Christina Dodd
Some Enchanted Evening (2004)
Author: Christina Dodd
Genre: Romance (Historical Regency)
Plot Summary:
Clarice, a princess in exile, is forced to sell her grandmother's cosmetic secrets in order to support her younger sister Amy and herself until her family wins back control of their kingdom tucked away in the Pyrenees Mountains. While traveling through Scotland, Clarice is blackmailed by a Robert, the handsome Earl of Hepburn, to help him get revenge on a man from his past. Clarice has no choice, as Robert has found out about her royal background and threatens to expose her and her sister. But as Robert's plot begins to unfold, they find themselves falling in love.
Geographical Setting: Scotland
Time Period: 1808
Series: First book in the Lost Princesses Series
Appeal Characteristics:
The idea of unexpected love is always popular with romance novels and this novel will not disappoint. Bubbly and lovely Clarice seems to have nothing in common with the war-shattered and cynical Robert, but then they love each other, so it works out. This would also be a good story for readers who like stories about sisters and family secrets. Early 19th century in Scotland puts Evening right in the middle of the Regency period, so readers who want balls and Lords and Ladies will like this book, although the love scenes are a lot spicier than your typical Jane Austin! And the setting is actually in Scotland, which can appeal to readers as well. Tone of this novel was light and funny, as were the characters. They, like the author, didn't take themselves too seriously and the book is made for some light fun.
Read-alikes: If readers enjoyed Some Enchanted Evening they should move on to the next book in the series, The Barefoot Princess which just came out this year. This story follows Clarice's sister, Amy. Another great story about sisters and family secrets is Brenda Joyce's The Masquerade this book is the last in the DeWarenne Dynasty series, and is also a great read for Regency fans. In this story, Lizzie has been taking care of her sister's son, born out of wedlock and at the same time falls in love with the boy's father, who doesn't know about his son. Readers who love Regency romance will love Kathleen Woodwiss' The Reluctant Suitor. Woodwiss is very established in the romance field, writing the 1972 classic The Flame and the Flower. The Reluctant Suitor is one of her newest efforts. Another great story about unexpected love is Julie Garwood's The Bride, about and English lady who is forced to marry and rough Scottish laird. And if Scottish lairds are your thing, check out Highland Bride about another mismatched couple thrown together in marriage but end up falling in love.
Red Flags: Very explicit sex scenes
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