On the other hand, Lincoln kept exploding in anger at the stupid things Daisy did, and that isn't a great relationship. That felt like a terrible abusive relationship. They kept getting angry at each other, calming each other down, and getting back together. What a cycle of abuse.
The ending was terribly rushed. I actually do like how short Crusie's books are, but the endings are always rushed and make very little sense. In "The Cinderella Deal" it was to shoehorn in the Cinderella similarities some more. Boo. That did not need to happen at all. For a much better Cinderella-esque romance, read Sherry Thomas' "Delicious".
It also felt incredibly patronizing for Lincoln to throw out Daisy's dress. Also that the two of them, who have just as many problems and issues as everyone else in that room, felt that it was their position to lecture and moralize on everyone in that room is laughable. Crusie ends the book making sure to tidily wrap up all the loose ends for everyone single particle in that story (even though we did not care about any of them) before they rode off into the sunset with their menagerie of broken animals. Don't even get me started on the animals. I'm not an animal lover, and this book has not helped warm me up towards them.
At least "Charlie All Night" had the radio station drug subplot going for it. This was marshmallow fluff and fondant and absolutely no cake.
However. I mean, the two star rating should tell you how I felt about it.
All the little niggling things I didn't like in "Charlie All Night" came back in full blast in "The Cinderella Deal". The somewhat condescending male character. The somewhat vapid female character. The woman who does all the work and is unappreciated for it. I don't want to see awful real-life things in a romance. I'd read contemporary fiction for that. Please give me a Happily Ever After and a reversal of normalized patriarchal social norms.
Also, "The Cinderella Deal" had very little substance. The whole focus was on their little deal, which started off as a good plot point... but then that was it. "The Cinderella Deal" was about their falling in love, with all roadblocks being removed and everything being super easy and lovely because Daisy is so easy to love. There wasn't a lot of conflict, no misunderstandings (thank God), but also very little substance. Things kept falling into place because the two main characters were so nice and sweet and kind.
I mean, I would love to yell at my new boss and have nothing aftermath. I would love to invite an attractive co-worker to a party at my house, and have her hit on me in front of my wife and other co-workers and no one minds. I would love to have my neighbor's severe drinking problem and impending divorce go off without a hitch. Yes, there is always a suspension of disbelief involved in romances, but I also like to be grounded in at least some reality. There is no substance. There is no conflict. Everything happens and goes well because the characters are so nice and lovely that they deserve it. It was boring.
Lincoln and Daisy kept arguing and Daisy just kept changing so much of herself to suit him, which, again, Crusie has done in the previous book. Some parts of what Daisy had to change of herself were good because yes: you do need to dust and do laundry and clean. Daisy, you are a grown adult please learn how to, I don't know, do basic things to take care of yourself. How have you survived until now? Oh, you barely have. On the other hand, Lincoln kept exploding in anger at the stupid things Daisy did, and that isn't a great relationship. That felt like a terrible abusive relationship. They kept getting angry at each other, calming each other down, and getting back together. What a cycle of abuse.
The ending was terribly rushed. I actually do like how short Crusie's books are, but the endings are always rushed and make very little sense. In "The Cinderella Deal" it was to shoehorn in the Cinderella similarities some more. Boo. That did not need to happen at all. For a much better Cinderella-esque romance, read Sherry Thomas' "Delicious".
It also felt incredibly patronizing for Lincoln to throw out Daisy's dress. Also that the two of them, who have just as many problems and issues as everyone else in that room, felt that it was their position to lecture and moralize on everyone in that room is laughable. Crusie ends the book making sure to tidily wrap up all the loose ends for everyone single particle in that story (even though we did not care about any of them) before they rode off into the sunset with their menagerie of broken animals. Don't even get me started on the animals. I'm not an animal lover, and this book has not helped warm me up towards them.
At least "Charlie All Night" had the radio station drug subplot going for it. This was marshmallow fluff and fondant and absolutely no cake.
July 14, 2010
3 ½ stars. Fluffy, enjoyable, light romance. The characters were stereotypes but fun. It’s a nice little escape.
STORY BRIEF:
Daisy is an artist; she paints pictures. She also tells stories at local libraries and book stores. She buys clothes and furniture at thrift shops. Her home is full of color. She adopts damaged dogs and cats. She’s desperately in need of a thousand dollars for back rent and other necessities.
Linc is Daisy’s neighbor. He drives a black Porsche which Daisy calls the nazimobile. His home is decorated in black and white. He is an English professor at the city college. He wants a teaching job at Prescott College which would give him time to finish writing a book. During the job interview Dr. Crawford (dean of humanities at Prescott College) makes it clear that Linc be married. Therefore, Linc tells Crawford he is engaged. Crawford insists on meeting Linc’s fiancé. Linc hires Daisy to pose as his fiancé for 24 hours to meet Crawford. She agrees for $1,000.
After Linc gets the job and starts working, he informs Crawford that he and Daisy broke up. This is unacceptable to Crawford who insists Linc get her back.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I had one problem which is a pet peeve of mine. Soon into their relationship Linc was falling for Daisy and desired her sexually. But he refused to act on it or to show her that he cared. And Daisy did the same thing. She never let Linc know that she desired him. I saw no reason for them to “deny that they wanted each other” other than as a plot device. This went on for four months. If you don’t mind that, it’s a fun story.
I noticed another reviewer was unhappy with Daisy being self-absorbed. An example given was Daisy moving Linc’s furniture out to make room for hers. But after Linc discussed this with Daisy, she worked hard to recover and repaint her own furniture to make it more appealing to Linc. He also ended up liking where she put his furniture – a good place for his home office. They communicated over their differences, so I wasn’t as troubled over this part of Daisy.
DATA:
Story length: 278 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day unspecified city and Prescott, Ohio. Copyright: 1996. Genre: contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
I reviewed the following Jennifer Crusie books.
5 stars: Bet Me, Anyone But You, Welcome To Temptation
4 stars: Charlie All Night
3 ½ stars: The Cinderella Deal
3 stars: Crazy For You, Getting Rid Of Bradley
2 stars: Faking It, Fast Women, What The Lady Wants
1 star: Tell Me Lies
STORY BRIEF:
Daisy is an artist; she paints pictures. She also tells stories at local libraries and book stores. She buys clothes and furniture at thrift shops. Her home is full of color. She adopts damaged dogs and cats. She’s desperately in need of a thousand dollars for back rent and other necessities.
Linc is Daisy’s neighbor. He drives a black Porsche which Daisy calls the nazimobile. His home is decorated in black and white. He is an English professor at the city college. He wants a teaching job at Prescott College which would give him time to finish writing a book. During the job interview Dr. Crawford (dean of humanities at Prescott College) makes it clear that Linc be married. Therefore, Linc tells Crawford he is engaged. Crawford insists on meeting Linc’s fiancé. Linc hires Daisy to pose as his fiancé for 24 hours to meet Crawford. She agrees for $1,000.
After Linc gets the job and starts working, he informs Crawford that he and Daisy broke up. This is unacceptable to Crawford who insists Linc get her back.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I had one problem which is a pet peeve of mine. Soon into their relationship Linc was falling for Daisy and desired her sexually. But he refused to act on it or to show her that he cared. And Daisy did the same thing. She never let Linc know that she desired him. I saw no reason for them to “deny that they wanted each other” other than as a plot device. This went on for four months. If you don’t mind that, it’s a fun story.
I noticed another reviewer was unhappy with Daisy being self-absorbed. An example given was Daisy moving Linc’s furniture out to make room for hers. But after Linc discussed this with Daisy, she worked hard to recover and repaint her own furniture to make it more appealing to Linc. He also ended up liking where she put his furniture – a good place for his home office. They communicated over their differences, so I wasn’t as troubled over this part of Daisy.
DATA:
Story length: 278 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day unspecified city and Prescott, Ohio. Copyright: 1996. Genre: contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
I reviewed the following Jennifer Crusie books.
5 stars: Bet Me, Anyone But You, Welcome To Temptation
4 stars: Charlie All Night
3 ½ stars: The Cinderella Deal
3 stars: Crazy For You, Getting Rid Of Bradley
2 stars: Faking It, Fast Women, What The Lady Wants
1 star: Tell Me Lies
September 8, 2010
Lincoln Blaise is a college professor and an author. He's also a stick in the mud and usually an ass. Whilst searching for better employment he tells a lie to the hiring board that he has a fiancee. When they want to meet her he better find one quick. who else can he come up with but a natural story-teller - the flake who lives downstairs. No not the friendly blonde that he's friends with and has had repeated carnal knowledge of her body, that would make sense. But instead the really wacky brunette that he hasn't said two words to in two years. So much more sense don't you think? The whole book is cute and light but filled with moments that just don't make as much sense as I thought they should. Still liked it and glad I read it.
November 20, 2015
This turned out to be a surprisingly quick, funny & romantic read! Linc's name got on my nerves at the beginning until I found out his name was short for Lincoln, DUH DAISY!! & of course I loved Daisy's name. **I wonder why?** :)
Linc & Daisy are total opposites and would never even consider speaking to one another until Linc realizes that he needs Daisy to pretend to be his wife so he can get his dream job at a university. Daisy & Linc go through their ups and downs as they unravel their deceiving plan to be a married couple. There are some funny moments mixed in with some "Awwww" moments
If this is how Ms. Crusie writes then I will be reading more of her books in the years to come.
Linc & Daisy are total opposites and would never even consider speaking to one another until Linc realizes that he needs Daisy to pretend to be his wife so he can get his dream job at a university. Daisy & Linc go through their ups and downs as they unravel their deceiving plan to be a married couple. There are some funny moments mixed in with some "Awwww" moments
If this is how Ms. Crusie writes then I will be reading more of her books in the years to come.
August 22, 2015
3.75 stars
October 5, 2018
DNF - 1*
2* for the story with a -1 for the narration by Susan Boyce. It was like listening to a female robot who was programmed by william shatner and then told to try and sound more natural. Utter failure. Accents came and went. There was zero emotion added and lots of strange pauses and stops. I really really tried to get used to it and I might have managed if I had not wanted to hit the h with a stick. An artsy fartsy woman is fine. A compulsive liar who calls it "storytelling" and justifies it by some convoluted logic about how the story might become true. blech. I never bought them as a couple pining for each other when they had no connection in the earlier part of the book.
2* for the story with a -1 for the narration by Susan Boyce. It was like listening to a female robot who was programmed by william shatner and then told to try and sound more natural. Utter failure. Accents came and went. There was zero emotion added and lots of strange pauses and stops. I really really tried to get used to it and I might have managed if I had not wanted to hit the h with a stick. An artsy fartsy woman is fine. A compulsive liar who calls it "storytelling" and justifies it by some convoluted logic about how the story might become true. blech. I never bought them as a couple pining for each other when they had no connection in the earlier part of the book.
December 21, 2017
3.5 audiobook stars for me. This was a cute quick listen for me. I have enjoyed this author as a nice palate cleanser after longer more serious books. This is sweet and while it certainly lacks depth it was good. Both MCs were great together and who wouldn’t love those pets!
February 14, 2017
Picked this up on a whim at the library (the library which has for inexplicable reasons decided to get rid - or perhaps lost - it's copy of Bet Me. Why Ottawa library, why?). Thirty pages in I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd read this before, then I realized, I hadn't, but it's very similar to another Crusie: Strange Bedpersons. Also, an opposites (aka conventional v. free spirit), one of whom needs a short-term fake fiance for business reasons. Except this stops being short-term, and rolls almost immediately into an actual marriage of convenience. Which is harder to sell in a contemporary v. a historical. There is a reason that trope is almost always Fake!Dating in a contemporary. And it is where this book falls down for me.
Look, I am willing to suspend a heck of a lot of disbelief in my fluffy romance, but at the end of the day, I just do not quite buy that these two people would have gotten married. The fake engagement, yes, sure, but married? Barely knowing each other? Based on a few days together, and an attraction? It didn't quite work.
If you can get past that, I think the rest of this book is actually better than Strange Bedpersons. The fake relationship is better justified, but the actual story/dynamic is better in this. This one is much less extreme. The opposite character tropes are softened, such that you actually believe these people could exist. There is no insistence on public piano sex to prove affection, and this one does not devolve into the ball of WTF that the other features (I literally remember nothing else about that book, I don't even remember the subject of the final dinner of WTF, just that existed). Also, the supporting cast (in true Crusie fashion) is excellent fun.
Basically, if you can accept the marriage of convenience out of narrative necessity, you can probably get there with this one. Even if you can't, it might still be worth the read, for sheer frothy charm.
Look, I am willing to suspend a heck of a lot of disbelief in my fluffy romance, but at the end of the day, I just do not quite buy that these two people would have gotten married. The fake engagement, yes, sure, but married? Barely knowing each other? Based on a few days together, and an attraction? It didn't quite work.
