"Loosely similar to The Prince and the Pauper"

In 1817 on the Isle of Teleere, Viscount Nicholas Argyle notices a young woman whom looks exactly like Princess Tatiana "Anna" Rochenau ruler of his home country Sedonia. Before he can talk to her, she hits him with a bottle, steals his watch, and disappears.

Six months later, Nicol searches for the woman who stole his watch when he finds "Sparrow" working at a bar. He asks her for his watch, but she denies ever meeting him. Nicol offers her money, three meals, and an education if she is willing to impersonate the princess while the royal negotiates an alliance. If not, he will see her at the gallows as befitting a thief. She reluctantly accepts his terms. He teaches her how to behave like a royal, but Meg drives him crazy.

The switch is made. Her performance as the princess over the next few days is perfect and Nicol soon admires and loves Meg, but she believes he remains infatuated with Anna. Meg takes charge of the council discussions on how to pay the debt and realizes she loves her mentor. However, she knows that when the real Princess returns her love will abandon her.

Loosely similar to The Prince and the Pauper, THE PRINCESS MASQUERADE is a wonderful historical romance due to a strong spirited lead female character, a bewildered hero, and a solid support cast. Though the fall of the villain is too abrupt and Meg's adjustment from barmaid thief to princess feels too easy, the terrific story line hooks the audience who root for the heroine. Lois Greiman furbishes a fabulous novel that will elate her sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 15, 2004

Summary

Cunning Megan O'Shay is many things -- a barmaid, a beauty, and the notorious thief known as "Magical Megs." She gets much more than she expects, however, the day she separates a certain gentleman from his pocket watch . . . and the dashing scoundrel actually hunts her down! But it isn't his stolen timepiece that Nicol Argyle wants -- it's Megan. This Viscount of Newburn has finally found what he's been searching for: a woman who so resembles his liege, Princess Tatiana, that Her Highness will be able to slip away on a secret mission while the imposter sits in her place. First, though, he'll have to transform a perfect thief into a perfect royal by teaching her etiquette, dining, and dancing -- while resisting the mischievous gleam in her bewitching eyes and the sensuous allure of her kissable lips. Because Magical Megs is a master of her craft . . . and Nicol strongly suspects she intends to steal his heart.