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The Prince & the Impostor #2
A Crown for a Lady
A deception of royal proportionsthrust Ian MacEwen into the very center of the ton's marriage mart, forcing him to choose a bride who would be queen. All he wanted was to uncover the answers denied him from birth. Instead, he found saucy Claire Wentworth, a fearless woman with grass-green eyes who needs his protection—and his love—whether she knows it or not.
Fallen from grace, danger stalks Claire Wentworth at every turn. She needs a champion, but what she gets instead is a royal mystery. The man all of London hails as "Prince" instead strikes her as a rogue adventurer—who no doubt rouses her slumbering heart to wide-awake desire.
Fallen from grace, danger stalks Claire Wentworth at every turn. She needs a champion, but what she gets instead is a royal mystery. The man all of London hails as "Prince" instead strikes her as a rogue adventurer—who no doubt rouses her slumbering heart to wide-awake desire.
Please Note: This title was previously published as The Impostor Prince. It has been revised and retitled with the author’s original, preferred title.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
405 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Anne Crosby
167 books1,150 followersTanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 2, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I must admit I loved reading the first book in this series , this was equally as enjoyable.
This is the imposters story , Ian is the son who was not privileged, who fought for every penny every scrap.
When he meets Claire as his carriage runs her down in the street, his fortunes begin to change.
Claire has lost her whole family and now her brother is missing leaving her almost destitute, she’s being followed but she doesn’t know who by, she needs money to pay a ransom demand and only has one offer of help , the price is way too high .
Meeting Ian/Merrick is her only chance to save her brother with his help she can get her life back together.
Ian just needs her to pretend to be his fiancé, get his father the King off his back and find out what’s going on with his family.
A wonderful plot and enjoyable story that really is interesting and intriguing.
Well written, fast flowing, passionate and intense.
Recommended reading
This series is much better read in sequence but I think it would be ok as a standalone if that’s how you wish to read it .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
I must admit I loved reading the first book in this series , this was equally as enjoyable.
This is the imposters story , Ian is the son who was not privileged, who fought for every penny every scrap.
When he meets Claire as his carriage runs her down in the street, his fortunes begin to change.
Claire has lost her whole family and now her brother is missing leaving her almost destitute, she’s being followed but she doesn’t know who by, she needs money to pay a ransom demand and only has one offer of help , the price is way too high .
Meeting Ian/Merrick is her only chance to save her brother with his help she can get her life back together.
Ian just needs her to pretend to be his fiancé, get his father the King off his back and find out what’s going on with his family.
A wonderful plot and enjoyable story that really is interesting and intriguing.
Well written, fast flowing, passionate and intense.
Recommended reading
This series is much better read in sequence but I think it would be ok as a standalone if that’s how you wish to read it .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
December 26, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book. The second was good. I think it helps to read them in order. Enjoying the author and look forward to more of her books. Will definitely read the next in the series.
October 4, 2019
Very enjoyable read. This is the second book in the Prince and the Imposter series. Here we see the second of twins learn about his true heritage and find his true love. There is much intrigue in this story including the whereabouts of the heroine's brother, to have the reader wanting to keep reading. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2019
Wonderful
Lovely exciting adventure that keeps you guessing! Don't start reading it if you only have a few minutes! I couldn't put it down! Great story that really grabs you! Great read!
Lovely exciting adventure that keeps you guessing! Don't start reading it if you only have a few minutes! I couldn't put it down! Great story that really grabs you! Great read!
November 5, 2018
Thirty years ago, the prince of a small European country promised to marry the daughter of a Scottish earl, and she bore him twins. Then he decided to marry another woman. When they separated, they each took one of their infant sons and told the boys falsehoods about the other parent to protect them from the truth.
Now, in 1831 Scotland, Ian MacEwen is in charge of protecting the people of Glen Abbey, but the area has fallen to poverty and neglect. He moonlights as a highwayman but never expected to rob the carriage of his identical twin brother, a brother he never knew he had. In a spur of the moment decision, he decides to trade places with Merrick to finally find the answers he’s been looking for. Once Ian and Ryo—Merrick’s trusted friend, servant, and carriage driver—return to London, Ian must pretend to be his brother and live a very pampered but confining life as the Crown Prince of Meridian.
