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Effingtons #10
When We Meet Again
Pamela is a mystery Alexei is determined to solve...
Prince Alexei of Avalonia is a master at the art of seduction, but when a mysterious young woman he meets at a masked ball spends the night in his bed, he finds he is touched in ways he cannot forget. Still, he wonders if she was real or a dream spun of moonlight.
Alexei might well be a temptation Pamela cannot resist...
And Miss Pamela Effington is no dream. Certainly, succumbing to the prince's seduction was madness. Now she's come to her senses and is thankful their paths will never cross again. Even if they do, he had never truly seen her face.
But they are both in for the shock of their lives. For back in London, determined to lead a blameless life, Pamela finds Alexei occupying her home—a townhouse she's only recently inherited—and he refuses to leave. A feigned courtship seems an excellent idea, and soon the mystery and temptation begin all over again.
Prince Alexei of Avalonia is a master at the art of seduction, but when a mysterious young woman he meets at a masked ball spends the night in his bed, he finds he is touched in ways he cannot forget. Still, he wonders if she was real or a dream spun of moonlight.
Alexei might well be a temptation Pamela cannot resist...
And Miss Pamela Effington is no dream. Certainly, succumbing to the prince's seduction was madness. Now she's come to her senses and is thankful their paths will never cross again. Even if they do, he had never truly seen her face.
But they are both in for the shock of their lives. For back in London, determined to lead a blameless life, Pamela finds Alexei occupying her home—a townhouse she's only recently inherited—and he refuses to leave. A feigned courtship seems an excellent idea, and soon the mystery and temptation begin all over again.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
110 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
64 books1,323 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 13, 2021
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Liefde in vermomming - Candlelight Historische roman 579 .
In dit deel is prins Alexei van Avalonia ( hij speelde al een bijrol in een van de voorgaande boeken in deze serie ) de mannelijke hoofdpersoon en Pamela Effington de vrouw die hij maar niet kan vergeten na 1 romantische nacht in Venetie . Volkomen bij toeval komen zij bij elkaar in hetzelfde huis te wonen in Londen . Wat volgt is een fijne romantische hernieuwde kennismaking .
In dit deel is prins Alexei van Avalonia ( hij speelde al een bijrol in een van de voorgaande boeken in deze serie ) de mannelijke hoofdpersoon en Pamela Effington de vrouw die hij maar niet kan vergeten na 1 romantische nacht in Venetie . Volkomen bij toeval komen zij bij elkaar in hetzelfde huis te wonen in Londen . Wat volgt is een fijne romantische hernieuwde kennismaking .
August 19, 2022
I thought this could have been a bit better if there was more of a romantic connection between the H/h. Just an okay read for me. Here's to the next in this series and hoping it will round it out with a bang for my vacation reading plan😊
April 2, 2015
You can't be serious....that's the end ?!?!?
But nothing happened ! Nothing at all !!! Where was the climax ?!?! O.o
But nothing happened ! Nothing at all !!! Where was the climax ?!?! O.o
February 9, 2020
O poveste splendid concepută, chiar dacă nu a avut cine știe ce complot. Chiar nu mă așteptam ca Alexei să își amintească de Pamela, și nici nu credeam că a păstrat în suflet acel moment. Dar uite că și afemeiatul prinț poate iubi. M-a frapat schimbarea lui. În Mireasă pentru un prinț, am văzut un Alexei tupeist, răutăcios, dur, dispus oricând la o aventură, chiar și cu soția lui Rand, vărul lui. Ei bine, acum e cu totul alt om. Ce înseamnă să îți pierzi regatul... Ajungi să îți schimbi comportarea.
March 5, 2010
I listened to this book on audio and it couldn't hold my attention. Fortunately, neither character was irritating or obnoxious but the story just seemed to go on and on going nowhere. Really though, I think the problem lies in the fact that I've read too many historical romances over the years and the plot or the characters have to be exceptionally different to stand out for me. This one just wasn't.
September 6, 2007
This was a refreshing trashy romance novel. It was really witty, and I actually laughed out loud several times.
May 11, 2012
Meet Prince Alexei of Avalonia, an exiled Noble from a small eastern European country that no longer exists after its take-over and absorption into the Empire of Russia. This rogue of a Prince has spent most of his life seeking the frivolous pleasures of drinking, gaming, and women. That is, until the recent death of his father forced him into the presiding ruler of his country and people. Then the responsibility began, and the difficult decisions and sacrifices. Alexei may live a conservative lifestyle now, with no time for women and pleasures, but he has never forgot his one night of passion with a masked Lady. His dreams have been filled with her essence since he only ever saw an outline of her in the shadow of moonlight. He has been forced to make the most difficult decision of his life, which has concluded in the sacrifice of his title and country for the good and survival of his people. He has chosen England as his adopted country to begin life anew as a common aristocrat with a couple of his closest advisers/friends and a small staff of servants. Until he can make it to the country to settle in a secluded manor house, he has become a tenant of a townhouse in London. Alexei may dream of his moon shadow Lady, but he never expects to see her again.
Enter Miss Pamela Effington, ruined spinster, wild adventurist, beguiling masked Lady. Miss Pamela had decided six years ago to become a woman of the world who would know passion and pleasure, how to receive and how to give. She the most charming, handsome, and roguish Prince to initiate her into her new life. She gave and received with all the wantonness of any experienced Lady of the Night, everything that is except her true identity which she kept hidden behind a mask and moon shadows. She vowed never to forget her Prince. This she accomplished far beyond her expectations, for her heart never forgot him either. Her Prince became the lover of her dreams for Pamela knew she would never see him again. Until one fateful afternoon, it is his face she meets in the parlor of her newly inherited house, and of all things, he is claiming to be the new tenant for the winter season. Pamela must battle her attraction and affection, even dreams now, in order that the Prince never know that it was she, the masked Lady of the one passionate night they spent together. What does fate have in store for the would-be lovers?
Victoria Alexander sweetly and charmingly entertains with the typical fairytale, love story. It's a tale that I can take or leave. I'm neither here nor there on the subject of his book. After all, it's a fairytale, and a fairytale is a fairytale, is a fairytale, right? We all know how they end by now, I think. It was light and pleasant enough reading for a night. Just don't expect too much. Definitely a two-to-three.
Enter Miss Pamela Effington, ruined spinster, wild adventurist, beguiling masked Lady. Miss Pamela had decided six years ago to become a woman of the world who would know passion and pleasure, how to receive and how to give. She the most charming, handsome, and roguish Prince to initiate her into her new life. She gave and received with all the wantonness of any experienced Lady of the Night, everything that is except her true identity which she kept hidden behind a mask and moon shadows. She vowed never to forget her Prince. This she accomplished far beyond her expectations, for her heart never forgot him either. Her Prince became the lover of her dreams for Pamela knew she would never see him again. Until one fateful afternoon, it is his face she meets in the parlor of her newly inherited house, and of all things, he is claiming to be the new tenant for the winter season. Pamela must battle her attraction and affection, even dreams now, in order that the Prince never know that it was she, the masked Lady of the one passionate night they spent together. What does fate have in store for the would-be lovers?
Victoria Alexander sweetly and charmingly entertains with the typical fairytale, love story. It's a tale that I can take or leave. I'm neither here nor there on the subject of his book. After all, it's a fairytale, and a fairytale is a fairytale, is a fairytale, right? We all know how they end by now, I think. It was light and pleasant enough reading for a night. Just don't expect too much. Definitely a two-to-three.
October 3, 2008
After having her heart broken, Pamela decides that she wants to forgo societal conventions and become a ‘worldly woman’ instead. Prince Alexei’s looks and reputation seem particularly suited for her introduction to such a life and she seduces him. They are at a masked ball when they meet and she never lets him see her face clearly. The night means more to her than she expected however . . . and to him as well.
A few years later, the pair cross paths again. Alexei is renting a house that Pamela has just inherited. Since she never let him see her face—and she never revealed her name—Alexei is at a disadvantage. Shakespeare would be proud of the comedy that follows. Pamela and Alexei are each in a bit of difficulty that a pretend-engagement would conveniently solve—and that’s just the beginning of the fun. Alexei’s traitorous cousin Valentina has joined the household and he orders his friend Dimitri to keep an eye on her—day and night—hmmm. Ever-poised Aunt Millicent becomes a babbling mess at the mere thought of encountering Winchester, the man she left at the altar years before. Love is also in the air for Clarissa and Roman—the only couple not entangled in some chaos of their own making.
I loved this book!!! Believable characters, witty dialogue, lots of humor—and for the most part, a believable storyline (Alexei’s belief that he had nothing to offer was a hard sell). Although she was a minor character, I have to say that I particularly liked Valentina. Many thanks to my friend Melissa for recommending this author!
Other Effington Family & Friends books are as follows:
* The Wedding Bargain
* The Husband List
* The Marriage Lesson
* The Prince’s Bride
* Her Highness, My Wife
* Love With the Proper Husband
* The Lady in Question
* The Pursuit of Marriage
* A Visit From Sir Nicholas
* When We Meet Again
* Let It Be Love
For more on the author, please visit http://www.eclectics.com/victoria/ind...
A few years later, the pair cross paths again. Alexei is renting a house that Pamela has just inherited. Since she never let him see her face—and she never revealed her name—Alexei is at a disadvantage. Shakespeare would be proud of the comedy that follows. Pamela and Alexei are each in a bit of difficulty that a pretend-engagement would conveniently solve—and that’s just the beginning of the fun. Alexei’s traitorous cousin Valentina has joined the household and he orders his friend Dimitri to keep an eye on her—day and night—hmmm. Ever-poised Aunt Millicent becomes a babbling mess at the mere thought of encountering Winchester, the man she left at the altar years before. Love is also in the air for Clarissa and Roman—the only couple not entangled in some chaos of their own making.
I loved this book!!! Believable characters, witty dialogue, lots of humor—and for the most part, a believable storyline (Alexei’s belief that he had nothing to offer was a hard sell). Although she was a minor character, I have to say that I particularly liked Valentina. Many thanks to my friend Melissa for recommending this author!
Other Effington Family & Friends books are as follows:
* The Wedding Bargain
* The Husband List
* The Marriage Lesson
* The Prince’s Bride
* Her Highness, My Wife
* Love With the Proper Husband
* The Lady in Question
* The Pursuit of Marriage
* A Visit From Sir Nicholas
* When We Meet Again
* Let It Be Love
For more on the author, please visit http://www.eclectics.com/victoria/ind...
August 29, 2011
This 10th book brings us back to 1820's. Alexei, Prince of Avolonia, was in an earlier book. He is a bit of rake and very arrogant. He meets a woman in Venice and she stays with him in his mind for the next 4 years. He never seen her face or learned her name.
Pamela Effington was naive at twenty. She had been shy and unattractive. When her looks changed she fell for the first man. She planned on marraige, he did as well only to someone he was already betrothed to.
Pamela goes and lives with her Aunt Millicent and cousin Clarissa. Clarissa is a widow with no home, Pamela is ruined and Aunt Millicent is a wealthy widow without a home. So they travel. Pamela decides maybe she will choose the life of a experienced woman. She seduces the prince figuring he could give her good experience. Only the one night with him ruined her more then her first, she lost her heart. She knew as royalty she could never have him.
Four years later the 3 woman find they have inherited a home in London and much wealth for all three of them. It has been a long 6 years and it is time for Pamela to return. Only they get to their new home and find it occupied with people who are in exile from their homeland. And she finds herself face to face with Prince Alexei.
Valentina reappears in this book as well. She is Alexei's cousin who tried to overthrow his father so her side of the family could take over.
Another great story from the Effington's.
*sexual situations
Pamela Effington was naive at twenty. She had been shy and unattractive. When her looks changed she fell for the first man. She planned on marraige, he did as well only to someone he was already betrothed to.
Pamela goes and lives with her Aunt Millicent and cousin Clarissa. Clarissa is a widow with no home, Pamela is ruined and Aunt Millicent is a wealthy widow without a home. So they travel. Pamela decides maybe she will choose the life of a experienced woman. She seduces the prince figuring he could give her good experience. Only the one night with him ruined her more then her first, she lost her heart. She knew as royalty she could never have him.
Four years later the 3 woman find they have inherited a home in London and much wealth for all three of them. It has been a long 6 years and it is time for Pamela to return. Only they get to their new home and find it occupied with people who are in exile from their homeland. And she finds herself face to face with Prince Alexei.
Valentina reappears in this book as well. She is Alexei's cousin who tried to overthrow his father so her side of the family could take over.
Another great story from the Effington's.
*sexual situations
November 3, 2010
Prince Alexai and Pamela Effington…this book was amazing; the reason that I simply adore reading Victoria Alexander. Beautiful story about a night in Venice, following a masked ball, remembered for years as a memorable experience of love by both and then they find eachother. For family purposes, upon her return from traveling and Alexai’s exile from Avalonia, these two find eachother, fake an engagement as Pamela had been ruined years ago…duel at the end, sigh…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2013
A delicious Regency read!! Engaging characters and an entertaining plot line. Nice amount of steam to keep the story popping!
They really are quite a pair! Such an entertaining tale, much farce!
I love a lively historical with all the pomp and circumstance! Really enjoyable read!
A fun series.
They really are quite a pair! Such an entertaining tale, much farce!
I love a lively historical with all the pomp and circumstance! Really enjoyable read!
A fun series.
July 24, 2017
Leído en Enero 2010
Una historia de reencuentro como su titulo lo indica, algo predecible pero entretiene un poco
Una historia de reencuentro como su titulo lo indica, algo predecible pero entretiene un poco
October 20, 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Blurb:
In the wake of a scandal, Miss Pamela Effington escapes society with her aunt, and she finds herself in Venice during a masked party, when she spends an unforgettable, deeply connected night with Prince Alexei of Avalonia. However, fate had its own plan when Alexei and Pamela separated without him ever learning of her identity, and his country immediately went into war. Years later, in the present day, Alexei is in exile, and the home he found refuge in is none other than one that belongs to Pamela. Their lives complicate, and their secrets threaten to expose when they discover through a series of arguments and conversations how fiery their connection is.
Thoughts:
When We Meet Again is an inviting romance between two characters who are so perfect for each other but were in the wrong time and place for a relationship. One was a royal in the process of obtaining sole leadership of his country, which was soon to be at war, and the other was a woman escaping her scandal-torn past. As both their journeys turned the characters to completely different directions, neither could have ever expected that their paths would cross again years later.
When Miss Pamela Effington and Nikolai, the former royal of Avalonia, meet again in the present day, they become reacquainted in the most bonkers of circumstances. Nikolai is now in exile and currently living in a home of which Pamela recently acquired partial ownership. Having never forgotten the passionate night they spent together, and with his identity known and hers unknown to him, they have many tense conversations throughout the book that feel so anticipatory, as if something great is to come.
Alexei's personality was so attractive–I love the somewhat shameless way his princely and spoiled demeanor was portrayed. His characterization revealed an incredible depth in how a person like him was placed in an impossible position. The book had explored regret, shame, guilt, and grief in the context of his leadership and exile. Similarly, Pamela exhibited a sincere level of strength, even if it was sometimes masked by avoidance and denial. She had been taken advantage of in the past, and it caused serious emotional repercussions. Having been through her scary, heartbreaking experience, it only makes sense why she acted as she had in the past and present.
When both characters interact, they come alive on-page. Their banter is funny, their conversations are sincere, and their kisses were filled with longing. My favorite part of this book, as well as this author's writing in general, is the candid manner of discussion about life, personal flaws, and emotional experiences.
With all the anticipation set up throughout the book, I wish the secret reveal felt more impactful to me. However, this was still a book that I greatly enjoyed and look back at fondly.
I would recommend this book, which can be read as a standalone, to fellow historical romance fans who appreciate the secret trope and royalty mixed into the story.
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Blurb:
In the wake of a scandal, Miss Pamela Effington escapes society with her aunt, and she finds herself in Venice during a masked party, when she spends an unforgettable, deeply connected night with Prince Alexei of Avalonia. However, fate had its own plan when Alexei and Pamela separated without him ever learning of her identity, and his country immediately went into war. Years later, in the present day, Alexei is in exile, and the home he found refuge in is none other than one that belongs to Pamela. Their lives complicate, and their secrets threaten to expose when they discover through a series of arguments and conversations how fiery their connection is.
Thoughts:
When We Meet Again is an inviting romance between two characters who are so perfect for each other but were in the wrong time and place for a relationship. One was a royal in the process of obtaining sole leadership of his country, which was soon to be at war, and the other was a woman escaping her scandal-torn past. As both their journeys turned the characters to completely different directions, neither could have ever expected that their paths would cross again years later.
When Miss Pamela Effington and Nikolai, the former royal of Avalonia, meet again in the present day, they become reacquainted in the most bonkers of circumstances. Nikolai is now in exile and currently living in a home of which Pamela recently acquired partial ownership. Having never forgotten the passionate night they spent together, and with his identity known and hers unknown to him, they have many tense conversations throughout the book that feel so anticipatory, as if something great is to come.
Alexei's personality was so attractive–I love the somewhat shameless way his princely and spoiled demeanor was portrayed. His characterization revealed an incredible depth in how a person like him was placed in an impossible position. The book had explored regret, shame, guilt, and grief in the context of his leadership and exile. Similarly, Pamela exhibited a sincere level of strength, even if it was sometimes masked by avoidance and denial. She had been taken advantage of in the past, and it caused serious emotional repercussions. Having been through her scary, heartbreaking experience, it only makes sense why she acted as she had in the past and present.
When both characters interact, they come alive on-page. Their banter is funny, their conversations are sincere, and their kisses were filled with longing. My favorite part of this book, as well as this author's writing in general, is the candid manner of discussion about life, personal flaws, and emotional experiences.
With all the anticipation set up throughout the book, I wish the secret reveal felt more impactful to me. However, this was still a book that I greatly enjoyed and look back at fondly.
I would recommend this book, which can be read as a standalone, to fellow historical romance fans who appreciate the secret trope and royalty mixed into the story.
May 28, 2018
One of the dumbest books I’ve ever read. No plot whatsoever. The much more entertaining couples were minor side characters. The whole premise of the book made no sense at all. So Alexei loves her but makes some bs excuse why he can’t be with Pamela... And then is easily convinced his decision to not be with her was wrong on the very last few pages? When the whole book you’ve read him being a whiny little b*tch about it? Alexei had more personality in an earlier book in this series... the only actual good book. Now during HIS book he is just a 2 dimensional idiot, and the heroine literally has no personality besides “being an Effington” which is how her personality is described at least 6 times throughout the book. Waste of my time.
February 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book, but at the same time have mixed feelings about it. I do not like secret keeping as a plot device, but I love fake fiancees. The fact that they both remembered their night together, but that she wouldn't admit it out of fear was a little irritating. But, the plan to get her re-introduced into society with him was great. I was glad when Clarissa and Roman ended up together and when Valentina ended up with Dimitri. I was not willing to believe Valentina when she said she had changed, but it appears to be truthful. I hated George and was glad that Pamela realized what a horrible person he was. This was very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
I love Alexander's books. I loved that this one was so different with the subterfuge between Prince Alexei and Pamela. I found it interesting that the prince could have so many questions about who she actually was, but that era would make the mystery possible. So it was intriguing to watch him figure it all out. Pamela, of course, was constantly fighting her attraction and her need to reveal herself. I did love the intrigue, as well as the growth of their love for each other that they didn't have time to actually develop when they first met. Another good read from Alexander. I'd read this one again.
January 6, 2018
For reasons I can't recall, I put off reading this book. I regret that now. I think it is my favorite of the Effington series. Alexei is much better developed than in the previous books, and Pamela is brilliant. The ending between them was a true delight! Another unexpected bit was the humor provided by the formerly (?) evil cousin, Valentina. She was so funny! I will reread this one.
June 3, 2018
Loved it! Ending could have been better though. I liked the witty back and forth a between the two main characters, they were pretty funny. And the supporting characters were very like able and stood out compared to any other supporting characters I’ve read in other romance novels.
All around entertaining book
All around entertaining book
Read
October 9, 2020Dnf
December 19, 2020
Written just like a play. Not bad
December 29, 2021
I detest “I love you so I’m leaving you for your own good” plots.
November 24, 2022
The indignation and stubbornness was terribly contrived and ridiculous. Made it difficult to enjoy what could’ve been very intriguing.
Read
February 25, 2024Wordy and boring!
July 2, 2024
cute story quick read
September 1, 2017
Alert: This review may contain some spoilers.
I wasn't sure if I should give this book a 2 stars or 3 stars rating. In the end I went for 3 because I realized I couldn't really say I completely disliked it; I just wasn't much into it either.
At first I thought the problem might be that I'd read too many historical romances and I was just growing tired of them, but on further consideration I've concluded that that isn't the issue here. I still thoroughly enjoy a good historical romance, even if you do find the typical cliches here and there. No, the problem here is that you find all of the worst cliches - or at least most of them - in the book. You have the silly unrealistic plot (two people get together for a shag one night and become hopelessly tormented by the memory of it for years to come because it was just so darn good); you have the oh-so-arrogant and, of course, manwhore of a hero, who even though has shagged half the women in Europe, he still remembers that one night with the heroine; You have the typical 'I can't marry you for x stupid reason' situation going on, which I honestly never understood. The hero says he can't marry her because he has nothing to offer and he is a poor tormented soul full of regrets. Pff! First of all, her father had arranged for him to be able to withdraw all his funds, so he had quite a lot to offer, not to mention his name, social status and protection. And second of all, what regrets? Yes, okay, he loses his country and all that, but he never seems particularly tormented by it. I just couldn't buy it.
And, as a bonus, that whole thing with... Penwick was it? Completely ridiculous!
Conclusion: The story might not be that bad, it just contained a lot of the things I hate in a romance. If you're into them, then by all means give it a try! The writing wasn't at all bad and there were bits of it I enjoyed enough.
I wasn't sure if I should give this book a 2 stars or 3 stars rating. In the end I went for 3 because I realized I couldn't really say I completely disliked it; I just wasn't much into it either.
At first I thought the problem might be that I'd read too many historical romances and I was just growing tired of them, but on further consideration I've concluded that that isn't the issue here. I still thoroughly enjoy a good historical romance, even if you do find the typical cliches here and there. No, the problem here is that you find all of the worst cliches - or at least most of them - in the book. You have the silly unrealistic plot (two people get together for a shag one night and become hopelessly tormented by the memory of it for years to come because it was just so darn good); you have the oh-so-arrogant and, of course, manwhore of a hero, who even though has shagged half the women in Europe, he still remembers that one night with the heroine; You have the typical 'I can't marry you for x stupid reason' situation going on, which I honestly never understood. The hero says he can't marry her because he has nothing to offer and he is a poor tormented soul full of regrets. Pff! First of all, her father had arranged for him to be able to withdraw all his funds, so he had quite a lot to offer, not to mention his name, social status and protection. And second of all, what regrets? Yes, okay, he loses his country and all that, but he never seems particularly tormented by it. I just couldn't buy it.
And, as a bonus, that whole thing with... Penwick was it? Completely ridiculous!
Conclusion: The story might not be that bad, it just contained a lot of the things I hate in a romance. If you're into them, then by all means give it a try! The writing wasn't at all bad and there were bits of it I enjoyed enough.
December 30, 2010
TOOK SOMEONE ELSE's REVIEW ~ LOVED IT....Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Prince Alexei Pruzinsky of Avalonia is arrogance personified, dangerously charming, and a master at the art of seduction. He meets a mysterious young woman at a masked ball and spends one night in bed with her. His heart is touched in ways he has never felt before. They both know that marriage is impossible due to their stations, however, Alexei is upset that she refuses to take off her mask or tell him her name.
Miss Pamela Effington fled London six years ago rather than face scandal, thanks to George Fenton, son of Viscount Penwick, bragging to his buddies. She lives and travels with Aunt Millicent, who uses her widowhood and vast wealth to live as she pleases. It seems that Aunt Millicent is known world wide by all who matter. Pamela knows it is not safe to succumb to Alexei, yet she now has takes with her a glorious memory to cherish forever. Imagine Pamela's surprise when she finds Alexei and his staff occupying the London townhouse that she has recently inherited.
Aunt Millicent suggests that Pamela and Alexei pretend to be engaged. This would help ease Pamela back into Society's good graces. After all, no one could think badly of her if a PRINCE wishes to wed her. When she breaks the engagement later, every eligible man will beg for her hand in marriage. However, Alexei finds himself drawn to Pamela without knowing why and Pamela is desperately keeping her secrets.
***** The author includes a character named Valentina. She is Alexei's traitorous cousin. She has spent her life trying to kill Alexei, for Avalonia's own good of course. Valentina resides in the townhouse as well, claiming to have changed. As much as I really wanted to hate Valentina, I simply could not! The author did such a fantastic job on this character that she actually steals the show often. I dearly hope that Valentina gets her own story. The very idea is tantalizing!
Author Victoria Alexander has done an outstanding job in this tale. The heroine is someone that today's ladies can easily look up to. For best results, read this novel just before going to bed. Guaranteed to give you some memorable dreams. I tell that from experience. *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Prince Alexei Pruzinsky of Avalonia is arrogance personified, dangerously charming, and a master at the art of seduction. He meets a mysterious young woman at a masked ball and spends one night in bed with her. His heart is touched in ways he has never felt before. They both know that marriage is impossible due to their stations, however, Alexei is upset that she refuses to take off her mask or tell him her name.
Miss Pamela Effington fled London six years ago rather than face scandal, thanks to George Fenton, son of Viscount Penwick, bragging to his buddies. She lives and travels with Aunt Millicent, who uses her widowhood and vast wealth to live as she pleases. It seems that Aunt Millicent is known world wide by all who matter. Pamela knows it is not safe to succumb to Alexei, yet she now has takes with her a glorious memory to cherish forever. Imagine Pamela's surprise when she finds Alexei and his staff occupying the London townhouse that she has recently inherited.
Aunt Millicent suggests that Pamela and Alexei pretend to be engaged. This would help ease Pamela back into Society's good graces. After all, no one could think badly of her if a PRINCE wishes to wed her. When she breaks the engagement later, every eligible man will beg for her hand in marriage. However, Alexei finds himself drawn to Pamela without knowing why and Pamela is desperately keeping her secrets.
***** The author includes a character named Valentina. She is Alexei's traitorous cousin. She has spent her life trying to kill Alexei, for Avalonia's own good of course. Valentina resides in the townhouse as well, claiming to have changed. As much as I really wanted to hate Valentina, I simply could not! The author did such a fantastic job on this character that she actually steals the show often. I dearly hope that Valentina gets her own story. The very idea is tantalizing!
Author Victoria Alexander has done an outstanding job in this tale. The heroine is someone that today's ladies can easily look up to. For best results, read this novel just before going to bed. Guaranteed to give you some memorable dreams. I tell that from experience. *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
March 4, 2017
Prince Alexei is in exile in England and is all set for a bit of quiet introspection about his circumstances in life. But the house that he has rented is suddenly occupied by its new owners and the only way he and his compatriots can stay is if he pretends to be engaged to the only unmarried woman in the group, Ms. Pamela Effington. Pamela herself is pretty shocked to see Alexei, having had a spectacularly passionate night with him 4 years prior (which pretty much changed her life) and then leaving him. She's fortunate though that he has no idea who she is...but she sparks his memory and she's afraid he will remember. Alexei simply isn't the marrying type and would surely break her heart.
It's ironic, I think, that as much as I disliked Alexei in the first book, my two favorite books of the series would be the ones in which he plays the largest part. He's quite reformed in this story, having undergone quite a bit of upheaval with his country and he shows no less arrogance, but a bit more maturity. I found it a little ridiculous though that he had absolutely no idea who Pamela was, especially since the night was so special. Though I'm sure it didn't stop him from having sex with many other woman afterwards - but it sure stopped Pamela. There's that double standard. Nevertheless, their relationship was a fun one. It wasn't campy or cheesy nor was it overly angsty and dramatic. It had a touch of "fate' and "soul mates" happening, so there was definitely insta-love, but neither really acknowledge it as that right away, so it was forgivable. The nobility thing there at the end was a bit forced and ridiculous, but not overly drawn out. This book seemed to find a very nice balance to me. And one of the first in this series in which I didn't get frustrated with the characters. I kinda liked Valentina, though I think she served more as comic relief than a dark character. I'm not sure in reality anyone would have forgiven her.
And shouldn't this book be number 9? This seems to be chronologically out of order.
It's ironic, I think, that as much as I disliked Alexei in the first book, my two favorite books of the series would be the ones in which he plays the largest part. He's quite reformed in this story, having undergone quite a bit of upheaval with his country and he shows no less arrogance, but a bit more maturity. I found it a little ridiculous though that he had absolutely no idea who Pamela was, especially since the night was so special. Though I'm sure it didn't stop him from having sex with many other woman afterwards - but it sure stopped Pamela. There's that double standard. Nevertheless, their relationship was a fun one. It wasn't campy or cheesy nor was it overly angsty and dramatic. It had a touch of "fate' and "soul mates" happening, so there was definitely insta-love, but neither really acknowledge it as that right away, so it was forgivable. The nobility thing there at the end was a bit forced and ridiculous, but not overly drawn out. This book seemed to find a very nice balance to me. And one of the first in this series in which I didn't get frustrated with the characters. I kinda liked Valentina, though I think she served more as comic relief than a dark character. I'm not sure in reality anyone would have forgiven her.
And shouldn't this book be number 9? This seems to be chronologically out of order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
i cannot remember when i read this, definitely out of order, but it does stand alone. obviously i enjoyed it.
September 14, 2023
3.5 Stars
When Miss Pamela Effington wanted adventure and romance for a night she never thought she would see Prince Alexei of Avalonia again. Since he had never really seen her face she had every confidence that even if they crossed paths again he wouldn't know who she was. When a mix up takes place in a London residence to Pamela's dismay she finds herself actually living with the prince and not only that they are in a faked courtship.
Pamela's spirited and high-energy was indeed a highlight of the story. Her refusal to bow down to the Prince's arrogance added a delightful layer of tension and chemistry to the narrative. As for Alexei, it's interesting to note that he might not have lived up to the romanticized hero image that readers might have expected. Sometimes, characters evolve in ways that don't align with our initial impressions of them. However, it's not uncommon for a character's portrayal to differ from one book to another, depending on the storyline and the author's intentions. Despite any reservations about Alexei's character, it sounds like Pamela's vivaciousness and the overall plot still made this book an enjoyable read.
When Miss Pamela Effington wanted adventure and romance for a night she never thought she would see Prince Alexei of Avalonia again. Since he had never really seen her face she had every confidence that even if they crossed paths again he wouldn't know who she was. When a mix up takes place in a London residence to Pamela's dismay she finds herself actually living with the prince and not only that they are in a faked courtship.
Pamela's spirited and high-energy was indeed a highlight of the story. Her refusal to bow down to the Prince's arrogance added a delightful layer of tension and chemistry to the narrative. As for Alexei, it's interesting to note that he might not have lived up to the romanticized hero image that readers might have expected. Sometimes, characters evolve in ways that don't align with our initial impressions of them. However, it's not uncommon for a character's portrayal to differ from one book to another, depending on the storyline and the author's intentions. Despite any reservations about Alexei's character, it sounds like Pamela's vivaciousness and the overall plot still made this book an enjoyable read.
August 27, 2018
Pamela is a mystery Alexei is determined to solve ...Prince Alexei of Avalonia is a master at the art of seduction, but when a mysterious young woman he meets at a masked ball spends the night in his bed, he finds he is touched in ways he cannot forget. Still, he wonders if she was real or a dream spun of moonlight.Alexei might well be a temptation Pamela cannot resist ...And Miss Pamela Effington is no dream. Certainly, succumbing to the prince's seduction was madness. Now she's come to her senses and is thankful their paths will never cross again. Even if they do, he had never truly seen her face.But they are both in for the shock of their lives. For back in London, determined to lead a blameless life, Pamela finds Alexei occupying her home — a townhouse she's only recently inherited — and he refuses to leave. A feigned courtship seems an excellent idea, and soon the mystery and temptation begin all over again.
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