"Clever, passionate start to Lost Princess series."

The Beaumontagne Kingdom undergoes a tumultuous revolution resulting in the overthrow and death of the king. His three daughters, Sorcha, Clarice and Amy, are sent in exile to England. Due to the evil machinations of the queen's minister, the princesses disappear. This is Princess Clarice's tale.

Princess Clarice roams England and Scotland supporting herself as a peddler of beauty preparations. She promises her royal beauty secrets will bring happiness and joy to her customers. Gentle humor and sleight of hand provide her with a barely sustainable income. Her first foray into Scotland lands her in the realm of Robert Mackenzie, Earl of Hepburn. Drawn to his dark brooding looks, Clarice accepts his invitation to stay at his home and assist as his sister prepares for a special ball.

Robert Mackenzie's plans for revenge against his former commanding officer threaten to unravel when an integral person is unable to appear. Stymied by the new obstacles, he refuses to give up. Clarice's appearance, and her ability to transform people with cosmetics, resurrects his plan. Robert feels no guilt blackmailing Clarice into helping. He believes his cause is just in derailing a false hero's return and freeing his friend.

Adding to the danger is his attempt to seduce Clarice. His heart, frozen by horrific events in war, begins to thaw as Clarice warms his soul. She feels free of the past until the arrival of an unexpected guest forces Clarice to choose between love and duty.

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING starts the exciting new Lost Princess series. Cleverly written with smoldering passion and sparkling dialogue, Ms. Dodd continues to glitter as one of romance's top writers. Published in hardcover, it's well-worth the price.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted June 4, 2004

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With her twenty-five glorious novels, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Christina Dodd has won the hearts of readers with her sexy, classic romances. Join her now as she weaves a magical story filled with smart humor, high action, and true love.

Summary

Once upon a time, high in the Pyrenees Mountains, there were two happy and prosperous kingdoms. In one kingdom, a son was born and declared the crown prince. In the other kingdom, three daughters were raised in royal splendor.

This is the story of one lost princess, Princess Clarice, who flees with her younger sister to Scotland, where they survive by their wits and daring. But just when Clarice begins to believe she's safe at last, she attracts the attention of one of Scotland's most powerful and dangerous men.

Robert MacKenzie, the earl of Hepburn, is enchanted by Clarice's dazzling beauty—and wary of her talent for disguise. For years justice had been his only desire. A war hero, he knows the cruelness of the world and he cares too much for the people of his village to let them be victimized and exploited. But the moment Robert sees Clarice riding into town—her lush, smiling lips, her copper-colored curls, her warm amber eyes—he is overcome with emotions that have been deeply buried for far too long. Feeling he must have her at any cost, he invites her to stay with him at his manor house and won't take no for an answer.

Now, he has the chance to uncover the nature of her mysterious business in town, and possibly the chance to satisfy his burning desire for her as well.

Soon Roberts knows all of Clarice's most guarded secrets, and he uses this knowledge to blackmail her into giving her unwilling aid to his own perilous plan. Caught between her need to protect her sister and the dangerous man who mixes dark emotions with passionate kisses, Clarice plunges into Robert's glamorous world. Her days are filled with colorful gowns, elaborate parties, and swirling waltzes. And her nights are marked by secret assignations and one all-consuming passion.

As Clarice's golden beauty draws Robert from the shadows and her bright wit teaches him to live again, the treachery around them deepens. He swears to keep her safe, never suspecting that he will face an even greater hazard: losing his heart to the mysterious princess who just might make him believe in happily-ever-after ...