The Prince's Bride

In the beginning, we see Jocelyn, the heroine as a self-centered and materialistic fortune hunter. However, after overhearing a plot to kill Prince Alexei, Joceyln is forced to run away w/ and marry her protector (who she thinks is next to poor). This is when the story really becomes interesting. At first, I hated Joceylyn, I'd seen her in The Husband List and The Marriage Lesson. She was so spoiled and mercenary. However, in The Prince's Bride, she really does change for the better--slowly but surely. This is the first time, I've seen such growth in a heroine. By the end of the story, Jocelyn shows just how little fortune and material possessions mean to her (in comparison to love).The Prince's Bride is packed with suspense, humor, and mystery. Rand is the perfect hero. He will sweep you away! Unlike many romances that only give you a glimpse at the end of the novel, this read allows us to enjoy Rand and Jocelyn as a happy couple at different points throughout the book. There are a few irritating occurences. But, I have to give this book a five because the hero is wonderful and the couple doesn't get caught up in that whole "miscommunication" thing so prevalent in many books.

This book is a must if you've read the marriage lesson. A lot of news are added in addition to the previous book as well as "her highness my wife". I enjoyed these books as great individual stories as well as a wonderful series together.

A great follow up to the previous titles. I just finished it this morning and am definitely in love with Rand and Jocelyn. I can add nothing more than Ms. Klausner has already said. Goes in my keeper file. Now, I'm hoping for a story that give Alexei a happy ending and a bride worthy of him.

From the age of ten, Lady Jocelyn Shelton dreamed of becoming a princess. Now, nine years later, it seems her dream may be realized when the visiting, and unmarried, crown prince of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia takes a definite interest in her at a party given to him by the ton. Agreeing to meet privately with Prince Alexei, confident of a forthcoming marriage proposal, Jocelyn is privy to a conversation between an apparently nefarious scheming couple. They aren't aware that she can't see them without her spectacles, therefore unable to identify them, and one of the dastards throws a knife at her, barely missing her head. Enter Randall, Viscount Beaumont, who promptly kisses Jocelyn to prevent her from screaming, unfortunately allowing the villains to escape. Rand Beaumont is on a reluctant mission to protect the prince of Avalonia. When a dangerous plot to usurp the prince's position is uncovered and Lady Jocelyn appears to unwittingly be involved, Rand vows to protect her, her reputation and her family. Marriage to the unwilling lady seems the only course of action. Rand has his own secrets that just might turn Lady Jocelyn's dreams into reality, however he prefers to have her fall in love with him for his own merits, not his title or wealth.THE PRINCE'S BRIDE is a dark and dangerous tale of betrayal, surprising identities and the power of love to overcome all. Victoria Alexander shines in developing characters that leap off the pages with witty and compelling dialogue and storyline to match. One of her more serious novels, Ms. Alexander still adds a dash of humor to this truly romantic fairy-tale story. The banter between Jocelyn and Rand is in turns funny and heartwarming. Prince Alexei is full of surprises that keep the newlyweds on their toes and on the move. Rand's elderly uncle Nigel endears readers with his crusty, yet lovable disposition and propensity for doling out advice, wanted or not.THE PRINCE'S BRIDE is a lovely tapestry woven around Regency England and the small country of Avalonia, rich in descriptive and narrative prose. Victoria Alexander never fails to enthrall this reader with her incredible imagination and writing skills. I highly recommend this as one of Ms. Alexander's best books to date.

Even as a little girl, the vain Lady Jocelyn Shelton expected to marry a prince. Now in 1819 as a debutante, anyone of a lesser rank is just not good enough for the conceited Jocelyn. As the diamond of the current season, Jocelyn sets her sights on Crown Prince Alexei Pruzinksy of Greater Avalonia. She is so cocksure of her abilities, she expects Alexei to propose and thus accepts an unchaperoned rendezvous with him. However, Alexei fails to meet her, but instead two assassins believe she has seen and overheard their plot to murder the Prince. The two killers want Jocelyn dead, but Viscount Rand Beaumont, assigned to keep Alexei safe, vows to protect her. To do that, he needs her out of London and entrenched in a safe house until the thugs are stopped. However, he cannot escort a single young woman by himself unless he marries her. To Jocelyn, life is meaningless with a mere viscount even if she reacts to his regal kisses. THE PRINCE'S BRIDE is an entertaining historical romance once the readers moves past Jocelyn's princely requirement. Rand is a hunk of a hero and surprisingly readers will ultimately find the lead female protagonist smart and charming. The support cast provides humor or tension depending on their role, but all enhance the relationship between Jocelyn and Rand. Sub-genre fans will relish Victoria Alexander's warm tale.Harriet Klausner