Her Christmas Prince

by Mariah Stone

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

Her Christmas wish list didn’t include a Russian Prince. Perhaps it should have…

Lady Helen Courtney is on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted. The arranged marriage to her childhood crush is a dream come true. Finally she’ll have a family of her own and all the love she’s craved since she lost her parents. But when she arrives in St. Petersburg, her intended is nowhere to be found. His brother, however, is there—and he’s entirely too tempting for her peace of mind.

Prince Roman Lipov has always been the responsible brother—stoic, honorable, in control. Putting his own happiness above his duty to family and country was never an option. But Helen is gorgeous, independent, and everything he never knew he needed. Falling for her can only end in disaster. And yet…their connection is so visceral that he begins to wonder what it would be like to follow his heart instead of his logical mind for once—just once—in his life.

When Helen’s intended returns, can the lure of forbidden love and the promise of happily ever after triumph over duty? Or is Helen destined to lose her Christmas Prince once and for all?

Buy the book to fall into the arms of a Russian Prince today!

Previously published in the Once Upon a Christmas Wedding anthology

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Novella, Adult, Regency

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2019

About the author

When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!

Reviews

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphaned at a young age Lady Helen is sent by her aunt and uncle to marry the Russian Prince Alex!!

Alex has always been the spoiled younger brother who took everything away from his older brother Prince Roman!!

Roman soon realizes that he loves Helen an that he is the better brother for her to marry. Roman knows Alex is away with the ballet dancer Roman once loved!! So he proceeds to capture Helen's heart!!

This was a romantic sensuous quick read!! I really enjoyed it.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful story that will have you smiling and swooning:) The story takes place in Russia, mainly in St. Petersburg, and the description of the city in its winter glory is breathtaking.

Helen finds herself in Russia to marry her betrothed, a man she hasn't seen since she was a young girl but always had a crush on him. Unfortunately her betrothed is nowhere to be found so it's his brother, Prince Roman, who keeps her entertained by showing her the city and attending various events with her. Passions flare and kisses are shared even as they deny their feelings. When her betrothed suddenly returns, they all have decisions to make!

A well written story that will keep you enchanted from start to end.

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lori D]

A delightful story that takes the reader to St Petersburg, Russia where the heroine is to wed a Russian Prince she had know when she was younger. Actually Helen's cousin was to wed him but she ran off to marry for love and Helen decided to take her place.
Roman and Alex were totally different. Alex was the playboy and the one Helen was to marry and Roman the more serious.
When she arrives in Russia, she finds that Alex is away and she is left to spend time with Roman (my fav male name!)
Loved this story of love found when least expected, but all is not smooth and it is a rocky road to a happy ever after!

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tale of Two Princes👑👑.....

England, July 1802
This is a wonderfully written ADULT novella about Helen💃💋💔, born of noble parents but left an orphan at an early age. Her Uncle, an Earl, takes her in and provides for her but her life is empty and they don't want her there. She has always felt unwanted and unloved.

Roman🐺👑 and Alexander🐶👑, Two young teenage Russian princes, come to stay during the summers with the Earl's family in England and Helen💃💋💔 gets to know Alexander🐶👑, the younger one the most.

She doesn't realize he is an uncaring rake in the makng. The Earl betrothed her to Alexander🐶👑, and she makes her way to St Petersburg to be married👰 on Christmas eve.

Russia, Month of December 1813
However, Alexander🐶👑 is not there when Helen💃💋 arrives about December 1. Roman🐺👑 is there and he takes her sightseeing over the next month. But still, Alexander🐶👑 has not arrived.

Roman🐺👑 knows Alexander🐶👑 has been traveling with a ballet dancer all over Europe. His family is desperately trying to find him. Roman🐺👑 won't tell Helen💃💋 that Alexander🐶👑 is cheating on her.

Meanwhile, Roman🐺👑 and Helen💃💋 fall in love💘. Helen💃💋 feels bound to Alexander🐶👑, but is he even going to show up for his wedding👰?

Now what? This is a very emotional and very well written ADULT read. Recommend!

ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
This ebook was $2.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Russian Prince’s Bride by Mariah Stone was the touching, deeply romantic love story of Roman and Helen. Roman is one of the Russian ambassador’s two sons. She is an English girl slated to marry Roman’s brother, Alex. But, there’s more here than meets the eye. Roman starts to care deeply for her, while they await Alex’s return. The feelings are reciprocated. What will they do when Alex returns?

This was a lovely, endearing story of forbidden love!!! It was a touching, wonderful read!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cliché and not super memorable, but if you approach it like a lukewarm Hallmark Christmas movie it’s decently cute.

This had the bones of what could’ve been a great story, but it felt like a first draft. It needed more meat to it - especially the circumstances of Helen’s upbringing and the angst between the two brothers.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful, captivating, and well written romance set in St Petersburg, Russia. An enchanting passion begins as much as feelings are pushed to the side. It doesn't make a difference. A heartwarming and beautiful love evolved despite some obstacles. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Twenty-seven interesting, entertaining and fun stories all with happy ever after endings and with one common theme ... Its almost Christmas and time for romance.
I read stories by some of my most favorite authors and then was also introduced to some others for the first time. This is a nicely put-together box set and though it is not Christmastime, I would still recommend it as readable at any time of the year.
These are the stories in the boxset:
Hell's Wedding Bells, Annabelle Anders
Two Lady Scoundrels and a Duke, Tessa Candle
A Wicked Wedding, Laura Trentham
The Lady's Guide to Mistletoe and Mayham, Emmanuelle de Maupassant
The Russian Betrothal, Elsa Holland
Beautifully Reckless, Virginia Taylor
The Mistletoe Mistress, Maddison Michaels
Deeds not Words, Ashe Barker
Holly and the Beast, Annabel Joseph
The Winter Bride, Emma V. Leech
Mistletoe Kisses, Elise Marion
The Christmas Countess, K.J. Jackson
Mischief and Mistletoe, Stacy Reid
Kidnapped with the Knight, Emily Murdoch
The Russian Prince's Bride, Mariah Stone
Christmas Charity, Beverley Oakley
The Angel of an Astronomer, Linda Rae Sande
Wassail, Wagers and Weddings, S. Cinders
Highland Yule, Sky Purington
Marrying Miss Bright, Dayna Quince
Kiss Me, Macrae, Amy Sandas
Holly and Old Lace, Vanessa Brooks
Home for Christmas, Celeste Jones
A Spinster at the Highland Court, Celeste Barclay
The Holiday Hussy, Merry Farmer
December Debauchery, Em Brown
Wedded in Winter, Scarlett Scott

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Swept Away to Czarist St. Petersburg

I had read this author's Viking time-travel romance series and enjoyed it very much. But I had read none of her traditional historical romances until this one. Just like the other series, I found this to be a great read.

The prologue takes place in England ten years before the bulk of the book. In it, we meet two Russian princes (the Russian equivalent of dukes)--sons of the Russian ambassador to England—fighting over a precious black pearl necklace that the older one intends to give to a ballerina hoping to curry favor with the popular woman. Things get heated and escalate quickly, to the point where the older brother is holding a knife to his younger brother's throat after he crushed the pearls under his heel. Our heroine, as a young teen, is horrified. The older brother stalks off, but not before making a hurtful comment that will impact the heroine’s self-image for years to come.

Ten years later, the heroine arrives in St. Petersburg, Russia, as the younger brother’s betrothed. But she has a surprise in store for her; her betrothed has disappeared, though the family is trying to locate him. Their wedding date is set, so the heroine rightly fears what will happen if he doesn't show up by then. But she still finds the older brother dark and moody; she wonders if he still finds her to be the “little mouse” that wouldn't be loved, as he said in his parting shot ten years earlier. But, of course, he is actually our hero, and he is now flabbergasted by the change in her. He is drawn to her beauty and her sense of wonder about all the new things she sees and experiences in Russia. As his parents want to keep her entertained and keep bad thoughts of her wayward betrothed from her mind, they set up a variety of experiences for the couple. These, of course, help build the attraction between them, though both feel so wrong about it. For a good while, she doesn't have a clue that his opinion of her has changed, despite some conflicting things he says, does, and exhibits. How will this work out for them? You'll have to read it and see!

I thought the author did a fantastic job describing St. Petersburg. I agreed with the awe that the heroine felt as I was so able to imagine the scene. The author made it feel real and alive. I also thought the description of other cultural aspects was excellent; the author did a lot of research. You couldn't help but feel for the poor heroine, a kind-hearted orphan taken in by wealthy relatives who has her world upended just by choosing to go to Russia (in her cousin’s stead, as she found a love match in England; the cousin was originally betrothed to the younger brother) to only then find out about her betrothed’s disappearance. Another well-done book by this author, and if you enjoy historical romance, you may very well enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Christmas wish list didn’t include a Russian Prince. Perhaps it should have…
Lady Helen Courtney is on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted. The arranged marriage to her childhood crush is a dream come true. Finally she’ll have a family of her own and all the love she’s craved since she lost her parents. But when she arrives in St. Petersburg, her intended is nowhere to be found. His brother, however, is there—and he’s entirely too tempting for her peace of mind.
Prince Roman Lipov has always been the responsible brother—stoic, honorable, in control. Putting his own happiness above his duty to family and country was never an option. But Helen is gorgeous, independent, and everything he never knew he needed. Falling for her can only end in disaster. And yet…their connection is so visceral that he begins to wonder what it would be like to follow his heart instead of his logical mind for once—just once—in his life.
When Helen’s intended returns, can the lure of forbidden love and the promise of happily ever after triumph over duty? Or is Helen destined to lose her Christmas Prince once and for all?

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Roman Lipov had always been the responsible brother, but at 18 when he visited his family who was still in England, his younger brother Alex grabbed a valuable pearl necklace. When told it was for a dancer Roman liked, Alex told him that would be impossible since their parents would never approve. When Roman insisted on getting the pearls back, Alex dropped them on the floor and crushed them. Roman grabbed the dagger Alex had previously held when he dangled the pearl necklace from the blade, tackled him to the ground, and held the dagger to his throat until 13-year-old Helen let out a scream. He gave the dagger to Helen, telling her to use it to cut out her heart because no one, not even Alex, would ever love an invisible little mouse like she was.

Lady Helen Courtney travels to St. Petersburg to marry the man she hasn't seen since she was a young girl. To her dismay, her fiancé was not there. His older brother, Prince Roman Lipov, always in control and always putting duty to country and family first, takes it upon himself to show her around and attend events with her while they look for the missing Alex. But as they stay in each other’s company, passions flare as they begin to fall in love. By the time Alex returns, the three of them will have to have an honest talk and made some possibly difficult decisions. Will Helen marry the man she now loves? Or will she return home with neither man?

[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mariah Stone puts her pen to paper and something magical happens! I've never been disappointed in any of Mariah Stone's books. She weaves fascinating stories around amazing, multi- dimensional characters you can't help but fall in love with or some you love to hate. This one is no different.

“The Russian Prince’s Bride” Is a beautiful love story of a young English bride traveling to Russia to marry young prince, but Helen finds her self falling in love with his brother. What's a girl to do when she finds her self in this dilemma?

You'll love the witty dialogue and the character interactions. Her imagery and descriptions bring the story to life beautifully. Mariah has the most lovely way of transporting the reader to another time and place.

Thank you so much Mariah for sharing this beautiful and delightful love story.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by Ms. Stone and the story had me captivated right from the start. This is a really delightful romance you do not want to miss out on. The plot was interesting and the story flowed nicely. The story takes place in Russia. Ms. Stone's descriptions are so vivid that you really get a feel for the surroundings, the feelings of the characters, and what's happening in the scene. The storyline caught my attention from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. Just the right mix of intrigue and romance. The characters were great and worked well together. Plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. It was an incredibly entertaining and endearing story of forbidden love. A very touching story and I hope you give it a try!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Christmas prince.
Looking forward to your dream wedding to your dream man and then he is nowhere to be found would be rather hard to take. That is what Lady Helen Courtney faces when she reaches St. Petersburg. Now on the other hand Prince Roman Lipov the brother of her betrothed is there he is the one who is always in control and always putting duty to his country and family first. Will they come together or will Helen return home unmarried with a broken heart? It was a beautiful tale and I loved it. I loved it when Alex and Roman were together talking to Helen in chapter 16 it was cute. I hope you check this one out it was so worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Linda Maidani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story with great characters, romance and intrigue. Helen was an orphan who was raised by her aunt and uncle One of her cousins was betrothed to the younger son of a Russian diplomat prince. Then the Russians were forced to leave England due to the war. eight years later she has agreed to take her cousin's place to marry the Russian prince since her cousin wed someone else. When she gets to Russia her fiance is not there and they are trying to find him all over Europe. In the meantime his older brother takes her around and they fall for each other, but there is lots of intrigue. The ending was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janis Lauzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to marry a Russian Prince, Helen arrives in St. Petersburg from England only yo find her fiance has disappeared! His stern brother is relegated to the task of accompanying Helen to the many soiree and balls while searching for his wayward brother. Helen and Roman have known each other since childhood, but a careless remark by Roman as a young boy still haunts Helen. Helen is terrified of having to return to England unwed and unwanted by family. Roman is angry over the mess his brother has caused. But as they are thrown together, what was hard feelings begin to turn into something deeper. What will happen if her fiance turns up? Can or should she still marry him? A short read but it was very enjoyable. It doesn't disappoint. A real little gem.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen is on the way to having her dreams come true. She's ready to marry the man she had a crush on as a child but when she arrives in Russia, he isn't around and his older brother Roman is. Roman knows where his brother is and tries to protect Helen and entertain her until the reluctant husband to be arrives. But Helen is everything Roman wants but can't have and Helen just wants a family and she'd prefer it with Roman but she gave her word.

Characters with a lot of depth and a series of misunderstandings and wrong interpretations keep these three, Helen and the brothers Roman and Alex from finding the right path. All three learn new things about themselves and each other in this story about love and hope and happiness

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Helen, an English orphan, has been promised in marriage to Prince Alex for years. Now that she had arrived in Russia prior to her Christmas Eve wedding, he's not there. She is not aware that he is running around Europe with his lover. Prince Roman, his older more responsible brother, takes it upon himself to keep Helen busy and her mind off her missing, playboy fiancé. There is intense chemistry between these two, but being the dutiful people they are, neither act on that, for the most part. The book is well written, compelling, Roman and Helen are great characters, and we love a HEA. Well done
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise riemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook as a ARC for my honest opinion,I love the authors writing as the books are pleasurable experience.This is a short story about Prince Roman,of Russia and his brother Alex, also Helen and her sister Lily of England. Alex and Lily are a couple but Lily falls in love with someone else.When Prince Roman and Alex go back to Russia,Lily breaks Alex heart,so Helen goes to Russia in Kilts place but Alex is missing.Roman is surprised to see the change in Helen,and He escorts her around Russia, I enjoyed reading about how things developed between these two people. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

[Ingrid Fountaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true talent for spinning tales

WOW! I wasn’t sure if I would like this book as much as I loved Mariah’s Viking series, but from the very first page it drew me in! Mariah’s characters are tangible and relatable; and their emotions soon filter into you as if you are experiencing their feelings. Roman and Helens story is all about love and how that love grows to encompass all the people around them. Mariah s use of visual and emotional imagery really made me feel as if I wandered into St. Petersburg beautiful buildings at wintertime drinking vodka and eating caviar! And, again, she’s left me hungry for more tales - Mariah?

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Helen is sent to Russia to marry Alex in her cousin stead. Alex is not there and must be found and brought back before the wedding. Alex’s brother Roman is tasked with introducing her to society while they frantically search for Alex. This is a quick delightful story full of strong emotions and complex relationships. The scenic descriptions are so magnificent that you can almost see your breath and feel the snow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid reader and love all kinds of books but historical novels steal my heart the most. I don't remember ever reading a novel set in romantic Russia. So beautiful the writer described the St Petersburg of the 19th in winter time, great. The story is a sweet novel by a modest young woman who travels to Russia to get married and finds herself in love with her fiancé's brother. This novel is significantly different from previous books by Mariah Stone, but still one you want to read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawn Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Roman had been hurt by his brother alex and has stood for duty while his brother has became a playboy when his brother intended comes to marry Alex is no where to be found so Roman shows her around until Alex Is found he ends up fall for Alex's bride. When Alex show up he move aside for Alex but Alex's intended can't go through with a loves marriage ad packs up to go back to England Alex realize she is in love with another an does the right thing

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Helen has traveled to St. Petersburg to marry her betrothed Prince Alex only he isn’t there. His older brother Prince Roman is there and takes her to the various events while searching for Alex. The more time Helen and Roman spend together the more their attraction for each other grows. What happens when Alex returns? Will she be a Russian Prince’s bride or will she leave brokenhearted after all? I enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Falling for her can only end in disaster." Helen had gotten to know the younger of the two princes; her betrothed. But, when she arrives for her marriage, Alexander is nowhere to be found, but Roman is. Roman has been all about duty. All of his life. Is it time to think of his happiness? Is Helen his forever happiness? What of Alexander!

Ms. Stone always writes stories that are emotional and make me feel good!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Barbara Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet read!

The Russian Prince’s Bride is an easy, pleasant read. The story centers around Helen and Prince Roman. They are dutiful, honor-bound, strong characters with painful childhoods and fragile hearts. During the time they spend in each other’s company, they piece together a relationship of respect, joy, comfort and caring that eventually leads to love, passion, and their wedding.

I found a number of grammatical errors that were missed during editing. However, I still enjoyed the story and recommend it to you! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen first meets her intended as a young girl and he doesn’t even notice her, she developes a crush. When she actually becomes engaged to him she looks forward to seeing him again. However, when she arrives in Russia he’s nowhere to be found and she is instead met by his older brother. As they spend more time in each other’s company they are drawn together, now decisions have to be made. Which brother will she choose?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. From the prologue I was drawn in by the totally cruel exchange between the brothers and shocked by Roman's words to Helen. Finding out more about each character and seeing their story unfold brings it all into focus. In a relatively short time you come to know and care for them. Couldn't put this one down until I finished it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful romantic tale. The prequel really sets the tone to Roman and Alex’s brotherly relationship.
Prince Roman and Helen are thrust into each other’s company whilst they wait for her fiancé Alex to return. The more they see of each other, the more attraction they feel. Will Alex return? Will Helen forgive him? Can Roman live without Helen? All these questions are beautifully answered in this well-written tale. I loved Helen’s comments to Alex and enjoyed the final chapters. This is a lovely read.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book my first thought that Helene was going to be a weak character but I was pleasantly surprised by her back that showed well in this story.

I will just say this about the brothers, the parents have a lot to answer for in their treatment of their sons.

I will not give any spoilers so read this book to find out about their lives.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.