What do you think?
Rate this book
McCullagh Inn #3
A Princess in Maine
The McCullagh Inn is hosting the event of the century.
Chelsea Holland is used to dealing in secrets, and this one's proving to be the most exciting one yet: her old friend Grace is marrying a European prince, and Grace wants to host the wedding at the McCullagh Inn. But is Chelsea willing to put herself and her inn in the public eye—especially after being on the run?
Chelsea Holland is used to dealing in secrets, and this one's proving to be the most exciting one yet: her old friend Grace is marrying a European prince, and Grace wants to host the wedding at the McCullagh Inn. But is Chelsea willing to put herself and her inn in the public eye—especially after being on the run?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2017
93 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Jen McLaughlin
35 books1,150 followersJen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy books with Penguin Random House. Under her pen name, Diane Alberts, she is also a USA TODAY bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, hit the New York Times, USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
A Princess in Maine was an entertaining and fast-paced read with my favorite plot of the series.
For Chelsea Holland life couldn't be better as she's married to the love of her life and runs the inn the two built together. With the McCullagh Inn becoming a popular wedding location, Chelsea isn't surprised when her old friend Grace asks to have her wedding there. What is a surprise is that she wants the wedding to be in two months and her fiancé is the prince of a small European country. But Chelsea isn't one to back down from a challenge and so she prepares to give Grace the wedding of the century.
Chelsea and Jeremy's relationship hits a few rough patches in this book due to a lack of communication between the pair. While they are clear about how much they love each other, when it comes to things that bother them, they have a tendency to stay silent which ultimately leads to a few fights. One thing I didn't love was that they never seemed to actually resolve their issues. Instead one of them would cave, they'd have sex, and the problem wouldn't be mentioned again. Granted the sex scenes were very well done and quite steamy, but sex does not solve all issues.
As to the plot in this book, the secret royal wedding, it was my favorite in the series. I loved the idea of Grace and Phillip eloping because they knew they were right for each other, the media be damned. This book does take place over the course of two months and those months go by very quickly. Because Grace is out of the country for the majority of the planning period, Chelsea has to do most of the planning. I enjoyed the little bits sprinkled throughout of the wedding planning aspects, but I wish there had been more of those moments. Ultimately the book is focused on a mysterious person attempting to sabotage the wedding. One thing after another goes wrong and I have to say I was surprised by who the culprit was. Overall though it was an exciting and fast-paced plot that made the book fly by.
A Princess in Maine was definitely my favorite in the series and I'm sad to see there are no more books in the series as there were definitely some things left unresolved. I would recommend this series if you're looking for some quick reads with a hint of romantic suspense.
A Princess in Maine was an entertaining and fast-paced read with my favorite plot of the series.
For Chelsea Holland life couldn't be better as she's married to the love of her life and runs the inn the two built together. With the McCullagh Inn becoming a popular wedding location, Chelsea isn't surprised when her old friend Grace asks to have her wedding there. What is a surprise is that she wants the wedding to be in two months and her fiancé is the prince of a small European country. But Chelsea isn't one to back down from a challenge and so she prepares to give Grace the wedding of the century.
Chelsea and Jeremy's relationship hits a few rough patches in this book due to a lack of communication between the pair. While they are clear about how much they love each other, when it comes to things that bother them, they have a tendency to stay silent which ultimately leads to a few fights. One thing I didn't love was that they never seemed to actually resolve their issues. Instead one of them would cave, they'd have sex, and the problem wouldn't be mentioned again. Granted the sex scenes were very well done and quite steamy, but sex does not solve all issues.
As to the plot in this book, the secret royal wedding, it was my favorite in the series. I loved the idea of Grace and Phillip eloping because they knew they were right for each other, the media be damned. This book does take place over the course of two months and those months go by very quickly. Because Grace is out of the country for the majority of the planning period, Chelsea has to do most of the planning. I enjoyed the little bits sprinkled throughout of the wedding planning aspects, but I wish there had been more of those moments. Ultimately the book is focused on a mysterious person attempting to sabotage the wedding. One thing after another goes wrong and I have to say I was surprised by who the culprit was. Overall though it was an exciting and fast-paced plot that made the book fly by.
A Princess in Maine was definitely my favorite in the series and I'm sad to see there are no more books in the series as there were definitely some things left unresolved. I would recommend this series if you're looking for some quick reads with a hint of romantic suspense.
November 16, 2020
3.5*
This can't be the last of this series- WTH was that epilogue?!? I need more, damn it!
I liked being back in the McCullagh Inn world. I enjoyed the previous 2 books and let this one slip by the wayside for some reason. Chelsea's got her hands full in this one, with the royal wedding as well as not knowing who's causing the trouble, and if it's towards them or the royal couple. There was also so conflict with Jeremy, but I love how much they love each other, even when one of them does something the other doesn't agree with.
The ending was a little abrupt, with figuring out the "whodunit", but it kept me on my toes.
And like I said at the beginning...WTF! You can't just leave us hanging like that Ms. McLaughlin- are we getting more?!?
This can't be the last of this series- WTH was that epilogue?!? I need more, damn it!
I liked being back in the McCullagh Inn world. I enjoyed the previous 2 books and let this one slip by the wayside for some reason. Chelsea's got her hands full in this one, with the royal wedding as well as not knowing who's causing the trouble, and if it's towards them or the royal couple. There was also so conflict with Jeremy, but I love how much they love each other, even when one of them does something the other doesn't agree with.
The ending was a little abrupt, with figuring out the "whodunit", but it kept me on my toes.
And like I said at the beginning...WTF! You can't just leave us hanging like that Ms. McLaughlin- are we getting more?!?
October 21, 2019
A Princess in Maine - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A grand Grace Kelly/Prince Rainier of Monaco-type wedding is being planned to take place at the McCullagh Inn - if a mysterious ill-wisher doesn't ruin it first, that is!The Bride and eponymous Princess is Grace, BFF of one of the joint owners of the Inn, Chelsea Holland. She and her husband Jeremy built and run the Inn together, though the latter has to travel away on business from time to time. Meanwhile Grace is often abroad with her fiance, Phillip, leaving Chelsea to make most of the arrangements for what is virtually a celebrity wedding of the century, bring great prestige to the McCullagh Inn. Yet all is destined to go astray, if the plot by an anonymous shadowy figure succeeds...who could it be? And what is their motive?You'll have to get a copy of A Princess In Maine, A McCullagh Inn Story, that's #3 in the Book Shots Flames series by Jen McLaughlin to find out - don't delay!
A grand Grace Kelly/Prince Rainier of Monaco-type wedding is being planned to take place at the McCullagh Inn - if a mysterious ill-wisher doesn't ruin it first, that is!The Bride and eponymous Princess is Grace, BFF of one of the joint owners of the Inn, Chelsea Holland. She and her husband Jeremy built and run the Inn together, though the latter has to travel away on business from time to time. Meanwhile Grace is often abroad with her fiance, Phillip, leaving Chelsea to make most of the arrangements for what is virtually a celebrity wedding of the century, bring great prestige to the McCullagh Inn. Yet all is destined to go astray, if the plot by an anonymous shadowy figure succeeds...who could it be? And what is their motive?You'll have to get a copy of A Princess In Maine, A McCullagh Inn Story, that's #3 in the Book Shots Flames series by Jen McLaughlin to find out - don't delay!
June 26, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live 7/7)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2scCmm1
A Princess in Maine was a cute little catch up with newlyweds, Chelsea and Jeremy, who run the McCullagh Inn in Maine.
This time...they're planning a wedding that will put their little Inn on the map. A royal wedding at that! The clock is ticking, though, with only two months to plan the entire wedding and doing so...in complete secrecy. Woo!
Chelsea and Jeremy. I do like these two. He's a romantic, she's a little bit jaded. They're a fun duo and compliment each other nicely. It's been fun watching them meet again as adults, courting, getting married and now seeing how they're handling marriage and everything life throws at them. Love just flows off these two. Even when they're frustrated or angry with one another you can still see that love shining through. It's sweet and heartwarming and just makes you sigh.
The mystery/suspense is where I struggled a little. It was super fun watching them plan a controversial royal wedding that's happening at their inn and trying to figure out who was trying to sabotage things. But the plot twist didn't make much sense and dots weren't really connected. So I wish that had been planned out better
Overall, though, A Princess in Maine was a fun couple of hours spent on a hot Sunday afternoon. A lovely couple, some laughs, a sweet romance and royalty! What's not to love?
August 2, 2017
Who knew weddings could hold so much intrigue?!
May 15, 2023
Easy to read, continues on with Chelsea’s story.
January 21, 2023
Not the best in the series
I was in love with the first two books of this series and I had high hopes for this one. However, unlike the first two there was barely any action. The epilogue made it seem like there is a 4th book in the series and there is not. So we are left with a half finished story and cliffhanger. I can't find anything online that suggests there will be a book to tie up loose ends. So literally, reading this was such a waste of time because it had a whole new story with bits and pieces of Chelsea and Jeremy's life and then just "the end"
**DONT READ ON FOR SPOILERS**
.
.
.
.
.
.
I am infuriated that we find out about a unknown sibling in book two. One out for some sort of revenge. He is mentioned once again in the epilogue arriving at the inn, the first step in his evil plan... But then it ends. Left us to our imagination. I am actually livid. I would have skipped this book had I have known!
I was in love with the first two books of this series and I had high hopes for this one. However, unlike the first two there was barely any action. The epilogue made it seem like there is a 4th book in the series and there is not. So we are left with a half finished story and cliffhanger. I can't find anything online that suggests there will be a book to tie up loose ends. So literally, reading this was such a waste of time because it had a whole new story with bits and pieces of Chelsea and Jeremy's life and then just "the end"
**DONT READ ON FOR SPOILERS**
.
.
.
.
.
.
I am infuriated that we find out about a unknown sibling in book two. One out for some sort of revenge. He is mentioned once again in the epilogue arriving at the inn, the first step in his evil plan... But then it ends. Left us to our imagination. I am actually livid. I would have skipped this book had I have known!
August 4, 2019
This is the third book in the McCullagh Inn series and I honestly hope that there are going to be more books, as this was left on quite a cliffhanger with a lot of unanswered questions.
Chelsea and Jeremy are still the perfect, loving couple and have settled into happily running McCullagh Inn. They have successfully added wedding packages to their itinerary at the Inn.
When an old school friend asks Chelsea to host her wedding at the Inn, she doesn’t quite realise how much stress this will entail!
Chelsea and Jeremy are still the perfect, loving couple and have settled into happily running McCullagh Inn. They have successfully added wedding packages to their itinerary at the Inn.
When an old school friend asks Chelsea to host her wedding at the Inn, she doesn’t quite realise how much stress this will entail!
December 1, 2017
Again, a very good read and this time the couple is being tested early into their marriage. Jeremy is really a wonderful man. The only thing that did not feel right is why they still can't get their happy ever after. Can't the enemies just leave them alone. It appears there will be more with the introduction of that Jared fellah. I hope the next book would be the conclusion so Jeremy and Chelsea can just live peacefully.
September 2, 2018
Excellent book!
I chose this book because it takes place n Maine which is my favorite place to be. I also was drawn to it because I read the sequel to it & greatly enjoyed that. Both books have mystery & romance & keeps you reading chapter after chapter. I would recommend it to any reader who likes both light undeciferable mystery & pretty descriptive romance!
I chose this book because it takes place n Maine which is my favorite place to be. I also was drawn to it because I read the sequel to it & greatly enjoyed that. Both books have mystery & romance & keeps you reading chapter after chapter. I would recommend it to any reader who likes both light undeciferable mystery & pretty descriptive romance!
February 7, 2019
A Princess in Maine was a quick read, but being so short there was no character development and the plot lacked detail. Some events, such as the royal wedding, was skipped over, and I didn't think the mystery made any sense. It was only when I finished that I discovered that this was the last book in a trilogy, but it certainly didn't encourage me to read the first two books.
March 1, 2019
I read this with my wife who loves romantic books and hasn't read Patterson much at all - she was surprised at how much she enjoyed it. Patterson has adapted so well to the romance genre while making it plain clear that it is still him!
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading A Princess in Maine. I love the characters and their connection to each other. Chelsea is an amazing and strong woman and I love her connection to her husband. I enjoy their adventures and look forward to reading the next story
October 30, 2019
Princess in Maine
I commented earlier but forgot I wasn't reading Patterson. Jen McLaughlin you are an awesome writer. I am looking forward to reading many more of your books. Thank you
I commented earlier but forgot I wasn't reading Patterson. Jen McLaughlin you are an awesome writer. I am looking forward to reading many more of your books. Thank you
December 27, 2025
This story was pretty good. I at first had an idea but then the twist came. I admit I was getting annoyed with Chelsea a little because she kept doubting herself which isn't like her. But besides that, it's a good book. I don't like how there won't be other books it seems.
December 16, 2017
Great way to continue the story of Chelsea and Jeremy.
June 14, 2018
Cute book number 3 that leads into book 4. I think this was my least favorite of the series so far because much of he focus was not on the two main characters.
November 1, 2018
This is the third book in this series, and they just keep getting better!
June 12, 2019
good leisure reading
May 19, 2021
Great
November 25, 2022
The 3rd book in the McCullagh Inn series. A BookShots romance. Fast-paced and entertaining.
March 5, 2024
Wow, very emotional, nerve-wrecking and unpredictably shocking with horrific moments Highly recommend
August 22, 2019
A wedding is to be held at the McCullagh Inn and not just any wedding, but a royal wedding. Everything is to be kept secret but someone leaked it to the media. Someone has also been sabotaging businesses connected to the wedding but Chelsea and Jeremy Holland, owners of the inn, are determined that the wedding take place without anyone getting hurt.
Not too much to this story but the epilogue has Chelsea's secret brother coming to stay at the inn. He is the one who supposedly took her mother's engagement ring. He wants to bring her down but why?
Not too much to this story but the epilogue has Chelsea's secret brother coming to stay at the inn. He is the one who supposedly took her mother's engagement ring. He wants to bring her down but why?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews