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Prince Charming
Only her beloved grandmother, Lady Esther, knew how devastated Taylor Stapleton had been when her fiancé eloped with Taylor's cousin. Now dear Esther -- one of London's richest and most formidable matriarchs -- lies dying. But first she was going to help Taylor pull off the scam of the season.
To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor would wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher. Lady Esther's money would enable Ross to return home to Montana. Taylor had her own urgent reason to go to America...a precious legacy she hadn't revealed to Ross, for they had agreed to part ways once they reached Boston. But as her handsome new husband spoke of life in Montana, Taylor began planning a new future. To Taylor, the wide-open spaces of Montana sounded like paradise....
To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor would wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher. Lady Esther's money would enable Ross to return home to Montana. Taylor had her own urgent reason to go to America...a precious legacy she hadn't revealed to Ross, for they had agreed to part ways once they reached Boston. But as her handsome new husband spoke of life in Montana, Taylor began planning a new future. To Taylor, the wide-open spaces of Montana sounded like paradise....
533 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1994
955 people are currently reading
4689 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 627 reviews
December 6, 2020
3.75 - 4 Stars
I've read and re-read this numerous times in the past...but, it's been a while this time. Probably close to ten years. And sadly, it didn't hold up to my initial rating (which was based solely on my remembrance and probably some heavy nostalgia). So, I'm downgrading it to 4 stars...which says a lot being that this is a classic JG.
Still, I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I remember.
I've read and re-read this numerous times in the past...but, it's been a while this time. Probably close to ten years. And sadly, it didn't hold up to my initial rating (which was based solely on my remembrance and probably some heavy nostalgia). So, I'm downgrading it to 4 stars...which says a lot being that this is a classic JG.
Still, I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I remember.
July 16, 2025
*3.25* I enjoy most of Garwood’s stories, so this was a bit of a disappointment. Set in 1868, the story follows Taylor Stapleton, an Englishwoman who escapes her scheming family by entering into a marriage of convenience with Lucas Ross, a rugged American frontiersman.
While there are charming moments and some sweet chemistry between Taylor and Lucas, the pacing felt uneven.
Tropes/themes:
Marriage of convenience
American frontiersman H
British h
Heiress in distress
Found family
Slow burn
HEA
TW: There are some brief discussions of previous child abuse, but not described in detail.
While there are charming moments and some sweet chemistry between Taylor and Lucas, the pacing felt uneven.
Tropes/themes:
Marriage of convenience
American frontiersman H
British h
Heiress in distress
Found family
Slow burn
HEA
TW: There are some brief discussions of previous child abuse, but not described in detail.
December 30, 2014
3 1/2 to 4 Stars
Not my favorite Julie Garwood book–it was a bit more chick-lit than I prefer, as the heroine's relationship with the hero seemed to take a back seat to her relationships with the secondary characters. That said, I still enjoy this book, and in typical Garwood fashion, the ending left me feeling blissful, tenderhearted, and grinning.
Note: I listened to the audio version of this story and the narration was fabulous.
Not my favorite Julie Garwood book–it was a bit more chick-lit than I prefer, as the heroine's relationship with the hero seemed to take a back seat to her relationships with the secondary characters. That said, I still enjoy this book, and in typical Garwood fashion, the ending left me feeling blissful, tenderhearted, and grinning.
Note: I listened to the audio version of this story and the narration was fabulous.
April 1, 2019
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: Yeesh ~ I finished it! *Pats myself on the back* I found this at my public library and have had some good luck with this author in the past, so I picked it up and thought it'd give it a try. Sadly, this was a tough book to get through at times. The pacing felt off and it seemed to lag too much in some parts. I also didn't like that we get so much of the book with them traveling and other things but don't get hardly enough time with them creating a life together and settling! I very well could be being a little too picky here, but I think it just felt too unbalanced to me. I also felt like we didn't get enough of the backstory that was hinted about the H. I liked him, and I also liked the h -- so there is that! Overall, just an okay read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Taylor and Lucas' story. Taylor's beloved grandmother is about to die and she has come up with a plan for her to marry Lucas and go to America to protect her from her evil uncle. Lucas was in a sticky situation with his half brother and was in need of some money, so he accepted the proposal but didn't quite realize what all he signed up for. Taylor's sister and her husband both died in America, leaving their two year old twin daughters without parents and this is the driving force for Taylor to get to America and to take over their care. There's a new friendship she develops with a unmarried pregnant woman that adds some more struggles for her, but she is determined to find a home and create a happy life for everyone involved. There is some family drama, some sweet and sexy times, and a few funny moments...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Taylor and Lucas in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It is looooong. It felt long at times too. I think the pacing was kind of odd and that there were some scenarios that I felt needed more time devoted and there were some that had too much time devoted.
Instalove: No, but things move quickly due to circumstances.
H rating: 4 stars. Lucas. I liked him. I just wish we got a little more depth in his character. I feel like there was potential for it, but his past was just hinted at instead of fully explained.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Taylor. I really liked her. I appreciated how she was accepting of people free of judgement even when they normally wouldn't. I also appreciated how she cared for the H and wanted to be strong.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really, there is just a lot of other stuff going on.
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No, they are only physically separated a few times.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure, but I wanted much more about them establishing their lives in Montana. I would've really liked a farther glimpse into their future with maybe them . It definitely didn't feel like enough closure after how long the book was! I would still classify it as HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Yeesh ~ I finished it! *Pats myself on the back* I found this at my public library and have had some good luck with this author in the past, so I picked it up and thought it'd give it a try. Sadly, this was a tough book to get through at times. The pacing felt off and it seemed to lag too much in some parts. I also didn't like that we get so much of the book with them traveling and other things but don't get hardly enough time with them creating a life together and settling! I very well could be being a little too picky here, but I think it just felt too unbalanced to me. I also felt like we didn't get enough of the backstory that was hinted about the H. I liked him, and I also liked the h -- so there is that! Overall, just an okay read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Taylor and Lucas' story. Taylor's beloved grandmother is about to die and she has come up with a plan for her to marry Lucas and go to America to protect her from her evil uncle. Lucas was in a sticky situation with his half brother and was in need of some money, so he accepted the proposal but didn't quite realize what all he signed up for. Taylor's sister and her husband both died in America, leaving their two year old twin daughters without parents and this is the driving force for Taylor to get to America and to take over their care. There's a new friendship she develops with a unmarried pregnant woman that adds some more struggles for her, but she is determined to find a home and create a happy life for everyone involved. There is some family drama, some sweet and sexy times, and a few funny moments...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Taylor and Lucas in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best. It is looooong. It felt long at times too. I think the pacing was kind of odd and that there were some scenarios that I felt needed more time devoted and there were some that had too much time devoted.
Instalove: No, but things move quickly due to circumstances.
H rating: 4 stars. Lucas. I liked him. I just wish we got a little more depth in his character. I feel like there was potential for it, but his past was just hinted at instead of fully explained.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Taylor. I really liked her. I appreciated how she was accepting of people free of judgement even when they normally wouldn't. I also appreciated how she cared for the H and wanted to be strong.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really, there is just a lot of other stuff going on.
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No, they are only physically separated a few times.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure, but I wanted much more about them establishing their lives in Montana. I would've really liked a farther glimpse into their future with maybe them . It definitely didn't feel like enough closure after how long the book was! I would still classify it as HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 2, 2012
From the cover:
Only her beloved grandmother, Lady Esther, knew how devastated Taylor Stapleton had been when her fiancé eloped with Taylor's cousin. Now dear Esther -- one of London's richest and most formidable matriarchs -- lies dying. But first she was going to help Taylor pull off the scam of the season.My review:
To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor would wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher. Lady Esther's money would enable Ross to return home to Montana. Taylor had her own urgent reason to go to America...a precious legacy she hadn't revealed to Ross, for they had agreed to part ways once they reached Boston. But as her handsome new husband spoke of life in Montana, Taylor began planning a new future. To Taylor, the wide-open spaces of Montana sounded like paradise....
I want to begin by saying that if the last 1/2 of this book hadn't been so very good, I would have given it a 3 star. If the first 1/2 had been as good as the second 1/2, it would have gotten a 5 star. Now that I have you thoroughly confused...
I felt the majority of the first 1/2 was very slow. I can't really say it needed to be so slow for plot development or because the storyline demanded it, either. Both Taylor and Lucas had enough personality and background to make this an interesting read, but neither wanted to talk about their pasts so there was a lot of bones to their story, but not enough meat. There could have been more excitement, more dialogue, more... something. However...
Without giving away too much, by the time they had finally accomplished the biggest part of Taylor's plan for "the greater good," the story had really picked up.
The secondary characters were enjoyable, loveable people and I was cheering for them every bit as much as I was for Taylor and Lucas. The children were adorable, and their sweet innocence had me smiling throughout their presence on the pages.
March 9, 2021
Una historia muy linda, que no se centra solo en la relación de la pareja principal, sino que aborda varios otros aspectos de la vida de cada uno de ellos. Es un libro bastante largo para lo habitual en este género y, por lo mismo, la primera parte se hace algo lenta y se siente que no se avanza; solo pasada la mitad la narración toma cuerpo y la lectura realmente atrapa.
La trama es bastante atractiva y le suma el que esté ambientada en varios lugares, desde Inglaterra hasta las principales ciudades de la Norteamérica después de la guerra de Secesión, para finalizar en las zonas fronterizas. También me resultó muy creíble la caracterización de los personajes, sobre todo la de Lucas, pero sentí que, como pareja, les faltó un poco más de chispa.
Reto Rita 5.0 (marzo)
Reto #27 PopSugar 2021: Un libro sobre renovación o nuevos comienzos
La trama es bastante atractiva y le suma el que esté ambientada en varios lugares, desde Inglaterra hasta las principales ciudades de la Norteamérica después de la guerra de Secesión, para finalizar en las zonas fronterizas. También me resultó muy creíble la caracterización de los personajes, sobre todo la de Lucas, pero sentí que, como pareja, les faltó un poco más de chispa.
Reto Rita 5.0 (marzo)
Reto #27 PopSugar 2021: Un libro sobre renovación o nuevos comienzos
January 5, 2015
Yes, I know the fashion isn’t right for 1868, but these twins are just too adorable to not post!
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) What can I say about the wonderful, versatile Rosalyn Landor that I have not said before? Here she surprised me with her Kentucky accent of Lucas Ross, the hero. Granted, I’ve met people from this wonderful Southern “blue grass” state and they speak a lot slower than she delivered Lucas’ lines. LOL! Which is probably a good thing, as it would have taken me forever to get to the end. Nevertheless, she gives us a very good delivery of him, astounding me yet again. Of course, the rest of her reading is perfection. I've read this one before, but she kicks it up a notch.
I’m so happy they are re-releasing JG’s books on audio! While this one isn’t my favorite, it gets better as the story moves along. It seems a little disjointed at first, as it searches for a comfortable setting in which to get cozy - the old world or the new. I was able to get distracted by other pretty bookcovers.
Still, some parts are excellent... the scenes aboard ship, the cute twins, and Lucas’ possessiveness -- once he commits to Taylor. Some think the book’s title is a little misleading, as Lucas is NOT a knight and Taylor is so obviously a lady; he’s a ... well, I’ll let you discover that. Alas, you must remember, Lucas is Taylor’s idea of Prince Charming. He’s mine, too!
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) What can I say about the wonderful, versatile Rosalyn Landor that I have not said before? Here she surprised me with her Kentucky accent of Lucas Ross, the hero. Granted, I’ve met people from this wonderful Southern “blue grass” state and they speak a lot slower than she delivered Lucas’ lines. LOL! Which is probably a good thing, as it would have taken me forever to get to the end. Nevertheless, she gives us a very good delivery of him, astounding me yet again. Of course, the rest of her reading is perfection. I've read this one before, but she kicks it up a notch.
I’m so happy they are re-releasing JG’s books on audio! While this one isn’t my favorite, it gets better as the story moves along. It seems a little disjointed at first, as it searches for a comfortable setting in which to get cozy - the old world or the new. I was able to get distracted by other pretty bookcovers.
Still, some parts are excellent... the scenes aboard ship, the cute twins, and Lucas’ possessiveness -- once he commits to Taylor. Some think the book’s title is a little misleading, as Lucas is NOT a knight and Taylor is so obviously a lady; he’s a ... well, I’ll let you discover that. Alas, you must remember, Lucas is Taylor’s idea of Prince Charming. He’s mine, too!
August 17, 2020
Julie Garwood always writes the BEST female friendships in her romances!! I loved Taylor and her friendship with Victoria. I enjoyed this marriage of convenience romance a lot. The heroine is headstrong and endearing, the hero is gruff and protective. This was my first time reading one of her historicals that wasn’t medieval/highlander but it was still great!
April 8, 2025
Current 2025 rating: 3-stars, DNF at 40%.
Original 2005 rating: 5-stars and a keeper.
I loved this story when I first read it years ago. But this time around, it was a bit too slow in parts and I struggled to stay engaged. Add on the lack of communication/not being forthcoming with each other on their plans, I decided to push pause.
Lucas was an anti-social American frontiersman from Montana that’s visiting England to rescue his youngest half-brother from the clutches of their evil older half-brother. Enter the plan of a marriage of convenience, all arranged by the dying grandmother of the heroine, Taylor. Lucas would receive the funds to rescue/ransom his younger brother, and then he would need to marry Taylor and take her back to America immediately (to help her escape her evil uncle’s future plans for her). The arrangement was to deposit her in Boston so she could take custody of her toddler twin orphaned nieces living there, and he would carry on his way to Montana. But plans change…
The story starts out interesting enough and I was instantly engaged. But once aboard the ship heading to Boston, things seemed to slow down. Taylor was initially charming and refreshing but she soon became a bit flighty. First I was annoyed at the daily avoidance of sharing her plans and information with her new friend, Victoria. Each day she would say she’s tired, let’s talk about this tomorrow. Why? It’s was silly. And then she was also stingy with sharing her change of plans with Lucas… actually by 40% I didn’t feel like they had many worthy scenes together either. And I lost interest quickly 🫣
Original 2005 rating: 5-stars and a keeper.
I loved this story when I first read it years ago. But this time around, it was a bit too slow in parts and I struggled to stay engaged. Add on the lack of communication/not being forthcoming with each other on their plans, I decided to push pause.
Lucas was an anti-social American frontiersman from Montana that’s visiting England to rescue his youngest half-brother from the clutches of their evil older half-brother. Enter the plan of a marriage of convenience, all arranged by the dying grandmother of the heroine, Taylor. Lucas would receive the funds to rescue/ransom his younger brother, and then he would need to marry Taylor and take her back to America immediately (to help her escape her evil uncle’s future plans for her). The arrangement was to deposit her in Boston so she could take custody of her toddler twin orphaned nieces living there, and he would carry on his way to Montana. But plans change…
The story starts out interesting enough and I was instantly engaged. But once aboard the ship heading to Boston, things seemed to slow down. Taylor was initially charming and refreshing but she soon became a bit flighty. First I was annoyed at the daily avoidance of sharing her plans and information with her new friend, Victoria. Each day she would say she’s tired, let’s talk about this tomorrow. Why? It’s was silly. And then she was also stingy with sharing her change of plans with Lucas… actually by 40% I didn’t feel like they had many worthy scenes together either. And I lost interest quickly 🫣
November 24, 2020
4 - 4 1/2 stars
It has been awhile since I have read this one, but I enjoyed it! Very in line with Julie Garwood's classic HR style which I tend to like. Set mostly in America, but starts in England and is set in the Regency period. Alpha male/Protector, sweet but not helpless h, solid chemistry, story line, and steamy goodness (bit of a slow burn if I am remembering correctly)!
It has been awhile since I have read this one, but I enjoyed it! Very in line with Julie Garwood's classic HR style which I tend to like. Set mostly in America, but starts in England and is set in the Regency period. Alpha male/Protector, sweet but not helpless h, solid chemistry, story line, and steamy goodness (bit of a slow burn if I am remembering correctly)!
December 20, 2024
Reread: 12/18/24
Reread: 2020
Reread: 2014
Reread: 2013
Read: 2012
This is definitely an underrated JG classic!
Reread: 2020
Reread: 2014
Reread: 2013
Read: 2012
This is definitely an underrated JG classic!
January 31, 2019
Taylor Stapleton es una joven que ha sido traicionada, su prometido la ha abandonado para casarse con su prima, pero su abuela sabe lo que es mejor para ella y antes de morir se asegurará de darle un buen futuro a Taylor. Lucas Ross viaja hasta Inglaterra para llevarse a su hermano menor allí se le presenta la oportunidad de obtener un beneficio económico y venganza.
Creo que Julie Garwood en “El príncipe encantado” es como esas personas que no saben hacer un resumen y que quieren abarcar tanto que le quedan cosas en el aire, creo que así podría resumir esta novela y con esto no estoy diciendo que sea mala, es buena, pero le falta concretar y centrarse en lo que es importante, en lo que debe hacer hincapié porque si no el lector se queda con cara de acelga y se pregunta muchas cosas.
El principio de la novela es algo confuso porque la autora nos comienza hablando de tal número de personajes que nos perdemos más que un pulpo en un garaje, pero después nos dejará ojipláticos con lo que ocurrirá al principio y nos dejará con cara de gusto total. Me gustó mucho esa escena.
Sin duda en la novela pasan multitud de sucesos unos mejor resueltos que otros y es esto lo que me hace darle menos puntos porque, la autora nos trae algunas historias que comienza y luego deja en el suspense, escenas que los personajes comentan “por el aire” y que no te llegan es difícil explicar. Esto es lo malo por así decirlo o lo que no me agrada, tanta información sino vas a hacer nada provechoso mejor no ponerla.
En cuanto a los personajes Lucas y Taylor forman una pareja bastante cómica, pero dulce, ella es algo inocente y alocada, él demasiado duro pero no puede con Taylor, lo desarma en un momento. Tendremos muchas más historias paralelas algunas mejor resueltas que otras. Personajes hay un porrón y hay que hacer nota mental, algunos me gustaron mucho como el niño, y me molestó como trata a los personajes de Victoria y Hunter.
En resumen, la novela es entretenida, tiene unos personajes principales que tienen buena conexión, una pareja entretenida pero… la autora deja algunas cosas a la imaginación, empieza historias y no las concreta como es debido. Yo lo resumiría en el dicho: “el que mucho abarca poco aprieta”.
November 26, 2020
3.5 COSY STARS
A regency romance that is set in England and America. Pacing could have been a little better.
Overall, not my favourite by the author but still a nice read I can see myself re-reading at some point.
Potential Triggers:
A regency romance that is set in England and America. Pacing could have been a little better.
Overall, not my favourite by the author but still a nice read I can see myself re-reading at some point.
Potential Triggers:
November 21, 2011
This book was equal parts annoying, frustrating and exhausting. The theme was repetition, the plot was boring, and the execution was poor. The paragraphs mostly consisted of short sentences that sounded like a five year old was describing things, and it was tiring to read through.
What was up with the repetition? I swear every time she referred to her grandmother she called her Madam. You don’t call a Lady by the title of Madam. In front of other people you would have called her Lady so and so, but really, I think you can call her Grandmother every once in a while. And every time Lucas talked about William, his half-brother, it was to say “the son-of-a-bitch-heir. “The-son-a-bitch-heir William.” Let’s come up with another way of addressing the guy instead of using that one a million times, shall we?
And I’m not quite certain why we needed the dashes in there. That was another thing; things were described with dashes in them. It would go something like this: “he would give her the look-like-he-wanted-to-kill-her expression.” “He gave her the smile-that-said-he-wanted-to-kiss-her.” “When he looked at her it gave her the oh-my-I’m-feeling-quite-faint-feeling.” If that doesn’t lend a robotic sound when read I don’t know what does.
The babies. My babies. She just had to get her babies. The babies. Where were the babies? How were the babies? Who had the babies?
Find another way to say that cuz I swear if I hear the word “babies” one more time I’m gonna hit something. How about “the kids, the children, the girls, my nieces.” There are alternatives out there at hand if you find yourself repeating a word all the time. Hence the invention of synonyms.
And as for the twin girls, they were nothing short of a miracle. Or maybe I should say prodigies. They were jumping up and down, climbing on and off beds, crawling all over the men and basically bouncing off the walls. . .kind of like an older kid would do. . . oh wait, I forgot. THEY’RE JUST BABIES! They were recounting tales that maybe a four year old would handle, but not two year old BABIES! They were explaining in detail what had happened over the weekend and talking nonstop all about their day, which I think any normal 2 year old couldn’t do.
I doubt a two year old baby could say, “Mama shot a damned snake.” As the story went on the sentences got longer and more ridiculously, unrealistically outlandish. We ended that craziness by one of the twins asking, “What the hell’s for supper, Mama?”
She could have upped the twins’ ages to make it to where it to where it would have been more plausible, but then she wouldn’t have been able to say “THE BABIES” and where would we be then?
It’s funny how she seemed to think twins ran in her family because her sister had twins. That has nothing to do with Taylor. For something to “run in your family” it would have had to come before you, but Taylor gave off the impression she had a chance of having twins herself. The twins could have ran in her sister’s husband’s family, therefore having no effect whatsoever on Taylor.
Then we got “the boy” switching back and forth between the name David and Daniel until he settled on one or the other, because she’s so fond of the mountain men David Crocket and Daniel Boone (which got highly annoying when she kept insisting the stories and all the accounts of the west were true, from cats being afraid to swim to American women assigning different chores to every day of the week. When she insists to Lucas that it must be true because it’s written down, I’m not finding that charming, which I’m guessing her naiveté was supposed to be, I’m just disgusted and having a zero tolerance policy for any more of her stupidity , but then he meets old mountain man Callaghan and settled on his “father’s name.” How sweet.
EXCEPT Lucas isn’t his real father. I know that they took on the role of parents when they took them of out of that house, but you’re not his dad. It was just as annoying when Taylor kept telling everyone they were hers. Fyi, THEY’RE NOT YOUR BABIES! They’re your nieces, so you might wanna reconsider the term “my babies” Finally, somebody calls them something other than babies, but Lucas quickly corrects it when he realizes they’re too tiny to be called children. And what does he correct it with? You got it folks. BABIES! It’s funny how they’re not even 3 years old yet, and they’re too young to be called ANYTHING other than babies, when they form complete sentences such as, “Are you my mama?” “Yes,” Taylor answers. Because Taylor is under the delusional belief that just because their mom is dead and she’ll be taking care of them she can claim the title of their mother. “Are you Allie’s mama, too?” “Yes.” There she goes again with that lie. And wow, what miraculous statements for a two year old BABY to utter.
And to top it all off we’ve got this random person she meets on the boat and befriends. But she happens to be pregnant by a mystery man and she bursts into tears at just about every meeting she has with someone else. Victoria burst into tears. Victoria burst into tears. Victoria burst into tears. There goes that repetition again.
I’ll give her props though, the whole Victoria quoting William all the time and Hunter thinking she remembered everything her dandy of a husband said, when it was really Shakespeare’s words, was cute. And the story that Lucas told about the Indian steeling his knife and it turning out to be Hunter was sweet.
Her character must have had the gift of foresight, because she kept using phrases that didn’t enter the world until decades later. For example:
“Hooligans.” “Slow as molasses.” “Grilling him with questions.” “I don’t give a hoot.” “Spill it.” “sassy.” “Sexy” “hitched” (as in getting married), and my personal favorite, “Do I have a sign on my forehead asking to be insulted?” Um, I’m gonna take a shot in the dark on this one and say people in the 1800s did not say that. I’m not even sure how that statement found its way into a historical book.
And the phrase Hell yes seemed to surface in there, which wasn’t how they talked back then. But for some reason it came out, “Hell, yes, ….” Which if you say that, it just sounds plain weird and awkward. “Hell pause yes pause, yadda yadda yadda.” Who has ever talked like that?
There were several grammar mistakes, such as all right, when it should have been alright, and a while when it was crammed together into “awhile,” which throws the whole conversation off because it doesn’t make sense.
Why, if I had a dime for every ridiculous, unrealistic and historically incorrect phrase in this book I would be a very rich person right about now.
What was up with the repetition? I swear every time she referred to her grandmother she called her Madam. You don’t call a Lady by the title of Madam. In front of other people you would have called her Lady so and so, but really, I think you can call her Grandmother every once in a while. And every time Lucas talked about William, his half-brother, it was to say “the son-of-a-bitch-heir. “The-son-a-bitch-heir William.” Let’s come up with another way of addressing the guy instead of using that one a million times, shall we?
And I’m not quite certain why we needed the dashes in there. That was another thing; things were described with dashes in them. It would go something like this: “he would give her the look-like-he-wanted-to-kill-her expression.” “He gave her the smile-that-said-he-wanted-to-kiss-her.” “When he looked at her it gave her the oh-my-I’m-feeling-quite-faint-feeling.” If that doesn’t lend a robotic sound when read I don’t know what does.
The babies. My babies. She just had to get her babies. The babies. Where were the babies? How were the babies? Who had the babies?
Find another way to say that cuz I swear if I hear the word “babies” one more time I’m gonna hit something. How about “the kids, the children, the girls, my nieces.” There are alternatives out there at hand if you find yourself repeating a word all the time. Hence the invention of synonyms.
And as for the twin girls, they were nothing short of a miracle. Or maybe I should say prodigies. They were jumping up and down, climbing on and off beds, crawling all over the men and basically bouncing off the walls. . .kind of like an older kid would do. . . oh wait, I forgot. THEY’RE JUST BABIES! They were recounting tales that maybe a four year old would handle, but not two year old BABIES! They were explaining in detail what had happened over the weekend and talking nonstop all about their day, which I think any normal 2 year old couldn’t do.
I doubt a two year old baby could say, “Mama shot a damned snake.” As the story went on the sentences got longer and more ridiculously, unrealistically outlandish. We ended that craziness by one of the twins asking, “What the hell’s for supper, Mama?”
She could have upped the twins’ ages to make it to where it to where it would have been more plausible, but then she wouldn’t have been able to say “THE BABIES” and where would we be then?
It’s funny how she seemed to think twins ran in her family because her sister had twins. That has nothing to do with Taylor. For something to “run in your family” it would have had to come before you, but Taylor gave off the impression she had a chance of having twins herself. The twins could have ran in her sister’s husband’s family, therefore having no effect whatsoever on Taylor.
Then we got “the boy” switching back and forth between the name David and Daniel until he settled on one or the other, because she’s so fond of the mountain men David Crocket and Daniel Boone (which got highly annoying when she kept insisting the stories and all the accounts of the west were true, from cats being afraid to swim to American women assigning different chores to every day of the week. When she insists to Lucas that it must be true because it’s written down, I’m not finding that charming, which I’m guessing her naiveté was supposed to be, I’m just disgusted and having a zero tolerance policy for any more of her stupidity , but then he meets old mountain man Callaghan and settled on his “father’s name.” How sweet.
EXCEPT Lucas isn’t his real father. I know that they took on the role of parents when they took them of out of that house, but you’re not his dad. It was just as annoying when Taylor kept telling everyone they were hers. Fyi, THEY’RE NOT YOUR BABIES! They’re your nieces, so you might wanna reconsider the term “my babies” Finally, somebody calls them something other than babies, but Lucas quickly corrects it when he realizes they’re too tiny to be called children. And what does he correct it with? You got it folks. BABIES! It’s funny how they’re not even 3 years old yet, and they’re too young to be called ANYTHING other than babies, when they form complete sentences such as, “Are you my mama?” “Yes,” Taylor answers. Because Taylor is under the delusional belief that just because their mom is dead and she’ll be taking care of them she can claim the title of their mother. “Are you Allie’s mama, too?” “Yes.” There she goes again with that lie. And wow, what miraculous statements for a two year old BABY to utter.
And to top it all off we’ve got this random person she meets on the boat and befriends. But she happens to be pregnant by a mystery man and she bursts into tears at just about every meeting she has with someone else. Victoria burst into tears. Victoria burst into tears. Victoria burst into tears. There goes that repetition again.
I’ll give her props though, the whole Victoria quoting William all the time and Hunter thinking she remembered everything her dandy of a husband said, when it was really Shakespeare’s words, was cute. And the story that Lucas told about the Indian steeling his knife and it turning out to be Hunter was sweet.
Her character must have had the gift of foresight, because she kept using phrases that didn’t enter the world until decades later. For example:
“Hooligans.” “Slow as molasses.” “Grilling him with questions.” “I don’t give a hoot.” “Spill it.” “sassy.” “Sexy” “hitched” (as in getting married), and my personal favorite, “Do I have a sign on my forehead asking to be insulted?” Um, I’m gonna take a shot in the dark on this one and say people in the 1800s did not say that. I’m not even sure how that statement found its way into a historical book.
And the phrase Hell yes seemed to surface in there, which wasn’t how they talked back then. But for some reason it came out, “Hell, yes, ….” Which if you say that, it just sounds plain weird and awkward. “Hell pause yes pause, yadda yadda yadda.” Who has ever talked like that?
There were several grammar mistakes, such as all right, when it should have been alright, and a while when it was crammed together into “awhile,” which throws the whole conversation off because it doesn’t make sense.
Why, if I had a dime for every ridiculous, unrealistic and historically incorrect phrase in this book I would be a very rich person right about now.
January 13, 2019
4 Estrellas. Hacía mucho tiempo que no leía ni disfrutaba de un libro de la Garwood, sobre todo uno de sus libros añejos, y sinceramente, la echaba de menos. Por desgracia no estoy disfrutando de tanto tiempo libre como me gustaría y eso dificulta mis lecturas, tanto si son buenas, como si son malas. A pesar de todo, intentaré ser lo más objetiva posible con este libro.
Sí, el estilo de la Garwood y sus libros me gustan muchísimo, es de las primeras autoras de romance histórico que leí, y su fórmula siempre funciona. Pero admito que donde más me ha gustado la Garwood es en medieval, sobre todo con sus escoceses y sus thrillers contemporáneos. La Garwood en Regencia o Victoriana nunca me ha gustado especialmente, pero “El príncipe encantado” ha sido una novela de aventuras que he disfrutado un montón.
El libro empieza siendo un lío absoluto, un lío que no sabes cuándo han ocurrido las cosas, y te deja algo descolocada, pero rápidamente sabes que la protagonista, Taylor, debe casarse para huir de las crueles garras de su tío Malcolm. Su abuela está en su lecho de muerte, y va a dejarle a Taylor y a sus pequeñas sobrinas, unas gemelas huérfanas que viven en América, toda su fortuna. Así que Taylor necesita desesperadamente un marido, e irse a América para encontrarse con sus sobrinas.
Su abuela planea un rápido enlace con un americano que se encuentra en ése momento en Londres, resolviendo un asunto familiar. De una manera algo apresurada, Taylor se ve casada con Lucas Ross; un hombre del que solo sabe que es el hermano bastardo de su ex prometido, que no quiere, ni necesita una esposa, cuya única misión será llevarla a América a encontrarse con unos familiares.
Todo se complica en dicho viaje; en el barco, Taylor conocerá a Victoria, una joven en serias dificultades y que será una gran amiga para esta. Pero una vez que Taylor y Lucas llegan a Boston, ésta descubre que sus sobrinas, que no llegan ni a los tres años, no están. De esta manera, Taylor embarcará a Lucas sin querer en una aventura por media América para recuperar a sus sobrinas.
Entre los protagonistas poco a poco irá surgiendo el romance. Taylor no tenía pensado enamorarse de su marido, su idea era llegar a Boston y reunirse con sus sobrinas para criarlas, pero en secreto, su idea era llegar a la frontera con ellas, al sitio más alejado posible donde su tío no pudiera encontrarlas, y ése sitio es Redención, la pequeña aldea de Montana, y residencia de Lucas.
En cuanto a Lucas, es cierto que él no quiere ni necesita una esposa, no se ve digno de ello. Sus orígenes no ayudan, y su propio pasado durante la Guerra de Secesión tampoco; ahora es un buen rastreador y se dedica a ello. No puede arrastrar a una bella damisela, que debería cubrirse de joyas y estar en salones de baile, en medio del salvaje oeste americano, donde la vida es dura y difícil. Pero Taylor no cejará en su empeño, ella no es débil y le demostrará a Lucas que puede aguantar lo que le echen encima para sobrevivir.
De modo que el libro será una lucha de voluntades entre los caracteres de los protagonistas. Sin duda sus puntos fuertes son los mismos protagonistas. La historia es tan entretenida como sólo la Garwood sabe crearlas. Para mí, el punto débil que ha tenido es que en algunos puntos me ha resultado algo inverosímil, y no era fácil creerse lo que pasaba, por otro lado, algunas escenas me han resultado algo forzadas y creo que sobraban; en realidad no estamos ante un libro corto.
A pesar de todo es una buena historia, que estoy segurísima gustará a quienes son fans de ésta autora, sobre todo si os gustan las historias de aventuras en medio del siglo XIX y para más inri en el Oeste americano; admito que a mí estas ambientaciones no me van, y tenía el prejuicio de que la Garwood en siglo XIX no me gustaba, pero creo que éste libro me ha hecho reconciliarme con ella, y a lo mejor doy la oportunidad a la última serie suya que me queda por leer: los Clayborne.
