Princess for Hire (Princess for Hire, #1)

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Princess for Hire (Princess for Hire #1)

by Lindsey Leavitt (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 1,874 ratings · 358 reviews

When Desi Bascomb gets discovered by the elite Facade Agency–royalty surrogates extraordinaire–her life goes from glamour-starved to spectacular in a blink. As her new agent, Meredith, explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula “Royal Rouge,” she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her s...more

Hardcover, 240 pages

Published March 16th 2010 by Disney-Hyperion (first published March 1st 2010)

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2010 Debut Authors (Young Adult & Middle Grade Literature)

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May 05, 2011 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tween, teen-ya, rainy-day-reads, great-series, favorites, favorite-authors, contemporary, paranormal

At First Sight: Desi is 14 and stuck having the worst job ever - working for Pets Charming is a never ending string of undignified tasks such as being Gladys the Groundhog, scooping manure at a parade or taking a turn sitting on a dunk tank - and the rest of her life is not much better. Her Dad is all about 'work ethic' and won't let her quit her job, her Mom is a former beauty queen who now runs a Charm School - which Desi flunked -and dotes on Desi's baby sister.

So, when after a particularly...more At First Sight: Desi is 14 and stuck having the worst job ever - working for Pets Charming is a never ending string of undignified tasks such as being Gladys the Groundhog, scooping manure at a parade or taking a turn sitting on a dunk tank - and the rest of her life is not much better. Her Dad is all about 'work ethic' and won't let her quit her job, her Mom is a former beauty queen who now runs a Charm School - which Desi flunked -and dotes on Desi's baby sister.

So, when after a particularly bad day, Desi is reading the wanted adds on the paper, hopeful to find a new job, she sees a strange add urging her to call for Meredith if she thinks she has what it takes to be a Princess For Hire.

Figuring it's worth a shot, Desi calls for Meredith and gets sucked into the world of substitute princesses. See, for centuries and centuries, Meredith's agency has devoted itself to use magic to 'substitute' royalty while the real royals run about and have their little escapades. And Desi is their newest talent.

Standing in for a royal sounds glamorous, right? but Desi is about to find out that nothing is ever what it seems.

Second Glance: I got Princess for Hire close to a year ago - I won it from Free Book Friday Teens!, first time EVER that I had won anything - but my cousin sort of had it in her possession for a long time so I only got to read it now.

I quite adored this book, it was cute and sweet and full of magic. I really liked Desi and her struggles both as a sub and in life in general - her crush is dating her nemesis and she feels invisible more often than not - and how she goes about coping with what life throws at her. There is a core to her feelings that I found quite real, and I actually liked a lot of the characters in the book - specially two of the princesses Desi subs for.

I had some problems with Meredith in the beginning, but Smalls@Small Review told me to stick to her and I have to admit that, in the end, Meredith did come through, and I hope they explore more of her story in the next books.

Now, much as I liked this book -and I did like it from the start - it took me about two weeks to finish it, not because there was anything wrong with it but because at the beginning it was very easy to put down. I enjoyed it a lot while I was reading but it was very episodic and easy to put down once each adventure ended, but once I sat down to finish it, I read about two thirds of the novel in just two hours.

Bottom Line: I do love Desi and her world, I loved Princess for Hire and I can't wait to read the next book The Royal Treatment (which comes out on May 3rd). This book very much reads like a sweet, Disney movie and it's a nice, sweet treat.

Favorite Quote: "Exhausted, I found some pajamas and crawled into bed, thinking about how in every fairy tale, the heroine's problems melt away when she becomes a princess - everyone sees how special she is and loves her. None of the stories was about a chubby, lonely princess who played the French horn into a tape recorder in her duck-filled bedroom. Or about the chubby princess's substitute, for that matter.
Maybe that's what made them fairy tales.
Real life is never how you dreamed it." (less)

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Jul 26, 2010 Sophie Riggsby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adorable-quotient-is-high

Sometimes when you read a book, you feel like you're watching every scene as it unfolds. You know the feeling when details jump out at you and you can see and hear the characters so very clearly? Well, I certainly experienced just that when I read Princess for Hire.

I was so moved by Desi, a girl who wants to be accepted as her tee-shirt-creating, classic-movie-watching self but is relegated to working an after school job dressed up as a groundhog for a local mall's pet shop. It's the kind of job...more Sometimes when you read a book, you feel like you're watching every scene as it unfolds. You know the feeling when details jump out at you and you can see and hear the characters so very clearly? Well, I certainly experienced just that when I read Princess for Hire.

I was so moved by Desi, a girl who wants to be accepted as her tee-shirt-creating, classic-movie-watching self but is relegated to working an after school job dressed up as a groundhog for a local mall's pet shop. It's the kind of job where you're bound to stumble into your crush and his girlfriend who just happens to be your former best friend. But it's this very job at Pets Charming that leads to a change in Desi's life. Sometimes when you make a wish on some very special fish, well, it can lead to an entirely different life. Can't it?

In this case, it does. Desi is transported out of her everyday, humdrum life and through the help of Meredith Pouffinski, Princess Agent Extraordinaire, Desi becomes a Princess Sub. You see princess live exciting lives but sometimes they need a break. So who can step in for them? Why a Sub, of course.

You can imagine that this leads to some very funny and unexpected situations. I loved every one of them. I also loved the idea that princesses needed a break. It reminded me of one of my favorite movies, "Roman Holiday". You know the one where Audrey Hepburn plays a princess who needs a holiday? Well, it'll come as no surprise that it's one of Desi's favorite movies, too.

Lindsey has a delightful way of presenting the whimsical magic system, a plot line that pulls you in and a completely relatable main character. So if you feel like you always wanted to try your hand at being a princess, be sure to read Princess for Hire, it'll open up that What If moment for you. I know it did just that for me. And much to my relief there is a sequel in the works which will be released in May 2011. I need to know what happens between Desi and a certain boy.

I also want to mention that this is a perfect book for a mom and a tween daughter to share. My 7.5 year old has been glancing at the cover and it's just the kind of book that we would read outloud together.(less)

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Feb 20, 2010 Shanyn (Chick Loves Lit) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read, and basically a Disney movie in written form (notice the publisher includes Disney on the spine). It was a good book to read in between other books for sure.

The main character is hired to fill in for royalty, so we find her in many odd situations. The best part about this job to me was how the author described the bubble she traveled in (I'd like to try that once).

The plot never got too thick - the character didn't have to deal with any deep problems or anything like...more

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Apr 18, 2010 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I really liked this book. The target audience is more junior high girls, but it was totally clean and a fun, quick read (it took me a little over 24 hrs, but I also spent a lot more time reading than I usually do- I got into it!). The story would make a perfect Disney movie: hopes and wishes of an unpopular middle school girl mixing with some magic (it reminded me of 13 Going On 30 and movies like that, yet had a story line original enough to not be a copycat to that Freaky Friday genre). The au...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Megan Altenburg rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the book Princess for Hire the book moves fluently. At some points it is confusing but at others it is filled with action and drama. When the character is mad or happy you can tell because of the voice the author used. Also the drama between two of the characters was crazy because Ms. Beauty Queen was mad at Ms. Who Works At A Pet Shop because of her dad.

Also in this book the characters definitely develop. The character who becomes a princess develops the most. She starts as a shy, small tow...more

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May 08, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: princess-stories

As mentioned before I got this book on Amazon and I enjoyed it! Maybe it's something about the likable main character, the plot, or maybe it's the princess factor. Regardless of the reason, this is a sweet and fast read.

Pages: 239 pages
Book Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Published: 2010
For readers: Middle grade level (ages 9-12)
Blog Star Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review:
Well, first off, I have to say this is no glass-slippers-and-fairy-godmothers happily-ever-after kind of story. Far from it- instead,...more As mentioned before I got this book on Amazon and I enjoyed it! Maybe it's something about the likable main character, the plot, or maybe it's the princess factor. Regardless of the reason, this is a sweet and fast read.

Pages: 239 pages
Book Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Published: 2010
For readers: Middle grade level (ages 9-12)
Blog Star Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review:
Well, first off, I have to say this is no glass-slippers-and-fairy-godmothers happily-ever-after kind of story. Far from it- instead, the princesses go through problems, lots of hard work, and need days off. Who ever would have imagined a lonely, shy princess who gets bullied by her older sister and has incredible French horn talent? Or a workaholic princess agent with green hair and a scandalous past? It's not just princess puff. And well, that rocks. :)

This novel has two distinct storylines: the lives of the princesses that Desi subs for and are trying to help, and her own "glamour-starved" life back at home. At home, she wishes for glamour and the power to make an impact, and to not be vapor. And ta-da, she gets it. Traveling across the world in a bubble, princess manuals that remind you of cell phones, royal rouge that transforms her appearance.. then getting to live the life of a princess. How magical. Her three subbing jobs in this novel take her to the Middle East, the depths of the Amazon, and the Alps in Switzerland.

I loved the author's sense of humor. There were really funny parts that had me giggling (telling you would spoil it, so read the book yourself :). Also, there's a lot of change in scenery: the Alps mountains, Al Hayrah, the Amazon jungle, Paris agency, Las Vegas convention, Court of Royal Appeals, the fair in Desi's hometown of Sproutsville, glass towers reminiscent of Rapunzel's days.. Desi's personality is likable and kind of clumsy, and the book is written in her energetic voice. I think any girl who's ever felt left out or who has a secret crush who barely knows them would be able to relate to Desi. It's not too deep, but it's fun.

Overall, a fast and sweet read, middle-school with a touch of glam, adventure, and romance. (originally posted on Books4Girls, www.tweenteenbooks.blogspot.com)(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Cheryl A rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chickee-lit

I keep a well stocked library-borrowed bookshelf at home, because one never knows what type of book may be needed at any given time. I found myself with a serious headcold the other day and even the Danielle Steel novel looked too complicated, so I grabbed this one. After a quick two hour read, I was even glad I had the cold!!

How can you not like a novel that starts with the main character, 13 year old Desi, working at the mall's pet shop wearing a Glady the Gopher costume? Throw in having big f...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Natalie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, ya, fairytale

3.5 Stars

I thought this book was cute. It was a good debut, though I have to admit both the title and cover needed some work. Anything with the word "Princess" in the title makes me want to royally vomit, so I would've changed it to something jazzier like "Idaho Holiday," which is a play on her obsession with Roman Holiday. Also, the cover looked like a pageant princess' nightmare. Did I detect a candy-heart necklace? Fortunately from what I've seen, the next book's look less cheesy.

However, t...more 3.5 Stars

I thought this book was cute. It was a good debut, though I have to admit both the title and cover needed some work. Anything with the word "Princess" in the title makes me want to royally vomit, so I would've changed it to something jazzier like "Idaho Holiday," which is a play on her obsession with Roman Holiday. Also, the cover looked like a pageant princess' nightmare. Did I detect a candy-heart necklace? Fortunately from what I've seen, the next book's look less cheesy.

However, there were some major problems.
The basic plot is that an average Mary Jane girl named Desi, friendless and stuck with boring day jobs, discovers an ad in the paper for subbing as a princess. She finds out that she has "MP," or magic potential, sort of like Seeing, I guess. Then, poof. As unoriginal (even she mentions the carbon copy of Glinda!) as it is, Desi and her rainbow-haired crew are off to see the Wizard in a rose-pink bubble, complete with perfume and activated security sensors (not sure about the security part...though it did mention Italian desks...just how big is this bubble?). After coming through several revelations in tough princess situations, Desi learns to handle her own life. And get a bonus.

The first problem with the book is the age target. Desi is apparently a couple months away from turning fourteen, making her in eighth grade. The book seems to be targeted writing and plotwise toward younger teens and adults, but the subject matter, aforementioned title and cover, Disney publishing logo and G-rated content make it more marketable for younger kids. Another age problem is the content. Lindsay Leavitt is a middle-aged woman. And while I'll admit she's got the middle-school dialogue down (minus the swearing and colloquialisms-it's a Disney book after all...in Prom the worst thing they did was a peck on the mouth) she constantly references stuff before any of her age targets were born. Comparing her crush to Paul Newman, mentioning Roman Holiday with an obsession, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn are also frequents. I think even the Grease bomb is dropped a couple times.
On some levels, I appreciate this. Often teenage books think that dropping in some modern actress or the Twilight franchise or even sadly the word "text" make it a marketable read. So having a girl wistfully long for the pre-salad-label Newman is ironically fresh and new. The problem posed with this however is that most people reading the book won't have the faintest idea who on earth Grace Kelly is, sadly.

Another not major thing that bothers me are the names. The magical people (less)

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Jul 17, 2011 Jasmine Rose rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-books-read

First of all, I'm not quite sure how this is a YA book and not an MG book. I got it out of the YA section in my library and until I was reading it, I didn't realize that the main character was going to be 13. Normally I don't read real-life-esque MG books because I just find it a bit odd. This one wasn't too bad, though.

There were quite a few funny and hart-warming moments, but overall, I wasn't that impressed. For much of the book, I found Desi to be overly-dramatic and self-centered. She was a...more

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May 03, 2011 Gecky Boz rated it 4 of 5 stars

This enchanting book gets a solid 4 gnomes and a gnome hat out of 5 gnomes for having a funny and smart main character who gets quite an interesting job. I actually stayed up late reading and finished the book at about two in the morning. It's the kind of book that'll put you in a good mood and make you smile as you read it. Desi's a great character.

Desi starts off the story inside a gopher costume. Needless to say, she would love a more glamorous job then what she has now at the pet store. She...more This enchanting book gets a solid 4 gnomes and a gnome hat out of 5 gnomes for having a funny and smart main character who gets quite an interesting job. I actually stayed up late reading and finished the book at about two in the morning. It's the kind of book that'll put you in a good mood and make you smile as you read it. Desi's a great character.

Desi starts off the story inside a gopher costume. Needless to say, she would love a more glamorous job then what she has now at the pet store. She hopes to make a better impression in eighth grade but as the story starts you see that her chances to be popular don't look so good.

Desi's a very relatable character because she wants to fit in among the popular kids but can't. Her nickname and what her former best friend calls her, is Ditzy. She's a little eccentric but has some big ideas, like having a tee shirt business and always trying out for the school plays. Desi's kind of the odd ball of her family and her sister takes more after her mom and has the whole beauty queen in training deal going on.

One day she makes, a wish that changes her life. Desi finds herself a magical job that is a lot better than the pet shop but it has some interesting responsibilities. This agency actually replaces royalty when they need a vacation.

I love this agency's mode of travel and their makeup that allows them to become doubles to the princesses that they replace. Desi gets to replace some what you would call unconventional princesses that seem to need a little bit more than a vacation from their lives. Getting to be a wide range of princesses gives her some great insights into her own life and how she views the world.

Desi's unconventional thinking gets her into some trouble but her new way of thinking may be just what makes her so good at this job and benefit her in future princess jobs. This story is full of magic, secrets, and a heroine with a sense of humor and heart. I can't wait to see where this series goes next and I'll be eagerly waiting to read the second book in the series.(less)

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Feb 28, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt follows Desi, a girl who just wants to make an impact. Desi is a independent girl who loves designing her own t-shirts. She's feeling down on herself when she makes a wish on a magic fish. Later while looking in the paper she sees an add for stand in princesses. She's soon whisked off in a magical bubble to start her new job stepping in for princesses so they can take a break from their lives. Desi not only steps into the lives of the princesses she's subbing...more

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Feb 25, 2011 emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Honestly, I wouldn't have picked up this book were it not for the author. I knew Leavitt's writing style would be authentic and entertaining at the least, soulful and original at its best. While Princess for Hire may not really be a "soulful" kind of story, it sure captured everything else on the spectrum!

I wasn't sure how I felt about Desi at first--which is pretty true-to-life. What 15-year-old are you sure about at first? They're not even sure about themselves! But she quickly drew me in and...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Alison Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

People say not to judge a book by its cover, but I do. I know, that’s a bad thing to do but I can’t help it. I actually love Princess to Hire’s cover (even though my friends wouldn’t believe me). It’s really pretty. And it fits the story.

Desi is a believable character. She got into a disagreement with her old best friend and now they’re enemies. Oh yeah, and she makes her own shirts. That’s actually pretty interesting. Her personality strengthens throughout the book as she begins to take the pla...more

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May 17, 2010 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-debut-author-challenge, read-in-2010

At the beginning of the year, I won a contest. My prize? Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt! I was very excited because this book ranked very high on my "to read" list.

I thought Lindsey Leavitt came up with a really interesting premise for her debut. Seriously. What little girl hasn't pretended to be a princess? Or fantasized about replacing her ho-hum daily existence with something more exciting and glamorous? I know I have, which made "Princess For Hire" a delectable treat from beginning to...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Rosalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read Leavitt's Sean Griswold's Head some time ago and enjoyed it, so I've been watching my library for these books to be in stock. I think these books (this and the sequel, The Royal Treatment) would appeal to a lot of teen/pre-teen girls. In them, Desi Bascomb is pretty sure her social life has hit rock bottom when her crush (and his snotty girlfriend) catch her at the mall wearing a gopher costume for the pet store where she works. However, she soon finds out that she has magic potential (MP...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Pricky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, laughing-laughing-laughing, read-in-2011

Seriously, I HEART Leavitt. How does she come up with so many funny lines.

To tell you the truth, I was a little skeptical about this one especially after reading "Sean Griswold's Head" because I really liked SGH and wasn't sure if Leavitt could continue to write such funny stuff. (yes, I do realize SGH came out after...)

Leavitt is hilarious. Her humor is dead on to my sense of humor...so since humor is quite personal, you may not think it's as funny as I do. I mean, really, there is this one par...more

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Feb 18, 2010 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying that I am totally one of those girls (okay, women) who always wanted to be a princess and had daydreams about it. So when I read the summary of Princess For Hire, I knew I wanted to read it.

While I was reading this book, I kept thinking that I could totally see this being turned into a movie. And since it is published by Disney Hyperion, I could see that happening. I think that this is definitely more of pre-teen book that the books I normally read, but it was a nice...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Emily added it

If I can make myself read this book on it's own terms, it's absolutely fine and engaging. As an entertaining read for a tween audience, it even manages to hint at agenda and social change. It encourages integrity and genuine relationships and if it helps a teenager somewhere resist the lure of superficial soul-selling then it has succeeded indeed.

I do, however, wish it had felt like more of a character-driven story. I never quite felt like I had a grasp on who this 1st person narrator really was...more

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Dec 10, 2010 Nina rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I like the most about the movies Cinderella, Princess Dairies and Ella Enchanted is that they are so adorable. The girl has a tough life, falls in love with the dashing prince (or just the prettiest boy in town/school), some drama gets involved and then whoops they live happily ever after. Yes, I agree it’s pretty predictable, but I do adore a happy ending and they all got that in the pocket.

Princess for Hire is just like those movies, but a little more fun.
Desi is such a fun character. She...more

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Feb 11, 2010 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, for-review, tour-1-arc-tour, read-feb-2010

A wonderful, fanciful read. Sheer pleasure for an afternoon reading.

First let me say I really wish I had had books like this around when I was a young adult. In Princess For Hire, Lindsey Leavitt does a wonderful job mixing reality with the fantasy. How many teenage girls have trouble with their friends? How many just want to fit in and get the one guy they crush on? I know I did as a teenager and this is exactly where Desi is at. Her best friend got mad at her and took all her friends away and...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Greta rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: food-challenge

Brief summary:
Desi is just an ordinary 13 year old girl in Idaho, when she makes a wish on some magical fish... She wants to have grace and confidence and make an "impact. " Now she has awakened her magical potential (MP) and the Facade agency wants her to work for them. With the help of magic, she can look like anyone and her job is to impersonate princesses. Desi soon finds that she wants to improve the lives of the princesses she's impersonating. This might stir things up at Facade, but in t...more

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Mar 20, 2010 Jada rated it 5 of 5 stars

Princess for Hire is a fun,whimsical read that many will find Irresistible.I loved Desi she was relatable,funny and, easy to like.during this whole book I never felt like I wanted stop reading because it was too boring or dull it always kept me entertained which is very rare.In this book Desi takes the place/substitute for princesses who want to take a break and get away.Desi finds her self in some weird situations but somehow ends up making things better because she does what she believes is ri...more

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May 03, 2010 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010

★★★★☆ I loved it

Wanted: teenage girl to serve as substitute princess. Must be willing to travel. Please call Meredith.

Desi's life sucks. She has to wear a stupid, furry costume at work, the guy she likes doesn't know she exists and her former best friend hates her. So when she's accepted as a substitute princess, it looks like she might finally have a chance to shine... And there's a hot prince to meet! But is Desi really up to the royal challenge? After all, the life of a princess isn't just ti...more ★★★★☆ I loved it

Wanted: teenage girl to serve as substitute princess. Must be willing to travel. Please call Meredith.

Desi's life sucks. She has to wear a stupid, furry costume at work, the guy she likes doesn't know she exists and her former best friend hates her. So when she's accepted as a substitute princess, it looks like she might finally have a chance to shine... And there's a hot prince to meet! But is Desi really up to the royal challenge? After all, the life of a princess isn't just tiaras and glass slippers...

I'd like to start by saying I'm shocked I loved this so much! I mean, it sounded like a book I'd enjoy but thought that it'd be aimed at an age a bit too young for my loving tastes. I love surprises and this definitely was a big one for me. The story started off introducing us to Desi's average, normal life and the people who make her tick. Then the magic kicks in when her colleague tells her about the magical fish he bought that grants wishes. Desi thinks he's crazy but gives it a go when he's not looking. That's when the story really kicks in to gear.

Desi is an easily liked character who due to actions not of her own has been dealt a bad last couple years for being blamed for something that was really out of anyone's control. She's a wallflower but steps up to the task at hand and always does her best. Which leads her to becoming a substitute princess. She enjoys being able to step out of her own skin and help others out even though she doesn't have the confidence to do it in her own life. Quite a few lovable and hateable (is that a word?) characters float in and out of her story leaving their own impression and make her feel more worthwhile. She has a lot more guts than I do with the jobs she takes on which really makes me want to take more chances in my life. She has her standard (silly) crush, the crush on the unavailable teenager and then a maybe possible new crush on the new boy in town. The last one will definitely be getting more involved with the next book from the way it's set up.

Once I hit halfway I couldn't put Princess For Hire down. Desi gets stuck in some really unusual situations and I squirmed with her with the steps she took to get through them. I'm really looking forward to reading more about the mystery boy (Reed) and how Desi deals with her impossible crush as well as the new adventures her job is going to take her on. This books is perfect for Middle Grade and YA books readers. If you're unsure if you'll like, try to borrow it from the library/friend and definitely give it a go.

Cover: I love this one compared to the hardcover version. They are both related to the story but this one has more character by depicting an actual scene.

