Never Pursue a Prince

Fortune's Brides: The Wedding Vow #1

by Regina Scott

Lady Larissa, oldest daughter of the Duke of Wey, has one goal: find suitable husbands for her two younger sisters and best friend so they may live happily ever after. Despite their attempts at matchmaking for her, she’s all but given up on finding her own groom, a gentleman good enough to meet her late mother’s and grandmother’s expectations. She has a hard enough time meeting those expectations for poise, propriety, and perfection. But a chance encounter brings the most marvelous gentleman to her attention. A shame he is merely a captain of the Imperial Guard of Batavaria and in no way the suitable husband for the daughter of a duke.

Prince Otto Leopold Augustus of Batavaria has one goal: to win back his country from those who ousted his family. But someone seems intent on stopping him, for danger stalks the corridors of their palace in England. So why not trade places with his identical twin brother, the leader of the Imperial Guard? Leo might just uncover their enemies before someone is hurt. And having an ally in the thoroughly proper and pretty duke’s daughter can only help.

The more Larissa and Leo are thrown together, the more secrets come to light and the more their attraction grows. Would the daughter of a duke dare to throw off propriety, if it means winning the heart of the most princely of men?

If you like warm, witty historical romances, with a touch of intrigue, then you’ll love this series starter by an award-winning author.

“Regina Scott is a first-rate storyteller who knows what her readers want in their romances.” Huntress Reviews

Start pursuing your prince, today.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency, Clean Romance

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2022

About the author

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This was a fun, clean read. I don’t have too much to say about it, really. I liked both main characters and the hidden identity trope. (Yay for her not over reacting like so many others do!) I’m not sure how she didn’t figure out they were twins though? They look almost the same and were apart of a battle together when they were both seventeen. Details, smetails 🤷🏻‍♀️ *shrugs*

I didn't read the connecting books in a prior series, but I was able to follow along with who is who by about a quarter of the way in; the main problem I had was there so many of the characters who had nicknames or titles, so it took me a while to keep them straight.

I will probably read the next book since it's about her sister and has the fake engagement trope. :)

A couple of his lines were a little cheesy/obviously written by a woman, but it was still overall cute and clean.

Content-
Spiritual- A man says he has learned to be content in all things ("a sound practice, recorded in the Holy Book. I recommend it."); Mentions of going to church & services; A couple mentions of praying; A mention of praying that someone is right; A mention of a man looking to the ceiling "as if invoking Heaven's aid".

Negative- an 'idiot'; A bit of eye rolling; An attack & fighting (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of battles/wars, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of an attack, fighting, injuries, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Mentions of thieves, a theft, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of blackmail; A couple mentions of a prison; A mention of a man being bothered by others like "crows on a carcass"; A mention of a mother & baby who passed away in child birth.

Sexual- Four palm/hand kisses (one from a married couple, both barely-above-not-detailed), three barely-above-not-detailed kisses (one from a married couple), and three semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss someone (Leo to Larissa, it says that "a need was building inside of him, impossible to ignore and equally impossible to meet. He couldn't very well do as he wished and kiss her with her sisters a few feet away, watching his every move"); Touches, Dancing, & Warmth (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing, Staring, Nearness, & Smelling; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of chaperones; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of flirting; A mention of Leo staring at Larissa as "if he was starving and she was a nice leg of mutton"; A mention of a woman's curves in a dress (Leo to Larissa); A mention of a woman's figure (by another woman, not sexual).

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Regina Scott for the advanced copy of the e-book. All opinions expressed in this review are all my own and not affected by the giveaway.