Sí, el estilo de la Garwood y sus libros me gustan muchísimo, es de las primeras autoras de romance histórico que leí, y su fórmula siempre funciona. Pero admito que donde más me ha gustado la Garwood es en medieval, sobre todo con sus escoceses y sus thrillers contemporáneos. La Garwood en Regencia o Victoriana nunca me ha gustado especialmente, pero “El príncipe encantado” ha sido una novela de aventuras que he disfrutado un montón.
El libro empieza siendo un lío absoluto, un lío que no sabes cuándo han ocurrido las cosas, y te deja algo descolocada, pero rápidamente sabes que la protagonista, Taylor, debe casarse para huir de las crueles garras de su tío Malcolm. Su abuela está en su lecho de muerte, y va a dejarle a Taylor y a sus pequeñas sobrinas, unas gemelas huérfanas que viven en América, toda su fortuna. Así que Taylor necesita desesperadamente un marido, e irse a América para encontrarse con sus sobrinas.
Su abuela planea un rápido enlace con un americano que se encuentra en ése momento en Londres, resolviendo un asunto familiar. De una manera algo apresurada, Taylor se ve casada con Lucas Ross; un hombre del que solo sabe que es el hermano bastardo de su ex prometido, que no quiere, ni necesita una esposa, cuya única misión será llevarla a América a encontrarse con unos familiares.
Todo se complica en dicho viaje; en el barco, Taylor conocerá a Victoria, una joven en serias dificultades y que será una gran amiga para esta. Pero una vez que Taylor y Lucas llegan a Boston, ésta descubre que sus sobrinas, que no llegan ni a los tres años, no están. De esta manera, Taylor embarcará a Lucas sin querer en una aventura por media América para recuperar a sus sobrinas.
Entre los protagonistas poco a poco irá surgiendo el romance. Taylor no tenía pensado enamorarse de su marido, su idea era llegar a Boston y reunirse con sus sobrinas para criarlas, pero en secreto, su idea era llegar a la frontera con ellas, al sitio más alejado posible donde su tío no pudiera encontrarlas, y ése sitio es Redención, la pequeña aldea de Montana, y residencia de Lucas.
En cuanto a Lucas, es cierto que él no quiere ni necesita una esposa, no se ve digno de ello. Sus orígenes no ayudan, y su propio pasado durante la Guerra de Secesión tampoco; ahora es un buen rastreador y se dedica a ello. No puede arrastrar a una bella damisela, que debería cubrirse de joyas y estar en salones de baile, en medio del salvaje oeste americano, donde la vida es dura y difícil. Pero Taylor no cejará en su empeño, ella no es débil y le demostrará a Lucas que puede aguantar lo que le echen encima para sobrevivir.
De modo que el libro será una lucha de voluntades entre los caracteres de los protagonistas. Sin duda sus puntos fuertes son los mismos protagonistas. La historia es tan entretenida como sólo la Garwood sabe crearlas. Para mí, el punto débil que ha tenido es que en algunos puntos me ha resultado algo inverosímil, y no era fácil creerse lo que pasaba, por otro lado, algunas escenas me han resultado algo forzadas y creo que sobraban; en realidad no estamos ante un libro corto.
A pesar de todo es una buena historia, que estoy segurísima gustará a quienes son fans de ésta autora, sobre todo si os gustan las historias de aventuras en medio del siglo XIX y para más inri en el Oeste americano; admito que a mí estas ambientaciones no me van, y tenía el prejuicio de que la Garwood en siglo XIX no me gustaba, pero creo que éste libro me ha hecho reconciliarme con ella, y a lo mejor doy la oportunidad a la última serie suya que me queda por leer: los Clayborne.
March 6, 2024
A perfectly wonderful story by Julie Garwood.., filled with sweetness, love and sensuality. To protect her inheritance Taylor’s dying grandmother arranges a marriage for her with an American rancher, Lucas Ross. They meet for the first time at a ball, and at midnight he whisks her off to be married… then they set sail for Boston. He doesn’t know Taylor’s main reason for wanting to go to America, and he doesn’t tell her about his past.
Taylor’s a beautiful blonde young lady… prim, proper and naive … a delightful person who soon falls in love with her tall dark handsome husband. The story follows them on their journey across America, with a detour in Cincinnati, before ending up in the wilds of Montana Territory. A slow burn romance full of little misunderstandings… their first night of passion is several pages full of beautifully written sizzling hot sex.
One of Garwood’s most enchanting stories with priceless dialogue, humor, and little children who are a delight when they aren’t being hellions. There are two interesting secondary characters… Victoria who quotes Shakespeare… she refers to him as William, and Hunter, a good friend of Lucas who thinks she’s referring to her deceased husband. Their growing attraction adds to the depth of the main story.
Only a few small criticisms: story moved slowly at times after the initial start and at the end, and the internal thoughts of Taylor and Lucas were a bit too repetitive. But hey… this is a light read so no problem. One of the best and most memorable HR books I’ve read in ages.
Taylor’s a beautiful blonde young lady… prim, proper and naive … a delightful person who soon falls in love with her tall dark handsome husband. The story follows them on their journey across America, with a detour in Cincinnati, before ending up in the wilds of Montana Territory. A slow burn romance full of little misunderstandings… their first night of passion is several pages full of beautifully written sizzling hot sex.
One of Garwood’s most enchanting stories with priceless dialogue, humor, and little children who are a delight when they aren’t being hellions. There are two interesting secondary characters… Victoria who quotes Shakespeare… she refers to him as William, and Hunter, a good friend of Lucas who thinks she’s referring to her deceased husband. Their growing attraction adds to the depth of the main story.
Only a few small criticisms: story moved slowly at times after the initial start and at the end, and the internal thoughts of Taylor and Lucas were a bit too repetitive. But hey… this is a light read so no problem. One of the best and most memorable HR books I’ve read in ages.
July 19, 2008
This was the very first romance novel I ever read...I was maybe 12, 13? I even remember taking it off the top shelf at my library (Central in Lake Charles). And of course, I've been hooked ever sense. It's the reading equivalent of eating a sugar cookie--with happy sprinkles! Garwood infuses humor into her love stories which I enjoy and this is one of her better ones. Very much recommended to those who like romance novels.
June 5, 2011
This was a charming book...
I liked the way they travelled from England to the wild west.
I was chewing my nails a time or two as they searched for the babies...and cried tears when that issue was settled.
Daniel David (or is it David Daniel?) was a lovely extra character...and I loved Hunter!
At one point Victoria throws up on his boots and I really wish I could have seen his face.
I agree with another reviewer who wished that Lucas would have spoken of his feelings a bit more. Instead he drives Taylor almost over the edge...and then he gives her another little push. I think he could have put her out of her misery much sooner than he did.
There were a few loose ends here...and I'm thinking there is a sequel. Not everyone got what they deserved.
Edited to add: There is no sequel to be found...which is a shame...
BUT I forgot to say in my original review that I loved the way that Taylor leaned on the Lord for help. He really came through when she was in a stick spot...with a GUN SHOP...yep, that was great!!!
I liked the way they travelled from England to the wild west.
I was chewing my nails a time or two as they searched for the babies...and cried tears when that issue was settled.
Daniel David (or is it David Daniel?) was a lovely extra character...and I loved Hunter!
At one point Victoria throws up on his boots and I really wish I could have seen his face.
I agree with another reviewer who wished that Lucas would have spoken of his feelings a bit more. Instead he drives Taylor almost over the edge...and then he gives her another little push. I think he could have put her out of her misery much sooner than he did.
There were a few loose ends here...and I'm thinking there is a sequel. Not everyone got what they deserved.
Edited to add: There is no sequel to be found...which is a shame...
BUT I forgot to say in my original review that I loved the way that Taylor leaned on the Lord for help. He really came through when she was in a stick spot...with a GUN SHOP...yep, that was great!!!
June 4, 2016
At first, I was so engrossed that I couldn't put the book down. I sacrificed sleep- knowing I had a crazy day the following morning. However, as the story made its way to Redemption, I felt like it hit a landslide and then crashed and burned.
At the start, I really loved how the story began, and the couple getting to know each other and falling for each other. However, there was way too much unnecessary detailed parts regarding others- like side characters that really didn't need much explaining. And as much as I liked Victoria, she had too much attention on her secondary character as well in parts. This book really need an editor for corrections, and to chop the story down.
I didn't like Lucas' behavior towards Taylor in Redemption, and that we never read him telling her in real time that he loved her. I hated that we had no closure on one bad guy, or how the other bad guys closure came about. I felt cheated.
At the start, I really loved how the story began, and the couple getting to know each other and falling for each other. However, there was way too much unnecessary detailed parts regarding others- like side characters that really didn't need much explaining. And as much as I liked Victoria, she had too much attention on her secondary character as well in parts. This book really need an editor for corrections, and to chop the story down.
I didn't like Lucas' behavior towards Taylor in Redemption, and that we never read him telling her in real time that he loved her. I hated that we had no closure on one bad guy, or how the other bad guys closure came about. I felt cheated.
June 6, 2018
Finally!
Fi-na-lly!
Hear me, finally I finished this book! It took me almost 3 days! Yeah, this book seemed like "War and Peace" sometimes, when I skipped a lot of pages.
Author writes beautifully, but I don't care how they washing babies, children, etc..
There was so much inner dialogues, ramblings, details and descriptions of hotel rooms.... I don't f*cking care which colour is sofa and walls...
The MCs were good, I like them. But those ramblings, oh god!
No OP scenes, no cheating, no OW drama.
Fi-na-lly!
Hear me, finally I finished this book! It took me almost 3 days! Yeah, this book seemed like "War and Peace" sometimes, when I skipped a lot of pages.
Author writes beautifully, but I don't care how they washing babies, children, etc..
There was so much inner dialogues, ramblings, details and descriptions of hotel rooms.... I don't f*cking care which colour is sofa and walls...
The MCs were good, I like them. But those ramblings, oh god!
No OP scenes, no cheating, no OW drama.
November 27, 2020
How did I forget Julie Garwood existed for a second????
-----------------------------
Post reading:
It started very slow for me. I thought this book would be about Taylor and the kids new life in Montana, how they're adapting from life in England to the wilderness but it was more about the journey to Montana.
Hence why the last 30% of the book was my favourite. The kids were exhausting and hilarious. Taylor and Lucas focussed more on their relationship and homemaking (my favv). It was just so sweet.
-----------------------------
Post reading:
It started very slow for me. I thought this book would be about Taylor and the kids new life in Montana, how they're adapting from life in England to the wilderness but it was more about the journey to Montana.
Hence why the last 30% of the book was my favourite. The kids were exhausting and hilarious. Taylor and Lucas focussed more on their relationship and homemaking (my favv). It was just so sweet.
January 26, 2021
Oldie but Goldie
Lucas and Taylor are so good together. I wonder if Hunter and Victoria have a book of their own...
Great audiobook!
Lucas and Taylor are so good together. I wonder if Hunter and Victoria have a book of their own...
Great audiobook!
December 23, 2021
I mean, I don't think anyone's surprised at this point that I loved this book.
I can never help myself when it comes to JG 😩😩, so I always end up writing such long reviews.
I've just been in love with JG ever since I read 'The Bride'- the way that she writes her historical romances just works so well for me- I love how simple, and relatively unproblematic they can be. I feel like I can always rely on her books to be just an entertaining and fun read.
This book in particular wasn't necessarily one of my favorites by her, however, I still had so much reading it. I love myself a marriage of convenience story with some great banter, so this was just so much fun to read.
This book definitely did have a slow start for me, in the sense that it did feel quite jumbled in the beginning- it did end up taking quite a while for everything to come together- but once it did, the story just flowed so nicely.
I loved the characters in this book. I truly believe that JG writes some of the sweetest friendships ever. I thought that the romance, although frustrating at times, was really nicely developed, and came together well at the end- watching the two MCs learn to love each other, especially with the kids made my heart do little summersaults, they were such a great match, and their banter was just 🤌🤌🤌- it was too cute. I also loved all of the side characters- they were great.
I'm usually not a fan of children in books (and that definitely did apply within certain scenes within this story), however, I really liked how the theme of family was portrayed- it was just really sweet to see, and hard not to fall in love with towards the end.
In relation to the storyline, apart from the beginning, I loved how everything progressed. It was really nice to read about the change of cultures in terms of the different dynamics of living within England and America at the time. I also really enjoyed how the book included lots of different themes and problems, as it was quite interesting to see how everything would fix itself towards the end- and as usual, it was just hilarious.
Overall, this was just exactly what I needed to read at the moment. The banter and the characters were just great, and generally speaking, I had a fun time. I mean I always say this, but I wished that there was some sort of epilogue at the end- however it was just great overall.
I can never help myself when it comes to JG 😩😩, so I always end up writing such long reviews.
I've just been in love with JG ever since I read 'The Bride'- the way that she writes her historical romances just works so well for me- I love how simple, and relatively unproblematic they can be. I feel like I can always rely on her books to be just an entertaining and fun read.
This book in particular wasn't necessarily one of my favorites by her, however, I still had so much reading it. I love myself a marriage of convenience story with some great banter, so this was just so much fun to read.
This book definitely did have a slow start for me, in the sense that it did feel quite jumbled in the beginning- it did end up taking quite a while for everything to come together- but once it did, the story just flowed so nicely.
I loved the characters in this book. I truly believe that JG writes some of the sweetest friendships ever. I thought that the romance, although frustrating at times, was really nicely developed, and came together well at the end- watching the two MCs learn to love each other, especially with the kids made my heart do little summersaults, they were such a great match, and their banter was just 🤌🤌🤌- it was too cute. I also loved all of the side characters- they were great.
I'm usually not a fan of children in books (and that definitely did apply within certain scenes within this story), however, I really liked how the theme of family was portrayed- it was just really sweet to see, and hard not to fall in love with towards the end.
In relation to the storyline, apart from the beginning, I loved how everything progressed. It was really nice to read about the change of cultures in terms of the different dynamics of living within England and America at the time. I also really enjoyed how the book included lots of different themes and problems, as it was quite interesting to see how everything would fix itself towards the end- and as usual, it was just hilarious.
Overall, this was just exactly what I needed to read at the moment. The banter and the characters were just great, and generally speaking, I had a fun time. I mean I always say this, but I wished that there was some sort of epilogue at the end- however it was just great overall.
February 7, 2021
Audiobook: Julie Garwood is one of my favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was about heroine Taylor who is very naive and to appease her grandmother, she marries Lucas in order to save her inheritance and more importantly, her twin nieces from an uncle who had delighted himself with taking his pleasures on very young girls. Ms. Garwood did a very good job of bringing out this fact without any over embelishments.
Although the heroine was naive in areas, she had underlying strengths that amazed the hero, Lucas. He also had his share of notoriety but did not want that to overshadow his true nature. Both characters have their share of heartaches, disappointments and past hurts that they overcome. What starts out with a marriage of convenience and need on both their parts, blossoms into a relationship full of love...not only for themselves but for those involved in their lives.
This was such a well-written and very wonderful story. The narration was done by Rosalyn Landor, a narrator that I truly love. Her narration of this story was done as expected and very well. I would recommend the listen/read as this was a good story.
Although the heroine was naive in areas, she had underlying strengths that amazed the hero, Lucas. He also had his share of notoriety but did not want that to overshadow his true nature. Both characters have their share of heartaches, disappointments and past hurts that they overcome. What starts out with a marriage of convenience and need on both their parts, blossoms into a relationship full of love...not only for themselves but for those involved in their lives.
This was such a well-written and very wonderful story. The narration was done by Rosalyn Landor, a narrator that I truly love. Her narration of this story was done as expected and very well. I would recommend the listen/read as this was a good story.
September 24, 2021
Ένα πολύ γλύκο και τρυφερά αισθηματικό βιβλίο με ροή που τρέχει..Θα μπορούσε να το ""απλώσει""περισότερο με τους δευτερεύοντες ήρωες..Αυτό όμως που με κέρδισε ήταν οι εξαιρετικές περιγραφές συναισθημάτων ανάμεσα στους δύο κεντρικούς ήρωες και ειδικά στις προσωπικές στιγμές τους !Τις ζούσα μαζί τους.Άν πέσει στα χέρια σας δώστε του μια ευκαρία .
June 28, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" I first read Prince Charming many years ago when I was pregnant with my son (I ended up naming him Lucas in part because of this book.:-)). In spite of that, I still didn't recall much about the story. In fact, I thought I remembered a couple of things and then ended up being completely wrong. My memory may have failed me, but Julie Garwood certainly didn't. This book turned out to be one that was well worth the re-read.
Prince Charming is a story that is rather unique to the historical sub-genre of romance. First, the setting kind of moves all over the place. It begins in Victorian England, but Lucas and Taylor leave for America rather quickly. Then there is a bit of high seas adventure before the pair land in Boston. They spend some time there as well as in the city of Cincinnati before finally ending up in the tiny frontier town of Redemption, Montana. Also, Taylor is a titled English lady from an aristocratic family while Lucas is an American frontiersman who is the bastard son of a Englishman. Overall, not the types of settings and characters that one would typically expect from a historical romance, but in spite of the seeming incongruousness, it all ended up working together to create a very enjoyable story.
Taylor is an outwardly poised and confident young woman who knows what she needs to do and is very determined to see it through. She was jilted by her fiancé who then married her evil cousin, and when she receives the news that her sister and brother-in-law have died in America, leaving behind her two small nieces, Taylor will do anything to keep them from the clutches of her abusive uncle. Taylor trusts her beloved grandmother’s judgment implicitly, so when the lady, on her deathbed, arranges a temporary marriage in name only to an American who she believes will keep Taylor and the babies safe, Taylor is eager to go along with the plan. Taylor is sweet and demure while still being quite strong and spirited. Her eccentric great-uncle who she adored taught her all about frontier life in America, and Taylor became completely enamored of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. He also taught her how to shoot with uncanny accuracy, yet she's not exactly a kick-butt heroine per se. Instead, she has a very dichotomous personality. Taylor is kind, caring, compassionate, and very forgiving and non-judgmental of others' shortcomings. She becomes a loyal friend and staunch ally of a woman who is pregnant out of wedlock and doesn't bat an eyelash when she finds out that Lucas's best friend is a half-breed. She is fiercely protective of those she loves, and knows that she is going to raise her sister's children as her own before she even locates them. It was really cute and funny when she defended Lucas from his half-brother's attacks against his character, thinking that he wasn't going to stand up for himself. She talks a little too much, especially when she's nervous or scared, but frequently surprises Lucas with things she says or does that often amuse him. It was rather sweet how Taylor plans all along to follow Lucas to Redemption but never tells him because she knows he doesn't want to be married. She's very intelligent and clear-headed and can certainly take care of herself when the situation calls for it. Even though she feels inept at it, Taylor definitely has a natural knack for motherhood too. When she ends up with three children to care for instead of the two she was expecting, she doesn't even hesitate. She just has a big heart and a lot of spunk.
Taylor's grandmother couldn't have picked a better groom for her than Lucas. He is generally a man of few words who prefers to observe and only act when it's the most opportune time. He is a man who is every bit as protective of those he loves as Taylor is, and a man who is committed to seeing justice served on those who prey upon others. Even though he didn't know his younger half-brothers, Lucas willingly and generously helped them to get away from his evil older half-brother to build a new life in America. He has also been hunting down the man responsible for killing all of his men during the Civil War. When he finally learns of the plight of Taylor's nieces, he won't stop until they're found. It was very sweet that Lucas's protectiveness of Taylor even extended to protecting her from his own lust. I love how he's always looking out for her well-being, making sure she eats and sleeps. He comforts her in her grief and never even considered taking advantage of her while she was in that vulnerable state. He never thought he wanted to be married, but Taylor slowly gets under his skin with her beauty, poise, and kindness. When he begins to become possessive of her, it's just too cute. Having been an orphan who basically raised himself while living by his wits, he doesn't even realize what he's been missing until Taylor begins to show him her unconditional love and trust. Then he finds he can't resist her and wants to become a better man to be worthy of a wonderful woman like her.
I thoroughly enjoying watching Lucas and Taylor gradually fall for one another. The jealousy that initially confounds them both is absolutely adorable, and I loved their bantering. The part where Lucas decided to prove to Taylor that women have "urges" just like men is priceless. This was classic Julie Garwood at her best. I also loved how they never got too bent out of shape when the other one was angry or irritable. Instead, they took the time to think through what the other might be feeling and usually were pretty astute in their observations and intuitive of what the other needed.
Lucas's best friend, Hunter, and Taylor's new best friend, Victoria, are every bit as cute of a couple when they finally get together as Taylor and Lucas are. Victoria was duped by her beau who left her pregnant and her family disowned her. She headed for America not knowing what else to do, but ended up so depressed that she was contemplating suicide until Taylor came along and befriended her. With Taylor backing her up, Victoria became a stronger more confident woman. Her first meeting with Hunter when she threw up on his boots was hilarious. Having experienced prejudice most of his life for being a half-breed, Hunter doesn't think himself good enough for a fine, beautiful lady like Victoria, so the two end up sharing a fair bit of bantering while fighting their feelings much like Taylor and Lucas.
There are some other great secondary characters too. Taylor's grandmother was a crusty but likable old lady. She was pretty stoic and perhaps somewhat restricted by the mores of the era, so she wasn't really outwardly affectionate. However, her actions made it clear that she thought the world of Taylor. The three kids were adorable. Georgie and Allie get into all kinds of mischief, and their initially nameless “brother” was so sweet the way he wanted to protect the twins. He's like a little Lucas or Hunter in the making. The men of Redemption are a hoot, and they too take to Taylor and Victoria almost instantly, wanting to help and protect them.
Overall, Prince Charming was a wonderful and “charming” book. The only two things that made me knock off a half star were the head-hopping and some passive narration. Not having read many older romances in recent history, I'm not sure if these things were more acceptable back then or if this was a peculiarity of this particular book. However, neither was enough to really diminish my enjoyment of the story much. Now that I've been reminded of what a great story it is, Prince Charming has definitely earned a spot on my keeper shelf.
"4.5 stars" I first read Prince Charming many years ago when I was pregnant with my son (I ended up naming him Lucas in part because of this book.:-)). In spite of that, I still didn't recall much about the story. In fact, I thought I remembered a couple of things and then ended up being completely wrong. My memory may have failed me, but Julie Garwood certainly didn't. This book turned out to be one that was well worth the re-read.
Prince Charming is a story that is rather unique to the historical sub-genre of romance. First, the setting kind of moves all over the place. It begins in Victorian England, but Lucas and Taylor leave for America rather quickly. Then there is a bit of high seas adventure before the pair land in Boston. They spend some time there as well as in the city of Cincinnati before finally ending up in the tiny frontier town of Redemption, Montana. Also, Taylor is a titled English lady from an aristocratic family while Lucas is an American frontiersman who is the bastard son of a Englishman. Overall, not the types of settings and characters that one would typically expect from a historical romance, but in spite of the seeming incongruousness, it all ended up working together to create a very enjoyable story.
Taylor is an outwardly poised and confident young woman who knows what she needs to do and is very determined to see it through. She was jilted by her fiancé who then married her evil cousin, and when she receives the news that her sister and brother-in-law have died in America, leaving behind her two small nieces, Taylor will do anything to keep them from the clutches of her abusive uncle. Taylor trusts her beloved grandmother’s judgment implicitly, so when the lady, on her deathbed, arranges a temporary marriage in name only to an American who she believes will keep Taylor and the babies safe, Taylor is eager to go along with the plan. Taylor is sweet and demure while still being quite strong and spirited. Her eccentric great-uncle who she adored taught her all about frontier life in America, and Taylor became completely enamored of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. He also taught her how to shoot with uncanny accuracy, yet she's not exactly a kick-butt heroine per se. Instead, she has a very dichotomous personality. Taylor is kind, caring, compassionate, and very forgiving and non-judgmental of others' shortcomings. She becomes a loyal friend and staunch ally of a woman who is pregnant out of wedlock and doesn't bat an eyelash when she finds out that Lucas's best friend is a half-breed. She is fiercely protective of those she loves, and knows that she is going to raise her sister's children as her own before she even locates them. It was really cute and funny when she defended Lucas from his half-brother's attacks against his character, thinking that he wasn't going to stand up for himself. She talks a little too much, especially when she's nervous or scared, but frequently surprises Lucas with things she says or does that often amuse him. It was rather sweet how Taylor plans all along to follow Lucas to Redemption but never tells him because she knows he doesn't want to be married. She's very intelligent and clear-headed and can certainly take care of herself when the situation calls for it. Even though she feels inept at it, Taylor definitely has a natural knack for motherhood too. When she ends up with three children to care for instead of the two she was expecting, she doesn't even hesitate. She just has a big heart and a lot of spunk.
Taylor's grandmother couldn't have picked a better groom for her than Lucas. He is generally a man of few words who prefers to observe and only act when it's the most opportune time. He is a man who is every bit as protective of those he loves as Taylor is, and a man who is committed to seeing justice served on those who prey upon others. Even though he didn't know his younger half-brothers, Lucas willingly and generously helped them to get away from his evil older half-brother to build a new life in America. He has also been hunting down the man responsible for killing all of his men during the Civil War. When he finally learns of the plight of Taylor's nieces, he won't stop until they're found. It was very sweet that Lucas's protectiveness of Taylor even extended to protecting her from his own lust. I love how he's always looking out for her well-being, making sure she eats and sleeps. He comforts her in her grief and never even considered taking advantage of her while she was in that vulnerable state. He never thought he wanted to be married, but Taylor slowly gets under his skin with her beauty, poise, and kindness. When he begins to become possessive of her, it's just too cute. Having been an orphan who basically raised himself while living by his wits, he doesn't even realize what he's been missing until Taylor begins to show him her unconditional love and trust. Then he finds he can't resist her and wants to become a better man to be worthy of a wonderful woman like her.
I thoroughly enjoying watching Lucas and Taylor gradually fall for one another. The jealousy that initially confounds them both is absolutely adorable, and I loved their bantering. The part where Lucas decided to prove to Taylor that women have "urges" just like men is priceless. This was classic Julie Garwood at her best. I also loved how they never got too bent out of shape when the other one was angry or irritable. Instead, they took the time to think through what the other might be feeling and usually were pretty astute in their observations and intuitive of what the other needed.
Lucas's best friend, Hunter, and Taylor's new best friend, Victoria, are every bit as cute of a couple when they finally get together as Taylor and Lucas are. Victoria was duped by her beau who left her pregnant and her family disowned her. She headed for America not knowing what else to do, but ended up so depressed that she was contemplating suicide until Taylor came along and befriended her. With Taylor backing her up, Victoria became a stronger more confident woman. Her first meeting with Hunter when she threw up on his boots was hilarious. Having experienced prejudice most of his life for being a half-breed, Hunter doesn't think himself good enough for a fine, beautiful lady like Victoria, so the two end up sharing a fair bit of bantering while fighting their feelings much like Taylor and Lucas.
There are some other great secondary characters too. Taylor's grandmother was a crusty but likable old lady. She was pretty stoic and perhaps somewhat restricted by the mores of the era, so she wasn't really outwardly affectionate. However, her actions made it clear that she thought the world of Taylor. The three kids were adorable. Georgie and Allie get into all kinds of mischief, and their initially nameless “brother” was so sweet the way he wanted to protect the twins. He's like a little Lucas or Hunter in the making. The men of Redemption are a hoot, and they too take to Taylor and Victoria almost instantly, wanting to help and protect them.
Overall, Prince Charming was a wonderful and “charming” book. The only two things that made me knock off a half star were the head-hopping and some passive narration. Not having read many older romances in recent history, I'm not sure if these things were more acceptable back then or if this was a peculiarity of this particular book. However, neither was enough to really diminish my enjoyment of the story much. Now that I've been reminded of what a great story it is, Prince Charming has definitely earned a spot on my keeper shelf.
February 27, 2013
(Re-read for review)
Different for JG historical as it starts off briefly set in the English Ton then moves quickly to American Boston only to end up on the Montana Frontier. But the essentials of character are still very much the same. Stoic but noble hero and clever, feisty heroine determined to be independent- even as she leans on her man. The plot is kinda archtypical, with a easily hated child molesting bad guy and other convenient dramatic points- like the hero disappearing to chase ANOTHER bad guy from HIS past only to find his lady love is not where he left her when he returns. (c'mon what was the point of that?? OH yeah. Added drama between H/h.)
Still.
I adore this story.
When Taylor Stapleton becomes the main heir to her Grandmother’s fortune, she agrees to her beloved Grandmother’s plan to protect it and her twin orphaned nieces- marry her off and quickly.
Not as foolish as it sounds as the man her Grandmother finds for her is none other than a honest to God American frontiersman ala Davey Crocket and Daniel Boone. Even though Taylor’s always romanticized the American frontier and even practiced living in a soddy built by her Scottish great uncle, she has no idea who her arranged husband actually is.
Lucas Ross agreed to the crazy marriage for one reason alone, to get enough money to buy off his wretched elder half-brother into releasing guardianship of his youngest half-brother. His younger brother’s life secure (and disappearing completely from the novel after this), he’s ready to get home, ditch a wife he doesn’t need, and get back to his secluded mountain and blessed peace. But along the voyage home he realizes his little wife is more than she seems and that he’s helplessly attracted to her.
Doing the opposite of his orginal intentions, he follows her across America, picking up stragglers along the way who quickly become the family he never knew he wanted.
As for Taylor, some might think Lucas Ross gruff and imposing, but to her, he quickly becomes her one and only Prince Charming.
Different for JG historical as it starts off briefly set in the English Ton then moves quickly to American Boston only to end up on the Montana Frontier. But the essentials of character are still very much the same. Stoic but noble hero and clever, feisty heroine determined to be independent- even as she leans on her man. The plot is kinda archtypical, with a easily hated child molesting bad guy and other convenient dramatic points- like the hero disappearing to chase ANOTHER bad guy from HIS past only to find his lady love is not where he left her when he returns. (c'mon what was the point of that?? OH yeah. Added drama between H/h.)
Still.
I adore this story.
When Taylor Stapleton becomes the main heir to her Grandmother’s fortune, she agrees to her beloved Grandmother’s plan to protect it and her twin orphaned nieces- marry her off and quickly.
Not as foolish as it sounds as the man her Grandmother finds for her is none other than a honest to God American frontiersman ala Davey Crocket and Daniel Boone. Even though Taylor’s always romanticized the American frontier and even practiced living in a soddy built by her Scottish great uncle, she has no idea who her arranged husband actually is.
Lucas Ross agreed to the crazy marriage for one reason alone, to get enough money to buy off his wretched elder half-brother into releasing guardianship of his youngest half-brother. His younger brother’s life secure (and disappearing completely from the novel after this), he’s ready to get home, ditch a wife he doesn’t need, and get back to his secluded mountain and blessed peace. But along the voyage home he realizes his little wife is more than she seems and that he’s helplessly attracted to her.
Doing the opposite of his orginal intentions, he follows her across America, picking up stragglers along the way who quickly become the family he never knew he wanted.
As for Taylor, some might think Lucas Ross gruff and imposing, but to her, he quickly becomes her one and only Prince Charming.
March 16, 2024
2.5 stars
This had all the ingredients of a good story but the author forgot to stir. For the entire book, the heroine played out her plans without including the hero, and vice versa. Taylor told her new friend all her plans, all her dreams, all the ugliness of her past. But to Lucas, she either lied or obfuscated or fell silent. She projected his thoughts and feelings. To be fair, he did exactly the same to her. His friend Hunter was privy to his story and his true nature, but he hid everything from Taylor behind lies and anger. It’s like their lives ran parallel to each other, only intersecting occasionally and even then uneasily. It was a disappointing, flatline romance (two disappointing, flatline romances actually) surrounded by a pretty interesting story otherwise.
This had all the ingredients of a good story but the author forgot to stir. For the entire book, the heroine played out her plans without including the hero, and vice versa. Taylor told her new friend all her plans, all her dreams, all the ugliness of her past. But to Lucas, she either lied or obfuscated or fell silent. She projected his thoughts and feelings. To be fair, he did exactly the same to her. His friend Hunter was privy to his story and his true nature, but he hid everything from Taylor behind lies and anger. It’s like their lives ran parallel to each other, only intersecting occasionally and even then uneasily. It was a disappointing, flatline romance (two disappointing, flatline romances actually) surrounded by a pretty interesting story otherwise.
August 25, 2025
Taylor's grandmother, Lady Esther, is dying and knowing her granddaughter will need protection she finds a man to marry Taylor and take her to America. She finds Lucas Ross, an American rancher and mountain man.
I thought this one started out wonderfully. Unfortunately, it lagged a bit towards the middle. But overall, it was a good read. But not, in my opinion, Ms Garwood's best. Compared to other books of this genre (American West-historical romance), I think it stands pretty well.
I thought this one started out wonderfully. Unfortunately, it lagged a bit towards the middle. But overall, it was a good read. But not, in my opinion, Ms Garwood's best. Compared to other books of this genre (American West-historical romance), I think it stands pretty well.
November 4, 2024
Re-read. ;)
Still cute. Enjoyed it.
Still cute. Enjoyed it.
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