The most important thing in Mia Marcelli’s life is her four year old son, Danny. Mia devotes herself to her only child and her studies. Without her family’s support, Mia would have struggled as a single mother and law student. Grateful for her loving family, Mia is happy with her life – even if unable to forget her son’s deceased father, Diego. Only it now seems that he isn’t dead at all. He’s very much alive, but his name isn’t Diego. It’s Rafael – Prince Rafael of Calandria, to be more precise. Mia is suspicious that he has turned up out of the blue, but he is Danny’s father. Besides which, the attraction between them is still there. Mia is willing to work with Rafael, but can she really trust him?

Rafael first met Mia when they were both working undercover. His guise was the villain, hers was the ditzy tourist. For a couple of weeks, before his staged murder, they enjoyed an intense affair. Rafael went on with his life as Prince, only to be pulled up short by a newspaper photograph of Mia and a little boy he knows is his son and heir. He goes to Mia, intending to take full custody of their son. He keeps his plans secret, using lies and deceit instead of truth and honesty. Will his plans to remove Danny to Calandria work, or will his intentions be discovered and his plot foiled? Will he want Mia, as well as his son?

The Marcelli Princess is an excellent ending to the Marcelli Family series. Fans of Susan Mallery, particularly her Marcelli’s, are bound not to be disappointed. The story is very well developed and flows smoothly. Nothing feels off kilter. The characters themselves are developed to a very high standard. I loved watching Rafael get taken down a dozen pegs or so. One thing is for sure: He definitely needed to be. Talk about arrogance and unconcern for others! (Then again, he is a Prince…). I loved the way the Marcelli’s pulled together to protect their own. The benefit of having friends in high places most assuredly comes through in this tale. I wish I had the Marcelli connections. The Marcelli Princess is bound to bring a huge smile to your face, and it won’t be very far in before you find yourself gripped by the story. There is some sex and it is detailed, but it is all traditional and isn’t a dominant part of the book. Susan Mallery’s The Marcelli Princess is gripping, engaging and a joy to read!

Reviewed by: Elizabeth