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Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince
1812
Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.
Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
22 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moore
43 books1,164 followersJennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
October 9, 2015
This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
Awesome
I loved everything about this one! I enjoyed Moore's first two books, so I was going into this one with pretty high expectations. This ended up being my favorite of the three. I loved the romance in this one, they have such a fun courtship. I also love how she weaves in historical details that really fit into the story.
Meg has come to England from America to find a rich husband. Her family is putting pressure on her and have sent her brother along to make sure she follows through. Meg was such a likable character, she was so well-rounded. She was well educated, but still playful and charming. Sometimes these "bluestockings" come across uppity and hard to connect to, but Meg was smart and fun. I loved Rodrigo! He was also a well balanced character. You could feel his desperation to help his parents and his country, but root for him to win the girl! I loved their times together, a very fun romance.
I like how each book can really stand on its own, but also love that we see characters from previous books. It's fun reconnecting with previous characters, but not have them steal the show. Really well done. Like I said, the history parts were interesting and not overdone, I didn't feel like I was reading a history book. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I was lucky the kids were all down and my husband had to work late so I could curl up and read uninterrupted. Bliss!
If you enjoy historical romance, grab this book. Right now. You won't be disappointed!
Content
Romance: Squeaky Clean, great chemistry!
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Awesome
I loved everything about this one! I enjoyed Moore's first two books, so I was going into this one with pretty high expectations. This ended up being my favorite of the three. I loved the romance in this one, they have such a fun courtship. I also love how she weaves in historical details that really fit into the story.
Meg has come to England from America to find a rich husband. Her family is putting pressure on her and have sent her brother along to make sure she follows through. Meg was such a likable character, she was so well-rounded. She was well educated, but still playful and charming. Sometimes these "bluestockings" come across uppity and hard to connect to, but Meg was smart and fun. I loved Rodrigo! He was also a well balanced character. You could feel his desperation to help his parents and his country, but root for him to win the girl! I loved their times together, a very fun romance.
I like how each book can really stand on its own, but also love that we see characters from previous books. It's fun reconnecting with previous characters, but not have them steal the show. Really well done. Like I said, the history parts were interesting and not overdone, I didn't feel like I was reading a history book. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I was lucky the kids were all down and my husband had to work late so I could curl up and read uninterrupted. Bliss!
If you enjoy historical romance, grab this book. Right now. You won't be disappointed!
Content
Romance: Squeaky Clean, great chemistry!
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
April 17, 2016
"Thornshire Castle is the dullest place upon the earth.It could use an ancient curse or a decent ghost."
Meg Burton left America and her rather simple life to visit London and find a rich husband in order to help her family with their financial struggles.But as she spent her time picking dresses and attending balls,she realized that a politically minded and addicted to reading woman was not what most gentlemen were looking for.The only person who seemed to like her for the person she was was a stable man,or so she thought.For she could never imagine that her friend Carlo was in fact the Spanish Prince Rodrigo,who lied about his identity in his effort to make a friend without being judged for his identity and heritage.But as they started falling in love,reality caught up to them and choosing between their duty to their families and their love was a possibility they would have to face.
"Rodrigo's country was in uproar,his parents captured,and he was attempting to protect both his sister and himself from brutal enemies.But his greatest threat did not come from the French.If he was not careful,he would lose his heart to Miss Meg Burton."
My feelings towards this book?
There was something refreshing about it.Yes you could predict the outcome of the events that took place and the end,but you also witnessed the blooming of a wonderful love story in its purest form.It had a soothing and calming effect on me,and I felt light,like travelling among the clouds.While reading Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince,I felt like all my childhood fantasies were coming true,and I thought that perhaps I was born in the wrong century.I know women were not allowed to think in 1812,but well in my dreams I am the exception who finds the man to love me for my unconventionality.Just like Meg.There was a naivety in her but also a strong spirit,she was a dreamer and a politically aware person,she wanted adventure in her life and romance like what her novels described,and when she was about to lose faith she found the man who listened to her,who admired her and came to love her.Rodrigo found in her the light that was missing from his life,the strength to face the responsibilities that burdened him and the motivation to become a better person.
"And Eden revives,in the first kiss of love."
It was a warm and sweet story.The secondary characters were well written,the dialogues witty and the scenes between Meg and Rodrigo fairytalish.There were some villains but the story didn't focus on them,they just added to the plot.Jennifer Moore's writing was beautiful,and it left me smiling.Reading Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince was pleasant and effortless.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I absolutely recommend it to Regency fans but also readers who want a way to escape reality!
