Received from the publisher via Librarything's Early Reviewers August 2013 batch.

I dont know whether I've read too many historical romances recently - and therefore a little weary of the genre - or whether it was this book in particular, but I have to admit I was struggling to complete near the end. There are lots of twists and turns in the story, and the need to keep track of who knows what about whom.

10 years after retiring from the Navy (it's late in the book before we get an indication of what really happened) and a time where he was a borderline pirate, Nick has set himself up as a ladies man, looking after his many younger sisters whilst he's not trying to bed the latest piece of "tottie".

He finds himself playing bodyguard to Princess Elena from a small European state, who has arrived unexpectedly in England and is reporting threats and blackmail from the French in order to secure her throne. On her first night in town Elena has managed to swap places with her cousin Nora, who knows enough about the family intrigue to pull things off for a day or two, and escapes to who knows where?

The next two weeks is a blur, with lots of physical threats, misdirections and moving around the South of England, as Nora continues to pretend she's the princess, whilst people are on the search for the real princess.

It turns out that she's been betrothed to a prince she doesnt want (but who seems a decent enough man in reality) by Bonaparte, despite being in love with someone else. This was her opportunity to escape in order to elope, whilst knowing that Nora would likely be able to pick up the pieces if she never returned. There are in fact 4 potential heirs to the throne, not one, and it requires the agreement of all to decide who is going to be the next on the throne.

Nora has been married before, to a Navy man and is also the daughter of another sailor. As such, and having spent several years as a widow on limited funds, she is able to do things that the women Nick has previously bedded would never have known about or done. He therefore realises that she's the type of woman he really needs in his life. Nora realises that there is more to Nick than the wastrel flirt he's made out to be, and he knows the right end of a sword too well. With Nora being a widow, it also means that there is little objection from either of them when they decide to do the down and dirty (which is on the clean side of things for once). It takes a conversation with Nick's dying father to realise just how different Nick is from his society persona, and that perhaps he really is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

In the end, everything is sorted out to everyone's satisfaction, as is needed from a romance. This is number 3 in the "Rebellious Sons" series, and the first I've read. I dont know therefore, which characters appeared in the previous books, but suspect that several of the secondary characters in this book have appeared previously - many were lightly sketched to the point of non-existance in this book.

In Summary: decently plotted story, not too overtly sexual, but suffering slightly from the reader being over exposed to Historical Romances. I would read another book in this series (maybe even this one again) at another point

I would give this book 3.5 stars.

OK, first thing, in the beginning it took a little while to convince me that this story was going to be good and I must admit I was surprised how good it got as the story progressed and how much I enjoyed it.

Anyways, this story definitely surprised me. I loved how feisty and strong willed Nora turned out to be not long after she and Elena switched places. So much intrigues and unknown dangers thrown their way and she definitely handed it with determination and grace. Definitely a kick ass heroine! And we can't forget about notorious Nick, where you are itching for Bad Nick to show up after seeing a glimpse of his dark side in the first chapter. Nora and Nick definitely make quite the pair and you can feel the chemistry between the two of them. A number of secondary characters were awesome too, I wish there was more appearances from them as they are definitely worth knowing. You are definitely taken on a fast paced adventure throughout the story, which kicks up the story a notch and leaves no drag room.

Mind you there are some confusion here and there and some rather bland and forgettable characters interspersed throughout. Like the one scene where several rather important secondary characters seemed to have all been introduced rather quickly that it was hard to keep track of who is who and what their motives are. Another thing, I would have loved to know and hear more about Elena's story (especially about her life or how she was able to meet up with Aunt Vivian without any mishap) and the other cousins' stories. Plus it would have been nice to read what happened to the entire royal family after leaving England. I do have to point out that for a while, it wasn't too clear whether or not Princess Elena was in danger from the French spies or some unknown assassins or it was all in her mind.

Overall, this was definitely an interesting and satisfying read. And it is definitely not at all mindless and boring, unlike other romance fictions out there, regardless of its flaws. ( )

This was a jolly romp and I enjoyed reading it after I got over the rather slow start and managed to grasp who all the different characters were. I've not read the first two in the series but this one seems to stand alone adequately, although perhaps I would found it easier if I had met some of the characters before. I liked the characters although they were rather more 21st century in their attitudes than regency! I don't mind that mismatch in this type of story - I think you would read it as a Ripping yarn rather than as aserious historical novel. I shan't be searching out any more of this writer's books but if I come across any I shall happily read them. ( )

Not my style/genre. Was unable to get into the book and ultimately did not complete it. ( )

An enjoyable story with likeable characters. After a slow start trying to learn all the characters and their relationships to one another, I became invested in the story and it held my attention. I look forward to reading other selections by this author in the future. ( )