THE PENTHOUSE PRINCE is a standalone romance by Virginia Nelson. I loved this book! I love stories with a "pretend relationship" theme, and I also love "marriage of convenience" themed romances. However, the hero of THE PENTHOUSE PRINCE -- CEO Camden James -- makes this story really something special. Camden now stands as one of my all-time favorite heroes.

There are many things about Cam that are wonderful but not apparent from the book blurb. Yes, he wants a fake fiancee for reasons that involve business and his father, but the details make all the difference. Cam is not the shallow, arrogant playboy I expected him to be before reading THE PENTHOUSE PRINCE. He is both incredibly sexy, sensitive when dealing with the heroine, fiercely loyal, and a protector of those he cares about. I think telling the story from both points of view helps the reader get to know the characters better. I also found Cam's inner thoughts regarding Jeanie to very very sweet and contribute to him being a swoon-worthy hero.

Besides the deliciousness of the hero, another thing I love about THE PENTHOUSE PRINCE is how much Jeanie and Cam have in common. Even though they come from different worlds, they are both good people who have had very dysfunctional relationships with a parent. The situation with their parents help bring them closer together and realize the depth of their feelings for each other. Virginia Nelson does a great job of creating chemistry between these characters and building the emotional connection between them. The sexiness is off the charts and the relationship they've developed only adds to the intensity.

THE PENTHOUSE PRINCE has romance that sizzles, a hero who's everything a woman could want, and a fun story. The "pretend fiancee" might be a classic romance trope, but I like the textured characters and how they don't go with the expected, cliche responses to conflicts. I've discovered a new favorite author and look forward to the next book by Virginia Nelson.