"Almost an instant winner"

In Elizabeth Thornton's much-anticipated release after her acclaimed Princess Charming, Almost a Princess strives to be on par with a delectable smorgasbord of romance and intrigue even though the sensuality is more subdued here.

Case Devere, the earl of Castleton is engaged by the Special Branch to hunt down notorious brigand and arch- enemy Piers after he failed to destroy him in a relentless pursuit after he stole the gold from British Convoy. Now in London 1816 - a man is killed and bears a pebble - a signature killing style exclusive to Piers. He tracks down Letty, Pier's sister through Jane Mayberry - a resilient independent bluestocking who staunchly defend woman's right - and amazes Case with her strength. As passion develops between them, Jane faces danger from Piers in sabotages and a vitrolic ex-husband.

Readers who are familiar with Thornton's work will see her repeating the same winning formula deftly weaving palpitating suspense and murder with a knock-out twist towards the climax. The romance between Case and Jane steers wisely clear of prurience and bolsters on admiration to nurture an achingly tender love where Case becomes the protector. With an ensemble of defined sub- characters including the hauntingly disillusioned villain, Thornton's latest is almost an instant winner even if without any surprising breakthrough.

Reviewed by Desmond CHan
Posted February 1, 2003

Summary

Case Devere, the steely-eyed Earl of Castleton, has agreed to help Special Branch track down a notorious killer--one who just happens to be his archenemy. But he finds more than he bargained for when his search leads him to Jane Mayberry, a beautiful bluestocking passionately devoted to the cause of women's rights--and to protecting her privacy. As irresistible as she is uncooperative, the spirited Jane arouses Case's interest--as well as his suspicion--when she disappears. Determined to find the one woman who may hold the key to his investigation -- and to his heart--Case goes after her. Though their sparring belies an attraction too powerful to deny, Jane knows there can never be anything between herself and the strong- willed earl. For she bears a dark and terrifying secret that must remain hidden--even at the cost of a broken heart. As Case fights for the love of the one woman who has ever mattered to him, they are swept into a deadly game by a killer who won't stop until he has punished them both.