This is Victoria and Nicholas’ story. Victoria is one of the Prince Regent’s many bastards. She had a position as a governess for a noble family. The brother or the lady of the house tries to rape her. She pushes him away and he falls down the stairs. He dies. One of her brothers spirits her away. Her family tries to save her. She meets Nicholas who is an Earl. He has to race to save her from the father of the man that died who wants to kill her. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Highlander, princess, yes the title pulled me in. Obviously.

Not that Victoria is a real princess, nope. She is a bastard who has never met her father. Her mother a glorified barmaid and she herself a right proper governess. Until...yes that thing that made her leave and take a new position.

Nick has lots of brothers and they run wild. The tortured one who needs his own book. The Doc. The Sick one (oh he was lovely, so sweet!), the X. And the rapscallion twins. They have forgotten their manners and do need a few lessons. Oh and do not forget grumpy old grandad. Haha, this castle was a a hoot. As for Nick, well he is your normal laird with a few secrets of his own.

She is sent to care for one but gets the whole clan and the hijinks that ensures.

It was amusing at times but it also dealt with some more serious things that I can not mention, spoilers and all. And then there are these two getting closer and living happily ever after.

It did make me want to read those other two books in the same series. Seems England is filled with royal bastards.

Enjoyable.

I promised a fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. Delightful read. This book is a well told story with so many interesting characters and story line. I can only assume that there will be follow up books to tell the rest of the family's stories. I will look for them!

Captivating!

What fun! I adored this foray into the life of another regency illegitimate Royal, this time Victoria Knight, daughter to the Prince Regent.
Working as a governess for a respectable family should allay any concerns of safety and well being--one would think!
However when the brother of your employer attempts to rape you, defending yourself is not only a marvellous idea, but absolutely necessary. The fact that said degenerate tumbled down the stairs and broke his neck doesn't mean you murdered him. Even though your employer's wife absolutely blames you. Well after all the scoundrel is Lady Welgate's brother. Such was the rude awakening from the dream of a fulfilling life, transitioning from respectable governess to setting up her own selective school that Victoria had. This scandal along with her birth would be the death knell to that dream.
Sir Dominic Hunter and Aden St. George arrange for their cousin Victoria to leave town until whilst they smooth the situation over seems the wisest move. Victoria heads for the wilds of Scotland to teach music to the younger brother of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprio, and it seems to help manage all the grown and half grown young men, including the Lord's irrepressible grandfather, who inhabit the rather gothic castle domineering the landscape.
I really enjoyed Victoria's self-deprecating banter, evident when she hears of her employment conditions, “Lovely—a houseful of ill-mannered Highlanders, ones I’m expected to tame by virtue of my saintly presence."
Of course there's the darkly romantic and sinfully handsome Lord Nick to contend with as well.
Watching Victoria slay these young men and accept her as their own is marvellous. But will Nick accept her?
Nick's introspections are just as delightful as Victoria's, "If teasing a wee Sassenach governess had become the highlight of his week—perhaps his year—he’d come to a sorry pass, indeed."
I love the way the family starts of calling Victoria "Sassenach" as a term of derision that tempers to a term of affection. (Have I been watching to many episodes of Outlander?)
The complicating thing is that Dominic has told Victoria not to reveal her situation, or her birth details. Ah Secrets! They have a way of looming over you just at the wrong moment, and can be potentially very dangerous.
A fabulous read, with the right amount of tension, humor and intrigue.

A NetGalley ARC
(October 2017)

The Highlander's Princess Bride by Vanessa Kelly reminds me of the historical romance books I used to read "back in the day" when I first discovered historical romance, and when I first fell in love with the genre. Where the characters are so endearing that you want to spend hours and hours with them and the hero and heroine are both equally loveable. Victoria Knight is a governess with a secret that, if revealed, could ruin her reputation and might very well land her in prison. She is helped by members of her family (wonderful characters from Kelly's previous books) and is secured a position as a governess for a decidedly eccentric Scottish family in the remote Highlands. At first, Victoria is completely reluctant and wary of working for Nicholas Kendrick, Lord Arnprior, who has a reputation for being fearsome. But Victoria soon realizes that Nicholas and his younger brothers need her very much, and even more surprising, she needs them too. This is a funny and poignant story that will have you rooting for the hero and heroine from the moment they meet. I loved it. I can't wait for more books about the Kendrick family.

A very good read. It was an enjoyable historical romance. SQ

Things are not always as they seem! Victoria Knight, illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent wants to become respectable. So she travels to Scotland to become a governess after being accused of a wrongdoing that was an accident. Little does she know that the "children" are not children but the younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior! Nicholas needs Victoria to bring his brothers in line and transform them into respectable lads. Of course, Nicholas needs to find a wife of his own, but has suffered a lot of tragedy and just wants peace in his life. He finds that Victoria is able to tame his brothers and find respect from his family. Of course, attraction blooms but each is weary of the other finding out their own secrets.
This story has many humorous moments and there are a lot of characters from previous stories.This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This was really an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to ready more by Vanessa Kelly!!

Publisher's Description:

In Vanessa Kelly’s enchanting series, three young women descended from royalty overcome their scandalous beginnings to win the hearts of the ton’s most eligible men . . .

The illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent might be expected to pursue various dubious professions. Actress, perhaps, or artist’s model. Even courtesan. Victoria Knight, however, has become a governess—a respectable choice, until she travels to Scotland to meet her new charges. The younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, aren’t children at all. They’re brawny, wild Highland men. As for the Earl, he’s handsome, guarded, and far too compelling . . . especially for a woman hiding a dark secret.

Nick needs a proper teacher to transform his unmarriageable brothers—and a sensible, straight-laced wife for himself. Miss Knight seems to fit the bill on both counts. But he soon discovers there is more to Victoria than he thought. It’s not just her notorious origins, or the danger that’s followed her all the way to Scotland. It’s the fiery loyalty beneath that sedate façade. This, the real Victoria, is the woman Nick is starting to desire so desperately. And what an earl wants, he’ll use every seductive means to get . . .

My Thoughts:
This whole series has been delightful to date. I wouldn't miss one of this series. All have truly been books for the keeper shelf.
Victoria Knight has more than one secret when she leaves London to take a governess position in the highlands.
Imagine her surprise to find her charges aren't children at all, but nearly grown and brawny highlanders with the exception of the youngest who is sickly.
The earl who is not only handsome and single is also in desperate need of someone to help him get his brothers under control.
Our heroine takes one look at the unruly crew and decides she doesn't want the position after all.
Nick needs her to stay though and getting her to change her mind about leaving becomes his first priority.
Will these two tell each other their secrets or will hiding sins from their past tear them apart?
This wonderfully wrought if a bit convoluted tale is one for the keeper shelf and although it is book number three of this series it can easily be read as a standalone as there are only cameo appearances of characters from the first two books of the series.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy between our hero and heroine was long in coming but sensual none the less.
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 book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Victoria Knight is the illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent whose been working as a governess, that is until she murders someone. Now her cousins (also illegitimate offspring of the Prince’s brothers) come to her rescue and send her to Scotland and a new job working for the Earl of Arnprior at his home Kinglas. Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior is in desperate need of a governess for his youngest brother, but he knows that all his brothers need help learning how to get along in society and find wives. One look at all the men of Kinglas and all she wanted to do was run back to London, but Nick had a plan and he was determined Victoria would stay and help his family. Victoria feels guilty for hiding a dark secret, she finds the earl far too attractive and who’s fiercely loyal to his family. Nick comes to respect Victoria when he sees the transformation Victoria has done on his younger siblings and especially his old curmudgeon grandfather who hates anything English. As Nick starts to reveal secrets of his own the too fall in love, but trouble is always lurking around the corner to derail their relationship and throw things off course. I loved this emotional roller coast ride of emotions, secrets and scandals.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

The Highlander's Princess Bride by Vanessa Kelly is book Three in "The Improper Princesses" series. This is the story of Victoria Knight and Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior. I have read the other books in this series and feel you can easily make this a standalone book.
Nicholas is trying to get his wild brothers uncontrolled and hopefully married off and also he needs a proper wife too.
Victoria is the daughter of a Prince but also her mother was a barmaid so when that it should have set her on to be a a Actress or someones plaything but Victoria choose a different path. Victoria decided to be a governess and was very good at it until she was almost raped...and defending herself she thinks she killed the man. So her friends help her leave and take a job with Nicholas. Nicholas knows she is hiding something and that there is more going on with Victoria than she chooses to let on. But Nicholas has his own secrets that he isn't ready to share either. But Victoria has started to turn his brother's around and worked her way into their hearts. But trouble has followed Victoria and Nicholas will have to try and protect her.
A great addition to a really great series.
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I loved it! Meeting the Highlanders was amazing and sidenote, I can't wait for Royals story!!! The connection here between our her and heroine was awesome and I even like Grandpa. The family dynamic was what really set this story off and allowed the romance to build. Very very enjoyable!

Victoria Knight has always enjoyed teaching and is planning to start her own school, however she finds herself having to leave everything behind her and taking a new position far north in the remote Highlands of Scotland. She wondered why the particulars of the job were so vague untill she comes face to face with Earl of Arnprior’s family of brothers. She contemplates running back south so it’s up to Nicholas Kendrick to persuade her to stay. A charming Victorian romance.

How could you not fall in love with the Kendrick family, even old Angus. When started reading this story, I didn't want to put it down. Victoria has killed a man. It was an accident and he did deserve it, so she had to go away for a while so gossip would die down. She ends up in the middle of nowhere Scotland in a old castle with a crazy bunch of men who need someone to help order their lives. Several members of the family were reluctant at first, but soon Victoria had them wrapped around her finger. Nick has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has had so many tragedies in his life and he just wants to get his family back on good footing. Then a little woman comes into his life and puts everything to right.

Title and author: The Highlander's Princess Bride by Vanessa Kelly
Series: Improper Princesses – Book 3
Publisher: Zebra
Releases: October 31, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/y7f3zuoe
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com/
Rating: 5 Stars

There was never a single moment in THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE where I was not totally immersed in the happenings of this outstanding story. Often a book will keep me enthralled during certain parts, but this story is one of those rare novels where my attention only increased because of how much reading pleasure I was receiving. My emotions ran through a wide range of sentiments, from uncontrollable laughter to deepest worry, and each feeling was because of the very real circumstances being depicted. Vanessa Kelly managed to create imaginative scenes at all times, where characters and situations are extremely believable. This is the third book in The Improper Princesses series, and the many first-time characters were fascinating while those already met were still charmingly likable. I never wanted this story to end because of how much I enjoyed every aspect.

Since the father of Victoria Knight was the Prince Regent and not married to her mother who worked at an inn, she was glad her career as a governess has been successful since society looks down on people like her. When an incident makes it necessary for her to seek a new position, she learns about a man in Scotland who needs someone with her skills to instruct his brothers. Thrilled at the prospect of still being able to teach, Victoria prepares to leave London for the colder Scottish Highlands.

Upon her arrival, she discovers her new home is a rather gloomy castle. Its owner is Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, and her students are actually much older than her normal charges. It seems control over his siblings has been lost, and he thinks perhaps a woman’s influence will make them listen. Though against her better judgment, Victoria agrees to try and achieve at least some of the requirements which Nick wants his brothers to accomplish. Then her situation takes an unforeseen turn that she never saw coming.

I truly adore the Kendrick family, as this big group of Scottish men had such winning personalities. From the oldest to the youngest, I could not help but love these males, even when they pulled a practical joke or made a tactless comment. I laughed so hard at some of their more comical adventures, while I was touched when their more sensitive side was on display. I can only hope the author has some ideas for future books which will feature these charming men.

Once again, Vanessa Kelly brings the Regency period to life with delightful characters, engaging emotions, and unexpected twists. Victoria is a spirited woman trying to make the best of her situation, but life is not always fair. Even when events are against her, she keeps a clear head and does her best to reach a goal. Her logical mind and calm behavior certainly come in handy when she meets the Kendrick family, as problems keep mounting. I really felt for Nick at times, as his life has not been easy either. The responses of this couple were genuine and honest as they worked through their troubles, whether it was raw emotion or witty comebacks. When it comes to sexual passion, Nick and Victoria express their needs to the fullest during encounters that are lusty yet also amusingly fun. THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE is filled with realism, and I just wish these characters could have actually existed.

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

What a delightfully delicious end to the Improper Princesses series and hopefully an intriguing set-up for Vanessa Kelly’s next series. I mean – surely she couldn’t be so cruel as to introduce us to six tall, handsome highlanders and then not do a series for them. While this book is part of a series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone – although I can’t imagine why you would want to since the entire series is wonderful.

Victoria Knight is the natural daughter of the Prince Regent and the daughter of a tavern owner. She grew up knowing that her mother’s family loved her, but were shamed to have her around. Her mother was a shameless flirt and Victoria did everything she could to assure that she was nothing like her mother. She fought for, and got, a placement at a school for young ladies and learned to be a governess. She was calm, dignified and prim, but she also had a calming effect on those with whom she came into contact.

Victoria became a governess at the age of eighteen and worked through a series of placements – all with sterling recommendations. Imagine her dismay when she took a placement that her half-brother Aden advised her against – and ended up in serious trouble. What was she to do? Since she had no other options she ended up in London at the home of Sir Dominic (you met him in earlier books) and his wife Chloe. Sir Dominic’s advice was to let him handle the issue for her and she should lay low at a placement in Scotland until the scandal died down.

When she arrives in the Scottish Highlands, accompanied by her cousin Alec she is horrified to learn what her expected duties will be. Her inclination is to decline and flea back to Glasgow with Alec.

Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, has a house full of unruly, unkempt, immature brothers who need to learn how to interact with proper society. He’s also plagued by a crusty old grandfather who is always causing trouble for Nick. The problem with these brothers needing lessons in decorum and manners is that they are not children. The youngest is fifteen and the oldest is twenty-five. They are appalled that Nick is hiring a governess - for them. So, you can imagine the welcome that Victoria gets when she arrives.

Nick is a troubled hero (of course). He is riddled with guilt for leaving his family basically unsupervised while he went to war – and even for the injury his brother Royal received after following him to war. Nick has other secrets as well.

Nick barely manages to convince Victoria to stay, but once she reluctantly agrees she quickly worms her way into the hearts of all of them. Then, as she and Nick work through problems with the brothers they become closer and closer until she unravels all of Nick’s secrets – but she keeps her own. Just imagine Nick’s shock and dismay when they come to light. Can their relationship survive it? Can they survive the villain who arrives from Victoria’s past? You’ll just have to read this delightful book to see.

Now – for what bothered me about the book. First and foremost is Angus MacDonald, Nick’s grandfather. From the way the book is written, I’m supposed to chuckle at his antics and think he’s delightful. I did not. The things he did were spiteful, hateful, mean, disrespectful and downright dangerous. He nearly got Nick killed, caused another grandson a broken leg and undermined Nick at every turn. So – no, I didn’t like him in the least. Second are the twin brothers, Graeme and Grant. They are twenty-two but act more like they are fifteen (or even younger). They giggle and snicker and are led into any number of mischievous acts by their grandfather. I didn’t find any redeeming qualities about them. Maybe if they are included in a future series Ms. Kelly will find a way to redeem and mature them.

All-in-all, it is a delightful book and I just know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Loved Vanessa Kelly's "The Highlander's Princess Bride" one of the best books I've read this year! Victoria has a problem, well quite a few actually, she is a governess without a job because she is accused of murdering a former client's brother - and she is an illegitimate daughter of a prince. Victoria is nothing like her bar-maid mother who had a short affair with a prince resulting in her birth. She likes being a governess and wants to open a school for girls one day. But right now, she is advised by her ever growing list of family, all illegitimate of course, to take a job far away from London.
She travels to the highlands of Scotland to teach a young boy. Easy, right? Except her new boss is an earl with grown men for brothers who decides that she can teach them all some new manners and help them find wives. And the earl's step-grandfather hates anyone male or female that is English. Victoria is appalled at the situation and wants to leave immediately, she decides to stay when she meets her young charge who loves music, but she refuses to teach grown men how to act.
Nick is charmed by his brother's new governess, even though he doesn't want to be. Nick is nursing an old hurt and has a lot of guilt for leaving his step-grandfather alone to raise his brothers when he went to war after his young son died. He is quickly becoming more and more interested in Victoria, he likes her backbone and spunk, but knows she is keeping a secret from him.
Victoria is worried that her secret will be found out. She really begins to feel at home in the highlands with this family and even the old grandfather begins to approve of her. She is attracted to Nick, but when they are found in a compromising position she balks at marrying him. Nick is ready, he wants to marry her, but Victoria wants his love, not just a convenient marriage.
Victoria and Nick are wonderful together, their employer/employee relationship quickly morphed into a friendly relationship and then blossomed into a romance. Nick has a lot of drama in his life and his brothers are hilariously always making mischief. They are a lot of fun!
Lots of yummy, steamy scenes between these two. I really, really like Vanessa Kelly's novels!
I hope Nick's brothers eventually get stories of their own!

I really enjoyed the book. The H and h were both very likable, and the story was interesting. Loved this entire family. I think it may be part of a series, but it stood quite well alone. I look forward to following the series for the story of the next brother.

I absolutely loved this installment of The Improper Princesses!

Victoria Knight is and governess and the natural daughter of the Prince Regent and Aden's half-sister, after landing herself in a bit of trouble at her last post, she turned to Sir Dominick for help.

Sir Dominick suggests that Victoria take a position in Scotland while he and her brother straighten out her problem. But he recommends that Victoria keep her reason for taking a post in Scotland to herself. Upon arriving at the Kendrick's castle, Victoria is not sure that she is better off in Scotland and that maybe it would be better to return to London and face the consequences her actions.

Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior needs help, he has returned home after years of war to complete chaos. His estate needs attention, his grandfather is a menace and his brothers have been running wild. When Sir Dominick recommends Victoria to him, he jumps at the chance to hire her.

After a very rocky start, Victoria settles in to life with the Kendricks and starts to feel at home with the rough and rowdy bunch of highlanders, especially Nick. When Victoria begins to unravel Nick's secrets, they grow closer and end up being caught in a compromising position. Nick immediately suggests they marry, but Victoria has secrets of her own and tries her best to keep Nick at an arm's length.

Nick is not the sort of man that will take no for an answer, he wants Victoria, she is light and joy in a life that has known too much grief, betrayal, pain and darkness. He sets out to woo her and in doing so, shares his deepest, darkest secrets. When Victoria finally agrees to marry him and it appears that they will get their HEA, everything goes wrong. Nick learns Victoria's secret and is deeply hurt and lashes out at her. For her part, Victoria accepts his vitriol and breaks their engagement. But before she can return to London, problems arise and someone from Victoria's past is determined to see her dead.

This was a great story, it is well written and flows wonderfully. The story is chock full of emotion and humor, as well as steamy loves scenes and tense life or death moments. This story takes off at a gallop and doesn't slow down until the very last page. It was truly the best book in the series and I highly recommend it. It could be read as a stand alone title, but I recommend reading the books in order for maximum reader enjoyment.

I certainly hope Ms. Kelly is planning a series for the Kendrick brothers, because it would be vastly unfair to introduce me to 6 handsome highlanders and then leaving me hanging!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Highlander's Princess Bride. This was a true Highland romance- from the big, strong Scottish men to the bag pipes, this novel had it all! I also really liked Victoria's character. She was a prim and proper English lady, but she wasn't a wilting flower. The connection between her and all the Scottish men in her life was fascinating. I am glad I am very impressed with Vanessa Kelly and her writing style. I am ready to read another one of her books!

4.5 stars
Victoria Knight is an illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent & has become a governess but flees her job when her employer’s brother dies. Her family find her a job in Scotland so that she’s way from London The younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, aren’t children at all. They’re brawny, wild Highland men. As for the Earl, he’s handsome, guarded, and far too compelling . . . especially for a woman hiding a dark secret. Nick needs a proper teacher to transform his unmarriageable brothers and a sensible, straight-laced wife for himself. Miss Knight seems to fit the bill on both counts. But he soon discovers there is more to Victoria than he thought. It’s not just her notorious origins, or the danger that’s followed her all the way to Scotland. It’s the fiery loyalty beneath that sedate façade. This, the real Victoria, is the woman Nick is starting to desire so desperately.
This was a fun read, the Kendricks are delightful & hilarious, the lesson to teach Grant & Graeme to waltz was so very funny. The characters were very well portrayed & the plot well paced. Nick & Victoria’s attraction was apparent from the start but they were each coming to terms with events from their pasts & the road to their HEA wasn’t smooth. I hope Ainsley & Royal have their story as their relationship was left hanging & certainly unresolved, also the twins & Logan need their own stories. This is the third in the series but could well be read as a stand alone book. There were some serious issues to be addressed in the book but overall it was a light-hearted delightful read. I look forward to reading more from the author