Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers, #1)

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Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers #1)

by Nicole Jordan (Goodreads Author)

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 496 ratings · 69 reviews

In Nicole Jordan's dazzling new Regency series, the scandalous Wilde cousins seek true love by imitating history's legendary lovers... beginning with Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, who takes on the daunting role of Prince Charming to an unlikely Cinderella.

Thanks to the mischievous meddling of his matchmaking sister, Ashton Wilde meets a damsel in distress during the m...more

Mass Market Paperback, 343 pages

Published January 31st 2012 by Ballantine Books

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Dec 13, 2012 Dione Sage rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, fresh-take-on-legend, historical-fiction, romance

Princess Charming is the first book in Nicole Jordan's Legendary Lover's series. The series is about the Wilde cousins and their quest in finding true love. This first book sets the stage for other books in the series from the beginning when Kate Wilde is determined to see her two brothers and two cousins all find their one true epic loves. Kate is a somewhat meddling matchmaker that comes up with a theory that in order for each of them, including herself, to find their soul mates they must reen...more Princess Charming is the first book in Nicole Jordan's Legendary Lover's series. The series is about the Wilde cousins and their quest in finding true love. This first book sets the stage for other books in the series from the beginning when Kate Wilde is determined to see her two brothers and two cousins all find their one true epic loves. Kate is a somewhat meddling matchmaker that comes up with a theory that in order for each of them, including herself, to find their soul mates they must reenact a legendary lover's role. This brings us to the storyline of the first book. Princess Charming is based on Kate's brother, Ashton Wilde, the Marquis of Beaufort and also the oldest of the orphaned Wilde cousins. Kate has deemed Ashton the prince charming in a Cinderella story and the female lead to her dearest and closest friend, Miss Maura Collyer. However, Maura is not the type to play the damsel in distress and Ashton is not determined to be leg shackled.
Maura does indeed have an issue that causes her major distress and puts her up against her arch nemisis, an cruel and crude Viscount. She also has a step mother and two step sisters which would make her fit the role of Cinderella except for the fact that the two step sisters are sweet and even though Maura doesn't like her step mother (Priscilla/Pris) the woman doesn't seem to be pure evil. Maura isn't even looking for a prince charming, she views herself as an independent woman capable of handling her situations on her own. She is a horse breeder and her current crisis is trying to rescue and retrieve her most loved and valuable stallion from the Viscount who with the assistance of her step mother, now has the deed to Maura's famous stallion.
The Marquis of Beaufort finds himself attracted to Maura physically but then again he is somewhat known to be a rake so he has been attracted to many of ladies. He does decide to champion Maura's cause though and play along a little to his younger sister, Kate's little theory. However, he does not plan to fall in love with anyone but is not oppose to a little scandalous mixing with Miss Collyer. The situation ends up bringing the two of them together in many ways and they must decide what is important and what is just fairy tale.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. The characters were good and the storyline was absolutely adorable and a bit steamy in some parts. This is one of those books that is just fun to read and I found myself again in love with another version of Cinderella. (less)

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Nov 18, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, fairy-tale-series, regency-england

PRINCESS CHARMING by Nicole Jordan is an exciting new Regency historical romance. Book 1 in the "Legendary Lovers" series. Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, the eldest Wilde cousin and is looking for true love by imitating history's legendary lover's,starting with Prince Charming. However, we have a Princess charming instead of the other way around. Enter, Maura Collyer,who isn't looking for a Prince or a husband at all. What follows is witty banter, a matchmaker,a fairy Godmother,passion,roman...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, 2012-books-read, historical-fiction-romance

Good book. I really like the Wilde family. I love the way they are so close and help each other when needed. They are scandalous without being too bad to be accepted. I love the way that Ash's sister Katherine has decided to help each of them find their true love. Ash doesn't think it's possible for Katherine to pick the perfect one for him, but when he comes to Maura's aid at the ball, he is intrigued by her. Maura doesn't want his help, doesn't think she needs to be "rescued". She is very inde...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

Reviewed By~sarah L.
Review Copy Provided By~ARC Nancy Breland Public Relations

With an entire shelf on my bookcase dedicated to Nicole Jordan's backlist, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Princess Charming, the first book in her new Legendary Lovers series. Loosely based on the timeless classic, Cinderella, we have the dashing hero Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, Maura Collyer as the damsel in distress wronged by her wicked stepmother and the two (not so wicked) step-sisters.

Ash's sister, Kat...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Sandy M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Nicole Jordan has come up with a new way to look at old fairy tales. In this first book of her new series, it’s Cinderella, the evil stepmother and stepsisters, and Prince Charming, all with a few changes to give readers a lighthearted historical romance.

The Wilde cousins are as feisty and untamed as their name implies. Orphaned when they were all young, it was Ashton, as the oldest, who kept them all together and relatively happy, in spite of the loss and grief they all suffered. As they grew o...more Nicole Jordan has come up with a new way to look at old fairy tales. In this first book of her new series, it’s Cinderella, the evil stepmother and stepsisters, and Prince Charming, all with a few changes to give readers a lighthearted historical romance.

The Wilde cousins are as feisty and untamed as their name implies. Orphaned when they were all young, it was Ashton, as the oldest, who kept them all together and relatively happy, in spite of the loss and grief they all suffered. As they grew older, they retained their wildness, only directing it in more adult ways as they have navigated through society; thus, their notoriety and the gossip that follows them now.

Ash’s sister, Katharine, has decided to play matchmaker for everyone in her family, including herself, by choosing legendary lovers of the past, real and fictional. For Ash she believes he’s Prince Charming to her friend Maura’s Cinderella. He’s watched Maura grow into a beautiful young woman but never really thought of her more than that. Until now. With Katharine’s ridiculous idea in his head, he gets caught up in Maura’s life, aiding and abetting her crime when she refuses his offered help.

Growing up, Maura learned from her father everything she now knows about horses and since his death has made her breeding stables quite successful, all due to her prize stallion, Emperor. But it all comes crashing down when she learns her stepmother has sold the horse to that pesky Viscount Deering. The man has been after Emperor for years and Maura has always refused him, especially knowing he had a hand in her father’s death. She’s determined to talk some sense into the viscount, but her pleas fall on deaf ears. The idiot won’t part with his new acquisition anytime soon. So Maura is going to have to take desperate measures to retrieve the animal, all the while trying to keep Ash at bay. The less he knows, the less trouble he’ll be in if she’s caught.

Thus begins a dual journey for Ash and Maura. They’re successful in freeing Emperor from his current imprisonment and begin the trek to Scotland where Maura has made arrangements to keep him safe. Ash goes along for the ride for the time being, knowing he’d be able to deal with Deering if only she’d agree. Biding his time, he learns more about the woman, and he likes what he discovers. The same is true for Maura. Knowing Ash really can’t begin a relationship with her because their lives are worlds apart, she tries not to fall headlong into his charm and sensuality, but she fails miserably.

I thoroughly enjoyed these two characters together. Ash is just wild enough to go along with Maura’s scheme, and then when he turns the tables on both her and Deering, that wildness takes the situation to even more dangerous heights. But the man is not lacking in confidence and arrogance, all signs of his station. Maura is the perfect heroine for him – as his sister knows! – with her independence and intelligence. She learns to trust him to do what needs to be done to right the wrongs done to her and her family. Her stepmother is one of those characters who has to grow on you somewhat, but she does make it difficult as well as interesting. I would like to slap the woman silly here and there, but she hopefully learns her lesson. And Deering, of course, gets what’s coming to him once Ash is in the picture.

The concept of the series might be a bit much for hard-core historical readers, but it’s fun and lighthearted with characters you can’t help but like. Katharine is going to be working her matchmaking magic throughout the series, and I have to say I’m curious as to what she’ll come up with.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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Mar 13, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, 2012-romance-challenge

Maura is a woman who has her pride but she must get her prize breeding horse back. He's more then just a horse, he's her pet and her father gave him to her. Now that her father is gone she can't to be with out her horse. Maura's step mother stole his papers and sold him to the very man responsible for Maura's fathers death, even if indirectly. Maura's first attempt at asking for her horse goes terribly wrong and Ashton Wilde witnesses it all. Maura ended up loosing her temper and kneeing the sco...more

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Jan 30, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Maura Collyer may seem a “Cinderella type”, but in truth she is a strong woman of action in an age when women, especially commoner women, regardless of their talents and intelligence, had little power or position in society. Maura does what she has to do, according to her way of thinking, and is willing to suffer the consequences. Her innate sense right and wrong and her sense of humor and sense of self-worth help her in times of desp...more Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Maura Collyer may seem a “Cinderella type”, but in truth she is a strong woman of action in an age when women, especially commoner women, regardless of their talents and intelligence, had little power or position in society. Maura does what she has to do, according to her way of thinking, and is willing to suffer the consequences. Her innate sense right and wrong and her sense of humor and sense of self-worth help her in times of despair. However, her pragmatic approach to life is not enough to stop her heart from loving Ashton Wilde, even though she tells herself he is off limits.

