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Glass Slipper, Inc. #1
The Cinderella Rules
THERE’S A LITTLE BIT OF CINDERELLA IN EVERY WOMAN . . .
. . . except Darby Landon, or so she thinks before meeting the three fairy godmothers of Glass Slipper, Inc. They guarantee they can bring out the princess in any woman. But they’ll have their work cut out for them with Darby, who’s more comfortable in jeans and cowboy boots than designer gowns. But when she’s called from her Montana ranch to squire her impossible-to-please father’s star client around the D.C. social scene, Darby has to turn into the queen of chic . . . and fast.
Between torture-chamber sessions of tweezing and teasing, and horrifying lessons on place settings, Darby finds herself drawn into a fairy-tale romance of the very adult variety with Shane Morgan, the devastatingly sexy (and reluctant) heir to one of the city’s largest companies. But when another Prince Charming arrives on the scene, Darby‘s caught between the woman she is and the woman she’s supposed to be, between two very different irresistible bad boys. Now Darby has to choose her own happy ending . . . and with the help of three very unusual fairy godmothers, this modern-day Cinderella is determined to stay dancing way past midnight—no pumpkins required.
. . . except Darby Landon, or so she thinks before meeting the three fairy godmothers of Glass Slipper, Inc. They guarantee they can bring out the princess in any woman. But they’ll have their work cut out for them with Darby, who’s more comfortable in jeans and cowboy boots than designer gowns. But when she’s called from her Montana ranch to squire her impossible-to-please father’s star client around the D.C. social scene, Darby has to turn into the queen of chic . . . and fast.
Between torture-chamber sessions of tweezing and teasing, and horrifying lessons on place settings, Darby finds herself drawn into a fairy-tale romance of the very adult variety with Shane Morgan, the devastatingly sexy (and reluctant) heir to one of the city’s largest companies. But when another Prince Charming arrives on the scene, Darby‘s caught between the woman she is and the woman she’s supposed to be, between two very different irresistible bad boys. Now Darby has to choose her own happy ending . . . and with the help of three very unusual fairy godmothers, this modern-day Cinderella is determined to stay dancing way past midnight—no pumpkins required.
432 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2003
30 people are currently reading
1403 people want to read
About the author
Donna Kauffman
147 books1,799 followersUSA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers!
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 28, 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, I really hope you enjoy the phrase "...he tasted her..." because if you have a low tolerance, you will probably pass out around page 100.
June 28, 2009
The back of the book made the back of the book seem interesting to me. It should have come with a warning on it though I think. I would not recommend this book to someone now.
The book was is about Darcy, a girl who is estranged from her business man Father and the mother figure to her socialite sister. Pepper, the sister, talks Darcy into taking over one of the hostess jobs her father needs done for a business associate.
At the airport Darcy meets Shane, the other main character. Shane just lost his only family member, an overbearing Grandmother and has just inherited the family empire, including a corporation in the middle of a take over deal with another company.
They are both on their way to Glass Slipper Inc. Dary for a make over her sister set up and Shane to see his Godmother. They meet and can't keep their hands off each other the rest of the book. Really, I think that, the whole can't keep their hands off each other, is the whole point of this book.
"Spoiler for the plot: The two figure out there is something fishy about the take over and the business deal the associate she is showing around is involved in. Darcy's father and Pepper shows up, they are both spies, they blow open the deal. Shane and Darcy live in separate parts of the world and can't give up their obligations. So they part. The sister finally finds a way to bring them together and they all keep helping on spy missions.
Really not much to wrap up, I feel like I just told you the whole plot really throw in a few sex scenes and you have the plot. I feel like the author wanted to write a bunch of sex/seductions scenes and the plot was built around that.
The book was is about Darcy, a girl who is estranged from her business man Father and the mother figure to her socialite sister. Pepper, the sister, talks Darcy into taking over one of the hostess jobs her father needs done for a business associate.
At the airport Darcy meets Shane, the other main character. Shane just lost his only family member, an overbearing Grandmother and has just inherited the family empire, including a corporation in the middle of a take over deal with another company.
They are both on their way to Glass Slipper Inc. Dary for a make over her sister set up and Shane to see his Godmother. They meet and can't keep their hands off each other the rest of the book. Really, I think that, the whole can't keep their hands off each other, is the whole point of this book.
"Spoiler for the plot: The two figure out there is something fishy about the take over and the business deal the associate she is showing around is involved in. Darcy's father and Pepper shows up, they are both spies, they blow open the deal. Shane and Darcy live in separate parts of the world and can't give up their obligations. So they part. The sister finally finds a way to bring them together and they all keep helping on spy missions.
Really not much to wrap up, I feel like I just told you the whole plot really throw in a few sex scenes and you have the plot. I feel like the author wanted to write a bunch of sex/seductions scenes and the plot was built around that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2010
Yes, this WAS a cheesy, sappy romance novel. I read plenty of reviews that stated this as the reason they didn't enjoy this book. Really? I could tell from the cover alone what I was getting into, so I don't know why others weren't expecting the same.
Now that I'm done being irritated let me say that this book was so well paced, so light and charming, that Iread it straight through in one evening. It's been quite some time since I felt compelled to prop my eyelids open through my exhaustion in order to finish a book...so thank you, Ms. Kauffman, for the welcome distraction!
Now that I'm done being irritated let me say that this book was so well paced, so light and charming, that Iread it straight through in one evening. It's been quite some time since I felt compelled to prop my eyelids open through my exhaustion in order to finish a book...so thank you, Ms. Kauffman, for the welcome distraction!
April 4, 2009
I liked the story, but be prepared to skip pages at a time due to explicit sexual content. Also the language is not the greatest.
January 2, 2013
100 pages in and I had to put it down for good. This book just isn't my cup of tea. I can't pinpoint what it is except to say it just couldn't capture my attention.
May 22, 2019
Darby Landon has escaped her family's ritzy Washington D.C. background to run a horse ranch in Montana. But when her flighty sister Pepper calls from Brazil to ask for a favor, Darby relents and returns to Washington to escort a business associate of their father's. Concerned that Darby needs some polish, Pepper books her sister into a crash course at Glass Slipper, Inc., to shop, get waxed and be taught the finer points of functioning as a high society woman.
At the airport, Darby meets drop-dead gorgeous Shane Morgan, who has returned home to deal with the estate of his recently deceased grandmother, and to visit his godmothers who run Glass Slipper, Inc.. Darby and Shane are unable to keep their hands off each other. Over the next few days, their relationship intensifies ... and then Darby meets Stefan Bjornsen. Stefan is definitely not the old codger she was expecting as her father's client. He's arrestingly handsome and infinitely charming. There is more than initially meets the eye in both these men, and Darby must be very careful. Which will she fall for?
The Cinderella Rules starts off as a fun, chick-lit type of read, light and entertaining with enough steamy love scenes to warm you up in cold weather. A few chapters in, an interesting story brews below the surface. Characters are not who they seem to be, making for intriguing twists. Darby herself is fresh and natural, and the selfless act of putting her comfortable life aside to help her sister endears her to us right away. We can't help but root for the relationship between Shane and Darby to develop. The two make a comical yet sincere pairing, and the speed at which they get together doesn't feel forced.
What I enjoyed the most about this novel was that the final two chapters took it past the level of a typical romance, with glimpses into a future when the story is completely wrapped up. And there is room for spin-offs, with a plethora of quirky, endearing characters just waiting for their stories to be told. I recommend The Cinderella Rules for an amusing read this winter. Whether you have enjoyed Donna Kauffman's previous The Big Bad Wolf Tells All, or her work is new to you, you will not be disappointed in this charming tale of a search for true love.
At the airport, Darby meets drop-dead gorgeous Shane Morgan, who has returned home to deal with the estate of his recently deceased grandmother, and to visit his godmothers who run Glass Slipper, Inc.. Darby and Shane are unable to keep their hands off each other. Over the next few days, their relationship intensifies ... and then Darby meets Stefan Bjornsen. Stefan is definitely not the old codger she was expecting as her father's client. He's arrestingly handsome and infinitely charming. There is more than initially meets the eye in both these men, and Darby must be very careful. Which will she fall for?
The Cinderella Rules starts off as a fun, chick-lit type of read, light and entertaining with enough steamy love scenes to warm you up in cold weather. A few chapters in, an interesting story brews below the surface. Characters are not who they seem to be, making for intriguing twists. Darby herself is fresh and natural, and the selfless act of putting her comfortable life aside to help her sister endears her to us right away. We can't help but root for the relationship between Shane and Darby to develop. The two make a comical yet sincere pairing, and the speed at which they get together doesn't feel forced.
What I enjoyed the most about this novel was that the final two chapters took it past the level of a typical romance, with glimpses into a future when the story is completely wrapped up. And there is room for spin-offs, with a plethora of quirky, endearing characters just waiting for their stories to be told. I recommend The Cinderella Rules for an amusing read this winter. Whether you have enjoyed Donna Kauffman's previous The Big Bad Wolf Tells All, or her work is new to you, you will not be disappointed in this charming tale of a search for true love.
February 13, 2012
This book is pretty much everything is looks like and sounds like it will be, and for that reason it is a one-star book for me. I can appreciate the books that have no redeeming qualities and are meant to be fillers or escapes, but this is not my preference.
The book is, in short, a dirty romance novel and it actually starts strong filling in all the back story of the characters. Within just a few pages the lurid sex begins and it won't disappoint the lover of the dirty romance. But toward the end the book takes a turn as Kauffman attempts to bring some intrigue into the book. This might have worked had it been introduced early and more successfully written about. As it was it came across as an attempt to give the book a plot beyond the sexual chemistry, lust, and romance. It simply didn't work.
For those who love romances this is a great fit. For the reader looking for a quick and easy read, maybe a beach book or a book for the airplane, this is perfect. It won't leave you pondering life and it certainly won't answer any deep questions, but it will give the reader and escape to the world of Glass Slipper, Inc. for a short time. And in literature there is room for that also, although literature this is not.
The book is, in short, a dirty romance novel and it actually starts strong filling in all the back story of the characters. Within just a few pages the lurid sex begins and it won't disappoint the lover of the dirty romance. But toward the end the book takes a turn as Kauffman attempts to bring some intrigue into the book. This might have worked had it been introduced early and more successfully written about. As it was it came across as an attempt to give the book a plot beyond the sexual chemistry, lust, and romance. It simply didn't work.
For those who love romances this is a great fit. For the reader looking for a quick and easy read, maybe a beach book or a book for the airplane, this is perfect. It won't leave you pondering life and it certainly won't answer any deep questions, but it will give the reader and escape to the world of Glass Slipper, Inc. for a short time. And in literature there is room for that also, although literature this is not.
January 21, 2015
This book... I would have liked it much better of it wasn't for all of the inner monologue. Several times it was like "just answer the question stop spacing out and get to the story already" it even ruined sex scenes with it all. alsoI don't know why people don't expext there to be any in a book that is clearly a romance book. I also don't understand why they had to put spy stuff in it it felt all rushed and last minute to make it more "interesting" it would have been fine without it and with more of a family reunion instead.
August 10, 2016
I don't know if the beginning was just too slow or what, but I just couldn't handle anymore of this.
September 5, 2021
Totally unbelievable and predictable. Two grown daughters have totally different relationships with their cold hearted, widowed father, an ultra wealthy, old family, international business mover and shaker, Washington, D.C. politically and socially powerful man, who commands them to be here or there to be hostess and charming distractions to his international clients and business associates. Darcy, Darmilla Beatrice Landon, escaped his clutches to her maternal grandfather’s Montana ranch as soon as she was able, leaving her toddler baby sister to nurse maids and society grooming dictated by their father. Pepper, 23, has performed her roll to perfection, if in her own scatter-brained, dumb blond, sluttish way, while sun-kissed, au natural Darby has refused to play her father’s games.
However Pepper, who constantly has Darby rescuing her from scrapes, calls Darby to replace her escorting a Swedish businessman, Stefan Bjornson, for a weekend in Washington, D.C. the deal includes grooming spa vacation at Glass Slipper, Inc. Where she meets globe trotting, rebellious and self-serving heir, Shane MORGAN, who is coming to D.C. to settle his grandmother’s estate when he bums a ride from the airport in the limo picking up Darby to deliver her into his three godmother’s transformative hands.
Instant sexual attraction, a recognition of similar childhoods and rejection of family expectations bring them together, through high society, big money weekend events, with a nasty turn of suspicious underhanded deals, spying, and unnamed secretive agencies, and no happily ever after ending in sight for Montana rooted Darby and the nomadic Shane. Or is there?
However Pepper, who constantly has Darby rescuing her from scrapes, calls Darby to replace her escorting a Swedish businessman, Stefan Bjornson, for a weekend in Washington, D.C. the deal includes grooming spa vacation at Glass Slipper, Inc. Where she meets globe trotting, rebellious and self-serving heir, Shane MORGAN, who is coming to D.C. to settle his grandmother’s estate when he bums a ride from the airport in the limo picking up Darby to deliver her into his three godmother’s transformative hands.
Instant sexual attraction, a recognition of similar childhoods and rejection of family expectations bring them together, through high society, big money weekend events, with a nasty turn of suspicious underhanded deals, spying, and unnamed secretive agencies, and no happily ever after ending in sight for Montana rooted Darby and the nomadic Shane. Or is there?
August 12, 2019
Darby Landon left her high powered D.C. socialite father when she was 11, and fled to her maternal grandfather's horse ranch in Montana, leaving behind her younger sister. Pepper Landon is her father's hostess and appears a bit of an airhead. When Pepper talks Darby into going back to D.C. to host a Scandinavian business associate of Dad's while she's in Brazil with a pro soccer player, Darby reluctantly goes. Her first stop is Glass Slipper, Inc., a place that does makeovers and teaches society rules, etc. When they pick her up at the airport, Shane Morgan hitches a ride to see his godmothers - the owners of Glass Slipper. Shane has also rejected the wealthy life style of his grandmother, who has just dies, and is back to settle her huge estate. Shane and Darby immediately fall in lust, which is compounded by them attending the same functions and then being connected by some shady deals between his grandmother's company and the man Darby is escorting. It turns out Dad and Pepper are undercover operatives for a "private" company and Darby and Shane end up in the middle. A year plus later, they FINALLY get married. Some pretty sizzling sex scenes, but fun book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
Cute romance with a touch of espionage. Makes me wish that the book you start the year off with held any kind of baring on the year that you would have, because I'd love to meet a handsome adventurer at the airport who falls in love with me even though I don't fit into society; although in order to help out my sister I regrettably agreed to have a crash course in clothes, makeup and etiquette in a spa like atmosphere so I could show a really shady (albeit handsome; not that I'm interested. It's airport guy all the way for me) Suede around Washington D.C. Unfortunately, I don't have a sister so this entire scenario doesn't actually apply to me, but I might start hanging out at the airport more, jic.
November 4, 2021
Ooooh, if you like sexy and flirty romance, this is for you! I found myself doing a mouth slap at some parts because of how flirty it was, which I lovee. Besides that, I think it teaches that it's ultimately special when someone is attracted to you in your true form and they make you feel safe, special, and confident. Donna Kauffman, even though you are no longer with us, I want to thank you for leaving behind such magical stories for us to enjoy.
December 22, 2021
This book was so fun and sexy! Just what I needed right now. The "mystery" got a bit convoluted but it was handled well between the two main characters. And so funny! I wish there were more books featuring the two of them.
November 12, 2017
Not the kind of book I would normally read .... but what a fabulously fun read!
November 27, 2017
It took about 300 pages to finally get interesting and then the interesting stuff only took about 15 pages.
September 5, 2019
I was enjoying this romance until it went off the rails and became an espionage story...felt like it was trying too hard. I still enjoyed the story of Darby finding her prince.
November 26, 2019
Did not finish. Read about 50%. Couldn’t stay with it.
February 5, 2020
Loved this book a fun Chick Flick romance vook I bought this on my Kindle!
April 7, 2020
It was a cute, quick, simple romance novel with a little fun twist thrown in for entertainment. I enjoyed it enough.
November 22, 2021
A great, light read.
September 28, 2023
DNF. I even tried to skim to get through it. Nope.
October 23, 2023
I first read this series when I was in high school. It’s pretty cheesy but it’s still cute and fun.
February 25, 2024
Cute, girly, light hearted… not enough umph to keep me on my toes.
December 13, 2024
back-logging from a while ago. Is it kinda corny? yeah. Is the MC constantly talking about how not like other girls she is? Yes. Still had a pretty good time.
March 8, 2017
Of course this is a silly romance novel, but I enjoy this one. The leads have effortless chemistry and I actually like both of them and would hang out with them if they were real people and lived near me. I get tired of reading romances where one or the other or both of the leads are obnoxious, or I don't get what he sees in her, or what she sees in him, or what either of them sees in the other. The secondary mystery plot is kind of dippy but easy enough to overlook the dippiness. Predictably, the main obstacle to a HEA is in their own heads. The timing isn't really that bad, and they are really quite compatible, if they could just take a few minutes to see it. It's cute.
February 23, 2017
The idea was cute but the story was so hard to get involved with, I had to will myself to finish it. The love story between Shane and Darby was completely unrealistic but was so sweet that by the end their story was all I wanted to read. The whole spy/gem heist really didn't flow with the Shane/Darby story line but it added a little excitement.
April 23, 2013
The book opens with Darby Landon (full name Darmilla Beatrice Landon), an escapee from the socialite circles of Washington D.C., elbow deep in foaling season (literally) on her ranch in Montana. She is interrupted by a phone call from her baby sister, who is in dire need of help only her older sister can provide. This favor will require Darby to return to the Washington Social fold to play babysitter to a colleague of her estranged father. Lucky for Darby her sister Pepper has already booked her into Glass Slipper Inc.'s emergency spa treatment.
Upon her arrival east, Darby meets another Washington runaway, Shane Morgan, the very real Godson of one of Glass Slipper's three Godmothers. Darby was not expecting to meet a handsome rogue on her trip back east but she is more than willing to indulge herself just a little, if only she new how deep she would fall and how fast. However, a unlikely romance is not the only misadventure to meet Darby in Washington; espionage, corporate intrigue, frilly costumes, and a gorgeous, godlike Swede by the name of Stefan Bjornsen are all on her dance card.
With not one but two Prince Charmings to choose from, what is a girl to do? What path will Darby Landon choose to find her HEA, the charming and adventurous rogue, the well manicured but still drop dead sexy businessman, or the fastest route back to her ranch in Montana?
This book is the perfect beach read. It is light, funny, and full of charming characters. If you are looking for great literature, this is not your book, the plot is far fetched and gets a little drawn out with poor little rich girl/boy angst. If you just want a fun read this book will entertain you for a lazy afternoon.
Upon her arrival east, Darby meets another Washington runaway, Shane Morgan, the very real Godson of one of Glass Slipper's three Godmothers. Darby was not expecting to meet a handsome rogue on her trip back east but she is more than willing to indulge herself just a little, if only she new how deep she would fall and how fast. However, a unlikely romance is not the only misadventure to meet Darby in Washington; espionage, corporate intrigue, frilly costumes, and a gorgeous, godlike Swede by the name of Stefan Bjornsen are all on her dance card.
With not one but two Prince Charmings to choose from, what is a girl to do? What path will Darby Landon choose to find her HEA, the charming and adventurous rogue, the well manicured but still drop dead sexy businessman, or the fastest route back to her ranch in Montana?
This book is the perfect beach read. It is light, funny, and full of charming characters. If you are looking for great literature, this is not your book, the plot is far fetched and gets a little drawn out with poor little rich girl/boy angst. If you just want a fun read this book will entertain you for a lazy afternoon.
July 18, 2016
Darby Landon was content to live a nice quiet life on her Montana ranch, where she could be herself in blue jeans and cowboy boots. She would leave the high profile society engagements to her father and her sister, Pepper who loved that kind of thing.
Pepper calls Darby desperate for a stand in for an upcoming social event. Pepper is planning a weekend away with her latest boyfriend and begs Darby to help out by spending a few days with one of their father’s high profile clients. She even sweetens the pot by throwing in a few days at Glass Slipper Inc so Darby can have a makeover and get an updated look for her chaperoning duties with the big client. Darby has a hard time refusing her sister anything and before she knows it she’s on a plane to D.C.
Shane Morgan has returned to D.C. to settle his grandmother’s estate. Among other things his grandmother was part owner of Glass Slipper Inc.. Upon arriving in D.C. the sexy Shane notices the limo there to pick up Darby for her stay at the spa. He is captivated by her beauty and hitches a ride to the spa with her.
Fun novel packed with twists and turns!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews