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Chef Emma Valentine is just an ordinary girl, doing an ordinary job. Okay, her new boss might be a gorgeous future king, but Emma's determined to stay professional…isn't she?

As the second son, jet-setting playboy Prince Sebastian of Meridia never thought he would be king. But to save his country, Sebastian reluctantly puts his wild days behind him. It's only when he meets shy, beautiful chef Emma that he begins to learn the real meaning of duty, honor and…love. The mischievous prince has one last act of rebellion in store. He's going to promote this common chef—to princess!

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

5 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Raye Morgan

386 books28 followers
Aka Helen Conrad and Jena Hunt

Helen Conrad was born on April 11, 1945 in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. and grew up between Holland, Guam, and California, and spent a few years in Washington, D.C. as well. She obtained a B.A. in English Literature.

Helen was working toward a Master's in Library Science when she dropped out to have her first son. "One look into those baby blue eyes and I knew it was going to be a long time before I went back to school. But with young ones, you do have time to read, and the more I read, the more I learned about writing". She started writing because she felt guilty about spending so much time reading. "Through writing I figured I could still immerse myself in the stories I love, but I could actually claim I was working! The amazing thing was when I sold my first book and the excuse was justified. Dreams really do come true!"

After years of writing romantic suspense in the style of Mary Stewart and children's books in a lot of styles, she finally sold a romance to Jove's Second Chance at Love and there was celebration all around-at least in her ever-patient family of husband and four boys. She published four more romances for Jove under the name Jena Hunt, then began writing Silhouette Desires. A few sales to Bantam Loveswept and Harlequin Romance, Temptationand SuperRomance under the name Helen Conrad followed, as well as to Harpers, Dell Ecstasy, Mills & Boon, and even an historical with Zebra. Today, she is concentrating on Silhouette Romance, completely captivated by the breezy fun and touching poignancy of their compact, to-the-point form. She feels the perfect "quick read" should make the reader smile, sigh and put the book down feeling better about the state of love in the world.

Now, she lives in the Los Angeles area now with Nick, her geologist-computers cientist husband and the two of her four sons who still live at home."Having the boys around helps keep me up on the current trends," she says with a laugh. "But writing helps keep me in touch with the romance that weaves through the everyday lives we all live.

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5 stars
17 (24%)
4 stars
18 (25%)
3 stars
22 (31%)
2 stars
10 (14%)
1 star
3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie K.
634 reviews33 followers
January 5, 2020
A fun little book about a commoner (a chef) who becomes the queen of a (fictional) European monarchy. Great fun overall!
Profile Image for Elena.
497 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2021
Just okay. Emma's and Sebastian's story didn't do much for me.
Profile Image for Nikki.
2,205 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2022
Not great. Liked the heroine’s job. But everything else was pretty bland and uninteresting. I say skip.
Profile Image for Susan.
110 reviews20 followers
November 30, 2008
Behind (as usual) with my reading, this book was the first I ever read in the Bella Lucia series. Fortunately, as with all the others in the series, this book could be read as a stand-alone story.

I found the beginning of this book both funny and brilliant! The intrigue will keep the reader turning the pages, as they join Emma Valentine in the fairytale world of Princes and castles.

Raye Morgan has created a wonderful setting in Meridia and introduces the customs and expectations of the locals. Emma Valentine is a sympathetic heroine, while Prince Sebastian is... a rebel! There were more than a few times when I wondered whether Sebastian truly deserved Emma's loyalty, but by the end of the book he'd won me over... just.

Profile Image for Kay.
1,937 reviews124 followers
March 6, 2012
4 Stars! ~ This is a charming Cinderella love story. When the Crown Prince of Meridia abdicates, Sebastian must step up and accept the crown. Emma's been hired as chef for his coronation ball, and finds herself in over her head when Sebastian notices her and takes her into his confidence. These two have a lot to overcome, but in true fairytale style, their HEA is delightful!
Profile Image for Marsha-ann.
17 reviews
January 13, 2016
Started out a bit dry and forlorn took awhile for the plot to get interesting
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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