Be My Prince

The Royal Trilogy #1

by Julianne MacLean

This edition of Be My Prince is out of print, but the book is now available in a new, revised Author's Preferred Edition on Kindle and in paperback.

Attention one and all. His Royal Highness, Prince Randolph of Petersbourg, will set sail for London in early June and reside at St. James Palace for one full month…Some say the true motive for the prince's visit to our fair country is to seek and marry his future queen. I will therefore pose the question to our devoted and reflective readers: Who among us will be the chosen one? ―From the London Ballroom Society Pages

Lady Alexandra Monroe has been told in no uncertain terms that she must set her sights on a proposal from Prince Randolph to better her family's situation. Instead, she finds herself falling for his charming but dangerous younger brother Nicholas, a man whose passionate nature―and irresistible good looks―makes it impossible to remember her duty. But while she is torn between ambition and desire, a wicked scandal brews, shocking secrets are revealed, and soon she begins to wonder: can true love really conquer all?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency, Adult

308 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

Reviews

[Jessica Kayuha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. After reading an excerpt of the first chapter, I was very excited to read the rest. Unfortunately, I did not find that the rest of the book lived up to its potential.

I can't pinpoint exactly what I didn't like. The book felt choppy to me. Like the pacing was all off. And there were parts that had me completely baffled as to why the author would do that to these characters.

The very first of these scenes was the "deflowering" of Alexandra. They didn't even take their clothes off!! There was no heat in the scene, and I read it thinking that what was happening couldn't really be happening.

I was honestly more interested in the whole background story of Petersbourg and the monarchy and revolution than I was about Alexandra & her man. (Can't say which man since that would spoil some of the fun) Although, I have to say, I was disappointed again with the scene in which this was revealed to Alex. Again leading to the deflowering debacle. She did say she had something to tell him the whole time he was pawing at her, so it wasn't her fault for what happened after

I found the ending completely unsatisfying. I know this is meant to be a trilogy, so perhaps that was meant to be. I don't know yet if I will pick up the next book. The cover to it certainly makes it look appealing, but I'm not sure I can take another book of short, choppy sentences leading to a wishy-washy ending.

The ending to this one almost had me wanting a refund. Build up, build up, build up....and then blah. Really? And not even Sopranos suspense blah...just blah.

[Monique Takens · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 en een halve ster .
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Het geheim van de prins - Candlelight Historische roman 1105
Het wantrouwen van de prins / koning duurde te lang om er een heel plezierige leeservaring van te maken . De vele "liefdes scenes " voelden daardoor alsof het om het bevredigen van seks honger ging en niet als echte liefdes uitingen .

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an excruciating audio book. Hated the H, didn't understand the h, and talk about predictible. The narration only made it worse. Not my cuppa, full review to come.

[Ashlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually have some mixed thoughts about this book. There was a lot of things I didn't like, mainly one of the main tropes and the fact that these two characters started a relationship together based on lying to one another. Then I felt like it was more of her pinning after him and him not trusting her but lusting after her. And then at the end it just seemed very abrupt like there was more to the story, but we didn't get it. Anyways, there were still things I liked about the book, like the characters. I also enjoyed the plot to some extent, not the entire thing, but I felt invested in the story and what would happen. I would probably pick up the next book in the series, mainly because I need to know what happens with these characters and I have some suspicions now that I want to confirm if they are true or not.

[Michelle Rupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up.

I wish the hero had trusted the heroine at all. It was still an issue to the last chapter.

I liked the plot though.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

This was an overall decent story at the end but at the beginning and the middle it was a just a drag.. Seemed to go around in circles until the end.. I will be reading the rest of the books in the series.. Hopefully they aren't a struggle to finish.

[Hannah Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the summer of 1814, St James’s Palace is host to His Royal Highness Prince Randolph of Petersbourg, and it is no secret that at the end of his stay the prince intends to take his future queen home with him. Deeply romantic, he wants to marry for love and not for duty. Lady Alexandra Monroe attends the royal introductory reception with the aim of winning the heart of Prince Randolph, but she is not alone:

Honestly. This whole evening was nothing short of a bloodthirsty cutthroat competition. All the ladies were trussed up in their best gowns and jewels, eyeing each other with icy rancor. If only we had swords and muskets, then the portrait would be complete.

