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Montgomery/Taggert: Publication order #10
The Princess
Her name was Aria...a beautiful, arrogant princess from a small European kingdom. Stranded in a storm of intrigue near the Florida Keys, she is swept ashore and into the arms of dashing J.T. Montgomery, an officer of the American Navy. Disdainful at first, Aria is secretly tantalized by the handsome Lieutenant's brash independence...and beneath her proud reserve, J.T. discovers a woman of sensuous fire. To escape her enemies, they return to her royal domain -- with Aria posing as an American bride. But if their daring charade succeeds, Aria must choose -- between the kingdom she was born to rule, and the man she was destined to love!
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1987
375 people are currently reading
2308 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
199 books7,040 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 5, 2013
I fell in love with Romance after reading this book. I was 15 and helping to clean out our basement and discovered this book in a pile of my mom's old books. I started reading and found myself swept away to the 1940's and enthralled in a book I couldn't put down. After reading this book, I read as many books by Jude Devereaux I could get my hands on and eventually branched out to other authors and other genres.
Still after almost 19 years it is still my most re-read book of all time..
Still after almost 19 years it is still my most re-read book of all time..
April 21, 2025
This was cute although you could tell it was originally written more than 30 years ago. It was set during WWII and about a country that doesn't exist. Aria is a princess from Lanconia who goes on an American tour because US wants a resource for the war effort. She is kidnapped and left for dead when JT rescues her. What follows is a enemies to lovers story as JT in a plot that can only be found in a romance book has to teach her to be an American housewife in the forties. There is lots of misogyny which somehow lends to romance. The story read quickly and I just kept in mind that this book was written during a different time so I did not mind that JT was at times an unlikeable character. Aria though was an interesting character. Overall, a light read if you are looking for a little romance.
March 30, 2021
I remembered that Jude Deveraux usually writes heroes who are real jerks, but this one didn't grow.
These two both started out as products of who they were raised to be. She was raised as a princess to become Queen who has a lot of restrictive rules and has no grasp on the reality of an average person. He was raised to love his country, nature, and be a manwhore like his predecessors.
After difficult circumstances arose, she learned about the world and herself. He continued to be a sexist who thought mostly of himself until the very last page. I do see hot sex in the future for these two and possibly an improvement to the economy since he is smart. However, I do not see any change in his character. I expect that he will degrade her abilities for the rest of her life.
I give the hero only one star, but I am going to round generously up to 3 because the writing was engaging. Jude Deveraux is an intriguing storyteller.
These two both started out as products of who they were raised to be. She was raised as a princess to become Queen who has a lot of restrictive rules and has no grasp on the reality of an average person. He was raised to love his country, nature, and be a manwhore like his predecessors.
After difficult circumstances arose, she learned about the world and herself. He continued to be a sexist who thought mostly of himself until the very last page. I do see hot sex in the future for these two and possibly an improvement to the economy since he is smart. However, I do not see any change in his character. I expect that he will degrade her abilities for the rest of her life.
I give the hero only one star, but I am going to round generously up to 3 because the writing was engaging. Jude Deveraux is an intriguing storyteller.
October 22, 2012
Disclaimer: Reactiong!gif herein. :P
Over-all Thoughts:
ur fail amuses me.
The plot was redunkculous. It was pointless and stupid.
JT, who I call "Daddy", was a temperamental, manchild douche. I've met two year olds who threw less temper tantrums than him.
Aria, I both disliked her and felt for her at times when JT was at his worse. I still can't believe she loves him after all the verbal abuse he put her through.
I actually didn't want them to get together in the end.
I actually threw my book across the room at one point.
Thank god it's over, and I can get rid of it. Anyone want it? Any takers? XD
If you want more of my thoughts on this book, read my status updates.
Pass me thebooze palate cleanser, kthxbai.
Over-all Thoughts:
ur fail amuses me.
The plot was redunkculous. It was pointless and stupid.
JT, who I call "Daddy", was a temperamental, manchild douche. I've met two year olds who threw less temper tantrums than him.
Aria, I both disliked her and felt for her at times when JT was at his worse. I still can't believe she loves him after all the verbal abuse he put her through.
I actually didn't want them to get together in the end.
I actually threw my book across the room at one point.
Thank god it's over, and I can get rid of it. Anyone want it? Any takers? XD
If you want more of my thoughts on this book, read my status updates.
