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Book Description
The entirety of Olive Township is looking forward to the fast-approaching day when Daisy St. James will say ‘I do’ to the town golden boy.
There’s just one little catch.
Daisy isn’t in love. Her impending nuptials are transactional in nature, and that suits Daisy just fine. She learned the hard way a long time ago that true love does not exist, so what does it matter if her marriage is a farce?
But then a stranger named Peter sails into town, his forearm bearing a tattooed symbol of the Navy SEAL he used to be. And wound around that symbol, are daisies.
Daisy is ready to write it off as coincidence, but there’s no denying the way the enigmatic man feels familiar to her. His slow smile, his stormy eyes, the shape of his jaw. He makes her laugh, draws out her smiles, and even more dangerous, he challenges her previous thoughts about true love.
And then one day, he says three little words only someone from her past would know…someone named Penn.
Penn Bellamy returned to Olive Township with plans to sell his late mother’s estate, snag a locally famous Sammich, and be on his way. Under no circumstances was he to speak to his childhood best friend, Daisy. Or be her ear when she fled her engagement party. Or become her physical therapy client. Offering to help her with her home remodel? He wasn’t supposed to do that, either.
When Daisy learns Peter and Penn are the same person, and he discovers Daisy’s engagement is a pretense, all bets are off.
Penn will do whatever it takes to make Daisy his, even if it means telling her the truth about why he left once before.
After all, all is fair in the quest for true love.
About Jennifer Millikin
Jennifer Millikin writes emotional contemporary romances. She has nine published titles and is a two-time recipient of the Readers Choice Award. Jennifer lives with her husband and two young children in Scottsdale, Arizona. When she isn't chasing after her little ones she can be found gulping coffee in her office, typing furiously at her keyboard, and reenacting scenes. Find Jennifer on jennifermillikinwrites.com and facebook.com/JenniferMillikinwrites.
My Thoughts
Jennifer Millikin’s "Penn," the first in a series inspired by "The Princess Bride," delivers a charming and engaging audiobook experience, largely thanks to the captivating narration of Hannah Chiclana and Edward Black. Chiclana embodies Daisy St. James with a delightful blend of cynicism and burgeoning vulnerability. Her portrayal of Daisy’s initial pragmatism regarding her transactional engagement is convincing, while her subtle shifts in tone as Peter/Penn chips away at her defenses are expertly nuanced. Black, as Penn, brings a compelling mix of brooding intensity and underlying tenderness to the character. His voice lends a weightiness to Penn’s past and a genuine warmth to his growing affection for Daisy. The dual narration truly enhances the push and pull of their dynamic, allowing listeners to fully grasp their individual perspectives and the sizzling chemistry that slowly builds between them.
Millikin’s writing is lighthearted and engaging, successfully capturing the small-town charm of Olive Township and the initial awkwardness of Daisy and Penn’s re-acquaintance. The premise, while straightforward, is executed with a playful touch, hinting at the beloved tropes of its cinematic inspiration without feeling derivative. The internal conflict Daisy faces as her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble under Penn’s persistent charm is well-paced, and the gradual unveiling of Penn’s true identity adds a layer of intrigue.
While the plot follows familiar romance beats, the strength lies in the characters and the narrators’ ability to bring them to life. The banter between Daisy and Penn is often witty and engaging, and Chiclana and Black’s delivery makes these exchanges particularly enjoyable. The "spice" mentioned in the series description is present but doesn't overshadow the developing emotional connection between the protagonists. Overall, the audiobook of "Penn" is a delightful listen, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story with heart, humor, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. The narration elevates the already charming story, making it a highly recommended audio experience.
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It sounds like this has some good character-driven narratives that keep things interesting. Interesting review, thanks for sharing!
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