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 7, 2015
There is something about royalty that tugs on my heart, especially when the royal is masquerading as a common man. I love books about royals! Carlo/Rodrigo was exceptionally great in this role. Meg, an American with English ties, has a surprising, and humorous, first meeting with Rodrigo and a mistaken identity is formed on a whim. I love the hidden message that we all hide behind masks and are vulnerable to revealing who we really are.
I can't imagine how hard it would be to always wonder if people liked you for who you are or for your title and money. This assumed identity gives Rodrigo the chance to find out just what Meg thinks about him and to actually enjoy life.
Meg is quite a character. Her desire for adventure leads her on some fun quests and helps her through some scary times. She is full of spunk, imagination, and is so much fun--I would love to be friends with her. I love the friendship that develops between Meg and Serena. Yes, I almost felt jealous.
Of course, a forbidden love is a great angle and this one is played out well with just the right amount of chemistry, tension, and emotion. Miss Burton is a charming story that has a little bit of everything and left me feeling completely satisfied.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (fighting, a killing, kidnapping--nothing graphic); no language or religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I can't imagine how hard it would be to always wonder if people liked you for who you are or for your title and money. This assumed identity gives Rodrigo the chance to find out just what Meg thinks about him and to actually enjoy life.
Meg is quite a character. Her desire for adventure leads her on some fun quests and helps her through some scary times. She is full of spunk, imagination, and is so much fun--I would love to be friends with her. I love the friendship that develops between Meg and Serena. Yes, I almost felt jealous.
Of course, a forbidden love is a great angle and this one is played out well with just the right amount of chemistry, tension, and emotion. Miss Burton is a charming story that has a little bit of everything and left me feeling completely satisfied.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (fighting, a killing, kidnapping--nothing graphic); no language or religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2015
This review has been posted to the Book Hangover. Check it out in my blog!
5 "love blossoms in England" stars!
"Do not let logic or duty override matters of the heart"
Meg Burton is a young American lass sent to Britain with a duty to her family: she must find a wealthy husband to avoid their financial ruin. But will she let her duty to her family overcome her very soul?
As it turns out,my first Netgalley acceptance was a hit. Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince is a funny,delicate book.
Meg turned out be a fantastic protagonist,and it was great to be in her mind. She was well educated, but still playful and charming. Her curiosity and absolute love of life made her stand in any crowd. Her non-conformist mind was something refreshing to have in a regency novel
Our male protagonist,”Carlos” was also the type of male historical character that I don’t want to strangle. He was a perfect match for Meg on the spot,because his mind was as open as she was. He didn’t observe her curiosity and intelligence with condescension. He rejoiced in it as much as she did.
I was specially delighted by the subtle parody of the British Society. It’s pretty interesting to see how it seemed from the eyes of two unconnected protagonists: Meg is American and Carlos is Spanish. (Can we also get a horray for a book that uses Spanish correctly?)
There is romance of course,but it’s very light. It’s also healthy,something that seems to be missing these days. Meg and Carlos observed each other and tried their best to be what they needed,while still keeping true to themselves.
Of course, a forbidden love is a great side plot and this one is played out well with just the right amount of chemistry, tension, and emotion. Miss Burton is a charming story that has a little bit of everything and left me feeling completely satisfied.
“The correct relationship will make a person bloom. He becomes more himself, his talents deepen, his personality grows, and he thrives. But the wrong relationship will produce the opposite. The things that were once so vital no longer matter. His talents disappear, his individuality fades, and he wilts.”
Sentence: With funny and likable main and side characters and a plot that stays strong until the ending,Miss Burton delivers what it promised and even more than that.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
December 30, 2015
Loved this one. Super clean and lots of fun!
April 6, 2015
I love curling up with a good, fluffy, feel good romance. This one was such a fun diversion.
Meg is adventurous and a bit fiery. She is smart and engaging. She longs for exciting adventures but becomes disappointed by the English society and their stuffy ways. When Meg meets the prince, she doesn't know he is the prince. She mistakes him for a stable hand and the prince is happy to let her assume this because it allows him the freedom of getting to know Meg in a more relaxed manner.
