Julia London, The Perils of Pursuing the Prince

The Perils of Pursuing the Prince

Julia London

Pocket, May 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 1416516166

In 1820, London aristocrat Greer Fairchild learns of an inheritance that might not exist at all in Llanmair, Wales, so since she desperately needs the money and wants to avoid selling out to the highest bidder in unholy matrimony, she leaves town to collect what she prays is legally hers. On her trek into the wilderness, another passenger, Owen Percy, tells her horrifying tales about the murderous Lord Rhodrick "Prince of Prowys" Glendower, who apparently controls her maybe inheritance.

Upon arrive at the Welsh Earl's estate Radnor, Greer finds much of what Owen told her seems true as the rude Rhodrick not only demands proof from her, he incarcerates her while she sends back to her solicitor in London for the corroboration of her story. Worried for his traveling companion, Owen tries to get help. However, in the meantime, as she gets to know her host better and he his guest, Rhodrick and Greer, in between battles, fall in love. However, a new mystery occupies her thoughts as much as he does; she needs to know about the portrait of her mother in his castle while he needs to uncover the identity of the true killer who ravaged his reputation.

The second Desperate Debutante Regency romance (see HAZARDS OF HUNTING A DUKE) is a refreshing tale due to the location, an amateur sleuth murder investigation, and a ghost with two missions. Although the lead couple comes out of the sub-genre handbook with he being arrogant and she being obstinately courageous, readers will take immense delight with the gender war between the daring deb and the pugnacious prince.

Harriet Klausner