It is not Randolph who captures Alexandra’s heart that night, however; rather, it is his younger brother, Prince Nicholas. He is also enchanted by her, even in the face of her honesty that she wants to marry his brother. Nicholas manipulates the situation to court Alexandra, and she cannot help herself from falling for him, leaving her torn between love and her duty to her family.

She turned and made a solemn vow not to spend another moment dreaming about Prince Nicholas, for he was the most dangerous of men. He had the power to divert her from her goal, and she could not allow him to do that. No matter that he fired her blood and made her body yearn to be touched. His brother made her feel no such things, and yet it was he whose children she must bear.

But this book is about deception, and whilst Alexandra believes she is hiding the biggest secret – the fact that she is actually the true blood heir to the throne of Petersbourg – Randolph has his own secrets too. When the truths are revealed, can Alexandra ride out the path to true love and return her bloodline to the throne?

The main characters in this book are really strong individuals; all stubborn, and ready to do whatever it takes to get what they want. It is written from several characters’ points of view, explaining all of their competing desires, so you truly understand why each person has behaved the way he or she has – in fact, at times it is difficult to decide whose side you are on!

What I really enjoyed about this book is the way it is written – the realism that mixes humour and serious emotion means that you really connect with the way character feels:

Yet she was a woman who had suffered a broken heart that very morning, and unfortunately, rationality had very little to do with anything. She simply needed to boil over and boil very hard.

Obviously the festival of pleasures–and all the dancing he’d done in Vienna–had agreed with him. He had never looked better. She wished she could hate him for it, but all she felt was a mad desire to dash into his arms, rip that coat off his body, and make love to him right there on the floor. Thankfully, however, more sensible thoughts took over, and she wondered what would happen if she threw a brandy decanter at his head.

It is also refreshing that the book does not end when Alexandra finds her true love. The fact that we follow that relationship past the heady climax of finally finding each other, and each getting what they most desired, was exciting; I was intrigued – there’s still almost half the book left beyond where another might have stopped. What followed was a captivating story of the after-effects of the secrets and lies and misunderstandings that had brought them together, when the lovers struggle to forgive and trust again. It wasn’t clear if they would re-surface together, or if their relationship would simply self-combust. The suspense left me quickly turning the pages and willing them on, because despite everything I wanted both Alexandra and Prince Randolph to have their happy endings.

This book is the first in the royal trilogy, and it cleverly introduces the characters that will be the focus of the next two books without taking away from this current story at all. In fact, I am most intrigued to read the next two – the first of which was released just last week (Princess in Love) – to see what happens next.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra, after learning about her true past, she has learned of her true destiny. So out of duty and obligation she sets her sights on Prince Randolph. Even though he is attractive and charming, he is not the brother she is attracted to, because she is drawn to his brother Nicholas. A man who stirs up her senses like no other man has. Even though she knows there is no future for them, she can't help but tremble with his kiss he gives her. Alexandra, knows she must focus on Prince Randolph, knowing that he is part of her destiny. But then she will have to make a choice, a difficult one, decide what is more important her duty to country or to fight for a life with Nicholas? I skipped part of the review layout this time due to the fact that I don't want to reveal any spoilers for those that haven't had the chance to read it. Before I got my hands on this one, I had heard many good things about this new series by Juilianne Maclean. I have just loved her books so far, she is such a captivating author, that draws a reader instantly into a book. Its rare for me to instantly be drawn into the story so immediately. I just loved everything about this one. At times I get nervous over reading royalty fiction. It can be hard to get into at times. However I found this one to be very refreshing at every turn. There was a intriguing plot, where it seemed to me like there was more than one climax. I really loved the variety of scenes that happen, and when you think you have seen the HEA, the story keeps continuing on and is very engaging and keeps the reader involved continually in the story. The characters seemed full of life, fresh like newly picked flowers. I loved both the hero and heroine in this one, however I think for the latter half of the story I was on Alex's side of things to be honest. Although I did enjoy how things really work out in the end, despite the obvious game of lies and deceit. However we also see two people learning how to truly love and trust in each other I am also looking forward to reading more of this series. It definitely was a exciting adventure reading this one and am looking forward to more!