Lady Claire Wentworth is in dire need of money to save her kidnapped brother Ben. When a carriage almost runs her over, she finds herself pitted against the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. It’s too bad he’s also infuriatingly rude, questions her honor, and accuses her of thievery. Time and again Claire and Ian bump into each other around London in the most unseemly of circumstances, but things finally come to a head when he spots her a royal galla. She soon learns Ian (as Merrick) is a prince, and even more shocking, he’s chosen her to be his bride!
I sooooo love this book. Ian and Claire are two very determined, stubborn characters. Their banter and witty sarcasm and criticisms are hilarious. They have great chemistry, but I think they fell in love a little too easily since Ian is often busy looking for her brother and Claire is stuck at his house with his disapproving father.
Ian’s father, Julian, the king, is a troubled man who’s made a lot of mistakes, but he’s not as mean and horrible as he seems.
I love all the scenes that jump to Lady Fiona (the twins’ mom), Merrick, and Chloe (Merrick’s fiancée)—the characters from book one. This book and the first one, The Imposter’s Kiss, tie in together and occur almost simultaneously with both books being fully concluded in this one. The books are complete standalones, however, but you can understand all the characters and their motivations better if you read both stories.
There are a few inconsistencies between the two books, but nothing major. For some reason, in this book, it’s never said that Ian is an earl, Lord Lindale. I find that odd, but the fact that he’s nobility doesn’t factor into the story anyway. I just wouldn’t have known this if I hadn’t read the first book.
The epilogue is super sweet, told in both Julian’s and Fiona’s POV, and I would love to know more about what will happen to the parents and about the future of Meridian. I really wish that would’ve been elaborated more.
Anyway, this is a great story and I highly recommended it.
4.5 Stars
Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Now, in 1831 Scotland, Ian MacEwen is in charge of protecting the people of Glen Abbey, but the area has fallen to poverty and neglect. He moonlights as a highwayman but never expected to rob the carriage of his identical twin brother, a brother he never knew he had. In a spur of the moment decision, he decides to trade places with Merrick to finally find the answers he’s been looking for. Once Ian and Ryo—Merrick’s trusted friend, servant, and carriage driver—return to London, Ian must pretend to be his brother and live a very pampered but confining life as the Crown Prince of Meridian.
Lady Claire Wentworth is in dire need of money to save her kidnapped brother Ben. When a carriage almost runs her over, she finds herself pitted against the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. It’s too bad he’s also infuriatingly rude, questions her honor, and accuses her of thievery. Time and again Claire and Ian bump into each other around London in the most unseemly of circumstances, but things finally come to a head when he spots her a royal galla. She soon learns Ian (as Merrick) is a prince, and even more shocking, he’s chosen her to be his bride!
I sooooo love this book. Ian and Claire are two very determined, stubborn characters. Their banter and witty sarcasm and criticisms are hilarious. They have great chemistry, but I think they fell in love a little too easily since Ian is often busy looking for her brother and Claire is stuck at his house with his disapproving father.
Ian’s father, Julian, the king, is a troubled man who’s made a lot of mistakes, but he’s not as mean and horrible as he seems.
I love all the scenes that jump to Lady Fiona (the twins’ mom), Merrick, and Chloe (Merrick’s fiancée)—the characters from book one. This book and the first one, The Imposter’s Kiss, tie in together and occur almost simultaneously with both books being fully concluded in this one. The books are complete standalones, however, but you can understand all the characters and their motivations better if you read both stories.
There are a few inconsistencies between the two books, but nothing major. For some reason, in this book, it’s never said that Ian is an earl, Lord Lindale. I find that odd, but the fact that he’s nobility doesn’t factor into the story anyway. I just wouldn’t have known this if I hadn’t read the first book.
The epilogue is super sweet, told in both Julian’s and Fiona’s POV, and I would love to know more about what will happen to the parents and about the future of Meridian. I really wish that would’ve been elaborated more.
Anyway, this is a great story and I highly recommended it.
4.5 Stars
Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
March 22, 2020
This is an OK romance, but I thought the whole story line of the twin brothers who were separated was a bit far-fetched -- especially the part where their parents didn't even realize when they switched places. Most mothers can tell the difference in identical twins. I also thought that the couple fell in love much too quickly to believe, especially since the h couldn't stand the H at first.
Claire was kind of a shrew through a lot of the book. I get that she was worried about her brother, but that didn't excuse her behavior. She was just nasty to Ian most of the time, and he still fell in love with her? I found that hard to believe. I also found it difficult to believe she fell in love with him so quickly -- especially since she thought he was a different person, and one she didn't really like.
Ian was OK, but I didn't believe that he fell in love with Claire that quickly. He was definitely in lust, but the instalove was just too much.
There are numerous editing errors in the book, but the most glaring one was the changes in the twins appearance. In the beginning of the first book, the twins are described as having their father's dark hair and grey eyes -- but as adults, they have blond hair and blue eyes. That should have been corrected by an editor.
Finally, and this is a minor issue -- but it is a pet peeve of mine. The pictures on the book cover should match the description of the characters. Ian was described as blond with blue eyes -- but the guy on the cover has dark hair. This may not be the author's fault, but it bugs me.
This one gets 3 stars from me.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Claire was kind of a shrew through a lot of the book. I get that she was worried about her brother, but that didn't excuse her behavior. She was just nasty to Ian most of the time, and he still fell in love with her? I found that hard to believe. I also found it difficult to believe she fell in love with him so quickly -- especially since she thought he was a different person, and one she didn't really like.
Ian was OK, but I didn't believe that he fell in love with Claire that quickly. He was definitely in lust, but the instalove was just too much.
There are numerous editing errors in the book, but the most glaring one was the changes in the twins appearance. In the beginning of the first book, the twins are described as having their father's dark hair and grey eyes -- but as adults, they have blond hair and blue eyes. That should have been corrected by an editor.
Finally, and this is a minor issue -- but it is a pet peeve of mine. The pictures on the book cover should match the description of the characters. Ian was described as blond with blue eyes -- but the guy on the cover has dark hair. This may not be the author's fault, but it bugs me.
This one gets 3 stars from me.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
August 22, 2018
I had a lot of expectations of this novel. Many questions raised in its companion novel The Imposter’s Kiss, the twin stories of twins separated at birth, could not be answered without giving things away before Ian’s story was told. While it was satisfying to meet Ian in his own right, and not through the eyes of others, the rest was very frustrating, with much darker tones than Merrick’s story, so much that it felt contrived. The Merrick we meet through others in this novel is hugely different from the man we got to know in Kiss, that of a careless, cold prince, instead of the one who took total fiscal responsibility for Meridian, who worried for his father’s mental health, who thought of changes he intended when he’d govern, or even the little boy who confessed his fault to save Ryo. Ian spends so little time engaging his father, and what we see of his father is as despicable as the man in the prologue to Kiss. Ian is of course smitten as his brother is with someone not quite appropriate, but other than that we are told it is so, I just didn’t get it. I am not sure when the 15th century word sirrah fell out of use but it is an arrogant word of great condescension and disdain. Pretty sure that 1831 is too late, but regardless it is Claire’s favorite word. She is in a terrible life situation but to be so offensive to people didn’t endear her.
The villain from Kiss shows up near the end, an embezzler, arsonist and attempted murderer, but only as a plot device and to die heroically. Ian and Merrick’s father shows nothing redeemable except his impotent regret so that when he finally acts it was hard to care. The most intriguing relationships in the whole novel were Ian’s developing friendships with Ryo and Cameron, the private investigator. In the end the fact that there is not only a kingdom but an earldom’s future at stake is completely ignored. The end of Kiss is contradicted. Two hundred pages did this novel a disservice. Things that required careful deepening and developing were dealt with by skimming the surface in quick shorthand moments. And what I wanted most for an ending, Merrick and Ian being brothers and friends, never happened except as a short couple-sentence observation made by their mother.
The villain from Kiss shows up near the end, an embezzler, arsonist and attempted murderer, but only as a plot device and to die heroically. Ian and Merrick’s father shows nothing redeemable except his impotent regret so that when he finally acts it was hard to care. The most intriguing relationships in the whole novel were Ian’s developing friendships with Ryo and Cameron, the private investigator. In the end the fact that there is not only a kingdom but an earldom’s future at stake is completely ignored. The end of Kiss is contradicted. Two hundred pages did this novel a disservice. Things that required careful deepening and developing were dealt with by skimming the surface in quick shorthand moments. And what I wanted most for an ending, Merrick and Ian being brothers and friends, never happened except as a short couple-sentence observation made by their mother.
October 9, 2019
Thirty years ago, Julian Merrick Welbourne III the prince of a small European country promised to marry Lady Fiona Elizabeth MacEwen, daughter of a Scottish earl, and she bore him twins, but then he married someone else and he became a monster she didn’t recognize when he demanded the twins be separated after their birth. The second book in the Prince and the Imposter series we find the second of twins learning about his true heritage and find his true love. Ian is the son who was not privileged, who fought for every penny, every scrap and even resorted to robbery. Ian MacEwen finds himself at very center of the ton's marriage mart with his father forcing him to choose a bride who would be queen. Claire Wentworth’s world has changed from a privileged young lady to a poverty stricken family whose brother is deeply in debt. She’s slowly been selling off family heirlooms to make ends meet without anyone being the wiser about her circumstances. I love this story it’s filled with mystery, romance and a little intrigue to keep this a fast paced story. Claire finds herself involved in a royal mystery of epic portions as Ian and Claire navigate society and their growing feeling for each other. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
December 21, 2020
Perhaps I'm at a disadvantage because I didn't read the first book. Usually this type of series can be read out of order and I didn't pay enough attention. That said, I didn't care for the hero or the heroine. She was terribly arrogant for someone in need of so much help. I guess she was supposed to seem strong and self reliant but in my mind, she came off unpleasant. The plot was confusing, partly my fault because it was a continuation and partly because it was convoluted. I try not to read books out of order but it happens. Most of the time, I go back and read #1 as soon as I discover my error. This time, I simply can't be bothered.
February 11, 2023
Ian has turned to theft to feed his starving family but he doesn’t expect his latest victim to have his identical face. Having knocked the stranger out, he swops clothes with him, drops him out of the carriage and takes his place determined to find out the truth of his existence. More shocks are to follow when he discovers the identity of his father but his anger is dissipated by the allure of a young lady who he is convinced is a fellow thief. Lady Claire Wentworth’s brother is in serious trouble and Claire is at her wit’s end, the last thing she needs is a rude but handsome man, continuously getting in her path.
March 24, 2018
This 2nd book in the "Imposters" duet was MUCH better than the first book. In this one, Ian (the wild Scottish twin) has travelled to London to follow up on the papers he found in his twin's coat when he knocked him out during a bandit attack.
The characters in this book are interesting and the writing, the plot, move along very quickly. There are the requisite bad guys, a creepy lecher, a wicked/evil father, and things are settled at the end. This one is more like the Tanya Anne Crosby I've loved through the years.
The characters in this book are interesting and the writing, the plot, move along very quickly. There are the requisite bad guys, a creepy lecher, a wicked/evil father, and things are settled at the end. This one is more like the Tanya Anne Crosby I've loved through the years.
May 17, 2020
The second book in The Prince & the Impostor series a well written story that kept me turning pages. In this book Ian MacEwen takes his brother Merrick Welbourne's place and gets to live with his Father King Julian. Ian as Merrick meets Claire Wentworth who is trying to find her brother Ben who has disappeared. This story has suspense, lies, secrets, drama, danger, kidnapping, a villain, shooting, murder, romance, and maybe a second chance. I want to read the next book. I read a copy through K.U. and I am voluntarily reviewing.
December 1, 2019
This is the second book in the series and was just as enjoyable as the first! Ian had gone looking for answers and ended up finding a whole lot more! This adorable tale is full of deceptions of all kinds, mistaken identity, love, loyalty, and lost dreams. It was interesting seeing the story from the other side and getting to know the characters.
April 20, 2020
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!
The hero and heroine were adorable and I loved their story. They’re the only reason this is 3 stars instead of 1.
But the King/dad and the mom/his cast aside mistress? WHY IN GODS NAME DID SHE TAKE THAT SACK OF SHIT BACK? WTF NO!!! Noooooooo!!!!! God I’m going to be pissed about this for fucking days. DAYS I TELL YOU!! *flips a table*
The hero and heroine were adorable and I loved their story. They’re the only reason this is 3 stars instead of 1.
But the King/dad and the mom/his cast aside mistress? WHY IN GODS NAME DID SHE TAKE THAT SACK OF SHIT BACK? WTF NO!!! Noooooooo!!!!! God I’m going to be pissed about this for fucking days. DAYS I TELL YOU!! *flips a table*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2024
enjoyable read
This story had an interesting plot about a love gone wrong, twins separated as infants and how all of it comes to full circle after over 25 years. The intrigue adds to the story as it unravels along to reveal how all is brought back to what sho have been so many years ago. Add he two twins finding their hea along the way just adds to the story
This story had an interesting plot about a love gone wrong, twins separated as infants and how all of it comes to full circle after over 25 years. The intrigue adds to the story as it unravels along to reveal how all is brought back to what sho have been so many years ago. Add he two twins finding their hea along the way just adds to the story
January 5, 2021
A cute story..
Claire was strong yet nervous...for being alone to fight her battles..
Ian was good .
I believe the justice to characters and story was done much better in the first book..
Infact a proper reunion of the brothers was also missing...
Claire was strong yet nervous...for being alone to fight her battles..
Ian was good .
I believe the justice to characters and story was done much better in the first book..
Infact a proper reunion of the brothers was also missing...
February 6, 2021
Very good two book series
I thoroughly enjoyed getting both perspectives.
The revelations about bad choices that influence and affect so many people, how good and bad can mix in one person, how stupid traditions cause serious damage, all go into making a very good read
I thoroughly enjoyed getting both perspectives.
The revelations about bad choices that influence and affect so many people, how good and bad can mix in one person, how stupid traditions cause serious damage, all go into making a very good read
March 1, 2022
Loved the story! Also the happy ending
Love strong women as main characters. Glad that Julian and Fiona got back together. Great reading.Had to make myself put it down and do things that needed to be done.
Love strong women as main characters. Glad that Julian and Fiona got back together. Great reading.Had to make myself put it down and do things that needed to be done.
June 2, 2023
Crown for a Lady
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Tanya is a good story teller. The characters are engaging and entertaining. This series is one that you can fully Immerse yourself in.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Tanya is a good story teller. The characters are engaging and entertaining. This series is one that you can fully Immerse yourself in.
June 7, 2023
Another great love story with drama and mystery!!!
I love all of the books in this series. The characters become some familiar that you it is fun seeing them in each book! I love how it all came together!!!
I love all of the books in this series. The characters become some familiar that you it is fun seeing them in each book! I love how it all came together!!!
January 20, 2024
Required Headline
Not a bad story, it was entertaining. I don't quite understand the mindset of the elite. For thinking themselves so much better and brighter all they leave is a foul stench.
Not a bad story, it was entertaining. I don't quite understand the mindset of the elite. For thinking themselves so much better and brighter all they leave is a foul stench.
January 23, 2024
Some interesting twists
This book took me a while to finish. The chapters jumped around, and at one point, I had to check page numbers to make sure that I did not miss anything. Good premise, but it kept on starting new branches.
This book took me a while to finish. The chapters jumped around, and at one point, I had to check page numbers to make sure that I did not miss anything. Good premise, but it kept on starting new branches.
February 3, 2024
I have read several of Crosby's books, but this one was by far the best. It started out a tad slow but as I got into it, it had many twists and turns and I really enjoyed it. It was a real "feel good" story.
Read
February 6, 2024Loved this story!
The plot was totally different from anything I have read before. The characters were believable and the interactions between the H and h were lively. There were several villans, but all was right in the end.
The plot was totally different from anything I have read before. The characters were believable and the interactions between the H and h were lively. There were several villans, but all was right in the end.
May 26, 2020
My heart is happy
Delightful read! I loved this book as much as the first. Loved that all of my questions were answered by the end.
Delightful read! I loved this book as much as the first. Loved that all of my questions were answered by the end.
August 10, 2020
A Crown for a Lady
This book was full of everything I anticipate when I open the cover of a new read. The two main characters were fascinating and full of adventure.
This book was full of everything I anticipate when I open the cover of a new read. The two main characters were fascinating and full of adventure.
November 23, 2020
Good read
A Crown for a Lady is a good read about twins trading places, purely by accident. I did skip chapters because the mind dialogue bored me. Happy end.
A Crown for a Lady is a good read about twins trading places, purely by accident. I did skip chapters because the mind dialogue bored me. Happy end.
June 21, 2023
Fun read
This is an exciting and sometimes fun story. I'm happy Edward got what was coming to him. Excited to read third
This is an exciting and sometimes fun story. I'm happy Edward got what was coming to him. Excited to read third
January 24, 2024
Twist and turn
Many years of change and lies have nearly destroyed a family. Can it be restored 29 years later? Read to find out.
Many years of change and lies have nearly destroyed a family. Can it be restored 29 years later? Read to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews