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Phi Beta Bimbo
Who fares better in the workplace: the brassy bimbo or the plain Jane? Do blondes actually have more fun? For her doctoral dissertation, sociologist - and lifelong nerd - Leah Smith intended to find out. Trading in her mousy brown hair and flat chest for bleached locks and gravity-defying cleavage, she planned a little experiment. And mile-high stilettos, a pump-up bra, and one very sexy - and very suspicious - company man weren't going to trip her up.
Security specialist Mark Colson had been hired to ferret out corporate spies, and the newest employee at Just Peachy Cosmetics was Suspect #1 - posing as two different women, she was a total fake. Well, ditz or scholar, blonde or brunette, well-endowed or not, he would expose her. Except, she managed to stay one step ahead...until Mark realized to catch the brainy bombshell he'd have to reveal a few secrets of his own.
Security specialist Mark Colson had been hired to ferret out corporate spies, and the newest employee at Just Peachy Cosmetics was Suspect #1 - posing as two different women, she was a total fake. Well, ditz or scholar, blonde or brunette, well-endowed or not, he would expose her. Except, she managed to stay one step ahead...until Mark realized to catch the brainy bombshell he'd have to reveal a few secrets of his own.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
dnf
September 9, 2016
UNRATED
Leah Smith is writing her thesis entitled "An Ad Hoc Inquiry into the Contribution of Physical Presentation Toward vocational Advancement Opportunities" where she sets to prove how appearances factor in the advancement of women in the workplace by posing undercover as a blonde bimbo in her cross-dressing brother's company.
This book operates with the assumption that having cup Ds and big blonde hair precludes anyone from having a functioning brain.
I'm at about 6% and I can pretty much see the thesis behind Leah's thesis.
No thanks.
Leah Smith is writing her thesis entitled "An Ad Hoc Inquiry into the Contribution of Physical Presentation Toward vocational Advancement Opportunities" where she sets to prove how appearances factor in the advancement of women in the workplace by posing undercover as a blonde bimbo in her cross-dressing brother's company.
This book operates with the assumption that having cup Ds and big blonde hair precludes anyone from having a functioning brain.
"I was just so mortified at not watching where I was going." Oh great, Leah, fun-loving airheads wouldn't know how to pronounce mortified, much less know what it means. You suck at this subterfuge business.
I'm at about 6% and I can pretty much see the thesis behind Leah's thesis.
No thanks.
March 3, 2011
All I'm going to say is, if you're going to use greek letters in your title, please have a reason for it, like a greek letter society or something associated with them, like medicine or law. I thought that's what this was going to be about- medicine, law, or collegiate greek letter societies and a girl overcoming preconceived notions and achieving her goals. This is not about a sorority or a former sorority member or even someone posing as a former sorority member.
June 23, 2008
This is a chick-lit book about a woman who feels that she is mousy and that attractive women get all the breaks. So she applies for a job in her brother's cosmetic company both as herself and dressed up as a bimbo, to see who gets the job. She then gets involved in investigating corporate espionage, and hilarity insues. I actually laughed out loud on several occasions. This is a good beach read.
August 4, 2018
what a sweet funny book. Trish Jensen writes truly likable characters and I think that's the goal of any writer. an experiment about who would get a job first a brainiac or a bimbo turns into a story of espionage crossdressing and betrayal. So sweet and full of great gags. love the scene where the brainiac is dressed like a bimbo on a date with William Shakespeare and that dinner is invaded by an fbi agent another guy and Stephanie. every one is lying or telling half truths for what seems like a good idea at the time and I learned a valueable lesson lighting... everybody looks looks different in low lighting.
November 1, 2010
This is the Second book I have read by Trish Jensen, and was wildly disappointed. I'm not sure though who I was disappointed with the Author or myself. I don't really remember Stuck With You, but I know if I had felt about it the way I feel about this book that I would have never read Phi Beta Bimbo.
This story had a wonderful concept and some genuinely laugh out loud moments, which really tickled me. At first I loved this book but my initial awe wore off after the first couple of chapter because the flaws were way too hard to miss or look over. I don't want to bash this book but I feel so strongly that the readers and to some point the author was let down.