When her best friend’s brother, Ashton Wilde, the eight marquis of Beaufort, rides to her rescue, partly to appease his managing sister Katharine and partly on principle, both he and Maura get jarred out of their comfort zones.

Ashton, known for his outrageous roguish ways, long ago became bored with the “same-old, same-old” English Ton society. He gets an adrenaline and testosterone rush as he helps Maura rescue her adored and prized stallion, Bold Emperor. His “take-control” ways get challenged often by Maura, since she is used to giving orders and managing her own racehorse breeding stables. Theirs is a relationship that sizzles even though they both claim it is only a temporary arrangement.

The plot develops smoothly in Princess Charming as the primary characters drive the action with vivacious, intriguing personalities, with wit, and with intelligence that outwit antagonists like the selfish step-mother and the supercilious snob, Viscount Deering. These antagonists do make life difficult for Maura. Many of the secondary characters, especially the Wilde family are compelling. A tragedy early in the Wilde clan’s lives made them a tight-knit family. Each of their personalities adds to the richness of the story. They are an interesting, wild, intelligent, and mysterious assortment of “can-do” people.

Ash and Maura’s honest, open sexual attraction to each other and the steamy love scenes are incredible “time-outs” from the social posturing, malevolent maneuvering, and family meddling. Princess Charming races along with fun, emotional upheavals, underhanded deeds, and unending social strictures.

Nicole Jordan’s “just-right” adjectives, her subtle metaphors and captivating descriptions propel the reader along in a vicarious experience that makes the heart race and often brings a smile or chuckle. But most of all, it takes the breath away with a love that promises the best is yet to come for the hero and heroine.

Delightful entertainment!

(less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Completely enchanting!

Nicole Jordan's latest book, Princess Charming begins a new series in which the scandalous Wilde family begin taking on the roles of some of literatures greatest lovers in pursuit of finding their perfect mate.

For Ashton Wilde, the Marquis of Beaufort his role is that of Prince Charming, but the lovely Miss Maura Collyer is not your typical Cinderella. Just as bold and daring as the Wilde's, themselves she's determined to never be anyone's damsel in distress, especially w...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, part-of-a-series, romance, 2012, loved-it-will-read-again, mystery

I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Contest on 01/30/2012 and received it on 02/06/2012!

First things first ... I absolutely adored this book!! I read the whole thing within 24 hours and I really hated having to go to sleep and put Princess Charming down. Nicole Jordan is a really talented author that I wish I had known about years ago.

Here's the deal. I'm not a big romance novel reader. I usually like murder mysteries or spy novels but sometimes I get a hankering (yes, I said hank...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Elle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty good opening to a new series by Nicole Jordan. I think the fairy tale thing is a bit overdone, and Katharine's fantasy that each of her siblings is to live out one of the classic romances stretches the suspension of disbelief. But the story itself is actually fun. The heroine, Maura, has plenty of reason to despise Viscount Deering, who ruined her father by falsely accusing her of cheating, then illicitly acquired her prized stallion, which he abuses. We really don't like this villain, wh...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Stefanie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won my copy of Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan through GoodReads FirstReads. The premise of the story was about the Wilde family, five orphaned cousins and their uncle. One of the cousins and her uncle theorize that the Wilde's one true love stories mimic those of fairy tales, myths and even Shakespeare. The first story, Princess Charming, supposedly follows Perrault's Cinderella, however it's definitely not the Disney version. Maura Collyer, aka Cinderella, has a race horse breeding farm a...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Rhonda Martin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This reminded me of a role reversal of Cinderella. Cinderella who is meek and cowed, Maura is strong and intelligent. The step sisters adored Maura instead of being mean and jealous. This book gets real interesting when Ash is in the picture as Maura's protector. Many interesting things start to happen. Not to ruin the story for others who may want to read this book, I can tell you that you will read about an adventure in Switzerland, a duel that may happen and more. This isn't the typical type...more

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May 03, 2012 Shoshana rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, romance, did-not-finish

Reasonably well written, but I couldn't finish it because he disrespects and undermines all her decisions and the author seems to think this is fine. Can I just say how much I hate that trope where the heroine is "feisty" (I HATE THAT WORD SO MUCH) and "willful" and we're all supposed to be like, "oh, yay, a strong female lead!" but all of her decisions are stupid and get her and others into trouble, and the guy who is busy never listening to her say "no" saves them all with his practical thinki...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Krys rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-genre, historical-fiction-period, medium-length-book, fairy-tale-themed, own, read-in-2012, third-person-narrative, english-setting, series

I don't know why these fluffy bodice rippers have become so enticing, but they have. I can't explain it. I must be in the mood for irritating plots these days. Most of the time when I read romances I spend the whole book frustrated at everything - the dimwitted characterization, the most minimal of plot structures... the fact that I've read 4 of them now this year... sigh. At least this is the last one I own.

As far as the plot goes this is (once again) a retelling of a fairy tale, which we know...more

I don't know why these fluffy bodice rippers have become so enticing, but they have. I can't explain it. I must be in the mood for irritating plots these days. Most of the time when I read romances I spend the whole book frustrated at everything - the dimwitted characterization, the most minimal of plot structures... the fact that I've read 4 of them now this year... sigh. At least this is the last one I own.

As far as the plot goes this is (once again) a retelling of a fairy tale, which we know from my previous post that I am a fan of. I'm still curious to see how the romance authors work the structure of certain fairy tales into the context of a romantic novel. However, none of the ones I have read so far would be fairy tales in the strictest sense of the word. They are, in fact, Jane Austen wanna-be bodice rippers... plain and simple. This one is no different. Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan takes the loosest idea of Cinderella and builds a tale on top of it. At no point would I have remembered that this was what it was supposed to be if the characters hadn't been reminding me that "This is a Cinderella story and we're supposed to be in a fairy tale." Oh yes, you read that right... the characters are self-aware of this notion. Which makes it weird.

Ultimately it comes down to this - One character, Kate, decided that her brothers, sisters, and cousins are going to act out the roles of infamous "legendary lovers" and has even gone so far as to decide which stories the family will retell. This self-styled prophetess takes much glee when she sees her cousin, Ash, falling for an independent woman much lower than his station. Maura, the Cinderella character, has lost her horse to another peer of the realm, the odious Mr. Deering, who has swindled Maura's stepmother into handing over the prized stallion. He also defamed her father some time before and caused his untimely ruin and death. Maura vows to get her horse back and clear her Father's name and Ash, becoming enamoured with her, helps her on her foolhardy quest.

Like I said, it's barely Cinderella. To hear the characters say it is proves even more laughable with every mention. I think I would enjoy these fairy tale romances much better if they actually, oh... I don't know... stuck to the fairy tale in mind?! It seems when they miss they really miss... Like a cannonball hitting the water in lieu of the side of a ship. Most of the time I can enjoy the romance it if I suspend disbelief on the fact that it's supposed to be, at its core, a retelling. But every time the fairy tale aspects rear their heads I am almost taken aback. "Oh, right... it's supposed to be Cinderella... because they keep telling me that. So it must be so." Sigh.

The next one in the series is supposed to be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, which might prove more interesting... but this one is, meh, ok... if you forget that it's Cinderella, which you, unfortunately cannot.

3 out of 5 stars.

- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkk.net (less)

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Mar 05, 2012 Robin (RBBR) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: legendary-lovers-series, historical-romance, paperback

I haven't marked anything as a spoiler since I don't think there's anything that really gives anything away. The only thing that might be TMI is something that seems to be pretty typical of Romances. This is the first time I've read Nicole Jordan and really liked her. I definitely plan to read the rest of this Series. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the fact that the Heroine (Maura Collyer) decided that the Hero (Ashton\Ash Wilde) was never going to love her so she left him. The...more I haven't marked anything as a spoiler since I don't think there's anything that really gives anything away. The only thing that might be TMI is something that seems to be pretty typical of Romances. This is the first time I've read Nicole Jordan and really liked her. I definitely plan to read the rest of this Series. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the fact that the Heroine (Maura Collyer) decided that the Hero (Ashton\Ash Wilde) was never going to love her so she left him. The entire book with the exception of the Prologue but including the Epilogue takes place during May 1816. I am a firm believer in love at first sight but I also believe it takes awhile to actually realize that's what it is. Typically guys tend to take longer than girls. The annoying thing is that Maura realized she was in love with Ash but made an assumption that turned out to be wrong. It is my opinion that she should have given him more time, but then again the story wouldn't have been able to do what it did so I suppose its okay she jumped where she did. Anyway, I think she should have stayed in the relationship and given him more time. I'm thinking that if you realize you're in love with someone and after a year they haven't had the same revelation about you and you haven't asked (which is hard to do sometimes) then its time to get out. I'm not saying just give the relationship a year I'm saying after you realize you're in love with the person do that. Actually, she could have done what she did and still stayed in the relationship- I'm not calling this off but if you want to you can in the meantime I'm going home, let me know what you decide.

The idea I love about this book and the Series is Katherine's idea. Katherine is Ash's sister and she comes up with the bright idea that she, Ash, their adopted brother Jack (if I understood it right he is actually a cousin but Katherine and Ash's parents adopted him. His mother was an Aunt but I'm not sure where in the Family Tree she falls [hopefully there's a family tree on the Author's website or soon will be, I haven't checked] and his father is a Prince but the two never married.) and their cousin's Quinn and Skye all can find their ideal mates by finding the counterpart to whatever legendary Hero they are. Katherine is also going a step farther and playing Matchmaker she is figuring out who each of them is and finding their counterpart. Ash is Prince Charming and Maura is his Cinderella, she also happens to be best friends with Katherine and Skye.
Jack's book is next and he is Romeo so his Counterpart is "Juliet" and how convenient that a family with which the Wilde's have had a feud with for years has a daughter. Not sure who the others are going to be but there is a reference to Katherine being a Shrew and that she thinks Quinn may be Pygmalion.

When the cousin's were younger (best I could understand Ash was almost 19, Quinn-18, Jack-17, Katherine-12 and Skye-11) their parents were killed in a shipwreck and their Bachelor Uncle Cornelius raised them. The estates of the two families are close enough to each other, I think they're next to each other actually, that Quinn and Skye moved in with the other three. Quinn and Skye I think have returned home but are always at the home of their cousins. Cornelius is a Scholar and therefore a great help to Katherine in determining what story fits each person. There is an Aunt Isabelle that comes for a visit and their is some mention made of her and Uncle Cornelius being found their Legendary Lovers as well. I'm hoping that if they do get a relationship than its either as a secondary story in one of the other books or after the 5 Wilde Cousins have gotten theirs. I'm currently reading a series by another author which is primarily one family but she keeps leaving the family to write an HEA for some secondary character. There is one family member I really would like to read about but my fear is that she won't get to him before the Publisher says enough of that Series, do something else. I think this fear may be due mainly in part to at least two series possibly three that I've gotten interested in but the Author couldn't finish them because the Publisher decided they didn't want to or disagreed on the direction that should be taken. I digress.

If you haven't read Nicole Jordan then this might be a good time to start.(less)

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Jan 30, 2012 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fv

Ashton and Maura

Review on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

Princess Charming starts out with a pretty interesting plotline. The story is about 5 brothers/sisters/cousins that come from a family destined to only find true love once. In every past member of their family the person has either found only one true love or sadly has never found anyone. When his parents and his cousins’ parent are killed, Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort is left as the oldest member of the two families. They do have an absen...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, review, romance, read-2011

Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...

Maura Collyer doesn’t think of herself as Cinderella, but she definitely has a wicked stepmother – one that sold her prized horse to a villainous viscount. Determined to get her horse back one way or another, Maura steals into the viscount’s stables and takes what’s rightfully hers. The only thing she didn’t count on was her best friend’s brother catching her in the act…and tagging along as she flees London.

Ashton Wi...more Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...

Maura Collyer doesn’t think of herself as Cinderella, but she definitely has a wicked stepmother – one that sold her prized horse to a villainous viscount. Determined to get her horse back one way or another, Maura steals into the viscount’s stables and takes what’s rightfully hers. The only thing she didn’t count on was her best friend’s brother catching her in the act…and tagging along as she flees London.

Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, is no Prince Charming. His sister – a would-be fairy godmother – doesn’t agree, however, and insists that he play hero to her best friend’s damsel in distress. Unwilling to see Maura ruined by the machinations of her stepmother and the viscount, Ash goes along with his sister’s plan. But as he accompanies Maura on her mission, Ash finds that he cannot resist the headstrong beauty. And it’s not long before the temptation to seduce Maura is too much for him to resist.

Will this unlikely Cinderella and Prince Charming get a fairytale ending of their own?

Nicole Jordan’s Legendary Lovers series starts off on a high note in the sparkling, enchanting Princess Charming. I absolutely adore Princess Charming. Maura and Ash are likeable, endearing protagonists and it’s easy to become invested in their story. Maura isn’t your average Regency lady; she’d much rather be running her stables than dancing until dawn. Ash, in turn, is a deliciously sexy hero and it was wonderful to watch his attraction to Maura slide from lust to love.

Ash’s siblings and cousins are fantastic secondary characters that add life to Princess Charming. Katharine, Ash’s sister, is the one who sets up the premise for the series: each member of the Wilde family will find true love by using the model of a famous pair of legendary lovers from fairytales, famous literature, or mythology. In Ash’s case, it’s Cinderella, but I can’t wait to see what Ms. Jordan does to put a spin on Romeo and Juliet for Jack, Pygmalion for Quinn, and The Taming of the Shrew for Katharine. I also would dearly love to know what Ms. Jordan has in store for my favorite Wilde cousin, Skye. One of the best parts of Princess Charming was seeing the closeness of the Wilde family and I can’t wait to revisit them in the next Legendary Lovers book.

Overall, Princess Charming is a fast and fun Regency romance, and the elements of Cinderella Ms. Jordan incorporated into the tale add extra charm. If Princess Charming is anything to go by, the rest of the Wilde cousins will have delightfully entertaining romances. I finished Princess Charming wanting nothing more to dive into Ms. Jordan’s next Legendary Lovers tale – bring on Jack’s book!(less)

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Jan 30, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, nicole-jordan

Cinderella is one of my all time favorite fairy tales so I was excited to finally read a book by Nicole Jordan when I saw she was going to be doing her own spin on the tale. We have all the classic elements: a dashing prince in the form of Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort and our lovely, 'lowly' Cinderella in Maura Collyer, horse breeder. Maura is devastated when her stepmother (not a total villianess which I liked) sold her beloved champion stallion to pay for her two step-sisters seasons (aga...more Cinderella is one of my all time favorite fairy tales so I was excited to finally read a book by Nicole Jordan when I saw she was going to be doing her own spin on the tale. We have all the classic elements: a dashing prince in the form of Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort and our lovely, 'lowly' Cinderella in Maura Collyer, horse breeder. Maura is devastated when her stepmother (not a total villianess which I liked) sold her beloved champion stallion to pay for her two step-sisters seasons (again, very likable girls which I liked). The horse was sold to the man Maura believes caused her fathers death, as he has always converted her horse. But as the slimy viscount proves too much for Mauras temper, Ash (whose sisters are Mauras best friends) tries to step in and help the situation. This doesn't exactly go over very well with the bold, passionate Maura but sparks start to ignite and it causes our couple to come together...eventually :)

Overall, for my first Nicole Jordan book I was very happy. I love stories that are centered around big, lovable, "Wilde" families and this looks to be a great start to a possible five books for the Wilde family. I enjoyed how even though Maura and Ash have known each other since childhood, there new found attraction to each other seemed natural. The part that really piped my interest was the fact that Maura was a horse breeder. A very unusual profession for females during that time period. We don't get to see much of that unfortunately, but it adds a unique back story. I personally don't know if I would go abduct a horse and try to flee with it, but you could really feel Maura's passion for her beloved horse. There are some wonderful supporting characters that add some good family moments, but don't overshadow our main couple. Ash and Maura have loads of sexual tension but Ash is hesitant to fully bed Maura as he believes she will marry someday, even though Maura believes she is almost on the shelf and has no dowry, title, or real prospects in that regard. I had about forgotten about the important glass slipper of Cinderella, and Ash's slipper moment was all too fitting for this story and it brought a sweet smile to my face. While this isn't my favorite Cinderella retelling, it was certainly enjoyable and I breezed through it in a couple afternoons and I look forward to the rest of the series. I would recommend this book for people that enjoy sweet and sexy fairy tale retellings, mixed with a warm, big family and a bit of uniqueness and danger. 3 1/2 stars
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Apr 02, 2012 Minna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Cute story. Not great writing, although it was entertaining. The plot was not all that original.

At two-thirds of the way through, I hit my personal biggest pet peeve in romance novels... when they're skillfully executed or original, sometimes I don't notice it, but in this book it was glaringly obvious and bothersome. I just don't know why every romance hero's Big Moment of Realization in which it dawns on him that he Loves the heroine has to come complete with the mental image of her "lovely b...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Katie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

So I thought the beginning of this was really great! I liked the set up and I LOVED the cousins this series revolves around. But then it all kind of fell apart. The premise of the series is kind of forced. So, yes, there are five cousins (tragically orphaned) and people in their family fall in love and stay in love forever. I was mostly okay with that part, but then one of the cousins decides that, because none of this current generation has found their ideal matches, they need to emulate legend...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Mariel Hoss rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nicole Jordan was another one of those writers I found perusing my libraries e-book collection. I loved her Courtship Wars series - I enjoy a good series...so this one was very welcome..I am looking forward to the rest of the series...this one was very Cinderella with a modernish (set in regency England) twist. Keep 'em coming!

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Apr 04, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun introduction for me to Nicole Jordan and her new series with the Wilde family. I really enjoyed our hero and heroine, Ashton and Maura. Being the eldest in his family, Ashton feels like he must be responsible for everyone. Feeling on her own for so long, Maura tries to be independent and her own problem solver. When her own quick wit and intelligence can’t get her out of the mess her step-mother put her in, Ashton and Maura leap in to an adventure trying to understand how to inter...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Stephanie Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

I Loved this book so much. I love how they put in the Cinderella fairy tale. Ash and Maura were made for each other, and although at first i didn't like Maura's stepmother you realize she is just scared of not being safe and secure in her world. Can't wait to read the next book

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Feb 22, 2012 Shelby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: giveaways

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the hero and the whole clan thing. At times the writing was a little flowery for me though and kind of brought me out of the story. The heroine was a bit too 'sorted' for me. I'd have preferred a bit more vulnerability from her. Overall though a really nice fun read with wonderful family interactions. I won this book from goodreads, thank you.

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Jan 09, 2013 Erica Spencer rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's a cute story, a fairy tale with a regency twist. I liked the characters. I found her writing style at times to be over-the-top with cliches and such, but overall a nice read. I'm interested and invested in the characters enough to read the rest of the series!

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Sep 24, 2012 Gabriela Chacana rated it 1 of 5 stars

I thought the plot of this book very simple, but I thought it would get good, that it was going to have interesting twists to spice the story up. It did not have any significant twist and the plot remained simple. I got bored and ended up skipping the last chapters.

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Jul 29, 2012 Trudi Jorda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pure and delicious fluff! A woman of spirit like her lovely race horse and a rogue of a family equals grins giggles and an evil villian to be out thwarted-- lots of fun-- can hardly wait for the next in the series! :)

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Feb 22, 2012 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Honestly, I was a bit let down by this one. It's not what I've come to expect from Nicole Jordan. I didn't feel much emotional connection to the characters, and I felt the romantic development between the hero and heroine was not believable (or sufficient).

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May 01, 2013 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, 2013-books

Love this book! Even though I'm starting to get annoyed by the fairy tale trend, I quite like Nicole Jordan's version of Cinderella. The hero and heroine were great individuals and were great together. The chemistry was great and the plot was memorable. Can't wait for the next book!

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Jun 21, 2012 Jen Taylor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first one in a series so I look forward to reading more books by Nicole Jordan. A great fiction novel set in a more civilized time. Action, adventure, and romance make for a wonderful read.

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About Nicole Jordan

New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan spins delightful tales that simmer with passion and sensuality. In her former life, Nicole grew up as an Army brat, moving frequently and attending high school in Germany. She later earned a civil engineering degree from Georgia Tech and spent eight years as a manufacturing manager making disposable diapers and toilet tissue! Currently Nicole lives i...more

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