What do you think?
Rate this book
The Duchess Diaries #2
How to Pursue a Princess
The second novel in New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins’s sparkling Duchess Diaries series features a young woman desperate for a wealthy marriage, a prince who pretends to be poor, and a meddling godmother.
Lily Balfour has spent her entire life under the shadow of financial ruin, and she’s determined to save her family in the only way available to women—by marrying well. When the Duchess of Roxburghe, Lily’s godmother, announces she’s found the perfect match for Lily, the handsome, dashing, and extremely wealthy Earl of Huntley, Lily hopes they’ll fall wildly in love, marry, and that his wealth will save her family. But when Prince Pietr Wulfinski, the poorest of the Russian princes, walks into the Duchess’s ballroom and sweeps a hot, possessive glance over her, Lily knows she’s in big trouble. Marry the safe, handsome, and wealthy Earl, or the dangerous, rakish, but poor Prince? To make the right choice, Lily must decide if she’ll listen to her heart or her head…
Lily Balfour has spent her entire life under the shadow of financial ruin, and she’s determined to save her family in the only way available to women—by marrying well. When the Duchess of Roxburghe, Lily’s godmother, announces she’s found the perfect match for Lily, the handsome, dashing, and extremely wealthy Earl of Huntley, Lily hopes they’ll fall wildly in love, marry, and that his wealth will save her family. But when Prince Pietr Wulfinski, the poorest of the Russian princes, walks into the Duchess’s ballroom and sweeps a hot, possessive glance over her, Lily knows she’s in big trouble. Marry the safe, handsome, and wealthy Earl, or the dangerous, rakish, but poor Prince? To make the right choice, Lily must decide if she’ll listen to her heart or her head…
383 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 21, 2013
60 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books2,983 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, follow her at:
FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • PINTEREST
If you'd like to keep up with Karen's crazed and hectic schedule, win free books, find out about her coming releases, or just want to engage in some easy on-line snooping, sign up for Karen's amazing newsletter!
FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • PINTEREST
If you'd like to keep up with Karen's crazed and hectic schedule, win free books, find out about her coming releases, or just want to engage in some easy on-line snooping, sign up for Karen's amazing newsletter!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
February 24, 2019
2.5 stars- fun tone but the MCs and the obstacles keeping them apart we’re very contrived and frustrating.
February 20, 2016
Well this was the first Karen Hawkins book that disappointed me. I thought I would like it much more than I actually did. It looked like a promising story.
I didn't buy the "I loved you since the moment I first saw you" thing (please, you don't even know her, how can you love her?). I don't much care for "love at first sight" stories. And Lily was very annoying at times with her "I love him but I mustn't love him" martyred talk. To be honest Huntley and Emma were much more interesting characters and I would much rather read about them than about Lilly and Wulf. I didn't particulary like either of them. Lily was to 'wishy washy' for me and Wulf, well we don't know much about Wulf other than he's a prince who pretends to be poor to find a woman who will love him for him, and that he loves Lilly from the moment he saw her (in his dreams to be exact).. So truly there wasn't much to like about him because we don't know anything else about him.
I'm hoping next book will be more like the first one because I loved that one. If it will be anything like this one I'll be disappointed again.
I didn't buy the "I loved you since the moment I first saw you" thing (please, you don't even know her, how can you love her?). I don't much care for "love at first sight" stories. And Lily was very annoying at times with her "I love him but I mustn't love him" martyred talk. To be honest Huntley and Emma were much more interesting characters and I would much rather read about them than about Lilly and Wulf. I didn't particulary like either of them. Lily was to 'wishy washy' for me and Wulf, well we don't know much about Wulf other than he's a prince who pretends to be poor to find a woman who will love him for him, and that he loves Lilly from the moment he saw her (in his dreams to be exact).. So truly there wasn't much to like about him because we don't know anything else about him.
I'm hoping next book will be more like the first one because I loved that one. If it will be anything like this one I'll be disappointed again.
June 29, 2021
THIS ONE WAS A STRUGGLE TO GIVE A FAIR RATING TO. i loved it but i also struggled with the plot and our heroine.
April 20, 2020
Lily and Wulf. Not worth the 9.99 price and barely makes the 4 star rating, but I was in the mood for a Karen Hawkins romance story. Wulf fell in instant love with Lily because he has dreamed about a lady who looks like her. Lily, even though she older sister just married into wealth, is set on a course to marry a rich man. Since Wulf is pretending to be poor she tries hard to not fall in love with him. They then go on and have their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
I purchased book at Calgary Reads Book Sale. This is an amusing HR Com with the Duchess of Roxburghe as a match-maker recording everything in her diary. Lady Charlotte a spinster and an Earl's daughter is her companion along with several pugs that the Duchess dotes on. There is nothing she likes better than match-making.
The H
In this book the H is Prince Wulf of Oxenburg a small country next to Prussia who brought his Tata Grandmother(Romani) with him. He moved to Scotland and has a grand mansion and a small cottage which he is living in. He came to find the love of his life who he has dreamed of for years. He is half Romani, his mother being a Romani and his father the King of Oxenburg. Wulfinski is 6 ft. 5 inches, handsome with dark hair, green eyes and a muscular physique. His Grandmother and the Duchess are both strong willed women and almost come to blows.
The h
The h is Miss Lily Balfour a gently bread young lady and the god daughter of the Duchess. Her older sister just was married and on her honeymoon to Italy. Lily's father has overextended himself with a loan from their neighbor for $3000. The neighbor a grouchy widower wants to mary Dahlia her youngest sister. She says she will mary for money to help the family out. She can't bear her younger sister having to mary their grumpy old neighbor.
The Duchess Match Making
The Duchess thinks that the Earl of Huntley will make a good match for Lily. He is a widower still young and handsome and a good catch for Lily as he is wealthy and she is in need of money.
The Duchess plans a house-party for three weeks and invites Huntley and others in the area with an equal number of single young ladies and eligible bachelors or widowers.
Meet Cute
Lily is out riding showing of her new riding habit that she designed and made herself when a fox ran in front of her horse and she fell off the horse and landed on the ground twisting her ankle. She screams and Prince Wulfinski hears her cry and rushes to the rescue on his horse. He picks her up and carry's her back home on his horse. Once he sees her he knows she is the one he had dreamt of. She is his Moya (Mine). He tells her right away that he loves her but has no money. She tells him she must marry for money to help her family.
Humour in the love story
There are two couples Miss Lily Balfour and Earl of Huntley, Prince Wulfinski and Lady Emma an heiress and an Earl's daughter.
The Duchess is matching Lily with Huntley
Wulf and Emma joins forces to make Lily and Huntley jealous.
Wulf loves Lily and tries to convince her to love him back. He tempts her with kisses. She finds him irrisistable and once he has her in his arms she melts. She must do her duty by her family so she stubbornly resists him.
Emma loves Huntley and Wulf encourages her to tell him but she is too afraid of rejection as Huntley thinks of her as a sister.
Emma has convinced herself that she will accept Huntley's proposal when he asks but she longs for Wulf and his kisses.
The Earl confides in Lily telling her he will propose on the night of the ball. He asks her if she has ever been in love and for advice on when and how to prospose. She thinks he is going to ask her.
So the night before the ball she goes to Wulf's cabin and offers herself to him. They make love all night long. She gives him a potion that will make him forget her that his Tata (Grandmother) gave her.
The Night of the Butterfly Ball
Huntley proposes to Emma not Lily. He goes to tell Lily that he just proposed to Emma and she said yes. Lily is relieved but now has to figure out a way to help her family. Wulf sees Huntley with Lily telling her he just proposed and he thinks he is asking for Lily's hand and he can't let that happen,so he knocks him out cold.
The Duchess gets involved as well as Wulf's tata. The two older women help smooth things over and Wulf proposes to his Moya and she says yes after he confesses that he is wealthy and only wanted a woman to love him for himself alone not for his title and riches.
This was an amusing and fun book to read. It is a cute concept. There are 3 books in the series all about the three Balfour sisters.
The H
In this book the H is Prince Wulf of Oxenburg a small country next to Prussia who brought his Tata Grandmother(Romani) with him. He moved to Scotland and has a grand mansion and a small cottage which he is living in. He came to find the love of his life who he has dreamed of for years. He is half Romani, his mother being a Romani and his father the King of Oxenburg. Wulfinski is 6 ft. 5 inches, handsome with dark hair, green eyes and a muscular physique. His Grandmother and the Duchess are both strong willed women and almost come to blows.
The h
The h is Miss Lily Balfour a gently bread young lady and the god daughter of the Duchess. Her older sister just was married and on her honeymoon to Italy. Lily's father has overextended himself with a loan from their neighbor for $3000. The neighbor a grouchy widower wants to mary Dahlia her youngest sister. She says she will mary for money to help the family out. She can't bear her younger sister having to mary their grumpy old neighbor.
The Duchess Match Making
The Duchess thinks that the Earl of Huntley will make a good match for Lily. He is a widower still young and handsome and a good catch for Lily as he is wealthy and she is in need of money.
The Duchess plans a house-party for three weeks and invites Huntley and others in the area with an equal number of single young ladies and eligible bachelors or widowers.
Meet Cute
Lily is out riding showing of her new riding habit that she designed and made herself when a fox ran in front of her horse and she fell off the horse and landed on the ground twisting her ankle. She screams and Prince Wulfinski hears her cry and rushes to the rescue on his horse. He picks her up and carry's her back home on his horse. Once he sees her he knows she is the one he had dreamt of. She is his Moya (Mine). He tells her right away that he loves her but has no money. She tells him she must marry for money to help her family.
Humour in the love story
There are two couples Miss Lily Balfour and Earl of Huntley, Prince Wulfinski and Lady Emma an heiress and an Earl's daughter.
The Duchess is matching Lily with Huntley
Wulf and Emma joins forces to make Lily and Huntley jealous.
Wulf loves Lily and tries to convince her to love him back. He tempts her with kisses. She finds him irrisistable and once he has her in his arms she melts. She must do her duty by her family so she stubbornly resists him.
Emma loves Huntley and Wulf encourages her to tell him but she is too afraid of rejection as Huntley thinks of her as a sister.
Emma has convinced herself that she will accept Huntley's proposal when he asks but she longs for Wulf and his kisses.
The Earl confides in Lily telling her he will propose on the night of the ball. He asks her if she has ever been in love and for advice on when and how to prospose. She thinks he is going to ask her.
So the night before the ball she goes to Wulf's cabin and offers herself to him. They make love all night long. She gives him a potion that will make him forget her that his Tata (Grandmother) gave her.
The Night of the Butterfly Ball
Huntley proposes to Emma not Lily. He goes to tell Lily that he just proposed to Emma and she said yes. Lily is relieved but now has to figure out a way to help her family. Wulf sees Huntley with Lily telling her he just proposed and he thinks he is asking for Lily's hand and he can't let that happen,so he knocks him out cold.
The Duchess gets involved as well as Wulf's tata. The two older women help smooth things over and Wulf proposes to his Moya and she says yes after he confesses that he is wealthy and only wanted a woman to love him for himself alone not for his title and riches.
This was an amusing and fun book to read. It is a cute concept. There are 3 books in the series all about the three Balfour sisters.
May 28, 2013
Wonderful book. I enjoyed every second of it. I love Karen Hawkins books, they are never predictable, I always wonder what is coming next. I love her characters and her humor. Wulf! I love Wulf. How could any woman not love him.
July 20, 2020
2.5
The title is misleading. The heroine is not a princess. The hero is the one with royal blood (aka a prince).
The title is misleading. The heroine is not a princess. The hero is the one with royal blood (aka a prince).
January 1, 2022
Another win for this historical romance series!
I just had so much fun listening to this one, and I also just adored the hero!
This is the romance between Lily Balfour (the younger sister to the heroine from the first book) and Prussian Prince Pietr Wulfinski. Lily has decided to go to her godmother's week-long house party in order to find a rich man to marry since her family is almost in financial ruin. But while she is there she reluctantly falls for Prince Wulf. But Wulf claims he is a destitute prince who would not be able to help her with her struggles. So Lily has to search for another man then will help her. But what Wulf isn't telling Lily is that he is not poor at all, he just wishes for a woman to fall in love with who he is as a man and not because of his title or wealth. The two of them end up falling in love with each other, even though they know they probably cannot have the other.
This was just a joy to read. I love the banter, meddlesome family members, and of course the cutest pugs!! I wish this book was longer so I could read more about Wulf and Lily❤️
TROPES: books with pets (cute pugs!), forbidden, great banter, hero falls first, historical, royalty, sibling series
I just had so much fun listening to this one, and I also just adored the hero!
This is the romance between Lily Balfour (the younger sister to the heroine from the first book) and Prussian Prince Pietr Wulfinski. Lily has decided to go to her godmother's week-long house party in order to find a rich man to marry since her family is almost in financial ruin. But while she is there she reluctantly falls for Prince Wulf. But Wulf claims he is a destitute prince who would not be able to help her with her struggles. So Lily has to search for another man then will help her. But what Wulf isn't telling Lily is that he is not poor at all, he just wishes for a woman to fall in love with who he is as a man and not because of his title or wealth. The two of them end up falling in love with each other, even though they know they probably cannot have the other.
This was just a joy to read. I love the banter, meddlesome family members, and of course the cutest pugs!! I wish this book was longer so I could read more about Wulf and Lily❤️
TROPES: books with pets (cute pugs!), forbidden, great banter, hero falls first, historical, royalty, sibling series
May 18, 2017
That was the complete opposite of book one.
The whole set up did not make sense. I couldn't enjoy the banter or anything else because I was so mad about the introduction/plot. It just didn't make sense. Maybe if this story would have been book one, I could see it, but her sister just married an Earl and these are supposed to be intelligent self-serving women. They didn't even try to reason with Kirk - just jumped straight on to this farcical path. And the dad. Don't even get me started. *throws hands in the air
The whole set up did not make sense. I couldn't enjoy the banter or anything else because I was so mad about the introduction/plot. It just didn't make sense. Maybe if this story would have been book one, I could see it, but her sister just married an Earl and these are supposed to be intelligent self-serving women. They didn't even try to reason with Kirk - just jumped straight on to this farcical path. And the dad. Don't even get me started. *throws hands in the air
April 13, 2022
Duchess of Roxburghe is back with her matchmaking ways, along with her adorable pugs and Lady Charlotte. I love those characters! Wulf and Lily had a sweet romance but not my favorite trope—love at first sight. I will say, it was done well in this book. I like the overall story, but wanted a little more something from Wulf and Lily.
November 14, 2022
4.5 stars 🌟
Our heroine is trying to save her family from ruin so she must marry for money quickly. Her godmother is trying to set her up with a wealthy earl widow. Meanwhile, A prince from Prussia comes to town and is trying to find the women of his dreams (literally) BUT he doesn’t want her to want him for his wealth (like many women do) so he fakes being poor. She has a choice to make, marry for money and save her family or marry for love.
Ugh. The hero melts my heart. His determination, his perseverance, his loyalty. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 He is on my list of favorite fictional hero’s. UGGGHHHHHH. The language barrier between them is hilarious!
The heroine was annoying at times because she would deny her feelings and hurt the hero over and over and over again.!
The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking. I want my couple to have a solid foundation before the book is over. I felt like the conflict did drag out a bit long 😕 -.5 stars 🌟
📖 Tropes: matchmaking, language barriers, friend group, headstrong hero, stubborn heroine, historical, family drama
Our heroine is trying to save her family from ruin so she must marry for money quickly. Her godmother is trying to set her up with a wealthy earl widow. Meanwhile, A prince from Prussia comes to town and is trying to find the women of his dreams (literally) BUT he doesn’t want her to want him for his wealth (like many women do) so he fakes being poor. She has a choice to make, marry for money and save her family or marry for love.
Ugh. The hero melts my heart. His determination, his perseverance, his loyalty. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 He is on my list of favorite fictional hero’s. UGGGHHHHHH. The language barrier between them is hilarious!
The heroine was annoying at times because she would deny her feelings and hurt the hero over and over and over again.!
The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking. I want my couple to have a solid foundation before the book is over. I felt like the conflict did drag out a bit long 😕 -.5 stars 🌟
📖 Tropes: matchmaking, language barriers, friend group, headstrong hero, stubborn heroine, historical, family drama
Read
December 13, 2017Poets always compare love to roses.
They both grow, both have thorns, both are beautiful . . .
and they both require a good, thorough mulching at least twice a year,
preferably by a master gardener.
Even nature needs help now and then.
June 28, 2018
Pas aussi drôle que le premier tome et l'histoire est un assez prévisible, mais j'ai tout de même passé un bon moment. Les quelques infos annonçant l'histoire de Dahlia sont alléchantes.
January 2, 2015
Neat take on Little Red Riding Hood. Lily's father has put them in debt and she feels the only way out is for her to marry a rich man. Her godmother finds the perfect candidate and sets up a house party for them to get to know each other. This gets interfered with when Prince Wulfinski sets his sights on Lily. He portrays himself as poor because he's tired of being pursued for his money not himself. She is drawn to him but determined to save her family. The fun comes as he tries to persuade her that loves matters more, she tries to resist, and her godmother and his grandmother try to keep them apart.
I liked Lily and Wulf. Lily's decision to help her family is commendable, but she goes into it without having truly looked for any other solution. Her meeting with Wulf shakes her up because he stirs feelings in her that she's never had before. She isn't really looking forward to meeting the Earl of Huntley because she wanted to marry for love, like her sister (How to Capture a Countess). She was sure that if she spent enough time with him she would fall in love with him. The problem is that every time she turns around Wulf is there scrambling her senses. He states his love for her early on but she refuses to believe that love that quickly is possible. She fights him all the way determined to stay on her course to save her family from ruin. It was interesting watching Lily cope with the two men. She couldn't help comparing them and the one she was chasing never measured up to the one she really wanted. The times she spent with Huntley were pretty darn boring, especially since she couldn't even get him to kiss her. Times with Wulf usually involved some lively conversation, some kisses and him still trying to convince her. She spent a lot of time wishing it were possible but still not trying to find a solution herself or asking Wulf to help her find one. Her use of the tea that Wulf's grandmother gave her surprised the old lady and went a long way toward changing her attitude toward Lily. I saw her actions at the end coming but they were satisfying anyway.
Wulf was quite a character. He is handsome, wealthy and confident. He's also tired of women coming after him because he's rich. He's come to the area to live as if he is poor to see if someone will love him just for himself. When he rescues Lily after she's fallen from her horse he is immediately smitten by her. He sets out to woo her and is surprised when she denies him. He is not accustomed to being denied something he wants and pretty much ignores her demands. I really enjoyed seeing him run up against society's rules and how Lily won't ignore them. It only increases his determination to win her. I liked the way that he is so open about his feelings to her. He is very protective of her and always seems to be around when she needs rescuing. I also enjoyed his scheme to distract both Huntley and Lily from each other. I loved his frustration with her and how it made him change the way he looked at some things and eventually understand her a little better. I had great fun reading the ending and how it all worked out.
The Duchess and her friend Charlotte were also instrumental in this story. She was so sure that she had everything under control and that it was going the way she wanted. Loved seeing her take credit for the ending even though it wasn't her original plan. I also loved her feud with Wulf's grandmother. The two of them were so much alike that it was fun seeing them butt heads. I also enjoyed the secondary character of Emma and how she helped Wulf along with his plans.
I liked Lily and Wulf. Lily's decision to help her family is commendable, but she goes into it without having truly looked for any other solution. Her meeting with Wulf shakes her up because he stirs feelings in her that she's never had before. She isn't really looking forward to meeting the Earl of Huntley because she wanted to marry for love, like her sister (How to Capture a Countess). She was sure that if she spent enough time with him she would fall in love with him. The problem is that every time she turns around Wulf is there scrambling her senses. He states his love for her early on but she refuses to believe that love that quickly is possible. She fights him all the way determined to stay on her course to save her family from ruin. It was interesting watching Lily cope with the two men. She couldn't help comparing them and the one she was chasing never measured up to the one she really wanted. The times she spent with Huntley were pretty darn boring, especially since she couldn't even get him to kiss her. Times with Wulf usually involved some lively conversation, some kisses and him still trying to convince her. She spent a lot of time wishing it were possible but still not trying to find a solution herself or asking Wulf to help her find one. Her use of the tea that Wulf's grandmother gave her surprised the old lady and went a long way toward changing her attitude toward Lily. I saw her actions at the end coming but they were satisfying anyway.
Wulf was quite a character. He is handsome, wealthy and confident. He's also tired of women coming after him because he's rich. He's come to the area to live as if he is poor to see if someone will love him just for himself. When he rescues Lily after she's fallen from her horse he is immediately smitten by her. He sets out to woo her and is surprised when she denies him. He is not accustomed to being denied something he wants and pretty much ignores her demands. I really enjoyed seeing him run up against society's rules and how Lily won't ignore them. It only increases his determination to win her. I liked the way that he is so open about his feelings to her. He is very protective of her and always seems to be around when she needs rescuing. I also enjoyed his scheme to distract both Huntley and Lily from each other. I loved his frustration with her and how it made him change the way he looked at some things and eventually understand her a little better. I had great fun reading the ending and how it all worked out.
The Duchess and her friend Charlotte were also instrumental in this story. She was so sure that she had everything under control and that it was going the way she wanted. Loved seeing her take credit for the ending even though it wasn't her original plan. I also loved her feud with Wulf's grandmother. The two of them were so much alike that it was fun seeing them butt heads. I also enjoyed the secondary character of Emma and how she helped Wulf along with his plans.
June 27, 2013
AArrgh!
Yes, I confess - I have always loved books by Karen Hawkins. She is one of the few authors who can write funny, and that's important in an angst-filled world. So, I was looking forward to How To Pursue a Princess. However, my joy soon changed to frustration. Let's take a little jaunt into the plot line to find out why.
A matchmaking duchess is hatching a scheme to bring her god-daughter, Lily, and the lonely widower Huntley together. Lurking at the garden gate, much to her chagrin, is Prince Wulf of the pretend county Oxenberg. I hatessss pretend countries. Well, our Wulf has always dreamed of a red/gold-haired lass who will love him for himself and not his money. And, when I say dreamed of red/gold hair, I mean actually had a vision kind of dream.
Well, who should happen to have red/gold hair? You guessed it, Lily and she's in need of a husband, a wealthy husband. Someone who will save her family from ruin. Too bad the prince has this stipulation about his money, ‘cause they fall in love. But he's pretending to be poor, so Lily can't have the man she wants. She must choose the stick-in-the mud widower Huntley.
There is the set-up. Wulf is rich and pretending to be poor. He wants Lily to trust him, even though he's lying through his teeth. Trust him, everything will work out. I'm not sure how he thought Lily's money problems were going to work out, but hey, it's all about trust! Of course, Wulf has a plan to make Lily love him so much she will overcome her need to save her family and marry him. It is time for Wulf to reveal his middle-school brain. He is going to pretend interest in another woman, Emma, and make Lily soooo jealous she will have to admit her love for him. After all, it's all about trust and finding someone who will love him for himself and not his money. What do you say ladies, he's the kind of guy I'd want to marry! Not! Jealousy has never been one of my favorite romance themes, but sometimes it blends seamlessly into the story. In this case, it overwhelmed the story.
I did like the secondary characters. The duchess, her companion Margaret, Wulf's curse-casting gypsy grandmother, and the gazillon pug dogs were all fun. When they were on the pages I had a good time. I also thought the secondary romance between the stick Huntley and Emma, who had loved him forever, was more interesting than the primary love story.
I also had a jarring moment in this book. Oh, I remember the days when a manroot was a manroot. A big purple-headed manroot, but a manroot all the same. Now those were scary days. Yikes! But now we have the "C..." word (rhymes with rock). It's everywhere, and honestly I don't mind its use - as long as it fits, and not just in the heroine. In this story, it came barreling out of the blue. One minute we are having a sweet tender love story and the next moment we are face to face with a giant hard "C..." It just felt as if it must be time to throw in a bit of a titillating moment.
So there you have it. How to Pursue a Princess didn't totally work for me. I had a big problem with a hero who demanded trust but didn't do anything to earn it. I don't see how a marriage based on manipulation can ever work. And I missed Ms. Hawkins trademark humor. We still have our HEA, all the right couples ride off into the sunset together and the duchess retains her matchmaking crown.
KaysBlog
Yes, I confess - I have always loved books by Karen Hawkins. She is one of the few authors who can write funny, and that's important in an angst-filled world. So, I was looking forward to How To Pursue a Princess. However, my joy soon changed to frustration. Let's take a little jaunt into the plot line to find out why.
A matchmaking duchess is hatching a scheme to bring her god-daughter, Lily, and the lonely widower Huntley together. Lurking at the garden gate, much to her chagrin, is Prince Wulf of the pretend county Oxenberg. I hatessss pretend countries. Well, our Wulf has always dreamed of a red/gold-haired lass who will love him for himself and not his money. And, when I say dreamed of red/gold hair, I mean actually had a vision kind of dream.
Well, who should happen to have red/gold hair? You guessed it, Lily and she's in need of a husband, a wealthy husband. Someone who will save her family from ruin. Too bad the prince has this stipulation about his money, ‘cause they fall in love. But he's pretending to be poor, so Lily can't have the man she wants. She must choose the stick-in-the mud widower Huntley.
There is the set-up. Wulf is rich and pretending to be poor. He wants Lily to trust him, even though he's lying through his teeth. Trust him, everything will work out. I'm not sure how he thought Lily's money problems were going to work out, but hey, it's all about trust! Of course, Wulf has a plan to make Lily love him so much she will overcome her need to save her family and marry him. It is time for Wulf to reveal his middle-school brain. He is going to pretend interest in another woman, Emma, and make Lily soooo jealous she will have to admit her love for him. After all, it's all about trust and finding someone who will love him for himself and not his money. What do you say ladies, he's the kind of guy I'd want to marry! Not! Jealousy has never been one of my favorite romance themes, but sometimes it blends seamlessly into the story. In this case, it overwhelmed the story.
I did like the secondary characters. The duchess, her companion Margaret, Wulf's curse-casting gypsy grandmother, and the gazillon pug dogs were all fun. When they were on the pages I had a good time. I also thought the secondary romance between the stick Huntley and Emma, who had loved him forever, was more interesting than the primary love story.
I also had a jarring moment in this book. Oh, I remember the days when a manroot was a manroot. A big purple-headed manroot, but a manroot all the same. Now those were scary days. Yikes! But now we have the "C..." word (rhymes with rock). It's everywhere, and honestly I don't mind its use - as long as it fits, and not just in the heroine. In this story, it came barreling out of the blue. One minute we are having a sweet tender love story and the next moment we are face to face with a giant hard "C..." It just felt as if it must be time to throw in a bit of a titillating moment.
So there you have it. How to Pursue a Princess didn't totally work for me. I had a big problem with a hero who demanded trust but didn't do anything to earn it. I don't see how a marriage based on manipulation can ever work. And I missed Ms. Hawkins trademark humor. We still have our HEA, all the right couples ride off into the sunset together and the duchess retains her matchmaking crown.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2013
I was shocked when I saw a copy of the newest book of Karen Hawkins, available on the library shelf. Normally I would have to wait months sometimes a year, before it would become available. Let me tell you, I grabbed it faster than I could breath air. I have always had a deep appreciation for Karen Hawkins. She was the first author that I read that made me fall in love with romance. If any of you like a bit of witty YA romance, that is set in the historical time period--starts with Catherine and the Pirate--one of my all time favorite books, and is probably the reason I am still in love with romance, especially historical romance. There is so much talent in Karen Hawkins voice, and I would swear that How to Pursue a Princess is one of her best so far!! There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, so first let me talk about the actual story.
When Lily and her younger sister learn that their father has come into some big debt, that will have to be paid quite soon, within the month, so knows that with the large quantity due, she will have no choice to marry. So she sends a request to her aunt the Duchess, who sets up a house country party, where she will try to match her with the Earl of Huntley. But when she leaves for a few moments on a ride, she ends up getting hurt, and she finds herself getting rescued by the most gorgeous yet stubborn man. Large and overbearing, Prince Wulfinski. When Wulf first sees Lily, he is captivated by her engaging eyes, and wild hair that only stimulates his senses. He knows that she is his future mate, but he must convince her first. Lily finds herself revealing all of her secrets to Wulf, and she wonders if circumstances were different that they might have had a future together. But believing he is a poor prince, she knows she has no choice but to marry the Earl, because her family is depending on her. But will she choose her duty over her family, or her love for Wulf, who makes her feel more alive than ever before.
How To Pursue A Princess is a astounding read!! I felt myself utterly captivated from the fast paced plot to the deep sensuality that develops into a powerful love story! There was quite a bit I loved about this one. First is the hero...*sigh*, boy was I impressed. He is from another country, and could care less about society's rules, and is very blunt and says what exactly is on his mind, and isn't modest about it. He above all was my favorite character, and my favorite hero from this author. I would trade places with Lily any day of the week! When he goes after Lily to convince her to choose love over duty to her family, he is very tenacious and stubborn with the issue, much to my delight. I love a man who knows what he wants and charges after it. This newest addition to the Duchess series is a tale full of witty humor, sensational fun, and has a refreshing flavor to it that only ends up captivating its reader. SPLENDIDLY WELL DONE!!!
When Lily and her younger sister learn that their father has come into some big debt, that will have to be paid quite soon, within the month, so knows that with the large quantity due, she will have no choice to marry. So she sends a request to her aunt the Duchess, who sets up a house country party, where she will try to match her with the Earl of Huntley. But when she leaves for a few moments on a ride, she ends up getting hurt, and she finds herself getting rescued by the most gorgeous yet stubborn man. Large and overbearing, Prince Wulfinski. When Wulf first sees Lily, he is captivated by her engaging eyes, and wild hair that only stimulates his senses. He knows that she is his future mate, but he must convince her first. Lily finds herself revealing all of her secrets to Wulf, and she wonders if circumstances were different that they might have had a future together. But believing he is a poor prince, she knows she has no choice but to marry the Earl, because her family is depending on her. But will she choose her duty over her family, or her love for Wulf, who makes her feel more alive than ever before.
How To Pursue A Princess is a astounding read!! I felt myself utterly captivated from the fast paced plot to the deep sensuality that develops into a powerful love story! There was quite a bit I loved about this one. First is the hero...*sigh*, boy was I impressed. He is from another country, and could care less about society's rules, and is very blunt and says what exactly is on his mind, and isn't modest about it. He above all was my favorite character, and my favorite hero from this author. I would trade places with Lily any day of the week! When he goes after Lily to convince her to choose love over duty to her family, he is very tenacious and stubborn with the issue, much to my delight. I love a man who knows what he wants and charges after it. This newest addition to the Duchess series is a tale full of witty humor, sensational fun, and has a refreshing flavor to it that only ends up captivating its reader. SPLENDIDLY WELL DONE!!!
October 2, 2013
Lily Blair never wanted to marry, that was until her farther put them indebt to their neighbor and loan was coming due to their neighbor Lord Kirk. To prevent her sister Dahlia from sacrificing her self to a crusty older, stuffy Lord Kirk who provided the loan Lily decides to finally a attend one of her Godmothers functions with the express purpose of making a well placed financial match .
Lily did not count on the very handsome endearing Prince Wulfinski( Wulf) being such a huge distraction.
The Duchess of Roxburghe has planned a three week house party and invited many appropriate men but expressly the Earl of Huntley a wealthy widower she believes perfect for her Goddaughter, again the duchess was not counting on
Wulf to be the monkey wrench in her plans for Lily and Huntley.
Wulf rescues Lily after a fall from a horse and knows immediately this is the women he has be dreaming of , and through the rest of the the house party Wulf aggressively pursues Lily to spite lily's resolve that she must bring Huntley to the mark , the fate of her sister, her farther and Caith Manor are dependent on her, she can not let her emotions and feelings for Wulf interfere...she may want Wulf by his own admission he is a poor prince and Lily has to marry for wealth! To spite Lily's admission Wulf still pursues her wanting her to choose him for love not the money he really does have!
I truly enjoyed this book, I was drawin to the story and felt anxious through many chapters for how things would work out between Wulf and Lily,the several romantic scences written between the two were wonderfully written.
Lily did not count on the very handsome endearing Prince Wulfinski( Wulf) being such a huge distraction.
The Duchess of Roxburghe has planned a three week house party and invited many appropriate men but expressly the Earl of Huntley a wealthy widower she believes perfect for her Goddaughter, again the duchess was not counting on
Wulf to be the monkey wrench in her plans for Lily and Huntley.
Wulf rescues Lily after a fall from a horse and knows immediately this is the women he has be dreaming of , and through the rest of the the house party Wulf aggressively pursues Lily to spite lily's resolve that she must bring Huntley to the mark , the fate of her sister, her farther and Caith Manor are dependent on her, she can not let her emotions and feelings for Wulf interfere...she may want Wulf by his own admission he is a poor prince and Lily has to marry for wealth! To spite Lily's admission Wulf still pursues her wanting her to choose him for love not the money he really does have!
I truly enjoyed this book, I was drawin to the story and felt anxious through many chapters for how things would work out between Wulf and Lily,the several romantic scences written between the two were wonderfully written.
June 8, 2013
Karen Hawkins paints a majestic portrait of love and loyalty in HOW TO PURSUE A PRINCESS. The second installment in the DUCHESS DIARIES series will sweep you off of your feet with it’s deeply romantic sensuality.
Lily Balfour has just found out that her father has taken out a loan against their family estate and he has no way of paying it back. Not knowing what to do, Lily has decided that the only way to save her family from financial ruin is to find a wealthy man to marry.
When Lily’s match-making godmother proclaims that the Earl of Huntley will make the perfect partner for her, Lily agrees to attend a house party in order to meet him. The earl is handsome and intelligent, but there are no fireworks going off for Lily.
While out horseback riding alone one morning Lily is thrown from her horse. Luckily for her, Prince Pietr Wulfinski (Wulf) comes upon her and offers his assistance. There is an immediate attraction between the two. But when the prince professes to be the poorest of all of his Russian brothers, Lily feels like she must ignore her feelings and instead go with the Earl of Huntley for the sake of saving her family.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Lily Balfour has just found out that her father has taken out a loan against their family estate and he has no way of paying it back. Not knowing what to do, Lily has decided that the only way to save her family from financial ruin is to find a wealthy man to marry.
When Lily’s match-making godmother proclaims that the Earl of Huntley will make the perfect partner for her, Lily agrees to attend a house party in order to meet him. The earl is handsome and intelligent, but there are no fireworks going off for Lily.
While out horseback riding alone one morning Lily is thrown from her horse. Luckily for her, Prince Pietr Wulfinski (Wulf) comes upon her and offers his assistance. There is an immediate attraction between the two. But when the prince professes to be the poorest of all of his Russian brothers, Lily feels like she must ignore her feelings and instead go with the Earl of Huntley for the sake of saving her family.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
May 26, 2013
I didn't mean to read the whole thing yet. I was fully engulfed in a murder mystery when the book came in the mail. Yet from the fist page, I was hooked and had to keep reading my way through the weekend.