Pass me the
March 25, 2009
Another much beloved book of all time. It's set in the 1940s, a time period that I really love. JT Montgomery is such a good hero, can I have one of him? He's a military man on a mission, and he will complete it. He is a hero in the true sense, although he's not anywhere near royalty. Although he comes from the grand Montgomery dynasty, he's All-American in his thinking. He didn't expect to fall for Aura, who is all-princess. This is such a delightful book, from beginning to end. I was hoping in vain that JD would write some more 1940s romances. Sigh. Alas it's just not a ripe period for historical romances. This book had some steam when I read it back then. It would be tame nowadays though. Loved the lovemaking on the stairs scene. Wow! I also loved the scene when we see Amanda dancing with her daughter-in-law Aura like Carmen Miranda. This book is just all around wonderful in every way.
July 9, 2022
#18 In the Montgomery/ Taggert series. 1942 WWll Florida Keys / Lanconia.
Family tree of Montgomery Taggert series : https://thejudedeverauxboard.proboard...
Aria Princess of Lanconia , ( Rowan and Xena, The Maiden)comes to America to offer Vanadium to the American Government. She is kidnapped and dumped overboard and shot at in the Florida Keys. JT Montgomery is camping on the deserted Island for three days leave from the Navy. He is Lieutenant Montgomery son of Hank and Amanda Montgomery (The Awakening) of Warbrooke Shipping Maine. He rescues Aria but she is used to her Royal status and Protocol from her country. JT thinks she is a snob and an ungrateful useless woman. He basically gives her the tough love treatment but common human decency wins out and he helps her so she won’t die of starvation and exposure. After two days his army buddy Bill comes to pick them up. They take her to Washington giving her money with a few instructions and the men return to duty. Aria has never dressed herself before, never used money before, never cooked or done any domestic work. She is used to being waited on and obeyed. She was raised to never show emotion or show pain. She appeared to be as cold as ice. She finally met with General Brooks after telling people she was a German Spy. She told him she was the real Princess of Lanconia as her cousin Cissy was posing as her. After being questioned for a couple of days the American Government made a deal with her. She was to marry an American with a great pedigree and good moral character with no skeletons in his closet to ensure the deal between their two countries was guaranteed. She wanted money for her country to help her people and they wanted Vanadium. They chose JT Montgomery as the groom. He only did it because he was helping his country and the same for Aria. She was supposed to learn to be an American and learn how to be an American wife. JTs friends helped her especially Dolly and Bill. The highlight was when she and JTs mother Amanda performed a song and dance from a popular movie of a Brazilian singer at the Officers Annual Ball. JT and Aria go back to Lanconia and Arias Grandfather the King asks JT to be her Bodyguard and help protect her so they can find out who is trying to assassinate her. She is engaged to Count Julian and he is only interested in her Kingdom wanting to rule. He doesn’t really see her as a woman. JT keeps a close eye on her and everything and everyone trying to find the killer. Eventually cousin Freddy tries to shoot her in the secret tunnels in the Palace. JT rescues her for the third time. JT ends up leaving to go back home but chooses love over career and country and returns to Lanconia and Aria to rule with her. They truly loved one another. This story was more of a Rom Com than a Historical Romance with a Mystery. I loved the story and gave it five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Family tree of Montgomery Taggert series : https://thejudedeverauxboard.proboard...
Aria Princess of Lanconia , ( Rowan and Xena, The Maiden)comes to America to offer Vanadium to the American Government. She is kidnapped and dumped overboard and shot at in the Florida Keys. JT Montgomery is camping on the deserted Island for three days leave from the Navy. He is Lieutenant Montgomery son of Hank and Amanda Montgomery (The Awakening) of Warbrooke Shipping Maine. He rescues Aria but she is used to her Royal status and Protocol from her country. JT thinks she is a snob and an ungrateful useless woman. He basically gives her the tough love treatment but common human decency wins out and he helps her so she won’t die of starvation and exposure. After two days his army buddy Bill comes to pick them up. They take her to Washington giving her money with a few instructions and the men return to duty. Aria has never dressed herself before, never used money before, never cooked or done any domestic work. She is used to being waited on and obeyed. She was raised to never show emotion or show pain. She appeared to be as cold as ice. She finally met with General Brooks after telling people she was a German Spy. She told him she was the real Princess of Lanconia as her cousin Cissy was posing as her. After being questioned for a couple of days the American Government made a deal with her. She was to marry an American with a great pedigree and good moral character with no skeletons in his closet to ensure the deal between their two countries was guaranteed. She wanted money for her country to help her people and they wanted Vanadium. They chose JT Montgomery as the groom. He only did it because he was helping his country and the same for Aria. She was supposed to learn to be an American and learn how to be an American wife. JTs friends helped her especially Dolly and Bill. The highlight was when she and JTs mother Amanda performed a song and dance from a popular movie of a Brazilian singer at the Officers Annual Ball. JT and Aria go back to Lanconia and Arias Grandfather the King asks JT to be her Bodyguard and help protect her so they can find out who is trying to assassinate her. She is engaged to Count Julian and he is only interested in her Kingdom wanting to rule. He doesn’t really see her as a woman. JT keeps a close eye on her and everything and everyone trying to find the killer. Eventually cousin Freddy tries to shoot her in the secret tunnels in the Palace. JT rescues her for the third time. JT ends up leaving to go back home but chooses love over career and country and returns to Lanconia and Aria to rule with her. They truly loved one another. This story was more of a Rom Com than a Historical Romance with a Mystery. I loved the story and gave it five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 6, 2016
เอิ่ม... ถ้าอ่านเมื่อหลายสิบปีที่แล้วคงสนุกกว่านี้นะ แต่ตอนนี้อ่านแล้วรู้สึกเรื่องมันไม่ค่อยสมเหตุสมผลอ่ะ อ่านแล้วหงุดหงิด พระเอกอารมณ์แปรปรวนอย่างกะวัยทอง พระเอกนางเอกเดี๋ยวดีกันเดี๋ยวทะเลาะตลอดเว
แต่อ่านแล้วแอบรู้สึกถึงการล่าอาณานิคมกลายๆ และมีมายาคติความเป็นอเมริกันมากเหมือนกันนะ อย่างเรื่องการให้พระเอกแต่งงานกับนางเอกแลกกับสัญญาซื้อขายแร่มีค่าที่อเมริกาต้องการและการเข้าไปตั้งฐานทัพ นางเอกต้องเรียนรู้การเป็นคนอเมริกัน และแล้วในที่สุดแล้วประเทศเล็กๆอย่างแลนโคเนียที่มีทรัพยากรมีค่าของนางเอกก็ต้องพึ่งพาประเทศที่เจริญกว่าของพระเอก
แต่อ่านแล้วแอบรู้สึกถึงการล่าอาณานิคมกลายๆ และมีมายาคติความเป็นอเมริกันมากเหมือนกันนะ อย่างเรื่องการให้พระเอกแต่งงานกับนางเอกแลกกับสัญญาซื้อขายแร่มีค่าที่อเมริกาต้องการและการเข้าไปตั้งฐานทัพ นางเอกต้องเรียนรู้การเป็นคนอเมริกัน และแล้วในที่สุดแล้วประเทศเล็กๆอย่างแลนโคเนียที่มีทรัพยากรมีค่าของนางเอกก็ต้องพึ่งพาประเทศที่เจริญกว่าของพระเอก
May 21, 2016
Retread from my youth
J.T. Montgomery is so hot. lol
J.T. Montgomery is so hot. lol
June 1, 2022
3.5 stars. It’s a thin line between love and hate and I’m talking about the characters not the book. The book was enjoyable if long but I enjoyed the interaction between JT and Aria.
June 21, 2013
The consistency, the conviction, and the execution of the totality of the story is undeniably sublime! The way the story is executed -from Aria being a prig of a princess, to a liberated American, up until the end of the story, is wonderful!
The story is undeniably -and with full sophistication -well-planned to its roots.
It is not cheesy, not too dramatic. It is a well-combined mixture of ingredients that one desires. It is the truth. The story is the truth -which may be strange for it is of royalty and royalty is like a fantasy, a dream one heart makes.
Every scene behind the story can be seen through the eyes of the readers. Every scene captured each and every heart.
In addition, the ending is totally heart-warming! Our hero, J.T. Montgomery is a true king! And with that, I can say that what I read, what I saw in this story is warm and one of a kind. It is like going home to a dear family.
In totality, it really touched my heart.
Godspeed!
The story is undeniably -and with full sophistication -well-planned to its roots.
It is not cheesy, not too dramatic. It is a well-combined mixture of ingredients that one desires. It is the truth. The story is the truth -which may be strange for it is of royalty and royalty is like a fantasy, a dream one heart makes.
Every scene behind the story can be seen through the eyes of the readers. Every scene captured each and every heart.
In addition, the ending is totally heart-warming! Our hero, J.T. Montgomery is a true king! And with that, I can say that what I read, what I saw in this story is warm and one of a kind. It is like going home to a dear family.
In totality, it really touched my heart.
Godspeed!
June 16, 2020
This was a re-read for me. But the last time I read it was probably in my twenties...and that was a while ago. I'm a fan of the enemies to lovers/hate to love trope, but JT was a down right jerk! I saw very few redeeming qualities in him that made me love him too. Overall this book was disappointing and I can't believe I ever liked it.
May 29, 2012
I've had this book for maybe 6 years and have read it easily 10 times, I believe I picked it up at my local library for about 25 cents. Obviously I like it a lot. The different dynamics and the like really are different from most other romance novels that I have read, making it much more appealing.
July 1, 2023
So I have always been obsessed with the 1930s/1940s, mostly because of WWII - my obsession with it is a core personality trait of mine that I’ve had to tone down in my adult life because no one cares, but that’s okay! So you can imagine the little happy dance I did when I found an actual romance novel that takes place in the 1940s during the war written by Queen Deveraux herself!! Aaaand I found a copy of it at the library from the 80s!!
I was so excited for this book, as soon as I started it, my brain casted Ben Affleck a la ‘Pearl Harbor’ as J.T. Montgomery and Ana de Armas as Princess Aria - all was well in my little imagination.. Until J.T. and Aria became so insufferable within the first 20 pages because of their constant fighting! This is how majority of the book went - so much fighting! So much “How dare you speak to me!! PEASANT. Go away!!” “You don’t have to tell me twice, baby.” These are not actual quotes from the book but they’re pretty darn close. So much of the book was arguments or cringe scenes thanks to the friends, or even Aria herself; don’t even get me started on that Carmen Miranda scene. What I did enjoy were the rare moments where J.T. and Aria were kind to each other, actually had moments of genuine kindness. I liked the action, the ending was exciting though predictable. Also, no epilogue?? Weh! Overall, I give this 3 stars. I do want to continue this series, even if it’s sporadically, lol! 3 stars for this one!
I was so excited for this book, as soon as I started it, my brain casted Ben Affleck a la ‘Pearl Harbor’ as J.T. Montgomery and Ana de Armas as Princess Aria - all was well in my little imagination.. Until J.T. and Aria became so insufferable within the first 20 pages because of their constant fighting! This is how majority of the book went - so much fighting! So much “How dare you speak to me!! PEASANT. Go away!!” “You don’t have to tell me twice, baby.” These are not actual quotes from the book but they’re pretty darn close. So much of the book was arguments or cringe scenes thanks to the friends, or even Aria herself; don’t even get me started on that Carmen Miranda scene. What I did enjoy were the rare moments where J.T. and Aria were kind to each other, actually had moments of genuine kindness. I liked the action, the ending was exciting though predictable. Also, no epilogue?? Weh! Overall, I give this 3 stars. I do want to continue this series, even if it’s sporadically, lol! 3 stars for this one!
May 29, 2011
I like romances okay, but I was not a big fan of this one. I usually have no problem with Jude Deveraux's books, but this one was too much back and forth - they love each other/they hate each other, he's rude to her/she's rude to him, they're together/they're apart, etc. I kept with it, figuring the end would justify the means, but I was very disappointed in that, too. Of course, I knew what would happen, but it didn't come about until the last 2 pages, and it happened so fast when it did. I don't know ... I just didn't like this as much as her other books. I gave it a 3 out of 5 because it IS Jude Deveraux, and that's why I stuck it through to the end.
April 20, 2011
Honestly speaking, this is one of my favorite books of Jude! Every story I read from her has different meetings and this is one of the most unusual. Truthfully, first I thought it's a weird and impossible meeting but then I realize that there is nothing impossible with Jude :) I sincerely love this book. But it kinda lack of action considering that JT is a marine and that he protects Aria. But this is so good! You better read it or else, you don't know what you're missing in life.
June 6, 2016
This was an AWESOME book. Just romance (not erotica), but still made me laugh and cry. It was wonderful to see Aria's transformation to clueless, stuckup royal to being very caring.
March 9, 2014
I first read this back in 2009. I had to re-read it again after reading "For All Time."
Oh yeah! This was very entertaining. And, so much more gratifying after reading "For All Time."
Oh yeah! This was very entertaining. And, so much more gratifying after reading "For All Time."
November 9, 2018
I needed to read this. There has been so much disgusting politics swirling around I needed a distraction. I enjoy reading about the Montgomery men.
March 4, 2021
A wonderful sweet romance
October 4, 2018
The plot has so many holes in it that it becomes massively confusing at times. The premise of a princess learning to be a commoner learning to be a princess is interesting but doesn't quite make the grade. JT comes across as too country for someone raised in Maine. The only thing I really enjoyed was the pre-60's role of women as JT describes it to Aria - to cook and clean while beautifully dressed and coiffed, to entertain guests, and grace the home. I had a good laugh before I remembered that it was really true then before women took over the jobs when the men left for the war and things changed. Thank heavens!
March 22, 2023
I'd say a 3.5. A sweet love story about a princess and a military man. I enjoyed it.
June 5, 2022
YAY! THEY'RE TOGETHER!
February 18, 2022
Wow, another favorite from this series. Is it just me or the books in this series are getting better!
Aria and JT had contrasting upbringings, grew up in different countries with their own cultures and environment - it’s no wonder their characters will clash at the start and which we can’t take against them. I love the growth of both their characters. Maybe this is the first book in this series where I felt there’s a balance between the two characters where I wasn’t favoring one over the other.
What I wish most from the books in this series are epilogues… I know about leaving what happens next to the readers’ imagination but it would be nice to actually read a continuation of the couples’ lovely stories.
Anyway, the book after this is A Knight in Shining Armor which I happen to read first than the rest during my teens and then re-read it last month before I decided to read from book 1. It is still my most fave from this series. Though the initial setting is modern times, the time travel appealed to me. Now, I know the books after that will be stories in modern settings and I feel that the magic of historical times will be gone so I am on a fence if I should continue reading the rest of the book series.
Aria and JT had contrasting upbringings, grew up in different countries with their own cultures and environment - it’s no wonder their characters will clash at the start and which we can’t take against them. I love the growth of both their characters. Maybe this is the first book in this series where I felt there’s a balance between the two characters where I wasn’t favoring one over the other.
What I wish most from the books in this series are epilogues… I know about leaving what happens next to the readers’ imagination but it would be nice to actually read a continuation of the couples’ lovely stories.
Anyway, the book after this is A Knight in Shining Armor which I happen to read first than the rest during my teens and then re-read it last month before I decided to read from book 1. It is still my most fave from this series. Though the initial setting is modern times, the time travel appealed to me. Now, I know the books after that will be stories in modern settings and I feel that the magic of historical times will be gone so I am on a fence if I should continue reading the rest of the book series.
March 1, 2021
I have to say I do prefer Deveraux’s stories set in earlier times, as opposed to this one set in the 1940s. I’m so used to battling clans and Elizabethan knights it was odd to hear about “modern day life”. That being said I’ve never met a Jude Deveraux book I didn’t like and I don’t think I ever will. As always an easy read, fun characters and a satisfying ending. I love hearing about the Montgomery family and I’ll never grow tired of hearing the name. At the beginning of the story I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to endure Aria. I know she’s a princess but even I found myself rolling my eyes at how utterly helpless she was. But of course she came around and I grew to love the princess and her relationship with JT. Side note, I also found it funny how the men in this 1940s novel were more misogynistic compared to Deveraux’s barbaric warriors of the 1400s. But overall had a great time reading it.
September 2, 2016
Part of the Montgomery series this story takes place in 1942 in Key West, Florida and a small European Kingdom in Lanconia. Princess Aria meets Lieutenant JT Montgomery while traveling the US. She is kidnapped and saved by JT. To escape her enemies they marry but soon the charade becomes a real love that forces Aria to choose between the kingdom and the man she was destined to love. It is a sweet romantic story set in World War 2 and I enjoyed how the author included details about the effect of war like lack of supplies, etc. It was a funny and interesting read especially how Aria's character changed and developed from a spoiled, sheltered girl to a strong independent leader. Also, JT character developed from a judgmental, arrogant solider to finding a greater purpose. My favorite part was Aria acting like an obnoxious American especially her Carmen Miranda dance with JT's mom!
September 16, 2017
I found hard to rate this novel, I enjoyed it yes but only one asked did that for me!
Aria as a main character was the sole redeeming factor ! Otherwise I would have DNFed it ages ago.
She is an independent , responsible and dedicated to her goals , it was wonderful to see her grow and struggle between choosing her personal happiness and her country.
That doesn't mean she is without flaws, she is a stubborn woman who bottles up her problems making her hard to approach and easy to misjudge her character .
I didn't like JT as either a love interest or a protagonist , he was chauvinistic , immature SOB! I couldn't see what aria saw in him frankly!
Their romance was really annoying to
and cringeworthy to read ... I also disliked how Aria's country was depicted as backward !
Everything about royalty and her status as a princess felt exaggerated to me .
Aria as a main character was the sole redeeming factor ! Otherwise I would have DNFed it ages ago.
She is an independent , responsible and dedicated to her goals , it was wonderful to see her grow and struggle between choosing her personal happiness and her country.
That doesn't mean she is without flaws, she is a stubborn woman who bottles up her problems making her hard to approach and easy to misjudge her character .
I didn't like JT as either a love interest or a protagonist , he was chauvinistic , immature SOB! I couldn't see what aria saw in him frankly!
Their romance was really annoying to
and cringeworthy to read ... I also disliked how Aria's country was depicted as backward !
Everything about royalty and her status as a princess felt exaggerated to me .
June 22, 2023
Wonderful book! Attempted murder threw them together on an island and they couldn't stand each other. Politics brought them back together and then took them away from each other. Murderers tried to take them away from each other permanently. I loved all the time they spent together in Key West and seeing all the predicaments Aria got herself in. One part I really enjoyed was Aria grilling in pin curls to the radio. It was a whole new side to the straight laced princess and it actually influenced me to learn how to pin curl. I enjoyed being back in Lanconia and learning about Jura and Rowan's descendants(The Maiden). J.T. and Aria grow and fall in love during a fascinating situation they are thrown into.
November 14, 2017
It had all the ingredients but for some reason the story felt a bit flat to me. I also felt the hero came over as a bit of a jerk. particularly when they were in the US. I couldn't understand why he behaved like he did. The author did a better job of explaining the heroine's life and motivations. I could understand her.
I didn't like the ending, it seemed to me the heroine had done all that work for her country, given up so much only to end up outranked by her husband because the poor backward country couldn't do anything for themselves without the big strong americans. They could have employed experts from other countries, to help them develop - it's not like the guy was even a wine expert.
I didn't like the ending, it seemed to me the heroine had done all that work for her country, given up so much only to end up outranked by her husband because the poor backward country couldn't do anything for themselves without the big strong americans. They could have employed experts from other countries, to help them develop - it's not like the guy was even a wine expert.
April 30, 2009
I read this book many years ago when I was in middle school, and enjoyed it very much it stuck with me. Last year I was discussing romance books that I really enjoyed and spent month trying to remember what this one was called and who wrote it..but I found it at last and re-read it. I enjoyed it just the same again.
I loved both characters wh owere fun, smart and both likeable, and the storyline was not the typical fare...which I always enjoy. I like when writers breakup the flow a bit and try something just a tad different. But this was a fun read and made me giggle in enjoyment on many ocassion. One of my favorite romances I read when young that held up with time.
I loved both characters wh owere fun, smart and both likeable, and the storyline was not the typical fare...which I always enjoy. I like when writers breakup the flow a bit and try something just a tad different. But this was a fun read and made me giggle in enjoyment on many ocassion. One of my favorite romances I read when young that held up with time.
September 21, 2013
This is another one of my absolute favourites of Jude Deveraux's books. I actually have a picture of David James Elliott
from when he was in JAG stuck into the front of the book, as he is exactly what I pictured JT looking like :D An absolute hunk!! I think this is probably my most re-read of Jude Deveraux's books - this and A Knight in Shining Armour - I've probably read them 3 or more times, and I think I'm about due to read them again (that is after I read the Edilean series!!)
from when he was in JAG stuck into the front of the book, as he is exactly what I pictured JT looking like :D An absolute hunk!! I think this is probably my most re-read of Jude Deveraux's books - this and A Knight in Shining Armour - I've probably read them 3 or more times, and I think I'm about due to read them again (that is after I read the Edilean series!!)
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