Lady Larissa Dreyden, eldest daughter of the Duke of Wey, her little sisters Lady Calantha and Lady Belle and their friend Petunia Bateman have made a vow to marry before the fall harvest. After a delayed comeout and three Seasons, Larissa is no closer to finding the prince she insisted she would marry. It was a silly vow, made when she was younger but her sisters and friend won't let it go. Hence the reason they are attending a reception to meet the King of Batavaria and unmarried sons, Crown Prince Otto and Frederic Archambault. As she waits in line to meet the foreign royals, Larissa meets a charming, handsome Batavarian guardsman. He entertains Larissa with an anecdote about the king but then his behavior changes and he whisks Larissa into a dark corner! The guardsman insists there was danger afoot and sends Larissa for help. When she finally meets the king and his son, Crown Prince Otto, she's dismayed to see her guardsman lied to her. He's actually the crown prince. She's furious and cold to the prince. Crown Prince Otto Leopold Augustus, Leo to his friends, has his reasons for the deception. His brother, Fitz, the actual Captain of the Guards, fears for Leo's safety and feels he can better handle a threat by switching places. Leo relishes the chance to do something worthwhile for a change. He's captivated by the lovely Lady Larissa and refuses to believe his brother's suspicions that the Duke of Wey's family may be enemies of the Batavarian court. He'll just have to call on the ladies to get to know them better to make sure... Soon the threat to the Batavarian crown becomes all too real and Leo must trust Larissa and her sisters to help him figure out who is behind the threats. As they work together, they come to know one another better but what will she do when she finds out he lied? What does he have to offer without a country, a home, an income? First he must uncover the dangerous enemy and win back his family's land before he can think of marriage. However, if he is successful in earning the sympathy of King George and regains his country, he will have to do his duty and marry according to his station. What is he going to do about his feelings for Larissa when and if it comes to that?

This is another winner from Regina Scott! I loved her early Regencies, I really liked her Fortune's Brides series and was eager to stay with the characters and see what happens to the young girls as they grow up. The plot has everything worthy of a Hallmark mystery movie. There is intrigue and romance aplenty to please any traditional Regency romance lover. It's not at the level of Georgette Heyer of course but if you like the old school style of Regency romance Heyer's copycats in the 70s-early 2000s published by the dozens under Signet and Zebra's Regency romance lines then you will enjoy this one too. The romance is naturally predictable but that's not why we read them is it? We read them for the journey and this journey was what I needed at the moment. I loved the intrigue and just when it was time to shut down my computer for the night, it got exciting. I was good and shut down until the next day. I was dismayed by the ending and can't wait for the next one!

When I read Never Doubt a Duke I did not care for the 10-year-old Larissa. She was haughty, snooty and rude to Jane. Now she's a young adult she's better able to express her thoughts and the reader gets to know her better. She's far more empathetic at 23 than 10. At 10 she merely echoed what she had been taught by her mother and grandmother. At 23 she's old enough to think for herself. She's confused because she feels she must live up to the expectations her mother and grandmother had for her, especially since they're both gone. As the daughter of a Duke, Larissa's mother married a Duke and nothing less than that would do for her daughter. When Jane arrived, she brought a different way of thinking and brought the love and light into their lives. (a la Maria Von Trapp-cue "Edleweiss") Wirh adulthood and the age of reason, Larissa is torn between duty and a longing for happiness. Can both be accomplished if she marries a prince? So far, the answer is no. She also feels pressure to look after her little sisters, especially Callie. That's a lot of weight on her shoulders and I completely understand how it feels to be the oldest and have all the expectations placed on your shoulders. Larissa grows and matures as the story goes on. She gains self-confidence and learns when and how to use her father's title as a weapon. She uses it to deflect unwanted attention and to gain attention. I liked watching her change personalities when she needed to but she's not a good actress! If she's going to stay involved in intrigue she better learn some new skills.

Larissa's relationship with her sisters and their friend Tuny is heartwarming. Callie and Belle were so young when their mother died they don't even remember her. To Callie and Belle Jane is their mother. They don't feel the weight of expectations Larissa feels which is a good thing because Callie is a shy introvert. She loves to read, hates large crowds of people, prefers staying home to going out, is a champion of animals and is very observant. I think we could be best friends since we're pretty much the same person. Callie is socially awkward and dreams more of books than romance. She still has the adorable habit of blurting out whatever comes into her head, usually when she's nervous. I can relate to that too LOL! Belle is now the awful sister. She's flirtatious and all she thinks about is marriage. She's young, 18, and hasn't yet had the benefit of more than one Season to give her wisdom. Tuny is more like a companion than a sister. No one pays any attention to her other than Larissa, Callie and Belle. She doesn't even go with them everywhere. She seems content with that and understands her place. She's a good friend and offers wise advice. How heartbreaking that she likes a man who doesn't return her regard. Tuny deserves happiness after all she's been through. I can't wait to find out what happened to her stepmother and how Tuny fared living with her brother and Charlotte and their daughters after Ivy married. I loved it when she threatened a prince with her brother! (Never Kneel to a Knight)

