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Russian Royals of Kuban #1
Compromised by the Prince's Touch
An irresistible royal seduction...
Daring Prince Nikolay Baklanov feels London is worlds away from his life of battle and revolution in Kuban. But then the Russian ambassador's daughter, beautiful Klara Grigorieva, approaches him with her father's dangerous proposition...Since her mother's death, Klara has complied with all her father's wishes. She's virtuous, polished--a Society lady through and through. But meeting dashing Prince Nikolay awakens a rebellious passion in Klara...a passion that only this man can satisfy!
Russian Royals of KubanCommanding princes unlace the ladies of London!
Daring Prince Nikolay Baklanov feels London is worlds away from his life of battle and revolution in Kuban. But then the Russian ambassador's daughter, beautiful Klara Grigorieva, approaches him with her father's dangerous proposition...Since her mother's death, Klara has complied with all her father's wishes. She's virtuous, polished--a Society lady through and through. But meeting dashing Prince Nikolay awakens a rebellious passion in Klara...a passion that only this man can satisfy!
Russian Royals of KubanCommanding princes unlace the ladies of London!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 18, 2017
11 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Scott
351 books170 followersBronwyn Scott writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon. She has 50 titles currently in print with them.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 2, 2018
I’ve had a bit of a hit-and-miss relationship with Bronwyn Scott’s books. I’ve enjoyed some and been less enthused about others, but I’m pleased to say that Compromised by the Prince’s Touch – which is the first book in her new
Russian Royals of Kuban
series – falls very squarely into the ‘hit’ column. Ms. Scott has crafted a story of romance and intrigue boasting a well-constructed a plot full of political scheming and high-stakes manouevering that skilfully blends fact and fiction to create a highly entertaining story.
Exiled from his home of Kuban (in Southern Russia on the Black Sea and bordering the Crimean Peninsula) Prince Nikolay Baklanov now lives in London with three of his closest friends, all of whom have also been banished from their homeland. He wants to make a new life for himself in England, although he feels as though he is merely treading water; he misses Kuban – the language, the food, the traditions, the people – and the knowledge that he can never go back still rankles, especially as his exile was forced upon him by the actions of others. He currently works as a riding instructor at a prestigious London stable and plans to set up his own riding school as soon as he can find an appropriate property. His clientele seems mostly to consist of young debutantes who can barely sit a horse properly and seem to think they’re there to giggle and cast flirtatious glances his way, so when he sees that the daughter of the Russian ambassador has booked a lesson with him, he anticipates more of the same.
He quickly discovers his error, however, when he returns to the training arena to find his pupil already mounted – and wearing breeches, no less – more than competently putting a splendid black mare through her paces. Nikolay is immediately suspicious; this young woman is already an extremely good rider, so what can she expect him to teach her? As the daughter of a powerful Russian diplomat, could she have an ulterior motive? Are the Kubanians searching for him? Could she have been sent to smoke him out?
Klara Grigorieva has indeed been sent by her father to ‘vet’ Nikolay. The prince has been in London for two months, and has not yet called on the ambassador – but Grigoriev wants information about his intentions and his loyalties. The ambassador is at the head of a small group of disaffected Russian nobility and military men who are planning to engineer a revolution and having a man like Nikolay as one of their number – a man of great courage, a natural leader able to inspire loyalty in the troops – would give them a massive advantage. It will also give them an obvious scapegoat should things go awry.
But Nikolay is far from stupid and is well aware of the reasons for which he is being ‘courted’. He is reluctant to be dragged back into Russian politics, but recognises that it may be impossible to avoid it or simply refuse to take sides. Much as he wants to see the outmoded, backward ways of his beloved country changed and modernised, he knows he is likely being set up to take a fall; but if he declines to involve himself, he stands – at best – to lose the new life he has envisaged for himself and at worst, to lose his life altogether.
Since the death of Klara’s English mother, it has been her father’s aim to bring up and educate his daughter as befits her station as a member of the English ton and then to secure her an excellent marriage. Intelligent, quick-witted and a good judge of character, Klara has proved herself to be extremely useful to Grigoriev in his work, her ability to draw people out and to assimilate and relay information providing insights that he might not be able to obtain from other sources. She has always taken pride in the fact that her father includes her in his life in this way – which is unusual among people of her station – but when she begins to realise exactly why she has been sent to get to know Nikolay, and the danger their acquaintance poses to him, Klara begins to reassess her situation and to wonder if she is merely a pawn in her father’s schemes and not a beloved daughter after all.