This story has it all: a deluded matchmaking godmother, a charming green eyed wolf of a hero, a stubborn flame haired little red riding hood, and a curse casting witch.
An added bonus is a bunch of delightful spoiled pugs that dominate the castle in which they reside.
Karen Hawkins never fails to deliver a lively lovely story with a rich environment.
With enough comedy to make me chuckle my way through the pages, and lots of good romance, this book is a winner!
This story has it all: a deluded matchmaking godmother, a charming green eyed wolf of a hero, a stubborn flame haired little red riding hood, and a curse casting witch.
An added bonus is a bunch of delightful spoiled pugs that dominate the castle in which they reside.
Karen Hawkins never fails to deliver a lively lovely story with a rich environment.
With enough comedy to make me chuckle my way through the pages, and lots of good romance, this book is a winner!
October 6, 2013
There were several good components to this story. I don't usually like prince/princess stories but I was quite comfortable with Wulf. For him, Lily was love at first sight. He was a comfortable hero. Lily was a disappointment to me. I really liked her in the previous book about her sister but she never stood out as I expected. She was too much of a martyr. I never believed her love for Wulf. Her attraction, yes, but love, no. I got bored and toward the end just wanted to finish.
I am looking forward to the next installment, though, which sounds like it will be a beauty and the beast scenario.
I am looking forward to the next installment, though, which sounds like it will be a beauty and the beast scenario.
January 1, 2019
I was disappointed by this book. After the last one I thought it would be funnier, and certainly less annoying (and involving many rolled eyes). Maybe it was just the couple I didn't like. Lily was a little dull, and Wulf was... well, I read historical romance set in the ton almost exclusively, and it's for a reason. Wulf just walked all over the rules of propriety and didn't bother trying to learn them. If I wanted to read that I'd read a contemporary novel.
Maybe the next one will be better. I'm so confused because I loved the first one in this series, but the premise is giving me pause. What if the first one was just a fluke?
Maybe the next one will be better. I'm so confused because I loved the first one in this series, but the premise is giving me pause. What if the first one was just a fluke?
November 25, 2014
Oh, what a lovely romantic story. If only real life was like it.
I enjoyed the ups and downs of Wulf and Lily's lovelife, and a wonderful HEA ending.
This is one of the best stories from one of my top 5 author's, and I so enjoyed it - loved it!
I enjoyed the ups and downs of Wulf and Lily's lovelife, and a wonderful HEA ending.
This is one of the best stories from one of my top 5 author's, and I so enjoyed it - loved it!
November 1, 2017
I didn't enjoy the book at all. Some honesty, less denial and more effort could have really helped. I would have rather read a whole book about Lily's dress shop rather than this tripe. Emma's love was the only pure thing in the whole book. And the revelation at the end wasn't clever; it was cruel.
Read
January 1, 2017The Aunt character adds something special to each story in the series (which includes one of my favorite books, How to Capture a Countess).
April 13, 2024
4,5 rounded up. Pugs with butterfly wings?! OMG....I love the pugs in these books. Plus a matchmaking duchess and meddling TaTa ( Russian grandmother)... Love this!
November 15, 2024
Solid 4.5 stars!
This had everything
Reframed refs. to RRH
-Lily dons a red cloak for all her forest excursions
-The OG tale's "good girls don't stray from the path" lesson is repurposed as "good girls marry for money/stability, don't stray onto the passionate path"
- Wulf's name, as in "the big bad",
-Huntley=the OG tale's good huntsman who saves RRH,
-Their "goodbye" has Lily walking through the woods to Wulf's cottage, basket of food in hand.
-That bold strip scene/after cuddle is very reminiscent of Angela Carter's ending to TCOW
*Like that RRH, Lily strips herself before her Wulf, crackling fire to further set the scene, and is content to be within her lovers embrace.
Our love interests had connection from the jump
-He's the first person to understand not only Lily's social exhaustion
*After he boldly climbs through the window (just steps right in at 7 am no less) he notices she's got a basket of darning at what he calls her nest. Lily tells him the task calms her. Later, he asks if she's finished said darning/sewing because he remembered her interest.
*While carrying her through the woods after she's thrown from her horse, Lily vents her frustration at not being able to marry just for love.
Gothic Romance
-Wulf scaling the castle walls, cape billowing in the moonlight,
-Their dance scene, where he literally sweeps her off her feet an into a waltz
-The angsty confessions
*Wulf's insistence that he is in love with her and has in fact scene her in his dreams
*The "I know I'm that man. Give me that chance" line.
*His calling her "Moya" which means "mine" from the moment they meet.
*How devastated Lily is at finally finding love but unable to act on it... our girl overdramatically delivers that "I mustn't, but I must! with gusto that rivals Cathy.
Humor
-The godmother and her spoiled/mischievous dogs
- Wulf was very Balki in his misunderstanding of Scottish high society restrictions
*His crossing out all other men on Lily's dance card with a W made me laugh, as did his response to their first kiss:
Lily: "That was unwise."
Wulf: "Nonsense. Knowledge is necessary."
I kinda got annoyed with godmother and Charlotte interludes (that epilogue/ending was kinda lackluster) and found myself nearly skimming them in order to fast track my way back to Lily and Wulf. But that's such a small con, so I'll leave it be. I'm excited to read Dahlia's novel next. I'm a sucker for BATB.
This had everything
Reframed refs. to RRH
-Lily dons a red cloak for all her forest excursions
-The OG tale's "good girls don't stray from the path" lesson is repurposed as "good girls marry for money/stability, don't stray onto the passionate path"
- Wulf's name, as in "the big bad",
-Huntley=the OG tale's good huntsman who saves RRH,
-Their "goodbye" has Lily walking through the woods to Wulf's cottage, basket of food in hand.
-That bold strip scene/after cuddle is very reminiscent of Angela Carter's ending to TCOW
*Like that RRH, Lily strips herself before her Wulf, crackling fire to further set the scene, and is content to be within her lovers embrace.
Our love interests had connection from the jump
-He's the first person to understand not only Lily's social exhaustion
*After he boldly climbs through the window (just steps right in at 7 am no less) he notices she's got a basket of darning at what he calls her nest. Lily tells him the task calms her. Later, he asks if she's finished said darning/sewing because he remembered her interest.
*While carrying her through the woods after she's thrown from her horse, Lily vents her frustration at not being able to marry just for love.
Gothic Romance
-Wulf scaling the castle walls, cape billowing in the moonlight,
-Their dance scene, where he literally sweeps her off her feet an into a waltz
-The angsty confessions
*Wulf's insistence that he is in love with her and has in fact scene her in his dreams
*The "I know I'm that man. Give me that chance" line.
*His calling her "Moya" which means "mine" from the moment they meet.
*How devastated Lily is at finally finding love but unable to act on it... our girl overdramatically delivers that "I mustn't, but I must! with gusto that rivals Cathy.
Humor
-The godmother and her spoiled/mischievous dogs
- Wulf was very Balki in his misunderstanding of Scottish high society restrictions
*His crossing out all other men on Lily's dance card with a W made me laugh, as did his response to their first kiss:
Lily: "That was unwise."
Wulf: "Nonsense. Knowledge is necessary."
I kinda got annoyed with godmother and Charlotte interludes (that epilogue/ending was kinda lackluster) and found myself nearly skimming them in order to fast track my way back to Lily and Wulf. But that's such a small con, so I'll leave it be. I'm excited to read Dahlia's novel next. I'm a sucker for BATB.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Now, I did say that the first novel was a my second favourite, and the second novel is my least favourite. Still enjoyable I won't deny that it does give us what we ask for from these novels, steamy love scenes and sexy men. However, this whole story seemed contrived the second sister needs to marry for money, not love like her first sister.
However, she doesn't.
They could have gotten the money they needed from their rich brother-in-law. They use a lame excuse as to why they can't, then the second daughter gets packed up and sent to the duchess in order to get her marriage on.
I felt like the only reason this book exists is for the third novel, of all the novels the second and third seemed most connected by more than just the Duchess herself.
I will say I did enjoy the fact that the man right away knew what he wanted. I generally am not a fan when they are wishy-washy so it was nice to see that he found the girl, wanted her and went for it. Most of the men in these novels are portrayed as strong willful creatures until they meet a woman they have any kind of emotional attachment with - then they become idiots.
Perhaps the author is just being true to life.
I wasn't a fan of either character, though I can't say why. I didn't think it believable that Lily had no idea Wulf was rich, he walked around like he owned the place and was invited to the home of a Duchess. Pretty sure poor people didn't get that luxury unless they were holding a tray or answering doors
All in all, it was alright but not my favourite in the series and due to this one being less enjoyable than the first it took me a while to get around to reading the third in the series.
However, she doesn't.
They could have gotten the money they needed from their rich brother-in-law. They use a lame excuse as to why they can't, then the second daughter gets packed up and sent to the duchess in order to get her marriage on.
I felt like the only reason this book exists is for the third novel, of all the novels the second and third seemed most connected by more than just the Duchess herself.
I will say I did enjoy the fact that the man right away knew what he wanted. I generally am not a fan when they are wishy-washy so it was nice to see that he found the girl, wanted her and went for it. Most of the men in these novels are portrayed as strong willful creatures until they meet a woman they have any kind of emotional attachment with - then they become idiots.
Perhaps the author is just being true to life.
I wasn't a fan of either character, though I can't say why. I didn't think it believable that Lily had no idea Wulf was rich, he walked around like he owned the place and was invited to the home of a Duchess. Pretty sure poor people didn't get that luxury unless they were holding a tray or answering doors
All in all, it was alright but not my favourite in the series and due to this one being less enjoyable than the first it took me a while to get around to reading the third in the series.
November 19, 2024
I like a good historical romance, especially one where the main players don't initially seem to work together--and then we come to see how great of a pair they are. This was one of those.
Wulf is immediately smitten with Lily the moment he sees her. He's had dreams about her and knows she's his soul mate. And he's not afraid to tell her that within days of meeting her for the first time--something that's pretty off-putting for Lily. Can't blame a girl for that. Wulf doesn't know their customs, though, being from a different country. But he's refreshingly honest, funny, and completely supportive of her and her dreams. It's a good fit...if only he had the money to save her family from ruin. As it stands, Lily can't afford to marry for anything less than money.
It's an interesting story, with some oddball characters including a grandmother who likes to cast curses, some rambunctious pugs, and a companion who doesn't always say sensical things. There's a lot to keep you going in this story beyond the romance, if you need it. The romance isn't the most explicit thing I've ever read. No judgement, just noting that.
Wulf is immediately smitten with Lily the moment he sees her. He's had dreams about her and knows she's his soul mate. And he's not afraid to tell her that within days of meeting her for the first time--something that's pretty off-putting for Lily. Can't blame a girl for that. Wulf doesn't know their customs, though, being from a different country. But he's refreshingly honest, funny, and completely supportive of her and her dreams. It's a good fit...if only he had the money to save her family from ruin. As it stands, Lily can't afford to marry for anything less than money.
It's an interesting story, with some oddball characters including a grandmother who likes to cast curses, some rambunctious pugs, and a companion who doesn't always say sensical things. There's a lot to keep you going in this story beyond the romance, if you need it. The romance isn't the most explicit thing I've ever read. No judgement, just noting that.
February 28, 2020
Memorable scenes include the showdown between Tata Natasha and the duchess of roxenburge and when the tent fell down under rain and miss Gordon got soaked. I did feel bad for the heroine because she stressed so much on how to prevent her father from going to goal and paying off the debt her father put her in and the hero did not even bother to admit that he could help out because he is weak thy but he selfishly wanted her to choose him over saving her own family. Geez I understand no one wants to be married for their money, but if her father and her sisters were in danger and needed to marry into wealth to save their lives then get off your high horse. Sighs.. I do agree with other people’s point in their reviews she had a wealthy brother in law who would certainly have paid it off for them. It was a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews