When she was just a little girl, Lia Kincaid wished upon a shooting star that one day she would tell Jack Easton she loved him. But Lia is a Notorious Kincaid: granddaughter of a courtesan, illegitimate daughter of an actress, and when Jack came back from the war in 1816, it was as the new Marquess of Lendale. A title with no money and too many debts left over from his late father's poor head for business, Jack will need to find himself a heiress. Lia and her grandmother still live on the estate because of complicated family relationships, they are now without a penny to their name, and will soon be homeless, and another burden on Jack's weary shoulders. Lia is at her wit's end: she must find a way to earn money, but so many avenues are closed to her because of her tainted reputation. Then her grandmother suggests that she become a courtesan, like herself. It served her rather well, after all, but Lia would rather be on the stage like her mother Marianne. Unfortunately, Lia doesn't have one artistic bone in her, so courtesan it will be. Maybe Jack could help...

THREE WEEKS WITH A PRINCESS has a very daring premise with what turns out to be a very insightful look into the Ton's twisted moral views and prejudices, as well as an interesting glimpse into the life of theatre folk. This is definitely not a light piece of froth, and to be honest, I found it rather sad and depressing with regards to the fate of women who were deemed unacceptable by society's standards. Lia is innocent, but remains undesirable regardless of her irreproachable conduct. Given Vanessa Kelly's immense talent at creating unforgettable characters, which is the case for Lia, I was a little perplexed by Jack: I felt he was mostly reactive for a good part of the story, mostly worrying about his finances, and more or less trying to rule Lia's life. He manned up eventually when he acknowledged his physical attraction to Lia, which I thought occurred at a rather inappropriate moment.

Lia is a tremendously interesting character, and Jack paled beside her; I didn't feel he was very compelling, whereas Gillian Dryden -- the heroine from the first book in this series -- stole every scene she appeared in. I'm also not sure if the last dramatic episode was really necessary; I was ready for a little fluff at that point. Nevertheless, true to form, Vanessa Kelly's writing is superb, and the dialogues spectacular.

Book Summary

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 a respectable marriage. 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.

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. . .