The first problem I noticed about this book was that it read like a children's book to me, and yes I do know that it was an adult book and had adult content in it. I just felt that it was very immature writing. I know that sounds harsh but it was very hard to stick with it when it seemed that the author was making everything just so perfect and that big issues were over looked and seemed to be disregard as nothing at all. I hated the fact that forgiveness was talking about being hard to give and then it was just done like I won't talk to you for a month but I forgive you now that I'm looking at you... oh and I LOVE You... It had major Cheese and I know that all Romance especially contemporary has Cheese but this was off the charts.
My second issue was the talking during the sex scene. I'm not going to say much on it because if you have read or are going to read this book then the scene will speak for itself. All I know is if I ever looked at a big strapping man naked and my first words to him were you are beautiful that big strapping man and I wouldn't be having hot and wild sex. I guess it's my own personal issue but I hate it when a hot manly man is referred to a beautiful.
I also hated and mean hated how down on herself Leah was and even when Mark spelled it out for and in many cases he did that she still refused to understand what he was saying. That was just plain ridiculous. Because no woman who supposedly had the brains she did would not have been able to understand what he was literally explaining in great detail. It was just stupid.
Now for the part where the whole story was ruined for me and some may feel I am being to over the top about it but I don't feel I am. On page 206 there a scene between KATE and STEVE and it the middle it switched to KATE and MARK and then back to KATE and STEVE... I couldn't believe that an Editor would not catch this because it's a huge mistake and hinders the story for the reader and it makes the author look bad.
So basically this book wasn't horrible because it did indeed have some great funny moments but it still fell short of a winner in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone because it would truly be a waste of time.
This story had a wonderful concept and some genuinely laugh out loud moments, which really tickled me. At first I loved this book but my initial awe wore off after the first couple of chapter because the flaws were way too hard to miss or look over. I don't want to bash this book but I feel so strongly that the readers and to some point the author was let down.
The first problem I noticed about this book was that it read like a children's book to me, and yes I do know that it was an adult book and had adult content in it. I just felt that it was very immature writing. I know that sounds harsh but it was very hard to stick with it when it seemed that the author was making everything just so perfect and that big issues were over looked and seemed to be disregard as nothing at all. I hated the fact that forgiveness was talking about being hard to give and then it was just done like I won't talk to you for a month but I forgive you now that I'm looking at you... oh and I LOVE You... It had major Cheese and I know that all Romance especially contemporary has Cheese but this was off the charts.
My second issue was the talking during the sex scene. I'm not going to say much on it because if you have read or are going to read this book then the scene will speak for itself. All I know is if I ever looked at a big strapping man naked and my first words to him were you are beautiful that big strapping man and I wouldn't be having hot and wild sex. I guess it's my own personal issue but I hate it when a hot manly man is referred to a beautiful.
I also hated and mean hated how down on herself Leah was and even when Mark spelled it out for and in many cases he did that she still refused to understand what he was saying. That was just plain ridiculous. Because no woman who supposedly had the brains she did would not have been able to understand what he was literally explaining in great detail. It was just stupid.
Now for the part where the whole story was ruined for me and some may feel I am being to over the top about it but I don't feel I am. On page 206 there a scene between KATE and STEVE and it the middle it switched to KATE and MARK and then back to KATE and STEVE... I couldn't believe that an Editor would not catch this because it's a huge mistake and hinders the story for the reader and it makes the author look bad.
So basically this book wasn't horrible because it did indeed have some great funny moments but it still fell short of a winner in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone because it would truly be a waste of time.
October 11, 2016
This was a fluffy re-read for me one weekend...pink book all the way! :) I mean the first line is "Am I sexpot, or what?" So it starts out with brother and sister, Steve and Leah, shopping for a "Pump You Up" bra for Leah. She's apparently going undercover as a busty blond bimbo to test out some theory, but really she was tired of being a nerd and wanted to live it up for once. Can't say I blame her. Oh and brother Steve is dressed in drag as Stephanie, to save his company somehow. Cosmetics company. Yeah. Sounds awesome right? But seriously, for a fluffy book it's pretty darn good. All right, let's make this easy with a cast line-up k? Here we go...
