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Royals & Rebels #1
In Lieu of a Princess
When Lucinda North agrees to impersonate a missing princess, she finds herself living at Buckingham Palace, evading a killer — and falling in love with Anthony, Earl of Melfield! A new, exciting Regency romance by USA Today bestselling author Meredith Bond!
"This isn’t her Royal Highness,” the headmistress told the man and the woman who were staring at Lucinda with their mouths hanging open.
“But it could be.”
These words turn the life of Lucinda North upside down. Within hours, she agrees—against her better judgement—to impersonate the missing Princess Louisa of Aachen-Düren. Within a week, she meets the queen and the handsome, charming Lord Melfield. Within the month, she is living at Buckingham Palace, lying about her true identity not only to Queen Charlotte but to all of Regency society, while someone is trying to kill her. Within her lifetime, she will never regret a moment of it.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield would rather not waste his time helping a spoiled princess learn how to conduct herself. He would certainly rather not return to society after a heartbreak. And he most definitely would rather not have feelings for the princess, no matter how sweet, funny, and beautiful she is. Most of all, he would much rather not use all of his skills to save her life and figure out who wants her dead.
In this first book of this sweet, and adventurous Royals & Rebels series by Meredith Bond you'll find hidden identities, a princess on the run, and three lives at stake… despite this, these royals and rebels must learn to trust and open themselves to a lifetime of love.
All three books in the Royals & Rebels series are interconnected and should be read in the correct order for full enjoyment.
The Royals & Rebels Series
#1 In Lieu of a Princess
#2 Princess on the Run
#3 A Prince Among Spies
Christmas Intrigue
"This isn’t her Royal Highness,” the headmistress told the man and the woman who were staring at Lucinda with their mouths hanging open.
“But it could be.”
These words turn the life of Lucinda North upside down. Within hours, she agrees—against her better judgement—to impersonate the missing Princess Louisa of Aachen-Düren. Within a week, she meets the queen and the handsome, charming Lord Melfield. Within the month, she is living at Buckingham Palace, lying about her true identity not only to Queen Charlotte but to all of Regency society, while someone is trying to kill her. Within her lifetime, she will never regret a moment of it.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield would rather not waste his time helping a spoiled princess learn how to conduct herself. He would certainly rather not return to society after a heartbreak. And he most definitely would rather not have feelings for the princess, no matter how sweet, funny, and beautiful she is. Most of all, he would much rather not use all of his skills to save her life and figure out who wants her dead.
In this first book of this sweet, and adventurous Royals & Rebels series by Meredith Bond you'll find hidden identities, a princess on the run, and three lives at stake… despite this, these royals and rebels must learn to trust and open themselves to a lifetime of love.
All three books in the Royals & Rebels series are interconnected and should be read in the correct order for full enjoyment.
The Royals & Rebels Series
#1 In Lieu of a Princess
#2 Princess on the Run
#3 A Prince Among Spies
Christmas Intrigue
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
306 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Bond
69 books204 followersMeredith Bond's books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won't soon forget. She is currently living in Europe enjoying the Bohemian life. I write a blog on writing and self-publishing that is published every Sunday at www.meredithbond.com/blog/posts
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 2, 2022
A missing princess puts Lou in a precarious position…can she pull it off without losing her heart? She was at the school for an interview but got corralled into something far more dangerous. They say Lucinda (Lou) looks just like the missing princess and they need her help. Lou is sure it’s some kind of joke but for the sake of herself, her sister, and saving the missing princess’ father immense grief, she agrees. Before she realizes it, Lou is pretending to be the princess and meeting the queen while living in Buckingham Palace. With the help of handsome Anthony, an earl, Lou is portraying the princess quite well. The more time she spends with Anthony, the harder it is to keep lying to him. She must tell him the truth if she has any hope of a future with him. But there are people trying to kill her, err, the princess. Can she come clean and confess all to Anthony or will he rebuff her as nothing more than a liar and below his station?
In Lieu of a Princess is an unforgettable historical romance I couldn’t put down. From the very first page, I connected with Lou. She’s a smart, brave heroine with a big heart. She is also a lover of books. Anthony is a kind earl who’s unsure of falling in love and getting his heart broken, again. The circumstances brought about by this story make for an entertaining read. The descriptive narration is immersive and plunges the reader into the story. The characters are memorable and leap from the pages. The plot moves at a good pace with plenty of romantic tension. The romance covers a few tropes and takes a bit to get going. I kept rooting for this couple to risk it all for love. The ending is soul-satisfying, even though there’s a bit of a cliffhanger. Brilliantly written from start to finish, In Lieu of a Princess is an unputdownable historical romance. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
In Lieu of a Princess is an unforgettable historical romance I couldn’t put down. From the very first page, I connected with Lou. She’s a smart, brave heroine with a big heart. She is also a lover of books. Anthony is a kind earl who’s unsure of falling in love and getting his heart broken, again. The circumstances brought about by this story make for an entertaining read. The descriptive narration is immersive and plunges the reader into the story. The characters are memorable and leap from the pages. The plot moves at a good pace with plenty of romantic tension. The romance covers a few tropes and takes a bit to get going. I kept rooting for this couple to risk it all for love. The ending is soul-satisfying, even though there’s a bit of a cliffhanger. Brilliantly written from start to finish, In Lieu of a Princess is an unputdownable historical romance. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
December 11, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A surprising foray into royal identities and intrigue, this book has both the attention grabber of a start and an intense, readers know it’s coming, but can’t stop reading cliff hanger of an ending!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A surprising foray into royal identities and intrigue, this book has both the attention grabber of a start and an intense, readers know it’s coming, but can’t stop reading cliff hanger of an ending!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 4, 2022
These words turn the life of Lucinda North upside down. Within hours, she agrees—against her better judgement—to impersonate the missing Princess Louisa of Aachen-Düren. Within a week, she meets the queen and the handsome, charming Lord Melfield. Within the month, she is living at Buckingham Palace, lying about her true identity not only to Queen Charlotte but to all of Regency society, while someone is trying to kill her. Within her lifetime, she will never regret a moment of it.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield would rather not waste his time helping a spoiled princess learn how to conduct herself. He would certainly rather not return to society after a heartbreak. And he most definitely would rather not have feelings for the princess, no matter how sweet, funny, and beautiful she is. Most of all, he would much rather not use all of his skills to save her life and figure out who wants her dead.
In this first book of this sweet, and adventurous Royals & Rebels series by Meredith Bond you'll find hidden identities, a princess on the run, and three lives at stake… despite this, these royals and rebels must learn to trust and open themselves to a lifetime of love.
A princess on the run, A faux princess to take her place. This is the best story I've read by Meredith Bond. The only thing that I didn't like about it was that it ended in a cliffhanger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield would rather not waste his time helping a spoiled princess learn how to conduct herself. He would certainly rather not return to society after a heartbreak. And he most definitely would rather not have feelings for the princess, no matter how sweet, funny, and beautiful she is. Most of all, he would much rather not use all of his skills to save her life and figure out who wants her dead.
In this first book of this sweet, and adventurous Royals & Rebels series by Meredith Bond you'll find hidden identities, a princess on the run, and three lives at stake… despite this, these royals and rebels must learn to trust and open themselves to a lifetime of love.
A princess on the run, A faux princess to take her place. This is the best story I've read by Meredith Bond. The only thing that I didn't like about it was that it ended in a cliffhanger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 10, 2022
"This isn’t her Royal Highness,” the headmistress told the man and the woman who were staring at Lucinda with their mouths hanging open. “But it could be.” four words turn the life of Lucinda North upside down. Within hours, she agrees, against her better judgement, to impersonate the missing Princess Louisa of Aachen-Düren. Within a week, she meets the queen and the handsome, charming Lord Melfield. Within the month, she is living at Buckingham Palace, lying about her true identity not only to Queen Charlotte but to all of Regency society, while someone is trying to kill her. Anthony, Earl of Melfield would rather not waste his time helping a spoiled princess learn how to conduct herself.
The first in a new series & a well written page turner. The characters are well portrayed & have depth, the pace never lags A good mix of humour, intrigue & romance. I loved both Lucinda & Anthony & thoroughly enjoyed their journey. My only quibble was that we were left with a cliffhanger so now I’m waiting for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series & a well written page turner. The characters are well portrayed & have depth, the pace never lags A good mix of humour, intrigue & romance. I loved both Lucinda & Anthony & thoroughly enjoyed their journey. My only quibble was that we were left with a cliffhanger so now I’m waiting for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 1, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and WOLF Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: November 10, 2022
Series: The Royals & Rebels #1
Pages: 309
This was just a wonderful and excellent read. "In Lieu of a Princess" is a first time read by Meredith Bond, new author to this reader. A fun a sweet story of Lucinda who resembles a missing Princess while trying to secure a teaching job. The Princess has been requested to go to Court and while there be crowned, it is unfortunate her comportment doesn’t match that of Lucinda’s. Lucinda has to put on her fake Princess act but in the process falls for Anthony, Early of Melfield in the process.
An easy read that had its laughable moments. The characters were likeable. Not keen on cliffhangers but this one left you wanting to see what happens in the next in the series.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: November 10, 2022
Series: The Royals & Rebels #1
Pages: 309
This was just a wonderful and excellent read. "In Lieu of a Princess" is a first time read by Meredith Bond, new author to this reader. A fun a sweet story of Lucinda who resembles a missing Princess while trying to secure a teaching job. The Princess has been requested to go to Court and while there be crowned, it is unfortunate her comportment doesn’t match that of Lucinda’s. Lucinda has to put on her fake Princess act but in the process falls for Anthony, Early of Melfield in the process.
An easy read that had its laughable moments. The characters were likeable. Not keen on cliffhangers but this one left you wanting to see what happens in the next in the series.
October 20, 2022
Lucinda North just wants to be a teacher and needs a school for her sister, but she agrees to impersonate the missing immature Princess Louisa of Aachen-Düren. Within a week, she meets the queen and the handsome, Lord Melfield, she lies about her identity to Regency society, all while someone is trying to kill her. Anthony, Earl of Melfield, speaks German and is recruited to translate even though he would rather just write his travel book and not return to society after a heartbreak.
Lou is made of stern stuff and I liked her right away. Anthony realizes something is off but doesn’t guess she’s an impersonator. Overall it’s a charming story with good characterization if a little anticlimactic. This will be a series to read in order in order to have questions answered. The kisses-only romance ends with a HEA.
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
Lou is made of stern stuff and I liked her right away. Anthony realizes something is off but doesn’t guess she’s an impersonator. Overall it’s a charming story with good characterization if a little anticlimactic. This will be a series to read in order in order to have questions answered. The kisses-only romance ends with a HEA.
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
March 5, 2024
Took me awhile to get through and not the ending I was expecting but still pretty solid!
November 11, 2022
What happens when the princess of Aachen-D’uren disappears? Lucinda North hopes to acquire a position as a teacher at the Abington School for Select Young Ladies to support she and her sister. Instead she becomes a part of a scheme to pretend to be a princess who disappeared after her brother's death. Lucinda could pass as the princess' twin. To play her part she must be presented to Queen Charlotte and prepare to be invested as the heir to the throne. Keeping her identity secret becomes complicated when she falls in love with Anthony, Lord Melfield. As the princess has yet to be found, it looks as if Lucinda will be invested as the heir. I can't say this book wasn't interesting. Think of the Prisoner Of Zenda in reverse. What I wasn't expecting is a cliffhanger. Kissing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 9, 2022
We have suspence, mystery, and a princess impersenator. The Princess is missling, Lucinda has agreed to impersonate her. Anthony helps her, but does not want to. What will he do when someone trys to kill Lucinda? A cliffhanger!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2022
First in a series. There is a cliffhanger, which I absolutely abhor. Up until that point, I was enjoying the book.
Lucinda North desperately needs a teaching job. However, to get it she has to take the place of a missing princess. I enjoyed this fish out of water story and the ramifications of her impersonation.
It sounds like the next in the series gives us insight into where the princess has gone and the adventure she has had. I am thinking each book in the series will cover a different character before they all come together in the final one. It’s an interesting concept but I just hate cliffhangers so much. However, I am interested in the rest of the series and will read the next ones, especially since the concept is unique.
Lucinda North desperately needs a teaching job. However, to get it she has to take the place of a missing princess. I enjoyed this fish out of water story and the ramifications of her impersonation.
It sounds like the next in the series gives us insight into where the princess has gone and the adventure she has had. I am thinking each book in the series will cover a different character before they all come together in the final one. It’s an interesting concept but I just hate cliffhangers so much. However, I am interested in the rest of the series and will read the next ones, especially since the concept is unique.
October 25, 2022
In Lieu of a Princess
#1 The Royals & Rebels Series
by Meredith Bon
Earc: NetGalley
Publisher: Wolf Publishing
Publication Date:10th November 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
Lucinda has such a resemblance to the Princess she's asked to step into the Princess shoes until she's found to help avoid a royal scandal. I really liked Lou chacter she's head strong.
Been given the opportunity to whilst working with others she's the light of he part of the party. A really enjoyable fun read.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance #historicalfiction #womensfiction
#1 The Royals & Rebels Series
by Meredith Bon
Earc: NetGalley
Publisher: Wolf Publishing
Publication Date:10th November 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
Lucinda has such a resemblance to the Princess she's asked to step into the Princess shoes until she's found to help avoid a royal scandal. I really liked Lou chacter she's head strong.
Been given the opportunity to whilst working with others she's the light of he part of the party. A really enjoyable fun read.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance #historicalfiction #womensfiction
October 19, 2022
In Lieu of a Princess is a tried-and-true plot, a royal goes missing or doesn’t want to do something, so they hire a look-alike to stand in, usually someone of a far lesser station. Movies like The Princess Switch and Dave are classic examples of this, and the reason I chose to read this book, I love a Cinderella ending!
The characters work well within the setting, and the mystery is plausible. A nice, quick, read from this new (to me) author.
Thank you to@netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
The characters work well within the setting, and the mystery is plausible. A nice, quick, read from this new (to me) author.
Thank you to@netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
November 11, 2023
ok
I am only giving this a one star and will say right here that the “warning cliffhanger “ should have been revealed in the beginning of the book (better yet in the foreword/descriptive overview ….not the end. Had it been stated in the the beginning I would not have started to read it and this author would not now have a one star rating by me. I do not waste my valuable time reading a book leaving me hanging.,,I try very hard to stay away from books that do not finish their story
I am only giving this a one star and will say right here that the “warning cliffhanger “ should have been revealed in the beginning of the book (better yet in the foreword/descriptive overview ….not the end. Had it been stated in the the beginning I would not have started to read it and this author would not now have a one star rating by me. I do not waste my valuable time reading a book leaving me hanging.,,I try very hard to stay away from books that do not finish their story
August 14, 2023
Half-hearted assassination attempts, an attempted kidnapping, and a loooooong, drawn-out story of intrigue and a missing princess (and I believe her “dead” brother appears a few times), and this all comes crashing down into a freaking cliffhanger. Few things piss me off more than the old, “buy the next book to see how this ends (maybe)!” ploy. 🤨
August 13, 2023
A Total Waste of Time!
This is a very sorry excuse for a story! For the author (and editors) to let this be published without a proper ending. It seems as if they are ONLY interested in you purchasing the next book. I, for one, will not be a party to that.
This is a very sorry excuse for a story! For the author (and editors) to let this be published without a proper ending. It seems as if they are ONLY interested in you purchasing the next book. I, for one, will not be a party to that.
April 10, 2023
God this took so long and dragged out so much. Also what is that ending.
August 19, 2023
slow and cliffhanger
This book has s a very slow paced book. It ends on a cliffhanger. The story line is ok but could have been faster paced.
This book has s a very slow paced book. It ends on a cliffhanger. The story line is ok but could have been faster paced.
December 28, 2023
Part one
Lucinda North, Lou to family and friends, budding teacher at Abingdon School for Select Young Ladies. Sister Sophia sixteen. Their parents recently died leaving them on their own. So Lou applied for a teacher for languages.
Headmistress at the school Mrs Minerva Carter, mistakes Lou for the princess. When, Herr Mueller, bodyguard and Frau Schmitz companion for Princess Louisa Catherine Annaliese Guelf of Aachen-Duren, convenience Lou to pose as the princess until she is found.
Prince Heinrich Nikolaus Alexander, heir to the throne, brother their father Prince Heinrich Norbert Albercht, is believed to have died on their ship heading home due to an emergency.
Markgraf Kottenfurst, brother to Prince Heinrich Norbert, his son Klaus, Graf Adenheim, count, Not happy about what is going on.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield, his mother is one of the Queen's Ladies of the Bed Chamber, help prepare Lou for the ceremony..
Queen Charlotte is changing her ladies so she gives Lady Melfield the task of preparing Lou. Little does she know that the Queen is also matchmaking. As she gives Lord Melfield the task of translating so Lady Melfield can do her part.
As things get complicated Anthony, Lou, Sophia find themselves thinking to end their involvement. Anthony so he does not fall for Lou. Lou so that she can protect her sister, and her sister, Sophia so that she still has,her sister Lou alive.
As the threats get more dangerous Anthony and Lou find common ground and ways to get thru the ordeal. So join the masquerade from the palace to ballrooms, to garden parties as Lou pretends for the benefit of saving a father's heartbreak.
Great mystery to solve if you know where to look. Can Lou pull off the masquerade of the centry? Does the real princess return? What dangers keep happening and who is behind it. This three part story is told as is unfolds giving multiple views and interactions. This first sets up a great plot and twists that keeps you involved and wanting to know what happens next.
Lucinda North, Lou to family and friends, budding teacher at Abingdon School for Select Young Ladies. Sister Sophia sixteen. Their parents recently died leaving them on their own. So Lou applied for a teacher for languages.
Headmistress at the school Mrs Minerva Carter, mistakes Lou for the princess. When, Herr Mueller, bodyguard and Frau Schmitz companion for Princess Louisa Catherine Annaliese Guelf of Aachen-Duren, convenience Lou to pose as the princess until she is found.
Prince Heinrich Nikolaus Alexander, heir to the throne, brother their father Prince Heinrich Norbert Albercht, is believed to have died on their ship heading home due to an emergency.
Markgraf Kottenfurst, brother to Prince Heinrich Norbert, his son Klaus, Graf Adenheim, count, Not happy about what is going on.
Anthony, Earl of Melfield, his mother is one of the Queen's Ladies of the Bed Chamber, help prepare Lou for the ceremony..
Queen Charlotte is changing her ladies so she gives Lady Melfield the task of preparing Lou. Little does she know that the Queen is also matchmaking. As she gives Lord Melfield the task of translating so Lady Melfield can do her part.
As things get complicated Anthony, Lou, Sophia find themselves thinking to end their involvement. Anthony so he does not fall for Lou. Lou so that she can protect her sister, and her sister, Sophia so that she still has,her sister Lou alive.
