Penelope and Prince Charming

Author: Jennifer Ashley
Published: April 2006 (Leisure)
Category: Historical Romance
Series: Nvengaria Trilogy #1
Rating: 7/10

I read The Mad, Bad Duke, the sequel to this book a while ago and really enjoyed reading about the Nvengarians and their magical culture, so I wanted to catch up with the series by going back.

His blue eyes beguiled. His muscular form could have satisfied any fantasy. He had a delicious foreign accent - and to top it off, he was royalty! What woman would dare refuse the most sought-after lover in Europe? Miss Twice-a-Jilt Penelope Trask, that's who. And, unfortunately for Damien, marrying Penelope was the only way to inherit his kingdom. Good thing this enchantingly infuriating woman didn't seem completely immune to his many charms. The passionate way she returned his kisses told Damien he wasn't the only one head over heels. But wooing was difficult amid assassination attempts, wild magic, and desire so strong it threatened to overwhelm him every time they touched. Why had no one mentioned the road to happily-ever-after was so difficult?

I didn't really like Damien as a romantic hero. It really felt like it was more about lust and the prophecy driving him than real love. And I didn't like his bossiness, and that's a lot of bossy, coming from someone who likes alpha male characters.

In terms of the trilogy, Penelope and Prince Charming did a nice a job setting up the world and political intrigue. We also see the growing relationship of Michael Tavistock and Simone Trask, single parents of Megan and Penelope, respectively. It's a very minor side story, but still very sweet, and it had rough patches, despite little spotlight.

I find that Jennifer Ashley's romances aren't fluffy and usually have some grittiness to them. Before Penelope and Damien get their happy ending, they race to Nvengaria, hoping to reach it by Midsummer's Day, and there's nothing easy about their journey. Limited fluffiness aside, there is a LOT of steam to this book. I still prefer The Mad, Bad Duke though.