Nikolay and Klara are attracted to each other from their very first meeting, but both are guarded, Nikolay especially, as he is immediately suspicious of Klara’s motives for seeking him out. For her part, Klara is enjoying her role as her father’s confidante and the chance it gives her to flirt with such a dangerously attractive and vital man. But as the story progresses, and Klara begins to realise that her association with Nikolay has drawn him into a life-threatening situation, she becomes determined to protect him at all costs – even if it means she can never see him again.
There’s a lot of plot going on in this novel, but I enjoy stories featuring politics and intrigue and Ms. Scott does a very good job of keeping the storyline focused and of continually raising the stakes for our two protagonists. Nikolay is reluctant to lower his guard around Klara, but the more he gets to know her as opposed to the ambassador’s daughter, the more he finds to like and admire about her. The romantic chemistry between the couple is strong and the love scenes are sensual, but the best parts of their relationship are those snatched moments when they can just be together, such as the night Nikolay takes Klara into the Russian ex-pat community in Soho, which is full of local colour and vivid descriptions that paint a wonderfully detailed, exotic picture in the mind’s eye.
Such stories usually demand a villain, and there’s a particularly nasty one here in the form of the Duke of Amesbury, an unscrupulous and ruthless man who is set to make a huge profit by selling arms to the revolutionaries and who is determined to obtain the spirited Klara for himself. There are a few times he’s in danger of veering into cartoonish, moustache-twirling territory, but mainly, he’s nasty and creepy; it’s clear he poses a very real threat to Klara and is prepared to ruin Nikolay by any means necessary.
I suspect that some may feel the romance is a little overshadowed by the other plot elements in this book, but speaking as one who enjoys romantic suspense novels, the balance between the romance and the intrigue here is just about right. I enjoyed Compromised by the Prince’s Touch and will definitely be on the lookout for subsequent books in the series.
Exiled from his home of Kuban (in Southern Russia on the Black Sea and bordering the Crimean Peninsula) Prince Nikolay Baklanov now lives in London with three of his closest friends, all of whom have also been banished from their homeland. He wants to make a new life for himself in England, although he feels as though he is merely treading water; he misses Kuban – the language, the food, the traditions, the people – and the knowledge that he can never go back still rankles, especially as his exile was forced upon him by the actions of others. He currently works as a riding instructor at a prestigious London stable and plans to set up his own riding school as soon as he can find an appropriate property. His clientele seems mostly to consist of young debutantes who can barely sit a horse properly and seem to think they’re there to giggle and cast flirtatious glances his way, so when he sees that the daughter of the Russian ambassador has booked a lesson with him, he anticipates more of the same.
He quickly discovers his error, however, when he returns to the training arena to find his pupil already mounted – and wearing breeches, no less – more than competently putting a splendid black mare through her paces. Nikolay is immediately suspicious; this young woman is already an extremely good rider, so what can she expect him to teach her? As the daughter of a powerful Russian diplomat, could she have an ulterior motive? Are the Kubanians searching for him? Could she have been sent to smoke him out?
Klara Grigorieva has indeed been sent by her father to ‘vet’ Nikolay. The prince has been in London for two months, and has not yet called on the ambassador – but Grigoriev wants information about his intentions and his loyalties. The ambassador is at the head of a small group of disaffected Russian nobility and military men who are planning to engineer a revolution and having a man like Nikolay as one of their number – a man of great courage, a natural leader able to inspire loyalty in the troops – would give them a massive advantage. It will also give them an obvious scapegoat should things go awry.
But Nikolay is far from stupid and is well aware of the reasons for which he is being ‘courted’. He is reluctant to be dragged back into Russian politics, but recognises that it may be impossible to avoid it or simply refuse to take sides. Much as he wants to see the outmoded, backward ways of his beloved country changed and modernised, he knows he is likely being set up to take a fall; but if he declines to involve himself, he stands – at best – to lose the new life he has envisaged for himself and at worst, to lose his life altogether.
Since the death of Klara’s English mother, it has been her father’s aim to bring up and educate his daughter as befits her station as a member of the English ton and then to secure her an excellent marriage. Intelligent, quick-witted and a good judge of character, Klara has proved herself to be extremely useful to Grigoriev in his work, her ability to draw people out and to assimilate and relay information providing insights that he might not be able to obtain from other sources. She has always taken pride in the fact that her father includes her in his life in this way – which is unusual among people of her station – but when she begins to realise exactly why she has been sent to get to know Nikolay, and the danger their acquaintance poses to him, Klara begins to reassess her situation and to wonder if she is merely a pawn in her father’s schemes and not a beloved daughter after all.