As the threats get more dangerous Anthony and Lou find common ground and ways to get thru the ordeal. So join the masquerade from the palace to ballrooms, to garden parties as Lou pretends for the benefit of saving a father's heartbreak.
Great mystery to solve if you know where to look. Can Lou pull off the masquerade of the centry? Does the real princess return? What dangers keep happening and who is behind it. This three part story is told as is unfolds giving multiple views and interactions. This first sets up a great plot and twists that keeps you involved and wanting to know what happens next.
January 30, 2024
I don't remember ever having given a 1-star before, but I can't bring myself to be nice here. SIX hours of reading, with nothing really happening - one pointless scene after another. Now she's practicing walking. Now she's meeting new people. Now she's practicing posture. Now she's meeting new people (presumably characters from other books, to tantalize us into wanting to read them, but they serve NO function AT ALL in this story.) Here are some mildly interesting mysteries. Okay, I want to see how they're resolved, so I'll slog through pointless scene after pointless scene. Neither MC has much of a personality - okay, Lou's determined? Not enough to make me care. Anthony is unintentionally (i.e. not purposefully written as a rake/bad boy) an a**. Puts down one debutante by saying she's clever and nice but not much to look at. WOW. Declares to his mother after finding out Lou's identity that he's too good for her. Okay then. Basically his one attribute is that he's handsome.
All this, and then we get to the FINAL chapter (it's not an epilogue - not sure what the author thinks an epilogue is, this ain't it) only to get a "Warning: Cliffhanger" on that page - WTH????? So not even the mildly interesting mysteries get resolved. NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK. Utter and complete waste of my time, particularly since I will NOT be reading more from this author so will never know the resolutions, which are apparently being held back to force us to read more. Hard pass.
All this, and then we get to the FINAL chapter (it's not an epilogue - not sure what the author thinks an epilogue is, this ain't it) only to get a "Warning: Cliffhanger" on that page - WTH????? So not even the mildly interesting mysteries get resolved. NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK. Utter and complete waste of my time, particularly since I will NOT be reading more from this author so will never know the resolutions, which are apparently being held back to force us to read more. Hard pass.
October 12, 2023
At an interview for a position as a teacher Lucinda is mistaken for missing princess Louisa. Encouraged to take on the role of princess (until the real princess is found) with her sister as her maid, the 2 of them travel with the princess’s companion and body guard to Buckingham palace where an investiture will take place to formally name Louisa as heir to the throne of her country.
Lord Melford the son of one of the Queens courtiers is tasked by the Queen to escort her in society while his mother tutors her in etiquette and what is required for the investiture.
Lucinda and Lord Melford have chemistry but he thinks a princess is too good for him and he has been burned before while she is aware that she is lying to him about who she is and doesn’t know if he wants her or the princess.
I enjoyed the storyline and have a few theories as to what happens, unfortunately it ends in s big cliffhanger with only one of the loose ends partially resolved. I hate a cliffhanger so deducted a star. I have added the next book in the series to find out what happens.
Lord Melford the son of one of the Queens courtiers is tasked by the Queen to escort her in society while his mother tutors her in etiquette and what is required for the investiture.
Lucinda and Lord Melford have chemistry but he thinks a princess is too good for him and he has been burned before while she is aware that she is lying to him about who she is and doesn’t know if he wants her or the princess.
I enjoyed the storyline and have a few theories as to what happens, unfortunately it ends in s big cliffhanger with only one of the loose ends partially resolved. I hate a cliffhanger so deducted a star. I have added the next book in the series to find out what happens.
October 8, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
The first book in the Royals & Rebels series. Lucinda North has been through an emotional wringer. She and her younger sister, Sophia, have lost their parents to an illness while stationed in Russia. Now they have made their way back to England and are living with a cousin and his wife. They are not made to feel welcome, so Lucinda is trying to find a teaching job. At one school, she is mistaken for a princess from Aachen-Duren. The princess is needed immediately at Buckingham Palace and Lucinda agrees to impersonate the princess for a day or two while they locate the missing princess.
Earl of Melfield, Anthony, has been summoned to Buckingham Palace to help a spoiled, bratty princess, get ready for her coronation. He would rather be anywhere but there, but cannot not go when the queen or his mom calls for help.
As time passes, and the princess cannot be found, what will become of Lucinda?
The first book in the Royals & Rebels series. Lucinda North has been through an emotional wringer. She and her younger sister, Sophia, have lost their parents to an illness while stationed in Russia. Now they have made their way back to England and are living with a cousin and his wife. They are not made to feel welcome, so Lucinda is trying to find a teaching job. At one school, she is mistaken for a princess from Aachen-Duren. The princess is needed immediately at Buckingham Palace and Lucinda agrees to impersonate the princess for a day or two while they locate the missing princess.
Earl of Melfield, Anthony, has been summoned to Buckingham Palace to help a spoiled, bratty princess, get ready for her coronation. He would rather be anywhere but there, but cannot not go when the queen or his mom calls for help.
As time passes, and the princess cannot be found, what will become of Lucinda?
October 8, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
The first book in the Royals & Rebels series. Lucinda North has been through an emotional wringer. She and her younger sister, Sophia, have lost their parents to an illness while stationed in Russia. Now they have made their way back to England and are living with a cousin and his wife. They are not made to feel welcome, so Lucinda is trying to find a teaching job. At one school, she is mistaken for a princess from Aachen-Duren. The princess is needed immediately at Buckingham Palace and Lucinda agrees to impersonate the princess for a day or two while they locate the missing princess.
Earl of Melfield, Anthony, has been summoned to Buckingham Palace to help a spoiled, bratty princess, get ready for her coronation. He would rather be anywhere but there, but cannot not go when the queen or his mom calls for help.
As time passes, and the princess cannot be found, what will become of Lucinda?
The first book in the Royals & Rebels series. Lucinda North has been through an emotional wringer. She and her younger sister, Sophia, have lost their parents to an illness while stationed in Russia. Now they have made their way back to England and are living with a cousin and his wife. They are not made to feel welcome, so Lucinda is trying to find a teaching job. At one school, she is mistaken for a princess from Aachen-Duren. The princess is needed immediately at Buckingham Palace and Lucinda agrees to impersonate the princess for a day or two while they locate the missing princess.
Earl of Melfield, Anthony, has been summoned to Buckingham Palace to help a spoiled, bratty princess, get ready for her coronation. He would rather be anywhere but there, but cannot not go when the queen or his mom calls for help.
As time passes, and the princess cannot be found, what will become of Lucinda?
October 9, 2023
Enjoyable premise; light on conflict
This story reads like an escapist romance. There’s not much in the way of obstacles over the course of the story. The protagonist manages to do everything rather well while pretending to be royalty. Her romantic interest gets a green light, so everything’s headed for an HEA, except for a cliff hanger, which I’m guessing is a delayed HEA.
The main characters are pleasant. The heroine is likable. There are some suggestions of antagonists, but they do not seem to cause any problems for our heroine in this book.
The beginning of the book has some stilted dialog, but the writing improves as the story progresses. There are some abrupt time jumps, some passages that I’d rather the author shortened, and other scenes I wish had been intensified. However, the author is very kind to the protagonist and lets her off rather easy, which makes for a tame story.
There are some errors in the writing but they aren’t too distracting.
This story reads like an escapist romance. There’s not much in the way of obstacles over the course of the story. The protagonist manages to do everything rather well while pretending to be royalty. Her romantic interest gets a green light, so everything’s headed for an HEA, except for a cliff hanger, which I’m guessing is a delayed HEA.
The main characters are pleasant. The heroine is likable. There are some suggestions of antagonists, but they do not seem to cause any problems for our heroine in this book.
