September 12, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Voracious Reader
The Royal Mess - MaryJanice Davidson
Available now!
Back Blurb:
Jeffrey Rodinov is descended from one of the oldest families in Alaska, and a Rodinov has been protecting a Baranov for generations. It’s a job Jeffrey takes VERY seriously. Six feet four inches, 220 fatless lbs., black hair, and blue eyes; weapon of choice: the 9 mm Beretta. In a pinch? His fists. IQ: 157. (Yes, crossword puzzle, in ink, just after taking out the guy behind you. No thanks necessary.) No one ever sees Jeffrey Rodinov coming, and no one -not even a mouthy, illegitimate princess - is going to keep him from playing bodyguard when his decrees it.
Right. But no Rodinov ever had to protect Princess Nicole Krenski. Her credentials? Hunting guide in the Alaskan wilderness. Smart. Stubborn bordering on exasperating. Five-seven. Blue eyes. Very kissable mouth. Very kissable neck, back, legs, wrists, earlobes. The lady says she doesn’t need a bodyguard, but that’s where she’s wrong. Someone needs to watch her and show her the royal ropes (and cuffs…and scarves…). Someone who can make her feel like a queen - in and out of bed. And that’s a job Jeffrey Rodinov takes very seriously as well…
In this deliciously sexy, wickedly funny companion to The Royal Treatment and The Royal Pain, a reluctant princess and a determined royal bodyguard are about to discover that when it comes to powerful love, there are no defenses…
LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Read on to find out why
I read the first two books, The Royal Treatment and The Royal Pain and I loved them, too. With the last book–hopefully not?–in the trilogy about the Royal Baranov’s of Alaska, I highly enjoyed the story of a just discovered bastard princess and the hottie bodyguard. MC Nicole Krenski is feisty and funny, and every girl–royalty or not–should have a gorgeous man like Jeffrey standing by to take a bullet for her. Edmund, King Alexander Baranov’s assistant, is hilarious and King Alexander himself is quite a character. He’s not your typical, uptight king. He’s got a great sense of humor, a dramatic flair…and he cusses. A lot. LOL
The chapters are amazingly short: three to four pages. One chapter only had 5 lines! It was a lightning fast read for me, only 206 pages, and it was due to 1) the 1st two books in the series were family introductions. The readers knew all the players by the time this third book rolled out., and 2) The snappy, fast-paced dialogue. There was hardly any narrative, which is unusual, but it didn’t harm the storytelling in any way. (Note to self: drop-kick the narrative and use more dialogue). I found myself laughing aloud, liking the fact that the conflict was internal and not external (i.e. a kidnapping, physical assault, threatening letters, etc), and feeling bummed that the story ended so soon with no more to follow.
In a note to the reader at the end, the author states:
This will very likely be the last Alaskan Royal book. When I first pitched the idea to my editor (”What if Alaska was its own country, with a weirdo royal family?”), I had no idea I was pitching a trilogy.
But goes on to give us hope:
But if you’re fond of the series and don’t wish it to end, don’t despair. Who could stop the Alaskan Royals from being heard if they really want to be? Not I.
Mrs. MJD? Nicky needs his own story. Seriously. I’m just sayin’…
Check out all her other books (she has a couple of other series and also writes YA) at her website
The Royal Mess Review: 5 1/2 Bookmarks
Technorati Tags: The Royal Mess, MaryJanice Davidson, The Royal Treatment, The Royal Pain
Rachel says:
Hi there…came across your blog through PPP’s random 10. I read this book sitting at Barnes and Noble (go figure) a week or so ago. It was a great book, I devoured it in about an hour and a half. I wasn’t even aware that there were previous “Alaska” books…I’m going to have to find them and read them. I hope she writes more, I’d like to see the youngest son a bit grown up with his own story.
Rachel
Sarcastica says:
I’ll have to order this book for myself. And your books of course! I just have to wait til the money rolls in!
Ok..so if you haven’t noticed, I like to whore out Stephenie Meyer and her books…the Twilight series. They are awesome books. Check them out!!