I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read the next book in the series! New author to me and I will keep them on my TBR list.

This book was engrossing but also left a bad taste in my mouth. I had to keep reading to see what would happen, but I certainly didn't feel happy at the end. I want my romances to leave me feeling happy and joyful for the couple! "If I Were Beautiful" left me thinking about how Jane had to give up everything and change everything about herself to find love when she was honestly probably just fine to begin with and thought badly about herself because she was programmed to think that way. Not to mention the fact that she had to go through a hideously painful "transformation" to get between "beautiful" and "not beautiful" and looking "beautiful" made her look exactly like her sister (ick). 2/5 stars.

I really, really wanted to like this but I gave up about 30% of the way through. This was a take on the Ugly Duckling theme with a magical ring to complete the transformation. Jane (Plain Jane) was too whiny and too insecure for me. The premise that one had to completely transform to get any attention is anathema to my view that everyone has worth as they are. Just a real hard sell with very cliched characters. Sorry.

I love the concept of a twist on Cinderella. This one was done right!

This was a lovely Cinderellia-ish story. Of course, stories with this theme have been told since the dawn of time, so the challenge is finding a fresh and intriguing way to tell it. While this tale slips occasionally into trite territory, the main characters, Jane and Wesley, are so delightful you are compelled to find out how things work out for them. There are some unexpected but needed twists to the story, and while it is not exactly full of suspense, the plot has a pace that keeps the pages turning.

I was initially put off by, but later charmed by, the little bit of magic that is the underpinning for the story. There were also some implausible points. But the few things that I found annoying were overshadowed by this truly "feel good" tale that reminds us about the importance of inner beauty. Maybe trite, but also refreshing in such jaded times!

I'm sorry but this story just isn't for me. I won't rate it or leave a review on the sites so that I don't bring down the ratings of this book for the author. Thank you for the opportunity to read/review..

In a family of beautiful swans, Jane is the ugly duckling. Things would be easier if her stunning sister, Chelsea, wasn’t so sweet, but people only want to get close to Jane so they can get Chelsea. The beginning of the story is tinged with a sense of hopelessness because Jane believes that overweight, short sighted women don’t have a chance with good-looking men. This is where a lad/girl/woman needs a wake up call and know her self worth is not her appearance.

I'm not sure what it was about this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I found the main character to be a boring, whiny jerk and the premise just didn't catch my attention.

DNF at 30%.

What a little treasure this turned out to be. Put on your big girl, "I believe in fairy tales" panties, grab a big glass of wine, and dive in. It is hysterically funny, naughty, sweet, charming, swoony, and every little girl's (and big girl's for that matter) fantasy. I absolutely loved Jane/Chelsea #2. She was snarky, vibrant, witty, tough, and oddly confident for having little self-confidence in her looks. Whether she was Jane or Chelsea #2, who she was didn't change. And let's be honest, what one of us who wasn't blessed by the Supermodel Good Looks/Killer Body Fairy, hasn't wondered what it would be like to be that woman who walked in the room and turned heads and that men fell over...and wished for it for even just one day. Ahhhh, but be careful what you wish for. Apparently, it isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

I was utterly charmed by this story.

3.5/5


This was my first Devan Hartford’s book, and I enjoyed it.

It’s an adult Cinderella fairytale, I really loved the humor and all the characters.
I was TeamWes from the start, but I have to admit that Brodie took a piece of my heart too, so I don’t need to tell you I want a story for him too.

Since this is an honest review, I’ll point out what I didn’t like in the story (in a very cryptically way to avoid spoilers but those who read the book will understand me):

The “DECISION” Jane made in the end. I think it wasn’t one…. the REAL should have won, not a fifty/fifty deal, regarding of the “mood” she could have each day.

I would have love an “EPILOGUE”, but the end was pretty similar to the typical ones in fairytales, and I have to admit that all the last pages with Wes and Jane heart to heart conversation was worth the angst and Jane’s “decision”.

The LENGHT of the book was a little too short for my taste, I think the story could have been a little longer, to give room for more passion, more moments with Jane and Wes, more time to really “end” their story. I was left wanting more of them, the end felt a little rushed.

But I guess we’ll get hints of their love story on the second book, hopefully with Brodie’s story

These are the resons I didn’t gave the book 4 stars.

I discovered a new author, and I really enjoyed his writing. Masculine authors in Romance are very refreshing, and so sexy
I’m definitely looking for more books, and for Brodie’s’ story of course!

As a huge fan of Hartford's, this book did not disappoint. I found it a beautiful story and kept me on my toes wanting to know more!

My first book by Hartford and it won't be the last! Cant wait ti red the next.

The book itself was pretty good. The Nethally copy however was obnoxious with the disclosure all over the place in the text! RIDICULOUS!

This book was a truly fun read, a revised Cinderella if you will. There were moments that kinda ran a little long but an altogether good book. This was my first Devon Hartford book and I will be looking up what else he currently has out

DNF at 26%.

I can't tell if this is supposed to be funny, or ironic, or serious but it isn't working for me.

Jane Johnson is the original Plain Jane. The Ugly Duckling compared with her beautiful sister and mother she is short, short-sighted, over-weight and totally overlooked. She works at the 95c Store and her asshole of a neighbour totally ignores her when she goes round to complain.

She storms off in a huff and gets into a huge mansion where she wanders through the rooms and meets a rude guy who lets her keep a tarnished ring. When Jane wakes up she has magically transformed into a tall, thin beautiful woman with perfect eyesight.

I didn't like Jane, I didn't like the writing, I just didn't like it.

Jane always felt like she was in her sister's shadow looks wise and then comes along a magical ring...who will she choose? A good read and I am so glad that Jane realised it is what is inside that counts. I loved Wes - such a charmer. Brodie - such a manwhore but I think we saw glimpses of more. Jane's sister was a great character and so supportive - it would be nice to see her get her HEA.

The theme and the whole idea of the book was truly different and really good!

Loved it can't wait to read more from the author ,will written

The beginning of this book took me by surprise. I couldn't figure out which direction Jane was going in. There were so many moving targets, the men at the speed date, the neighbor, the name she met getting a drink of water, the relationship with her sister, her own low self esteem. I really thought that things were going up for her only to have it slapped our face by the exact scenario that she said would happen.

But when plain Jane becomes something more I was shocked. It is something that every person probably wishes for at some point in their life and Jane got it handed to her via a golden band. The journey that she takes as the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan you learn that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I found the story to be enchanting, an adult fairy-tale but with an actual lesson inside. It was well written and the plot was well developed. The build of the story the angst, and then the fix came at a non rushed pace. The characters are unique and easy to bond with. I was torn between the men for different reasons but found that her choice in the end was the best one. I wished there was a little more to the story near the end.

The title and the synopsis of this book intrigued me so I dove in with a completely open mind. Having not read a Devon Hartford book before I had no idea what to expect. While it took me a while to get into the story and the characters, by the end of the book I was totally invested. The story follows 'plain' Jane Johnson as she lives her life in the shadow of her gorgeous sister Chelsea. I wasn't very keen on Jane's character, she was bitter and twisted with a chip on her shoulder, then as if by magic (well yes, it actually was magic), her dream comes true and she becomes super model beautiful and she discovers that having her heart's desire is not all moonlight and roses. An enjoyable read with some interesting, fun supporting characters
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.