The beginning of the book has some stilted dialog, but the writing improves as the story progresses. There are some abrupt time jumps, some passages that I’d rather the author shortened, and other scenes I wish had been intensified. However, the author is very kind to the protagonist and lets her off rather easy, which makes for a tame story.
There are some errors in the writing but they aren’t too distracting.
November 20, 2022
Princess Lousia is missing and her amazing doppelganger, Lucinda, is here to help! When Lucinda arrives at a school that she wishes to teach, she comes across the fact that Princess Lousia is missing and she looks a lot like her. The Princesses people convince Lucinda to impersonate the Princess until they find her. Through the story, we meet an Earl named Anthony. He helps her learn the Royal rituals and falls in love with her. Then the truth is discovered. The two stumble away from one another but make it back for a HEA.
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Bond and the publisher for allowing me to read a free, advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Bond and the publisher for allowing me to read a free, advanced copy of this book.
February 15, 2023
princess and the pauper!
The prince dies and the princess runs away to find her brother. A young lady applying for a job looks just like the Princess and then it’s reminiscent of the Prince and the Pauper, which I loved to read when I was younger. There are dancing and romancing…it’s the Regency period in England. I read it in one long day, I couldn’t stop turning pages. It was very good story to be continued in the next books. Because there were possibly typical English unnecessarily strong language used (3x) and the lead hero typically goes to his gentlemen’s club and drinks in the evenings, I couldn’t call this exactly cozy, but I enjoyed the book.
The prince dies and the princess runs away to find her brother. A young lady applying for a job looks just like the Princess and then it’s reminiscent of the Prince and the Pauper, which I loved to read when I was younger. There are dancing and romancing…it’s the Regency period in England. I read it in one long day, I couldn’t stop turning pages. It was very good story to be continued in the next books. Because there were possibly typical English unnecessarily strong language used (3x) and the lead hero typically goes to his gentlemen’s club and drinks in the evenings, I couldn’t call this exactly cozy, but I enjoyed the book.
March 1, 2023
This was a fun book to read. I always enjoy the "pretend" stories and I recommend this one. The only small annoyance was the end that had a cliffhanger for the next book. I am glad that we addressed the elephant in the room but don't leave me hanging! I guess now I will have to look for the next book. When does it come out??!
Thanks Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
Thanks Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Charming
The daughters of a British ambassador find themselves alone in a foreign land after the death of their parents. With only a cousin and his unwelcoming wife with whom to seek shelter, they search for employment that will provide a safe and stable life for them. And the adventure begins!
A very entertaining read! I'm off to read book, too.
The daughters of a British ambassador find themselves alone in a foreign land after the death of their parents. With only a cousin and his unwelcoming wife with whom to seek shelter, they search for employment that will provide a safe and stable life for them. And the adventure begins!
A very entertaining read! I'm off to read book, too.
December 2, 2024
So glad I finished this story!!!
With my busy life I prefer audiobooks so it took me a long while to finish. The first few chapters appeared to be a duplicate of other stories, and in a way it was, but I still liked it. But I'm more looking forward to Princess Isa's story. And I'm almost sure the blonde bearded man that kept disappearing is the missing prince. We shall see.
With my busy life I prefer audiobooks so it took me a long while to finish. The first few chapters appeared to be a duplicate of other stories, and in a way it was, but I still liked it. But I'm more looking forward to Princess Isa's story. And I'm almost sure the blonde bearded man that kept disappearing is the missing prince. We shall see.
November 21, 2022
A lovely story. Princess Lucinda is missing, where can she be. She has someone that looks just like her. Until she’s found , she’ll take her place. Even romance might be in the air. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 26, 2022
Very interesting insights into the so called upper echelons of the royals in charge at the time!
Very interesting how the upper classes kept the ordinary citizens under such an iron clad system of power! Looking fed to the next volume !
Very interesting how the upper classes kept the ordinary citizens under such an iron clad system of power! Looking fed to the next volume !
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