Guinevere’s marriage to Arthur was a political partnership, never a romance. Merlin knows that the king’s court, newly restored at a medieval theme park, will only be complete if Arthur has his lady. Little did anyone suspect that once Guinevere gets a taste of twenty-first-century freedoms that this ancient queen would lose interest in belonging to any man—even a royal one. 

It takes a dragon, and some passionate nights spent in each other’s arms, to lure her back to her husband’s side. Arthur is willing to accept Gwen’s help in protecting the new Camelot from a fae menace, but the bigger challenge will be wooing back Guinevere for a second chance at love…

King Arthur is an impressive character to be sure, but until now, author Sharon Ashwood has kept him in the background of her Camelot Reborn series. Operative phrase being until now. Welcome, Arthur Pendragon, share your fabled story…tell us why your queen is so bitter towards you…just how responsible you are for the instability in your marriage… Thank you, Ms. Ashwood, for illuminating truths with painful insight and divine forgiveness. Royal Enchantment is book three of the series, but do go in order for each is a journey to love.

Despite the separation/distance between Arthur and Guinevere, there are so many pent up emotions, such repressed honesty, it takes little time before issues are boiling up, surfacing to near explosion. After the “stone sleep”, the marriage becomes an uneasy truce they strike and you’ll find yourself looking forward to their heated exchanges! “Give Arthur something to conquer, and he was in his element”. When that person is none other than Guinevere, “his greatest vulnerability wrapped in an exquisite female form”, tactical measures are paramount to peaceful coexistence.

Arthur wants Gwen, the queen of Camelot, at his side. That’s wonderful considering how strained their marriage had become due to long, repeated absences in the name of duty. But awaking Gwen from the stone sleep into the 21st century, exposed to new culture and equal education for women, goes over Arthur’s head.

“How does that matter? You’re the queen of Camelot. What more could you desire?”

Back to the gilded cage it is. Well, hell…No! Gwen wants to atone for previous indiscretions (Lancelot, anyone?) for lapses in judgment, but Arthur needs to give her the time, and attention, to make such reparations. Not “consigning her to a life of embroidery and love poems”. Courtship after the marriage? As unconventional as it may be, equanimity is vital to regain trust.

While trying to right his own wrongs, Arthur is also facing magical sabotage. A nefarious character is methodically releasing chaos, unleashing dragon mayhem, and manipulating the supernatural contract of fae creatures to usurp the crown of Queen LaFaye while “temporarily” unoccupied. It was all a delight to read, but the powerful subtext of unity and healing was the optimal joy.

Ms. Ashwood does a magnificent job of creating balance between two formidable forces. When Arthur seems immovable, Gwen acquiesces. If Gwen exhorted her fiery temper, Arthur suddenly succumbed to reason. They slowly, but gracefully, owned their respective roles and compromised as necessary. Between the volleys, and balking, genuine love persevered.

I’ve long stated that my knowledge of Camelot is limited, but this series has deepened my understanding and with it my appreciation. Brilliant secondary characters shine in their wit and camaraderie (book 4, Enchanter Redeemed, screams Merlin, does it not?), the boon of Excalibur having magical deterrence as gifted by the Lady of the Lake, the Forest Sauvage and its plethora of fantastic beasts. How can I not be “royally enchanted” — every book is a gem!  Ms. Ashwood details so splendidly, you’ll smell a dragon’s puff of smoke, hear the clanging of metal as Excalibur lands its mighty blow, touch the cavern walls as hero after hero emerges to face threats. But most importantly, you’ll feel the love spanning centuries between King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Another wonderful book to a dazzling series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review