Leah: nerdy science girl, 28 years old, wants to have a little fun, Steve's little sister
Candi: Leah's alter-ego, mega bimbo, goes to work for Steve's company
Steve: Leah's older brother, dressing in drag to save his company from a spy
Stephanie: Steve's "Twin", posing as the owner of Just Peachy because apparently business-men are so stupid they think a cosmetic company should be run by a woman. For 5 years. Yeah.
Mark: hot security guy hired by Steve/Stephanie to get the spy. Thinks it's Leah/Candi. Is hot for both.
Kate: hot chick who runs Apple Blossom Cosmetics, Just Peachy's main competition and possible spy. Hates Stephanie, hot for Steve.
Shelley: Mark's blind sister who knows right away that Stephanie is a dude and thinks it's hilarious.
Gramps: Leah & Steve's grandpa, whom they live with, and who is exasperated with both his grandkids, for good reason.
Okay, that's the run-down...lots of crazy, misled hijinks ensue. Everyone falls in love that should, Leah realizes she doesn't have to be a bimbo to have fun, Steve realizes he doesn't have to wear pantyhose to run a company, Shelley & Gramps start a great friendship, they catch the spy and everyone lives happily ever after.
Blogged: SeeJennRead
Leah: nerdy science girl, 28 years old, wants to have a little fun, Steve's little sister
Candi: Leah's alter-ego, mega bimbo, goes to work for Steve's company
Steve: Leah's older brother, dressing in drag to save his company from a spy
Stephanie: Steve's "Twin", posing as the owner of Just Peachy because apparently business-men are so stupid they think a cosmetic company should be run by a woman. For 5 years. Yeah.
Mark: hot security guy hired by Steve/Stephanie to get the spy. Thinks it's Leah/Candi. Is hot for both.
Kate: hot chick who runs Apple Blossom Cosmetics, Just Peachy's main competition and possible spy. Hates Stephanie, hot for Steve.
Shelley: Mark's blind sister who knows right away that Stephanie is a dude and thinks it's hilarious.
Gramps: Leah & Steve's grandpa, whom they live with, and who is exasperated with both his grandkids, for good reason.
Okay, that's the run-down...lots of crazy, misled hijinks ensue. Everyone falls in love that should, Leah realizes she doesn't have to be a bimbo to have fun, Steve realizes he doesn't have to wear pantyhose to run a company, Shelley & Gramps start a great friendship, they catch the spy and everyone lives happily ever after.
Blogged: SeeJennRead
May 1, 2011
I was not sure I would like this book when I picked it up but I thought I should at least give it a fair shake it seemed funny. I am very glad I did give it a fair shake the book was hilarious. Now while some of the events taking place were a bit unbelievable the story itself was still fun. Following the love and business of a family and their friends and the relationships they build is a great ride.
If you’re looking for a fun quick read this book will do that for you. It is a fun light and airy chic lit book and Trish Jensen does a great job. This one actually had me wishing that there was another one to find out what happens with Mark and Leah, and Gramps and all the other fun little characters you meet in this book. To be sure it is not a book that is full of tons of thinking and plot twists, it is just good fun.
If you’re looking for a fun quick read this book will do that for you. It is a fun light and airy chic lit book and Trish Jensen does a great job. This one actually had me wishing that there was another one to find out what happens with Mark and Leah, and Gramps and all the other fun little characters you meet in this book. To be sure it is not a book that is full of tons of thinking and plot twists, it is just good fun.
July 13, 2011
This book made me laugh out loud... It is so funny... Leah dresses up as Candi... Steve dresses up as Stephanie... Kate dresses up as William.... Mark and Jake claim incorrect jobs.... I smiled through every page... the writing is great... there is so much humor I can't even describe it. This book was funny to the end...
As a line in the book says "If there's anyone in this place who is who they say they are, please stand up"
I never read a Trish Jensen book before but I will be buying another one.
As a line in the book says "If there's anyone in this place who is who they say they are, please stand up"
I never read a Trish Jensen book before but I will be buying another one.
October 24, 2013
very cute story! I love Mark & Leah! There were some laugh out loud moments, and there were some cheesy punch lines to laugh at as well. Overall I enjoyed this book-- kept me entertained & and I enjoyed the love story between all the characters.
March 23, 2022
This book was a good easy read. Some parts I felt could have been better and I wished the epilogue would have give a year afterwards instead of a few months. It still felt like the characters were still in the same spot with little growth. It has the potential to be a great book but to get to the climax was a little drawn out. Then once we arrived to the climax it was rushed. I enjoyed it for my first book to finish for the year but I don’t have to read it again.
September 26, 2024
Lots of fun characters (who also pretend to be additional characters)
Some good character growth for all characters.
I did not know who the culprit was throughout the story and sort of forgot about that part of the plot for a bit but it was a good addition.
Fave quote:
talking about hot dogs -> "and she had to have everything from chili to sauerkraut to onions, piled on it. Kissing her would be like kissing East German dirt, and he didn't care."
Some good character growth for all characters.
I did not know who the culprit was throughout the story and sort of forgot about that part of the plot for a bit but it was a good addition.
Fave quote:
talking about hot dogs -> "and she had to have everything from chili to sauerkraut to onions, piled on it. Kissing her would be like kissing East German dirt, and he didn't care."
Read
April 4, 2020This was OTT and ridiculous; I absolutely couldn't buy into these characters and their behaviour. It was a DNF for me.
July 31, 2014
***ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review***
This is the 4th Trish Jensen book I have had the privilege to read and she remains true to the humor I have come to expect. While this one did not blow me away, it was an entertaining read though altogether not really realistic. Five years as a drag queen and no one is the wiser? Yeah, okay, sure, why not? It's cute and follows a good clip, certainly not boring but not wholly engaging either...it was fun following Leah/Candi and Mark into the whole charade and you get the bonus of being entertained by the Steve/Stephanie & Kate drama. Excellent beach read as you can start and stop and not have to backtrack to get back into the swing of things.
This is the 4th Trish Jensen book I have had the privilege to read and she remains true to the humor I have come to expect. While this one did not blow me away, it was an entertaining read though altogether not really realistic. Five years as a drag queen and no one is the wiser? Yeah, okay, sure, why not? It's cute and follows a good clip, certainly not boring but not wholly engaging either...it was fun following Leah/Candi and Mark into the whole charade and you get the bonus of being entertained by the Steve/Stephanie & Kate drama. Excellent beach read as you can start and stop and not have to backtrack to get back into the swing of things.
May 31, 2015
Phi Beta Bimbo (2005) – Trish Jensen
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Well, the cover on the book is cute, the title intriguing, and even though I really like the blurb the story inside is a lot better than expected. After having a bit of a reading lull for the good books this one made me laugh out loud in several places (and I usually don’t, especially not this much). This book is entertaining, funny, thought provoking, a bit of a mystery involved in things, beautiful family dynamics, and the end brings in aggravation at both the heroine and Hero. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book although the end, while good, was not quite as good as the rest. It brought a 5 star book down to 4 stars. The end was still good just since the rest of the book was so amazing it didn’t quite hit the same high.
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Well, the cover on the book is cute, the title intriguing, and even though I really like the blurb the story inside is a lot better than expected. After having a bit of a reading lull for the good books this one made me laugh out loud in several places (and I usually don’t, especially not this much). This book is entertaining, funny, thought provoking, a bit of a mystery involved in things, beautiful family dynamics, and the end brings in aggravation at both the heroine and Hero. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book although the end, while good, was not quite as good as the rest. It brought a 5 star book down to 4 stars. The end was still good just since the rest of the book was so amazing it didn’t quite hit the same high.
May 8, 2009
It is a very interesting book to say the least, I think I'm really getting into the romance genre. ;-P
March 6, 2010
It was too ridiculous a premise for me NOT to pick up. There was a fair amount of heart, the standard BRICK method of exposition and character development but enjoyable in the end.
September 30, 2012
A Phi Beta No No.
November 27, 2011
This is a funny book, just don't expect too much from it. All of th cross dressing and people in disguise feels a little over done at some points.
February 20, 2012
Cute premise, totally brainless, just what I was looking for on my last vacation day.
June 21, 2014
My rating: 3.5 of 5
October 28, 2015
one of the funniest books I have ever read! I couldn't stop laughing
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews