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Men from Special Branch #3
The Perfect Princess
Lady Rosamunde Devere has no interest in marrying dull Prince Michael, no matter how perfect the newspapers think she is for the role of his wife. But when she becomes the willing hostage of criminal Richard Maitland, ex-chief of Her Majesty's Secret Service condemned to be executed as a murderer, Rosamunde finds herself in a conspiracy--and a passion that is rash, reckless, and impossible to resist.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
17 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Thornton
61 books155 followersMary Forrest George, née Baxter was born and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she taught school for a number of years before establishing her own nursery school, St. Swithin Street Nursery School, an institution that is still going strong today.
She and her husband then emigrated to Canada with their three young sons. She taught kindergarten and Grade One for a number of years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before becoming lay minister at a Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg.
As part of her continuing education, she enrolled in evening classes at the University of Winnipeg to study Classical Greek. Five years later, having completed an Honor's thesis on Women in Euripides, she received her B.A. (Classics Gold Medalist).
After reading her first romance, a Regency by Georgette Heyer, she was captivated by the genre. Hereafter, writing became her hobby. In 1987, her first book, a small Regency entitled, Bluestocking Bride, was published by Zebra books.
She is the author of twenty-four historical romances, and two novellas. She has been nominated for and received many awards including the Romantic Times Trophy Award for the best New Historical Regency Author and Best Historical Regency. Seven of her novels have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America Rita awards, Scarlet Angel, Strangers at Dawn, Princess Charming and The Perfect Princess, Shady Lady, The Marriage Trap, and The Bachelor Trap. Her books appear regularly on national best-selling lists and have been translated into many languages.
Elizabeth's hobbies include reading (particularly mystery and suspense novels, biography, and history), and traveling to do research for her novels. She is also an avid Harry Potter enthusiast.
She and her husband then emigrated to Canada with their three young sons. She taught kindergarten and Grade One for a number of years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before becoming lay minister at a Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg.
As part of her continuing education, she enrolled in evening classes at the University of Winnipeg to study Classical Greek. Five years later, having completed an Honor's thesis on Women in Euripides, she received her B.A. (Classics Gold Medalist).
After reading her first romance, a Regency by Georgette Heyer, she was captivated by the genre. Hereafter, writing became her hobby. In 1987, her first book, a small Regency entitled, Bluestocking Bride, was published by Zebra books.
She is the author of twenty-four historical romances, and two novellas. She has been nominated for and received many awards including the Romantic Times Trophy Award for the best New Historical Regency Author and Best Historical Regency. Seven of her novels have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America Rita awards, Scarlet Angel, Strangers at Dawn, Princess Charming and The Perfect Princess, Shady Lady, The Marriage Trap, and The Bachelor Trap. Her books appear regularly on national best-selling lists and have been translated into many languages.
Elizabeth's hobbies include reading (particularly mystery and suspense novels, biography, and history), and traveling to do research for her novels. She is also an avid Harry Potter enthusiast.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 7, 2019
AND THIS WAS A PERFECT STORY!
MY FIRST READ BY ELIZABETH THORNTON AND I LOVED IT. THE ROMANCE WAS WELL DEVELOPED, THE CHARACTERS TOO AND EVEN THOUGH THE SEX WAS HALF CLEAN, IT DIDN'T TAKE AWAY THE PASSION & INTENSITY OF THE MC's LOVE STORY. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT WAS.
OH, AND I USUALLY DON'T FANCY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. HERE, I ACTUALLY MANAGED TO DEVOUR THE WHOLE THING.
HERO doesn't give two shits about what people think about him. He's also very straightforward in behavior and mannerisms, that's why not many people like him. From a humble background, Richard managed to get into good schools and universities because he's quite a smart boy. But, because he wasn't part of the ton, boys can be bullies too. Grown-up, he becomes the Chief of Staff for Special Branch but things go awry when he's framed and incarcerated for murder. On his fine escape from New Gate, everything goes to hell when Lady Rosamund pays a visit and Richard ended up kidnapping her as a hostage. Their relationship started off rocky with the emotions one can expect of a man desperate and on the run, coupled with a frightened but stubborn heroine. It was action packed, it was thrilling and it was fun. Richard's the kind of man that exudes confidence and danger, he definitely won't be found wanting by women because of that. And Rosamund has never met another man like that. Brothers don't count. Richard tries to get rid of Rosamund, but then fate is a tricky mistress and ends up pitting them together time & time again. I rather like how he respected Rosamund and while he fights the attraction between them, he's always the one who succumbs first despite his cold heart. He's a man of few words, but when he loves someone his actions burn brighter than the sun.
