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Book Review By Sandra Calhoune
Once A Princess by Johanna Lindsey

Forced to accept the throne as King of Cardinia due to his father's grave illness, Prince Stefan Barany is shocked to discover that he is betrothed to an exiled princess. Years ago, in order to save Princess Tatiana Janacek from certain death at the hands of her familys' enemies, the princess was whisked away to America under the protection of a Russian woman, Baroness Tomilova. When the Baroness died of an illness contracted en route to America, Tanya was left in the care of Wilbert and Iris Dobbs. Although Iris was a kindly woman, Wilbert was a violent brute who didn't hesitate to beat Tanya. Forced into a life of servitude, Tanya has lived a miserable existence tending bar at an inn and waiting on hand and foot. When Stefan arrives in American seeking Tatiana he gets the surprise of his life when he begins to suspect that Princess Tatiana is a dowdy, sharp tongued barkeep named Tanya. Stefan and his men confirm their suspicion when Stefan sees the telltale crescent shaped birthmark on her buttocks. Although Stefan is an imposing figure due to his tawny colored eyes and scarred face, Tanya doesn't fear him whatsoever. As Stefan takes Tanya back to Cardinia so that she can honor her betrothal and take her rightful place as the Cardinian Queen, Stefan must face the fact that he is falling in love with rough around the edges Tanya. Although Tanya loves Stefan as well she refuses to let any man tame her. Stefan wages the war of his life to win the woman of his heart.


Plot & Themes
Time/era of story
Hidden Identity/Secret Motive Yes
Is really... - rich/upper class
If one lover chases another... - he chases after her

Main Male Character
Profession/status:
Age/status: - 20's-30's
Sex makes him
Unusual characteristics?

Main Female Character
Age/status: - 20's-30's
Profession/status:
Effect of sexing
Unusual characteristics:

Setting
United States Yes
The US: - Deep South
Europe Yes
European country: - Eastern Europe
Misc setting - castle

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
What % of story is romance related? - 90%
How explicit is the sex? - vague references only - descript of kissing - touching of anatomy - licking - actual description of sex - Boob talk - Vagia talk - Weiner talk
Focus of story - equally on him and her
How much dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
How much sexing? - 1-2 sex acts
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