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Unlikely Match #3
A Princess for the Gentleman
A princess in hiding. A gentleman in financial straits. And the accident that brought them together. Life is falling into place for Dugray Dawson. He has finally purchased a run-down estate of his own. But to make it successful he must work hard and follow his plan precisely. He has no time or inclination toward love. But when he comes upon a carriage accident and the maid who survived, he cannot simply walk away. Zia Petrovich arrives in England in search of her uncle, a man she has never met, in hopes that he will protect her from an unwelcome arranged marriage. When her carriage crashes, she is removed to the dilapidated estate of a surly, albeit handsome, gentleman who refuses to believe she truly is the princess she claims to be. When Zia’s betrothed discovers her location, both Zia and Dawson must decide if they will follow their carefully constructed plans or their unreasonable hearts.
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 20, 2020
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed. It followed a traditional rom com trope with the characters beginning their relationship with an insult and then having a series of misunderstandings koi. The female protagonist Zia, a Russian princess, is very spoiled at the start of the book and at times hard to comment with or empathize with. There were also some places where the phrasing was odd. This book does fit its purpose of being a quick easy read.
January 9, 2020
So happy to be back reading this wonderful series with so many characters I have grown to love. I loved reading Dawson's story and getting to know him better. Zia was a wonderful character as well after she got passed being a princess. I loved Mother D's character. She was a nice addition to this series. She's a great mother figure for all these characters. Of course I enjoyed seeing Tad again and Violet. Dawson and Zia's story was sweet and beautiful. I really enjoyed it and gave a nice sigh when it was over.
February 1, 2020
A charming, endearing, and sweet ending to a great series!
February 16, 2020
Enjoyed this sweet and clean historical romance by Mindy Strunk, an author whose books are going on my must-read list. Loved the sweet transformation of the main character and the story’s overarching theme that it is character, not status, title, or wealth that really matters in life. Well done!
January 30, 2020
Sweet, clean romance. The plot was original and I liked the characters. Although I had a few minor quibbles, I feel like the author's writing continues to improve and I will definitely look for more of her books in the future!
March 11, 2021
My first-time exposure to a work by Mindy Strunk has left me yearning for more from this talented author. This match between a Russian Princess and an English Gentleman is indeed an unlikely match, yet the skillful and believable way Ms. Strunk spins this yarn captured my imagination. Princess Zia Petrovich and her maid, Tiana, fled Russia to seek out her uncle in England to avoid Zia being forced to marry brutal Russian Prince Sokolov. Sokolov is determined to marry Zia to acquire her land and inheritance. To confuse any possible attack on Zia, once they reach England, Zia dresses and acts like a maid while Tiana dresses and acts like a princess.
Unfortunately, while riding in a coach along a hazardous winter road, their coach is involved in an accident where the coach leaves the road and crashes down a hill. Tiana is killed and the injured Zia crawls up the hill and collapses on the side of the road. Shortly thereafter, our hero, gentleman Dugray Dawson, comes upon the scene and discovers the unconscious Zia. He takes Zia to his home and, along with his mother, nurses her back to health.
The stage is now set where two people who were an unlikely match are thrown together under difficult circumstances and find their way to their happily ever after. The story is well written, interesting, entertaining. The characters were well developed and believable. The key conflict for the story revolves around the fact that Zia is believed to lying about being a princess. Once that conflict is resolved, our hero must accept the idea that he and Zia can overcome their differences in their station in society and live happily ever after. Well done!
Unfortunately, while riding in a coach along a hazardous winter road, their coach is involved in an accident where the coach leaves the road and crashes down a hill. Tiana is killed and the injured Zia crawls up the hill and collapses on the side of the road. Shortly thereafter, our hero, gentleman Dugray Dawson, comes upon the scene and discovers the unconscious Zia. He takes Zia to his home and, along with his mother, nurses her back to health.
The stage is now set where two people who were an unlikely match are thrown together under difficult circumstances and find their way to their happily ever after. The story is well written, interesting, entertaining. The characters were well developed and believable. The key conflict for the story revolves around the fact that Zia is believed to lying about being a princess. Once that conflict is resolved, our hero must accept the idea that he and Zia can overcome their differences in their station in society and live happily ever after. Well done!
January 27, 2020
A Princess for the Gentleman (Unlikely Match Series Book 3) by Mindy Burbidge Strunk is an intriguing Regency Russian Historical Fiction set in Russia and England. First time reading anything by this author, but I will read more. Can be read as a standalone.
Beautifully written and excuted. The characters are engaging, flawed and easy to follow.
Dugray Dawson is in dare financial straits. Zia Petrovich is a princess in hiding. When the two meet, well, let's just say they may find their HEA.
The drama, overcoming obstacles, escaping abuse, an abusive fiance, finding happiness all draws the reader into this beautiful story. A very unique read with an unlikely couple and a few twists and turns. A sweet story! Strongly recommended for fans of Regency Romance, Russian Historical Fiction, unique read, flawed characters, and happiness.
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
Beautifully written and excuted. The characters are engaging, flawed and easy to follow.
Dugray Dawson is in dare financial straits. Zia Petrovich is a princess in hiding. When the two meet, well, let's just say they may find their HEA.
The drama, overcoming obstacles, escaping abuse, an abusive fiance, finding happiness all draws the reader into this beautiful story. A very unique read with an unlikely couple and a few twists and turns. A sweet story! Strongly recommended for fans of Regency Romance, Russian Historical Fiction, unique read, flawed characters, and happiness.
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
February 15, 2020
Zia is a princess, running from a marriage arranged by her father to a prince who’s abusive. She trades cloaks with her maid so she won’t be found out. There’s an accident, and Zia’s maid and friend is killed.
Dawson finds Zia, and though she says she’s a princess, he saw her at an inn where she was wearing her maid’s cloak, so he doesn’t believe her.
As she recovers and befriends Dawson’s mother, she realized she’s been a selfish person. She’s also afraid her father will find her, so she doesn’t contact the uncle she’s been running to.
When things finally come to a head, Dawson and Zia marry at Gretna Green, both having fallen in love with the other, but not thinking the other feels the same.
When it’s all resolved with Zia’s father, and the evil Prince showing his true colours, they finally have their dreams come true.
Zia is an interesting character, I love Dawson’s mother and his best friend, Tad. Dawson is a strong capable man, except when it comes to Zia. Good story.
KU
Dawson finds Zia, and though she says she’s a princess, he saw her at an inn where she was wearing her maid’s cloak, so he doesn’t believe her.
As she recovers and befriends Dawson’s mother, she realized she’s been a selfish person. She’s also afraid her father will find her, so she doesn’t contact the uncle she’s been running to.
When things finally come to a head, Dawson and Zia marry at Gretna Green, both having fallen in love with the other, but not thinking the other feels the same.
When it’s all resolved with Zia’s father, and the evil Prince showing his true colours, they finally have their dreams come true.
Zia is an interesting character, I love Dawson’s mother and his best friend, Tad. Dawson is a strong capable man, except when it comes to Zia. Good story.
KU
April 22, 2020
I was not a fan of Princess Zia at the beginning of this book. She is about as thoughtless, entitled and self-centered as anyone can be. She was pretty awful so it was wonderful to see the transformation she undergoes as she becomes likable and even lovable.
Dawson is pretty prickly through this whole series but I still liked him, grumpy or not. His transformation comes through the entire series but the best part of him comes through in this book of course. Once again, as is often the case in fluffy romance their biggest problem is lack of communication and making assumptions about the other that is not true. Things could be resolved a lot easier if people would just say what they are feeling and thinking. True in real life too of course.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: references to physical abuse from Zia's would be intended and some some tussling about between villain and hero.
Dawson is pretty prickly through this whole series but I still liked him, grumpy or not. His transformation comes through the entire series but the best part of him comes through in this book of course. Once again, as is often the case in fluffy romance their biggest problem is lack of communication and making assumptions about the other that is not true. Things could be resolved a lot easier if people would just say what they are feeling and thinking. True in real life too of course.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: references to physical abuse from Zia's would be intended and some some tussling about between villain and hero.
January 10, 2020
A sweet book about a Princess forced to run under disguise for a better life, rather than being beaten at every whim of her betrothed. While still disguised, she suffers a deadly accident from which she barely escapes death. Who rides to her rescue? A good-hearted and honest gentleman, whose hard work has borne fruit to the point of him buying a broken-down estate of which he has just taken possession. Not rich in worldly goods, but a veritable prince among men in his dealings with others. How these 2 people, from such different backgrounds overcome all the obstacles, escape those who pursue them and finally find happiness, is a most delightful read. A clean book, suitable for readers of all ages.
I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary, and represents my own opinion.
I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary, and represents my own opinion.
January 19, 2020
I enjoyed reading A Princess for the Gentleman by Mindy Burbridge Strunk. It was a fun continuation of the Unlikely Match Series. Its always nice to read a series and find out what happens to the side characters and glad that Mindy gave Dawson his own story. It was nice to read Dawson's story and for him to have a happy ending. He was always so dedicated to Tad and such a good friend, Dawson deserved to have his dreams come true, as well. This story is unique and different compared to many regency stories. I like reading the dual points of view to see how the main characters are feeling, growing and changing. I think Zia and Dawson are great together but thought it was a little quick and sudden how they suddenly fell in love. It didn't seem like there was as much of a storyline as to how they fell in love, as to who she was and if they could trust each other. But, I still liked them as characters and think they fit well together.
May 9, 2026
[2.5 stars]
Quite disappointing. I had thought the premise of the book different and compelling, but the execution is greatly lacking.
The relationship and character development is incredibly cheesy, and it gets progressively worse as it goes. I found the princess to be an unnatural character. Her haughtiness and deception felt forced and contrived, as well as her later “growth”. The romance is also very weak, with the MCs somehow ‘falling in love’ without a single positive interaction… And the ending? So SO corny.
I absolutely would have DNF’d the book if it had been on Kindle Unlimited. Unfortunately, I paid for it, so forced myself through to the end.
Not recommended.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. Despite a few mentions, there isn’t really a message of faith or God
Quite disappointing. I had thought the premise of the book different and compelling, but the execution is greatly lacking.
The relationship and character development is incredibly cheesy, and it gets progressively worse as it goes. I found the princess to be an unnatural character. Her haughtiness and deception felt forced and contrived, as well as her later “growth”. The romance is also very weak, with the MCs somehow ‘falling in love’ without a single positive interaction… And the ending? So SO corny.
I absolutely would have DNF’d the book if it had been on Kindle Unlimited. Unfortunately, I paid for it, so forced myself through to the end.
Not recommended.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. Despite a few mentions, there isn’t really a message of faith or God
February 20, 2020
3 stars
I loved the premise for this book and thought it would be a bit more unique as far as regency romances go. I have to say that while I really enjoyed the last couple chapters of the book, the rest just didn’t cut it for me. It started out good, but then it seemed to drag on for a while and it was hard to stay interested or even invested in the characters. The romance was pretty much nonexistent until suddenly they “loved” each other, which just didn’t seem realistic. Maybe I would have felt more interested or enjoyed it more if I’d read the other books in the series.
I loved the premise for this book and thought it would be a bit more unique as far as regency romances go. I have to say that while I really enjoyed the last couple chapters of the book, the rest just didn’t cut it for me. It started out good, but then it seemed to drag on for a while and it was hard to stay interested or even invested in the characters. The romance was pretty much nonexistent until suddenly they “loved” each other, which just didn’t seem realistic. Maybe I would have felt more interested or enjoyed it more if I’d read the other books in the series.
May 4, 2025
I appreciated this for the quick vacation read that it was. It was a very low-stakes, no conflict regency romance with a cute and somehow "perfectly wrapped up" ending where even the people she was running away from couldn't be mad at her longer than 10 minutes and everything was easily resolved. I wish some of the mystery would have been drawn out and the stakes of losing Princess Zia would have been higher (like let her get kidnapped off his estate and have to be tracked down) or really anything to have us question how this will ever be resolved. I don't think I would ever read this story again and that's ok, it was entertaining while it lasted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
A princess for the Gentleman
I really enjoyed this story. Dawson was bringing his Mother to the estate he had purchased when they were stopped by their driver. They spotted a carriage overturned, off a cliff. Dawson and his driver went down to see if there was anyone injured. They found a lady part way up the hill, almost frozen. Taking her back to Dawson’s carriage, the driver went to check the other carriage. That lady was dead. This is how Dawson met Zia, a Russian princess. She was running away from her father and marriage. You will enjoy this story.
I really enjoyed this story. Dawson was bringing his Mother to the estate he had purchased when they were stopped by their driver. They spotted a carriage overturned, off a cliff. Dawson and his driver went down to see if there was anyone injured. They found a lady part way up the hill, almost frozen. Taking her back to Dawson’s carriage, the driver went to check the other carriage. That lady was dead. This is how Dawson met Zia, a Russian princess. She was running away from her father and marriage. You will enjoy this story.
September 11, 2020
Ms. Strunk has done a wonderful job of creating characters that fall in love under an fake relationship marriage while making the reader fall in love with the story.
Zia undergoes quite a transformation from haughty princess to loveable wife. Dugray isn't a step behind her. He has his own demons to wrestle with, though his are of the psychological kind. Zia's are more physical peril.
The pacind is solid and I was curious from beginning to end as to how Ms. Strunk would have the scenes play out.
Definitely worth your time.
Zia undergoes quite a transformation from haughty princess to loveable wife. Dugray isn't a step behind her. He has his own demons to wrestle with, though his are of the psychological kind. Zia's are more physical peril.
The pacind is solid and I was curious from beginning to end as to how Ms. Strunk would have the scenes play out.
Definitely worth your time.
March 7, 2020
Since I read An American in Duke's Clothing I had been hoping for Dawson's story. Mindy writes a fun and entertaining friendship between Dawson and Tad and it continued through this story. Although I enjoyed the story I admit that I wish I could've gotten a little bit more background on Zia. "A russian princess" without any background into what her royal connections were, made it a little difficult to suspend reality. I did however enjoy Zia's transformation and her sweet romance.
July 15, 2020
Clean romance
Dawson and Zia are two different characters with different outlooks of life. One from privilege but thought to be their due, the other thinking they are not worth anything good.
They both learned to see the whole picture of people and how words said and not said can change something from good to bad or the reverse.
Great characters and a fun plot!
The other books in the series are all added to when read together but can be read alone.
Dawson and Zia are two different characters with different outlooks of life. One from privilege but thought to be their due, the other thinking they are not worth anything good.
They both learned to see the whole picture of people and how words said and not said can change something from good to bad or the reverse.
Great characters and a fun plot!
The other books in the series are all added to when read together but can be read alone.
August 1, 2020
I really enjoy a good historical romance. This book certainly meets my standard. The characters are so well developed and right for each other. Her growth in character after her maids death is a wonderful lesson in becoming someone worthy of respect. His love was meant to give safety, and I believe that is any worthwhile man's duty in life. True love is a gift from God and needs to be acknowledged, this book does that, thank you, Jack.
September 27, 2024
If you are looking for a quick, easy, clean read, then I can see why so many have enjoyed this. I was so disappointed that Dawson's story fell flat. It seemed like going through the motions of writing instead of giving any emotion to the characters. They barely spoke to one another yet feel deeply in love. We have almost no background on the princess, and nothing that makes her remotely interesting, yet Dawson can't keep from loving her. Just baffled...
January 7, 2020
This story grabs you from the beginning. Tragedy strikes early and we see the princess change and grow before our eyes.
It features one of my favorite tropes––they fall in love while being unsure of the other's feelings. Loved seeing the characters we met in the previous books in the series make an appearance here.
It features one of my favorite tropes––they fall in love while being unsure of the other's feelings. Loved seeing the characters we met in the previous books in the series make an appearance here.
February 9, 2020
I have really enjoyed this whole series! I appreciated how Mindy portrayed princess Zia as snobbish at first. looking down on others because she comes from a life of priviledge would be very realistic I would imagine. The overall theme of the book that each person has value, no matter their circumstances was very clear without being preachy, which I also very much appreciated!
August 1, 2024
A slow start but after a few chapters everything picked up the pace toward a happy ending. Love the 'bromance' humor with Duke Tad and Dawsons relationship. Although there was a tragedy with the maid that was the sad part of the story. Her death led to the other characters changing for the better. I'd love to see another installment to this series in the near future.
January 7, 2020
I’m glad Dawson finally got his own story. Princess Zia had no idea the repercussions of changing roles with her maid would have. Dawson can’t decide what is truth and what is a lie. This was a fun story to read as each tries to figure out the other.
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book. Dugray Dawson “Dawson” is working towards his goals. It opens on a very P&P moment. He reminds me of Darcy in a way.
He rescues Zia in bad weather from a carriage accident.
Zia is in hiding and searching for her uncle.
Recommend.
He rescues Zia in bad weather from a carriage accident.
Zia is in hiding and searching for her uncle.
Recommend.
January 15, 2020
Unappealing Heroine
I found myself not understanding the connection between these two characters and stopped reading this book early on. The heroine was unappealing to me and not someone I wanted to befriend and I was not intrigued by her story sufficiently to keep me reading.
I found myself not understanding the connection between these two characters and stopped reading this book early on. The heroine was unappealing to me and not someone I wanted to befriend and I was not intrigued by her story sufficiently to keep me reading.
February 12, 2020
I wasn't sure that I could ever come to like the princess in this novel. It was helpful that it didn't take long for her character to figure things out. The story is engaging. I would enjoy rereading it.
February 26, 2020
Loved it!
This was a good book. I enjoyed the characters, especially Tad. He just has a way.
Definitely will be looking for more from this author. Best of all, this was a clean read.
This was a good book. I enjoyed the characters, especially Tad. He just has a way.
Definitely will be looking for more from this author. Best of all, this was a clean read.
March 2, 2020
Couldn’t make it through
I was excited to read this, but it was so disappointing. I struggled to make it half way. The characters are annoying and the writing was hard for me to get through.
I was excited to read this, but it was so disappointing. I struggled to make it half way. The characters are annoying and the writing was hard for me to get through.
May 17, 2020
Enjoyable story
Once again, I enjoyed the storytelling. I like the characters in this series and their interactions. Editing could be better. Also, somehow Tad’s sisters changed from Liza and Aisling in the first book to Ainsley and Sarah in this book.
Once again, I enjoyed the storytelling. I like the characters in this series and their interactions. Editing could be better. Also, somehow Tad’s sisters changed from Liza and Aisling in the first book to Ainsley and Sarah in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews