"A wonderful romance"

In 1851, Gentlemen Rogues Secret Agent Andrew Chase hates his current assignment as bodyguard to Princess Carolina of Boratania. He feels he can survive watching the spoiled pampered highness whom he never has met since it is only one month of hell.

At a party in her honor, Drew observes Carolina just take over until she slips out to a nearby maze; he follows her and accosts her informing Carolina that he will keep her safe. As they fall in love, assassins try to prevent Carolina from being proclaimed Empress by killing her with her beloved keeping her safe. Besides her official duty ending anything permanent, Drew has a secret that he knows he must divulge, but once he tells her he fears Carolina's love will turn to hate.

This is a terrific Victorian romance as Carolina surprises Drew by being anything but a spoiled royal. The conflict between the princess and her bodyguard is cleverly conceived so that readers see Drew slowly change his mind about his dependent until he falls in love with her. Though Carolina is perhaps a too perfect pretty princess, fans will appreciate this tale in which her champion would rather die to keep her safe although he knows nothing can ever come of his deep regard and love for his sweet diamond.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 16, 2004