The Perils of Pursuing a Prince

Author: Julia London
Published: May 2007 (Pocket Books)
Category: Regency Romance
Series: Desperate Debutantes #2
Rating: 8/10

This entry into the Desperate Debutantes Trilogy was such candy. It almost went to "so bad it's good" level, with its angsty drama, brooding hero, and surprisingly clueless, yet wanton heroine. I couldn't put it down though, due to some strange drug that must be printed into the pages.

I thought Greer was supposed to be the smart one amongst the three sisters, but she was annoyingly gullible to Mr. Percy's banbury tale and behaved rather shamelessly, kissing both men (not at the same time!). Rhodrick and the setting sort of reminded me of Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. He's a dark man, not particularly handsome, and has a secret from his past. Fear not, it's not an insane wife stashed in the attic!

Lady Greer Fairchild’s only hope of avoiding marriage to the first bidder is journeying into the untamed Welsh countryside in search of an inheritance she’s not sure even exists—one reportedly controlled by Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor, also known as the Prince of Powys. Rumor has it that the prince is rough, ruthless—even a murderer. But Greer never imagined that the brute would refuse to let her leave his remote castle until she has proven her identity. Or that she would find herself powerfully attracted to this passionately virile man whose gruff demeanor belies a proud and sensual nature. The further Greer falls under his spell, the more determined she becomes to unravel the secrets of her Welsh heritage and the mystery surrounding the dark prince who dares her to become his wife and princess.

There's something that hints of Phantom of the Opera in Rhodrick's desire for Greer. The first time he speaks to Greer, she drops her handkerchief, he finds it after she leaves, and carries it with him after that. Call it sweet or stalker-ish, but I thought it was so romantic. He finds her beautiful, but there's that whole "I'm a hulking ugly man" thing at the same time. He also has this belief that he can't be happy with another woman after the death of his wife. In a rare occurrence in historical romances, the hero was in love with his first wife.

I love the endings of these Desperate Debutante books, despite the horrible name for the trilogy. They're so dramatically romantic in a magical movie moment kind of way, and I kept wishing that the HEA part (after the couple has acknowledged the fact that they're meant to be together) would keep going. We do get to see the lovely reunion of the three sisters and the humorous introduction of Rhodrick to his new family though.

I can't wait to get my copy of Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount, the final book in the trilogy!