Prince Charming

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 16 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

To escape becoming a ward of her unscrupulous uncle, Taylor Stapleton will wed Lucas Ross, a rugged American rancher. Taylor also has a secret...a precious legacy she hasn't revealed to Ross. However, as she begins to fall for her handsome new husband, Taylor dares to surrender her heart to an uncertain future.

©1994 Julie Garwood (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

nice twist on the fairy tale

This isn't the typical 'prince charming' book. Grew to like this heroine a lot, at first I wondered whether that would be the case. But the detailed dialogue and descriptions of her thoughts, and those of Lucas, really helped see the personalities. Yes you can tell this is an older book. But for me that did not detract from the enjoyment. Sometimes I laughed out loud at Taylor's comments, and how she accepted anything that was written, or published, as being absolutely true. And the things the children said made me chuckle also. The only reason I didn't give the story 5 stars was because sometimes it was a little slow, a few too many minute details that might not have been necessary. But the story was interesting throughout, with plot twists gradually revealed that linked Taylor to her past in England. The other characters were also fun to follow. As usual this narrator did an excellent job. This does rank as one of my favorites.

Western regency- Shakespeare meets mountain man

While some of Garwood’s books from the 90s haven’t held up so well, this one remains a delightful mix of sweet regency romance and western adventure, full of humor, mountain men, and rocking chairs.

The narrator excels at British females and kids. Unfortunately, her male voices all seem like stuffy Britts, and that felt particularly off here for gravelly voiced American Lucas Ross and Indian Hunter. Also, I find her narration rather matronly. However, given that this has been my favorite Garwood book since the 90s, I forgave the small narration deficiencies. (Speeding up the narration helped).

This is a bit long for a romance book, in part because there’s two pairs of romances going on. The sex is more sweet than sassy and doesn’t happen until 11 hrs in. The action in the story mostly happens off screen. But, this is such a heartfelt and engaging story that I didn’t mind.

If You're Looking for Something Charming...

What did you like best about this story?

Julie Garwood's writing isn't as sophisticated or eloquent as some other writers, but her books usually have a decent story and endearing characters, which I often enjoy. This is an easy, fun listen for those looking for a historical romance that has cultural aspects of Regency England but takes place in the United States.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but that's okay.

Any additional comments?

I liked this better than I thought I would. Some aspects are a little cliche, but nothing was too detracting from the protagonists or plot. The characters, story, and writing are all pretty straightforward, and fans of Garwood will likely enjoy this one.

Overall I liked it

Rosalyn Landor does her always amazing job. I enjoyed the story very much. My only complaint is that it does get a bit too wordy at times. There are times when the "action" breaks for a rather lengthy explanation or narrative.

You can’t go wrong with Julie Garwood

I’ve been reading for a long time I’ve yet to read or listen to a Julie Garwood book I did not enjoy. It is fortunate that I like romances with HEA endings.

My favorite Julie Garwood

I believe this is my favorite Julie Garwood book. The story is sweet and makes you laugh at times. I find the best part is the narration. Rosalyn Landor knows how to read a good story and her voices for each character, especially Lucas is spot on. I didn't want the book to end.

Lost in the story...

I'm a true fan of Julie Garwood..I've never been disappointed with any of her books and Prince Charming is no exception...I felt like I was on the journey with Taylor and Lucas through the American Wilderness..Taylor's childhood dream coming true is proof we should all dream and know each dream will come true. May not be exactly the way we dreamed it, but, dreams do come true.

Very nice

Rosalyn Landor is one of my favorite narrators. I liked it from beginning to end. I liked the characters, the book, the author, and the narrator.

Mixed Emotions

This is a hard book/audio for me to rate. The first few hours were slow. Later, disturbing content had me wondering if I wanted to finish it, not knowing how bad it was going to get, but I continued to listen. As it progressed it got better, and I was happy with the way it ended.

Yet, with all I considered negatives, I continued to listen--wanting to see how it played out. I think it was the excellent performance by Rosalyn Landor that kept my attention -- like a movie whose talented actors carry the story.

Charming Book

What a nice change- beginning in England and ending in America. I liked it. And I really enjoyed this book. I liked ballroom scene. Lucas and Taylor are to meet there. Lucas (the stranger everyone is talking about) is visiting with friends and acquaintances and then Taylor makes her entrance. She is wrapped-up with her friends talking to her when her ex-fiancee, William (come to find out is half-brother to Lucas) starts making his way to her from one side of the room while Lucas is making his way to her from the other side. Both get to her at the same time. FIREWORKS! She can't stand the site of William (who eloped with Taylor's cousin weeks before the wedding) and hasn't had a chance to really get a look at Lucas (tall, dark, handsome). William tries to get Taylor's attention while she tries ignoring him while Lucas's looks have "swept Taylor off her feet". Without introduction Taylor looks at Lucas and ask if isn't it time to leave- he takes her hand while they both start to approach the stairs to exit. Everyone is yelling whats going on, how do they know each other, where are they going, etc. when Taylor turns around and tells them "He's my husband!" Can't you just picture the confusion and excitement. And this was at the beginning of the story! It get's better!
Both Lucas and Taylor were using each other for their on "agendas" but the attraction for each other did them in. I loved Lucas' frustration with his physical attraction to Taylor and Taylor's innocence of it. Towards the end it was frustrating that Taylor was not recognising Lucas' love for her.
And I do agree with another reviewer about Taylor constantly calling Lucas "Mr. Ross", her saying "my daughter" and "my son" when she had just taken on the role of mother with the kids, and the boy changing his name between Daniel and David. But is wasn't enough for me to get aggravated with the book. And I did enjoy a break from the English rogue or knights in shining armor. A Montana mountain man was kind of refreshing!

Rosalyn Landor is one of my favourite readers and she was fantastic with the delivery of the story