Nikolay and Klara are attracted to each other from their very first meeting, but both are guarded, Nikolay especially, as he is immediately suspicious of Klara’s motives for seeking him out. For her part, Klara is enjoying her role as her father’s confidante and the chance it gives her to flirt with such a dangerously attractive and vital man. But as the story progresses, and Klara begins to realise that her association with Nikolay has drawn him into a life-threatening situation, she becomes determined to protect him at all costs – even if it means she can never see him again.
There’s a lot of plot going on in this novel, but I enjoy stories featuring politics and intrigue and Ms. Scott does a very good job of keeping the storyline focused and of continually raising the stakes for our two protagonists. Nikolay is reluctant to lower his guard around Klara, but the more he gets to know her as opposed to the ambassador’s daughter, the more he finds to like and admire about her. The romantic chemistry between the couple is strong and the love scenes are sensual, but the best parts of their relationship are those snatched moments when they can just be together, such as the night Nikolay takes Klara into the Russian ex-pat community in Soho, which is full of local colour and vivid descriptions that paint a wonderfully detailed, exotic picture in the mind’s eye.
Such stories usually demand a villain, and there’s a particularly nasty one here in the form of the Duke of Amesbury, an unscrupulous and ruthless man who is set to make a huge profit by selling arms to the revolutionaries and who is determined to obtain the spirited Klara for himself. There are a few times he’s in danger of veering into cartoonish, moustache-twirling territory, but mainly, he’s nasty and creepy; it’s clear he poses a very real threat to Klara and is prepared to ruin Nikolay by any means necessary.
I suspect that some may feel the romance is a little overshadowed by the other plot elements in this book, but speaking as one who enjoys romantic suspense novels, the balance between the romance and the intrigue here is just about right. I enjoyed Compromised by the Prince’s Touch and will definitely be on the lookout for subsequent books in the series.
February 10, 2019
Upon consideration, I'm reluctantly rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars. There are definite positives here -- the unusual backbone (Russian revolutionaries & arms dealing), the uncommon settings (riding stable, Soho immigrant hang-outs, the meatpacking district "kill pens" (they're trying to rescue a specific horse, but things don't quite go as planned...in a good way)). Even the unusual MCs are a plus -- you don't read about many ambassador's daughters & ex-pat Russian nobles in Harley books. There was also a lolzy mustache-twirling villain with a sadistic streak. Yay! All these ingredients should've added up to keeper status...
...But it was lacking something. I'm not sure what, exactly. I could point to suspension of disbelief (because Klara never has to worry about any social constraints of any kind, yet her father is ultra-strict about bringing her up "English fashion"...what?). I could talk about the lack of organic growth between the leads (IMO, the hero has more chemistry with his bff Stepan than the heroine, yet neither he nor Stepan are gay...oops?). I could even mention that Klara has no friends to interact with outside her father, Amesbury (villain), or Nikolay...so how am I supposed to get to know her apart from these 3 stimuli, which bring out the same 3 responses on a feedback loop?
Yet I've enjoyed books with similar flaws, or even worse ones. So I can't say exactly. All I know is that the sex was decent & the final scene lolzy, yet I was skimming by the end. So obviously something didn't gel for me. I guess I just wasn't feeling a strong connection to the story. *shrug* I tried to cultivate it, but when you lol at the villain's sexual harassment & feel more inclined to a nonexistent gay OTP than the actual one, it's a good sign that something just didn't click.
I'm rounding up, though, because I like to support Harley authors who write outside the traditional (read: BORING AS BATSHIT) Regency template.
...But it was lacking something. I'm not sure what, exactly. I could point to suspension of disbelief (because Klara never has to worry about any social constraints of any kind, yet her father is ultra-strict about bringing her up "English fashion"...what?). I could talk about the lack of organic growth between the leads (IMO, the hero has more chemistry with his bff Stepan than the heroine, yet neither he nor Stepan are gay...oops?). I could even mention that Klara has no friends to interact with outside her father, Amesbury (villain), or Nikolay...so how am I supposed to get to know her apart from these 3 stimuli, which bring out the same 3 responses on a feedback loop?
Yet I've enjoyed books with similar flaws, or even worse ones. So I can't say exactly. All I know is that the sex was decent & the final scene lolzy, yet I was skimming by the end. So obviously something didn't gel for me. I guess I just wasn't feeling a strong connection to the story. *shrug* I tried to cultivate it, but when you lol at the villain's sexual harassment & feel more inclined to a nonexistent gay OTP than the actual one, it's a good sign that something just didn't click.
