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The Accidental Prince

The Accidental Prince, February 2013
#1128
by Michelle Willingham

Harlequin Historical Romance
Featuring: Princess Serena of Badenstein; Karl von Lohenberg
ISBN: 0373297289
EAN: 9780373297283
Kindle: B00A9V1CH0
Paperback / e-Book
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"Another great historic romance from this author"

Fresh Fiction Review

The Accidental Prince
Michelle Willingham

Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
Posted February 23, 2013

Romance Series

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.

Learn more about The Accidental Prince

SUMMARY

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?


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