Dear Prince Charming

Glass Slipper, Inc. #2

by Donna Kauffman

Too short to be a model, too unartistically inclined to be a designer, Valerie Wagner has finally found her niche in the fashion world she loves as the publicist for Glass Slipper, Inc., and the mastermind behind the launch of their brand-new glossy magazine. She's signed up the perfect cover model - Prince Charming, an advice columnist who's won the hearts of millions of women with his acerbic wit and his on-target romantic insight. Best of all, he's never revealed his real name or shown his face. Until now. And it's Valerie who's about to bring him into the limelight. There's just one problem. America's sweetheart, the sexy and sensitive man who's helped millions of women get their man, is coming out of the closet with a vengeance.

Valerie's new-found career is teetering on the brink of ruin. She can't crush the hopes of all the buyers of the magazine. She can't get Eric out of his seven-figure contract. And Prince Charming himself is tired of living a lie, and wants to find his own Mr. Right. Looks like there's no way out. Until Eric offers up his childhood best friend Jack, a sportswriter with a devilish smile and a chain of ruined relationships behind him. With Eric as the brains of the operation and Jack as the heartthrob that the media can sink its teeth into, they're an unbeatable team, and no one ever has to know... until Jack notices that behind Valerie's overachiever businesswoman personality is a woman with her very own kind of charm, and he decides to take matters into his own hands...

Fresh, sexy, and funny enough to have come from the pen of Prince Charming himself, Donna Kauffman transcends the boundaries of romance and chick lit to take her own particular twist on a fairy tale.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Fairy Tales

387 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2004

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Prince Charming, Once upon a time, Donna Kauffman placed a fairy tale twist on a book about, Valerie Wagner. She can’t be a model because of her height, not artistic enough to be a designer. However, she finally found her niche within the fashion world she loves for the glossy publicist for Glass Slipper, Inc magazine. She's signed up the perfect cover model - Prince Charming- he is an unknown, America's sweetheart, the sexy and sensitive man who's helped millions of women get their man together.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Prince Charming by Donna Kauffman was a great romantic read. I loved the intensity of the characters' situations. Tough spots that may put their careers and hearts on the line. The protagonists were believable. The whole book felt real. Entertaining and easy to follow along. Valerie is one determined woman. Thinking of her career in fashion, she finally makes it. A lot of falls before she finally soars high. Maybe, a bit too high. She's now, tasked with a rather difficult job. Finding the perfect person will be difficult. Yet, the impossible becomes possible. And things that weren't thought of happen...like falling in love for starters. Donna Kauffman's book is charming and holds a major does of reality. I liked that. Overall, I recommend it to other readers.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kinda cheesy and sappy but it worked. The character of Jack was the saving grace. He was hilarious and his dry whit saved this story from being too sappy.

Valerie Wagner finally has the job she loves as a publicist for a magazine. She works for some kid of Prince Charming company, where 3 older ladies hold the purse strings. They are called the ‘godmothers’ so obvi fairytale mindset. Anyway, Valerie has bagged the man who writes relationship advice from a man’s perspective for women. And he is a big hit and he’s called himself ‘Prince Charming’ except he holds a secret. He’s gay. So now Valerie is scrambling to save the magazine with this new information. But Eric, aka Prince Charming, enlist his childhood friend Jack to take his place for photo ops. Jack is very attractive and he is the guy most women would swoon over. But what happens is that the three of them trying to keep this gig up. You can’t. It will all come out and it will be hilarious. And the attraction Jack and Valerie have? Whew! Bring a fan.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Prince Charming is a fun book by Donna Kauffman. Workaholic publicist, Valerie Wagner , is in charge of the magazine cover of Glass Slipper's launch issue. Not knowing if the women of the world will be comfortable finding out the elusive man who writes an advice column/books is actually gay, she has to find a stand in for him. Along comes sportswriter, Jack Lambert, who pretends to be "Dear Prince Charming". In the ensuing weeks, Valerie and Jack have to work together to make sure Glass Slipper magazine is a success. This book is an easy romance, 400+ pages, read.

[Ashley Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was adorable and light, definitely a better read. The relationship between Jack and Valerie was much more believable and happened in a span that made more sense then other plots, making this a very light hearted but intriguing read! Definitely recommend if you're looking for something light hearted but captivatingly sweet.

[callielovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute read but totally predictable. This was my first book by Donna Kauffman. It was an easy read but definitely an unbelievable plot. Characters were relatable if not a little annoying. If you want a light, no thinking required read then go ahead and give this a try. If you want something meaningful, look elsewhere. Good chick lit.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun fluff

[Janna Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Definitely on the cheesy side, but a fun easy read.

[Lindsay Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful book. Homophobic, misogynistic. Full of cliche’s. I don’t know why I finished it. Just horrible.

[aCupcakeBlonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like this one as much as The Cinderella Rules but UT was still a fun, frothy story. Just not as much heat as the first book, not as much suspense. Still a good read, just took me longer.

[Ronda Six Garnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book..

[Lisa Heaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow in the beginning. The story got better and at the end, I enjoyed the book. It was worth reading.

[Maria Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was somewhat of a slow read at first but really enjoyed it about half way through.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 1 out of 5]

Valerie Wagner has finally scored her dream job as a publicist for the about-to-be-launched Glass Slipper magazine. They snagged Prince Charming, a man who knows just how to fix relationship problems, as their cover boy and columnist. Eric is also a hunk, which Valerie knows will help sales. There's only one problem - when Eric realizes that the magazine launch will make him a public figure, he decides to come out of the closet. Eric wants to be able to have a private life but he also refuses to let his readers down, so he enlists the aid of his equally handsome best friend Jack Lambert to be the public face of Prince Charming. Jack thinks the whole idea of Prince Charming is a joke. He doesn't even believe in love, not after a horrible divorce to a hot model. He owes Eric though so he agrees to pose for the magazine. What he didn't bank on was his attraction to the control-freak publicist Valerie. Valerie sees Jack as an annoyance. He tries to have things his own way and she fears that the godmothers will find out and she'll lose yet another job. Yet, Jack is so sexy, she can't help but feel an attraction to him. As Prince Charming becomes more and more of a public figure, and Eric finds love, Valerie and Jack are forced to spend more time together. The more time they spend together, the more they feel attracted to one another. Jack is determined to get Valerie to loosen up but she refuses to mix business with pleasure. Should they act on their lust or not is the question and if they do, what does that mean for her job?

I can't say I enjoyed this novel. The plot is thin, the characters unlikeable, and there's not much actual ROMANCE in this book. There's a lot of sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine and I was willing them just to act on it and get it out of the way and then the plot could go on with the romance. The love part comes too late to be convincing. There's really no reason for either of them to fall in love since they are both completely unlikeable. Valerie is career oriented, which I can relate to; and she has a lot of pressure from her family, I can also relate, but she's not a nice person. She doesn't even have friends and I don't see anyone wanting to willingly be friends. She's controlling and annoying. Women constantly complain about men objectifying women yet Valerie does the same thing to Jack and Eric without thinking twice. Jack is a typical rake. He enjoys one night stands and casual flirtations. He knows how to make women's hearts flutter but he's insincere. I liked his childhood backstory but his adult backstory wasn't convincing enough to make him the way he is. I just didn't find the relationship between Jack and Valerie convincing. The godmothers are unlikeable as well. Each one is a stereotype and even one would be more than enough. I would recommend this book to people who think sizzling romances, but for those of us who prefer a well-written story (see my next review), this is not worth the time. Warning: There is a graphic love scene but I skipped it and didn't miss it.

[RoseMari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Wagner may have stretched the truth a little to get the job with Glass Slipper, Inc., but she was meant for and loves her job with the godmothers. And she had been the ideal employee until she has to keep a huge secret from her employers, a secret that could potentially sink the launch of the new magazine. The alpha male dubbed Prince Charming (a.k.a. Eric has won the hearts of women across the country by giving them outstanding relationship advice. The thing is that he isn’t actually “straight.” Okay, he’s as gay as they come, and he’s ready to come out and live as a proud gay man. Eric’s been able to hide this little fact from the world and his best friend, Jack Lambert.
To save the magazine launch and Valerie’s job, they devise a plan. It’ll be really simple. Jack, who shall we say, isn’t shabby looking, will be the cover boy for Prince Charming. He’ll do the photo shoots and he’ll give a few interviews. Nothing can go wrong. Aside from the fact that Valerie is definitely going to go grey prematurely, this story is amusing, sexy, and a great story that’s extremely charming. Donna Kauffman weaves another tale of different relationships that will have you laughing out loud then wiping away a tear that may be trickling down your check.
Thus far, Dear Prince Charming is my favorite Kauffman book. The little bits of advice at the beginning of each chapter are great and will have you saying, “That’s so true.” Valerie, Jack, and Eric’s story is also in my top 20 books of all time. It’s definitely a keeper and a reread.

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book. I have never read Kauffman before but I really enjoyed this book.
While Valerie and Jack are very cute the best relationship is between best friends Jack & Eric. Whoever Kauffman used as a example of friends for Jack & Eric she really hit it on the mark you can't help but smile. That being said Jack and Valerie have a connection they can not seem to sever no matter how much they believe they should. Jack is pretending to be Prince Charming (who is really Eric - but Eric has his own secret) and Valerie is the publicist who brought Price Charming into the public eye for the 1st time to be on the cover of the new magazine by Glass Slipper, Inc. While I do think there was too much of the "we shouldn't be telling this lie but we must to keep us all safe" you can move past that to get to the rest of the story.
I didn't realize until after I picked up the book that this is the 2nd in the series & I think I missed a lot by not reading the 1st book & knowing who the God-Mothers are who own Glass Slipper, Inc since the 3 of them seem like a hoot but I will be reading book 1 soon.

[Linda]

Valerie Wagner loves the fashion industry but can't seem to find her place in that world. When she becomes the publicist for the launch of a new magazine, she knows she's finally found her niche. When she convinces popular advice columnist "Dear Prince Charming" (Eric) to publish his column in the new magazine, she plans a huge media event. At the last minute, Eric calls and wants to back out of the media event. He has decided to "come out of the closet" and has a new boyfriend. Afraid that his fans will not respect his advice when they learn he is gay, he convinces Valerie to substitute his best-friend, Jack, for all of the media events. Eric will continue to write the column and Jack will be the image of the column. All goes well, until Jack starts deviating from the script Valerie has written and the media start to dig deeper into Eric's history.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Full of humor, romance and very likable characters, this would be a great beach book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about a fairytale that makes you forget your cares for a bit. This contemporary rendition sets itself apart by its sheer "fantasy feel" overlaid with the reality of the story taking place centering on a modern couple. Not only is it filled with a lot of over the top scenarios but a genuinely heartwarming cast of characters that includes a giant dog named Gunther who is in a class all his own!

A modern romance with some serious twists to the plot that double the readers pleasure as it "humanizes" the fictional characters to give them depth and endear them even more as their secrets are uncovered.

[Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy reading contemporary romance(s) time and again, and this is a really good one. This story involves valuing friendships, sacrifices, careers, and a truly giddy romance. I enjoyed this, especially the ending. (Did I mention how I love happy endings??????????????)

I enjoyed the characters because their pretty realistic and likeable. The story was pretty straightforward and light, making it a put-off and continue reading when you feel like it.

Fun fact: I received this book as a birthday gift when I was 15 or 16, and I've only gotten around to reading this now. :))

[Penelope Vargus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the title would make you think this book is filled of overused themes and boring plot lines, this book honestly blew me away. I loved the main character because she was easily relatable and refreshingly strong. She did not follow the lead male around like a sad puppy or pine away silently in her room. She stood up for herself ( uncommon in today's chick lit). I honestly did not see the high suspense coming at the end of the story and will also never look at a dressing room the same.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing about this book - it's an easy read. Very easy. I finished it within two hours.
Honestly, it's a pretty decent book with some funny parts. Yes, there could be some more depth to it. And yes, at points it gets a little hokey, but not all books are going to be classics.

It's a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon, if the cable is broken and you've read everything else.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light read. Entirely predictable - sometimes you really need a good fluff book to read but occasionally they are frustrating when the characters can't see why their plan (or the plot of the book) just is going to fall completely apart at the end. Still - would probably read more of her stuff if in the right mood.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not have super high expectations on this book. I got it at the library knowing that I'd read a few of her books before. This book surprised me. Yes, it was a little slow going in the romance department but the story was good and her descriptions were vivid. I could easily picture the Eric and Jack. Parts of the story made me laugh out loud and her description of Gunther was great.

[Cailin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love Glass Slipper Inc. You really feel like the characters are wanting a change and that's why they take a chance with Glass Slipper. This time we get a better look into the work behind the curtain of Glass Slipper and learn about the new employee who is willing to do a lot to keep this job. Including keeping her hands off the new face of the magazine the not so Prince Charming.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well she has done it again with DEAR PRINCE CHARMING. This is a wonderful story about Valerie Wagner and Jack Lambert and their journey to find their perfect job and someone they can trust. It is a romantic story about friendship and what you will do for your best friend. Great read and lots of fun.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really suprised but I really loved this book. I like the Cinderalla twist she puts in the book and you really fall for the characters. Definately a must read for those that are looking for something light and fun!

[Hodan (Ho.th.an) Jama · Rating 1 out of 5]

omg this is by far the worst book i have ever read. the narration was horable, the dialog was worse. the dramatic parts was hilarious. this was the first romantic novel i have read and am pretty sure it was my last.

horrible book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of the Glass Slipper Agency, run by three women to help people's dreams come true. Here, they are about to launch a new magazine and this story centers on their publicist. Kauffman gives just enough tweaks to the staples of the genre to give her plots interest and momentum.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, fun read, with a cute twist on an old fairy tale. The plot was simple and could have used more complexity, but the romance factor was great! This was just slightly on the light side of beach reading - I prefer something a little more challenging to think about.