Meredith and Fortune are still around, chaperoning the Duke of Wey's daughters. Alaric and Jane are in the country with their eldest son who is sickly and trust Meredith with the girls. There are still some who don't accept Meredith but she is just as cool and haughty as ever. Fortune is getting older (how old IS she after 13 years? The Dowager Duchess of Wey has died but not the cat?) and still discerning. She's a little more fussy now she's old and doesn't have the patience for nonsense. In this novel we see her do something she's never done before! How shocking! Julian plays a larger role in this novel. He's less of a jerk since he ditched his boss and chose Meredith. He's tough like his old boss but not rude. Julian is willing to help the Batavarian royals because Fortune and Larissa want him to. Fortune's tail is law! Jane and Alaric show up towards the end. She's great! Watching her grill Larissa's suitor was so much fun! She's still not very ducal and admits she hasn't yet got the hang of being a Duchess but no one cares. She's refreshing and fun. Alaric is a loving father now and wants his girls to be happy just as he and Jane are. New to the family since we last saw them is Thal, eldest son of Jane and the Duke of Wey. He's a typical schoolboy and a good ally for his sisters. We haven't yet met Peter, the youngest child, who is only 8. Other characters from the Fortune's Brides series have cameos and those who aren't here are mentioned by name.

Newcomers to the series and to England are the Batavarian royals. King Frederick of Batavaria was the big loser at the Congress of Vienna. His kingdom was swallowed up by Würtemburg and he wants it back. Determined to gain the ear of King George, he will use any means within his power. He's arrogant and not a very good father. Only the eldest son can be named prince and therefore, the youngest must work for a living. Leo, the crown prince, is masquerading as the captain of the guard for his own safety. He's bored with diplomacy and talk, talk, talk all the time. He's eager for some action but gets more than he bargained for on this trip. He also meets an intriguing daughter of a duke who seems to take his brother into aversion! Leo is a sweetheart. He's devoted to his family and his kingdom. He truly wants to help the people and isn't motivated by power and prestige. He's kind and caring with Larissa and her sisters. Leo even treats Tuny well. I liked watching him investigate with Larissa. He respects her knowledge and allows her to take the lead role in their investigations because he knows she knows more about the social life of London than he does. He doesn't go all arrogant prince on her and insist on being in command. Nor does he feel like he has to fall on his sword for her. He grows and changes throughout the story as Larissa does. His only fault is ... he's lying and that I can't countenance. I hate stories based on deception even if it's for a noble cause. It's a good thing he's such a nice person otherwise or I wouldn't have enjoyed this story as much as I did. I would have liked more talking to Larissa about the problem and more fallout. Not drama, but just more discussion. Maybe off page? Fritz is the dark to Leo's light. Fritz, as a guard, is suspicious of everyone but seems especially suspicious of Larissa. Why is that? Could it be because she repeatedly snubs him? He's an arrogant jerk who thinks he's God's gift and Larissa sees right through it. He might even be behind some of the mysterious events happening around the Batavarian royals. Callie, usually so observant, seems to see a different side of him. He does support the RSPCA so maybe he's not so bad after all?

At the end there is a preview of Callie's story and I am dying to read it NOW! I highly recommend this new series to traditional Regency romance lovers.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always fun to go back and revisit characters from previous books and series, and Scott does that with characters we met before in Never Doubt a Duke. This new series picks up with the children of that duke, all grown up and navigating the pitfalls of life and love.

This book does a neat job of turning some of the expectations on their heads, most notably with the crown prince of Batavaria, who longs for someone to appreciate him for himself, rather than his position or title. And Larissa feeling duty-bound to see to her sisters’ welfare is a bit of a departure, too, in that money isn’t the concern, but true, lasting feeling.

That is not to say that there isn’t plenty of Regency etiquette to be had here, and I loved how the author deftly negotiates the line between a strong heroine and a woman who would have been ostracized from polite society. It’s believable, and Larissa’s struggle with how a “lady” should behave often conflicts with how a woman protecting those she loves is sometimes forced to act.

There are many clever nods to Austen, as well. Different “truths universally acknowledged” are brought out, as is sisterly affection. There were many times this book had me laughing out loud by comparing its characters to those in Scotch novels, as well as beautiful moments where those same characters realize they aren’t responsible for the happiness or protection of those around them, that they deserve a say in their own lives, too.

I always expect to enjoy a book by this author, but this particular novel even surpassed my expectations. The romance is beautiful, there’s plenty of humor to lighten some of the darker moments, and the themes of duty and family are universal, even almost two hundred years beyond the setting of this story. I highly recommend it!

I received a review copy of this book from the author, but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Regina Scott's stories so much! She sure does a Regency novel well! Here she begins a new series and I can't wait for the next one! She has such a wonderful way of capturing the time period and creating such great characters. I recommend her work!

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and is a delightful story! This series, Fortune’s Brides: The Wedding Vow, is related to the author’s Fortune’s Brides series. Some of the girls from the original books are now grown and it was fun to see them as young ladies. However, readers will be able to enjoy this book even if they haven’t read any books from the earlier series.

I really liked Larissa and Leo and the attraction that began to build between them. I liked watching as Larissa learned to value the love she felt toward Leo instead of worrying about what position he held, which she believed was captain of the guard. And for Leo, even though it was hard to not tell Larissa who he truly was, how wonderful it was for him to know that she loved him for himself rather than for his title as prince.

I enjoyed this story from start to finish and am happy that it is just the beginning of this fun series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by Regina Scott

I loved the Fortune's Brides series and was delighted to see that author Regina Scott is writing a new one that includes Fortune, Meredith, and Julian. Never Pursue a Prince is the first one and it did not disappoint!

Trained by her grandmother and mother to follow rules of conduct becoming a duchess, Lady Larissa lived by them faithfully. I loved how she continually reminded herself of the various rules when needed. And loved, even more, watching her realize that life is so much more than meeting the expectations of others!

The characters were delightful and the storyline was an interesting blend of romance and mystery. I was quite surprised to discover the identity of the thief. What thief? you might ask. Well, I'll just suggest you read the story to find out.

While most of the loose ends were tied up, a few remain (intentionally) to be addressed in the next book of the series, Never Court a Count, which releases mid-February 2022.

I appreciated the subtle mention of characters and events from the previous series allowing this one to stand alone. If I had not already read the other, I might not have realized it existed. However, having read the Fortune's Brides series, I highly recommend you read those and then follow along in the new adventures in The Wedding Vow series.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regina Scott knows how to craft a Regency romance worthy of fluttering fans and contented sighs. There is also a bit of mystery involved as the Prince of Batavaria Leo and duke’s daughter Larissa attempt to find the stolen Crown Jewels of Batavaria. Blossoming romance within the prim and proper English upper crust, mistaken identities amongst the royalty, and dashes of danger make this book a fun adventure. It seems that the book is a continuation from the author’s previous series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. If you’re looking for a good Regency read, this book will surely satisfy.

I received the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience reading a Regina Scott book and lets just say I fell in love with her storytelling. Never Pursue a Prince is a Regency full of the magic of love, the tension of the season and all the intrigue one could want as Lady Larissa finds herself wrapped up in the mystery of all that follows the Batavarian royal family.

Regina Scott's world building is so well done. For those who have read her books before you will find characters from her Fortune's Brides series wrapped throughout. Where this was my first read of her books this did not take away from my reading experience, though I'll definitely be going back and reading that series as well. I am fascinated by the characters throughout this book and can't wait to learn more about them all throughout the series. The relationship between Larissa and her sisters and best friend is such a sweet and endearing one that has you rooting for them all to suceed in their dreams and I loved how the ladies backed Larissa up in every way and rooted for her to find her own love as well. Their friendship is strong and gives them all the courage to face the not so nice society, and solve any problem that is placed before them.

You can tell Larissa has come a long way in growing up, yet she still has a long way to go at the start of the story and as life throws a few obstacles her way you can see character development that keeps you invested in the story. Especially when she finds herself with Batavarian royal family.

Leo's place in the royal family comes into question throughout the story. Despite what Larissa has been taught from a young age she falls for him despite the title she finds he wears. And how could she not when Leo is down to earth, kind to everyone, intelligent and found to be accepted into the group by Fortune. It all seems to be as it should. Or is it really? Are titles important and all that?

This was an exciting start as book one in the Wedding Vow series and I am very excited to see how the rest of the ladies find love in the throngs of society that aren't as kind as they should be. These ladies shine though, brighter than jewels so I know their love stories will be just as enjoyable as Larissa's was. If you enjoy Regency with all the romance and intrigue one could want start this new series from Regina Scott today! Larissa and Leo's story is one you won't want to miss.

*I received a complimentary copy from publishers, publicists, and/or author(s). A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut book for a Regency Romance series by Regina Scott. It was a delightful read filled with Regency characters, tantalizing heroes, romance, along with a hint of suspense and a twist of characters. Four sisters each need to find a husband during the season, and they have all made a promise to each other that they will do this. The two older sisters have each been out for 3 seasons with no connections, and the two youngest are just beginning the hunt. Even though they are daughters of a duke, they each have their idiosycracies which tend to scare future husbands of rank away.

Great beginning to a Regency romp that should be interesting as each of the girls hunts for the perfect husband.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Larissa and her sisters as well as Leo and his brother were great characters. I didn't like all the subterfuge and lying, but understood why it was done. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, which I think is going to be about Fritz and Callie.

This story features some from previous books, but it's not necessary to have read them to enjoy this book.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars!

I enjoy it when an an author I read makes a new series that follows a previous one. This book is just like that! This first book in “The WedVow” series follows the daughters and their friend from one of the successful matches in the “ Fortune’s Brides” series.

I enjoyed the first series very much and this book did not disappoint as it follows the same feel as the heroes and heroines find themselves and their romance in spite of the challenges that face them. There is also a mystery that is being solved along the way.

If you enjoy a clean romance with mystery and humor, this book and this author is one I recommend reading.

I received a ARC copy of this book and all comments are mine.

[Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Regency Romance and new Series!
This series starts with the story of Lady Larissa, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Wey, who had his own story in the first book of Fortune’s Brides Series. You could say this is the continuation of this series, but with the Duke of Wey’s daughters, just ten years later. I have to say, Larissa is very likeable as a grown woman. If you read Never doubt a Duke, you’ll remember her a bit immature and snobbish as a young girl.
In this story, Lady Larissa is the eldest sister and feels the responsibility of procuring them a good match for their marriage, and also with her best friend. Her sisters want to help her too, but she has given up on finding her prince charming. She’s just not good enough at everything society expects from the daughter of a Duke. She has a chance meeting at a ball with the most handsome and charming man, but it’s a shame he’s just a Captain of the Imperial Guard.
Prince Otto Leopold Augustus of Batavaria wants to regain the throne for his family, who were thrown away from their rightful place in the most unfair manner. But to do that, he needs to hide his identity, so why not trade places with his identical twin brother who is leader of the Imperial Guard? When he unexpectedly meets Lady Larissa, he is charmed by her ingenuity and straightforwardness. More than that, he’s intrigued. But danger lurks on every corner, especially in the traveling court of the King of Batavaria. As life continues to throw them together, their feelings deepen, and now Larissa may be in danger too. Can Prince Otto be able to protect her and regain the crown for his family?
This was a wonderful Regency Romance full of everything I love: sweet romance, intrigue, danger, adventure and great lovable characters! The plot was engaging and it had twists and turns that kept my attention and wondering what would happen next!
The romance was sweet and clean! I love Royal Romances and Regency, so here it was all in one! I definitely recommend this story and new series! Can’t wait to read Callie’s story next!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fluffy regency confection that is fluffier than most. It feels like a Disney production. We’re talking petite belles with ‘dainty feet’, a prince who wears his heart on his sleeve, and a trio of sisters (and a bestie) who are all each other’s best friends. They're surrounded by a bevy of regency romance stereotypes (eg a stepmother who was the governess) who were the heroines/heros in previous books.

Everything is just slightly overdrawn to heighten the reader’s sentiments. It might work for some readers, but it was too much for me.

I actually liked Leo, and I smiled at the cat antics (who am I to resist the charms of a match-making feline?) But Larissa’s character felt under-developed and overall, the couple just didn’t seem to have very convincing chemistry. There’s also the concerning fact that Leo proposes without disclosing some pretty crucial information about his situation which anyone considering a life partner needs to know.

And I really wish there wasn’t so much anachronistic behaviour (eg multiple kissing in public scenes). The point (and the charm) of a regency setting is people having to navigate those social constraints; take away the constraints and you lose the charm.

So, this is a very fluffy escape read, for those who have a really, really sweet tooth!

[John Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larissa Dryden always thought one day her prince would come. However, it only takes a few minutes with Crown Prince Leo of Batavaria, for Larissa to realize Leo is not the prince of her dreams. Instead, it is Captain Frederick Archambault of the Batavarian Imperial Guards, who captures Larissa’s romantic fancy. What Larissa doesn’t know is that Prince Leo often switches places with his twin brother Frederick as part of his plan to ferret out the danger he believes threatens the Batavarian royal family. But can Leo convince Larissa that she can have the captain she is falling for and the prince of her dreams in one man? From the impeccably researched historical setting to the engaging plot spiced with a splash of political intrigue and a dash of dry wit, Scott delivers on all counts, and fans of traditional Regencies will cheer her return to this romantic subgenre with the launch of her new The Wedding Vow series.

[Lea Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit busy, starting with what looks like 4 main characters and 2 side characters. But it quickly settles on a boy and a girl and you get to watch them fall in love.
In this case, there's minimal effort to the match, with considerable more focus on the mystery and misery going on in the background.
I enjoyed it well enough, particularly after having to wait to be able to read it.
The story definitely set the stage for the rest of the original foursome, and dare I say I have a hunch that Tuny will be next? Fingers crossed, anyhow. :)

P.S. While Lord Thalston only got a handful of lines, I'd vote for him as a future leading man anytime.

[Linda A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this follow up series

It is really fun to pick up the stories of the children from the Fortune's Brides series, who are now adults, and to learn what has been happening with the families. This book features the three daughters of the Duke of Wey and his wife Jane, now with 2 sons in the ensuing years, and also their friend Tuny. This love story is of Larissa and Leo, the crown prince in exile with his father, the king of Bataravia, and his twin brother. Leo pretends to be his brother, a captain of the imperial guards, and Larissa falls for the man, not the title. There is plenty of intrigue to keep the story interesting.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Larissa, daughter of a duke, has vowed to marry a prince, but when she meets the captain of the Imperial Guard of Batavaria, she falls for him instead. Little does she know the prince and the guardsmen are twins and are masquerading as each other. Their political foes don’t want them to succeed in regaining their kingdom after it’s been ceded to another country. The prince needs to find out who is plotting against them while keeping Lady Larissa and her sisters safe. But when he falls under her spell, he just wants to keep her nearby. A frothy, fast-paced read with royalty!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Regency Romance

I've really enjoyed reading Regina Scott's Regency romances. They are clean stories with excellent plots. This one kept me turning pages and wondering who was behind the villainy. I loved the characters. They were so well-crafted that they stood out as striking individuals. If you're looking for a wonderful Regency romance story which is clean, you should try this one.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed this book, I can't say I loved it. I give it 3 stars - almost 3.5. The beginning was really confusing to me, with the two brothers switching roles as they did. I think the author could have made things a bit clearer.

I thought I was reading a Christian book and was bothered by the lies some characters told. After a while, I figured out this wasn't a Christian book, but it was a clean romance.

[Melody Tregear]

Interesting, complex story

At first I battled to keep track of people and events but after a while it all started to make sense. Turned out to be a lovely story. Quite complex, but interesting. I was very happy for Julian in the end but not sure how that would relate in English society. Would like to read Callie's story.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Pursue a Prince

This book is a wonderful story written in the regency era. The plot has many twists and turns, but true love prevails. I will be looking for more books from this author.

[Alb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish. I was so confused by the brothers (who had three first names each) swapping identities, the number of characters (all the sisters had nicknames, too); it was too much for me. Too chaste to keep my interest after all the confusion.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a pleasant quick read

A nice story, interesting plots and characters, with emphasis on continuing to increase a legacy that really has little place in modern society when love is at stake.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and clean read about a duke’s eldest daughter ends up finding her hea with a prince although she doesn’t realize it until after she assists a captain in his quest to find the person/s after his royal family

[McKenna Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, clever, and beautifully descriptive

The scenes were engaging. I could clearly envision the gatherings, the dresses, the crush. Conversations were lively, too. So refreshing to find a clean romance!

[Janet Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble for love

Switching places with his brother brings all kinds of mistakes. As king who lost his country in realignment after Waterloo had come to England seeking help to regain his land. Who will win?

[Mary Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince or Captain?

This was an interesting Regency Romance where the royals switched places to protect the Prince. She fell in love on whom she thought was the Captsin. A great read!

[Margo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I failed to review in a timely manner ... but I remember that this was reasonably entertaining, with the twin brothers and foreign royalty angles.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining!

I look forward to reading about the other daughters of the Duke of Wey and their friend Tunie. Fortune the cat will probably find the best suitors.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larissa and Leo find happiness