Princess For Hire Series

1. Princess For Hire
2. Untitled (out late Spring, 2011)

I received this book from Egmont for review. All opinions expressed here are my own.(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 fooloveratook rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-review, young-adult

This book nearly killed me because I was laughing so hard, the narration was just hilarious! Right away, this story pulled at me. Maybe it comes from my not-really-secret not-so-childish wish of becoming a princess at at least one point in my life. This book was wonderfully, crazily unrealistic--bubble transporters, agents with pretty, colorful hair, and magic makeup that changes you from the average person to a freaking princess qualifies as unbelievable. But, it felt fantastic to be in that po...more This book nearly killed me because I was laughing so hard, the narration was just hilarious! Right away, this story pulled at me. Maybe it comes from my not-really-secret not-so-childish wish of becoming a princess at at least one point in my life. This book was wonderfully, crazily unrealistic--bubble transporters, agents with pretty, colorful hair, and magic makeup that changes you from the average person to a freaking princess qualifies as unbelievable. But, it felt fantastic to be in that position with Desi. And to read as Desi not only navigates the intense world of royalty, but as she learns something about herself, made it worth picking up this book.

Desi, although I felt like her voice was suited more toward older YA--I mean is anyone ever that witty at thirteen?--she made this book fun to read, leaving me struggling to breathe through fits of laughter. But most important to me was that she was lovable, relatable. A girl with a heart of gold. HoG girls are the best ones to read about, because when they do something amazing for others and get rewarded in the most incredible ways, you can't help but feel good and happy for the MC. And I admired her because she went out of her way to go above and beyond and help so many throughout the novel. I can never get enough of these MCs, the good girls who make tough choices but ultimately do good things.

The plot, while it entertained, didn't totally satisfy me though. I found myself skipping around and getting bored here and there. But then my interest would suddenly get renewed. It was a rollercoaster, reading this book, and I mostly stuck through it instead of jumping out because of Desi. It was imperative that I see how this first step in her journey played out. And what I found was that this book was a decent start to what I hope turns out to be a memorable and awesome series.

And I also hope that the romance improves in the next installment, as well. I mean, I'm a little confused and a little wary at the choice in love interests here. I would be for Karl, if he wasn't already taken. *SPOILER* I assumed he'd be in love with the real princess, so how would it work out for her and Karl? I like that they have a lot in common and I think it's adorable that he's not the most gorgeous guy on the planet, HOWEVER what kind of turmoil is going to come about because of Desi's selection in guys plagues me. And the guy at the end... do I smell love triangle? *END of spoiler* I don't know how this romance is going to turn out and I'm not sure that I liked what I saw, at least not totally. But I do see the potential. And the possible relationships Desi could have is another thing pushing me to continue with this series despite my lack of fawning over the plot.

All in all, I enjoyed the beginning of this series and I intend to continue with it because it was funny, entertaining, and filled with enough good, well-thought out plot devices that guarantees that this series is definitely going to some great places. I expect that I'll love the sequel as opposed to my only liking its predecessor. Princess for Hire is definitely for fans of either or a combination of The Princess Diaries and Paranormalcy.

---------------------------------------------------

"...All right." He moved closer and flicked off the lights. "You’re obviously having a hard day, so I’m gonna show you something special."
Uh... they’d warned us about this in the employee orientation video. "Look, Drake, I don’t feel comfortable with you... uh..."
He didn’t say anything for a minute, just stared at me funny before bursting into laughter. "You thought... Oh, come off it. You’re way too young for me. Really, a fetus. Besides, you’re not my type. I mean, you’re too tall and skinny and I usually like a little meat—"
"I get the point." (11)

"If she can stand it, I can. Play it!" he said.
Wait, what? That’s a line from Casablanca. Did he know that? I watched him chew the disgusting sausage and couldn’t stop a strange feeling rising up my throat. Not the sausage (gross!), but uncontrollable laughter.
He swallowed the bite and, in a perfect Humphrey Bogart impersonation, added, "Here’s looking at you, kid."
I was laughing so hard now, I felt faint. Giddy. "I love that movie! I used to pretend my Ken doll was Humphrey Bogart."
He cracked a smile. "Sorry, doll. I don’t think Ken could do Bogie justice. Nobody can. Hollywood stars now just don’t have the same... you know."
"I know!" I leaned in. "And Ingrid Bergman! Did you know Ann Sheridan was also considered for the part?"
"Oh, no. Ingrid Bergman was born to—" Karl froze. "I mean, I only watch movies like that when nothing else is on, of course. Because I’m too busy... hunting." (181-182)

Originally posted on my blog, Paranormal Indulgence.(less)

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May 29, 2010 Nian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

Honestly, I didn't expect to like Princess for Hire as much as I did. Coming from a debut author, I thought it would be one of those over-used and terribly written novels. Contrary to my expectations, the protagonist Desi Bascomb was strong and independent instead of whiny and silly, and I really liked her spunk. She was charming and a delight to read. She was funny and proactive (except in her own life) and I just couldn't stop smiling at teh way she tackled her princess jobs. I'd have to say t...more

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Mar 07, 2010 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, 9th-grade, 2010

I got this book in the mail a couple of days ago from First Reads, and after reading it, I'm so glad I won it! The book is about a 14-year-old girl, Desi, who is tired of her job at the mall, especially after her ex-best friend humiliates her in front of her crush, and wants to do something more exciting. She got just what she wanted when Meredith appears in Desi's bathroom and asks her to be a sub for princesses who want a "vacation." Of course, Desi accepts, thinking this job is exactly what s...more

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May 05, 2011 Laree rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now this is some great fiction. Ok, so it's not Dickens or Austen, but if you're looking for a quick relaxing read, this is for you. The storyline is unique, the twists believable, the prose funny and inviting. I devoured this book, and enjoyed every tasty moment. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

I'm a big fan of fairytale/magic books. But instead of being drama-rama like many I've read, this one was full of fun and humor. Desi, the main character, is a typical small town teen, with y...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, chick-lit, series, fairy-tale, girly-girl, good-for-the-kiddos

Ok I'll be honest, I read this book because by 4yo daughter picked it up because its pink and has the word princess on it. I was so glad she did. What a fun story! It's a Disney book so the happy and everything works out theme totally plays throughout and I enjoyed it. I really liked how the main character stands up for what she feels is best for the princesses she subs for. I also like how she sees her life change (seemingly so horrible at the beginning and then not so bad at the end. ). Seems...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Leigh Herondale rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I finished reading Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt a few days ago. It was supposed to be a quic read but I got too busy during the holidays that I ended up reading it in a couple of days. Anyhow, I really enjoyed reading it and I'm waiting for it's sequel from The Book Depository. I ordered a lot of books during the holidays. Unfortunately, I haven't received any of them yet. The novel is about the Facade Agency and Desi Bascomb who happens to have the dream job of every girl in the world....more

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Dec 17, 2012 Rylee Trapp rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I recently finished reading "Princess for Hire" by Lindsey Leavitt. This book is a very good one and has a lot of exciting stuff in it. The book starts off talking about Desi Bascomb, a thirteen-year old with a job. I know what your thinking, "thirteen is a little young to have a job," but that's just what her family is all about, working for what you want. Not only does she have a job she doesn't have a very good one either. She works at a pet store in the mall and she has to dress up as a gui...more

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About Lindsey Leavitt

Lindsey Leavitt is a former elementary school teacher and present day writer/mom to three (mostly) adorable little girls. She is married to her high school lab partner and lives in Las Vegas. She is the author of the PRINCESS FOR HIRE series (www.princessforhire.com), SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD and GOING VINTAGE
Visit her on the web at www.lindseyleavitt.com

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Books by Lindsey Leavitt

The Royal Treatment (Princess for Hire, #2)

A Farewell to Charms (Princess for Hire, #3)

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Quotes from Princess for Hire

“Life if freer once you are out of the cocoon.” — 11 people liked it

“When a flawlessly dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and wants to know, like NOW if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you:
a) run
b) faint
c) say yes!” — 11 people liked it

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