HIS PRINCESS IN THE MAKING by Melissa James

Publisher: Harlequin M&B
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0373175918
Sweet Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained by: a local purchase
Reviewed by Pam


Guila Costa, known as Lia is suddenly thrust into the Australian media spotlight when her brother, Charlie becomes heir to the throne of Hellenia and is to marry Princess Jazmine. Now the king is trying to order her to marry Max the Grand Duke of Falcandias, and become the Princess Royal. Confused, but trying to do what is asked of her she mourns for the love of her life, while wondering how she can wind the clock back.

Toby Winder has loved Lia since childhood and had also, become part of her family when his parent’s marriage broke up. Now he’s hounded by the media even at his place of work, the fire-station. He’s unable to answer their questions, because his friends haven’t contacted him since he’d returned home. Then suddenly he’s whisked away by security along with a dog called Puck, because he was always in trouble, under the kings orders.

A delightful tale, of a love which most people long to find but sadly, very seldom ever do. The characters are well written and interesting, with a great mix of humor and tension as life gets dangerous in Hellenia, as another man tries to take over the country. The king also finds he can’t always get his own way, also that he’s not always right when he finds his country is struggling.

With major power struggles going on in the small kingdom, the characters are drawn into danger, making the story into a suspense filled read. I found the book fascinating enough to keep reading, even when I was meant to be sleeping. The characterization of Toby, makes a wonderful hero most women will love, as he puts his heart on the line in pursuit of happiness. The setting is as it should be, from ornate palaces to village houses, I never felt lost and enjoyed it all.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THE REBEL KING by Melissa James

Publisher: Harlequin
Date published: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0373175819
Sweet Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


When Australian born fireman Charlie Costa, learns he’s a prince and Giulia his sister a princess of the tiny nation of Hellenican he’s almost lost for words. Once he learns he’s also expected to marry a stranger to bring peace he’s ready to run back home or anywhere away from his newly found family.

His intended bride, Princess Jazmine, was meant to marry her cousin Max but the king has decreed otherwise. She intercedes between Charlie and his grandfather the king, when sparks begin to fly. Jazmine has realized from his expression and demeanour, Charlie is as stubborn as the king and they had all under estimated him. She has never met a man quite like Charlie before, he makes her feel like a woman, especially when he looks into her eyes.

Beginning to realize neither of their lives are about to be the same again, they realize if they if can make this work, it will stop Lord Orakis from keeping the ten year civil war from continuing. Charlie and Giulia begin to learn more about what it means to be a royal, with over the top security protection and the threat of assassins always lurking.

Ms. James has again written an interesting story, with a plot that didn’t rely on sex scenes to keep the momentum going. It’s full of tension and desire, when a commoner suddenly finds he’s heir to a throne, It’s a book this reviewer felt was a very worthwhile read as the characters are so believable.

When two Australians have to leave friends behind and try to find their way in a totally different culture, they begin to realize why their grandparents taught them another language. I also recommend it for the humor, compassion and funny moments within the covers as they struggle with so many rules.

The background of civil unrest and the way it impacts on the lives of ordinary people, was extremely well done. The setting may not exist in real life, but it takes the reader inside Hellenican and makes it come alive. The plot is constructed very well, keeping the story flowing well. The king was excellently drawn and all the main characters are easy to emphasize with as they interact within the story...as the reader waits to see if Charlie will choose wisely, they are assured of a very interesting journey, right to the last page.

A MOTHER IN A MILLION by Melissa James

Publisher: Harlequin Romance
Date published: January 2008
ISBN: 978 0373174928
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback
Reviewed by: Pam


Noah Brannigan is desperately trying to hold his family together. His three children experience guilt, confusion, anger, and sadness, especially his eldest, as they try to understand why their mother walked out one day and never came back. The family has lived in limbo for three years, and Noah feels his life is in limbo. They never seem to stop waiting for any word of what has happened to Belinda. Noah finally moves his children to the outskirts of a new town hoping it will help them heal and move forward with their lives.

The family's neighbor is Jennifer March, a mother, whose precious child died from a disease which she hadn’t known she was a carrier. She’s also a woman whose husband left her because he couldn't deal with their child's illness. It's been almost two years since her son died, but her grief for him is never ending, as she struggles to carry on with her life. The only outlet for her love is by taking care of other people's children, knowing she can never have another child.

MOTHER IN A MILLION is a powerful and emotional story of love and healing. Melissa James always writes characters that feel so real, you always feel as if you've already met them and become a part of their lives. The loss of someone close to your heart is a difficult subject to write about, and it has been done with sensitivity and care in this book. It also brings to the fore, how hard it is for a family, when they have no idea where their loved one is or if they are dead or alive. As this story unfolds, you realize there could never be any other characters, which could have made this romance work so well. Both the hero and heroine have hidden depths that are slowly revealed. The secondary characters also helped to bring the plot to life, while conflicts were solved in a believable way. The chemistry of attraction is alive and well in this beautifully constructed tale. It’s is a rich, very descriptive, compelling and poignant tale, that won't disappoint Ms. James fans.