I’ve always been a fan of Vanessa Kelly, I just love the way she incorporates humour with suspense and intrigue and makes a great romance.

This is about Lia Kincaid, the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York who lives with her granny at Stonefell Hall, and her friend Jack Easton, who inherits the title Marquees of Lendale, the one he never wanted, and now owns the hall which now stood on the brink of ruin, now Jack has got to try and make the hall profitable again, but his mother wants him to get rid of Lia and her grandmother but Jack loves Lia like family and wants to protect her.

Lisa knowing that she and her grandmother had no funds decides her only choice was to be a courtesan, much to Jacks horror.

Follow them as Jack tries to save Lia from her deeds and the realisation that they are meant to be together.


I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and I voluntarily leave my own honest opinion

Publisher's Description:

In Vanessa Kelly’s captivating series, three young women are descended from royalty—in the most improper way. But that doesn’t stop them from pursuing lives rich in adventure. . .

Lia Kincaid, illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York, comes from a long line of notorious women. Raised by her grandmother, formerly mistress to the late Marquess of Lendale, she has little hope of . But the new marquess, her childhood friend, Jack Easton, would make a very desirable protector . . . if he weren’t too honorable to take her to bed.a respectable marriage

It’s bad enough being saddled with a title he never desired. Now Jack must resist the beautiful woman he desires far too much. Duty calls, and he is duty-bound to choose a wealthy bride. But then Lia makes another outrageous suggestion: asking Jack to devise some tests to find her the perfect paramour. Tests that involve flirting, kissing, and other pleasurable pursuits. Tests that, in a matter of weeks, could transform friendship into the ton’s greatest scandal, igniting a passion even duty can’t deny. . .

My Thoughts:

This is book #2 of The Improper Princesses series, a spin off of the Renegade Royals books. Book #1 "My Fair Princess" is an engaging title, but "Three weeks With a Princess" is even more so.

As usual, Vanessa Kelly has spun an entertaining and engaging tale of a young woman who is an illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York, but has no notion of her connection to the royal family.

With a touch of mystery, an abduction to a brothel and a friendship that has grown to something much more, this is another delightful read from one of my favorite authors.

Lia has grown up happily in the country living with her grandmother who was the former mistress to the late Marquess of Lendale. Because of her connection to her actress mother and her courtesan grandmother she has little or no hope for a respectable marriage. She grew up with the young heir to the title as her one and only friend.

Jack is the grandson of the Marquess of Lendale and the heir to the title which he never wanted. As fate would have it he inherits the title and the property which is in dire straits.

Now Lia has grown into a beautiful and desirable young woman and Jack's thoughts of her are certainly not those of a friend, but of a potential lover.

Jack needs to marry and marry well to an heiress with coin to spare in order to save the property and title he has inherited. He instead desires Lia who is most assuredly not the proper choice.Will these two friend's attraction for each other turn into something more lasting than mere friendship?

I loved this book with it's enchanting and well developed characters. I gave it 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
The chemistry and physical interaction between our hero and heroine combust in very heated encounters.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.

Yorkshire - Christmas 1809

Lia Kincaid lives with her grandmother in a run-down place called Bluebell Cottage owned by the Marquess of Lendale who lives in nearby Stonewall Hall. Lia loves the Hall especially at Christmas. This year, the Marquess’s young brother and his wife, Lord John and Lady Elizabeth Easton along with their daughter, Lady Anne, are visiting for the holiday. Their son, Jack Easton, is also with them.

The Hall is beautifully decorated and Lia has crept into the house to see it. While the Marquess is great friends Lia and her grandmother, Lord John dislikes her grandmother, Rebecca Kincaid, and blames her for the Marquess having fallen in love with her many years ago and making her his mistress. In addition, Lia is the illegitimate daughter of her mother who is an actress living in London. The Marquess still loves Rebecca and has taken care of them over the years. Jack and Lia spent time together during their childhood and soon Jack will be off to fight the war. For a gift, Lia gives him an old Roman coin she has found at a nearby abbey. As history is a hobby of his, he is delighted and promises to keep it on his person at all times.

Yorkshire - 1816

The Marquess has died and now Jack has taken his place. He is finding that the finances of Stonewall Hall have declined significantly in recent years and the previous Marquess did not have a head for business. Jack has worked hard in his military career but now that he is the Marquess of Lendale, he must find ways to make the estate profitable again.

As it happens, Lia is the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of York, second son of the King and as such, Lia is cousin to the Duchess of Leverton who wants to meet her. In addition, Lia realizes that with the old Marquess gone and money being tight at Stonewall Hall, it has now fallen to her to find work to support her grandmother and herself. So, off to London she goes.

Jack pursues her telling her she does not need to work as he will always care for her and Rebecca. Bt Lia is stubborn and thus ensues a cat and mouse game of great proportions which became very wearying.

I enjoyed the first novel in this series and found Gillian, the Duchess of Leverton, to be a great character. However, I did not connect with Lia in any way. I wanted to give her a swift kick in the butt all through the book. Jack is a nice guy and almost too nice for Lia. But that’s my opinion and I’m sure other readers will really love this book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was the most enjoyable read by one of my favorite authors. MS Kelly has done it again with the stories of The Improper Princesses. This book had me at first page and didn't let go. I just loved the locale with characters that were a lot of fun. You get a sense of how prejudice people were for those who weren't in their class. But with the two main people that did not seem true.
Lia Kincaid and Jack Easton who is now the Marquess of Lendale have been friends since childhood. Even though Lia's grandmother was the mistress of the former uncle of Jack's who was the former marquess who died. She is also the illegitimate child of the Duke of York and has an actress mother.
Lia loves living on the estate with her grandmother and tending to those folk who has need of her.
Even though Jack needs to marry a woman with money, he has been putting it off. His mother is a shrew to Lia who tolerates her.
I liked how spunky Lia was in dealing with Jack. She loves him and puts him in his place if he gets to high and mighty. Jack feels protective of her and wants to help her. I like that the romance between them builds to an attraction and then love.
You will have to read and find out if it will end in a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Title and author: Three Weeks with a Princess by Vanessa Kelly
Series: Improper Princesses – Book 2
Publisher: Zebra
Releases: June 27, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/y85rwcwb
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com/
Rating: 5 Stars

In the second book of the Improper Princesses series, an illegitimate woman feels she will never find true love because of her background. She has lived an isolated life in the country, and now must make a crucial decision that will greatly affect her life and that of the man for whom she has always secretly adored. THREE WEEKS WITH A PRINCESS is a compelling historical novel, as the characters are charming while the premise is enjoyably delightful.

Though the father of Lia Kincaid is English royalty, her social status is seen as not acceptable because he never married her mother. She lives with her grandmother, a woman who has been a mistress to a marquess for years and even resides in a cottage on his property. The one bright spot while growing up was when Jack Easton stayed with his uncle, and she got to visit with him. Since he is now a soldier and will be gone for a long time, Lia dreams of him starting to see her as a woman and not a girl when he does return.

Upon the death of the Marquess of Lendale, the title goes to Jack. What he discovers about the estate is it needs immediate improvements or much could be lost. He also feels responsible for Lia and is totally unprepared for the effect she now has on him. When her grandmother comes up with a strategy which should help to ensure her granddaughter has a good future, Jack’s part in the plan could forever change his life along with how he perceives Lia.

Vanessa Kelly takes Jack and Lia on a journey of self-discovery, and what they come to comprehend could either bring them lasting joy or cause intense anguish. With much attention to each new development, the author had me coming to understand why her romantic couple reacted as they did, thus letting me see them as someone who could actually have been living through the circumstances these two had to face all too often. The Regency period had some very strict rules for anyone to live by if they did not want to be shunned, and Ms. Kelly uses this fact to the fullest as it influences every aspect of Lia’s life. I really felt sorry for her, because what her relatives did in the past is not her fault, but she is blamed nonetheless. Jack had always cared for her, and when he realizes his feelings are more than just those of a friend, society would surely condemn their relationship. All the major issues this couple has to overcome are depicted with believability, and I never knew how Jack and Lia would respond when an unexpected dilemma arose. But one thing for certain is their discussions were lively and packed with clever comebacks, while their determined natures kept interactions very interesting.

It was wonderful getting to revisit with the main couple from the previous book in the series, as Gillian and Charles made an engaging pair and her actions caused me to laugh more than once. Between countless amusing situations and mounting sexual tension, I was constantly entertained throughout the whole story. Vanessa Kelly has created an enchanting Regency story, and THREE WEEKS WITH A PRINCESS will long be remembered for its originality.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

Most of the requests I make on NetGalley get declined, and so I had stopped asking, but then I saw that this book, and I couldn’t resist. I had been seeing this cover for weeks now (on some of my favourites authors’ Facebook mostly) and, in all honesty, hadn’t yet taken the time to read its synopsis. When I did read it on NetGalley, I thought I had to try – and was so happy when the request was accepted!

This is my first Vanessa Kelly’s book, even though it’s not the first one in the series. I would have loved to have the read the first (will probably read it soon!) because I loved the characters from book one on this book!

My favourite kind of story is friends to lovers, because it actually implies more knowledge of the person than just the physical attraction – which in most historical romances leads to the characters trying to get to know each other. Here, Jack and Lia are from completely different worlds that have been blended together, making them the perfect friends as kids, a great start for a couple.

It’s a book full of adventure and it tries to show a bit of the tougher side we sometimes tend to forget when reading this kind of books. I liked Jack, but thought that sometimes he was more than just a bit overprotective…he was too controlling, which led me to, from time to time, crinkle my nose. I understood his position however, I didn’t think he was doing something to change it and only complained at the end of something happening. However, he did have his nice moments, and I did enjoy him as a main male character. Lia, on the other hand, was a very active, strong, “get it done” kind of girl, which I really liked. She was very determined, she was a loyal friend (not just to Jack), she knew what she wanted and she didn’t stop until she got to it, no matter how many obstacles came in her way.

I didn’t like Lia mum – I wasn’t supposed to, right? She was a good character to serve as a comparison to her daughter and make us see even more the difference and how good and kind-hearted Lia was. Her grandmother was adorable and I’m sure she knew the ending before even Jack and Lia did! I don’t think Gillian (Lia’s cousin) deserved to be slapped when she was just defending her family, just like I didn’t like that Jack’s mum was so horrible to Lia just because she carried the name as her mother and grandmother, I didn’t think it was fair to make her an example (okay, to be fair, she also made Jack’s mum remember her worst moments in life - but that wasn't her fault!). And the fact that Jack allowed it to happen, didn’t really sit well with me, no matter how many apologies he said.

Lia’s newly discovered family is very kind and protective (hello characters from book 1!) and I liked how they tried to make Lia feel part of their family from the moment they knew of her existence.

Jack and Lia had a bit of a weird relationship. Childhood friends, he was her only friend to be truthful, and she had a crush on him, but never pursued it. His home was almost her home, since she cared and worked in it, for free. He only realized he liked her more than as a friend/sister when she told him about her grandmother (ideally, genially!) crazy plan for him to be her protector or at least help her get one. There could have been a bit more romance, and seduction for me.

All in all, it was a pleasant book that I read in just one day and couldn’t put down, a book that introduced me to a new author I want to continue following, even though there were some small details I would have liked to see more explored.

Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.

Forbidden love, undeniable attraction, and a deadline. Fun to read romance that hits all the spots.

A little bit too much ignorance and stupidity from the heroine of this story for my taste, but the story kept me interested the whole way through. Take those few minor annoyances into account and overall I'm very happy I got the opportunity to read this and thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review. Goodreads link to follow soon.

Such a sweet story!

After reading My Fair Princess , I was anxious to find out Charles's BFF Jack's story--and I'm happy to say, seeing him as the star of his own story made me love him even more. (Though OMG, could he wait any longer to tell Lia those three magic words? Men! Fortunately he knows how to bring an excellent ending, which makes up for much.)

I enjoyed Lia too, though her idea of becoming a courtesan/seeking a protector--which on a certain level seems to make a teensy bit of sense, but would have made her absolutely miserable which everyone who knows her realizes (except her mother and grandmother, argh) goes on for waaaaaaaaaay to long, which was frustrating. Ms. Kelly gave her a powerful experience to show her the error of her thinking, though, and, like Jack, she helps to bring together the awesome ending when it counts.

Once again the secondary characters are a lot of fun, both those who have had their own books already and those who will hopefully have them in the future. In all, I can't wait to see where this series goes next!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

Lia and Jack are great together. They have been friends for a long time, but Lia has always loved Jack. Lia has the idea that she needs to move and take care of her grandmother. She decides that she is going to be an actress like her mother. That doesn't work out too well. Then she decides that her only option is to be a courtesan. That doesn't work out so well either. Jack is having a really hard time getting Lia to listen to him. He has so many problems and he doesn't need Lia running off and causing trouble. Lia discovers that she has a lot more family than she knew about and they want to help her, but she still decides to go her own way. Unfortunately, that way gets her into trouble.

Adored this one. Flat out adored. It wove its book magic on me and I inhaled it in one plane ride.

Vanessa has done it again!! A love story between two people of two different worlds. Lia Kincaid lives at Bluebell Cottage with her Grandmother and has the run of the estate Stonefell where she grew up. Lia knows that she is a walking scandal. She is one of the illegitimate offspring of a Royal Prince. Her mother and grandmother have been mistresses to powerful and wealthy men. She has no intention of following them into that profession. Then her grandmother's protector died and did not provide for them. Now she has to find a way to provide for them both.

Jack Easton's uncle has passed away and he must go to Stonefell to take over management of the estate and title of Marquess of Lendale. The estate is nearly bankrupt from his Uncle's excesses and disregard for the condition of the people who depend on the estate for their livelihood. As always when he visits the estate he always stops at Bluebell Cottage to see Lia and her grandmother. Lia and Jack have been friends for ages. Jack has to tell Lia and her grandmother that even though his uncle did not name them in his will, they will always have Bluebell Cottage and his financial support.

Lia knows that Jack cannot afford to support them. She has decided to go to London and become an actor like her mother. Jack follows her to London and mayhem commences.

There are so many reasons why I love Vanessa's books. Her writing is intelligent and insightful and witty. Both Lia and Jack are complex, engaging characters that you will love. This book is has the right mix of action, heart stopping danger and a journey that will take Lia and Jack to a HEA. While reading this book I could not see how Vanessa was going to resolve the problems of Jack's and Lia's class difference because it seemed impossible, there were too many obstacles to overcome, but she does it with a ingenious ending that will satisfy and delight. Vanessa is one of my go to authors when I want to read a well written love story, and all of her books are keepers that I will read over and over again.

What a wonderful read! I love historical romances and friends-to-lovers stories, so this checked both boxes for me. Three Weeks with a Princess is so well written and, once you get a handle on who's who, it weaves an engaging tale of family, love, lust, envy and revenge. It provides all this and a heroine and hero you love to cheer on.

If you’re looking for a full-length romance that will have you excited about the HEA, but sad to find the story over, this is a great choice.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This romance follows the friends to lovers trope, where there are more factors than usual that the lead characters have to overcome in order to be together. This story has the more unique aspect of the female lead being the illegitimate and unrecognized daughter of the Duke of York, as well as the daughter of an actress and granddaughter of a woman notorious in her own right, which gives the story a slightly different perspective than most romances. This was a pleasant story, though it did feel like the plot meandered at times.

I received a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The enjoyment in this read was watching Jack work so hard at trying to resist Lia. She was from a line of notorious women, but she did not have a complete skill set or understanding of what it would require or the ramification of the results. Lia alone could be a notorious woman in her own rights. She was hardheaded, quick tempered, for me not as intelligent or self-sufficient. She was just too needy but not willing to open her mind to the advice given. She wanted to do or seemed to want to do for her and her grandmother but was at a loss for it. I was on the fence with Lia for a good portion of the book.

This was a historical romance that had all of the strictures of the time. Lots of character to keep track of and lots of opinions. Jack was the man. He was the one to carry the show for me. This friends to more was entertaining because Lia tried everything to get Jack to help her find a suitable protector and teach her how to flirt.

The read was a suitable pace with intriguing characters and a historical plotline suitable for the time frame. Vanessa Kelly gives us a romance that takes you back to the romance of the regency times.

Although the second book in the Improper Princesses series, this novel is a standalone and my first by this author.

As the daughter and granddaughter of two of London's most notorious courtesans, Lia Kincaid has spent most of her life sheltered away from the gossip courtesy of Arthur, Marquess of Lendale who allows them to reside in Bluebell Cottage on his Stonefell estate. However, even after all these years, their presence still causes distress and contempt to those that disapproved of his Lordship's relationship with her grandmother. When the Marquess dies without providing provision for either of them, a plan's hatched for Lia to take control of her future. Only the new Marquess, Jack Easton, her friend since childhood makes it is a mission to thwart her attempts at every opportunity.

Jack Easton loved his time in the military courtesy of the commission his dear Uncle Arthur had bought for him. Now his Uncle is dead, he's back at Stonefell as his heir. Seeing his childhood friend again is a shock because now she's a beautiful young woman. Unsurprisingly, Jack develops feelings for Lia, who he's always viewed as a little sister. When he finds out she's planning to leave Stonefell to become a courtesan like her mother and grandmother, he's appalled at the scandalous idea. So hindering her plans becomes his mission to stop her outrageous idea because her future belongs at Stonefell...as his wife.

Lia and Jack are such a fun couple. Despite objections throughout their lives, they've managed to stay close even when Jack was away. The result is a wonderful, playful banter between two people that share a mutual respect and affection for each other. Their verbal exchanges are humorous as insults and terms of endearment share the same sentences.

Lia is reckless and naive as she set about trying to solve her predicament with badly thought through plans. She's totally oblivious to the consequences of her actions. With similar determination, Jack makes sure he's always there to pluck her out of unfortunate situations, just as he did when they were younger. However, I felt as though they were constantly going around in circles as the same issues never get fully resolved and were further complicated by unnecessary subplots which distracted from the main plot. They didn't add anything worthwhile to shenanigans apart from delaying the inevitable and introducing more minor characters to remember.

Overall, Three Weeks with a Princess is a light-hearted and frivolous historical romance. It's fun and I loved the aspect of not having protagonists from perfect families backgrounds. As this was my first novel by Ms Kelly, I'm curious to know more about Gillian, the heroine from My Fair Princess.

3½-4 Stars

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Zebra via NetGalley***

THREE WEEKS with a PRINCESS by Vanessa Kelly was a wonderful story... Vanessa drew me right in and kept me there til the end. Jack grew up to be the Marquess and Lia was the by blow of the Duke of York. Her grandmother (who raised) was the mistress of Jack's uncle who was the Marquess and she grew up in a house on Stonewall estate. They have an interesting journey to love...she meets other royal relatives who were also born on the wrong side of the blanket...they help her on her journey.. I hated to have the book end...

***ARC Provided by the Publisher (Zebra) via NetGalley***

4.5 Stars

Lia and Jack grew up together. Well, sort of. He was the son of a nobleman, she the granddaughter and daughter of a courtesan and actress, so they were around one another, but there was always a separation, one that his mother definitely wanted to remain in place.

I liked the resolution of the situation with his mother, as I was worried this was going to be handled in a way I did not relate to...but no worries there, I believed the resolution. I admit, I was worried the more we saw of Jack's mother, that I was not quite sure how this was going to work out. And, I love it when the book (and the author) handle the issues they create for their characters in a way that feels authentic and realistic.

Historical romance is, by definition and necessity, a cleaner and often a sweeter romance. The author is left with the task of moving the story without being able to rely on the physical chemistry. This story was charming, and the attraction and friendship between Jack and Lia was wonderful. You genuinely believe that he really does care about her, and how she feels. And, the time he takes with her at the very beginning, in the prologue, gives you an idea of how drawn he is to her, even though it will be years until they actually start a relationship.

And, the reason she says she wants 3 weeks? Well, that is explained, it is wonderful and leaves the reader, and Jack, feeling like this was a match that has been destined from the beginning.

I definitely recommend this book.

Lia Kincaid's family is decorated with infamous courtesans. Hidden away in the country she lives with her grandmother. Life is at its fullest until the Marquis dies and the estate is in turmoil. Lia does all she can and is hopelessly in love with Jack. He assumes his role and is forced to make changes that will effect both of their lives. Lia feels at a loss and will do anything to protect her grandmother and rise above her station with Jack by her side. I received an advance copy for an honest review and loved reading about the sordid past of the ton of London.