Princess in Love

In this middling historical, Princess Rose of the tiny, fictional nation of Petersbourg must choose between duty and love. Engaged to the honest and dependable Archduke Joseph of Austria during the trying times of the Napoleonic era, Rose knows that their marriage will bring stability to her life and her country. When she unexpectedly encounters her old flame Leopold Hunt, marquess of Cavanaugh, the passion and chemistry they shared immediately resurfaces, even though they parted on painful terms. Despite her obligations, their mutual besottedness obsesses them both. When Leopold is accused of treason and attempted murder, Rose’s choice becomes all the more difficult. The prologue divulges too much plot and the facts are frequently muddled. Over-the-top expressions of passion and attraction and stilted narration also encumber the narrative, hampering the otherwise serviceable political intrigue and romance story lines. Agent: Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management. (Nov.)