The Prince Kidnaps a Bride (Lost Princesses) [Mass Market Paperback]

In her Lost Princesses series, tremendously talented author Christina Dodd has created three distinctive yet interconnecting tales about the fascinating adventures of three beautiful and charismatic sisters: Crown Princess Sorcha, Princess Clarice and Princess Amy. The princesses, who hail from the majestic European kingdom of Beaumontagne nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, were raised in a grand palace and finely educated in all the subjects a princess needs to rule wisely. When their country becomes overrun by marauding revolutionaries and the security of the monarchy is threatened, their grandmother, the Dowager Queen Claudia is forced to send the young princesses off to the relative safety of England. Sadly, after their father the king is killed in battle, several years pass before the feisty but aging Queen Claudia manages to regain control of their country. When she finally sends for her granddaughters she learns the people she left them with have proved extremely untrustworthy; and alas--the princesses have disappeared ...

In Sorcha's story THE PRINCE KIDNAPS A BRIDE, Ms. Dodd treats her readers to a superbly written tale of an innocent and guileless Princess--lost, but duty-bound to find her way back to her family and kingdom. And, it's the story of the dark and driven Prince who is willing to use any means--trickery, deceit or seduction--no matter how devious, to see that she gets there ... for marriage to Princess Sorcha is crucial to Rainger regaining the kingdom he lost, and though he doesn't realize it yet--his heart and soul.

Hidden in a remote island convent to keep her safe, Sorcha has enjoyed several peaceful years under the caring and watchful eyes of the nuns, but suddenly, a mysterious stranger appears--her fiancé, Prince Rainger disguised as a fisherman--and startling and frightening things start happening. For her safety, and that of the nuns, Sorcha knows she must leave. Although she was raised by her strict grandmother with sound reasoning skills and intelligence--Sorcha has not yet learned to believe in herself. And now unfortunately, at 25, the sweet, loving, kind--taught by the gentle nuns to see the good in everyone--and naive princess is compelled to make an incredible and, with assassins tracking her, perilous journey back to Beaumontagne to claim her heritage. But, on her trip she'll meet some extremely remarkable people and learn some new things about her true nature--that she's adventurous, high-spirited, fun-loving, brave, daring, sensual and passionate--and as Rainger will soon find out, she has a temper too.

Rainger de Leonides--heir to the kingdom of Richarte that adjoins Beaumontagne--was a rich, handsome, arrogant and spoiled prince. At 17, his country on the brink of war, this brash and vain young man foolishly risks everything--his friends, his family and his crown--for one night with a woman. However, that treacherous woman laughs as she betrays Rainger to his worst enemy, the evil Count DuBelle--the man who wants to topple the royal family and rule Richarte. Thrown into a deep dark dungeon for the next 8 years; beaten, starved, humiliated and disgraced--his spirit battered, his body broken and brought to the brink of death--yet miraculously he survives. With help he finally escapes, but now he's changed from a foolish boy into an angry, strong, tenacious and indomitable man--a King with one purpose--reclaiming his kingdom.

This fast moving, powerful and poignant story had everything ... secrets and intrigue, treacherous villains, soul wrenching betrayal, daring adventure, perilous danger, extreme excitement, lust and obsession, unrestrained passion--and as if that's not enough--Ms. Dodd wrapped it all up in a bold and captivating romance that's liberally infused with her sharp, witty, sometimes comical and ALWAYS entertaining sense of humor.

I thought the book was fabulous; it made me laugh out loud at times and brought tears to my eyes too! I loved both characters; Sorcha for her spirit and natural goodness and Rainger for his strength of character, bravery and fortitude--even when he acted like a jackass. I enjoyed watching them transform into a truly heroic couple ready to rule their countries; and allow--their passion and love for each other--to rule their hearts!

The entire "Lost Princesses" series is wonderful and I recommend reading them all, Clarice's story SOME ENCHANTED EVENING and Amy's story THE BAREFOOT PRINCESS, BUT, you won't want to miss the thrilling final book in this trilogy; THE PRINCE KIDNAPS A BRIDE because Ms. Dodd--saved THE BEST for last!

The Lost Princess Trilogy:

Some Enchanted Evening

The Barefoot Princess

The Price Kidnaps a Bride

I have to admit, I was not anxious to read this book. I had been very disappointed with "The Barefoot Princess", so I was afraid I'd be bored with this book as well. Still, Prince Rainger had been a sexy and intriguing mystery in his cameos in the first two books. I was looking forward to his complete story.

Wow! From the very first pages, Christina Dodd pulls you into action and adventure that last through the entire story. Many parts of the story had me laughing out loud, while others had me holding my breath. I couldn't put the book down.

With the first two Lost Princesses found and already married, Prince Rainger has one last hope for saving his country. He must find the Crown Princess, Sorcha, and escort her safely back to her kingdom. They must marry to unite their kingdoms against the evil Count who has stolen Rainger's throne. The two travel together over land and sea, always guarding their lives from the assassins who hope to slay them.

Rainger has survived 8 years in a dungeon. His trust in humanity is dead. Once a pampered prince, he now has learned humility and courage. He will take no risk that his princess will reject him. He disguises himself as a clumsy oaf, in hopes that she'll fall in love with him before she discovers that he is the snobby prince from her childhood memories. Princess Sorcha holds one trait of mankind above all others: Trustworthiness. Rainger's deception turns her world up- side- down.

The enemy who holds Rainger's country hostage is determined to see Rainger and Sorcha dead. They threaten his hold on the throne. He'll pay any amount of money and hire as many assassins as necessary to end their lives. When Sorcha is stolen by the enemy, Rainger will risk all to get her back.

This is the first Christina Dodd novel that I have read and here I am on Amazon searching for another one by her because I enjoyed this one so much. I was looking for a fun, sexy read with interesting characters and I found all that and more. I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading the book in one day. The heroine was strong and feisty and I enjoyed her wit. I loved the prince as well! I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Dodd.