My Favorite Quote
"I burn for you, Alex. I want you in my bed every second of the day, and there are moments I want to throw my whole heart and soul into yours."

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, not bad but I got very frustrated when both of the secrets were revealed (thankfully, fairly quickly in the story) and the heroine forgave the hero easily but the hero didn't forgive the heroine at all and then proceeded not to trust her for the rest of the book. The ending picked back up and I am very anxious to read the next book even though this one fell a little short for me.
3 1/2 stars

[Romancing the Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sarah L.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Be My Prince is book 1 in Julianne MacLean’s newest trilogy. Having read everything that Ms. MacLean has published in the past, I eagerly looked forward to her newest book. While not necessarily unique, the plot sounded very appealing. I do not want to give away any spoilers but let’s just say the synopsis on the back of the book does not do justice for all the twists and turns the story takes. Between the murder, intrigue and shocking truths revealed, it kept me on the edge of my seat for about the first 75% of the story and I was able to read it in a matter of a few hours.

The first love scene however did briefly throw me off kilter because it just didn’t seem like the right place or time for our main characters. Alex visits the hero to share her secret only for them both to be overcome by passion with people waiting for them in the next room? It just seemed out of place. Also, this was my first experience with the hero starting to inch his way under my skin and not in a good way. Both characters’ secrets come to light during this scene and Alex was a much stronger more compassionate character at this point. Much more understanding of the truths revealed to her. Actually, I greatly enjoyed getting to know Alex’s character. She was a pleasure to read about and seemed like a genuinely nice person.

Initially, I really enjoyed the hero’s character but eventually his “you lied to me I can’t trust you attitude” with Alex started to grate on the nerves. Once he got under my skin, he didn’t let go until the very end. I realize he was royalty and had preconceived expectations of people and perhaps his character was too realistic in that regard. It would have been nice to see him “loosen up” with Alex a bit more. It seemed like his emotions and attitude towards Alex ran hot and cold and after a while, it got old.

Ms. MacLean did a great job developing the plot and mystery. There were definitely some “wow I didn’t see that coming moments”. Considering the time frame of the story and the fact that we are dealing with royalty, it has some very believable and realistic moments. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, we went reeling down a totally different path.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading future books in the series. While the spark fizzled a bit towards the end and the hero’s attitude held on too long, I enjoyed the plot and Alex’s character immensely.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be My Prince is the first book in the Royal Trilogy. I have never heard of this author before, until my co-worker lend me her book.

The few pages are promising. The premise is a pageturner, despite it having lots of eye-rolling moments.

Spoilers ahead!
Lady Alexandra Monroe has been secluded almost all her life. She was called the Hidden Gem of England. The only reason she has been brought out of society was because of the arrival of Prince Randolf of Petersbourg. Rumors have been spreading, that the future heir to the throne has visited to look for a wife. Lady Alexandra has somehow been trained to catch the eye of the prince, and catch his eye she did. However, for her it is all a rouse. She is true blood heir to the throne, before her father has been ousted from royalty by the militia. She hates Randolf, but she needs him to restore her to royalty. She needs a breather, so she goes out and meets a rogue. She feels attraction, but she has a goal so she disregards the stranger, who ends up being the prince's younger brother, Nicholas.

Why are my eyes rolling?
(1)The author says that Alexandra has been sheltered and impoverished all her life, so I am wondering how does she know about arousal? I do not think that sex education books will be out there on the market readily available to young ladies.
(2)She hates Randall because she feels that Randall has stolen her throne, but does not feel the same hatred or resentment towards Nicholas. How could she overlook that early on the story? The two are brothers, so that part did not make sense to me.

However, despite my eye-rolling moments, I was able to finish the book in one night. I was hooked. There were so many lies and deceit in the story, that I was always in the lookout for some more. The ending felt like it was cut short. But despite my claims, I still give this book solid four stars, for its entertainment value. Also, look at that cover. Isn't it lovely?

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted on Under the Covers

BE MY PRINCE is my first novel by Julianne MacLean. As the first book in the Royal Trilogy, I have to say that I was very intrigued by the idea surrounding this series. Upon starting this book, I knew right off the bat that I liked MacLean’s writing style. It’s unique and runs very smoothly and I think this is very important in any book, but most importantly in a historical romance.

Lady Alexandra Monroe is in a predicament. Her family’s fortune is dwindling so in order to stop that from continuing, she must marry someone with money. Who has more money than a prince? So as Alex sets her sights on Prince Randolph, she finds that there is more to Randolph than she knew.

I enjoyed the beginning of this book. Randolph tries to intimidate Alex and “test” her, however even though Alex doesn’t know he is the prince, she is still able to make an impression on the man. Alex intrigues Randolph and it’s clear that the sparks are there.

However, I felt that the book lost some of its footing. It didn’t hold my attention after that. I felt like some scenes dragged on too long, while others were too short. I wonder if it’s because this is the first book in the series and therefore, the author is trying to set up the others. Nevertheless, this one fell a little short. I will still continue with the series because I feel like there is a lot of potential. This one just wasn’t the brightest star.

*Review copy provided by publisher

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a nutshell: two people lie to each other about their true identities, they fall madly “in love” after a few brief conversations, they both divulge their true identities only after agreeing to get married, the woman immediately forgives the man for his deception but the man neither forgives or trusts her until the end of the book. That’s a fun double standard (rolling my eyes).

There is zero romance in this book. There is no friendship between the couple. There is no relationship development or growth of affection. They don’t do anything together for fun or to enjoy each other’s company. They don’t even spend any time alone together outside of the bedroom. They are either arguing about lack of trust or they are having sex. That is literally their entire relationship.

There is some political intrigue, but it also entirely revolves around distrust between the couple. So not even this lame excuse for a semi-plot could have saved the book for me. This storyline isn’t even resolved at the end of the book.

Hard pass for me. I will not continue the trilogy.

[Niko2137 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. The characters were lacking and the chemistry between the main players was just not there. [disclaimer: the follow paragraph will be a run-on sentence summarizing concept of said book.]I was most annoyed with… - “I love you but can’t trust you because you lied to me and even though I lied to you first you must still love me wholeheartedly... though I won’t trust you and will believe external sources that say you are plotting against me even though you carry my child and obviously wasn’t in my life before when other plots were hatched against my royal household…but it was probably you anyway – so I can’t trust you even though you beg me and tempt me with sexy innocent boldness- which could all be a deceptive ploy to take my throne which you already sort of have because you are my queen already and the mother of my future heir. ”

[Jul · Rating 1 out of 5]

What girl doesn't want (secretly, at least) to be a princess? It's a Jungian archetype that's been around since the beginning of time. This book didn't do the fantasy any favors. Instead, when Alexandra Monroe lands Prince Randolph in no time flat, what follows is bland, passion-less, and cliche. Their secrets and twists are obvious a mile away, their love rushed, and the sex scenes may as well be done by sock puppets. The first chapter seemed promising and Alexandra's secret should have stirred the pot, but neither could bring this historical romance to a boil. Grade: D

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author and she is great..usually. This book didnt do it for me, the writing style was crap, like she was telling us the story instead of us reading it.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baca buku ini sungguh melelahkan, melelahkan mata dan hati ku.... [image error]
Aku suka ide cerita nya ttg Prince dan Princess...bagus sih plot nya tapi ada rasa yang cukup mengganjal hatiku.
Entah kenapa aku kok gak bisa menemuka chemistry yang kuat ya antara H/h nya? [image error]
Sepertinya cinta mereka hanya berdasarkan "lust", bukan "love", karena sampai saat terakhir, hanya itu yg bisa membuat mereka berkumpul dan bersatu. Kamar pun terpisah, si suami cuma mendatangi istrinya pada "saat butuh colokan"...hmpffft [image error]

Gini ceritanya... [image error]

Pangeran Randolph pernah di khianati perempuan yg dia cintai,yg berselingkuh dengan temannya sendiri. Ini kerajaan apa gak jelas juga,karena ada King,Prince,Earl..barangkali fotocopy kerajaan Inggris, tapi nama kerajaannya Petersbourgh, kira2 di Eropa sana lah.... [image error]
Nah, Rand lagi mencari calon istri karena butuh pewaris, tapi dia tetap mau menikah karena cinta...
Jadi, di aturlah sandiwara, Randolph nyamar jadi Nicholas,adik nya, Nicholas nyamar jadi pangeran, datang ke Inggris...dan melakukan "kebohongan publik" [image error] dengan persetujuan prince regent waktu itu...

Alkisah, ada seorang putri yg terbuang,Princess Alexandra yang ternyata adalah anak raja terdahulu,yg di gulingkan papi nya si Randolph yg jadi raja sekarang.
Tak ada seorangpun yg tau keberadaan Alexandra selain ibu tirinya dan ancestor nya.

Alexandra di plot buat bisa memikat sang pangeran,agar bisa menduduki lagi tahta kerajaan sebagai ratu.Alexandra gak tau kalo ada sesuatu yang dia tidak tahu mengenai plot ini, salah satunya adalah menggulingkan raja dan membunuh pangeran Randolph.... [image error]

Saat pesta dansa, Alexandra bukan nya sibuk memikat pangeran "palsu", malah ketemu seseorang di teras yg langsung di taksir nya dan langsung napsu liat cowok itu,yang etrnyata adalah Nicholas "palsu"...
Mulailah episode galau...antara cinta dan tugas.... [image error]
Alexandra akhirnya memilih cinta..dan memilih melarikan diri buat menikah dengan Nicholas, sayang nya sebelum mereka menikah beberapa misteri termasuk identitas Nicholas dan Randolph terbuka...jreeeeeeeeengggg [image error]


Yang membuat diriku heran,segitu gampang nya si Alexandra menerima ini walaupun awal nya marah juga, saat itu juga malah dia menyerahkan keperawanan nya di perpustakaan ... sayang nya after itu mereka bertengkar karena Alexandra juga membuka identitas dia....ini sepertiga awal yg sangat menarik menurut aku...

Sayang nya 2/3 terakhir membuatku capek lahir bathin, karena Rand mulai menunjukkan kearoganannya sebagai calon raja, dan begitu mudah nya hilang kepercayaan pada Alexandra, menuduh Alexandra,dan sampai bbrp halaman terakhir, masih gak percaya sama Alexandra...Padahal, dia kan melakukan kebohongan juga,kalo menurut dia Alexandra melakukan kebohongan...mesti nya impas dong, after itu mereka bisa menghadapi masalah bersama...menurut aku yaaaa... *sok ngatur2 penulis* [image error]

Tapi, instead of bahu membahu,mereka malah seperti musuh...satu hal yg mepersatukan mereka cuma urusan tempat tidur yg diawal sudah aku jelaskan, cuma napsu,aku gak liat ikatan emosi yg kuat antara keduanya saat makelove,gak liat posesif nya Rand yg harus nya ada...malah nyuekin istrinya selama 6 bulan dan terlihat bersama2 dengan mantan tunangan nya di luar negri pulak...yg walaupun di akhir cerita di katakan kalo dia setia dan gak macam2...aku tetap sebaaaaallll !!!!! [image error]

Rasain, gara2 berita2 miring itu,rakyat malah menyayangi Alexandra dan popularitas Rand berkurang [image error]
Si mantan ini malah ternyata yg ikut campur sampe akhir dan membuat Alexandra cemburu...yg bikin aku kesel, Rand ini agak2 menyebalkan..bukannya ngejelasin , maksa istrinya ngedengerin, malah cuek, biarpun sempat juga di tampar sama Alexandra [image error]

Yang membuat aku gak ngasih 1 bintang , yah karena ini plot nya bagus, dan Randolph setia sama perkawinannya...
Rand sempat di racun, dan Alexandra yg berhasil menguak misteri ini...tanpa Alexandra, dia pasti udah mati...nah after itu dia baru berterimakasih sama istrinya...di saat2 terakhir BANGET !
Dan tetap aku gak merasa tergetar membaca pertobatan Randolph... I don't know why... [image error]

This book is just not for me...tapi tetap aku penasaran sama cerita buku ke 2 ,jadi aku akan tetap baca.... [image error]

[April Soos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick, easy and enjoyable read. Perfect for those who are just getting into the historical romance genre! It is pretty insta-lovey but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The plot twists were fairly predictable but still cute so just an overall enjoyable read. I will say the hero "Prince Nicholas" did have his moments especially in the final half of the story where he grew to be pretty annoying and Alexandra was way too tolerant of his crap! I think Julianne MacLean has a lot of potential though as an author and in the future I may consider picking up the other books in this series.

[Wednesday · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok but just lacked something to hold my interest. I really liked the overall plot line but all the trust issues and greater machinations of the subsequent characters was all over the place - one minute on, the next off, and the ending seemed very rushed. I am hoping that there is more order to the second book and that some of the unfinished business of book 1 will be resolved. I'll certainly give it a go.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts a series with Alexandria Monroe wanting to marry the Prince of Petersbourg. She falls in love with the brother though she knows she needs to marry the prince to become the next queen. She is the daughter of the king who was overthrown. Nobody knows this though. Then she finds out the brothers have switched places and the one she loves will be the next king. As always there are plots a foot to deal with when they arrive at the palace.

[Tim Covell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mix of romance and palace intrigue. The book is divided into four sections, and I found the first the most enjoyable. The last section had some good twists, but a major plot point seems rushed at the end. A preview of the next book explains why - and leaves me wanting to read the next one to see how things are resolved.

[Lizzeth Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got so confuse at the beginning I really thought that it was Nicholas and Alex love story, therefore I enjoyed that plot. Overall I like the book but it became a bit annoying towards the end. Not a lot of truest toward the heroine and also the heroines view points were annoying. The ending sucked, not a lot of romance involved between the problem the hero and heroine were going through.

[Twila Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I cannot get enough. I’m happy Julianne Maclean gives happy endings or this could have resembled Shakespeare’s “Othello”. It was the perfect story of the monarchy. I’m excited there is more to this series.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Royal Romance! Filled with betrayal, love, finding trust, & faithfulness. I read and then listened to the audiobook which was also fantastic. This is book 1 of 3. 😊

[Leelo]

DNF. I normally like this author but this was a miss.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book quite a bit. The distrust issue was starting to get old after a while but these types of books are like that so it was more or less expected. I still found it enjoyable.

[Jeanne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook completed 2/10/2025-2/20/2025

[Vanessa Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say - I'm in love - Totally worth it!

I read the 3 Books, I liked them both, but i loved the 1st one = this one.

Well I only read romances located these kinda centuries.

[E_bookpushers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review originally posted at The Book Pushers - http://thebookpushers.com/2012/06/14/...

Publisher: St. Martin’s
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: From the publisher

Attention one and all. His Royal Highness, Prince Randolph of Petersbourg, will set sail for London in early June and reside at St. James’s Palace for one full month…Some say the true motive for the prince’s visit to our fair country is to seek and marry his future queen. I will therefore pose the question to our devoted and reflective readers: Who among us will be the chosen one? —From the London Ballroom Society Pages

BE MY PRINCE

Lady Alexandra Monroe has been told in no uncertain terms that she must set her sights on a proposal from Prince Randolph to better her family’s situation. Instead, she finds herself falling for his charming but dangerous younger brother Nicholas, a man whose passionate nature—and irresistible good looks—makes it impossible to remember her duty. But while she is torn between ambition and desire, a wicked scandal brews, shocking secrets are revealed, and soon she begins to wonder: can true love really conquer all?
This blurb came from the author’s website here.

My romance reading starting with historicals so I am always on the look out for the next historical that will remind me of that journey. When I read the blurb on the back of By My Prince it looked like it could be an entertaining read. While this did prove to be entertaining and a different take on the “must find a wealthy titled husband now” theme I didn’t quite buy into the entire story.

Lady Alexandra stood out from the many other young ladies looking for a title by her openness. She was very forthright about her goal to marry Prince Randolph but she did keep secret her lineage. While that openness got her attention from Prince Randolph she happened to be a little too forthright when talking to herself. During the Prince’s introductory ball Alex, seizing a moment to regain her composure, happened to make a less then flattering comment about the Prince’s right to rule. Fortunately or unfortunately, she was overheard by the Prince’s younger brother Nicholas, who decided to make his presence but not his name known. From that encounter Nicholas made it clear that he was attracted to Alex. He manipulated events and schedules to spend time with Alex under the guise of helping her pursuit of his brother. Alex is attracted to Nicholas but knows her obligation to her family and so she struggles against her competing desires. Nicholas also knows that he should be helping his brother find the future queen for their people but he couldn’t seem to stop pursuing Alex. Just when it seemed that Alex and Nicholas were going to follow their hearts fate decided to take a hand.

I can’t go into any more detail about the plot without spoiling the entire book.

Ms MacLean used an interesting technique of very openly foreshadowing when things were not going to go according to plan. It was almost like having a theatrical announcer in between acts. I found that while the break in the story flow did cause me to come out of the world, I started looking forward to the “announcements” because I wanted to see what was going to go wrong next. Even though I enjoyed reading this story I didn’t buy into the HEA. Alex seemed to have repeatedly prove to her husband, his family and her new country that she was there to rule at his side when the time came not betray him. Her husband on the other hand didn’t have to prove anything. I thought that he acted like a jerk the majority of their marriage despite the fact that he also wasn’t completely honest.

Be My Prince was a light entertaining read but I am not sure I will pick up the other two in this trilogy when they are released. Before I finished reading this book I already knew who the hero/heroine were going to be for the second book. I personally like to have a bit more suspense about what is coming up next. I also didn’t buy into their HEA. I think Alex’s husband and brother both needed a serious groveling session.

I give Be My Prince a C-

[D.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attention one and all. His Royal Highness, Prince Randolph of Petersbourg, will set sail for London in early June and reside at St. James Palace for one full month…Some say the true motive for the prince’s visit to our fair country is to seek and marry his future queen. I will therefore pose the question to our devoted and reflective readers: Who among us will be the chosen one? —From the London Ballroom Society Pages

Lady Alexandra Monroe has been told in no uncertain terms that she must set her sights on a proposal from Prince Randolph to better her family’s situation. Instead, she finds herself falling for his charming but dangerous younger brother Nicholas, a man whose passionate nature—and irresistible good looks—makes it impossible to remember her duty. But while she is torn between ambition and desire, a wicked scandal brews, shocking secrets are revealed, and soon she begins to wonder: can true love really conquer all?

REVIEW: I adored this book! The entire thing was DEVINE! Okay, I don’t want to give away too many secrets on it, as they are so worth waiting for but let me say this book doesn’t disappoint. While one part could be guessed, the rest of it was both frustrating (in a good way!) and such a great read.

The sensuality between these two characters smoked up the pages and the action packed scenes in between gave the book that much more oomph to follow. I loved how Ms. MacLean built up the drama occurring behind the scenes as well as the characters before letting it all explode together. The entire piece was masterfully crafted and very well written.

If you are looking for a read that will keep you up late at night, with your nails bitten off, again in a good way, then this piece is for you. Five out of five stars for an amazing job!