Once Upon a Tiara/Henry Ever After

by Carrie Alexander

"This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books, S.A."--T.p. verso.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373441495
• ISBN13: 9780373441495
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Harlequin Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.1" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Double Delight!

ONCE UPON A TIARAEven though Princess Liliane Brunner is in Blue Cloud, Pennsylvania to participate in the grand opening of her country's royal jewelry display at the local museum, she plans on experiencing everything that America has to offer. Hot dogs, M & M's, cotton candy, and Simon Tremayne. Not necessarily in that order. Simon is quite simply boggled (in his own words) at the sight of Princess Lili, and adorable nerd that he is, trips over himself in order to impress her. What ensues is a tale mixed with humor, drama and hysterical dialogue. Simon's being made Lili's unofficial baby-sitter while she is in town only serves to cement his attraction to her, but how can this princess see him as anything more than a frog?ONCE UPON A TIARA is classic Carrie Alexander in that it contains wonderful characters, real-life dialogue and enough humor to balance the dramatic parts. I highly recommend it as one of Ms. Alexander's more funny and endearing stories.HENRY EVER AFTERPoor Henry Russell, sheriff of Blue Cloud, Pennsylvania, is smitten. He doesn't have time, however, to be entranced by the lovely Gypsy Jana Vargas -- a woman who, coincidentally, has the same name as the famous Vargas diamond on display at the local museum. Jana leads him to suspect that she and her traveling troupe are in Blue Cloud for more than a mere peek at the valuable tiara on display. But Jana escapes Henry at every turn. How can he keep an eye on her and her shifty young cousin Gabriel without throwing them both in jail? Especially when Henry would prefer Jana to be a prisoner in his bed.A little more serious in tone than ONCE UPON A TIARA, HENRY EVER AFTER is no less delightful. Henry and Jana are both stubborn, independent people intent on having the upper hand. It's a hoot to watch these two ...until the poignant ending. Carrie Alexander again demonstrates why she is one of romantic comedy's most beloved authors.

Hooray for the Not-So-Perfect Hero

I don't know about anyone else, but I like reading about heroes and heroines who aren't so perfect. Women without the hourglass figures; men with glasses. Characters I can relate to. Especially men who aren't the epitome of GQ models. I subscribe to the notion that it's not the 'wrapping' but what's 'inside the box.' In Ms. Alexander's Double Duets, she gives us two heroes, Simon Tremayne & Henry Russell, who could be termed 'frogs' but are gems of men. Simon, museum curator, figures he doesn't stand a chance with Princess Lili. But Lili turns the royal tables on him when she disovers that behind the scholarly 'wrapping' is a caring man with a kiss to knock-her-socks off.Sheriff Henry Russell, in charge of security for the Royal Visit, finds himself at odds with Lili's newfound local friend, an intriguing Gypsy named Jana. Talk about opposites attacting! Can't find two much more opposite than these two. As prickly as Jana is, Henry finds himself becoming more and more attracted to her. Suffice it to say that their quiet Pennsylvania town doesn't stay quiet long. If you're looking for a book to give you a couple of evening's worth of 'good-feeling' reading, you can't do much better than this Double Duets.

You must kiss a lot of frogs -- Very highly recommended

ONCE UPON A TIARA: Her Serene Highness, Princess Liliane Brunner of the sovereign principality of Grunberg comes to Blue Cloud, Pennsylvania hoping for delectable samples of peanut butter, M & Ms and hotdogs. She also wishes for a dashing American playboy with whom to loose her virginity; it is, after all, difficult to find the right man and the right moment with a nanny always luring nearby. A museum curator like Simon Tremayne, with his cowlick and a metallic King Tut tie, hardly seems likely to become prince charming. HENRY EVER AFTER: Jana Vargas might be princess of the Gypsies, but she is a suspect for Sheriff Henry Russell. With the museum opening featuring the opening of crown jewels, Henry does not need the distraction of a fiery Gypsy with so many tourists and dignitaries in town. In the two years since Jana has led her ragtag band of gypsies for two years, always ensuring careful compliance to permits and laws. Nevertheless, Henry does not know if he feels danger or attraction.Unexpected parallels add a delightful freshness and sense of continuity in Carrie Alexander's latest duet that includes ONCE UPON A TIARA and HENRY EVER AFTER. Her humor sparkles with a sense of magic and impossibility, bringing together the most unlikely heroes and heroines. While Liliane and Jana might have opposite demeanors, their quick tongues and zest for living reveals kindred spirits and a mutual perchance for trouble. Both Simon and Henry will be quite challenged to prove themselves the prince charming that the ladies deserve. With indomitable verve and provocative chemistry, Alexander creates a delightful read that comes very highly recommended.