Almost a Princess
Grade : A-

I've read Elizabeth Thornton before, but I've never read an Elizabeth Thornton quite like this one. Frankly, before reading this book, I rated her as an author I enjoyed when persuaded by reviews and message board buzz to check out her latest release, but definitely not as an autobuy.

All that's changed. In Almost a Princess Elizabeth Thornton delivers everything I'm looking for in an European historical set in the Regency: Great characters who fall deeply, passionately in love; a mystery subplot that's just intriguing enough without taking anything away from the main story; and, most important of all, a few of those genuine "heart-clutch" moments found in all terrific romances.

As an agent for England's Special Branch, Case Devere, the Earl of Castleton, is on the trail of La Roca, a murderous bandit and army deserter supposedly killed by his super-secret team in Spain, when a search for the bandit's sister leads him to proud bluestocking Miss Jane Mayberry. One of the members of the Ladies Library, an organization dedicated to furthering the rights of women, Jane reluctantly agrees to deliver a note to the close friend who is, regretfully, the bandit's sister.

Although his eventual interview with La Roca's sister leads him to conclude that she knows nothing of his whereabouts, Case's dealings with Miss Mayberry are far from over. Later that evening, he spies at the opera a vivacious and attractive young woman he is astonished to realize is Miss Mayberry. Despite himself, Case is intrigued - enough, in fact, that he dispatches one of his minions to follow Jane home. Though he doesn't believe Jane is in any way connected with the criminal he's investigating and simply wishes to find out where she lives, our noble hero is astonished when his man is attacked while attempting to follow her. Even more intriguing, a small pebble - the symbol used by La Roca - is found in his man's pocket.

Clearly, it's personal. Whatever intrigues or attracts Case - and it's quite obvious that Jane does - is immediately targeted by the criminal mastermind. And, while Case believes the bandit's hatred is motivated by the brutality of his men's attack in Spain, La Roca's real motivation in focusing on Case and those he cares about is far simpler and, in some ways, even more chilling.

This is especially true since La Roca doesn't hesitate to strike where he knows it will hurt most. When the cat of one of his former lovers is tortured and the dog of another abducted, Case knows that Jane's beloved dog Lance will surely be the next victim. Unfortunately, Case's prediction proves all too true and he arrives at Jane's home outside London in time to see the intrepid Miss Mayberry rescue her canine companion from a barn set afire on the orders of La Roca.

Now, where to begin to show you how special this story was? Jane is, to put it simply, a fabulous heroine. The product of a painful past (revealing her secret would be a spoiler), she took charge of her life and found a way to make a secure living that doesn't require any dependence on the wiles of men. And, while it's clear that she's had enough of men, thank you very much, her real reluctance to acknowledge her feelings for Case is anything but the hollow "I'll remain a spinster forever" prattling of far too many heroines. Unlike those spoiled young misses, Jane's scars and defenses are based on real suffering and are perfectly understandable.

And Case? A true war hero, although he hardly sees himself as that, Case is the product of the very highest ranks of the aristocracy (the heir to a duke and the brother of Rosamunde from The Perfect Princess) whose truly noble nature outshines even his birth. His care and concern for Jane go far beyond lust, and, frankly, are the main reasons I was so taken with this book. His speech to Jane at a critical moment in their relationship said far more to me about the effects of war on a man than all those overwrought "hero plagued by nightmares" plotlines put together.

I hesitate - believe me, I hesitate - in comparing one writer to another, but once or twice when reading this book I was reminded of Judith McNaught at her best (although there isn't a Big Misunderstanding anywhere in sight). Like that favorite author, Thornton clearly makes us understand the way her hero aches to possess the woman he loves - something that is, to me at any rate, far more romantic than mere lust. Case adores Jane and his patience, kindness, and willingness to go to very great lengths to have her absolutely slayed me.

A minor quibble for me is the obligatory appearance of the "happy couple from the last book." I don't know who insists on doing this (editors? publishers?) but, even in Thornton's skilled hands, it adds up to a sappy by-the-book ending that is an altogether jarring note in this decidedly out of the ordinary book.

Although Elizabeth Thornton no doubt has a following of loyal readers, Almost a Princess deserves a wider audience. Case and Jane are two adult, emotionally complex characters who have earned their happy ending. I'm grateful that I had the chance to watch them find it.

Reviewed by Sandy Coleman
Grade : A-

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : December 31, 2002

Publication Date: 2003

Review Tags: Napoleonic wars spy

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