The Maharaja's Daughters

by Celeste Barclay

What happens when three Indian princesses fall in love with three East India Company officers?
When sisters Suniti, Sarla, and Vinita Singh enter the local market, they didn't expect to meet their soulmates. Daughters of the Maharaja of Bikaner, these sisters believed they knew what fate held for arranged marriages. But a casual trip into town changes everything when they spy three East India Company men negotiating with a local seamstress. Intrigued by the men's integrity and generosity, the sisters can't help their curiosity.

Robert Courtenay, Theodore Rowe, and William Abbington believed they knew why they came to northwestern adventure. While still getting used to their newest assignment, the three East India Company officers venture to the market for more comfortable clothing. But none imagined the three young women they spy will change their destiny. Unaware that they encountered three royal sisters, the men wonder if they'll ever meet the women again.

In this tale of opposites attract, each couple must find their way to a happily ever after when outside forces would keep them apart. Impending betrothals, duty, religious and cultural differences, and unconvinced parents could derail these romances before they begin.

This NOVELLA weaves a tale of three love stories that form the prequel for Celeste Barclay's Regency trilogy that The Earl's Governess, The Princess's Smuggler, and The Duke's Bluestocking.

Genres: Erotica, Steamy, Historical

122 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2022

About the author

Celeste Barclay, a nom de plume, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Celeste enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She's an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. Before becoming a full-time author, Celeste was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating rich historical romances that bring the steam.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When sisters Suniti, Sarla, and Vinita Singh enter the local market, they didn't expect to meet their soulmates. Daughters of the Maharaja of Bikaner, these sisters believed they knew what fate held for arranged marriages. Robert Courtenay, Theodore Rowe, and William Abbington are still getting used to their newest assignment, the three East India Company officers venture to the market for more comfortable clothing. But none imagined the three young women they spy will change their destiny.
Three romances in one novella & each is a lovely romance. Three sisters who are feisty & want to marry for love rather than an arranged marriage. Three close friends who have left England behind to work in India, they are all honourable, honest, caring but also strict with their men. I loved how instant attraction deepened & how they all found their HEAs
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Maharaja's Daughters" is book one in the "Smugglers Run" series by Celeste Barclay. It was a great short read. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. Vinita, Suniti, and Sarla are at the market and come across Theo, Rob, and Will. They are instantly attracted to the guys, and the guys feel the same about the women. They all try to find a way to see each other more and not get in trouble with the women's father. The father already has marriages arranged, and the girls do not like the ones that were picked for them. My favorite couple is Rob and Suniti. I liked how they got things going and didn't care what the others thought. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and liked how Celeste wrote each of the couples stories.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 love stories in a novella? It doesn't work for me... And the love at 1st sight trope also doesn't usually work for me either.

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Maharaja's Daughters was a wonderful mix of romance and the culture of India. I have read all of Celeste Barlcay's book but this one and I loved it. The sisters, Suniti, Sarla and Vinita, are princesses whose father is contemplating his choices of husbands for their arranged marriages.
I love how Celeste always brings history to her romances. The readers are immersed in the culture and traditions of this kingdom with India at the height of England's domination through the presence of the powerful East India Company. It is a time of open and hidden dangers for both the English living in India and the people of India.
Celeste's male main characters are Robert, Theodore and William who are young, honest officers serving the Company. There is a chance meeting with the Princesses leading to tormented longing. Each princess longs to marry for love even though it goes against beliefs and expectations. The sisters are brave, compassionate and intelligent. Just the kind of heroines I expect from Celeste Barclay !
I discovered that The Maharaja's Daughters is prequel to her series Smugglers Run. It is 3 romances rolled into a novella and I enjoyed how I could read each couple's love story one after the other without waiting for a new publication. My only selfish whine is that they weren't longer!
I received an ARC and am leaving my voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.

[Nanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the Celeste’s new series, Smugglers Run. I read the first book, “The Earl’s Governess” before I knew about this book. It really helps to know the family history before reading the series. Robert, Theodore and William are best friends, soldiers working for the East India Company in India. While there they meet the three daughters, Suniti, Sarla and Vinita of the Maharajah. This story has a lot of history about customs in India and what the East India company tried to do, and how some of the men were no better the crooks, and criminals. The three friends meet and fall for the three sisters against all odds. I love how each couple works together for what they all want. I did take off a star due to the intense punishment of men who tried to hurt the sisters. It seemed over the top for this story. I enjoyed learning some of the history and loved all the couples and their own stories and feelings. Am on to the next story in this series now. This is a very action packed, steamy, sometimes violet read. It will grab you from page one to the end. You will not be able to put it down. Great job Celeste.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening pages of this novella, there is a sense of urgency and suspense as three young officers struggle to keep the peace between the forces employed by the East India Company and the local people of India. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they respect the inhabitants of the land and do their best to ensure good relations with Maharaja Singh. Tensions are ramped up when Rob, Theo and Will come face to face with the Maharaja's daughters in the market place and each of the officers is smitten by the beautiful young women. Unfortunately, not all Company members are as respectful, leading to violent confrontations. In spite of the local customs and the plans Maharaja Surat Singh has for his daughters, the young women are educated and strong-willed and choose to determine their own futures, much against their father's wishes. The plot remains tense through to the end but each couple does find their way together. I received a copy of this well-written and exciting novel as a gift from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this story. Instead of featuring just one couple, we get treated to three in this novella. Sunitia, Sharla and Vanitia Singh all think they know what life has in store for them however one trip to the market, and a fated encounter, left them questioning the path before them.

The three sisters all had their love-at-first-site encounter with three men from the East India Company. The stores moved fast and provided enough details about the culture and politics to transport readers into the correct time frame.

This story features quite a few love scenes. If you are familiar with this author, you know to expect this. Having three couples meant it was turned up a few notches.

This was a quick read, so great to pick up when you are looking for something to pass a bit of time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste Barclay takes us to India, a new country and new time for her to be writing about. I enjoyed the way that Celeste Barclay has woven together the three stories about three officers from the East India Company and three daughters of the local Maharaja meet and fall in love. It’s pretty much instant love for all three couples, presumably because she is telling three love strangers in one book, but it’s still watching each couple get closer.
It amazes me looking back on this book about how much Ms Barclay manages to pack into this relatively short book. Honestly I would really have liked it more if each couple had had their own book and we could have gotten a deeper understanding of India at this very volatile time.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader of Celeste Barclay’s books this was a different storyline for her, but she nailed it.
When Sunitia,Sharla and Vanitia Singh the beautiful, feisty but kind daughters of The Maharaja of Bikaner went to the local market that morning they had no idea that they would meet three new British Officers that with time would become their husbands. The three friends and Officers also saw the three and wanted to get to know them better too. This story has cultural differences, danger, war, laugher, romance and a poor dad who does not want to lose his daughters!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instalove. Competing cultures. Three English minor nobility working for the East India Company meet three Indian princesses at the local market. Each falls for a different sister but the difference in cultures prevents their pursuit of each other. Will this, however, stop them from following their hearts?

Well-written drama/romance with a little comedy thrown in for good measure. The author provides essential historical background to support the storyline.

A moderately heated afternoon read with a cool drink.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books set during the time the East India Company was active, but this was a first for me. Primarily written from the perspective of the three heroines, The Maharaja's Daughters explores the love at first sight relationships that develop for the princesses with three British officers. Weaving the storylines together, we see how the author provides a look into each of her characters and their respective partners while maintaining continuity of the overall plot. Researched to describe the sights, sounds, and culture of India and her people at the time, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and its characters.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Indian princesses and three East India Company men fall for each other on sight. However all is not plain sailing as the girls’ royal status puts them firmly above the men and their father needs to make diplomatic marriages for them to ensure peace in his kingdom. Love however will not be denied.
I could not help but feel for the future lives of these couples, even being royal would not have saved them, or their children, from the bigotry of the day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mariama Thorlu-Bangura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't believe in love at first sight, you will after reading this novella. It's the first book by Celeste Barclay that I've read but it won't be the last. I enjoyed this from start to finish. The three men are definitely hero material, especially Theo. The three sisters are strong yet gentle and caring. I felt for the parents, but in the end, they wanted their daughters happy. Everything ended on a high note. A quick read perfect for a rainy day or a lazy afternoon in the sun.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a new series and so far I have enjoyed what I have read. Three East India Company men marry three sisters, Rob and Suni, Will and Sarla and Theo and Nita, and this is their beginnings. It’s a great read, well written with very strong H/h characters. It will be interesting to see what comes next. This story is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the three Singh Sisters (Suniti, Sarla and Vinita) and The East India Company men (Robert De Redvers, Theodore Crowe and William Abington) they fall in love with . An interesting story of how love can overcome cultural and the political obstacles , this story sets the scene for the rest of the series, to which I'm looking forward to..

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A culture clash
The story of three young English East India Company men falling in love with the three daughters of the local maharaja showcases the difficulties they have to face in the volatile climate in India, with the internecine conflict between the neighbouring maharajas and the growing death grip of the Company on the local resources.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very unique in the time period it was written. The story takes place in India during the East India Company’s invasion of India by Great Britain.
The story follows three young men who fall in love with the three daughters of the Maharaja. The book details the journey of the three couples and the obstacles to their love and how they overcome those obstacles.
A well written introduction to the series.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of three Indian Princesses and how they meet three East Indian Officers from Britain and the struggles they face to have their HEAs. Regency romance set in India, loved the setting, trials and tribulations each couple faced due to status and different cultures. Very good, entertaining and engaging story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a captivating and beautifully written opposite attracts historical romance. The characters were determined, strong-willed, and likable. I enjoyed the interesting ways of Indian culture, their religious beliefs, how intrusive and impeding the East India Company had been, It was very engaging. I found the romances that evolved delightful and their passionate love and devotion beautiful. I highly recommend reading!

[Lisa Pohlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the Smuggler's Run series. It features the parents of the main characters in the Smuggler's Run series. Three Indian princesses and three East Indian Company officers find their happily ever after. I enjoyed each of their stories in this quick book. There is more violence in the book than I expected. Nothing overly a lot, I was just surprised by it. Good prequel to the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CHud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. I am not a prude but there is a lot of sex in this book. After a while it became monotonous. Sometimes the insinuation of it is enough to trip the imagination so that detailed description is not needed. The rest of the story had a nice ring to it but just did not seem to carry my attention very well

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these 3 men from the East India Company falling in love with 3 Indian sister who are the Maharajah's daughters. It's insta love which doesn't always work for me but I liked how it affected these 3 couple. My only issue was Theo's intense punishment to those who hurt the family. I did catch the nod to Celeste's story the Earl's Governess

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three sister, three Company men, love at first sight for each, and their stories wrapped up in a tidy 120-page package. With just enough background info on the East India Company and the politics of India at the time, this novella was a quick read whose epilogue opens doors to the next stories to come.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read The Earl's Governess a while back as part of Regency in Color and was always curious about the backstory of the older couples. I was excited to read The Maharaja's Daughters to get their HEA! I also enjoyed learning about regions outside of the typical historical romance locations.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how all three romances receive equal attention despite the shorter format. Beautiful imagery and blending of cultural elements and historical details. Cannot wait to binge the rest of the series! Ms. Barclay brings the story to life so vividly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is three love stories in one. Barclay does historical romance really, really well and this book is no exception. The background is rich and detailed, adding authenticity to the story. Not a lot of Regency Romance features multicultural characters; this is a rare gem.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoony Good!
A beautifully written and ever so dramatic set of love stories featuring 3 sisters and the men who made their lives exciting.
This series is proving to be extremely good entertainment and certainly worth reading.
I have enjoyed reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside four hours for this STEAMY adult interracial Regency-romance adventure in Bikaner, India in March when the temperature is already hitting 100*F/34*C and three English officers of the East India Company's expedition to northern India go to the market for cooler clothing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story and found it to be a very entertaining introduction to the series. Plenty of alpha male and strong women, who make up their minds on love and make it happen. I liked the back drop and the journey the couples went through to reach their respective happily ever after, while setting the stage for more to come from this family.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book followed three very different couples. I loved how courageous and full of life they all were. The storyline will grab you and not let you go. I enjoyed how she was able to capture all their different personalities and how she was able to bring the different cultures to life.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.