From Publishers Weekly
Lacking the sympathetic heroine that made her previous Shelton family adventure so charming, Alexander's latest Regency-era romance (after The Marriage Lesson) focuses on Jocelyn, the self-described "pretty one" who's dreamed since she was 10 of marrying a prince. Now the belle of London, Jocelyn captures the attention of Prince Alexei of Avalonia, but her accidental eavesdropping on a conspiracy against Alexei endangers her life, forcing her to marry hastily and flee London. Unfortunately for Jocelyn, her new husband is Rand Beaumont, a "mere" viscount; unfortunately for Rand, Jocelyn doesn't take well the dashing of her princess dreams. Enforced seclusion in the countryside opens the couple's eyes to each other's merits, creating a respect that blooms into love. When the plot against Alexei snares Jocelyn and Rand again, however, Jocelyn is forced to choose between her new love and her longing to see her princess dreams come true. Though Alexander struggles to transform Jocelyn from a title-hungry mercenary into a loving, humorous wife, the change doesn't take, perhaps due in part to Jocelyn's misguided focus on the problems in Avalonia instead of in her own marriage. Readers will rush through this romance with their sights set on the youngest Shelton sister, the irrepressible Becky. (Dec. 4)Forecast: Avon is pushing Alexander, its romance Superleader for December, in an impressive way, and it's no wonder, considering that the author's previous titles have achieved over a 70% sell-through. Although this isn't Alexander's best effort, readers who were hooked by her earlier books will undoubtedly pluck this one off the shelf.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Once upon a time there was a young debutante of means who dreamed of marrying a prince. So she traveled to London to become...The Prince's Bride

As a poor but proud young lady, Jocelyn Shelton had but one dream: to marry a prince and bring comfort to herself and her family. Now circumstances bring her to London, where her charms could make her wish come true. But her rendezvous with royalty is dangerously interrupted, and she finds herself rescued -- and thoroughly kissed -- by Rand, Viscount Beaumont ... a daring man in the service of the king.

To protect her life, Rand whisks her away to the countryside, and to defend her reputation, he agrees to marry the willful beauty. Lady Jocelyn is hardly his first choice as a bride, but beneath her fiery nature he uncovers a tender vulnerability and a sizzling passion. But Rand is keeping a shocking secret-one that, when revealed, could either shake her belief in him or make herrealize that it takes more than blue blood to be a true prince.


About the Author
When Victoria Alexander discovered fiction was much more fun than real life, she turned from a career as an award-winning television news reporter to writing fiction.To date, she's written thirteen novels or novellas ranging from time travel and reincarnation to historical adventure to contemporaryromantic comedy. She hasn't given up the nonfiction world completely and also teaches broadcast journalism at Creighton University.Victoria grew up as an Air Force brat and is now settled in a turn-of-the-century house in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two children, and a goofy bearded collie named Sam.She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, and procrastination is an art form, and lives by the motto: It's never too early to panic.And she loves getting mail that isn't a bill. Write to her at: P.O. Box 31544, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Even at the tender age of ten, Lady Jocelyn knew what she wanted -- to be a princess. And since she wasn't born one, she knew she'd have to marry a prince to become one. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of princes in England early in the 19th century (George III had a large family), none of them seem interested in marrying her. But Jocelyn thinks that is just as well, since she doesn't just want a king's son; she wants a young, handsome prince with his own country and a nice castle. Eight years later, it seems her dream might actually come true. Prince Alexei Frederick Berthold Ruprecht Pruzinsky of the Kingdom of Greater Avalonia, a handsome, charming, wealthy prince with a small but adequate principality (by this point, Jocelyn is willing to take on a castle in less than perfect condition), is in London for the Season, and he's clearly interested in Jocelyn. But Jocelyn soon finds her path to the throne has many obstacles, including intrigue, abduction, and the infuriating Viscount Beaumont, who has his own secret agenda and seems determined to keep Jocelyn from fulfilling her royal dreams...even if it means marrying her himself. The Prince's Bride is a fun, witty adventure -- and, best of all, true love wins.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Once upon a time there was a young debutante of means who dreamed of marrying a prince. So she traveled to London to become...The Prince's Bride

As a poor but proud young lady, Jocelyn Shelton had but one dream: to marry a prince and bring comfort to herself and her family. Now circumstances bring her to London, where her charms could make her wish come true. But her rendezvous with royalty is dangerously interrupted, and she finds herself rescued — and thoroughly kissed — by Rand, Viscount Beaumont ... a daring man in the service of the king.

To protect her life, Rand whisks her away to the countryside, and to defend her reputation, he agrees to marry the willful beauty. Lady Jocelyn is hardly his first choice as a bride, but beneath her fiery nature he uncovers a tender vulnerability and a sizzling passion. But Rand is keeping a shocking secret-one that, when revealed, could either shake her belief in him or make herrealize that it takes more than blue blood to be a true prince.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly