Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collections
Publication
BBC Audiobooks America (2010), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, 5 CDs, 5 hrs 58 mins
Description
Fiction. Romance. HTML: Linc Blaise needed the perfect fiancee to win his dream job, but finding a woman who'd be convincing in a charade seemed impossible-until he heard Daisy Flattery charm her way out of a sticky situation. Playing the prim and proper bride-to-be was a lark to the dazzling storyteller, but once she glimpsed the touching vulnerability Linc tried to hide, pretense turned into temptation. Could she find a way to make their fairy tale last? Daisy made him believe in wondrous possibilities, and drew him into a world of passionate abandon, but was he brave enough to give her his love?.
User reviews
LibraryThing member dissed1
Jennifer Crusie’s romance entitled, The Cinderella Deal is a cute book, but lacks accomplished technique. Her main characters, Linc and Daisy, follow the predictable pattern for mass market romances: they begin as acquaintances that can’t stand each other and quickly progress to head over heels
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love. However, in Crusie’s version, the story is missing the stereotypical break-up over a misunderstanding, which undoubtedly leads to the happy ending. The Cinderella Deal is just sunshine and roses all the way through, making for an uneventful and somewhat unsatisfying read. Additionally, the pervading premise of the tale, a marriage of convenience for show only is ridiculous. Have you ever heard of two people actually getting married and living together—celibately—merely to procure a job or make an extra $1,000.00? I like Jennifer Crusie’s fun, often witty vibe, but this reissue of an earlier work shows her immaturity as a writer. Pick it up as a quick, stress-buster read for the train or a vacation trip if you’re looking for a simple fantasy. Just remember, that’s all you’ll get. Show Less
LibraryThing member noirem
A sweet romance without any particular edge. The heroine doesn't respect herself for conforming to the hero's expectations, I'm not sure what actually brought them together in the first place, everyone on earth is charmed by her - except her father and the hero who eventually meets her father and
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realizes he's been too hard on the heroine. It's an easy, meatless story, but it's also Jennifer Crusie so it was entertaining. Show Less
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
I almost never read romance, but when I do it's almost always Jennifer Crusie. She has a way of writing romance without the melodrama, and even when there is angst, it's almost always short lived and smothered in wry humour. The fact that all her characters staunchly defend and rescue animals makes
The Cinderella Deal is one that I've had on my shelves for ages, but sort of thought I'd already read. Turns out I hadn't. It's one of her earlier books and one of the simpler plot lines but Crusie is so damn readable I was quickly lost in the story.
What I thought was a beautiful touch was the thread of faith that runs through the narrative. Daisy refuses to take a false vow before God, and when her mother-in-law is ill she gives Linc the Bible to read to her.
Normally I'd be complaining here because I've almost never seen any author weave faith in without brandishing it like a battle axe (my perception is admittedly touchy about this) but Crusie was awesome. First, she never dwelled on it; it was just a part of the narrative in the same nonchalant way Daisy painted the walls. Second, in those few scenes, it was always books from the old testament mentioned, which are just as applicable to Judaism as they are to Christianity. The only reason a reader would assume Daisy is Christian at all is because of the off hand mention of the Bible itself as the source of the reading. I liked the way it was done; it felt sincere, more inclusive, and not at all like flag-waving.
If you like light hearted, easy, entertaining reads, I maintain that you just cannot go wrong with Crusie.
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it even easier to fall into her stories; her characters are just so easy to like.The Cinderella Deal is one that I've had on my shelves for ages, but sort of thought I'd already read. Turns out I hadn't. It's one of her earlier books and one of the simpler plot lines but Crusie is so damn readable I was quickly lost in the story.
What I thought was a beautiful touch was the thread of faith that runs through the narrative. Daisy refuses to take a false vow before God, and when her mother-in-law is ill she gives Linc the Bible to read to her.
Normally I'd be complaining here because I've almost never seen any author weave faith in without brandishing it like a battle axe (my perception is admittedly touchy about this) but Crusie was awesome. First, she never dwelled on it; it was just a part of the narrative in the same nonchalant way Daisy painted the walls. Second, in those few scenes, it was always books from the old testament mentioned, which are just as applicable to Judaism as they are to Christianity. The only reason a reader would assume Daisy is Christian at all is because of the off hand mention of the Bible itself as the source of the reading. I liked the way it was done; it felt sincere, more inclusive, and not at all like flag-waving.
If you like light hearted, easy, entertaining reads, I maintain that you just cannot go wrong with Crusie.
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LibraryThing member dhaupt
The Cinderella Deal is a classic by Jenny Crusie.
Get ready to follow the prince around trying to find the damsel that fits into the glass slipper. Jennifer Crusie’s re-issued novel from 1996 is a heart-warming, feel good, boy meets girl and doesn’t know what to do with her, that so fit’s into
Jenny never disappoints with her wonderful storytelling and The Cinderella Deal is no exception. She gives us characters that jump off the page with their liveliness and uniqueness. You will not be able to stop yourself from loving Daisy and Linc, two of the most unlikely and unforgettable hero and heroine you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading about, and don’t forget her supporting characters some you’ll love and some you’ll love to hate, of course the most memorable supporting cast is her casting of the pets that Daisy and Linc by association adopts. Her dialogue is witty and funny and by the time you’ve finished you wish there are 300 more pages at least. Her romance is sweet and tender while her love scenes will burn a hole through a glacier.
So jump on board the magic carriage before it turns into a pumpkin and read one of Jennifer Crusie’s classic romance The Cinderella Deal.
Get ready to follow the prince around trying to find the damsel that fits into the glass slipper. Jennifer Crusie’s re-issued novel from 1996 is a heart-warming, feel good, boy meets girl and doesn’t know what to do with her, that so fit’s into
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today. Meet Daisy a free spirit who has a hard time paying her bills and always falls for the wrong guy, bring in Linc, a stodgy, black and white thinking professor looking to improve his resume and his career. The only thing missing in him getting the perfect job is him having the perfect woman to accent him. But has he got a deal for her, a Cinderella Deal that is.Jenny never disappoints with her wonderful storytelling and The Cinderella Deal is no exception. She gives us characters that jump off the page with their liveliness and uniqueness. You will not be able to stop yourself from loving Daisy and Linc, two of the most unlikely and unforgettable hero and heroine you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading about, and don’t forget her supporting characters some you’ll love and some you’ll love to hate, of course the most memorable supporting cast is her casting of the pets that Daisy and Linc by association adopts. Her dialogue is witty and funny and by the time you’ve finished you wish there are 300 more pages at least. Her romance is sweet and tender while her love scenes will burn a hole through a glacier.
So jump on board the magic carriage before it turns into a pumpkin and read one of Jennifer Crusie’s classic romance The Cinderella Deal.
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LibraryThing member allthesedarnbooks
I loved this book. It's a lovely, light hearted, thoroughly delightful romance, and, IMHO, Crusie at her best. It's a tale of two opposites attract: artist and free spirit Daisy Flattery and tight-laced professor Linc Blaise. Linc needs someone to pose as his wife; Daisy makes a living storytelling
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or is, in Linc's words, "a professional liar." Of course he hires her. And of course the one weekend turns into a longer contract, and of course they fall in love. The plot may be predictable, but the characters shine, and there are lots of laugh out loud moments. I was sick when I read this one, and it was just what the doctor ordered. By the time I was finished, I felt much better. Four and a half stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member harumph
When I read that one of the protagonists was a history professor, I *had* to pick this book up. (My Bachelors is in history, so I felt drawn to it) It didn't turn out to be one of my absolute favourite Crusie books, but the sexual tension between the main characters is amazingly hot. It's
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definitely worth a read for any contemporary romance fan. Show Less
LibraryThing member rdh123
a quick read. flaky artist Daisy Flattery agrees to be professor Linc Blaise fiance and eventually marries him to help him get a school job. cute, easy to read.
LibraryThing member Wombat
Lady Wombat says:
Early Crusie, so not as developed (plot-wise or secondary character-wise) as her more recent work, but still funny and great primary characters.
Early Crusie, so not as developed (plot-wise or secondary character-wise) as her more recent work, but still funny and great primary characters.
LibraryThing member bunwat
I love Jennifer Crusie's "voice," its pitch perfect for romantic comedy. I would sell some of my relatives to attain that seemingly effortless (yeah I know it isn't really) light, witty individualistic warmth. This is an early one and the plot has some holes but its still that same wonderful voice.
LibraryThing member kellyoliva
In order for Dr. Lincoln Blaise to land his ideal job, that of history professor at a small town college, he needs a fiancée- at least temporarily. In an attempt to convince the heads of his department he is a family man, “Linc” makes a “Cinderella deal” with his artsy neighbor, Daisy
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Flattery. For one thousand dollars, Daisy will play Linc’s future wife for one night, just long enough for him to secure his professorship. Daisy and Linc are clearly not each other’s types. Daisy’s thrift store ways are a complete turn-off for Linc, and Daisy thinks Linc is cold and unimaginative. The two are forced to get to know each other, however, when one of Linc’s bosses gives him an ultimatum: no Daisy, no job. Soon, Linc and Daisy are married, but in their attempt to fool the people in their small town, they realize they might not be so wrong for each other after all. Caught up in so many lies, however, are their lives just a house of cards waiting to fall? The Cinderella Deal can be easily devoured in one sitting. A light, contemporary romance, it is classic Jennifer Crusie, and her dedicated readers will not be disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member IceQueenTN
Cute but predictable love story.
LibraryThing member Conkie
I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this book as much as I did, as it was written 15 years ago. A lot of times, storylines don't "wear" well over time. This one seemed to. Cute story, well narrated, one of Jennifer Crusie's better efforts.
LibraryThing member librarymeg
I love Jennifer Crusie. She's so dependable. I can trust that when I read her books, they will be funny, and charming, and have smart, quirky, flawed characters. I will have fun! Glad to have rediscovered her all over again.
LibraryThing member Larou
I was in a bit of a slump recently and therefor in need of being cheered up; so I grabbed this random book by Jennifer Crusie who has never yet failed me in that regard – her novels are my first aid box kit emotional emergencies. According to a brief preface by the author, The Cinderella Deal was
In this later novel, the protagonists seem to be more involved, seem to get entangled with the plot and each other with their whole being – which might be just a way of saying that with The Cinderella Deal Jennifer Crusie moved from situation comedy to character comedy. Almost as if to make that point, the characters of the protagonists here are pretty much total opposites of each other – he is a serious, rather OCD academic, she a flighty, somewhat insecure artist. Things work out pretty much as expected – he needs to produce a fiancée to get a job, she needs money to pay her rent; they find out they rather do like each other after all, so when they need to continue their charade and pretend to be married as well, they are both quite willing to, even if not yet ready to admit that to themselves…
As the novel’s title already indicates, this is very much a fairy tale, so one should not expect too much in the way of realism, but Crusie manages to make the change of heart her protagonists undergo sufficiently plausible to not break suspension of disbelief, deviates enough from standard Romance formulas to keep things interesting, and, as always with her novels, is just sheer, exuberant fun guaranteed to brighten up a gloomy mood. It might be the literary equivalent to chocolate cake, but it’s by far the best chocolate cake you’re likely to get, and one I’d leave many a main dish for.
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her first novel for Bantam, and the first one where she moved away from pure comedy to something with more heart to it. While I rather disagree with that assessment of her previous novels, as I always found them quite touching myself, I agree that there is a bit of a difference between this and a novel like Manhunting – although I’d argue that it’s not so much a lack of heart in the latter but rather a feeling of raised stakes in The Cinderella Deal.In this later novel, the protagonists seem to be more involved, seem to get entangled with the plot and each other with their whole being – which might be just a way of saying that with The Cinderella Deal Jennifer Crusie moved from situation comedy to character comedy. Almost as if to make that point, the characters of the protagonists here are pretty much total opposites of each other – he is a serious, rather OCD academic, she a flighty, somewhat insecure artist. Things work out pretty much as expected – he needs to produce a fiancée to get a job, she needs money to pay her rent; they find out they rather do like each other after all, so when they need to continue their charade and pretend to be married as well, they are both quite willing to, even if not yet ready to admit that to themselves…
As the novel’s title already indicates, this is very much a fairy tale, so one should not expect too much in the way of realism, but Crusie manages to make the change of heart her protagonists undergo sufficiently plausible to not break suspension of disbelief, deviates enough from standard Romance formulas to keep things interesting, and, as always with her novels, is just sheer, exuberant fun guaranteed to brighten up a gloomy mood. It might be the literary equivalent to chocolate cake, but it’s by far the best chocolate cake you’re likely to get, and one I’d leave many a main dish for.
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LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Read from January 17 to 20, 2013
Listened for Fun (Audio)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50
First Thought When Finished: This was a cute, short read with some really great characters.
Story Thoughts: I thought the story was cute but it didn't wow me. It was
Character Thoughts: This is where the story shined. I really loved Daisy and was a little upset at people's perception of her. Yes she was a tiny bit flighty, a whole lot flower child, but she was wildly talented and smart. It took awhile for me to warm up to Linc but when he started melting towards Daisy, I started melting towards him. The last 3 chapters I really fell in love with him and was so happy how this story wrapped up. Their love made me smile! (Not a spoiler--it is a romance after all)
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Boyce at a Running Time 5 hrs and 57 mins
I thought Susan did a decent job with the audio. The pacing was excellent and the voices were pretty well done. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the women's voices but overall it was an easy listen.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't my favorite Jennifer Crusie book but it was still cute. It would be great for a sunny afternoon on the porch with some ice tea!
Listened for Fun (Audio)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50
First Thought When Finished: This was a cute, short read with some really great characters.
Story Thoughts: I thought the story was cute but it didn't wow me. It was
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a quick read though that will leave you grinning. Yes the story is predictable but the characters (which I will talk about in a minute) were delightful. The setting, town, and situation were just quirky enough to be believable and enduring at the same time.Character Thoughts: This is where the story shined. I really loved Daisy and was a little upset at people's perception of her. Yes she was a tiny bit flighty, a whole lot flower child, but she was wildly talented and smart. It took awhile for me to warm up to Linc but when he started melting towards Daisy, I started melting towards him. The last 3 chapters I really fell in love with him and was so happy how this story wrapped up. Their love made me smile! (Not a spoiler--it is a romance after all)
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Boyce at a Running Time 5 hrs and 57 mins
I thought Susan did a decent job with the audio. The pacing was excellent and the voices were pretty well done. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the women's voices but overall it was an easy listen.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't my favorite Jennifer Crusie book but it was still cute. It would be great for a sunny afternoon on the porch with some ice tea!
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LibraryThing member readinggeek451
Daisy is a free spirit, Linc a straight arrow. They get pretend-engaged so he can get his dream job, then short-term married so he can keep it.
An older one of Crusie's. Not her best, but not bad.
An older one of Crusie's. Not her best, but not bad.
LibraryThing member SunnySD
A flighty, pet-poor, friend-rich artist and her thriftstore furniture collide with a steel and glass, organized to the nines history professor. Linc Blaise needs the job at a quiet midwestern liberal arts college to finish his book - Daisy Flattery needs somewhere to live (and food on the table)
Fun, funny, and fast.
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while she pursues her art. What started as a $1000 bargain blooms into something much more lasting.Fun, funny, and fast.
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LibraryThing member rmaitzen
I got some laughs here at the academic job premise, and I liked the painting sideline, but this one was a bit *too* silly for me.
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Listened for Fun (Audio)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50
First Thought When Finished: This was a cute, short read with some really great characters.
Story Thoughts: I thought the story was cute but it didn't wow me. It was a quick read though that will
Character Thoughts: This is where the story shined. I really loved Daisy and was a little upset at people's perception of her. Yes she was a tiny bit flighty, a whole lot flower child, but she was wildly talented and smart. It took awhile for me to warm up to Linc but when he started melting towards Daisy, I started melting towards him. The last 3 chapters I really fell in love with him and was so happy how this story wrapped up. Their love made me smile! (Not a spoiler--it is a romance after all)
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Boyce at a Running Time 5 hrs and 57 mins
I thought Susan did a decent job with the audio. The pacing was excellent and the voices were pretty well done. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the women's voices but overall it was an easy listen.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't my favorite Jennifer Crusie book but it was still cute. It would be great for a sunny afternoon on the porch with some ice tea!
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50
First Thought When Finished: This was a cute, short read with some really great characters.
Story Thoughts: I thought the story was cute but it didn't wow me. It was a quick read though that will
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leave you grinning. Yes the story is predictable but the characters (which I will talk about in a minute) were delightful. The setting, town, and situation were just quirky enough to be believable and enduring at the same time.Character Thoughts: This is where the story shined. I really loved Daisy and was a little upset at people's perception of her. Yes she was a tiny bit flighty, a whole lot flower child, but she was wildly talented and smart. It took awhile for me to warm up to Linc but when he started melting towards Daisy, I started melting towards him. The last 3 chapters I really fell in love with him and was so happy how this story wrapped up. Their love made me smile! (Not a spoiler--it is a romance after all)
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Susan Boyce at a Running Time 5 hrs and 57 mins
I thought Susan did a decent job with the audio. The pacing was excellent and the voices were pretty well done. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the women's voices but overall it was an easy listen.
Final Thoughts: This wasn't my favorite Jennifer Crusie book but it was still cute. It would be great for a sunny afternoon on the porch with some ice tea!
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LibraryThing member SharonMariaBidwell
I started this immediately, thinking this was far from the author’s best. Still, I wanted to love this book, though I dithered between liking it and loving it… until I finished. On the one hand, the story’s contrived, but stranger things have happened in life. And there’s something
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endearing about these opposites attract tale, where people aren’t all they seem despite their bluster. Think of it as an outrageous rom-com and sit back and enjoy getting the most from this story of a marriage of convenience that’s anything but. I eventually came thoroughly to enjoy this story of falling in love… after the marriage. No big surprises there; this is a romance, after all. What surprises the most are the characters of the protagonists and the way they help each other change in rewarding ways. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Audio-(2.5) I have read good and not so good from this author. This one was in the not so good category for me. it just never brought out any real spark in the characters. There was just a slow, mellow walk through a predictable plot with very predictable characters. I waited for that something,
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funny, shocking, tearjerking and it never came. It was just ok. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maydacat
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 Daisey needs to earn some real money, her art work not bringing in enough to live on, she agrees to his request. The dean
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at the college where Linc hopes to teach is enchanted by Daisey, 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. Show Less
LibraryThing member treehousereader
DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: 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
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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? Show Less
LibraryThing member Auntie-Nanuuq
First let me say that I have loved most all of Crusie's books and I miss her writing. I wanted something light, funny, & adventurous and this was it.
Daisy left her job as a schoolteacher in order to paint and paint she does, but her work really isn't selling. She's behind in her rent and the owner
Lincoln (Linc for short) is Daisy's neighbor & thinks she's a freak, as she is everything that Linc is not. Linc is up for a professorship but there is one qualification he is lacking, a wife and that is where daisy fits (or doesn't) in.
Linc makes a Cinderella deal w/ Daisy; $1,000 to stand in as his fiancée at the upcoming college soirée & orientation, afterwards she is free to break the engagement and remain behind.
There is only one problem: Everyone Loves Daisy & they insist on coordinating the wedding & helping Linc buy the perfect house...
Quick witted dialog, quirky-likable characters, romance, friendship...
Daisy left her job as a schoolteacher in order to paint and paint she does, but her work really isn't selling. She's behind in her rent and the owner
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of the shop where she sells her jewelry refuses to pay her.Lincoln (Linc for short) is Daisy's neighbor & thinks she's a freak, as she is everything that Linc is not. Linc is up for a professorship but there is one qualification he is lacking, a wife and that is where daisy fits (or doesn't) in.
Linc makes a Cinderella deal w/ Daisy; $1,000 to stand in as his fiancée at the upcoming college soirée & orientation, afterwards she is free to break the engagement and remain behind.
There is only one problem: Everyone Loves Daisy & they insist on coordinating the wedding & helping Linc buy the perfect house...
Quick witted dialog, quirky-likable characters, romance, friendship...
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LibraryThing member Capnrandm
I finished this book on a business trip at 1 a.m., thank goodness I have the internet to gush about how much I loved it. Jennifer Crusie has created some of my favorite characters, equal parts witty, crazy, and passionate.
Awards
AAR Annual Reader Poll (1997)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1995-12-31
ISBN
1602839085 / 9781602839083