If you can get past that, I think the rest of this book is actually better than Strange Bedpersons. The fake relationship is better justified, but the actual story/dynamic is better in this. This one is much less extreme. The opposite character tropes are softened, such that you actually believe these people could exist. There is no insistence on public piano sex to prove affection, and this one does not devolve into the ball of WTF that the other features (I literally remember nothing else about that book, I don't even remember the subject of the final dinner of WTF, just that existed). Also, the supporting cast (in true Crusie fashion) is excellent fun.
Basically, if you can accept the marriage of convenience out of narrative necessity, you can probably get there with this one. Even if you can't, it might still be worth the read, for sheer frothy charm.
May 8, 2017
A quick, mindless read I found in a box of thrift-store-bought books, and now I know why it was left there. I have no problem suspending disbelief for the joyride that is the "fake relationship" trope, but I have several problems with the book overall.
The characters are freaking wallpaper. Perhaps eye-catching or intriguing at first, but thin, one-dimensional, and easy to peel away. Daisy Flattery (GROAN) is our Southern Belle in self-insert clothing who just wants to paint and collect ugly furniture and rescue strays. Truly, she is a saint, for everyone--even the mean old academics she's meant to struggle fitting in with--just flock to her side, singing her praises. Really her only flaw is that she's not mature enough to impress her fake-husband, Linc. So she slowly matures (read:fixes herself) thoughout the novel, which Linc approves of while making no change in himself. In the climax, Daisy goes too far and is too reserved and not nearly sexy enough for Linc. After deciding he wants the "Real Daisy" back, Linc rips off her dowdy black dress and throws it out the window so they can have passionate, red-hot, censored sex before returning to the public function filled with all their friends and family. No, I'm not kidding. And of course, by "Real Daisy", Linc means the matured, sexy, housewife she's become in her quest to please him. smh.
Linc. Oh my god, Linc. He's meant to be this talented writer/professor who's passionate about feminism and picking yourself up by your bootstraps and is so good in bed guys, like *trust* that even though he barely paid attention to her during their one explicit sex scene, he is a god between the sheets. After all, the author and 3 characters said so! Besides being an absolute deity of orgasm, Linc is constantly jealous and makes both mental and physical threats at any man who so much as looks at Daisy(both before and during their relationship), even while he belittles and infantilizes her. What every human wants in a partner! Not to mention the absolutely heart-warming gesture he makes at the end, the compromise of his old ways, the absolute pinnacle of true love : he buys a sweater !! Please excuse me while I swoon~~
Yeah, so I thought I was just gonna chuck this away with a "not good, but harmless" rating, but the second half's sheer dumpster fire of white heteronormative bullshit sent my teeth grinding.
0.5 stars
The characters are freaking wallpaper. Perhaps eye-catching or intriguing at first, but thin, one-dimensional, and easy to peel away. Daisy Flattery (GROAN) is our Southern Belle in self-insert clothing who just wants to paint and collect ugly furniture and rescue strays. Truly, she is a saint, for everyone--even the mean old academics she's meant to struggle fitting in with--just flock to her side, singing her praises. Really her only flaw is that she's not mature enough to impress her fake-husband, Linc. So she slowly matures (read:fixes herself) thoughout the novel, which Linc approves of while making no change in himself. In the climax, Daisy goes too far and is too reserved and not nearly sexy enough for Linc. After deciding he wants the "Real Daisy" back, Linc rips off her dowdy black dress and throws it out the window so they can have passionate, red-hot, censored sex before returning to the public function filled with all their friends and family. No, I'm not kidding. And of course, by "Real Daisy", Linc means the matured, sexy, housewife she's become in her quest to please him. smh.
Linc. Oh my god, Linc. He's meant to be this talented writer/professor who's passionate about feminism and picking yourself up by your bootstraps and is so good in bed guys, like *trust* that even though he barely paid attention to her during their one explicit sex scene, he is a god between the sheets. After all, the author and 3 characters said so! Besides being an absolute deity of orgasm, Linc is constantly jealous and makes both mental and physical threats at any man who so much as looks at Daisy(both before and during their relationship), even while he belittles and infantilizes her. What every human wants in a partner! Not to mention the absolutely heart-warming gesture he makes at the end, the compromise of his old ways, the absolute pinnacle of true love : he buys a sweater !! Please excuse me while I swoon~~
Yeah, so I thought I was just gonna chuck this away with a "not good, but harmless" rating, but the second half's sheer dumpster fire of white heteronormative bullshit sent my teeth grinding.
