Pink Slips and Glass Slippers

by J.P. Hansen

Brooke Hart was beautiful, smart, and groomed from birth to deal with adversity.

Her widowed father did his best to raise his baby girl to be a strong-minded business woman. Then she found Tanner. Just when her world seemed perfect, everything turned upside down.
Following Tanner’s tragic death, Brooke joins a start-up company that is developing a cure for the disease that killed the love of her life. Just before the treatment is ready to market, the company is gobbled up by a giant conglomerate. She moves to the acquiring company as its youngest VP and becomes enamored with CEO Chase Allman—only to be betrayed by him.

Brooke rebounds again and sets out on a personal journey to discover what will truly make her happy. Sparks fly when she and Chase cross paths again in an unlikely way. Now, they need each other to find an abducted child and save thousands of people.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Fiction, Adult

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2012

About the author

J.P. Hansen is an award-winning, bestselling author of three books, a professional speaker and life coach. In addition, he is CEO of an executive search company, and for the past twenty years, he has helped thousands of people find their dream jobs. A self-made millionaire at a young age, prior to founding his own business, he was the youngest vice president of sales & marketing at a Fortune 30 company (ConAgra). Previously, he successfully ascended the corporate ladders at blue-chip companies Nestle, SC Johnson Wax, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He graduated from Boston College with a BA in English and an area of concentration in Economics.

His first two books, "The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream at Work and Beyond!" and "The Bliss List Journal" have garnered four awards (two international), including:

* ForeWord Book of the Year medal winner
* Next Generation CAREER Book OF THE YEAR Award winner
* Indie Excellence Award National Finalist

His latest book, "Pink Slips and Glass Slippers," became the #2 most downloaded book in the world (Amazon) within its first week and continues at or near the top in most rankings.
J.P. has appeared live as a career expert, reaching over 15,000,000 people through print, radio, and TV interviews on the following (can be seen/read at his website: www.YourBlissList.com):

* FoxNews
* Daytime TV (nationally syndicated to 106 major U.S. markets)
* CBS-Atlanta "Evening News"
* ABC-Charleston "Low Country Live"
* CBS-Savannah "Best Morning Ever"
* FOX-Denver "Good Day Colorado"
* CBS-Omaha "The Morning Blend"
* The L.A. Times full feature
* FoxBusiness.com (Eight times)
* CNN.com
* Fortune
* CareerBuilder
* AOL
* Omaha Magazine feature, dubbed J.P., "The Ambassador of Bliss"
* Over 65 radio stations in the Top 35 U.S. Markets

For more information, visit "Like" on his author Facebook page: J.P. Hansen.

Reviews

[Anygoodreadslately? · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually take the time to write a review, but after seeing some of the low ratings (with no comments), I felt compelled to write about Pink Slips and Glass Slippers. First of all, this is a well told story about true love which has no boundaries. The title is great and ties in well with the story. I loved the opening line, "If it's better to have loved and lost, then why did she feel so empty?" That first scene was extremely well written and drew my interest. I loved how it all starts with forgiveness. Even though the book was fairly long, I couldn't put it down. There were some interesting minor characters; I actually know a surgeon like Dixie-dawg so those creeps do exist. I can't believe this is the author's first novel. Well done!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the title and the cover drew me in. I'm sick of the skin covers that pander, but I love shoes and those are some killer heels. But, that's for another review. I fell in love with Chase-even his quirks. And Brooke had to endure so much, I found myself really pulling for her. About midway through the book, I laughed out loud at how the title tied in to the story, then the glass slippers. I won't ruin it, but I'm glad the title had some meaning, unlike some of the crap I've read b4. Bottom line, this is one of the best books I've ever read, not just romance. I strongly recommend it.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! I read it in one night, which, for me, is rare. Great love scenes, beautifully written, and even inspiring. I laughed, cried, and really connected with the characters. As a career woman, I loved Brooke. She’s strong, intelligent, driven, passionate—a great role model for all women. Chase is incredibly sexy. I’m planning a beach vacation and am looking forward to re-reading this incredible book! I am going to make my husband read it too…

[Avidbookjunky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fable quality of this story. The theme of unconditional love was inspiring and hit home for me personally. I lost a loved one and could really relate to Brooke's otherworldly connection with her deceased husband (Tanner, I think?). We need more stories like this one and less about S&M on the bestseller list. I'll recommend this to all my friends and do my part 'cuz Pink Slips and Glass Slippers should be on everyone's read list.

[Lisa Pelto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot twists and the development of the two people individually and their growing admiration and appreciation of one another. The characters are exposed over time, and you get to enjoy a slow burn rather than a hop in the sack within five minutes of meeting each other. Plenty of tension, misunderstandings and miscommunications provide comic relief and help you along to a place where you care about the characters.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this gem of a book in only one day. I loved the clever writing, like the symbolism of the elevator and North/South. Brooke heads south to find her true self, then returns north. The elevator symbolizes life's up and downs, including sexual. I'm a firm believer in Guardian Angels and I loved how the author utilized Angels to emphasize the theme of eternal, unconditional love. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and I loved the ending. I can't believe there are no other novels by J.P. Hansen. Is this the first one? If so, WOW!

[Leslie Pointer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book 3 times and each time, it keeps getting better! I read roughly 20 books per month, but I must say, this story is one of my favorite. At first, I thought it was going to be a good beach read: light and fun. But after I got to the middle, the book picked up steam, which is rare for a novel. I read this after 50 Shades (I admit it) but this book did a better job of igniting my inner goddess (LOL). The title is hilarious and I won't ruin it by elaborating. Trust me, read this book!

[Jane Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This little gem was a great read! I just finished and can see why it was recommended to me. I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned love story and this was love at its finest. There were interesting plot twists that ignited all my emotions. I especially loved Chase; I wish more men were like him. My son's name is Parker, so obviously I love the name and thought of my own son in the book's character. I can see this as a movie.

[Savannah G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. It made me laugh out loud (great work humor), cry (on an airplane of all places), blush (great love scenes!), but the thing I loved most about this book...I couldn't put it down. It was a long book but entertaining from start to finish. Brooke and Chase were great characters even with their flaws. I live in South Carolina and the author did a nice job describing Hilton Head Island. I'm guessing she's been there.

[Gretchen Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing read! Light, funny, entertaining, even inspirational at the end. I loved Brooke. She was likeable, funny, smart, and had to go through so much. Chase was a stud! I'm trying to get my husband to read this book so he can get the hint...LOL. I strongly recommend this book, especially if you're fed up with S&M books hiding in the Romance genre.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance, but this book is so much more: great plot, interesting characters, humorous, and very entertaining. I strongly recommend Pink Slips and Glass Slippers!

[Betsy Jorgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale! I love dialogue and I found the dialogue to be realistic and clever, ranging from a 3 yr old boy to a young Ukranian woman. Strong beginning, great middle (unusual for a book of this size) and a great ending. Kept me up all night to finish. Would be a great movie.

[Caitlyn O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! The title sounded intriguing and the book delivered. Brooke Hart was such a strong female. By the end, I was really pulling for her. I laughed out loud at how the title was revealed. This story was well-crafted with interesting, somewhat off the wall minor characters, especially that doctor dude. Add this to your must read shelf!

[Jessica Sondja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't write reviews, I'm too busy reading...

I saw a ridiculous review (only 2 stars) and I was stunned. This story was amazing! I rated it 5 stars and that's rare for me (50 Shades is 50-48 stars in my book).

The Romance genre seems to have a few rules for success:
1) 3 Parts: girl meets boy, girl and boy go back and forth, then happily ever after.
2) It's all about the hero and the heroine.

Having said that, to expect a story to go in a bunch of directions with minor characters is counter-productive. In this story, I didn't want much more from Tanner or Heather: they served to challenge our hero/heroine and they did just that in clever fashion. Same for friends Dixie Dawg and Melissa: they provided character info for the hero/heroine. I loved Shane: there are very few life coaches in novels and he added a great deal without ever being in a scene physically--clever.

This book followed the rules AND it was entertaining to read on several levels. Each time I read it, I find deeper meaning.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite books of the year. Even the title is fantastic. Great character development which really sucked me in and wanted me to know more about them. Great story development - slowing revealing things from the past without detracting from what is in the present. Fantastic relationships that developed with great feeling. The only negative I felt was the sometimes unbelievable lack of communication. But seriously, all the positives outweigh this.

It is rare for me to rate a book 5 stars, I usually do it only after I have rated a 4 and keep thinking about it. To me that is the sign of a truly good book - when you keep thinking about it way after you've read it. This will probably be one of those.

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect, but I loved the title and cover. It's very different from the others. Though the cover looked Chick Lit, this book was all Contemporary Romance and actually a great story. I'd like to think I'm a lot like Brooke - I loved her and really wanted her and Chase to get together. I won't spoil the ending, but trust me, this one is a gem. You won't be disappointed!

[Shannon Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't get some of the low ratings on this book??? Some people just need to get a life I guess. I love strong female characters and Brooke was one of the strongest protagonists I've ever seen. She had to endure so much, yet she kept getting stronger. I love the fact that she chased her passion even though it paid quite a bit less. That's what meaning and life should be all about and Brooke represented hope. Thank you J.P. Hansen for this story and don't pay any attention to any ratings below 5 stars!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the romance, and all of the misunderstandings.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Unconditional love at its peak.

[Babus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Really nice story, no typos (which seem to be a big problem in ebooks) and a great ending. I will be looking for more books from this author.

[Brenda Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Slips and Glass Slippers is a fun read bringing you into the life of the smart and beautiful Brooke Hart, who is bored of her current situation in the corporate world, until Chase Allman, a young and charming CEO, steps into her life. But he’s married! She continues to tell herself as they keep bumping into one another in odds way leading to a wild night that neither of them would forget.

As you continue to follow the characters it becomes clear that neither of their lives are simple. Jobs will be lost, enemies will be made, secrets will be revealed, and love will somehow find a way.

This book has a lot going to it. It is filled with real world comedic moments, scenarios, and sticky situation that humans find themselves in, but it still holds fiction. I could see this as one of those Hallmark movies I love curling up on the couch and watching. It was very enjoyable and I couldn’t put it down.

Reading other reviews I can see where people are coming from when they say it’s a bit wordy or that the author was writing to meet his word count, but with that being said. I don’t feel like it takes too much away from the story and the main point. There may be conversational confusions, but I have mostly noticed that when reading on my phone.

Now if you were reading on a kindle you can easily scan with your eyes and realize the people talking in the conversation. But it doesn’t take much to quickly deduce who is talking when these scenes arise.

All in all, I would have to give this book a 5 out of 5. It really is a fun read and though the characters made me pull out my hair until they reconnected I loved it.

Favorite line: ‘It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved before.’

-Brenda Franklin

[Tammie Brouhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a masterpiece. It worked for me on two levels:
1) A nice well-written contemporary romance with interesting characters.
2) Mythic qualities, clever symbolism, and a fable quality.

I have read this book three times (so far) and each time, I gain new insights. To me, that's the sign of a classic! For a first novel, this author has written a classic! I hope she writes many more, but I'm not sure this one lends itself to a sequel. I do think this would be a fantastic movie. Well done, I strongly recommend this book!

[Cyndi Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Chase's love is the very essence of a corporate fairy tale. After misunderstandings get their way, things finally start to fall in place.

The story also borders on making hard choices and doing the right thing. Chase is an admirable character who is drool worthy all the way around.

They have both been hurt and reluctance plays it's course. Brooke can be a bit ditzy at times, but we all have our quirks.

Overall, other than a few POV changes that confused me, I liked the book.

[Barbara Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I love strong female protagonists (and sexy, but imperfect heroes). I enjoyed some of the minor characters, especially Oksana and Dixie Dawg. I actually know a few doctors who are just like Dixie Dawg. I can tell the author did her research on locations after graduating from a school in the southeast. I appreciated the Duke/North Carolina rivalry. Great book! Read it, you'll fall in love with Brooke and Chase.

[Katie Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually speed read my books and rarely take the time to write a review. For this one, I took my time and after seeing some low ratings (wtf?), I felt compelled to write a review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it's characters - especially Brooke and Chase, but also Oksana (sp?). I can definitely see this as a movie and I'll be first in line.

