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Hidden Royals #2
The Prince's Bride
USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels continues her delicious Hidden Royals series with a rugged prince living in exile and his long-lost bride-to-be, who comes to find him.
Lady Marrianne “Ryan” Daventry was betrothed to an obscure French prince when she was just a baby. Years later, the young prince entered exile and was never heard from again. Lady Ryan considers the betrothal off; she can hardly marry a dead man. Now another French royal has inherited the princedom and he claims the old betrothal still stands—with himself as the bridegroom. Rather than fight the cruel new prince, Lady Ryan sets out to reveal him as an imposter. She needs only to locate the original lost prince and prove he’s still alive.
Prince Gabriel d’Orleans is still living, but he’s very difficult to find. He goes by the name of Gabriel Reign and lives in the forest, working as a horse trainer for wealthy clients. He’s hardly a pauper, but he’s also not a prince. His life in the woods conceals his true identity and keeps him safe—but also alone.
Using an old childhood letter as her only guide, Lady Ryan sets out for Savernake Forest to find the missing prince. When danger thrusts them together unexpectedly, Lady Ryan is shocked at his rustic life and his commitment to his new identity. More shocking is her fierce attraction to the rugged horseman. Meanwhile, Gabriel never planned to be discovered and he certainly never planned on falling in love. But passion has a way of upending the most careful of plans, and even the strictest boundaries are no match for the transcendent power of love.
Lady Marrianne “Ryan” Daventry was betrothed to an obscure French prince when she was just a baby. Years later, the young prince entered exile and was never heard from again. Lady Ryan considers the betrothal off; she can hardly marry a dead man. Now another French royal has inherited the princedom and he claims the old betrothal still stands—with himself as the bridegroom. Rather than fight the cruel new prince, Lady Ryan sets out to reveal him as an imposter. She needs only to locate the original lost prince and prove he’s still alive.
Prince Gabriel d’Orleans is still living, but he’s very difficult to find. He goes by the name of Gabriel Reign and lives in the forest, working as a horse trainer for wealthy clients. He’s hardly a pauper, but he’s also not a prince. His life in the woods conceals his true identity and keeps him safe—but also alone.
Using an old childhood letter as her only guide, Lady Ryan sets out for Savernake Forest to find the missing prince. When danger thrusts them together unexpectedly, Lady Ryan is shocked at his rustic life and his commitment to his new identity. More shocking is her fierce attraction to the rugged horseman. Meanwhile, Gabriel never planned to be discovered and he certainly never planned on falling in love. But passion has a way of upending the most careful of plans, and even the strictest boundaries are no match for the transcendent power of love.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 21, 2024
20 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
About the author
Charis Michaels
13 books503 followersCHARIS MICHAELS is thrilled to be making her debut with Avon Impulse. Prior to writing romance, she studied Journalism at Texas A&M and managed PR for a trade association. She has also worked as a tour guide at Disney World, harvested peaches on her family’s farm, and entertained children as the “Story Godmother” at birthday parties. She has lived in Texas, Florida, and London, England. She now makes her home in the Washington, D.C.-metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 21, 2024
✨”As you wish…” as long as you wish for a prince who literally won’t enter society but it’s fine because he lives in a cave with a waterfall and intends to tend to all of your hurts and offer you massages and show up when you least expect him to because he thinks you’re afraid…✨
This book was so soft and fantastic. The hurt/comfort really hit different, especially since she was like the ONLY woman he’d ever had a long conversation with in years. So not only is he mystified she’s real, but he’s also giving her massages and tending wounds and just being so protective.
I loved how he was truly a recluse and how she was really good at letting him push the limits himself. It was so dramatic!! I was like how is this poor man going to handle being in public again??? And then when he made that first step! If I had a nickel for every time a fear of dogs in a histrom makes for the most heartwarming scene, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice!!
My only quibble with this book was the Chekov’s waterfall because where was the waterfall sex???? Sure we got a sensual foot/ankle/leg massage in said waterfall—that I LOVED—but! a girl can still dream.
But all in all, this one was nearly perfect. It was just as earnest and soft as book one!! Plus, I LOVED seeing Killian and Elise. It absolutely filled my heart right up. I can’t wait for book three because I truly have no idea what’s become of their sister!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️.25/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
This book was so soft and fantastic. The hurt/comfort really hit different, especially since she was like the ONLY woman he’d ever had a long conversation with in years. So not only is he mystified she’s real, but he’s also giving her massages and tending wounds and just being so protective.
I loved how he was truly a recluse and how she was really good at letting him push the limits himself. It was so dramatic!! I was like how is this poor man going to handle being in public again??? And then when he made that first step! If I had a nickel for every time a fear of dogs in a histrom makes for the most heartwarming scene, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice!!
My only quibble with this book was the Chekov’s waterfall because where was the waterfall sex???? Sure we got a sensual foot/ankle/leg massage in said waterfall—that I LOVED—but! a girl can still dream.
But all in all, this one was nearly perfect. It was just as earnest and soft as book one!! Plus, I LOVED seeing Killian and Elise. It absolutely filled my heart right up. I can’t wait for book three because I truly have no idea what’s become of their sister!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️.25/5
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 1, 2025
I loved this so much! Gabriel’s history broke my heart, and Ryan was the perfect heroine to coax him out of his shell. I loved how raw and unfiltered his reactions were to her - and the glimpses into how thin his restraint was. Ryan was both spirited and competent, and the way her relationship with her sisters was written was endearing and realistic.
(Side note - I’m sooo intrigued by Diana and was getting Far from the Madding Crowd vibes- I hope there’s a romance brewing between she and her foreman!)
The intimate scenes were steamy and engaging and the hero’s growling and bedroom talk was HOT.
I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read the final book in the trilogy.
(Side note - I’m sooo intrigued by Diana and was getting Far from the Madding Crowd vibes- I hope there’s a romance brewing between she and her foreman!)
The intimate scenes were steamy and engaging and the hero’s growling and bedroom talk was HOT.
I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read the final book in the trilogy.
June 12, 2024
4.5 stars! Stop, this was so cute and fun! He’s a French Royal in hiding, secludedly living in the forest, and she’s searching for him since she’s his long lost bride-to-be!
Lady Ryan and Prince Gabriel were betrothed as children, they even wrote one another cute letters. But then one day he went into hiding and never came out of the forest he found refuge in! Now it is years later and another French royal has inherited the Princedom and says the old betrothal still stands but with him as the groom instead since Gabriel is dead. Lady Ryan sets off to save herself and find the long lost Prince who is definitely not dead. She finds Gabriel, living in the forest, working as a horse trainer for wealthy clients, and most adamant that he is not the Prince she’s looking for… But when he takes her back to his home in the woods and she finds her old letters, things get complicated!
I loved the first half of this so much! The second half didn’t captivate me quite as much, but it was still sweet and fun and enjoyable. I kinda just wanted to keep reading about these two out in the woods together instead of going back to the “real world”. 🤭 He was equal parts gruff and sweet and I adored Lady Ryan. When he’s assisting her onto the horse and it goes not so smoothly at first, and how protective he is and also she’s the first woman he’s been around in like so long, stopppp they were the cutest and had me smiling.
Lady Ryan and Prince Gabriel were betrothed as children, they even wrote one another cute letters. But then one day he went into hiding and never came out of the forest he found refuge in! Now it is years later and another French royal has inherited the Princedom and says the old betrothal still stands but with him as the groom instead since Gabriel is dead. Lady Ryan sets off to save herself and find the long lost Prince who is definitely not dead. She finds Gabriel, living in the forest, working as a horse trainer for wealthy clients, and most adamant that he is not the Prince she’s looking for… But when he takes her back to his home in the woods and she finds her old letters, things get complicated!
I loved the first half of this so much! The second half didn’t captivate me quite as much, but it was still sweet and fun and enjoyable. I kinda just wanted to keep reading about these two out in the woods together instead of going back to the “real world”. 🤭 He was equal parts gruff and sweet and I adored Lady Ryan. When he’s assisting her onto the horse and it goes not so smoothly at first, and how protective he is and also she’s the first woman he’s been around in like so long, stopppp they were the cutest and had me smiling.
March 19, 2025
The Prince’s Bride started out strong! It was interesting. I loved that Gabriel was hiding in the woods, training horses. The story started to slow down halfway through.
April 25, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author, and given that literally every person I talk to loves her writing style, I'm chalking this up to a mismatch of reader and author. I just could not find this story believable at all. While there is usually some level of belief suspension when reading romance, this went beyond my abilities.
The heroine manages to find a recluse that no one else, including his own sister, has been able to locate for over a decade. He is extremely isolated with very little social graces and lives in a home built into a cave. They get frisky very fast, and it was...weird. I was not comfortable reading it, just came off very odd to me. He just seemed awkwardly horny, and she was very naive. At the same time, she had been apparently physically abused by a man who wanted to marry her, but it's brushed off a bit in the telling of it. What should have been quite dark felt a bit too light for the situation. And then the "hero" basically is mad about what she endured, partially due to his being in hiding, but also...is like...not my problem, my privacy is more important than your safety? In a nutshell? And the heroine is just like...cool beans, I'm going to go off and figure something else out with the help of your sister, whom you have little contact with. It's just bonkers.
I ended up DNF'ing around 60%. I didn't believe this couple, their chemistry was not good, the story just felt silly to me. Not my cup of tea.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
The heroine manages to find a recluse that no one else, including his own sister, has been able to locate for over a decade. He is extremely isolated with very little social graces and lives in a home built into a cave. They get frisky very fast, and it was...weird. I was not comfortable reading it, just came off very odd to me. He just seemed awkwardly horny, and she was very naive. At the same time, she had been apparently physically abused by a man who wanted to marry her, but it's brushed off a bit in the telling of it. What should have been quite dark felt a bit too light for the situation. And then the "hero" basically is mad about what she endured, partially due to his being in hiding, but also...is like...not my problem, my privacy is more important than your safety? In a nutshell? And the heroine is just like...cool beans, I'm going to go off and figure something else out with the help of your sister, whom you have little contact with. It's just bonkers.
I ended up DNF'ing around 60%. I didn't believe this couple, their chemistry was not good, the story just felt silly to me. Not my cup of tea.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
April 14, 2024
I was saving this book until I needed it and I'm so glad I did. I've been in a little bit of a historical romance reading slump, mainly gravitating towards paranormal and fantasy reads; however, I knew that I wanted something light and fun that didn't necessarily remind me of a typical historical romance. Chris Michaels is an amazing writer. I just always enjoy anything I pick up by her, and this book was no exception. This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my historical romance reading slump and I knew it would. I loved these two characters. I loved that we got to see a lot of the characters from the first book in this series, and I am excited to see where the next book in the series goes. Ryan and Gabriel's romance was just so fun to read. I loved that they had a betrothal/arranged marriage from when they were kids that was set up by their families. Gabriel was a price who was in exile and living as a recluse. I loved how strong of a character Ryan was and she went after and stood up for what she believed in. These two not only had chemistry, but they had these deep conversations that I needed to read for this insta-love, forced proximity romance. My only real complaint about this book is that it didn't have an epilogue; however, all will be forgiven if the next book shows these two happy. Overall, I defiantly recommend this one! Even if you don't typically read historical romances and want to read a royal romance, you might enjoy this one because, as I mentioned above, it doesn't really read like a typical historical romance because Chris Michaels just has this magical way of writing that transports you to a different world.
May 14, 2024
This is such a unique story and a great addition to the Hidden Royals series. I loved Say Yes to the Princess, the first book in the series, when I read it last year and couldn’t wait to read Gabriel’s story. Gabriel is a prince and the sister to the FMC in Say Yes to the Princess. Like his sister, his story is heartbreaking, and their struggles after they fled France are vastly different.
Gabriel and Ryan were betrothed as children, but they haven’t seen each other in years since Gabriel and his siblings fled during the French Revolution, and other members of his family were executed. Gabriel has lived his life in hiding, safe from the dangers that surrounded his younger years, and is presumed dead. He lives alone in a cave-turned-home with only the animals for company, and he rarely ventures from the wilderness in which he lives. His is a solitary existence.
It’s been fifteen years since Gabriel left France, and his vile cousin wants to claim Gabriel’s betrothal (and everything else that belongs to Gabriel) as his own, but Ryan goes on a journey to find Gabriel so the unwanted marriage won’t happen. When she and Gabriel meet, the sparks fly. They have such a chemistry-filled romance and a story that kind of reminded me of Tarzan meets Beauty and the Beast.
Ryan is so understanding and sympathetic toward Gabriel, and it’s clear they care for each other deeply. But Gabriel has lived in isolation for a long time, and his old fears remain. He’s justifiably afraid of reentering society and facing all that comes with it. Gabriel must find the courage to leave the safety of his anonymous life if he wants to help Ryan, but it’s a struggle for him. I like that Ryan doesn’t pressure Gabriel even though her situation is dire. She never forces him to do anything out of his comfort zone, and she accepts and likes him the way he is.
I also like that the main characters from the first book in the series are in this book as well. I was so hoping to see Elise reunite with Gabriel. These siblings have been apart for fifteen years, and Elise was desperate to find out what happened to him, so to see this reunion, and to catch up with some favorite characters, was fantastic!
I really enjoyed this story, as I enjoy all of Michaels’s romances. It has a unique story, well-developed characters, and a wonderfully swoon-worthy love story. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Gabriel and Ryan were betrothed as children, but they haven’t seen each other in years since Gabriel and his siblings fled during the French Revolution, and other members of his family were executed. Gabriel has lived his life in hiding, safe from the dangers that surrounded his younger years, and is presumed dead. He lives alone in a cave-turned-home with only the animals for company, and he rarely ventures from the wilderness in which he lives. His is a solitary existence.
It’s been fifteen years since Gabriel left France, and his vile cousin wants to claim Gabriel’s betrothal (and everything else that belongs to Gabriel) as his own, but Ryan goes on a journey to find Gabriel so the unwanted marriage won’t happen. When she and Gabriel meet, the sparks fly. They have such a chemistry-filled romance and a story that kind of reminded me of Tarzan meets Beauty and the Beast.
Ryan is so understanding and sympathetic toward Gabriel, and it’s clear they care for each other deeply. But Gabriel has lived in isolation for a long time, and his old fears remain. He’s justifiably afraid of reentering society and facing all that comes with it. Gabriel must find the courage to leave the safety of his anonymous life if he wants to help Ryan, but it’s a struggle for him. I like that Ryan doesn’t pressure Gabriel even though her situation is dire. She never forces him to do anything out of his comfort zone, and she accepts and likes him the way he is.
I also like that the main characters from the first book in the series are in this book as well. I was so hoping to see Elise reunite with Gabriel. These siblings have been apart for fifteen years, and Elise was desperate to find out what happened to him, so to see this reunion, and to catch up with some favorite characters, was fantastic!
I really enjoyed this story, as I enjoy all of Michaels’s romances. It has a unique story, well-developed characters, and a wonderfully swoon-worthy love story. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
May 1, 2024
Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry was betrothed to Prince Gabriel d’Orleans as a child. With Gabriel missing and presumed dead, his wretched cousin has claimed the title and proclaims that the old betrothal still stands. Ryan sets out to reveal the man as an imposter but, to do so, she needs to locate the lost prince and prove he’s still alive.
This is the second book in the Hidden Royals Series, centering around three French noble siblings who were separated and smuggled out of France during the Revolution. This story can mostly stand alone, but the first couple does play a significant role.
I absolutely adored this book! It felt really fresh and special. Rather than submit to a cruel man, Lady Ryan takes matters into her own hands and sets out on an unlikely quest to find the missing prince. While Gabriel is still living, he’s purposefully difficult to find. He lives under a different name in near-seclusion, deep in a forest, working as a highly coveted horse trainer for wealthy clients. Gabriel never planned to be discovered - hiding even from his own sister - and really struggles with his desire to help Ryan and his need to protect himself. The storyline was great, the chemistry was wonderful, and I can't wait to see what happens in book three!
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Royalty, Presumed Dead, Forced Proximity
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in the Hidden Royals Series, centering around three French noble siblings who were separated and smuggled out of France during the Revolution. This story can mostly stand alone, but the first couple does play a significant role.
I absolutely adored this book! It felt really fresh and special. Rather than submit to a cruel man, Lady Ryan takes matters into her own hands and sets out on an unlikely quest to find the missing prince. While Gabriel is still living, he’s purposefully difficult to find. He lives under a different name in near-seclusion, deep in a forest, working as a highly coveted horse trainer for wealthy clients. Gabriel never planned to be discovered - hiding even from his own sister - and really struggles with his desire to help Ryan and his need to protect himself. The storyline was great, the chemistry was wonderful, and I can't wait to see what happens in book three!
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Royalty, Presumed Dead, Forced Proximity
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 25, 2024
This is a fun set up for a series, and I appreciate that Michaels is clear about where she's changed history (ie basically making this family an alternative version of Phillipe Egalite's kids). I mean this is also a book where a side character says "Nope" so we're not always looking at peak historical accuracy
March 16, 2024
4.5-5 Stars! This is the 2nd book in the ‘Hidden Royals’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are Gabriel & Lady Ryan. I really enjoyed both of them & loved the dual point of view in the book. The main characters from book one are in this book often and I loved the little look into their lives now. I couldn’t help the smile on my face when the royal siblings met again after years! I did want a little more of a conflict in the book but it was still entertaining and enjoyable. A scared prince, a damsel in destress who tracks him down, tons of chemistry, the princes sister & her adorable family, an imposter and a cave/cabin with an indoor waterfall? Yes, please! No wonder the prince didn’t want to leave! An indoor hot spring waterfall and no other people around? Sounds like paradise!
Definitely loved this book & really can’t wait for the third & final book in the trilogy to come out next. Highly recommend this book and book one, although this one can be read without reading book one first.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
Definitely loved this book & really can’t wait for the third & final book in the trilogy to come out next. Highly recommend this book and book one, although this one can be read without reading book one first.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
April 1, 2024
I think this could be one of my very favorite Charis Michaels books yet. Michaels writes such unexpected and delightfully fun love stories. Her plots are just a little different from other historical romances and I can't help but sink into them.
This series is about hidden royals. Royals from the French court who were forced into hiding and then discovered by a potential suitor. Gabriel is a recluse living in hiding in a forest when Ryan finds him. She is in need of help from an imposter prince who has decided to terrorize her family and force her into an abusive marriage. He is VERY reluctant to be found and even more reluctant to emerge from hiding. But she is the reason he will push is own personal boundaries. It's sweet and fun and light, but also swoony with just the perfect amount of steam.
This series is about hidden royals. Royals from the French court who were forced into hiding and then discovered by a potential suitor. Gabriel is a recluse living in hiding in a forest when Ryan finds him. She is in need of help from an imposter prince who has decided to terrorize her family and force her into an abusive marriage. He is VERY reluctant to be found and even more reluctant to emerge from hiding. But she is the reason he will push is own personal boundaries. It's sweet and fun and light, but also swoony with just the perfect amount of steam.
June 26, 2024
A French prince in hiding for twenty years, a young lady desperate to find him. Her life and her sister's are threatened. Betrothed since children she needs him to come forward and unmask the imposter. He is in hiding to protect himself and his family from assassins. But it is hard to resist the woman who disrupts his life and brings him out of hiding.
They form a bond very quickly and love is not far behind.
Very romantic with descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
They form a bond very quickly and love is not far behind.
Very romantic with descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
June 28, 2024
By the 32% mark, it is still the same day it was at the 0% mark. Nearly half of the book is the same day. Gabriel is frustrating to the extreme in his refusal to leave his cave, and it gets old. I liked Ryan, though, so there was that. This just seemed a little too serious in tone for my taste. Usually Charis Michaels has less angst.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
4.5 stars but I’m rounding up!
I’ve been really intrigued about what happened to Elise’s brother, the crowned Prince, since the first book. I love that he was found in this book and we got to experience what he went through after escaping France.
Lady Ryan has been promised to Gabriel (Elise brother and prince) since she was a child. It was a marriage contract their fathers put together. Ryan would become a princess and Gabriel would receive the family land and home. Years have gone by, all assume Gabriel is dead and so his cousin is now claiming to be the next king of France and wants Ryan to marry him.
She’s not going to do that so she goes out to look for Gabriel.
I’ve been really intrigued about what happened to Elise’s brother, the crowned Prince, since the first book. I love that he was found in this book and we got to experience what he went through after escaping France.
Lady Ryan has been promised to Gabriel (Elise brother and prince) since she was a child. It was a marriage contract their fathers put together. Ryan would become a princess and Gabriel would receive the family land and home. Years have gone by, all assume Gabriel is dead and so his cousin is now claiming to be the next king of France and wants Ryan to marry him.
She’s not going to do that so she goes out to look for Gabriel.
May 18, 2024
I think I've come to the realization that Charis Michaels and I don't really mesh together which is SUCH a shame because she has the prettiest covers. I like how her books are super easy to read and are nothing but a good time, but I have difficulty connecting with her characters. When our characters are intimate together during their first day of being acquainted, I lose interest quickly. This is exactly what happened in The Prince's Bride. For me to enjoy a book, I think I need more angst and a little more push and pull between the characters.
I loved the setting of this story. The bravery of our heroine going out into an unknown city to find a man she'd only met once when she was a young girl was commendable. The setting was great and I feel like I could have liked the characters more if I had had more time getting to know them before they got to know each other.
I loved the setting of this story. The bravery of our heroine going out into an unknown city to find a man she'd only met once when she was a young girl was commendable. The setting was great and I feel like I could have liked the characters more if I had had more time getting to know them before they got to know each other.
March 11, 2024
Disclaimer: I have received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! Thank you so much, @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus, for giving me the opportunity!
A forgotten arranged marriage turned into a marriage of convenience?! Sign me Up!
This is the perfect book for someone who needs a good palate cleanser and wants something light and fun to read! But also, it's PERFECT for someone who is just starting out in historical romance!
The story begins with Lady Ryan searching for the lost exiled French Prince named Gabriel D'Orleans, which she so happens to do so by fate when he saves her from roadside hooligans. She's trying to find him in hopes that he will announce that he isn't dead so that his horrendous cousin, Maurice (who is claiming that since he is now Prince D'Orleans, the betrothal falls to him), will leave her and her family alone. She had no idea that Gabriel was still alive, and the only thing she had to go off for a possible location was a letter she received from him when they were children.
Of course, after living years in solitude in the forest, only having a few grooms and horses as a company, it was evident that Gabriel wasn't leaping for joy to be the "prince charming" and "knight in shining armor" Ryan needed. The most he could do was offer her help via his estranged sister at an estate just outside of the nearest town, Pewsey. However, surprising everyone, he showed up at his sister's door to offer his help to Lady Ryan, which was an offer of marriage, but only in the name so that they may return to their separate lives. He will return to his forest home, and she will return to her home and be able to rid herself of Maurice.
Overall, I loved the idea of this book. I love arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and gruff, grumpy heroes. It had everything I loved, and I was here for it!
The story started out slow, as there was a lot of backstory to learn about why Ryan was searching for Gabriel, how awful Maurice was, and how he was an imposter. Then, we tried to learn a bit about Gabriel as well, how he ended up in the woods, what happened to him that made him become a recluse, and why he was scared to show himself to the world and announce his existence. However, it became a lovely read once you got through it.
I loved the sexual tension that began to build in the beginning, which fed off of old childhood feelings and memories that they had of each other. Even as they tried to ignore the growing feelings, and how they yearned for each other, the tension was *chefs kiss*.
I loved how sweet and considerate Ryan was to Gabriel, how understanding she was to WHO he was, and how he wished to live his life and WHY! Instead of fighting him and begging him to save her and her family, she understood and defended his choices on why he wished to stay in the forest. I also enjoyed seeing Gabriel's struggle with being around his sister for the first time in over a decade and how hard it was to come to terms with who and what he was and where he came from.
Despite the slow start, it was such a delightful read, and I would recommend it to any historical romance lover!
A forgotten arranged marriage turned into a marriage of convenience?! Sign me Up!
This is the perfect book for someone who needs a good palate cleanser and wants something light and fun to read! But also, it's PERFECT for someone who is just starting out in historical romance!
The story begins with Lady Ryan searching for the lost exiled French Prince named Gabriel D'Orleans, which she so happens to do so by fate when he saves her from roadside hooligans. She's trying to find him in hopes that he will announce that he isn't dead so that his horrendous cousin, Maurice (who is claiming that since he is now Prince D'Orleans, the betrothal falls to him), will leave her and her family alone. She had no idea that Gabriel was still alive, and the only thing she had to go off for a possible location was a letter she received from him when they were children.
Of course, after living years in solitude in the forest, only having a few grooms and horses as a company, it was evident that Gabriel wasn't leaping for joy to be the "prince charming" and "knight in shining armor" Ryan needed. The most he could do was offer her help via his estranged sister at an estate just outside of the nearest town, Pewsey. However, surprising everyone, he showed up at his sister's door to offer his help to Lady Ryan, which was an offer of marriage, but only in the name so that they may return to their separate lives. He will return to his forest home, and she will return to her home and be able to rid herself of Maurice.
Overall, I loved the idea of this book. I love arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and gruff, grumpy heroes. It had everything I loved, and I was here for it!
The story started out slow, as there was a lot of backstory to learn about why Ryan was searching for Gabriel, how awful Maurice was, and how he was an imposter. Then, we tried to learn a bit about Gabriel as well, how he ended up in the woods, what happened to him that made him become a recluse, and why he was scared to show himself to the world and announce his existence. However, it became a lovely read once you got through it.
I loved the sexual tension that began to build in the beginning, which fed off of old childhood feelings and memories that they had of each other. Even as they tried to ignore the growing feelings, and how they yearned for each other, the tension was *chefs kiss*.
I loved how sweet and considerate Ryan was to Gabriel, how understanding she was to WHO he was, and how he wished to live his life and WHY! Instead of fighting him and begging him to save her and her family, she understood and defended his choices on why he wished to stay in the forest. I also enjoyed seeing Gabriel's struggle with being around his sister for the first time in over a decade and how hard it was to come to terms with who and what he was and where he came from.
Despite the slow start, it was such a delightful read, and I would recommend it to any historical romance lover!
April 30, 2024
Genre: historical romance
England, 1811
Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry was betrothed to minor french royalty, cousin to the king, Prince Gabriel d’Orleans, as a child. During the French revolution, Gabriel and his family fled France, and while his oldest sister resided in the English Court for years, Gabriel hasn’t been seen and is presumed dead. Ryan finds him almost accidentally while searching for him: Gabriel’s cousin has come to claim the title, and Ryan as his bride, so Ryan wants to locate her betrothed to try to get the situation resolved. She finds him living in a camp, in a cottage hewn into a cave, with a reputation under another name as a horsebreaker. Hardly prince material, especially because he doesn’t even want to socialize with others or live indoors, much less claim a title he no longer has use for. But for Ryan, Gabriel may be willing to step out of the relative comfort of the forest to help her rescue the life she loves on Guernsey.
A new Charis Michaels book is always a joyous occasion - her books are brimming with sweetness and, in this series, a little bit of extra heat compared with her Awakened by a Kiss series. The second book in a trilogy, The Prince’s Bride uses historical elements based on real people with some changes for clarity. (If you read her authors’ note, you’ll learn that there were five siblings instead of three, and 4/5 were named Louis or Louise, because of their relationship to the king. Charis felt some changes were needed for storytelling purposes.) The realistic elements tie to the overall tone of the story, making it more serious than her previous books.
The pacing was a little awkward for me overall, but I appreciated that the way both Ryan and Gabriel navigate feelings for one another feels realistic for someone who has been sheltered and someone who has lived their life nearly alone for many years. Gabriel went into hiding as a child, and is understandably not willing to drop everything immediately when Ryan walks back into his life. While there is some misunderstanding between characters, it’s not miscommunication. Neither Ryan nor Gabriel is being honest with themselves, so they struggle with being honest with one another. This may have contributed to some of my pacing issues, but I ultimately appreciated the choice that Charis Michaels makes with her narrative.
We get a lot of on page time for the characters of the previous book, too, but in a way that boosts rather than intrudes on the developing romance. It’s always fun to see previous characters reappearing for actual plot roles. That said, I do recommend reading this series in order.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an eARC for review. The Prince’s Bride is out 5/21/24!
England, 1811
Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry was betrothed to minor french royalty, cousin to the king, Prince Gabriel d’Orleans, as a child. During the French revolution, Gabriel and his family fled France, and while his oldest sister resided in the English Court for years, Gabriel hasn’t been seen and is presumed dead. Ryan finds him almost accidentally while searching for him: Gabriel’s cousin has come to claim the title, and Ryan as his bride, so Ryan wants to locate her betrothed to try to get the situation resolved. She finds him living in a camp, in a cottage hewn into a cave, with a reputation under another name as a horsebreaker. Hardly prince material, especially because he doesn’t even want to socialize with others or live indoors, much less claim a title he no longer has use for. But for Ryan, Gabriel may be willing to step out of the relative comfort of the forest to help her rescue the life she loves on Guernsey.
A new Charis Michaels book is always a joyous occasion - her books are brimming with sweetness and, in this series, a little bit of extra heat compared with her Awakened by a Kiss series. The second book in a trilogy, The Prince’s Bride uses historical elements based on real people with some changes for clarity. (If you read her authors’ note, you’ll learn that there were five siblings instead of three, and 4/5 were named Louis or Louise, because of their relationship to the king. Charis felt some changes were needed for storytelling purposes.) The realistic elements tie to the overall tone of the story, making it more serious than her previous books.
The pacing was a little awkward for me overall, but I appreciated that the way both Ryan and Gabriel navigate feelings for one another feels realistic for someone who has been sheltered and someone who has lived their life nearly alone for many years. Gabriel went into hiding as a child, and is understandably not willing to drop everything immediately when Ryan walks back into his life. While there is some misunderstanding between characters, it’s not miscommunication. Neither Ryan nor Gabriel is being honest with themselves, so they struggle with being honest with one another. This may have contributed to some of my pacing issues, but I ultimately appreciated the choice that Charis Michaels makes with her narrative.
We get a lot of on page time for the characters of the previous book, too, but in a way that boosts rather than intrudes on the developing romance. It’s always fun to see previous characters reappearing for actual plot roles. That said, I do recommend reading this series in order.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an eARC for review. The Prince’s Bride is out 5/21/24!
March 10, 2024
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
This is a story that I never would've seen myself reading and actually enjoying. But, for some reason, the reverse-Rapunzel-esque premise of this story intrigued me and I knew that I had to give it a shot!
Ryan, our FMC, is the proverbial heroine. She is brave and strong and fiercely loyal. When the rest of the ladies of the land are enjoying the protection of their families, she sets off on a dangerous mission for the sake of her family.
Gabriel, our MMC, has hidden himself away from the rest of humanity since he was a child. But, alas, he happens to be the real prince that Ryan was betrothed to as a baby.
When these two finally meet in the middle of nowhere, the sparks are almost instantaneous. There's clearly an attraction there, but Gabriel struggles to entertain the thought of re-entering society and leaving behind the sanctuary that he's created for himself.
In the end, it's only his feelings for Ryan and his innate need to protect her from unforeseen dangers that lures him out of hiding and back to his roots.
4 ⭐️
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a story that I never would've seen myself reading and actually enjoying. But, for some reason, the reverse-Rapunzel-esque premise of this story intrigued me and I knew that I had to give it a shot!
Ryan, our FMC, is the proverbial heroine. She is brave and strong and fiercely loyal. When the rest of the ladies of the land are enjoying the protection of their families, she sets off on a dangerous mission for the sake of her family.
Gabriel, our MMC, has hidden himself away from the rest of humanity since he was a child. But, alas, he happens to be the real prince that Ryan was betrothed to as a baby.
When these two finally meet in the middle of nowhere, the sparks are almost instantaneous. There's clearly an attraction there, but Gabriel struggles to entertain the thought of re-entering society and leaving behind the sanctuary that he's created for himself.
In the end, it's only his feelings for Ryan and his innate need to protect her from unforeseen dangers that lures him out of hiding and back to his roots.
4 ⭐️
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 12, 2024
Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf
Rating: 4.5 Stars
CW: Physical abuse; injury (dog bite); fire; references to sexual assault, murder, death of a parent, illness
I think this is my new favorite Charis Michaels book, as this book was such a TREAT. I absolutely adore the spin Michaels puts on real historical figures of royals in exile from France in this series as she draws inspiration from actual historical events but makes the story completely and uniquely her own while balancing the serious, heavy nature of the characters’ family situations with the romance and light-hearted fun.
Gabriel and Lady Ryan made this book for me. As my friend Kelsey on Instagram said, Gabriel gives major horsegirl vibes. And honestly, it’s so true. He’s basically a horse therapist. A horse whisper, if you will. He’d much rather spend his days in his forest rehabilitating horses that have gone through trauma. For his own safety and those he cares about, he’s isolated himself from society as he worries his mere existence as the exiled Royal Prince of the Blood puts those around him at risk. He’s been through so much in his life – a lot of pain and heartache at an early age, but he’s content with his life in the forest, living in his Hobbit-house-type home that is built into a cave with a freaking waterfall room in it. Until Lady Ryan enters his life and draws him out.
Lady Ryan is desperate to find Prince Gabriel, who she was betrothed to as a child, to avoid marrying his truly awful cousin, the impostor claiming to be the Prince of the Blood, Maurice, who claims he inherited the betrothal. Not content to sit around, she takes matters into her own hands to find the long-lost prince. And find him she does. I fell in love with her as soon as she appeared on the page. She’s determined, sassy, frank, brave, and won’t take no for an answer. She’s the perfect person to draw Gabriel out of his shell and out into the open, as there is an energy about her that he cannot help but be drawn to and want to protect.
The connection between Gabriel and Ryan was apparent from the beginning. It’s been a while since a book hooked me so quickly, but this book did that from the first page. The opening was so engaging and captivating, and I was immediately drawn to these two characters and could feel that chemistry from the start. There is definitely an attraction between these two as they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but I loved how well they knew each other. Lady Ryan understood where Gabriel was coming from with not wanting to claim his title, and I appreciated how she didn’t push him to do things he didn’t want to do, even if that meant she was put in a more difficult position. Luckily for her, he also couldn’t help but want to protect her, which slowly drew him out of his shell, as he cared deeply for her and was incredibly empathic to her situation.
The sexual tension between Ryan and Gabriel was fantastic! Seriously, this book had sexual tension galore. I loved how Michaels sustained that throughout the book, as it helped heighten the romance. As much as these two were trying to deny their feelings to each other, they literally couldn’t keep their hands off each other whenever they were alone. Luckily for them, their chaperones were more than willing to give them alone time to push them together so they would admit their feelings. I loved how these two clearly cared deeply for each other, but it did take them a while, particularly Gabriel, to express those feelings. I did get a little frustrated with Gabriel in the middle for his continued denial of his feelings, but it all worked out wonderfully in the end. Leaning into the whole royal trope, it definitely felt like a fairy tale ending, but it worked for the story.
Another thing I loved about this story was how emotional it was. Yes, it’s so romantic, but there is also a lot of pain and healing that both Gabriel and Ryan need to go through. I felt so much for these characters and everything they’ve dealt with. My heart hurt for both of them at various times throughout this story, but I loved seeing them come out lighter and happier in the end. Michaels does a fantastic job balancing the more emotionally heavy beats of the story with the light-hearted ones. I always love that her tone can feel more playful and fun, even when tackling some heavy topics in her stories.
The Prince’s Bride was such a treat, and I truly enjoyed every second of reading it! It’s a beautiful story filled with lots of emotions, healing, and love – definitely pick it up! I also cannot wait for the final book in the Hidden Royals series, as the ending tees up the hunt for the youngest royal, Danielle. If you’re curious about this series, I’d recommend starting with book 1, Say Yes to the Princess , as it would provide some helpful context for the royal family situation, but I do think this could be read perfectly fine as a standalone, too.
Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas. and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
CW: Physical abuse; injury (dog bite); fire; references to sexual assault, murder, death of a parent, illness
I think this is my new favorite Charis Michaels book, as this book was such a TREAT. I absolutely adore the spin Michaels puts on real historical figures of royals in exile from France in this series as she draws inspiration from actual historical events but makes the story completely and uniquely her own while balancing the serious, heavy nature of the characters’ family situations with the romance and light-hearted fun.
Gabriel and Lady Ryan made this book for me. As my friend Kelsey on Instagram said, Gabriel gives major horsegirl vibes. And honestly, it’s so true. He’s basically a horse therapist. A horse whisper, if you will. He’d much rather spend his days in his forest rehabilitating horses that have gone through trauma. For his own safety and those he cares about, he’s isolated himself from society as he worries his mere existence as the exiled Royal Prince of the Blood puts those around him at risk. He’s been through so much in his life – a lot of pain and heartache at an early age, but he’s content with his life in the forest, living in his Hobbit-house-type home that is built into a cave with a freaking waterfall room in it. Until Lady Ryan enters his life and draws him out.
Lady Ryan is desperate to find Prince Gabriel, who she was betrothed to as a child, to avoid marrying his truly awful cousin, the impostor claiming to be the Prince of the Blood, Maurice, who claims he inherited the betrothal. Not content to sit around, she takes matters into her own hands to find the long-lost prince. And find him she does. I fell in love with her as soon as she appeared on the page. She’s determined, sassy, frank, brave, and won’t take no for an answer. She’s the perfect person to draw Gabriel out of his shell and out into the open, as there is an energy about her that he cannot help but be drawn to and want to protect.
The connection between Gabriel and Ryan was apparent from the beginning. It’s been a while since a book hooked me so quickly, but this book did that from the first page. The opening was so engaging and captivating, and I was immediately drawn to these two characters and could feel that chemistry from the start. There is definitely an attraction between these two as they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but I loved how well they knew each other. Lady Ryan understood where Gabriel was coming from with not wanting to claim his title, and I appreciated how she didn’t push him to do things he didn’t want to do, even if that meant she was put in a more difficult position. Luckily for her, he also couldn’t help but want to protect her, which slowly drew him out of his shell, as he cared deeply for her and was incredibly empathic to her situation.
The sexual tension between Ryan and Gabriel was fantastic! Seriously, this book had sexual tension galore. I loved how Michaels sustained that throughout the book, as it helped heighten the romance. As much as these two were trying to deny their feelings to each other, they literally couldn’t keep their hands off each other whenever they were alone. Luckily for them, their chaperones were more than willing to give them alone time to push them together so they would admit their feelings. I loved how these two clearly cared deeply for each other, but it did take them a while, particularly Gabriel, to express those feelings. I did get a little frustrated with Gabriel in the middle for his continued denial of his feelings, but it all worked out wonderfully in the end. Leaning into the whole royal trope, it definitely felt like a fairy tale ending, but it worked for the story.
Another thing I loved about this story was how emotional it was. Yes, it’s so romantic, but there is also a lot of pain and healing that both Gabriel and Ryan need to go through. I felt so much for these characters and everything they’ve dealt with. My heart hurt for both of them at various times throughout this story, but I loved seeing them come out lighter and happier in the end. Michaels does a fantastic job balancing the more emotionally heavy beats of the story with the light-hearted ones. I always love that her tone can feel more playful and fun, even when tackling some heavy topics in her stories.
The Prince’s Bride was such a treat, and I truly enjoyed every second of reading it! It’s a beautiful story filled with lots of emotions, healing, and love – definitely pick it up! I also cannot wait for the final book in the Hidden Royals series, as the ending tees up the hunt for the youngest royal, Danielle. If you’re curious about this series, I’d recommend starting with book 1, Say Yes to the Princess , as it would provide some helpful context for the royal family situation, but I do think this could be read perfectly fine as a standalone, too.
Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas. and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 8, 2024
Years ago, when they were just infants, Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry & Prince Gabriel d’Orleans were betrothed by their parents and they grew up understanding their obligation. But then the revolution swept through France and Gabriel and his sisters were smuggled out of France, hidden away and the betrothal forgotten. Ryan never really thought of her betrothed and while she had fond memories of Gabriel, she has been much too busy taking care of Winscombe, her family’s estate on the Channel Island of Guernsey to wonder about him. But that was before his cousin Maurice shows up claiming Gabriel is dead and that he is the new Prince and demands that Ryan honor the betrothal by marrying him and turning over control of the estate to him. The only way to thwart him is to find her true betrothed and bring him back to confront Maurice. But she has not seen or heard from Gabriel in 9 years and her only clue to his location is a letter he sent her before he disappeared for good. That is how Ryan ended up being held up by a highwayman in the Savernake Forest and saved by a strange man, who may or may not be her long-lost fiancé and who flat out refuses to help her.
Prince Gabriel d’Orleans has been living in seclusion as Gabriel Rien in the Savernake Forest for the last 9 years and has gained a reputation as an exceptional horse trainer. He avoids contact with others, including his sister Elise, who has tried without success to reunite with him, so when he hears a woman screaming, his first instinct is to ignore her, but he can’t and to his complete shock the woman he rescues is his betrothed. He refuses to help her, but he can’t seem to let her go and slowly he ventures out of his sanctuary. Going as far as to reunite with his sister and her family and asking them to help Ryan. And even as he falls in love with her, he is still adamant that he cannot be the man she needs him to be. So why is it so hard to let her walk away?
I loved this story, Ryan and Gabriel are such wonderful characters and truly have a beautiful connection. I loved watching them battle their demons and heal as they began to fall in love. The story is filled with emotion, personal doubts, a greedy relative, warm love scenes, adorable nieces, a hypochondriacal nanny, a match-making former rake, an almost grown-up Bartholomew, a stunning confrontation and a very sweet ending. This was such a great story, and I would happily recommend this story to my fellow HR readers. This is the second book in the series and while it could be standalone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order.
4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Prince Gabriel d’Orleans has been living in seclusion as Gabriel Rien in the Savernake Forest for the last 9 years and has gained a reputation as an exceptional horse trainer. He avoids contact with others, including his sister Elise, who has tried without success to reunite with him, so when he hears a woman screaming, his first instinct is to ignore her, but he can’t and to his complete shock the woman he rescues is his betrothed. He refuses to help her, but he can’t seem to let her go and slowly he ventures out of his sanctuary. Going as far as to reunite with his sister and her family and asking them to help Ryan. And even as he falls in love with her, he is still adamant that he cannot be the man she needs him to be. So why is it so hard to let her walk away?
I loved this story, Ryan and Gabriel are such wonderful characters and truly have a beautiful connection. I loved watching them battle their demons and heal as they began to fall in love. The story is filled with emotion, personal doubts, a greedy relative, warm love scenes, adorable nieces, a hypochondriacal nanny, a match-making former rake, an almost grown-up Bartholomew, a stunning confrontation and a very sweet ending. This was such a great story, and I would happily recommend this story to my fellow HR readers. This is the second book in the series and while it could be standalone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order.
4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
April 18, 2024
From the opening scene with the possible danger in the woods, a scream, a thunderstorm, and fighting his inner thoughts, I was instantly hooked to The Prince's Bride. Charis Michaels's setting for the outset of the novel especially the hidden camp & the cottage-cave weaved this almost magical spell. I could picture it so vividly in my mind. There was so many amazing sensory aspects to this novel and Michaels did such an amazing job of making the setting come to life.
I loved Lady Ryan from the moment she finds herself in imminent danger in her search for her lost prince betrothed and is literally rescued to be carried on Gabriel's shoulders and whisked off into the woods. Her inner thoughts playing out as all it happened made my cheeks hurt from smiling. I enjoyed how her character was both strong and yet there were actions she believed made her weak and how both slightly warred against the other. Who wouldn't be endeared by a woman who goes on a hunt to find her lost (believed dead) betrothed when his pretender cousin comes calling.
I found myself very attached to Gabriel from the outset. The way his thought process and the fear for those who he cared for led him to such a secluded life. How even with his sister in such close proximity he could not bring himself to possible endanger her by leaving the woods that is until he fears for Ryan's safety from a pack of well meaning albeit unruly dogs. And I loved that Gabriel leaving the place he felt safe was not in one big swift move, but in gradual with being the stables of his sister's home, until further actions force him to take another big step.
Charis Michaels is an autobuy author of mine and as always there is just something magical about her novels in how they reach me as a reader. I always feel such a connection to her characters and I cannot forget to mention how much I loved the side characters in this one. From Elise & Killian's children (I don't always love kids in HR but I adore these ones!) to Bart and then the nonexistent nanny. OH and I cannot forget how much I loved getting Killian's POV in this novel. The brief snippet just made me fall even more head over heels in fictional love with him!
I will note that I felt like the book ended a little too quickly with the wrapping up of the 'danger' aspect. But I do get that the issue was not as big as Gabriel had feared it to be, but as always I never want a Charis Michael novel to end.
Thank you so much to the publisher (MD-JP) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Lady Ryan from the moment she finds herself in imminent danger in her search for her lost prince betrothed and is literally rescued to be carried on Gabriel's shoulders and whisked off into the woods. Her inner thoughts playing out as all it happened made my cheeks hurt from smiling. I enjoyed how her character was both strong and yet there were actions she believed made her weak and how both slightly warred against the other. Who wouldn't be endeared by a woman who goes on a hunt to find her lost (believed dead) betrothed when his pretender cousin comes calling.
I found myself very attached to Gabriel from the outset. The way his thought process and the fear for those who he cared for led him to such a secluded life. How even with his sister in such close proximity he could not bring himself to possible endanger her by leaving the woods that is until he fears for Ryan's safety from a pack of well meaning albeit unruly dogs. And I loved that Gabriel leaving the place he felt safe was not in one big swift move, but in gradual with being the stables of his sister's home, until further actions force him to take another big step.
Charis Michaels is an autobuy author of mine and as always there is just something magical about her novels in how they reach me as a reader. I always feel such a connection to her characters and I cannot forget to mention how much I loved the side characters in this one. From Elise & Killian's children (I don't always love kids in HR but I adore these ones!) to Bart and then the nonexistent nanny. OH and I cannot forget how much I loved getting Killian's POV in this novel. The brief snippet just made me fall even more head over heels in fictional love with him!
I will note that I felt like the book ended a little too quickly with the wrapping up of the 'danger' aspect. But I do get that the issue was not as big as Gabriel had feared it to be, but as always I never want a Charis Michael novel to end.
Thank you so much to the publisher (MD-JP) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2024
Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry desperately needs to find her missing betrothed – an exiled French Prince believed to be dead. She follows the only clue left her: an old letter postmarked near an ancient, spooky forest. Ryan finds herself rescued by a gruff and reclusive horse trainer, only to discover he is the prince she is searching for. However, Gabriel is reluctant to help Ryan escape his cousin’s evil machinations. Can Ryan convince Gabriel to leave the safety of his forest home? Or will she be forced to find another way to save her home and her sisters?
Gabriel Reign purposely abandoned his royal persona. He now lives a modest life in the middle of the forest working with horses. However, his solitary life is turned upside down when Gabriel rescues a woman from highwaymen. The lady turns out to be his childhood betrothed. Gabriel empathizes with Ryan’s plight, but he fears leaving the safety of the forest. Can Gabriel find the courage to step out of his comfort zone? Will he willingly assume his old role to protect Ryan?
Ryan surprised me in a delightfully good way. She is a woman who knows her limitations and accepts them. I admire Ryan’s inner strength. She would do anything to protect her home and sisters from a self-absorbed jerk. Ryan even dared to travel alone without protection. What I liked the most about Ryan is her acceptance of Gabriel’s fear. She understood his reluctance to leave the forest; she did not berate him but empathized with him.
I admit I have a weakness for any hero who shares my youngest son’s name (lol). Even better when that hero is a wounded or tortured type. Gabriel totally tugged on my heartstrings. He is a survival, one who has endured such heartrending ordeals. I understand Gabriel’s reasons for becoming a recluse living in the forest. The author did a good job showing the effects of his trauma. And I like that Gabriel was not instantly “cured”. Every milestone he faced was a trial for him.
I am new to this author’s works. Sadly, I did not read the first book (SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS). I remember looking at it, intrigued by the synopsis but my review queue was full at the time. My loss, one that I hope to remedy soon.
However, that aside, it did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy the story. The book can easily stand alone. Elise and Killian, the couple from the first book, play a vital role in the second half of the story. I am anticipating the next (and final) installment!
May 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book- it's a great standalone, and also a fun continuation of this series. Gabriel is a protagonist you can root for, and even though he and Ryan are initially at odds, they become allies very quickly. I liked that rather than keeping them at cross-purposes, they try to find ways to help each other almost right away. Their connection feels very concrete from the beginning, and I like that it begins from Gabriel's perspective so we get a sense of where they are both starting from.
I love Ryan as a heroine, she's empathetic and highly sensitive, while having a strong backbone. She isn't a fearful person, but a realist, and highly competent. I love that she doesn't have standard damsel quirks, she's not just plucky and beautiful. She does cry a lot, but who could be blamed for that in her situation? Gabriel well too, I thought he came across as someone who is operating under the assumption that his experiences in the past will guide his whole life. When he is presented with an alternative, he changes his views and goes after what he wants.
I enjoyed the plot, which I thought moved very smoothly. I like that we started at a gallop and then didn't stagnate- even when the characters were not in motion, plot was still happening. I think lust driving Gabriel and Ryan initially makes sense, as well as their emotional connection from childhood, but I like that Gabriel is a lot more attached to her right away. I loved the ending, I'm a fan of compromise and Gabriel coming to terms with his past and trying to move forward at last felt right.
The only reason that this isn't five stars is that Gabriel's last fifteen years in exile felt very glossed over to me- Ryan's family and backround are a lot less present in the book, but they feel very real and concrete. Gabriel's past just didn't totally pass muster for me, I wanted it to feel less vague. His home felt very real, but I didn't totally buy the way he got from point A to point B. I do love his development though, and how he takes ownership of his life and would do anything for Ryan, so it's a small quibble.
CWs: child abandonment, violent attacks, dead parents
I love Ryan as a heroine, she's empathetic and highly sensitive, while having a strong backbone. She isn't a fearful person, but a realist, and highly competent. I love that she doesn't have standard damsel quirks, she's not just plucky and beautiful. She does cry a lot, but who could be blamed for that in her situation? Gabriel well too, I thought he came across as someone who is operating under the assumption that his experiences in the past will guide his whole life. When he is presented with an alternative, he changes his views and goes after what he wants.
I enjoyed the plot, which I thought moved very smoothly. I like that we started at a gallop and then didn't stagnate- even when the characters were not in motion, plot was still happening. I think lust driving Gabriel and Ryan initially makes sense, as well as their emotional connection from childhood, but I like that Gabriel is a lot more attached to her right away. I loved the ending, I'm a fan of compromise and Gabriel coming to terms with his past and trying to move forward at last felt right.
The only reason that this isn't five stars is that Gabriel's last fifteen years in exile felt very glossed over to me- Ryan's family and backround are a lot less present in the book, but they feel very real and concrete. Gabriel's past just didn't totally pass muster for me, I wanted it to feel less vague. His home felt very real, but I didn't totally buy the way he got from point A to point B. I do love his development though, and how he takes ownership of his life and would do anything for Ryan, so it's a small quibble.
CWs: child abandonment, violent attacks, dead parents
May 26, 2024
Lady Marianne “Ryan" Daventry, middle sister Diana, youngest sister, Charlotte, daughters of the Earl of Amhurst, her maid, Agnes, all cared for the family home Winscombe. Ryan was the oversee'er of the budget, tenents, and general peacekeeper, Diana over watched the livestock and land, Charlotte read to their father.
Now that life is being threatened. She is determined to find her former fiance to see if he can help. The cousin is insisting the betrothal stand and he is due the land and money that was loaned. If not he will still marry Lady Ryan and sell the land.
So off to England with only one clue as to Tue last known whereabouts of Gabriel. When she is accosted by a highwayman, Channing Meade, who wants money, he horse, and her body as fee for crossing his territory.
Gabriel Rein, Prince Gabriel d’Orleans, is out working with one of the horses when he hears a scream. He is reluctant to investigate until he realizes it is a woman that the highway man has cornered. He silently feels up, scoops her up and runs for it. Gabriel is now a woodsman, horse healer recluse. He values his solitude.
Without telling her his name he takes her to his place and based her not to touch anything. Which she does and discovers her letters. Now armed with the truth of who he is she tries to convince him to help. He declines but offers the only help he can think of. His sister. Killian and Elise Crewes, Gabriel's sister and brother in law, offer what they can but tell Gabriel that the best course of action is to marry her.
Cousin and imposter Prince Maurice d’Orleans, is a selfish, mean bully.
So come join in the quest to foil Maurice and see how it all turns out. It is heartwretching to find out how far he has gone to survive being hunted and how much he wants interaction with people on his terms. Lady Ryan only wants to protect her sisters and home. She is willing to compromise but deep down wants him.
I enjoyed the meeting with Maurice and what happened to him. He got his due and Lady Ryan an longer has to worry over him. That's the only spoiler I will say.
Now that life is being threatened. She is determined to find her former fiance to see if he can help. The cousin is insisting the betrothal stand and he is due the land and money that was loaned. If not he will still marry Lady Ryan and sell the land.
So off to England with only one clue as to Tue last known whereabouts of Gabriel. When she is accosted by a highwayman, Channing Meade, who wants money, he horse, and her body as fee for crossing his territory.
Gabriel Rein, Prince Gabriel d’Orleans, is out working with one of the horses when he hears a scream. He is reluctant to investigate until he realizes it is a woman that the highway man has cornered. He silently feels up, scoops her up and runs for it. Gabriel is now a woodsman, horse healer recluse. He values his solitude.
Without telling her his name he takes her to his place and based her not to touch anything. Which she does and discovers her letters. Now armed with the truth of who he is she tries to convince him to help. He declines but offers the only help he can think of. His sister. Killian and Elise Crewes, Gabriel's sister and brother in law, offer what they can but tell Gabriel that the best course of action is to marry her.
Cousin and imposter Prince Maurice d’Orleans, is a selfish, mean bully.
So come join in the quest to foil Maurice and see how it all turns out. It is heartwretching to find out how far he has gone to survive being hunted and how much he wants interaction with people on his terms. Lady Ryan only wants to protect her sisters and home. She is willing to compromise but deep down wants him.
I enjoyed the meeting with Maurice and what happened to him. He got his due and Lady Ryan an longer has to worry over him. That's the only spoiler I will say.
May 24, 2024
Where to begin? How to properly tell you about a book that gave me such immense joy and surprised me over and over and over again at each turn? I went into this book with little background info as one does. And since I trust Charis and have loved everything she's written I partially knew what to expect from The Prince's Bride, book two in the Hidden Royals series. I knew the book would be funny. Sensual. Teasing. Smart. Witty. And yet, I was still mesmerized and unable to put it down. Much like our dashing recluse of a hero, Gabriel, I wanted to hide in the woods, far away from others so I could be left alone to live life to the fullest, i.e., read and drink coffee.
I want to tell you everything and yet don't want to tell you anything or spoil any of the little secrets and gasp! moments because I want you, friend, to discover them as you read. So many times I was like, no she didn't! She did!! So so so clever as Charis often is. Which is a good thing bc I really had no idea how this story was going to play out so that our *perfect for each other* couple could find their HEA. And the way she crafted Gabriel and Ryan to truly be two pieces of the puzzle who just fit together with such ease...sigh with heart eyes.
There's a line in the book where sweet hermit Gabriel says of capable and compassionate Ryan "...I am not ambivalent. To her." To which I noted, "I am not ambivalent. To this book." Feelings. There were some feelings, man.
But also, Elise and Killian are back. Killian steals each scene he's in and provides the levity that is needed at times. But there's a nanny who is hilarious without even knowing it. And lastly, my new favorite line spoken by Gabriel, who speaks French, a line that all romance heroes should be saying from now on, "Que veux-tu que je te false, Princesse?"
What I want is more of this book and the last book in the series because I have questions and I need answers. And I need more Killian and Elise, more Gabriel and Ryan, and an epilogue for the ages.
I want to tell you everything and yet don't want to tell you anything or spoil any of the little secrets and gasp! moments because I want you, friend, to discover them as you read. So many times I was like, no she didn't! She did!! So so so clever as Charis often is. Which is a good thing bc I really had no idea how this story was going to play out so that our *perfect for each other* couple could find their HEA. And the way she crafted Gabriel and Ryan to truly be two pieces of the puzzle who just fit together with such ease...sigh with heart eyes.
There's a line in the book where sweet hermit Gabriel says of capable and compassionate Ryan "...I am not ambivalent. To her." To which I noted, "I am not ambivalent. To this book." Feelings. There were some feelings, man.
But also, Elise and Killian are back. Killian steals each scene he's in and provides the levity that is needed at times. But there's a nanny who is hilarious without even knowing it. And lastly, my new favorite line spoken by Gabriel, who speaks French, a line that all romance heroes should be saying from now on, "Que veux-tu que je te false, Princesse?"
What I want is more of this book and the last book in the series because I have questions and I need answers. And I need more Killian and Elise, more Gabriel and Ryan, and an epilogue for the ages.
March 29, 2024
This was a fantastically written historical novel. A first for me to have read by this author. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I had come to discover that it is part of a series. I have not read book 1 but will definitely be adding it to my TBR list!
A love story of a forgotten arranged marriage turned into a marriage of convenience. I loved the journey of Gabriel and Lady Marianne (Ryan) and their journey of love. Their chemistry and passion was off the charts!! The passionate scenes were tastefully written, not overly graphic, but well done to allow the reader to see the growth in their relationship. I was not an insta-lust but one much deeper and respectful. Gabriel was rough and grumpy but you can't help but feel compassion for him and the trauma he experienced as a young boy. The story highlights the rediscovering of who Gabriel was and how life had shaped him and reconciling the life he was born in to and obligated and needed to have closure over. I loved Ryan.....her love and devotion to her family and going to great lengths to ensure safety and freedom. Her graciousness and understanding to Gabriel as childhood memories and fears that were blocked out, surfaced rather quickly and swiftly. There were many times it would appear he was selfish with what he did not want to do or face BUT deep down you knew it was out of hurt and once he connected with Ryan, his walls begin to fall and was willing to put himself on the line for her and her family.
In all honesty, I was not ready for this story to end and my only complaint is not getting an epilogue to know that they have begun a family but since I know another book will be in the works, I will patiently wait for the next installment for little updates on the happy couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A love story of a forgotten arranged marriage turned into a marriage of convenience. I loved the journey of Gabriel and Lady Marianne (Ryan) and their journey of love. Their chemistry and passion was off the charts!! The passionate scenes were tastefully written, not overly graphic, but well done to allow the reader to see the growth in their relationship. I was not an insta-lust but one much deeper and respectful. Gabriel was rough and grumpy but you can't help but feel compassion for him and the trauma he experienced as a young boy. The story highlights the rediscovering of who Gabriel was and how life had shaped him and reconciling the life he was born in to and obligated and needed to have closure over. I loved Ryan.....her love and devotion to her family and going to great lengths to ensure safety and freedom. Her graciousness and understanding to Gabriel as childhood memories and fears that were blocked out, surfaced rather quickly and swiftly. There were many times it would appear he was selfish with what he did not want to do or face BUT deep down you knew it was out of hurt and once he connected with Ryan, his walls begin to fall and was willing to put himself on the line for her and her family.
In all honesty, I was not ready for this story to end and my only complaint is not getting an epilogue to know that they have begun a family but since I know another book will be in the works, I will patiently wait for the next installment for little updates on the happy couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
There's so much to love about this book, beginning - and ending - with Gabriel and Ryan. He's a loner (for good reasons), rarely leaving the safety of the forest. She's determined to drag him into the open. He lives in a cave. There's only one bed. And a waterfall. She'll do whatever it takes to save her family. He only wants her gone. But he also wants her. It's a no-win situation. Or, is it?
I loved the chemistry between these two but more so the tenderness that grows as they begin to know one another as adults. Gabriel is such a complex, decent man, sweet and innocent in some ways while strong and determined in others. He has, after all, been living a reclusive life for many years. Ryan, a strong, competent woman who has always put others first, is fierce in her determination to save her family but will she do so at the expense of this man who has been through so much already? The deep conversations between them are heart-tugging. The care that develops - on both sides - seems inevitable and only makes their journey more compelling and endearing. The love and assistance that comes from unexpected sources fills their lives with laughter, hope, and the long-awaited joy of reunion. And the final scene encompasses all of my swoony, big girl, fairytale dreams.
I'm not sure I've ever read a story quite like this before. It's fresh, fun, heartwarming, romantic, deeply emotional, and checked all of my happy reader buttons. Fans of book one in the series, Say Yes to the Princess, should enjoy seeing Elise (Gabriel's sister), Killian, and their growing family while readers new to the series should have no trouble beginning with The Prince's Bride, if that's their preference. I, however, am glad I read the books in order and am already looking forward to discovering what happened to their youngest sister in book three.
*ARC received from Avon via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
I loved the chemistry between these two but more so the tenderness that grows as they begin to know one another as adults. Gabriel is such a complex, decent man, sweet and innocent in some ways while strong and determined in others. He has, after all, been living a reclusive life for many years. Ryan, a strong, competent woman who has always put others first, is fierce in her determination to save her family but will she do so at the expense of this man who has been through so much already? The deep conversations between them are heart-tugging. The care that develops - on both sides - seems inevitable and only makes their journey more compelling and endearing. The love and assistance that comes from unexpected sources fills their lives with laughter, hope, and the long-awaited joy of reunion. And the final scene encompasses all of my swoony, big girl, fairytale dreams.
I'm not sure I've ever read a story quite like this before. It's fresh, fun, heartwarming, romantic, deeply emotional, and checked all of my happy reader buttons. Fans of book one in the series, Say Yes to the Princess, should enjoy seeing Elise (Gabriel's sister), Killian, and their growing family while readers new to the series should have no trouble beginning with The Prince's Bride, if that's their preference. I, however, am glad I read the books in order and am already looking forward to discovering what happened to their youngest sister in book three.
*ARC received from Avon via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.
August 7, 2024
The Prince’s Bride by Charis Michaels is the second in her Hidden Royals series. It follows one branch of the French royal family that settled in England after the French Revolution. I do recommend reading the first book in the series to have a better understanding of the story, but it is not necessary.
Lady Marianne Daventry, who goes by Ryan, is being forced to marry the cousin of the French prince she was betrothed to as a child. presumed dead. The cousin asserts that since he inherited the title, he also inherited the betrothal. Ryan’s solution to this problem was to find the missing prince so she would not have to marry the cousin. Prince Gabriel d’Orleans is in hiding since he is in line for the French throne and he doesn’t want it. He goes by Gabriel Reign and tends to horses in the middle of a forest. He is astonished when Ryan shows up in his forest looking for him. After telling him her predicament, Gabriel reluctantly tries to help, but doesn’t anticipate falling for Ryan in the process.
I had such a fun time reading this book! I assumed this book would be more darker than Michaels’s other books considering the pasts of the characters, but it thankfully was not. Michaels delivers a sweet and quirky romance that she is known to write and I have come to love. I loved how Gabriel kept falling for Ryan the more he tried to stop it. I also loved reading about a character like Ryan who, despite the challenges she faced, held on to hope and tried to find a solution for her and her family.
I loved reading about the development of Ryan and Gabriel’s relationship. I especially loved the interference Elise and Killian from the first book brought. I love revisiting characters and Elise and Killian did not disappoint!
If you like historical romance, royal romance, road trip, and a touch of forbidden relationship, then this book is for you! Thanks to Charis Michaels for the ARC and the wonderful goodies ❤️!
Lady Marianne Daventry, who goes by Ryan, is being forced to marry the cousin of the French prince she was betrothed to as a child. presumed dead. The cousin asserts that since he inherited the title, he also inherited the betrothal. Ryan’s solution to this problem was to find the missing prince so she would not have to marry the cousin. Prince Gabriel d’Orleans is in hiding since he is in line for the French throne and he doesn’t want it. He goes by Gabriel Reign and tends to horses in the middle of a forest. He is astonished when Ryan shows up in his forest looking for him. After telling him her predicament, Gabriel reluctantly tries to help, but doesn’t anticipate falling for Ryan in the process.
I had such a fun time reading this book! I assumed this book would be more darker than Michaels’s other books considering the pasts of the characters, but it thankfully was not. Michaels delivers a sweet and quirky romance that she is known to write and I have come to love. I loved how Gabriel kept falling for Ryan the more he tried to stop it. I also loved reading about a character like Ryan who, despite the challenges she faced, held on to hope and tried to find a solution for her and her family.
I loved reading about the development of Ryan and Gabriel’s relationship. I especially loved the interference Elise and Killian from the first book brought. I love revisiting characters and Elise and Killian did not disappoint!
If you like historical romance, royal romance, road trip, and a touch of forbidden relationship, then this book is for you! Thanks to Charis Michaels for the ARC and the wonderful goodies ❤️!
April 9, 2024
Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
I so enjoy Charis Michaels’ take on romance novels: if you haven’t read any of them yet, I would liken them to Lisa Kleypas’, but often with a healthy dose of Tessa Dare thrown in.
The Prince’s Bride feels a bit heavier from her than I’m used to, & with good reason, I think, given the hero’s backstory. Gabriel’s a French prince who has lived in hiding for years after his father was killed during the French Revolution & his family was torn apart.
So obviously Gabriel’s backstory, & his lingering feelings regarding freedom, captivity, & social expectation, are pretty dark.
Though his backstory offers an interesting variation on historical romance for me, I sometimes find it too short-sighted, particularly when it comes to considering the Revolution itself.
Moreover, the lives of Gabriel & heroine Lady Ryan are so different, & Gabriel’s needs & wants feel so strong, that I didn’t feel 💯 about their compatibility, even though I totally bought their attraction & their love.
I realize that this review is basically just a discussion of things that didn’t work for me so far, so let me say again that I really enjoy CM’s writing style, & the attraction between reclusive Gabriel & his serene Lady Ryan is very clear, believe you me.
If you’re a fan of angst, you will probably really like this one, bc it takes you for an angsty ride. While they are aspects of this book I really liked, & I’m a CM stan for sure, overall this romance didn’t leave me with that feeling of total satisfaction that I wanted.
3.5 ⭐️. Out 05/21.
CWs: Violent man trying to compel Lady Ryan to marry him. Previous dog attack. References made to killed father & the French Revolution in general.
I so enjoy Charis Michaels’ take on romance novels: if you haven’t read any of them yet, I would liken them to Lisa Kleypas’, but often with a healthy dose of Tessa Dare thrown in.
The Prince’s Bride feels a bit heavier from her than I’m used to, & with good reason, I think, given the hero’s backstory. Gabriel’s a French prince who has lived in hiding for years after his father was killed during the French Revolution & his family was torn apart.
So obviously Gabriel’s backstory, & his lingering feelings regarding freedom, captivity, & social expectation, are pretty dark.
Though his backstory offers an interesting variation on historical romance for me, I sometimes find it too short-sighted, particularly when it comes to considering the Revolution itself.
Moreover, the lives of Gabriel & heroine Lady Ryan are so different, & Gabriel’s needs & wants feel so strong, that I didn’t feel 💯 about their compatibility, even though I totally bought their attraction & their love.
I realize that this review is basically just a discussion of things that didn’t work for me so far, so let me say again that I really enjoy CM’s writing style, & the attraction between reclusive Gabriel & his serene Lady Ryan is very clear, believe you me.
If you’re a fan of angst, you will probably really like this one, bc it takes you for an angsty ride. While they are aspects of this book I really liked, & I’m a CM stan for sure, overall this romance didn’t leave me with that feeling of total satisfaction that I wanted.
3.5 ⭐️. Out 05/21.
CWs: Violent man trying to compel Lady Ryan to marry him. Previous dog attack. References made to killed father & the French Revolution in general.
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