Sunday, October 20, 2013

REVIEW: CINDERELLA SCREWED ME OVER by CINDI MADSEN

Cinderella Screwed Me OverGenre: Women's Fiction/Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: 10/22/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 308
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 5 stars

Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She's sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she's happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she's culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.
 


Cinderella Screwed Me Over is a book I have been waiting on for months. From the vibrant and eye-catching cover to the promise of a funny and charming story of a woman who's over the promise of fairy tales, I just knew that I would enjoy this book. And I did.

Cinderella Screwed Me Over (is that not the best title?!) was written in such a clever manner. Darby Quinn has had enough of the Disney-fed fairy tales we've all grown up on. After years of looking for a Prince and landing a frog, Darby is no longer buying the promise of a Prince and Happily Ever After. Over the years of heartache and disappointment, Darby has accumulated case files, comparing the men in her life to Disney Princes. From Prince Charming to Robin Hood to The Beast, you name a Disney man, Darby's boyfriends can be compared to each in some way, along with the lesson she learned. When she meets charming, gorgeous, and sweet Jake, Darby has a difficult time fitting him into a place in her case files. Jake wants a relationship, Darby insists she doesn't believe in long-term love. And though Jake proves himself time and again, she just can't quite take the leap and admit that maybe love isn't a bad word. Will Darby begin to believe in fairy tales, or will she push true love away for good?

Besides the romantic story, this really is a personal journey for Darby. I loved that Madsen took the time to focus on her as an individual and not just make this a story on winning a guy. Darby was a funny and winsome heroine, but also very headstrong and set in her ways. She was tough yet sweet, and I liked that she never lost either aspect to her personality even as she began to change. Jake was really a great leading man. I liked that he was so nice and charming, and especially that he was patient with Darby. These two had great banter, which is really a strong point for Madsen. A story that can make me laugh and swoon is always going to win with me.

At this point, I think it is fairly established that I am a big fan of Madsen's work. Although I go in certain I will enjoy the book, I am surprised again and again by just how much. It seems that her writing suits me perfectly, or maybe I am perfectly suited to her writing. Either way, Cinderella Screwed Me Over is another charming book from Cindi Madsen. My favorite yet.



Favorite Quotes:


  "I have to admit," I said when he finished a lengthy discussion on the types of drivers, "I've been golfing and it's about the most boring thing I've ever done. Old men drive around in golf carts pretending they're sporty and getting grouchy if there's any noise. It's like the nursing-home Olympics."
  Nick's mouth dropped open. "It takes great athletic ability to know how to aim and drive the ball that far."
  "I get more exercise shopping at the mall," I joked. "I don't come home and tell everyone I won at shopping." Although those red shoes I got on sale the other day felt like a win.   ~eARC, 8%



  "I like you, too," I said, my voice coming out breathy. "But I always choose the wrong guys. Always. Trust me, I've studied all my relationships in and out, and no matter how much I learn, I still choose wrong."
  Jake put his hand on my hip, like he'd done so many times before, and slid his thumb between my shirt and pants, brushing the skin underneath. "I guess it's a good thing I chose you, then."  
 ~eARC, 50%



Purchase Cinderella Screwed Me Over




About the author:
Cindi MadsenCindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, and Demons of the Sun and adult romances Falling for Her FiancĂ©, Act Like You Love Me, and Cinderella Screwed Me Over.




 
 

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24 comments:

  1. Can't wait for this to be released :)

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  2. Ugh, why didn't I requested this when I had chance!!!!:( I didn't think it would be that good.
    Darby and Jake sound like great characters and I like that author is dealing with what fairy tales taught us.
    Awesome review, Andrea.

    Glass @ Way Too Hot Books

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  3. Hahaha, comparing the man to Disney characters. LOL. That's a great concept ;) Patience really is a virtue and I'm glad that Jake knows how to wait for a person to open up. I'm realy intrigued by this one. I've yet to read a book by Cindi and I'm so happy you love them since that's a big bonus in my eyes when you, the ultimate romance lover, give thumbs up:)

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  4. I've read only one book by Cindi, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Her humour is great! I think I'll love the banter between the two characters here. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  5. I love the title of the book, too
    And it looks like a cute, and romantic read
    GREAT review, hun!
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  6. this made me giggle from the first time i laid my eyes on the title of the book :D gosh it sounds fun! Would probably love a read like this one, looking forward to it.

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  7. Yay! I've been looking forward to your review of this one, Andrea. I'm so glad you loved it! Your comment about Madsen focusing on Darby's 'personal journey' and not just catching the guy, is a real win, in my opinion. Although I was intrigued with the title and cover for this, I'm glad to know it has substance...and is still fun! Fabulous review!

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  8. I'm half done with this and I am loving it so far. It's so fun!!!

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  9. I'm looking forward to picking this up, even more so now with your 5 star review, Andrea! :)

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  10. This was such a fun read with a great story! You picked a couple of my favorite quotes, too. Great review, Andrea!

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  11. Just skimmed your review because I still need to write mine but I loved this one. It was so much fun but also had a good message.

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  12. this sounds adorable! I'm glad the author developed the MC and didn't just make it about getting a guy. Always a plus for me. And I LOVE this title.

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  13. Awesome Review Andrea! This sounds like a great book. I enjoy stories where the main person goes on a personal journey. Aww, that second quote is so sweet. I love how he says that he chose her :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  14. I'm so excited to read this one especially now that you loved it. That means I will too!

    I get to see Cindi Monday night at a book signing!!! Very excited.

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  15. I've been waiting for you to review this!

    Case files?! Damn this chick is my kind of gal. I dig her OC-ness and cross checking et al. I love the sound of this, this is right up my alley. And yes, the title is quite catchy.

    Lovely review, lady!

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  16. I simply adore Cindi Madsen. She's got a wonderful way with words. I'm due to read this one next week :)

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  17. That title really does grab your attention and the cover is so cute. I really like the sound of this one. Great review Andrea.

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  18. This sounds so adorable! I saw the title and thought like it sounded like a lot of fun! It seems that's exactly what this was for you.
    I love that the story doesn't focus on the romance, but on the growth of the main character as an individual.
    Lovely review, Andrea! I'll be adding this to my TBR!

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  19. This book sounds like me to the tenth power! Not only can I relate to her past but her current situation. I'm going to buy this. Great review!

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  20. OMG, she compares her old boyfriends to Disney princes??? I am an obsessed Disney freak and I’ve always had a huge crush on Eric from The Little Mermaid and Flynn Rider from Tangled (I don’t care if they’re cartoons). I’ve had my eye on this one since I first saw the cover. Now this makes me really want it. Awesome review!

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  21. I have been on the fence about this book, but I do agree, I love the title. And the cover is cute. Although it sounds cute, not much as been holding my attention lately, so Idk how I'd enjoy this book. I think I might have to add it to the list though after hearing your thoughts on it, hehe. Great review!

    Vi
    AKA Vi3tBabe
    Deity Island

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  22. I skimmed your review, but I know you loved it because you read it while I was there. I'm reading this one later this week. Looking forward to it. I love Cindi's books too.

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  23. Oh that last quote! I loved it! I haven't read a book by Cindi yet, but the fact that this has Disney characters involved- I am so game to read it! Eeeeep! Great review Andrea! I love fun romances like this sounds!

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  24. Wonderful review. I loved this one so much also. It was so much fun.

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