HEROINE is a beautiful but lonely daughter of a Duke. People think she's frigid and haughty but she's just lonely, shy and misunderstood. It seems being beautiful and rich can drive away friends. When her childhood friend dared her to come to New Gate to witness Richard's hanging, she never expected to be personally acquainted with the convict by being his hostage. However, for all his bark, Richard has no bite and it makes her want to know more about this mysterious, handsome man. Their chemistry was well woven, and paced perfectly. Even their kisses were so sigh worthy. Rosamund may have been sheltered all her life but she's intelligent - as you will see from the way she deduce scenarios and help Richard unravel the mystery of the killer. She's also brave and compassionate - as you will see the way she fights Richard and then tends him when he's out cold from being wounded. And I have to say I loved her family, especially her Father. You'd think a Duke would have fits about a commoner marrying his daughter but this Duke only has respect for capable men who are able to withstand their own.
OVERALL this was an exceptional story, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good HR that puts all bodice rippers and some classic authors to shame! Although I do have to say that while I'm anticipating to read other books from this author, I think she'll be a hit or miss with me judging by the reviews I've seen for the other stories.
MY FIRST READ BY ELIZABETH THORNTON AND I LOVED IT. THE ROMANCE WAS WELL DEVELOPED, THE CHARACTERS TOO AND EVEN THOUGH THE SEX WAS HALF CLEAN, IT DIDN'T TAKE AWAY THE PASSION & INTENSITY OF THE MC's LOVE STORY. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT WAS.
OH, AND I USUALLY DON'T FANCY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. HERE, I ACTUALLY MANAGED TO DEVOUR THE WHOLE THING.
HERO doesn't give two shits about what people think about him. He's also very straightforward in behavior and mannerisms, that's why not many people like him. From a humble background, Richard managed to get into good schools and universities because he's quite a smart boy. But, because he wasn't part of the ton, boys can be bullies too. Grown-up, he becomes the Chief of Staff for Special Branch but things go awry when he's framed and incarcerated for murder. On his fine escape from New Gate, everything goes to hell when Lady Rosamund pays a visit and Richard ended up kidnapping her as a hostage. Their relationship started off rocky with the emotions one can expect of a man desperate and on the run, coupled with a frightened but stubborn heroine. It was action packed, it was thrilling and it was fun. Richard's the kind of man that exudes confidence and danger, he definitely won't be found wanting by women because of that. And Rosamund has never met another man like that. Brothers don't count. Richard tries to get rid of Rosamund, but then fate is a tricky mistress and ends up pitting them together time & time again. I rather like how he respected Rosamund and while he fights the attraction between them, he's always the one who succumbs first despite his cold heart. He's a man of few words, but when he loves someone his actions burn brighter than the sun.
HEROINE is a beautiful but lonely daughter of a Duke. People think she's frigid and haughty but she's just lonely, shy and misunderstood. It seems being beautiful and rich can drive away friends. When her childhood friend dared her to come to New Gate to witness Richard's hanging, she never expected to be personally acquainted with the convict by being his hostage. However, for all his bark, Richard has no bite and it makes her want to know more about this mysterious, handsome man. Their chemistry was well woven, and paced perfectly. Even their kisses were so sigh worthy. Rosamund may have been sheltered all her life but she's intelligent - as you will see from the way she deduce scenarios and help Richard unravel the mystery of the killer. She's also brave and compassionate - as you will see the way she fights Richard and then tends him when he's out cold from being wounded. And I have to say I loved her family, especially her Father. You'd think a Duke would have fits about a commoner marrying his daughter but this Duke only has respect for capable men who are able to withstand their own.
OVERALL this was an exceptional story, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good HR that puts all bodice rippers and some classic authors to shame! Although I do have to say that while I'm anticipating to read other books from this author, I think she'll be a hit or miss with me judging by the reviews I've seen for the other stories.
January 25, 2018
Leído en Junio 2014
RESUMEN: Rosamund Devere sería la princesa perfecta, según la prensa. Era hija de un duque y había tenido una educación exquisita, pero por muchas atenciones que el príncipe Michael le dispensara, ella no quería el papel de su esposa.
Rosamund no era nada convencional, y fue este simpar rasgo de su carácter lo que la llevo a acompañar a su hermana a una de sus obras de caridad; visitar a un condenado a muerte en sus últimas horas de vida.
Richard Maitland, ex-jefe de Seguridad del Estado, es inocente de los cargos que se le imputan, y esta convencido de que su condena es el resultado de una conspiración en contra suya.
Decidido a demostrar su inocencia, y estando próxima la ejecución de la pena de muerte, a Richard no le queda otra que fugarse y coger a Lady Rosamund de rehén, para librarse de una muerte segura.
Pero no cuenta con la testarudez de Rosamund que se resiste e intenta liberarse varias veces aunque sin conseguirlo. Visto que no le queda otra que seguirlo, Rosamund decide tira la toalla e intentar trabar amistad con él.
Para Richard lo más importante es limpiar su nombre y su honor, que en su expediente no quede ninguna mancha ni ninguna duda de su lealtad hacia su trabajo. Por ello se muestra frío, calculador e irritante con ella, convencido de que Rosamund le imposibilita moverse e investigar a sus anchas. Por el contrario, Rosamund ha vislumbrado en Richard un hombre diferente del que todos ven, y decide ayudarlo en su investigación convencida de su inocencia.
RESUMEN: Rosamund Devere sería la princesa perfecta, según la prensa. Era hija de un duque y había tenido una educación exquisita, pero por muchas atenciones que el príncipe Michael le dispensara, ella no quería el papel de su esposa.
Rosamund no era nada convencional, y fue este simpar rasgo de su carácter lo que la llevo a acompañar a su hermana a una de sus obras de caridad; visitar a un condenado a muerte en sus últimas horas de vida.
Richard Maitland, ex-jefe de Seguridad del Estado, es inocente de los cargos que se le imputan, y esta convencido de que su condena es el resultado de una conspiración en contra suya.
Decidido a demostrar su inocencia, y estando próxima la ejecución de la pena de muerte, a Richard no le queda otra que fugarse y coger a Lady Rosamund de rehén, para librarse de una muerte segura.
Pero no cuenta con la testarudez de Rosamund que se resiste e intenta liberarse varias veces aunque sin conseguirlo. Visto que no le queda otra que seguirlo, Rosamund decide tira la toalla e intentar trabar amistad con él.
Para Richard lo más importante es limpiar su nombre y su honor, que en su expediente no quede ninguna mancha ni ninguna duda de su lealtad hacia su trabajo. Por ello se muestra frío, calculador e irritante con ella, convencido de que Rosamund le imposibilita moverse e investigar a sus anchas. Por el contrario, Rosamund ha vislumbrado en Richard un hombre diferente del que todos ven, y decide ayudarlo en su investigación convencida de su inocencia.
May 8, 2017
A very entertaining read with a feisty and beautiful heroine, a brave, sexy, dashing hero, and with a surprise ending that I didn't expect! It's well written and I will be looking for more from this author.
October 14, 2017
Improving
The best book in the series so far. The romance is better developed and the mystery more complex. I really enjoyed this one. 3.5 stars
The best book in the series so far. The romance is better developed and the mystery more complex. I really enjoyed this one. 3.5 stars
October 11, 2019
Lady Rosamunde Devere is 27 and a Duke's daughter. Her father and brothers have been fiercely protective of her after their mother died. She's just refused an offer from a prince when her friend Callie persuades her to visit Richard Maitland - the ex chief of Secret Service who's to be hung the next morning for a murder he claims he didn't commit. Richard is partially through an escape when he's shot at and Rosamunde gets in his way. He takes her as a hostage and escapes. They do escape, but he's been wounded and gets very sick. Rosamunde cares for him and comes to believe in his innocence and sets out to prove it once her father and brothers catch up with them. Along the way, they fall in love and marry, win her aristocratic family over and discover who the murderers are. Interesting twist on English society. Very clean - one or two very brief bedroom scenes.
October 30, 2018
Very good historical romantic suspense. The hero takes the heroine hostage while he's escaping Newgate prison and can't ever find the opportunity to let her go. She's the daughter of a duke and he's the former head of the Secret Service or whatever it was called in England. Special Branch? Anyway, he was framed for a murder and is determined to find the killer. That's the plot, with the romance happening around and through it. It's good stuff. I liked it a lot.
dnf
May 15, 2024I lost interest at around 70%. There was a lot of build-up to the characters getting together, which ended in a very short, unsatisfying intimate scene. The language was way too modern for the period. Sadly, I will probably not pick up another historical romance from this author.
February 23, 2020
I don't care for road trip romance, especially historical. Also it started out too abusive.
January 28, 2022
Good romance, bad who dunnit
June 7, 2023
Not too bad of a read, and the ending had a few twists I had not anticipated.
August 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book as someone who picked it up because I just wanted a silly romance. I actually really ended up enjoying the little twist at the end!
January 5, 2015
I have ben avoiding this one particular book since forever. It was then buried together with my old papers back in my family ancestral home, until last two days ago when I found it back amongst dusty books and yellow papers. I bought these one in one of my beloved second-hand bookshop in Kuala Lumpur. I could always get dirt cheap books in this shop. However, with prices as low as RM2, you can't complaint on the condition of the books. Same with this one, it was torn on the very cover page and dog eared at almost each chapter. Well, back to the reason I finally read it, was because I forgot to bring a single book with me when I decided to visit my aunt. Boring and with nothing new to read, I dug out this one book and read it for almost 4 hours. It is another historical romance book wrote by a female author and whether I like it or not, this one here, are amongst hundreds of historical romances books that I've read during my fragile teen-life back in university days. Also, these kind of books shaped my interest in history and later sort of literally introduced me to historical romance's authors like Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Julia Quinn, Jane Feathers and many more. As silly as love stories are, I found that I still giggled and smiling while reading it. After all, we girls couldn't help it with silly love stories. We like it nonetheless :-)
September 21, 2007
Perfect Princess - G
Elizabeth Thornton - 3rd in series
Third in a series about fast friends who fought for England during the Napoleonic war (Whisper His Name; Princess Charming), finds Richard Maitland, the fiercely independent head of the Special Branch of British intelligence, facing a death sentence for a murder he didn't commit. Richard's carefully laid plans to escape from Newgate prison are hampered by the arrival of Lady Rosamund Devere, the genteel daughter of the Duke of Romsey, and her childhood friend, Callie. Rosamund, dubbed the "perfect princess" after receiving an offer of marriage from Prince Michael of Kolnbourg, has decided to spice up her proper life by bringing Richard his final meal. When Richard and his trusty friend, Harper, take Rosamund hostage, she finds herself embroiled in a life-threatening adventure. Passion flares between the mismatched couple as they dodge her family and attempt to clear Richard's name. Thornton deftly makes use of two romantic conventions Rosamund spends a lot of time dressed as a boy to evade Richard's enemies, and Richard, wounded for the first part of the novel, must shuck his clothes so that Rosamund can tend to his injury.
Sensual
Elizabeth Thornton - 3rd in series
Third in a series about fast friends who fought for England during the Napoleonic war (Whisper His Name; Princess Charming), finds Richard Maitland, the fiercely independent head of the Special Branch of British intelligence, facing a death sentence for a murder he didn't commit. Richard's carefully laid plans to escape from Newgate prison are hampered by the arrival of Lady Rosamund Devere, the genteel daughter of the Duke of Romsey, and her childhood friend, Callie. Rosamund, dubbed the "perfect princess" after receiving an offer of marriage from Prince Michael of Kolnbourg, has decided to spice up her proper life by bringing Richard his final meal. When Richard and his trusty friend, Harper, take Rosamund hostage, she finds herself embroiled in a life-threatening adventure. Passion flares between the mismatched couple as they dodge her family and attempt to clear Richard's name. Thornton deftly makes use of two romantic conventions Rosamund spends a lot of time dressed as a boy to evade Richard's enemies, and Richard, wounded for the first part of the novel, must shuck his clothes so that Rosamund can tend to his injury.
Sensual
December 10, 2012
There were very good things: the heroine is not too bland, neither too vindictive or stupid, rather a good one. However I could not completely relate to her problem of poor little rich girl. I also had trouble to relate with the hero and his totally lonesome lifestyle. It bothered me that they both seem to hate each other so much at the beginning and then fall in love a bit effortlessly. And the story seemed a bit too long and too centered on the investigation rather than on the romance.
That would deserve a 2.5 stars, downgraded because of the current rating.
That would deserve a 2.5 stars, downgraded because of the current rating.
July 3, 2008
This book started out good. It is about Lady Rosamund Devere and Richard Maitland of His Majesty's Secret service.
Richard has been sentenced to die by hanging. Rosamund's best friend Callie has talked her into going to Newgate prison to visit him. Richard escapes and takes Lady Rosamund as a hostage.
While the beginning of the book was good. Somewhere around the middle it lost ompt. I couldn't wait for it to just be over. I would have to say it was fair.
Richard has been sentenced to die by hanging. Rosamund's best friend Callie has talked her into going to Newgate prison to visit him. Richard escapes and takes Lady Rosamund as a hostage.
While the beginning of the book was good. Somewhere around the middle it lost ompt. I couldn't wait for it to just be over. I would have to say it was fair.
August 22, 2015
I liked this the best so far of this series, because both hero and heroine seemed believable. The action is non-stop, and the plot has some surprising twists--esp. at the end. The end is an absolute shocker. Definitely the best of the series so far. And at least the title makes sense this time!
February 9, 2016
This was not a great book. I am not into romance very much, but picked this up somewhere. I didn't buy it, that's for sure, and I am glad I didn't spend the money. The story was long and dragged out. The plot was okay, but it was predictable. I would not recommend this.
April 17, 2021
The Perfect Princess
A great story, plenty of intrigue, romance, and danger to keep me reading late into the night. Lots of twists and turns and loveable characters to entertain you. Loved it.
A great story, plenty of intrigue, romance, and danger to keep me reading late into the night. Lots of twists and turns and loveable characters to entertain you. Loved it.
April 16, 2009
This was a nostalgia read for me. My husband sent it to me when I was in China with a note that I was his perfect princess.
December 5, 2013
fantastic novel. everything I love in one book. very well written. too bad its the third in a series and I didnt realize til the day before. oops!
October 16, 2015
really good book, not the best of its kind, though ....but still good :)
June 16, 2011
I like her formula.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews