The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Crusie

Sweet, uncomplicated romance

4 stars

Daisy Flattery is in a bit of a bind – her paintings aren’t selling, she’s just adopted another stray pet and she really needs a bit of money to pay her rent. That’s the only reason she can think of to say yes to her uptight, straight-laced neighbour’s crazy scheme.

Linc Blaise needs a fiancée in order to land his dream job and while free spirited Daisy may not be his ideal woman, she’s perfect to play the role. But what happens when you start to enjoy your roles a little too much and when does it stop becoming fake and start becoming happily ever after?

This was a sweet, uncomplicated story that was first published in 1996 although it ages well and never feels dated. Both Linc and Daisy are interesting, well developed characters that are the furthest thing from stereotypical. They work well together, have good chemistry and develop well together, going from mutual dislike right through to love.

The story is fun, far fetched but still believable and really keeps you interested and keeps the pages turning. It’s definitely a light and frothy book that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon’s read. It’s not as witty or as sexy as some of her later books but it’s still worth a read if you’re looking for a bit of romance.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer

Murder, Mayhem, Fun & Sex

5 stars

Food columnist, Agnes Crandall is having a bad week. She has the wedding of the century to plan all while someone attempts to sabotage it; she has dog-nappers appearing in her kitchen; the threat of losing her house and a fiancé who is more interested in making money than in her. And then Shane, the hitman, appears through her bedroom window and Agnes realises her old problems were nothing compared to what’s about to come.

This book is a deliciously chaotic but fun crime caper and really shows off Jennifer Crusie’s humour and how well she and Bob Mayer work together.

Agnes, given the moniker of ‘Cranky Agnes’, is more feisty than cranky and she is funny and despite her issues, someone you want to be like. Although this isn’t really a romance, her interactions with Shane (who himself is a gorgeous man’s man) are great and very sexy.

The body count in the book is high but the crime and murder isn’t particularly gruesome (despite the book being full of mobsters and hitmen!) and is more fun and entertaining than anything. There is so much going on that you really are kept guessing and I wasn’t sure exactly what was what until the very last chapter.

Overall, this is an entertaining and sexy romp of a read and certainly one that will have you turning the pages. Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer seem to be perfect writing pairing and I look forward to more of their collaborations in the future. Definitely recommended. 5 stars.