This book has all the classic romantic elements in it. Misunderstanding, adventure, growing attraction and some lovely kisses. I love how the Prince tries to give Meg the things that he hopes will make her happy. He listens to her and then acts on what he hears. It is so, so sweet.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to settle into and get lost for awhile. This book was lighter and fluffier than Jennifer Moore's last book but still good. It made my romantic heart smile.
This is a squeeky clean romance book. My thanks to Covenant for allowing me to read and review books for them.
Meg is adventurous and a bit fiery. She is smart and engaging. She longs for exciting adventures but becomes disappointed by the English society and their stuffy ways. When Meg meets the prince, she doesn't know he is the prince. She mistakes him for a stable hand and the prince is happy to let her assume this because it allows him the freedom of getting to know Meg in a more relaxed manner.
This book has all the classic romantic elements in it. Misunderstanding, adventure, growing attraction and some lovely kisses. I love how the Prince tries to give Meg the things that he hopes will make her happy. He listens to her and then acts on what he hears. It is so, so sweet.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to settle into and get lost for awhile. This book was lighter and fluffier than Jennifer Moore's last book but still good. It made my romantic heart smile.
This is a squeeky clean romance book. My thanks to Covenant for allowing me to read and review books for them.
April 3, 2015
Loved it! Jennifer Moore is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine. She always manages to find a new perspective to look at the regency period from. In this story she brings an American over to try to impress the ton. This particular American really had no desire to impress them. She is smart, understands politics, and not a fan of ballrooms and developing her own musical talents. Moore infuses humor and charm into the story as our prince and Miss Burton secretly get to know each other. It was delightful. I also liked learning a bit more about history and politics in 1812. Can't wait to see what story Jennifer Moore comes up with next!
January 19, 2017
Lovely, funny, adorable. Enjoyed the friendship. Loved that there weren't unnecessary misunderstandings. The climax could have used little more tension and uncertainty, but overall a really fun read.
I'd been hoping to read this for a while, but wasn't willing to pay the 10 or 11 bucks that it usually costs, so I was happy to get it on sale for $.99.
Content: Clean.
I'd been hoping to read this for a while, but wasn't willing to pay the 10 or 11 bucks that it usually costs, so I was happy to get it on sale for $.99.
Content: Clean.
September 21, 2015
I stayed up WAY too late last night, but I HAD to see how Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore ended. It is a romantic, sigh-worthy historical romance that really caught me by surprise.
Meg Burton has come from South Carolina to England, in the hopes of finding herself a husband. She's a girl who craves adventure and thinks that a castle in England would be the best bet in finding one. Until her brother mentions that their family really needs her to find a rich husband because they are nearly at the edge of their finances. This puts a damper on things because Meg is then required to put aside her own talents (like poetry and politics and finding adventure) and discuss the weather and other silly things. It is definitely not what she'd hoped for---until she makes the acquaintance of a stable hand, who's not really a stable hand but Prince Rodrigo de Talavera.
The Prince is in hiding because of the royal family being kidnapped. He's desperately trying to find out where his parents have been taken, and is frustrated that he can't seem to find them and is in a prison of his own. Being constantly guarded, even on a grand estate, holds no interest for him. Until he meets Meg Burton. She mistakes him for a stable hand and he lets that assumption go on. But the more time he spends with her, the more he comes to care for her. Will she understand why he deceived her and didn't reveal his true identity? Or will he lose her as well?
I loved how the author brought these two people together. There was so much witty dialogue and fun scenes that made me laugh, it truly was fun to read. It wasn't all fluff, however, and the time period was well-represented with the different cultural backgrounds of each character from England, Spain, and America particularly well done. I loved the journey each character went through and the ending had me closing the book with a happy sigh. This one is a keeper for sure!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Meg Burton has come from South Carolina to England, in the hopes of finding herself a husband. She's a girl who craves adventure and thinks that a castle in England would be the best bet in finding one. Until her brother mentions that their family really needs her to find a rich husband because they are nearly at the edge of their finances. This puts a damper on things because Meg is then required to put aside her own talents (like poetry and politics and finding adventure) and discuss the weather and other silly things. It is definitely not what she'd hoped for---until she makes the acquaintance of a stable hand, who's not really a stable hand but Prince Rodrigo de Talavera.
The Prince is in hiding because of the royal family being kidnapped. He's desperately trying to find out where his parents have been taken, and is frustrated that he can't seem to find them and is in a prison of his own. Being constantly guarded, even on a grand estate, holds no interest for him. Until he meets Meg Burton. She mistakes him for a stable hand and he lets that assumption go on. But the more time he spends with her, the more he comes to care for her. Will she understand why he deceived her and didn't reveal his true identity? Or will he lose her as well?
I loved how the author brought these two people together. There was so much witty dialogue and fun scenes that made me laugh, it truly was fun to read. It wasn't all fluff, however, and the time period was well-represented with the different cultural backgrounds of each character from England, Spain, and America particularly well done. I loved the journey each character went through and the ending had me closing the book with a happy sigh. This one is a keeper for sure!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
April 17, 2015
Meg Burton, an American, is sent to London with her brother so she can snare a rich man to help her family avoid financial ruin. Meg doesn't learn about this, though, until they're on their way. She feels like an imposter and is having a hard time until she meets Carlo, the prince's stable hand. She feels that she can open up to him and be herself and is disappointed that he's not the type of man her family sent her there to find.
What Meg doesn't know is that Carlo is actually Prince Rodrigo de Talavera. When he meets Meg, he decides to masquerade as someone else so she will feel comfortable around him. He does feel a little guilty about it but he enjoys being with her and doesn't want to ruin what they have by confessing his true identity.
This is a fun read! I liked being in on the secret as to Carlo's true identity. Meg is concerned at times that he will be punished for some of the things he does and it's humorous to see what lengths she goes to in order to protect him. She definitely feels different when she's with Carlo than when the stuffy and then inappropriate Lord Featherstone is around. Carlo gives her the courage to do things she otherwise wouldn't and she's able to be herself. I loved how their relationship progressed and enjoyed their story!
There were also some side characters that made the story more interesting. I also liked that this seemed straightforward and I was waiting for the reveal but then it took a little twist and something else happened. If you enjoy a clean regency romance, this is a great choice! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
What Meg doesn't know is that Carlo is actually Prince Rodrigo de Talavera. When he meets Meg, he decides to masquerade as someone else so she will feel comfortable around him. He does feel a little guilty about it but he enjoys being with her and doesn't want to ruin what they have by confessing his true identity.
This is a fun read! I liked being in on the secret as to Carlo's true identity. Meg is concerned at times that he will be punished for some of the things he does and it's humorous to see what lengths she goes to in order to protect him. She definitely feels different when she's with Carlo than when the stuffy and then inappropriate Lord Featherstone is around. Carlo gives her the courage to do things she otherwise wouldn't and she's able to be herself. I loved how their relationship progressed and enjoyed their story!
There were also some side characters that made the story more interesting. I also liked that this seemed straightforward and I was waiting for the reveal but then it took a little twist and something else happened. If you enjoy a clean regency romance, this is a great choice! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
April 10, 2015
Meg Burton is a young lady raised in the "wilds" of America. She is not socially refined, but many overlook her many faults because she is from Charleston.
Meg struggles to draw the line between her true character and the facade placed upon her. She would rather read novels and poetry then play the pianoforte. She would prefer to ride a horse than take a carriage ride around the park. Her friend Carlo understands all of this and encourages her to be herself and not stifled by society. What Meg doesn't know is that Carlo is really a Spanish Prince seeking refuge in England from the French who have overrun his homeland.
This book is so incredibly cute. I loved Meg's sense of adventure and the fun that she brought back to Carlo/Rodrigo's life. Their relationship is a friendship that blossoms. I loved that it wasn't insta-love, but friends finding their way together.
Another plus for me in this book is that I was able to re-connect with characters from Lady Emma's Campaign. This book is a companion and can be read as a stand alone novel.
This book contains a little kissing. A couple of sword fights, both mock and real, and a kidnapping.
Meg struggles to draw the line between her true character and the facade placed upon her. She would rather read novels and poetry then play the pianoforte. She would prefer to ride a horse than take a carriage ride around the park. Her friend Carlo understands all of this and encourages her to be herself and not stifled by society. What Meg doesn't know is that Carlo is really a Spanish Prince seeking refuge in England from the French who have overrun his homeland.
This book is so incredibly cute. I loved Meg's sense of adventure and the fun that she brought back to Carlo/Rodrigo's life. Their relationship is a friendship that blossoms. I loved that it wasn't insta-love, but friends finding their way together.
Another plus for me in this book is that I was able to re-connect with characters from Lady Emma's Campaign. This book is a companion and can be read as a stand alone novel.
This book contains a little kissing. A couple of sword fights, both mock and real, and a kidnapping.
March 14, 2016
This is a sweet young adult Regency romance, with a feisty heroine trying to make her way through a season in London- conflicted by her family's expectations of an advantageous marriage to save their failing business and her own dreams for her life. Her friendship with "Carlo" provides relief from the judgements and pretensions of some of the other guests in the duke's home. While I didn't think it was well-done of the prince to willfully deceive Meg, his intentions are understandable. The book reads like a storytelling, which makes it a little more difficult to experience the emotions of the characters. The intrigues of war add tension to the plot as the prince is caught between a desire to find the abducted members of his royal family and remaining safe for the future of Spain. Recommend for young adults and adults who enjoy clean historical romance.
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
April 26, 2015
I sooo enjoyed this book! From the first page to the last. The characters, the writing, the love story:] Ahh the love story was sooo well done. I love the whole idea of it and the execution. The only thing that I would have changed is the cover. This was a good book about history and had a sweet undertone and some great playfulness. The cover just makes it seem like a silly book and it is not. This is my favorite book of hers. It's like she heard all the reviewers who wanted more of a love story, this does not disappoint. There is a teeny tinny bit of violence but so clean. A couple of kisses. I will be buying this one for my collection and it will go next to my Sarah Eden, Julianne Donaldson and Annette Larsen books:}
August 10, 2022
I loved this book!! Meg was a wonderful heroine! She was smart and charming and adventurous. Rodrigo was so perfect for her. I loved the fun, adventure, and playfulness of their courtship. I'm glad she got to see Rodrigo for who he was and not for his title. This is one I will be re-reading in the future!
March 30, 2016
*Whitney Finalist*
Jennifer Moore does it again. What a beautiful book! Complete with a Prince in disguise. I loved Meg-she was so real and yearned for adventure. And of course, the prince. Sigh. Jennifer just has a way of writing that immediately pulls me right in to her stories. SO easy to read and everything is so vivid it's as if I've stepped back in time.
Jennifer Moore does it again. What a beautiful book! Complete with a Prince in disguise. I loved Meg-she was so real and yearned for adventure. And of course, the prince. Sigh. Jennifer just has a way of writing that immediately pulls me right in to her stories. SO easy to read and everything is so vivid it's as if I've stepped back in time.
April 4, 2016
I have loved all of Moore's other Regency novels, but this one is my favorite. The main character is an American encountering British culture for the first time, and the story was just fun and light. I really enjoyed reading it, laughed out loud now and again. Really loved it.
April 13, 2015
I loved it!! I was sad when it ended. It had it all, sweet romance and light suspense. I thought it was the author's best book yet. Excited to see what comes next!
January 9, 2016
Loved it! Review to come.
September 9, 2017
It's 1812 and Britain is trying to restrict U.S. trade which is causing financial difficulties for those who make their living in merchant trade. Margaret Burton's (Meg) family is one of these, so she and her brother, Daniel, are sent to a distant cousin's in England, the Duke of Southampton so Meg can have a season in London, and meet a wealthy man to marry and save the family from financial ruin.
Poor Meg is quite out of her element. While at the country estate preparing to go to London she has to practice the pianoforte, take dance lessons for the upcoming balls, be schooled in a lady's decorum, and get fitted for dresses, bonnets, etc for her London Season that she doesn't get to voice her opinion on. She doesn't care about any of that--she's a fiery redhead who's up to date on politics, rides horses astride while wearing pants, and loves to read poetry and Gothic novels. While out taking her frustrations out by throwing rocks into a frozen pond she meets Prince Rodrigo de Talavera of Spain, who's "hiding" out in a house on the Duke's estate. He tells her his name is Carlo.
Rodrigo/Carlo's sister, Serena, is married to the Duke and one of the few people he seems to interact with. He's lonely, missing his homeland and worried about their parents who were taken by Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother). He doesn't know where they are, or even if they're still alive. He keeps himself away from all the social gatherings tired of the society women who've been parading their daughters before him.
Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo form a friendship. It's a relief for her to get away from all the things that she has to do and be her true self, and their time together seems to be bringing Rodrigo/Carlo back to life. The only ones that know Carlo is really Rodrigo are the Duke and Serena, but they've made him promise to reveal his true identity before the Masquerade, which is the night before Meg leaves for London.
I liked Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo--they brought out the best in each other. Serena and Meg became like sisters which I felt Meg needed. There are some supporting characters in the story--Lady Vernon (the Duke's sister), the Featherstone family, of which young Lady Helen is the only one I cared for, and Colonel Jim Stackhouse. I enjoyed reading about Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo's outings and wondered how he was going to reveal himself to her, and how she would take the news. Would she be upset, angry? Of course it didn't work out like he planned thanks to the awful young Earl Featherstone. I pity the woman who ended up with him. :)
This book has everything--English nobility, the ton and all that goes with it, a Southern "belle" out of her element, a Spanish prince masquerading as a stable hand, sword fighting and a kidnapping. This is a clean romance.
Poor Meg is quite out of her element. While at the country estate preparing to go to London she has to practice the pianoforte, take dance lessons for the upcoming balls, be schooled in a lady's decorum, and get fitted for dresses, bonnets, etc for her London Season that she doesn't get to voice her opinion on. She doesn't care about any of that--she's a fiery redhead who's up to date on politics, rides horses astride while wearing pants, and loves to read poetry and Gothic novels. While out taking her frustrations out by throwing rocks into a frozen pond she meets Prince Rodrigo de Talavera of Spain, who's "hiding" out in a house on the Duke's estate. He tells her his name is Carlo.
Rodrigo/Carlo's sister, Serena, is married to the Duke and one of the few people he seems to interact with. He's lonely, missing his homeland and worried about their parents who were taken by Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother). He doesn't know where they are, or even if they're still alive. He keeps himself away from all the social gatherings tired of the society women who've been parading their daughters before him.
Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo form a friendship. It's a relief for her to get away from all the things that she has to do and be her true self, and their time together seems to be bringing Rodrigo/Carlo back to life. The only ones that know Carlo is really Rodrigo are the Duke and Serena, but they've made him promise to reveal his true identity before the Masquerade, which is the night before Meg leaves for London.
I liked Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo--they brought out the best in each other. Serena and Meg became like sisters which I felt Meg needed. There are some supporting characters in the story--Lady Vernon (the Duke's sister), the Featherstone family, of which young Lady Helen is the only one I cared for, and Colonel Jim Stackhouse. I enjoyed reading about Meg and Rodrigo/Carlo's outings and wondered how he was going to reveal himself to her, and how she would take the news. Would she be upset, angry? Of course it didn't work out like he planned thanks to the awful young Earl Featherstone. I pity the woman who ended up with him. :)
This book has everything--English nobility, the ton and all that goes with it, a Southern "belle" out of her element, a Spanish prince masquerading as a stable hand, sword fighting and a kidnapping. This is a clean romance.
October 16, 2018
3.5 stars
Sweet, predictable, but enjoyable.
Sweet, predictable, but enjoyable.
August 4, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.
Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?
MY TAKE
ETA--having listened to it a second time, I love it even more. So many of these characters get their own books, so it was fun to revisit them from the first time I met them.
*sigh* This is the first book by Jennifer Moore that I've read, but it will not be my last. I listened to the audiobook. I usually have a couple going at once (one on my phone and one on iTunes). I put off the one on iTunes in favor of this one.
Meg was a fun character, and I loved her spunk (when she had the guts to show it). It was interesting to have an American main character in England during the Regency period. It added a fun twist, considering that this time period was one of unrest between the US and England.
Rodrigo was adorable. I loved how he "got" Meg and loved her for it. I loved that they started out as friends, with neither of them meaning to take their budding friendship beyond that. I loved how Rodrigo picked up on the things Meg cared about and did such fun things to give her those experiences. All in all, he's now one of my favorite book heroes. Totally sigh worthy.
Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.
Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?
MY TAKE
ETA--having listened to it a second time, I love it even more. So many of these characters get their own books, so it was fun to revisit them from the first time I met them.
*sigh* This is the first book by Jennifer Moore that I've read, but it will not be my last. I listened to the audiobook. I usually have a couple going at once (one on my phone and one on iTunes). I put off the one on iTunes in favor of this one.
Meg was a fun character, and I loved her spunk (when she had the guts to show it). It was interesting to have an American main character in England during the Regency period. It added a fun twist, considering that this time period was one of unrest between the US and England.
Rodrigo was adorable. I loved how he "got" Meg and loved her for it. I loved that they started out as friends, with neither of them meaning to take their budding friendship beyond that. I loved how Rodrigo picked up on the things Meg cared about and did such fun things to give her those experiences. All in all, he's now one of my favorite book heroes. Totally sigh worthy.
November 2, 2015
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meg Burton has traveled with her brother to attend the London Season in search of a husband. Her parents' are nearing financial ruin and a wealthy husband will secure their future. Meg is anything but a London lady however, she enjoys books, riding horses, adventures, and keeping up with the world periodicals. She finds herself bending to the will of the other ladies and gentlemen she is surrounded by and soon seeks distraction in the form of books. Lucky for her, her love of adventure finds her meeting Carlo, a stable hand of the Prince, who will do anything to make her time enjoyable. What Meg does know is that Carlo really is the Prince Rodrigo and true adventure awaits once she does.
Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince was such an enjoyable read as an innocent historical romance. It is told in alternating chapters from Meg and Rodrigo's perspective. The Spanish history really lends itself to the story and Meg's wit and American ways make her a great character. While the time frame of the novel is short, Moore gives extensive detail, a lot of adventure, and moments that make you both gasp and giggle. I really felt for the characters, even those that are minor, and I think that's what makes a book a good one. It didn't drag on and the romance, as well as the Spanish war story, really kept me hooked from start to finish.
The last chapter tied up everything so quickly that I felt I needed another chapter or two. I wanted to hear more about Rodrigo's adventure to rescue his family, their reaction to him finding love in an American woman, and the blossoming of their official romance as Price Rodrigo and Meg instead of Carlo and Meg.
I would recommend this book to almost all of my friends who enjoy historical romance and I think it could easily be enjoyed by girls in high school.
Meg Burton has traveled with her brother to attend the London Season in search of a husband. Her parents' are nearing financial ruin and a wealthy husband will secure their future. Meg is anything but a London lady however, she enjoys books, riding horses, adventures, and keeping up with the world periodicals. She finds herself bending to the will of the other ladies and gentlemen she is surrounded by and soon seeks distraction in the form of books. Lucky for her, her love of adventure finds her meeting Carlo, a stable hand of the Prince, who will do anything to make her time enjoyable. What Meg does know is that Carlo really is the Prince Rodrigo and true adventure awaits once she does.
Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince was such an enjoyable read as an innocent historical romance. It is told in alternating chapters from Meg and Rodrigo's perspective. The Spanish history really lends itself to the story and Meg's wit and American ways make her a great character. While the time frame of the novel is short, Moore gives extensive detail, a lot of adventure, and moments that make you both gasp and giggle. I really felt for the characters, even those that are minor, and I think that's what makes a book a good one. It didn't drag on and the romance, as well as the Spanish war story, really kept me hooked from start to finish.
The last chapter tied up everything so quickly that I felt I needed another chapter or two. I wanted to hear more about Rodrigo's adventure to rescue his family, their reaction to him finding love in an American woman, and the blossoming of their official romance as Price Rodrigo and Meg instead of Carlo and Meg.
I would recommend this book to almost all of my friends who enjoy historical romance and I think it could easily be enjoyed by girls in high school.
April 20, 2015
What an unbelievably great story. I have loved all of Jennifer Moore's books. She has a wonderful way of weaving romance and intrigue into her stories. Miss Burton is a character with many endearing qualities. She is compassionate and spunky, just what a young lady in London society shouldn't be. I love that she doesn't really care at all about the rules of society despite her family's urgings to marry well. Carlo's depth of character and humor is a great combination. He is a very attractive leading man. Everything about this story draws you in and makes you want to stay there forever. I don't do spoiler reviews. So all I can say is this is a book well worth the time you invest in it. You will love it!! And Jennifer keep them coming.
January 19, 2022
Oh my goodness this was good. If I had to pick a book that most represented every girls dream of romance, this would be it. There was the gorgeous people, set in England but the main character was American and her romantic interest was Spanish (I'm pretty sure Antonio Banderas was the pattern), there was intrigue, suspense, laughter out loud, a strong female lead, the superficial dingbats at the ball, horses and lame attempts by the rich guy to capture her heart.
This is a great book. I didn't realize til the end that I have read two of her other novels and loved them, but NOT as much as this one.
This is a great book. I didn't realize til the end that I have read two of her other novels and loved them, but NOT as much as this one.
April 9, 2016
Let me just say, I love Ms. Moore's writing. I became a fan with the first novel I read by her, and she continues to delight in every way!
She writes with eloquence, heart, and true to the genre. Plus, I love the cleaness of her stories and writing. No bodice ripping here!
She provides Meg and Rodrigo with plenty of internal and external conflict to keep drawing them together and pulling them apart, all the while tugging at the reader's heartstrings.
I loved seeing a few friends from other books here, esp. Stackhouse!
Enjoy a romantic interlude. Be warned, you'll want to read it cover-to-cover in one sitting!
She writes with eloquence, heart, and true to the genre. Plus, I love the cleaness of her stories and writing. No bodice ripping here!
She provides Meg and Rodrigo with plenty of internal and external conflict to keep drawing them together and pulling them apart, all the while tugging at the reader's heartstrings.
I loved seeing a few friends from other books here, esp. Stackhouse!
Enjoy a romantic interlude. Be warned, you'll want to read it cover-to-cover in one sitting!
September 14, 2015
Jennifer Moore has written better books. This one is just silly and a bit dumb. The characters are melodramatic and completely unbelievable. The situations are corny and contrived. It's difficult to believe that anyone could be as clueless as Meg Burton and the story continues to drag and drag. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it was a bit diverting at times and made me smile (even if it was the utterly preposterous situations) and (as I've said many times) it's better to listen to a bad book that to the awful radio as I run my errands.
November 16, 2015
Ms. Moore's books just keep getting better and better. While LADY EMMA'S CAMPAIGN remains my favorite, I adored Meg and the Prince and their awesome story. More of Regency ladies with some time-period appropriate strength and oomph. More great heroes.
Content:
Sex - 0
Language - 0
Violence - 1 (There's and some sword fights!)
Overall rating - PG
*Eligible for a 2015 Whitney Award
(2015 Whitney Award Nominee)
Content:
Sex - 0
Language - 0
Violence - 1 (There's and some sword fights!)
Overall rating - PG
*Eligible for a 2015 Whitney Award
(2015 Whitney Award Nominee)
July 28, 2015
I loved, loved, loved this book! Sometimes Regency plots begin to feel all the same. This was a breath of fresh air with a feisty heroine and endearing hero. It flowed naturally and didn't feel contrived at all. Great genuine characters. Her description of Lord Featherstone's wispy mustache made me laugh. I could just envision it. A great diversion from laundry and housework.
March 10, 2020
Enjoyed this book, although it was a bit predictable, it was a fun read and well worth the time! - Read it the second time and still feel it was such a fun experience. I was able to meet the author this weekend which was totally awesome.
September 19, 2022
Yup, I loved this book! While it is a regency romance, it is so different from any other book you’ll pick up in this genre. So what’s so great about this book? Here’s a few things that I really enjoyed:
- An American heroine who is brilliant blue stocking.
- A swoony stable hand…who may or may not be foreign royalty.
- Super cute and a little cheesy (but in a good way!) fun adventures.
- Treasure maps and a “haunted” castle.
- A “bad” guy, and girl, who you have no guilt absolutely hating because he’s/she’s an arrogant sleaze-ball.
- A wise, older, scarred gentleman who gives great advice.
- A masquerade that makes you wish you could jump into the story and dance the night away.
- The perfect amount of action to keep you reading page after page late into the night.
Basically do yourself a massive favor and pick up this great story by the remarkable Jennifer Moore. I have loved every single book I’ve read by her and this one is no exception. She’s amazing at creating strong and smart female leads, with supportive, “make you sigh and fall half in love with them” men by their sides. Definitely in my top favorites of this year!
This is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys clean regency romance, who’s looking for something different and with a dash of adventure.
- An American heroine who is brilliant blue stocking.
- A swoony stable hand…who may or may not be foreign royalty.
- Super cute and a little cheesy (but in a good way!) fun adventures.
- Treasure maps and a “haunted” castle.
- A “bad” guy, and girl, who you have no guilt absolutely hating because he’s/she’s an arrogant sleaze-ball.
- A wise, older, scarred gentleman who gives great advice.
- A masquerade that makes you wish you could jump into the story and dance the night away.
- The perfect amount of action to keep you reading page after page late into the night.
Basically do yourself a massive favor and pick up this great story by the remarkable Jennifer Moore. I have loved every single book I’ve read by her and this one is no exception. She’s amazing at creating strong and smart female leads, with supportive, “make you sigh and fall half in love with them” men by their sides. Definitely in my top favorites of this year!
This is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys clean regency romance, who’s looking for something different and with a dash of adventure.
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