I love a great many things about romance, but I like the fantasy aspect the most. Daydreaming is such a wonderful pastime, isn’t it? And it’s free! I did get to indulge in a big way while writing SAVED BY THE MONARCH.

Since I’m scared to death of flying, I make a point to do it at least once a year. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my intrepid heroines, it’s that life is too short to let fear win. When I travel, I see as people wait for their loved ones at airports, or for strangers holding up signs with names. And since I’m a writer, I see book ideas everywhere…

What if someone went on vacation to Europe, to a small kingdom her parents had left behind when she’d been a very young child? And what if the surprise of a lifetime waited for her when she arrived?

When Judi Marezzi’s plane lands in the Kingdom of Valtria, she finds a prince waiting for her at the airport. Before she can as much as claim her luggage, she’s told that she’d been promised to Prince Miklos since birth, a bit of news her parents didn’t have a chance to pass on to her before they died two decades ago. As she tries to convince him that she isn’t about to marry a complete stranger, royal expectations or not, they are both kidnapped by anti-monarchy rebels and taken to a cabin high in the mountains.

Sparks fly as the prince and his reluctant princess fight each other, the kidnappers and the elements. They must escape and get to civilization in time to warn the royal family of impending attack. But first they must learn to trust each other and accept that the growing attraction between them is more powerful than all the threats combined.

Prince Miklos is such a strong, honorable man. His country and people are everything to him. He’s even willing to sacrifice himself and marry a stranger to boost the monarchy’s popularity ratings. And he’s certainly willing to risk his life for his people and his family when he learns the rebel’s dark plans. I really didn’t blame Judi one bit for falling for him. They were both such fun characters to write.

A friend called SAVED BY THE MONARCH “Princess Diaries for adults”, and I think she hit the nail right on the head. It’s a fun fantasy. We could be living ordinary lives with plenty of ordinary chores like dishes and laundry, but you never know… there might be a whole other life waiting for you somewhere even now. And that is what the very best daydreams are made of. Go ahead. Embark on an adventure. They are expecting you at the royal ball.

Dana Marton

To read an excerpt from SAVED BY THE MONARCH, and for a chance to win free books, please visit my website.