0.5 stars
January 17, 2011
This book was a wonderful surprise. I read the occasional romance novel for a fluffy lark but I'm picky about them. I read a couple of Jennifer Crusie's other books and liked them because they're funny, breezy and not always entirely formulaic.
The Cinderella Deal starts off the same as expected: girl (Daisy) meets boy (Lincoln), they dislike each other, Wacky Shenanigans force them to spend time together, and Hijinks Ensue involving uncontrollable attraction, snarky dialogue and several dysfunctional pet dogs and/or cats. That's all here. However, shortly in, the story evolves and becomes about art, personal growth, the creative process, family, letting go of bad family history, interior decorating, and love born from respect and understanding. Daisy seems like a very real person and I identified with her a lot. Maybe this story spoke to me because I went to art school and had artistic ambitions, but her "artist's block" problems were very familiar and I really felt for her. Her artwork is also vividly described and sounds really interesting; I'd like to see her paintings!
Anyway, I don't give out five stars lightly at all. I also rarely bother to review the books I've read. This was just an excellent and unexpected little treasure. Thumbs up, and give it a shot if it sounds interesting even if you don't usually read romance novels.
The Cinderella Deal starts off the same as expected: girl (Daisy) meets boy (Lincoln), they dislike each other, Wacky Shenanigans force them to spend time together, and Hijinks Ensue involving uncontrollable attraction, snarky dialogue and several dysfunctional pet dogs and/or cats. That's all here. However, shortly in, the story evolves and becomes about art, personal growth, the creative process, family, letting go of bad family history, interior decorating, and love born from respect and understanding. Daisy seems like a very real person and I identified with her a lot. Maybe this story spoke to me because I went to art school and had artistic ambitions, but her "artist's block" problems were very familiar and I really felt for her. Her artwork is also vividly described and sounds really interesting; I'd like to see her paintings!
Anyway, I don't give out five stars lightly at all. I also rarely bother to review the books I've read. This was just an excellent and unexpected little treasure. Thumbs up, and give it a shot if it sounds interesting even if you don't usually read romance novels.
May 3, 2011
This book is a DNF for me.
I would have never picked this book. It was recommended to me by a friend. Honestly, the cover is flat-out awful. I would have never, ever read it based on that alone.
The tone was older. I smiled a few times, but that was pretty much it. There was none of the snappiness I like (probably why there was no man-titty on the cover).
Nothing worked for me, not the set up or the characters. Linc was a big douche. He'd slept with Daisy's friend and yet wanted Daisy to pretend to be his fiance because she was round. :/
And Daisy had absolutely nothing to like about her. She was messy, flighty, dressed like an 80-year-old, supposedly could get away with being 17, and had to tell herself:
Daisy faced the store owner and tried to be tough. And mature. Mature was important. (pg 53)
SHE IS 34. WTF? What 34-year-old do you know that thinks like this?
Plus, there were major inconstancies. For example, they live in the same building. He drives them home, helps her get out of the car, and then GETS BACK IN. For what? He's home.
I kept waiting for something to surprise me. It didn't. I gave it 60 pages, which in this case was plenty, I think. Turns out you can judge a book by the cover. I'll stick with man-titty.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
I would have never picked this book. It was recommended to me by a friend. Honestly, the cover is flat-out awful. I would have never, ever read it based on that alone.
The tone was older. I smiled a few times, but that was pretty much it. There was none of the snappiness I like (probably why there was no man-titty on the cover).
Nothing worked for me, not the set up or the characters. Linc was a big douche. He'd slept with Daisy's friend and yet wanted Daisy to pretend to be his fiance because she was round. :/
And Daisy had absolutely nothing to like about her. She was messy, flighty, dressed like an 80-year-old, supposedly could get away with being 17, and had to tell herself:
Daisy faced the store owner and tried to be tough. And mature. Mature was important. (pg 53)
SHE IS 34. WTF? What 34-year-old do you know that thinks like this?
Plus, there were major inconstancies. For example, they live in the same building. He drives them home, helps her get out of the car, and then GETS BACK IN. For what? He's home.
I kept waiting for something to surprise me. It didn't. I gave it 60 pages, which in this case was plenty, I think. Turns out you can judge a book by the cover. I'll stick with man-titty.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
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