Almost a Princess

This book is reminiscent of Judith McNaught's earlier historical novels. It was a delight to read, and I highly recommend it to any fans of historical romance!

I don't ususally like books set in this time period, but I picked it up because of all of the good reviews and I wanted something different. I definitely got what I wanted! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The heroine was smart and not an empty headed idiot that most heroines are and Case! He was what made the book a keeper. I'm already on my third book by this author and can't wait for her newest book coming in April. Highly recommended!

In 1816 England, Special Branch enlists the help of Lord Caspar "Case" Devere to capture a clever killer. The clues lead Case to the Ladies' Library women's rights group whose objectives is to change the marriage and property laws. Case asks member Jane Mayberry to take him to see her friend Letitia Gray better known among this circle as Letty Piers.Jane is as uncooperative as she is intelligent, which means Case has quite an obstacle to overcome. Case persuades Jane to help him. Working together, they begin to fall in love. However, she harbors a secret that she knows will destroy their relationship even as he realizes the murderer is someone he loathes from the war in the Peninsular.ALMOST A PRINCESS is as much a historical mystery as it is a Regency romance. The investigation is cleverly designed so that the audience follows Case and his sidekick as they begin to solve the homicides until the plot twists into a cat and mouse game with the lead male protagonist as the rodent and his beloved partner as the cheese. The romance is a delight also especially as the women's movement appears to be an intriguing obstacle. Perhaps the only default is Elizabeth Thornton's penchant to use princess in her titles when this novel is obviously higher ranked.Harriet Klausner

Historical romance author Elizabeth Thornton never fails to shine as she fills her novels with passionate romance amidst a compelling mystery. This latest regency romance reacquaints readers with the Devere family, specifically the Earl of Castleton, Case Devere. Having served England in the Spanish campaign, Case is presently aiding the Special Branch in investigating a murder similar to those committed by Gideon Piers, a renegade army officer who supposedly died years ago. The search for links to Piers leads Case to the Ladies Library in London where he questions Miss Jane Mayberry about her friendship with Letty Gray, Piers' sister. Unwittingly, the earl is drawn to the bookish Miss Mayberry, whose independent nature both confuses and attracts him. Pulling the reader into the storyline, this author follows the unorthodox courtship of Case and Jane, as suspense mounts and secrets are revealed. When crimes are committed against those close to the earl, it becomes clear to him that Jane could become the next victim. Will his skill, honed on the battlegrounds of Spain, save Jane and himself before it is too late? An admirable heroine and suspense around every corner make this novel one of the best from an author whose books should be purchased based on her name alone.

In ET's newsletter she says a reviewer likened this book to Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Go figure. LC's classic was a comedy. Almost A Princess is anything but a comedy. If we have to compare ET to anyone, how about Liz Carlyle? But why compare her to other authors when her story telling can stand on its own. This is a fast paced, exciting, smart, sexy (but not as much as some of her others) story. Just what we've come to expect from ET. No comparisons are needed. You'll enjoy this one, and it deserves 5 stars plus.