The Princess and the Peer

Princess Brides Series, Book 1

By: Tracy Anne Warren

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a royal summons from her brother arrives, Emma knows it's time to embrace her duties as the princess of a small European kingdom and marry the man her brother has chosen for her, a stranger she has never met. Instead, she does what any self-respecting princess would do - she runs away. All she wants is one week in London. One week to experience everything life has to offer, before she is locked away in a loveless marriage forever.

Former naval captain Nick Gregory has inherited a title he never wanted. As the new Earl of Lyndhurst, he chafes against his landlocked existence - until fate brings a mysterious young beauty across his path. Believing she's an unemployed governess, Nick offers shelter and protection to the captivating girl, never guessing her true identity.

Emma falls hard for Nick, but knowing they have no future, she flees once more, this time back to her royal responsibilities. But when she and Nick unexpectedly meet again, she learns that against all odds, he's determined to make this princess his bride.

©2012 Tracy Anne Waren (P)2012 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"With a subtle nod to Roman Holiday.,\ RITA award-winner Warren's latest gracefully written and exquisitely sensual Regency historical is the perfect literary fairy tale for any romance [fan]." ( Booklist)

90% Feelings 10% Historical Innaccuracy

I was really disappointed in this book. I loved Tracy Anne Warren's Husband Trap series, so I thought the somewhat lukewarm description of this book might have just been a back of the book error.

But actually, re reading it now the description sounds better than the book I actually read.

The book was not very historically accurate in a lot of big and small ways, it made me wish that the story was set in a fantasy universe so I could believe that a princess would have only one maid somehow? And no relationship with that maid? And no guards assigned to her? And no sense of political maneuvering or ability to communicate?

But I don't think even that would have made the half of the book taken up with breathless descriptions of twoooo wuuuuuuuuvvvvvvv enjoyable.

The book has no sense of humor whatsoever, which might have saved it from having an incredibly dull and predictable story line. But instead it is breathless and earnest, emotional and frankly exhausting.

I kept going just because I kept hoping that somehow some dramatic tension would be introduced via some method other than FEEELIIIINGS. Or perhaps a happy resolution that was a nice payoff for the reader.

I was really disappointed. Ultimately I felt like what I listened to were all the boring parts of a pretty predictable story line.

Entertaining story. Good narrator.

The story was very enjoyable and the narrators voice well-suited. Some of the storyline is predictable however it accomplished its goal and was very entertaining.

Unsure at first, but glad I continued

This first novel is set in the early 1800's. I am a fan of historical romance, especially the Outlander series. This is nothing like those. This is the first of a trilogy written about three princesses. Warren did a nice job making her characters accessible and realistic.The plot is solid and has the right amount of suspense. At the end though, you can most likely guess the outcome. Not withstanding, Emma, is the main character you can get behind. This is much more romance in this book and only scores a one out of five on the steamy scale. You read this because of the interactions of the characters and the time period. Warren is a little light on description, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment.

It takes a least and hour of listening to get used to Justine Eyre's narration as it is accented for the story telling. At first I had three stars in mind for her, but eventually I warmed to her performance. I recommend this book enough that I will listen to the trilogy. I give it a thumbs up.

GOOD - BUT I THOUGHT BOOK 2 WAS BETTER

I listened to the second book in the series before this one and I enjoyed it a bit more. I couldn't empathise with Emma as I found her to be immature and, after weeks of staying with, spending time with and generally using Nick, she was so selfish in the end.

Having said that, if you're looking for a historical romance then you could do a lot worse than this book but unfortunately I didn't think it was quite as romantic as book 1. Yes, it was good but just not great and it's one of those frustrating books that has you shouting "arghhh, tell him!!" and "you love each other .... so just elope" but then that's why I'm not an author - my books would only be about 10 pages long !.

Worth a credit? Despite what I've said above, and if you're looking for a nice historical/romance then YES I would spend the credit and I will be downloading the third in the trilogy.

A great escape, easy listening story.

Really enjoyed listening to this tale. Predictable - but still fun. Especially enjoyed the narrator's change of voice with each character.

fun premise

It seems I should like this better than I did...didn't hold my attention well and was slow to unfold. I never experienced the heart flutters I often get in romance stories. There were unbelievable plot occurrences (going out and about without a chaperone with an Earl). There were good descriptive scenes and verbiage.

TAW fan but not this book

The storyline was slow and uninteresting. The characters were annoying . Little romance after the beginning chapters

Loved this historical romance

Enjoyed it from page one to the ending. Very romantic and well written. Sizzle, chemistry and passion. Perfect blend to make the heart smile.

All together pleasant experience

I do enjoy a good historical romance. Through in the hint of fairy tale and well, I am a goner. This was a lovely tale, if a bit long winded. I adored the premise of a Princess trying to find true love. Often it is the lowly - Commoner? Aristocrat with no prospects? - who attains the attention of the Prince. Tell me, why is it okay for a Prince to flout convention and marry 'below his station' but not for a Princess? That was the subject of this fascinating text. The ups and downs, back and forth, will they or won't they of this story held me spellbound until the rather satisfying ending. Nicely done. The narration was nicely done. The voice was pleasant. Acting good. All together a pleasant enough experience that I plan to listen to the rest of this series.

Really enjoyable

This is a fun story of forbidden love between a princess and a non royal, although he IS an earl. The two meet under circumstances that are interesting and their attract6to each other turns into romance. But the complications may be too many to overcome.
The story had interesting characters, plenty of longing and heat, and the narration was well done.