I'm rounding up, though, because I like to support Harley authors who write outside the traditional (read: BORING AS BATSHIT) Regency template.
January 29, 2018
Brilliant read, enchanting book, most definitely loved it very much and can't wait to read more.
This book has everything you can want from Bronwyn that she always brings, a villans you want to punch, Awesome hero, feisty heroine and an epic story.
Thank you so much for writing it Bronwyn and thank you insiders for inviting me to read it xxxxxx
This book has everything you can want from Bronwyn that she always brings, a villans you want to punch, Awesome hero, feisty heroine and an epic story.
Thank you so much for writing it Bronwyn and thank you insiders for inviting me to read it xxxxxx
April 10, 2018
This is book one in this new series; The Russian Royals of Kuban by Bronwyn Scott and it is a marvellous introduction to this glitzy and dangerous world of Kubanian Princes. We first got a sneaky introduction to these mysterious men in Awakening the Shy Miss, from the Wallflowers to Wives series, from that one mention you think; well there is a story behind these four and there is and if this first book is anything to go by, this is going to be a great series.
I really like Nikolay, he is a very proud man who now misses his former life in the Cavalry, he misses being a part of something meaningful. He isn’t one to stand idly by and not do anything, he has always lived a very disciplined, planned and regiment life so when he arrives in London, it is a shock to the system at how lax life is. And if there is one that Nikolay is not and that is lax, he is stud. A large, pedigree of the first order, charismatic, exotic and mesmerising he can persuade any one to his way of thinking with just a smouldering look. Yet, he isn’t just awfully good to look at, he has the intelligence and cunning that any sly fox would be proud of, Nikolay isn’t a push over he knows when someone is trying to use him.
Klara is quite a complex lady she at first appears to be a selfish, spoilt and manipulative madam who has a real zest and spontaneity for life. She is vibrant and dedicated to her cause. I think she is really a naive little girl who after losing her mother now just wants her father’s attention and approval, she wants to please him and be a part of his life. Even if that means playing the deadly game of chess she has engaged in, I like how as soon as meeting Nikolay she has doubt’s about whether what she and her father are planning is the right thing. She has a good heart beneath all that superiority, she just chooses not to show it to the world – and with what is going on, maybe she was right to do so.
The chemistry between Klara and Nikolay is sizzling and steamy, they are attracted to each other the moment they set eyes on one and other. They are both highly sexual and passionate people and because they both have such fiery personalities their relationship is volcanic at times and at anytime their desires for each other can erupt. As they get to know each other and once he learns all those secrets that she has been hiding from him, he is highly protective of her. It is lovely seeing those softer, tender moments between them.
I really, really like this it has a very intriguing plot, one that flows effortlessly along side the romance that is flourishing between Nikolay and Klara. Some fascinating and complex character’s that capture your attention from the onset. Such as Nikolay’s three best friends; Stepan, Illarian and Ruslan- who, each one is so different and each one oozes mystery. Then we have the villain, all books have to have a baddie, and this is no different. What a baddie; The Duke of Amesbury is a manipulative, ruthless and menacing man – he really is a nasty piece of work and yet he gives the book a certain twist moving it away from the stereotypical romance.
I really like Nikolay, he is a very proud man who now misses his former life in the Cavalry, he misses being a part of something meaningful. He isn’t one to stand idly by and not do anything, he has always lived a very disciplined, planned and regiment life so when he arrives in London, it is a shock to the system at how lax life is. And if there is one that Nikolay is not and that is lax, he is stud. A large, pedigree of the first order, charismatic, exotic and mesmerising he can persuade any one to his way of thinking with just a smouldering look. Yet, he isn’t just awfully good to look at, he has the intelligence and cunning that any sly fox would be proud of, Nikolay isn’t a push over he knows when someone is trying to use him.
Klara is quite a complex lady she at first appears to be a selfish, spoilt and manipulative madam who has a real zest and spontaneity for life. She is vibrant and dedicated to her cause. I think she is really a naive little girl who after losing her mother now just wants her father’s attention and approval, she wants to please him and be a part of his life. Even if that means playing the deadly game of chess she has engaged in, I like how as soon as meeting Nikolay she has doubt’s about whether what she and her father are planning is the right thing. She has a good heart beneath all that superiority, she just chooses not to show it to the world – and with what is going on, maybe she was right to do so.
The chemistry between Klara and Nikolay is sizzling and steamy, they are attracted to each other the moment they set eyes on one and other. They are both highly sexual and passionate people and because they both have such fiery personalities their relationship is volcanic at times and at anytime their desires for each other can erupt. As they get to know each other and once he learns all those secrets that she has been hiding from him, he is highly protective of her. It is lovely seeing those softer, tender moments between them.
I really, really like this it has a very intriguing plot, one that flows effortlessly along side the romance that is flourishing between Nikolay and Klara. Some fascinating and complex character’s that capture your attention from the onset. Such as Nikolay’s three best friends; Stepan, Illarian and Ruslan- who, each one is so different and each one oozes mystery. Then we have the villain, all books have to have a baddie, and this is no different. What a baddie; The Duke of Amesbury is a manipulative, ruthless and menacing man – he really is a nasty piece of work and yet he gives the book a certain twist moving it away from the stereotypical romance.
December 18, 2017
Compromised by the Prince's Touch is the first book in the Russian Royals of Kuban series by Bronwyn Scott. This isn't the first book by this author that I have read, and it certainly won't be my last.
Nikolay Baklanov is a Russian prince. He is in exile in London and is just biding his time until he can open a riding school and make a new life for himself there. In the meantime, he makes money by giving riding lessons to upper-class young ladies.
Klara Grigorieva is the daughter of the Russian Ambassador in London. He and a secret group aren't happy with the way Russia is being led and they want to lead a revolt. Klara is told she has to go for riding lessons, not that she needs them so that she can put the feelers out to see if Nikolay would be willing to help them. Who better than a Cossack soldier, a royal one at that to lead the revolt?
Klara goes for her lessons and from the very first moment that she meets Nikolay the sparks fly. He knows who she is and that there is more to her being there than just riding lessons. He knows the truth will out, but in the meantime, he has to admit that he enjoys every minute spent with Klara. Their relationship would know no bounds if only he knew that he could trust Klara. Will she let him down, or will he end up in danger by going back to Russia on her father's orders?
This story started out a little slow for me, and with all the Russian names I had to get my head around it made it hard going. But as the story really got going and I shortened all the Russian names to the first 3 or 4 letters I really got into the story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I could just picture Nikolay, what a gorgeous specimen of a man with his long hair and his chiselled features. No wonder Klara falls for him! He was the perfect hero. The author writes from the heart of the characters, so when he was hurt, I hurt for him, when he was joyous, so was I.
The political side of the story was fascinating to follow, and the ultimate bad guy in the story was the perfect villain. It always seemed like he had the upper hand and I had no idea how Nikolay would get the better of him. I couldn't read this book quickly enough to find out how it would end, and I wasn't disappointed with the outcome.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Nikolay Baklanov is a Russian prince. He is in exile in London and is just biding his time until he can open a riding school and make a new life for himself there. In the meantime, he makes money by giving riding lessons to upper-class young ladies.
Klara Grigorieva is the daughter of the Russian Ambassador in London. He and a secret group aren't happy with the way Russia is being led and they want to lead a revolt. Klara is told she has to go for riding lessons, not that she needs them so that she can put the feelers out to see if Nikolay would be willing to help them. Who better than a Cossack soldier, a royal one at that to lead the revolt?
Klara goes for her lessons and from the very first moment that she meets Nikolay the sparks fly. He knows who she is and that there is more to her being there than just riding lessons. He knows the truth will out, but in the meantime, he has to admit that he enjoys every minute spent with Klara. Their relationship would know no bounds if only he knew that he could trust Klara. Will she let him down, or will he end up in danger by going back to Russia on her father's orders?
This story started out a little slow for me, and with all the Russian names I had to get my head around it made it hard going. But as the story really got going and I shortened all the Russian names to the first 3 or 4 letters I really got into the story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I could just picture Nikolay, what a gorgeous specimen of a man with his long hair and his chiselled features. No wonder Klara falls for him! He was the perfect hero. The author writes from the heart of the characters, so when he was hurt, I hurt for him, when he was joyous, so was I.
The political side of the story was fascinating to follow, and the ultimate bad guy in the story was the perfect villain. It always seemed like he had the upper hand and I had no idea how Nikolay would get the better of him. I couldn't read this book quickly enough to find out how it would end, and I wasn't disappointed with the outcome.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
June 4, 2023
I actually DNF’d it but I was over halfway done so I’m gonna count it as read. It was so boring. I felt zero passion between the two main characters. Didn’t care if they got together or not. And isn’t the love story the whole point? Boring boring boring.
November 11, 2017
I received this ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. So thank you netgalley and publishers. Let me start off by saying That I absolutely LOVE this author! ♡ She is one of those authors that it doesn't matter what the book is about, if you see her name you have to buy it!!
This is a story is about : A Prince named Nikolay Baklanov. He feels London is worlds away from his life of battle and revolution in Kuban. But then the Russian ambassador’s daughter, Klara Grigorieva, approaches him with her father’s dangerous proposition.
Since her mother’s death, Klara has complied with all her father’s wishes. She’s virtuous, polished—a Society lady through and through. But meeting dashing Prince Nikolay awakens a rebellious passion in Klara. A passion that only this man can satisfy! If you like romance, passion, historical fiction, hot princes, and adventure then this book is for you! It's a page turner for sure!
This is a story is about : A Prince named Nikolay Baklanov. He feels London is worlds away from his life of battle and revolution in Kuban. But then the Russian ambassador’s daughter, Klara Grigorieva, approaches him with her father’s dangerous proposition.
Since her mother’s death, Klara has complied with all her father’s wishes. She’s virtuous, polished—a Society lady through and through. But meeting dashing Prince Nikolay awakens a rebellious passion in Klara. A passion that only this man can satisfy! If you like romance, passion, historical fiction, hot princes, and adventure then this book is for you! It's a page turner for sure!
January 28, 2018
Prince Nikolay is exiled from his country of Russian because of his part in a rebellion. He's living in London with his friends, but misses his homeland so much. So when the Russian Ambassador's daughter asks for riding lessons, he agrees. He knows that he shouldn't, but he can't resist her smile. The plot thickens when he meets an earl associated with the ambassador and learns that another rebellion is afoot in Russia. He must play his cards carefully or he'll be accused of treason and lose his life and those he loves.
This book would probably be classified as a romance. But it was full of drama, suspense, and intrigue. There were spies, plots, traps, and politics involved throughout the entire story. The romance was an integral part, but was part of the intrigue. There were some bedroom scenes for those who prefer to read more clean novels. For some reason, despite all of the drama, I just couldn't get into the story. The two main characters didn't seem to connect or fit together well and I think this threw off the plot for me. I think readers who enjoy historical romance with suspense will enjoy the story. And since this author has always been a favorite in the past, I will continue to read her stories and assume this one just wasn't my style.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This book would probably be classified as a romance. But it was full of drama, suspense, and intrigue. There were spies, plots, traps, and politics involved throughout the entire story. The romance was an integral part, but was part of the intrigue. There were some bedroom scenes for those who prefer to read more clean novels. For some reason, despite all of the drama, I just couldn't get into the story. The two main characters didn't seem to connect or fit together well and I think this threw off the plot for me. I think readers who enjoy historical romance with suspense will enjoy the story. And since this author has always been a favorite in the past, I will continue to read her stories and assume this one just wasn't my style.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
December 22, 2017
Prince Nikolay Baklanov feels London is worlds away from his life of battle and revolution in Kuban & now gives riding lessons. Then the Russian ambassador’s daughter, beautiful Klara Grigorieva arrives for riding lessons that she certainly doesn’t need. She approaches him with her father’s dangerous proposition. Since her mother’s death, Klara has complied with all her father’s wishes. She’s virtuous, polished a Society lady through and through. But meeting dashing Prince Nikolay awakens a rebellious passion in Klara.
An enjoyable read but I felt the paced was lacking at the beginning & I found myself skimming through some pages, however the pace picked up & the climax of the story was fast paced. The characters are well portrayed & on the whole likeable, the villain was satisfyingly horrid. I like a romance that has a mystery attached. I look forward to reading Illarion, Ruslan and Stepans’ stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An enjoyable read but I felt the paced was lacking at the beginning & I found myself skimming through some pages, however the pace picked up & the climax of the story was fast paced. The characters are well portrayed & on the whole likeable, the villain was satisfyingly horrid. I like a romance that has a mystery attached. I look forward to reading Illarion, Ruslan and Stepans’ stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 30, 2022
Londra, 1823.
Il principe russo Nikolaj Baklanov, stanco della guerra e di vedere gente morire, si trasferisce in Inghilterra e cerca di ricostruirsi una nuova vita. Nikolaj non ne vuole più sapere di lotte e rivoluzioni che si svolgono nello stato di Kuban ora si guadagna da vivere come istruttore di ippica per il ton.
Una vita tranquilla e priva di preoccupazioni ma comunque agiata viene stravolta quando incontra Klara Grigorieva, figlia dell’ambasciatore russo a Londra.
Uhm non lo so… non sono convinta.
Avrò letto troppi regency ma l’ho trovato uguale a tanti altri. Nikolaj fatto con lo stampino, classico eroe ma purtroppo banale… L’eroina, Klara, bellissima, affascinantissima Levissima ma con la personalità di una scarpa e la propensione a rischiare l’osso del collo stupidamente.
Direi che non fa per me.
Il principe russo Nikolaj Baklanov, stanco della guerra e di vedere gente morire, si trasferisce in Inghilterra e cerca di ricostruirsi una nuova vita. Nikolaj non ne vuole più sapere di lotte e rivoluzioni che si svolgono nello stato di Kuban ora si guadagna da vivere come istruttore di ippica per il ton.
Una vita tranquilla e priva di preoccupazioni ma comunque agiata viene stravolta quando incontra Klara Grigorieva, figlia dell’ambasciatore russo a Londra.
Uhm non lo so… non sono convinta.
Avrò letto troppi regency ma l’ho trovato uguale a tanti altri. Nikolaj fatto con lo stampino, classico eroe ma purtroppo banale… L’eroina, Klara, bellissima, affascinantissima Levissima ma con la personalità di una scarpa e la propensione a rischiare l’osso del collo stupidamente.
Direi che non fa per me.
December 20, 2023
I really wanted to like this book because it dealt with a Russian Cossack MC; however, it just didn’t make the cut. My main issue was that I had whiplash from the different emotions displayed by the characters. One minute they are raging angry and the next they were sweet and loving. There was no transition, just BOOM! Instant emotion change. Also, there were certain parts of the story that did not flow. It was almost like when a DVD skips a part of a scene and you have no clue how we arrived at this point. There were some butterfly moments that were sweet and made me smile, so it wasn’t all bad. Overall, the story had potential, but fell flat for me.
December 14, 2017
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY
Okay,. no arguing please.... I absolutely adored this one! It was not the expected where the hero becomes all he was and wants. Instead it has so many twists and layers that I was captivated and kept enthralled all the way to the end leaving me wanting more! This author has such a wonderful way of writing that I am always delighted to get her books. The plot the characters the twists , all the layers in this one was fantastic! So buy the book and just enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
Okay,. no arguing please.... I absolutely adored this one! It was not the expected where the hero becomes all he was and wants. Instead it has so many twists and layers that I was captivated and kept enthralled all the way to the end leaving me wanting more! This author has such a wonderful way of writing that I am always delighted to get her books. The plot the characters the twists , all the layers in this one was fantastic! So buy the book and just enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
February 18, 2018
Here's the Romantic Times Book Review 4 star review for the book.
Scott delivers an absorbing tale with an uncommon hero, bold heroine, elements of foreign intrigue, treachery and passion. The witty byplay between the characters and their tension-filled battle of wills fuels the readers’ desire to turn the pages. The love story unfolds masterfully as the characters are caught in a conspiracy that could change the face of European politics. Brava to Scott for bringing interesting historical possibilities to light in the debut of the Russian Royals of Kuban series.
Scott delivers an absorbing tale with an uncommon hero, bold heroine, elements of foreign intrigue, treachery and passion. The witty byplay between the characters and their tension-filled battle of wills fuels the readers’ desire to turn the pages. The love story unfolds masterfully as the characters are caught in a conspiracy that could change the face of European politics. Brava to Scott for bringing interesting historical possibilities to light in the debut of the Russian Royals of Kuban series.
January 25, 2019
This is a fast paced introduction to the Kuban series. From the very beginning I was intrigued by the female character Klara. It took a few chapters for me to figure out the angle of the story, but it quickly picked up and I found the whole premise intriguing. The romance between Nikolay and Klara was passionate and yet sweet. I am looking forward to the stories of the other three princes. Another good read from Scott.
October 6, 2019
Une romance bien sympathique et dont on se laisse prendre par l'histoire. Les héros sont attachants et les événements s'enchaînent rapidement, ce qui laisse peu de temps mort. Belle lecture.
Read
January 25, 2018"Scott delivers an absorbing tale with an uncommon hero, bold heroine, elements of foreign intrigue, treachery and passion. The witty byplay between the characters and their tension-filled battle of wills fuels the readers’ desire to turn the pages. The love story unfolds masterfully as the characters are caught in a conspiracy that could change the face of European politics. Brava to Scott for bringing interesting historical possibilities to light in the debut of the Russian Royals of Kuban series" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Russian Royals of Kuban
Miniseries: Russian Royals of Kuban
December 29, 2017
A different take on Regency romance, and a wonderful story with a history lesson thrown in for good measure.
Bravo Bronwyn Scott! This story is so different from the average Regency story; the story might feature a Prince, a villainous Duke and a slightly shady Ambassador, but there are no formal balls, no mentions of the ‘season’, and no polite outings in the park. Instead, there is a tale of an exiled Russian Prince, political intrigue and talk of revolution, and, oh, how I enjoyed it. This book stands out from the start with a historical note at the beginning of the book explaining just how much the story is rooted in genuine historical events, and also has a wonderful opening line which sets the tone so well for the events that follow.
Prince Nikolay was forced to leave Kuban to save himself from certain death, and now makes his living as a riding instructor to London’s elite. Bored with the day to day regimes of London society, by night he frequents the Russian immigrant community in Soho, he rescues horses from the ‘kill pens’ in auctions, all the while longing for a past life he cannot return to. Ambassador’s daughter Klara might have been born in Russia, but she has been raised as an Englishwoman, and her powerful father intends her to be married to an English Lord. However, one riding lesson with Nikolay, and the sparks are flying between them to the point of placing both in danger.
Ambassador Grigoriev plans to use Klara as an unwitting pawn in his plan to get Nikolay involved in his plans for Revolution in Kuban, using him as collateral damage for anything that goes wrong as a result, and then marry Klara off to the odious Lord Amesbury, who sneaks and schemes to get Nikolay out of the picture and away from his intended bride as he sees her getting too close to the Prince.
Wonderfully atmospheric, Nikolay and Klara form a bond during riding lessons, trips to the Russian community in Soho and a daring horse rescue mission to Smithfield Market, whilst also harbouring an air of mistrust, wondering just how far the other is willing to go in Ambassador Grigoriev and Lord Amesbury’s plot to start a revolution.
Privileged they may be, but the best scenes are the ones where we see plain Klara and Nikolay in everyday situations before they are forced to revert to being the Prince and the Ambassador’s daughter, and the two lead characters are so well written that you enjoy reading their big adventure and hoping that Lord Amesbury (and what a wonderful villain he is!) does not succeed in his goal to claim Klara as his bride.
Something different, and so enjoyable, I look forward to the next story in this series.
Thanks to M&B/NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bravo Bronwyn Scott! This story is so different from the average Regency story; the story might feature a Prince, a villainous Duke and a slightly shady Ambassador, but there are no formal balls, no mentions of the ‘season’, and no polite outings in the park. Instead, there is a tale of an exiled Russian Prince, political intrigue and talk of revolution, and, oh, how I enjoyed it. This book stands out from the start with a historical note at the beginning of the book explaining just how much the story is rooted in genuine historical events, and also has a wonderful opening line which sets the tone so well for the events that follow.
Prince Nikolay was forced to leave Kuban to save himself from certain death, and now makes his living as a riding instructor to London’s elite. Bored with the day to day regimes of London society, by night he frequents the Russian immigrant community in Soho, he rescues horses from the ‘kill pens’ in auctions, all the while longing for a past life he cannot return to. Ambassador’s daughter Klara might have been born in Russia, but she has been raised as an Englishwoman, and her powerful father intends her to be married to an English Lord. However, one riding lesson with Nikolay, and the sparks are flying between them to the point of placing both in danger.
Ambassador Grigoriev plans to use Klara as an unwitting pawn in his plan to get Nikolay involved in his plans for Revolution in Kuban, using him as collateral damage for anything that goes wrong as a result, and then marry Klara off to the odious Lord Amesbury, who sneaks and schemes to get Nikolay out of the picture and away from his intended bride as he sees her getting too close to the Prince.
Wonderfully atmospheric, Nikolay and Klara form a bond during riding lessons, trips to the Russian community in Soho and a daring horse rescue mission to Smithfield Market, whilst also harbouring an air of mistrust, wondering just how far the other is willing to go in Ambassador Grigoriev and Lord Amesbury’s plot to start a revolution.
Privileged they may be, but the best scenes are the ones where we see plain Klara and Nikolay in everyday situations before they are forced to revert to being the Prince and the Ambassador’s daughter, and the two lead characters are so well written that you enjoy reading their big adventure and hoping that Lord Amesbury (and what a wonderful villain he is!) does not succeed in his goal to claim Klara as his bride.
Something different, and so enjoyable, I look forward to the next story in this series.
Thanks to M&B/NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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