[Kate Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First-time novelist J.P. Hansen tells the story of Brooke Ingram, a dish by every measure, and hunky corporate CEO Chase Allman – both are missing life’s promised bliss in their private and professional lives – but they’re on a collision course to rectify the problem. Hansen, who also is the author of the self-help book The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream at Work and Beyond! [Paperback] weaves his philosophy of career satisfaction into the narrative, while providing romantic enticements on nearly every page.

For readers who like the escape of restaurants, fast cars and spicy trysts, Pink Slips and Glass Slippers won’t disappoint. It’s a perfect read for a long commute, broken into bite-sized chapters and sub-chapters, that fits neatly into stop and go lifestyles. Supporting characters, particularly Shane, Brooke’s career coach; and Melissa, Brooke’s BFF, are engaging and believable.

Like others, I did feel as though the momentum sagged a bit in the middle of the story, the longing and lusting a bit over drawn, with a narrative line heavily based on repeated coincidence. Brooke and Chase just keep bumping into each other, which makes for a tight, but at times obviously contrived story line. The tasteful sex scenes, however, don’t disappoint.

I had a hard time deciding between four and five stars, but the topic decided me. This book boldly draws attention to the critical issue of job satisfaction and underscores the truth in Mark Twain’s observation that the secret to career success is to “make your vocation your vacation.” Pink Slips and Glass Slippers is about taking a vacation and finding one’s true vocation. Inspirational career coach J.P. Hansen shows how.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this story. So heart warming. It's amazing this was the author's first novel? If so, WOW. I highly recommend this book. I loved Brooke and I have experienced similar trajedies so I could relate to her life's journey.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pink Slips and Glass Slippers

J. P. Hansen

I was  leery about reading a contemporary romance by a man. Can it really be done? Well, let me tell you.......YES!!!! I loved PINK SLIPS AND GLASS SLIPPERS. I was instantly caught up in the characters love and yes I'll admit it, I want Chase as my book boyfriend!! I loved the chemistry between Brooke and Chase even when they were fighting! Brooke is a recent widow and the company she works for is bought out by a much bigger one.  She loved her old job and hates the new one.  The CEO is so full of himself or so she thinks but is totally hot! Oh yeah, and he's married. She  is instantly attracted to him as he is to her. at her friends wedding she is smashed and tries to get into the elevator and guess who's arms she falls into? Yup, Chase!! If you want to find out what happens next you are going to have to read this quick and funny book yourself! Four stars!! I loved it!!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Slips and Glass Slippers by J.P. Hansen
Got a message on Goodreads from the author about his book-this one and directed me to Amazon. I really liked the description and
bought it and told him I'd post my review.
Starts out with Brooke just accepting a new job at Pharmcial where she is a vice president. At a board meeting she meets the head guy and can't even pay attention to what's being said. He's everything she'd want in a man, problem is she must remind herself is 'he's married'.
She is able to get together a team of other competent people to work with her but the whole department is dismissed.
The book also follows Chase and his son. We learn of his past marriage and that his wife wants the child but she was in rehab for a drug problem. He is having dreams of Brooke and knows he can't date her while she's in his employ.
He has NO idea that the people he hired had dismissed the department she worked for.
There is some sex and romance and a few other peoples relationships come into play to make this a really worthwhile story.
Love hearing how Chase takes care of his son Parker and found the child CD just the perfect thing to do for our grandson while on long car rides.
Lot of misunderstandings on both parts and their faith in God may be able to save each of them..
Loved hearing all the songs and lyrics along the way and finding out what really happened with Brooke and Tanner..
Especially enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the seashore and the food-made me feel as if I was there.
Things really heat up with action towards the end and I love how the book got its title and what they signify.
This book has it all, excellent combination of family, love, romance and work and action and travel and nature.

[Katie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story from the first memorable line to the last. But the middle, which usually loses me in most novels, was the nicest surprise. Most books seem to focus on the first few pages, then get lazy and finally finish strong, but this one kept me captivated. This is the best book I've read in a long time! Is the author really a guy? If so, I'm impressed...keep writing!