I have read both books in the series, how they are suppose to go. And yes, Dominic was not a good guy in the first book, but was not all that bad. Not as bad as some villans. He sparked interest in what would happen to him and his book jumps up 13 years. So, he is not the same. He is more of a ruthless character that has had the bad end of the stick for his whole life. You get a good background of Dom in The Runaway Princess and then in Someday My Prince, you get more of his story which is not a good one at all. Dom has led a hard life and did what he had to do to get by. Because of his life, it makes him an ok hero. He had to learn the hard way, but instead of being a really bad apple, he tried to keep whatever honest qualities that he could and still live his hard life. That is why he gets so hung up on giving his word. When that is all you have it has to mean something. I liked that he had a depth to his feelings that was like a hidden well. He was not the average hero, but neither was his pain. He could have been worse then he was and done worse. He stillhad some morals. I liked it, gave it five stars and would reccomend it as well.

Crown Princess Laurentia knew it was her duty to choose a suitable husband, in order to produce an heir to the throne of Bertinierre. But she had been down the matrimonial road once before, and it had been disastrous. Now at twenty-five, she is a widow, and still a virgin. Her father, King Jerome, has invited potential suitors from far and wide, hoping someone will capture his daughter's attention. He wants nothing more than love and happiness for her. Laurentia has found no one the least bit interesting, until she meets Prince Dominic.

Prince Domonic is the illegitimate brother of the king of neighboring Sereminia. Not only that, but he's a mercenary, and the black sheep of the family. Due to recent threats to the throne, Laurentia's father hires Dominic to protect his daughter from harm. But who will protect Laurentia from the undeniable desire Dominic elicits from her, despite her efforts to escape it? And will he prove to be the one love she has been searching for, or will his debt of honor end in betrayal of the beautiful princess?

This is the sequel to THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS which I've yet to read. While this was an enjoyable story, it wasn't one of my favorites by Ms. Dodd. Mostly due to the hero being rather harsh and brooding, with a hidden agenda of betrayal. From what I understand, Dominic was introduced in the first book, and he was far from nice in it. Laurentia is a likeable, intelligent, and strong willed heroine. There are moments of humor here and the love scenes are quite sensual. As for a recommendation, if you're a Dodd fan like me, I'd recommend reading this one. However, if you've never read anything by this author, I'd recommend beginning with the Governess Bride Series, or THAT SCANDALOUS EVENING, rather than this selection.