Harlequin Historical Romance
Featuring: Princess Serena of Badenstein; Karl von Lohenberg
ISBN: 0373297289 EAN: 9780373297283 Kindle: B00A9V1CH0 Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
I found this historic romance a marvellous read. Strong
characters and a past era are evoked as a man who believed
himself to be prince of Lohenberg now has to scheme to
regain his kingdom, while the lady to whom he was betrothed
struggles to escape a cruel parent. Neither can be happy
alone, but why should they be any happier together?
THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCE is by the author of Warriors in
Winter which I read and greatly enjoyed, so I was keen to
see how the author handled a different setting. The
Germanic land and culture is ably portrayed, with disregard
for rights of women at the time coming across strongly in
the first pages.
Karl, now exposed as a bastard, leaves his home before the
news can travel and appoints himself escort as Princess
Serena of Badenstein steps into her coach for a secret
trip. They've been betrothed for six years but barely know
each other. Karl certainly is unaware that Serena gets
beaten by her father, with the courtiers powerless to defy
the king. All Karl wants is to compromise his lady's
reputation before she can retract her promise of marriage.
Serena, while strong-willed, has no control over her life;
she can't even undress herself from her many layers of
clothing. Both of them have survived assassination
attempts. The island in the North Sea where they hide is
becoming desolate after crop failures, with workers leaving
for Prussia and Germany. Seems the royal pair are not the
only ones in trouble.
Michelle Willingham has a deft touch with historical
romances, showing us the cold, hunger and deprivations of the
ordinary people in contrast with fineries and rich food.
Not all privileged lives are happy and while wealthy people
are the only ones who can afford to travel, the affairs of
state are expected to take precedence over the affairs of
the heart.
I enjoyed THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCE and will be looking out for
more from this author. Lovers of romantic historicals with
a strong dash of realism can pick this book up for a good
read.
Princess Serena of Badenstein intends to flee—from her violent father and from the man to whom she's been pledged in a political marriage of convenience. Karl von Lohenberg is without a country, a title—and a bride if he lets Serena get away. A ruthless man, he takes her to a secluded island, hell-bent on seduction. Only, he discovers a broken woman behind the prim princess facade. The time they spend together mends her spirit and touches his soul, but how will she react when she finds out how he's deceived her?