Alexandra, Princess Menshikov, from Oxenburg, fictional country placed somewhere between Switzerland and Bavaria has come incognito to Scotland to find a husband.
"...a husband who is not like the soft-skinned fops who languish in the courts of Europe. Men who ride and hunt and fight - real men."
There she meets James Keith, the fifth Earl of Kintore, who has all the qualities that she is looking for. There is only one problem - James does not want to get married ... ever. But Alexandra is going to give her best effort to change his mind.

Sadly, [b:Princess in Disguise|15801788|Princess in Disguise (The Duchess Diaries, #1.5)|Karen Hawkins|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357593840s/15801788.jpg|21525177] was just another historical romance to me. Nothing really stood out to get me interested or attached to characters.
There is a lot of things happening for a novella, sometimes it seems that things are forced to happen a little bit too fast. But I was never a fan of insta-love thing so maybe that's the problem.

[b:Princess in Disguise|15801788|Princess in Disguise (The Duchess Diaries, #1.5)|Karen Hawkins|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357593840s/15801788.jpg|21525177] can be read as a stand-alone, but I think this is not the right story to pick if you want to sample Karen Hawkins's talent. I am sure that she can do so much better. Still, it can satisfy the fans while they are waiting for the next installment in 'The Duchess Diaries' series, I guess.

My rating: 3 stars (average, nothing new)

I recommend this book to fans of: historical romance novellas

Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review. ( )

PRINCESS IN DISGUISE by Karen Hawkins is an exciting historical romance set in Scotland. #1.5 of "The Duchess Diaries". Princess Menshikov of Oxenburg, Alexandra Romanovin,yes isn't that a mouth full is through being courted so she is off to Scotland in disguise. James Keith,Earl of Kintore,Viscount Stonehaven and Baron Urie,another mouth full becomes her rescuer,and so much more. A quick fun romp in Scotland. A possible love at first sight kinda of thing. A Russian Princess and a Scottish Earl,who would have thought. Another enjoyable read by this author. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

Princess in Disguise by Karen Hawkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Princess in Disguise is a novella written by Karen Hawkins. This book is scheduled for release in early February,2013.

Alexandra Romanov, a princess and widow, wishes to marry again. However, her prospects are hideous. Most of her suitors only want her title and money. Bored and tired of the whole game, Alexandra heads off to Scotland in search of a husband she can actually fall in love with.
As fate would have it, on the way they are forced to stop for a while due to a snow storm. They find a little inn to stay at.
Alexandra is mistaken for a gypsy by the innkeeper. She plays along when the Earl of Kintore arrives at the inn, drunk and in the mood for a little fun.
It doesn't take long before the sparks fly between Alexandra and James Keith. But, when Alexandra decides honesty is the best policy and confesses to the Earl that she is in search of a husband, he quickly loses his good spirits and backs away from Alex as fast as possible. But, Alex has her heart set on the Earl. They are stuck together while the snow is piled up, but will the snow melt before the Earl's heart does?

This is a short story/novella with about one hundred pages. I believe this a little prelude to "How to Pursue a Princess" due for a March release.
The author crams a lot of action and romance into such a limited space. The chemistry is good between Alexandra and James Keith. The passion is intense, but the Earl is fighting his feelings for Alexandra adding a little angst into the mix. ( Nothing over the top though) This ends up being a sweet love story with of course..... HEA!!! A very pleasant read. This one gets an A.
Thanks to the publishers and Edelweiss for an advance copy.



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