I finally finished “Royal Treatment”. I decided to take a break before I more on to reading the second of the series, “Royal Pain”.

“Royal Treatment” tells the story of Christina, who loses her job after complaining she was being sexually harassed by her boss, meets the “disguised” King of Alaska, and gets an offer to stay with the royal family. The king wants Christina to marry his son, David. David doesn’t seem to mind, but Christina doesn’t seem to want to.

I mentioned before that I am not a fan of Mary Janice Davidson’s writing style. Normally, when I finish a book, I feel a twinge of regret because, man, it’s over too soon. When I finished “Royal Treatment,” I was regretful because I feel like there wasn’t any rapport between me and the characters.

I didn’t feel like I knew David at all, aside from the fact that he has a Phd. in Marine Biology, likes penguins and for some reason designs jewelry. I feel like I know his father and their major domo, Eduard, more, which in my opinion, doesn’t say much for characterization considering he is supposed to be the main character alongside Christina.

I can’t say this was a fast paced book, but more of hurried. Fast paced stories may be quick and action packed, but well written for the reader to become acquainted with the characters: who they are, what their personalities and quirks are, how they think. Sure, David is odd with his love for penguins, and Christina is rather brash.

Think of it this way. As a reader, you somehow feel that the characters you’re reading are people. They become your friends as the story goes along, right? When the story ends, you want to read it again because you want to hang out with them, and as you read, you are assured that their story does end with a happy ever after. With “Royal Treatment”, I feel like Christina and David are more into a fling than anything else.

Which is rather disappointing since the plot is interesting. Imagine, Alaska is an independent country and is ruled by royalty? Other writers would create new countries or situate their characters in places that already have established royalties, but this is unique. That’s why I wish there was more meat to the story.