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Princess #1
The Runaway Princess
Masquerade
English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer--a summer she will spend the rest of her life remembering. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery.
Marriage
But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.
Or the Ever After of Her Dreams?
One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephinia. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fullfil their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.
English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer--a summer she will spend the rest of her life remembering. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery.
Marriage
But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.
Or the Ever After of Her Dreams?
One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephinia. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fullfil their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.
360 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1999
88 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
100 books5,907 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 1, 2021
OK, I am in a dilemma about this book. The Runaway Princess was in parts really good and parts where I wanted to throw my kindle to the wall.
There’s also a small segment of fantasy that is woven thru the story which I had no idea whilst beginning to read. Evangeline is an orphan who is got one chance at seeing the world and snatches it with both hands. But then there’s Danior, the Prince who arrives at her holiday spot and claims she’s the long-lost princess of Seraphinia. Of course, Evangeline is well learned and intelligent and knows the inside out of the centuries-old rift between the 2 countries but she’s not the Princess who has to fulfill the prophecy. So, what exactly is the truth? Is Evangeline the Princess or not?
The story does have its interesting movements but along with it, some events made me go What The?? I have no idea how it is possible for someone to climb down a cliff just coz she has read about how to do it? But Evangeline is plucky and fearless to try and do whatever it takes to escape her captor. Danior’s character was cocky, well too arrogant if I may say so, but with redeeming qualities as the story progresses. And even though romance develops quickly, it was easy to see how Danior does really fall in love with Evangeline and not just coz she’s his betrothed and his princess.
Engaging 3.5 stars! ☔☔☔ 💧
Recommended to readers who love historical romance with lost princesses and claims to the throne tropes!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, and Twitter
There’s also a small segment of fantasy that is woven thru the story which I had no idea whilst beginning to read. Evangeline is an orphan who is got one chance at seeing the world and snatches it with both hands. But then there’s Danior, the Prince who arrives at her holiday spot and claims she’s the long-lost princess of Seraphinia. Of course, Evangeline is well learned and intelligent and knows the inside out of the centuries-old rift between the 2 countries but she’s not the Princess who has to fulfill the prophecy. So, what exactly is the truth? Is Evangeline the Princess or not?
The story does have its interesting movements but along with it, some events made me go What The?? I have no idea how it is possible for someone to climb down a cliff just coz she has read about how to do it? But Evangeline is plucky and fearless to try and do whatever it takes to escape her captor. Danior’s character was cocky, well too arrogant if I may say so, but with redeeming qualities as the story progresses. And even though romance develops quickly, it was easy to see how Danior does really fall in love with Evangeline and not just coz she’s his betrothed and his princess.
Engaging 3.5 stars! ☔☔☔ 💧
Recommended to readers who love historical romance with lost princesses and claims to the throne tropes!
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, and Twitter
April 12, 2022
(4.5 stars) I've read this book four times (now five) and though it dropped half a star this time from the last read, that brings it to a still-very-strong 4.5 star-read. Apparently doesn't have great ratings, but I don't know why — I enjoyed it!
I really loved the heroine; I thought Evangeline was refreshing, loved that she was so independent and intelligent and that that was shown off again and again. I also appreciated that she kept on insisting she wasn't the princess, and Dodd didn't have her immediately falling in love with Danior and saying, "Oh well, I'll just pretend, who cares!" She was very honorable and was trying to do the right thing, even though she found herself caring about Danior, and of course not wanting to ruin the future of Baminia and Serephinia, since the princess is necessary to unite the countries.
I love Danior as well; he's supremely arrogant at the beginning — well, throughout, though he becomes more reasonable as time goes on — but come on, he's a royal and was raised as one, it would be unrealistic for him to be super modest and humble. I mean, I'm sure it happens, not that I know any royalty personally, but still, arrogant people exist and they're people too! ;-) One can tell he really admires and appreciates Evangeline and although there is some super intense chemistry between the two of them, that's not all it is.
And I adore the end, and how Dodd tied up the loose ends and how the main characters dealt with the discovery.
Look forward to reading it again in a few years! Lol
I really loved the heroine; I thought Evangeline was refreshing, loved that she was so independent and intelligent and that that was shown off again and again. I also appreciated that she kept on insisting she wasn't the princess, and Dodd didn't have her immediately falling in love with Danior and saying, "Oh well, I'll just pretend, who cares!" She was very honorable and was trying to do the right thing, even though she found herself caring about Danior, and of course not wanting to ruin the future of Baminia and Serephinia, since the princess is necessary to unite the countries.
I love Danior as well; he's supremely arrogant at the beginning — well, throughout, though he becomes more reasonable as time goes on — but come on, he's a royal and was raised as one, it would be unrealistic for him to be super modest and humble. I mean, I'm sure it happens, not that I know any royalty personally, but still, arrogant people exist and they're people too! ;-) One can tell he really admires and appreciates Evangeline and although there is some super intense chemistry between the two of them, that's not all it is.
And I adore the end, and how Dodd tied up the loose ends and how the main characters dealt with the discovery.
Look forward to reading it again in a few years! Lol
January 14, 2014
Yikes. Thus far this is way too bodice ripper-y and not nearly enough good story-y for me...I actually considered not reading it at all, I was so turned off by the sample on the first page (especially now that there are Christmas present books to be read!) But I started it, and it's not awful (yet), so I'll probably finish it because that's what I do. Definitely glad I didn't pay for it though!
Update: forgot I was actually going to sorta kinda write a review of this one, and now it's been a while. I shall try my best.
Pros:
- Well-written.
- Not boring.
- Butt tattoos. (hehe)
Cons:
- Rather simple plot that I thought dragged on far too long.
- "Twist" that I predicted immediately. (Though only parts of it - if not surprised at the end I was at least interested)
- Awkward sexual tension throughout, with very odd choice of words; rather than increasing the book's romance, it just seemed...icky?
- And nothing BUT sexual attraction for the most part. Which brings us to the absolute WORST part of the book:
- THE HERO. I actually hated him. He seemed to have pretty much no redeeming qualities apart from perhaps his appearance, and anything the heroine praised him for near the story's end he had pretty much acted in direct contradiction of earlier on. Sorry, but the idea of falling in love with someone who is vain and cocky, literally kidnaps you (due to mistaken identity, yes, but does he ever apologize? Of course not!), has absolutely no respect for women, and THREATENS TO RAPE YOU numerous times holds no appeal for me. I kept wanting the heroine to run off with a servant or something, because Danior was terrible.
I was going to include a quote, but as I no longer have the book with me I'll have to paraphrase. Words that actually came out of his mouth: "A woman's mind is the least important part of her. All that matters are her actions, and I control those now." GAG. Okay, rant over - and now I know to stay far away from these types of books!
Update: forgot I was actually going to sorta kinda write a review of this one, and now it's been a while. I shall try my best.
Pros:
- Well-written.
- Not boring.
- Butt tattoos. (hehe)
Cons:
- Rather simple plot that I thought dragged on far too long.
- "Twist" that I predicted immediately. (Though only parts of it - if not surprised at the end I was at least interested)
- Awkward sexual tension throughout, with very odd choice of words; rather than increasing the book's romance, it just seemed...icky?
- And nothing BUT sexual attraction for the most part. Which brings us to the absolute WORST part of the book:
- THE HERO. I actually hated him. He seemed to have pretty much no redeeming qualities apart from perhaps his appearance, and anything the heroine praised him for near the story's end he had pretty much acted in direct contradiction of earlier on. Sorry, but the idea of falling in love with someone who is vain and cocky, literally kidnaps you (due to mistaken identity, yes, but does he ever apologize? Of course not!), has absolutely no respect for women, and THREATENS TO RAPE YOU numerous times holds no appeal for me. I kept wanting the heroine to run off with a servant or something, because Danior was terrible.
I was going to include a quote, but as I no longer have the book with me I'll have to paraphrase. Words that actually came out of his mouth: "A woman's mind is the least important part of her. All that matters are her actions, and I control those now." GAG. Okay, rant over - and now I know to stay far away from these types of books!
December 22, 2020
The plot and pace are on point but the ending is just abrupt I wish there was an epilogue.
I really like the plot about a captive heroine, so I easily got into this book from the first chapter. However, there are some settings that I couldn't quite understand but it's fine because they are just small points you can look over without any problem.
The main reason why I think The Runaway Princess is above other average historical romance books I've ever read is Danior. He is so gentle, caring and when it comes to Evangeline, he can be overprotective and ruthless at the same time. It was easy to fall in love with his character.
4.25 stars.
I really like the plot about a captive heroine, so I easily got into this book from the first chapter. However, there are some settings that I couldn't quite understand but it's fine because they are just small points you can look over without any problem.
The main reason why I think The Runaway Princess is above other average historical romance books I've ever read is Danior. He is so gentle, caring and when it comes to Evangeline, he can be overprotective and ruthless at the same time. It was easy to fall in love with his character.
4.25 stars.
November 19, 2016
3 but it ended at 1
I didn't understand that this was a fantasy romance when I started reading. So I was disappointed with the prophecy, the saint that was a 1,000 year old nun, and the magical box.
The sexual tension was good but the rapey vibe was strong . The action doesn't stop; while the plot was interesting, it felt like the romance was crammed in. And how did the H fall in love with the heroine? It was written and so it happened, I guess.
Mature content
I didn't understand that this was a fantasy romance when I started reading. So I was disappointed with the prophecy, the saint that was a 1,000 year old nun, and the magical box.
The sexual tension was good but the rapey vibe was strong . The action doesn't stop; while the plot was interesting, it felt like the romance was crammed in. And how did the H fall in love with the heroine? It was written and so it happened, I guess.
Mature content
April 21, 2009
I'm a little ashamed that I even picked this book up in the first place. But it was there, it was free, and I needed something to read.
Given that this kind of book, a romance, isn't generally my style, it was difficult to get into with my pausing every few minutes to stifle my giggling. I will say that I would have had to put the book down if there were the words "heaving bosom" in there anywhere.
Also taking into consideration the time period this book was written in, I had to stifle my inner Alpha as the heroine was continuously dominated and made to play along, even coming to accept the male within the span of a day. Men dominated. Women pretended to allow them. Women were possessions. In a romance novel, I shouldn't have been surprised. At least the hero's background began to unfold and explain his character even as the rest of the story began to show itself in a rather "hello! I am what is going to happen but pretend you don't see me!" fashion. I swear, the instant that nun was introduced, I knew.
Regardless. Good enough for 2 stars and it held my attention for about two days.
Given that this kind of book, a romance, isn't generally my style, it was difficult to get into with my pausing every few minutes to stifle my giggling. I will say that I would have had to put the book down if there were the words "heaving bosom" in there anywhere.
Also taking into consideration the time period this book was written in, I had to stifle my inner Alpha as the heroine was continuously dominated and made to play along, even coming to accept the male within the span of a day. Men dominated. Women pretended to allow them. Women were possessions. In a romance novel, I shouldn't have been surprised. At least the hero's background began to unfold and explain his character even as the rest of the story began to show itself in a rather "hello! I am what is going to happen but pretend you don't see me!" fashion. I swear, the instant that nun was introduced, I knew.
Regardless. Good enough for 2 stars and it held my attention for about two days.
June 3, 2010
This is the first of Christina Dodds books that I have read, and I really enjoyed it and will definately be ferreting some more out more.
It is about Evangeline Scoffield of East Little Teignmouth Cornwall, who whilst seeking adventure gets mistaken for a princess of a remote European country and dragged back there by the prince of the neighbouring country so they can marry. I know the story sounds quite far fetched and a little silly, however; it was an enjoyable read with some funny moments. My personal favourite being when she scales down side of a castle to try and escape!
I now lookf forward to reaidn more of Ms Dodd's work.
It is about Evangeline Scoffield of East Little Teignmouth Cornwall, who whilst seeking adventure gets mistaken for a princess of a remote European country and dragged back there by the prince of the neighbouring country so they can marry. I know the story sounds quite far fetched and a little silly, however; it was an enjoyable read with some funny moments. My personal favourite being when she scales down side of a castle to try and escape!
I now lookf forward to reaidn more of Ms Dodd's work.
September 5, 2025
I loved Evangeline! She fought for herself every step of the way. The prince annoyed me a bit, but he came through in the end!!
October 21, 2013
So far (and I'm about halfway through, much to my shame) this book is soldly built on sexual tension (well... almost entirely built on sex and some minor tension). The story sucks. Seriously, why not have some fantastic discussion as to why the hell you are kidnapping someone before you kidnap them (at least before you make an attempt to rape them)? When I picked it up, I was craving historical romance with an actual story (read some decent build up to romance and kissing, etc, not just mashing it in almost immediately). Good Lord, I'm glad I didn't pay very much for this book. The story idea has potential, but as far in as I am, it sucks. I SHALL ATTEMPT TO FINISH IT because that's what I try to do, but seriously, this is going to make that torrid romance stuff even less tempting. I laugh in the face of cobalt blue eyes.
Although, "You licked me!" might have been my favorite part... sadly, it was within the first couple of chapters.
Alright, I finished it. It actually book-comaed me. I feel offended. The book carried itself on sex. The idea of the story was a good one. It sounded like it was going to be a good story. Ahem. let's move onto the part of the book where the lead male believes that he can do no wrong. He's glad that the revolutionaries don't rape Evangeline. LET'S BACK UP TO THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK. HE WAS WILLING TO RAPE HER TO MAKE HER BE HIS PRINCESS. WHAT THE HELL? He's the only one who can rape the princess? Dear Lord. Let me bash his head against a brick wall.
Well. I can't exactly say I didn't know what was coming. The book said it was by the author of The Scandalous Evening (or something like that) that should have been enough to tell me I was out of my comfort zone.
And yes, I might go after some other romance novels, but I might screen them better first. I've always been against the trashy romances. (I tend to judge them by their covers....)
Although, "You licked me!" might have been my favorite part... sadly, it was within the first couple of chapters.
Alright, I finished it. It actually book-comaed me. I feel offended. The book carried itself on sex. The idea of the story was a good one. It sounded like it was going to be a good story. Ahem. let's move onto the part of the book where the lead male believes that he can do no wrong. He's glad that the revolutionaries don't rape Evangeline. LET'S BACK UP TO THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK. HE WAS WILLING TO RAPE HER TO MAKE HER BE HIS PRINCESS. WHAT THE HELL? He's the only one who can rape the princess? Dear Lord. Let me bash his head against a brick wall.
Well. I can't exactly say I didn't know what was coming. The book said it was by the author of The Scandalous Evening (or something like that) that should have been enough to tell me I was out of my comfort zone.
And yes, I might go after some other romance novels, but I might screen them better first. I've always been against the trashy romances. (I tend to judge them by their covers....)
May 13, 2011
I know this book is Fictional, but the so called "Heroine" is so completley STUPID that I had to put the book down 3 times and force myself to finish it!!!! Come on C.D., I know there has to be some conflict and drama, but really!!!!
There is lot of lack of realism throughout the story and Im not referreing to the milennia old nun!! The female character Evangeline is simply an idiot who by the way,did amazing feats things - like descending a cliff- simply from reading about how to do it. Evangeline's stupidity took away from the believeability of the story.
The love story itself was ok, but even having said that, I dont know any man who thinks giving into his PRIMAL, BASER, URGES in the sack is considered a weakness to hide!!! Please, most men would Boast if they had that kind of sexual prowess!
Glad I read this on loan from my local library!!!
There is lot of lack of realism throughout the story and Im not referreing to the milennia old nun!! The female character Evangeline is simply an idiot who by the way,did amazing feats things - like descending a cliff- simply from reading about how to do it. Evangeline's stupidity took away from the believeability of the story.
The love story itself was ok, but even having said that, I dont know any man who thinks giving into his PRIMAL, BASER, URGES in the sack is considered a weakness to hide!!! Please, most men would Boast if they had that kind of sexual prowess!
Glad I read this on loan from my local library!!!
March 8, 2008
This was a really cute story, I enjoyed it.
Evangeline Scoffield was the heroine, and Prince Danior of Baminia the hero. Danior is convinced that Evangeline is the princess he's to marry, but she insists she isn't, and you're left wondering, trying to figure it out yourself, is she or isn't she? It's was enjoyable watching the two together, and their bantering and interaction as they made their way through to the country of Baminia.
Evangeline Scoffield was the heroine, and Prince Danior of Baminia the hero. Danior is convinced that Evangeline is the princess he's to marry, but she insists she isn't, and you're left wondering, trying to figure it out yourself, is she or isn't she? It's was enjoyable watching the two together, and their bantering and interaction as they made their way through to the country of Baminia.
November 1, 2020
Did not like. This book was all over the place from the very beginning.
March 4, 2025
En sí el libro no es malo, pero no es tan bueno para el género que representa; romántico, aunque te demoras un buen rato en darte cuenta, porque intentan sorprenderte con un contexto medieval y una historia que francamente carece mucho de contenido y credibilidad, por ejemplo nobles riéndose de la gente supersticiosa y avalando la ciencia cuando a principios del siglo XIX la ciencia no tenía mucha validez y, por el contrario, la magia seguía siendo el motor de las creencias humanas.
Por otro lado, los recursos de seducción de la trama principal eran malísimos, un hombre bruto y prepotente que no tenía por donde enamorar a la protagonista, no obstante la vuelve loca, parecía una novela escrita por un hombre, porque no me sentí nunca identificada con los sentires del personaje femenino ni del desarrollo y tensión entre ambos.
La trama secundaria, del reino, mala, básica, aburrida.
Lo que rescato del libro: los encuentros sexuales eran muy bien narrados y candentes, logrando su objetivo. Los personajes femeninos hablaban entre ellos. La narrativa fácil de leer, me lo terminé en tan solo un fin de semana. La historia atrapaba.
Lo mejor del libro (SPOILER): Descubrir quién era la verdadera princesa.
Por otro lado, los recursos de seducción de la trama principal eran malísimos, un hombre bruto y prepotente que no tenía por donde enamorar a la protagonista, no obstante la vuelve loca, parecía una novela escrita por un hombre, porque no me sentí nunca identificada con los sentires del personaje femenino ni del desarrollo y tensión entre ambos.
La trama secundaria, del reino, mala, básica, aburrida.
Lo que rescato del libro: los encuentros sexuales eran muy bien narrados y candentes, logrando su objetivo. Los personajes femeninos hablaban entre ellos. La narrativa fácil de leer, me lo terminé en tan solo un fin de semana. La historia atrapaba.
Lo mejor del libro (SPOILER): Descubrir quién era la verdadera princesa.
January 16, 2011
The story of a young abandoned girl, twice orphaned – once by her parents and another by her foster mother. Evangeline has always dreamed of living a life in luxury, so when her foster mother disappears without a trace ( and is assumed dead), she takes the money that has been left with her and runs away to fulfill her dream, at least temporarily.
At the start of her adventure, she becomes the mysterious lady who has made many names for herself. Always distancing herself from the people around her, Evangeline gets used to the whispers and looks she gets from everyone, except one – the one she meets at this certain inn in Spain, whose eyes stare at her intently. His eyes frighten her because of their intensity, and she flees to the comfort of her own room. Soon after, that same man forces his way into the room announcing himself as her fiancee, and that she is the runaway princess from his neighboring kingdom. Though Evangeline declines this, the prince finds her statement hard to believe because she replies to them in their own native language.
What eventually occurs throughout the story is the adventure towards their two kingdoms – a journey fraught with peril. It turns out, there are those who want to kill both the prince and the princess, in order to prevent them from eventual marriage which will lead their kingdoms to unite. Throughout their journey, Evangeline begins to fall in love with Prince Danior, who continues to claim she is the princess. Yet how can she be his princess when she knows she didn’t grow up the way he said she has. She can’t deny knowing his language, his history and everything else related to their two kingdoms, since it was a story she had been told, and which she thought had just been a fantasy.
As their story progresses, they both fall in love with each other, but how can a simple girl like her fall for a prince like him, and what if he fell in love with her only because he thought she was the princess. An interesting romance novel that involves so many comical situations between the two lovers who eventually uncover the truths that lay hidden throughout their journey.
One of the few fantasy-related romance novels I’ve read so far, The Runaway Princess involves many thought-provoking events throughout the story that make the readers wonder who Evangeline is in the story. What I liked about the book was the comical dialogues between Evangeline and the prince as they went through their adventure. It was funny and interesting to read how Evangeline reacted to the prince’s statements about the kingdom, the princess, the events, everything. As well, the imagined kingdoms in the story, though not extremely creatively given descriptions in the story, were clear enough to imagine as the story unfolds.
What I didn’t like about the story is how quick the story seemed to go. Maybe, it was unavoidable since the events did require a quick-paced plot, but personally, I would have liked a slower-paced story for the two main characters. Also, there were many explanations in the story that seemed too run-on, and parts of the story were a bit confusing to follow. Now that I think about it, the required quick-paced flow of the plot could be the reason why everything was too hard to take in all at once. If I were the female character in the story, I’d probably feel the same way as well.
Even so, this book had many note-worthy points that made it an interesting read. Honestly though, it’s not my kind of story; maybe it is for some other people, but not for me.
At the start of her adventure, she becomes the mysterious lady who has made many names for herself. Always distancing herself from the people around her, Evangeline gets used to the whispers and looks she gets from everyone, except one – the one she meets at this certain inn in Spain, whose eyes stare at her intently. His eyes frighten her because of their intensity, and she flees to the comfort of her own room. Soon after, that same man forces his way into the room announcing himself as her fiancee, and that she is the runaway princess from his neighboring kingdom. Though Evangeline declines this, the prince finds her statement hard to believe because she replies to them in their own native language.
What eventually occurs throughout the story is the adventure towards their two kingdoms – a journey fraught with peril. It turns out, there are those who want to kill both the prince and the princess, in order to prevent them from eventual marriage which will lead their kingdoms to unite. Throughout their journey, Evangeline begins to fall in love with Prince Danior, who continues to claim she is the princess. Yet how can she be his princess when she knows she didn’t grow up the way he said she has. She can’t deny knowing his language, his history and everything else related to their two kingdoms, since it was a story she had been told, and which she thought had just been a fantasy.
As their story progresses, they both fall in love with each other, but how can a simple girl like her fall for a prince like him, and what if he fell in love with her only because he thought she was the princess. An interesting romance novel that involves so many comical situations between the two lovers who eventually uncover the truths that lay hidden throughout their journey.
One of the few fantasy-related romance novels I’ve read so far, The Runaway Princess involves many thought-provoking events throughout the story that make the readers wonder who Evangeline is in the story. What I liked about the book was the comical dialogues between Evangeline and the prince as they went through their adventure. It was funny and interesting to read how Evangeline reacted to the prince’s statements about the kingdom, the princess, the events, everything. As well, the imagined kingdoms in the story, though not extremely creatively given descriptions in the story, were clear enough to imagine as the story unfolds.
What I didn’t like about the story is how quick the story seemed to go. Maybe, it was unavoidable since the events did require a quick-paced plot, but personally, I would have liked a slower-paced story for the two main characters. Also, there were many explanations in the story that seemed too run-on, and parts of the story were a bit confusing to follow. Now that I think about it, the required quick-paced flow of the plot could be the reason why everything was too hard to take in all at once. If I were the female character in the story, I’d probably feel the same way as well.
Even so, this book had many note-worthy points that made it an interesting read. Honestly though, it’s not my kind of story; maybe it is for some other people, but not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
Growing up in an orphanage, poor and without family, the heroine was saved by her patroness who took her in and taught her the wonders to be found in books. She knows several languages, she knows how to fight (at least in theory) and she knows the overall working of sex. But reading these things in book is far different from experiencing them for yourself so with that in mind and with the inheritance she received, the heroine has begun traveling the world. And things were going decently if a bit lonely when everything went so horribly wrong. She's besieged but a beast of a man who claims her as his betrothed. He claims she is a runaway princess who fled her responsibilities and no matter how loudly or how frequently she protests that she's not this woman, he refuses to listen. Kidnapped and in the company of a brutish man who is arrogant, conceited with without any Princely qualities to speak of, she vows to escape at the first opportunity.
The hero may be a prince but first and foremost he is a warrior. He is not the courtly type and is rather crude at times and completely merciless when it comes to his pursuit of a crown. He knows he's the prince destined to open the mystical chest and unite their countries under one rule and to this he needs his fated bride. Though she adamantly denies being the princess he seeks, the signs and indeed her very appearance show clearly that she is this one he wants. She is beyond frustrating though and very proud and he battles between her constant refusal to accept the truth and the overwhelming urge to possess her. She manages to escape much to his fury and in turn directly kidnapped by his enemies but she somehow manages to escape-much to the hero's anger and reluctant admiration. That's typical of how he sees her-frustrating but still a woman to admire. As they travel to meet in the city for the revealing ceremony the hero finds herself falling deeper and deeper into his spell. She goes from knowing she's not this princess and wanting nothing more to flee to instead feeling heartache over the fact that once he learns the truth, she will lose him. How can she possibly be his woman who the princess he seeks is still out there?
As the time for the revealing draws closer and closer she is full of dread that the chest won't open and they will all be killed.
I struggled with this book because it was written with a less the stellar attention to detail. I strongly dislike historical romance with modern wording and phrases and this book was littered with them. There was also a lot of backpedaling and repetition of conversations. For most of the book I felt it deserved a 2 star. However, I did find myself enjoying it towards the end. I liked the characters. The hero who was a bear sized man with an ego and a hidden heart of gold. The heroine who was stubborn and reckless but intelligent as well and quick on her feet when it came to getting herself out of situations. I thought they had okay chemistry and I enjoyed their banter and arguing. I most enjoyed the love that developed towards the end when the hero discovered she was not the princess yet knew he loved her too much to let her go. Overall I liked this book well enough but it had potential to be so much better.
The hero may be a prince but first and foremost he is a warrior. He is not the courtly type and is rather crude at times and completely merciless when it comes to his pursuit of a crown. He knows he's the prince destined to open the mystical chest and unite their countries under one rule and to this he needs his fated bride. Though she adamantly denies being the princess he seeks, the signs and indeed her very appearance show clearly that she is this one he wants. She is beyond frustrating though and very proud and he battles between her constant refusal to accept the truth and the overwhelming urge to possess her. She manages to escape much to his fury and in turn directly kidnapped by his enemies but she somehow manages to escape-much to the hero's anger and reluctant admiration. That's typical of how he sees her-frustrating but still a woman to admire. As they travel to meet in the city for the revealing ceremony the hero finds herself falling deeper and deeper into his spell. She goes from knowing she's not this princess and wanting nothing more to flee to instead feeling heartache over the fact that once he learns the truth, she will lose him. How can she possibly be his woman who the princess he seeks is still out there?
As the time for the revealing draws closer and closer she is full of dread that the chest won't open and they will all be killed.
I struggled with this book because it was written with a less the stellar attention to detail. I strongly dislike historical romance with modern wording and phrases and this book was littered with them. There was also a lot of backpedaling and repetition of conversations. For most of the book I felt it deserved a 2 star. However, I did find myself enjoying it towards the end. I liked the characters. The hero who was a bear sized man with an ego and a hidden heart of gold. The heroine who was stubborn and reckless but intelligent as well and quick on her feet when it came to getting herself out of situations. I thought they had okay chemistry and I enjoyed their banter and arguing. I most enjoyed the love that developed towards the end when the hero discovered she was not the princess yet knew he loved her too much to let her go. Overall I liked this book well enough but it had potential to be so much better.
June 3, 2019
The premise is interesting, but I kinda hated large swathes of it. This is a story of a woman who is kidnapped, abused, nearly raped, belittled, gaslighted, and denied her own identity by men from start to finish, including both those who want to harm and kill her and those who think she's a princess to be protected and worshiped. No matter how many times she proclaims her own non-royal identity or her own story or her own innocence, the men just bulldoze over her. Even every sign of her competence in ANYTHING is used to bolster their own assumptions.
The freaking prince has the most grating antifeminist attitude, even when he tries hard not to be his misogynistic, womanizing father. To quote the freaking prince (the only name he gets here), "What a woman thinks is the most insignificant part of her." I think the author was trying to instill a bit of authentic 1830s bigotry into the story, but it was rather alienating. And paired with a plot that hinged entirely on a misunderstanding of the sort that can be cleared up with simple conversation (normally), it resulted in one of the most bullheaded, aggravating, and repulsive protagonists I've ever read. I kept hoping he was going to have a moment where he'd realize the error of his ways and question all of his assumptions and be much more humble and circumspect in conversation (especially with women) from now on, but nooooo...
The freaking prince has the most grating antifeminist attitude, even when he tries hard not to be his misogynistic, womanizing father. To quote the freaking prince (the only name he gets here), "What a woman thinks is the most insignificant part of her." I think the author was trying to instill a bit of authentic 1830s bigotry into the story, but it was rather alienating. And paired with a plot that hinged entirely on a misunderstanding of the sort that can be cleared up with simple conversation (normally), it resulted in one of the most bullheaded, aggravating, and repulsive protagonists I've ever read. I kept hoping he was going to have a moment where he'd realize the error of his ways and question all of his assumptions and be much more humble and circumspect in conversation (especially with women) from now on, but nooooo...
May 7, 2013
I love this book. It's marvelous. It's a little girl's "I'm really a princess in hiding?!" fantasy with a real-world edge. The prince doesn't whisk the willing princess away on horseback, waving to fawning crowds. Oh, no. This prince hefts the reluctant princess over his shoulder (ingloriously) and stomps away with her, taking secret backroads and dodging rebels and traitors on his way to the palace. Evangeline spends 3/4 of the story shouting "It's not me! It's not me! You've got the wrong one!" and Danior spends 3/4 of the story with his hands over his ears shouting "I can't hear you! I'm not listening! Lalalalala!"
It certainly makes for an interesting dynamic.
I love the roadblocks they run into. I love that Evangeline isn't some awful, slender, appallingly delicate, pathetic, simpering ninny content to snuggle against Danior's "oak ribbed chest" (gag) and be carried hither and yon like some wilting houseplant. Oh, no. She's got big feet. She's breast-y and hip-y. She loves food. She knows nothing of the "art" of flirting. She's intimately familiar with the "art" of stomping around and arguing. She's magnificent.
And Danior, with his ingrained inability to compromise, his bossiness, his unfailing (often appalling) self-confidence, s one of the most genuine heroes I've read in recent memory.
All told, this is a marvelous story from start to finish. It doesn't drag on past its expiration date, it's got a myriad of deliciously appropriate problems to overcome, it's got love, and it's got steam (ahem) - very hawt steam.
Buy it. Read it. Then re-read it (I know I have).
It certainly makes for an interesting dynamic.
I love the roadblocks they run into. I love that Evangeline isn't some awful, slender, appallingly delicate, pathetic, simpering ninny content to snuggle against Danior's "oak ribbed chest" (gag) and be carried hither and yon like some wilting houseplant. Oh, no. She's got big feet. She's breast-y and hip-y. She loves food. She knows nothing of the "art" of flirting. She's intimately familiar with the "art" of stomping around and arguing. She's magnificent.
And Danior, with his ingrained inability to compromise, his bossiness, his unfailing (often appalling) self-confidence, s one of the most genuine heroes I've read in recent memory.
All told, this is a marvelous story from start to finish. It doesn't drag on past its expiration date, it's got a myriad of deliciously appropriate problems to overcome, it's got love, and it's got steam (ahem) - very hawt steam.
Buy it. Read it. Then re-read it (I know I have).
May 8, 2015
After being left some money from the woman who was her employer, Evangeline Scoffield decides to travel as a woman of mystery and experience a life style she has never known.
All is going well until a dark and dangerous looking man discovers her and kidnaps her from the hotel.
Danior, Crown Prince of Serephinia, has spent his entire life looking for the runaway princess he is set to marry to unite two neighboring countries. He knows he has found her in Evangeline, no matter how many times she tells him she is not the woman he is looking for.
Danior, Evangeline, and two of Danior's half brothers try to quickly make their way back to Serephinia before they are discovered by one of Danior's other illegitimate brothers, Dominick, who will stop at nothing to bring the monarchy of Serephinia to it's knees.
After encountering a band of rebels and splitting up Danior and Evangeline travel to Serephinia alone, with Evangeline trying to escape at every possible chance.
I enjoyed this story so much, and what made it even more enjoyable was it had an ending I was not expecting.
I liked Evangeline a lot and can not think of anything I would change in her character. She was exactly what Danior needed and they fit together so well. They are a classic example of opposites attracting and bringing out the best in one another.
All is going well until a dark and dangerous looking man discovers her and kidnaps her from the hotel.
Danior, Crown Prince of Serephinia, has spent his entire life looking for the runaway princess he is set to marry to unite two neighboring countries. He knows he has found her in Evangeline, no matter how many times she tells him she is not the woman he is looking for.
Danior, Evangeline, and two of Danior's half brothers try to quickly make their way back to Serephinia before they are discovered by one of Danior's other illegitimate brothers, Dominick, who will stop at nothing to bring the monarchy of Serephinia to it's knees.
After encountering a band of rebels and splitting up Danior and Evangeline travel to Serephinia alone, with Evangeline trying to escape at every possible chance.
I enjoyed this story so much, and what made it even more enjoyable was it had an ending I was not expecting.
I liked Evangeline a lot and can not think of anything I would change in her character. She was exactly what Danior needed and they fit together so well. They are a classic example of opposites attracting and bringing out the best in one another.
March 22, 2008
Wow, this book was boring. Okay, maybe not that boring, but I didn't enjoy it at all. I think a lot of that was the lack of realism throughout the story....imaginary countries, prophecies, thousand year old nun/saints, magic crystal boxes, strange happenings. And a female character who did difficult things - like descending a sheer cliff face - simply from reading about how to do it. I kept shaking my head at what Evangeline did. It really took away from the believeability of the story. I know a lot of people like fantastical romances, but I generally don't - with a few exceptions. Even ignoring my dislike, the book bored me.
Another annoying thing was how many times she rambled about how she wasn't a princess. It seemed like that came out of her mouth every other sentence. The romance wasn't too bad, but it couldn't overcome all the stuff that bored me. I was also annoyed at the end of the book by the rather curt, careless explanation of how Evangeline got mixed up in the whole mess and what happened to the real princess. It needed to be more thorough.
This is the 3rd Dodd book I've read, and I've not been impressed by any of them. I'm rather glad that I only spent $0.25 for this one used.
Another annoying thing was how many times she rambled about how she wasn't a princess. It seemed like that came out of her mouth every other sentence. The romance wasn't too bad, but it couldn't overcome all the stuff that bored me. I was also annoyed at the end of the book by the rather curt, careless explanation of how Evangeline got mixed up in the whole mess and what happened to the real princess. It needed to be more thorough.
This is the 3rd Dodd book I've read, and I've not been impressed by any of them. I'm rather glad that I only spent $0.25 for this one used.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2018
I'd rate this one at three and a half if I could. It was well written with an elaborate plot.
Evangeline is a briliant heroine but the "too stupid to live" moments she has a couple of times keep me from giving this a higher rating. Danior is the honorable prince of a fictional kingdom who is trying to find his fianced princess in order to unite their warring kingdoms and restore prosperity according to legend. Here's where the plot gets dicey. Evangeline is taken from an English orphanage at age eleven and trained by the elderly Leona in languages, legend and just about everything a princess might need. Meanwhile, back in Seraphina, the real princess is the same age. The real princess who is needed to fulfil the legend decides to enter a convent. Evangeline "inherits" money from Leona and decides to travel in the vicinity of the two kingdoms where she is spotted by Danior. The rest is more predictable. It was an enjoyable if improbable read.
Evangeline is a briliant heroine but the "too stupid to live" moments she has a couple of times keep me from giving this a higher rating. Danior is the honorable prince of a fictional kingdom who is trying to find his fianced princess in order to unite their warring kingdoms and restore prosperity according to legend. Here's where the plot gets dicey. Evangeline is taken from an English orphanage at age eleven and trained by the elderly Leona in languages, legend and just about everything a princess might need. Meanwhile, back in Seraphina, the real princess is the same age. The real princess who is needed to fulfil the legend decides to enter a convent. Evangeline "inherits" money from Leona and decides to travel in the vicinity of the two kingdoms where she is spotted by Danior. The rest is more predictable. It was an enjoyable if improbable read.
May 3, 2015
MasqueradeEnglish orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer--a summer she will spend the rest of her life remembering. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery.
MarriageBut she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.
Or the Ever After of Her Dreams?One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephinia. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fullfil their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.
MarriageBut she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.
Or the Ever After of Her Dreams?One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephinia. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fullfil their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.
May 25, 2010
This was the second time I read this book. I liked it the first time I read it, and I liked it this time too.
The heroine is an orphan living it up on an inheritance, having a bit of an adventure in the Pyrenees before she goes back to England and opens a bookstore. Then she is plunged into an adventure when she is mistaken for a runaway princess, by the prince, no less. The one the princess is supposed to marry. There are daring escapes, smoldering looks, rescues, banter, explosions, double entendre, romance, ancient prophesies and betrayals. I wanted to smack the hero a time or two, and the heroine for letting him get away with crap more than once, but overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a rip-roaring, romantic adventure. My favorite kind of story.
The heroine is an orphan living it up on an inheritance, having a bit of an adventure in the Pyrenees before she goes back to England and opens a bookstore. Then she is plunged into an adventure when she is mistaken for a runaway princess, by the prince, no less. The one the princess is supposed to marry. There are daring escapes, smoldering looks, rescues, banter, explosions, double entendre, romance, ancient prophesies and betrayals. I wanted to smack the hero a time or two, and the heroine for letting him get away with crap more than once, but overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a rip-roaring, romantic adventure. My favorite kind of story.
April 1, 2013
I believed the whole Runaway Princess idea however why didn't Evangeline explain her life prior to being eleven to explain why she wasn't the princess? She kept saying how her parents were dead, how she was rescued from an English orphanage, but nothing more. I know it would ruin the misunderstanding, but it seems like a logical subject to discuss, and they never did. It obviously bothered me for most of the story, especially when I could already determine Evangeline was not the princess.
All that beside, the story had a wonderful romance, crazy adventures, and a prince and his princess!
All that beside, the story had a wonderful romance, crazy adventures, and a prince and his princess!
January 16, 2012
Super sweet story with a true fairy-tale ending! Loved the heroine with her intelligence, strength, and cunning. The hero started out a little too staunchly, conservative, and rather boring and predictable, but he grows on you. The heroine is a much stronger, more interesting character with more depth. She carries the interest of the reader much more than her counterpart. Still the drama, the action, the romance is sparkling enough to make up for any deficiencies in character of the hero. It ends much better than it began.
February 21, 2011
I always enjoy Dodd's novels and this one didn't disappoint. I kept going back and forth trying to decide if Evangeline was really the princess or not. I like a book that keeps me guessing. It had adventure, political intrigue and, of course, romance. I appreciate the way Dodd ended it, no cliches for her.
January 11, 2015
This is not a page Turner, it took 5 months to finish it. The only reason why I pushed through is that I paid for it and I didn't want to remove it from my library without finishing it. Now I have to figure out a way to remove it from my brain.
January 17, 2015
This is a fairly shallow romance about a woman mistaken for the runaway princess of a made-up country. Naturally, the person mistaking her is a prince of a neighboring made-up country. And did I mention the countries are made up? If you know geography, this will bother you.
August 3, 2018
Older title
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading these earlier works. So many of the writers that I follow started in the historical genre before they moved on to more contemporary lines.
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading these earlier works. So many of the writers that I follow started in the historical genre before they moved on to more contemporary lines.
October 22, 2011
Every once in a while I read a romance novel just to remind myself how utterly stupid they are.
January 26, 2014
Great until the ending. It just fell apart.
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