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Hidden Royals #3
Claiming the Princess
USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels concludes her delicious Hidden Royals series in this enchanting romance between a young woman, unaware of her royal birth, and the rugged sea captain who comes to claim her as his future wife.
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans grew up believing that she was a simple village girl raised in Kent by surrogate parents. That simple life vanishes when she discovers she’s actually a princess in hiding— especially as the first order of royal business is to marry a war hero she’s never met.
Captain Luke Bannock wasn’t trying to become a hero—and even less so, a husband. But he shows selfless courage in a fierce Naval battle and the Crown offers him a reward for valor. His chosen prize? The hand in marriage of an obscure princess, living in exile. The reason? Revenge against his sworn enemy.
What begins as an arranged marriage between a village girl and a cynical captain evolves into dance of passion and self-discovery. As Luke helps Dani reckon with her secret royal blood, his thirst for revenge is replaced by desire for his new wife. The shock and hurt burn away, and an all-consuming love sails this fated couple into their happily ever after.
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans grew up believing that she was a simple village girl raised in Kent by surrogate parents. That simple life vanishes when she discovers she’s actually a princess in hiding— especially as the first order of royal business is to marry a war hero she’s never met.
Captain Luke Bannock wasn’t trying to become a hero—and even less so, a husband. But he shows selfless courage in a fierce Naval battle and the Crown offers him a reward for valor. His chosen prize? The hand in marriage of an obscure princess, living in exile. The reason? Revenge against his sworn enemy.
What begins as an arranged marriage between a village girl and a cynical captain evolves into dance of passion and self-discovery. As Luke helps Dani reckon with her secret royal blood, his thirst for revenge is replaced by desire for his new wife. The shock and hurt burn away, and an all-consuming love sails this fated couple into their happily ever after.
389 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
11 people are currently reading
236 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 84 reviews
March 19, 2025
The characters kissed with their whole bodies and honestly that should be the entire review because kissing scenes, true up-against-the-wall kissing scenes are so rare nowadays. It felt so refreshing to just see them mackin on each other for pages on end. Healed the soul honestly.
Overall, this was a lovely conclusion to a lovely series. The characterization was so fun and the hidden agenda worked well in a way that added drama but not annoyance. Their separation maybe dragged on a bit long by the end, but I did love the epistolary element; I think it worked SO well.
I loved seeing her siblings but did Gabriel even speak a word lol? He met Dani off page which I felt was a bit of a disservice to their relationship. I wonder if that scene got cut in revisions. I can see why but also give me the emotions!!! Also I just love him.
**Spoiler**
I’m happy with how the villain was dealt with—love a Cobra Kai “no mercy” moment—and hell yeah Fernsby!!! I would’ve liked some closure with his relationship though???
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend this series. All of the relationships are very different and just the right amount of wacky. It’s definitely a unique series with wonderful characters and excellent writing. I really hope I see another histrom release from Charis in the coming year.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*Lots of aforementioned kissing and two full scenes. I loved the wedding night scene!!!
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
Overall, this was a lovely conclusion to a lovely series. The characterization was so fun and the hidden agenda worked well in a way that added drama but not annoyance. Their separation maybe dragged on a bit long by the end, but I did love the epistolary element; I think it worked SO well.
I loved seeing her siblings but did Gabriel even speak a word lol? He met Dani off page which I felt was a bit of a disservice to their relationship. I wonder if that scene got cut in revisions. I can see why but also give me the emotions!!! Also I just love him.
**Spoiler**
I’m happy with how the villain was dealt with—love a Cobra Kai “no mercy” moment—and hell yeah Fernsby!!! I would’ve liked some closure with his relationship though???
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend this series. All of the relationships are very different and just the right amount of wacky. It’s definitely a unique series with wonderful characters and excellent writing. I really hope I see another histrom release from Charis in the coming year.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*Lots of aforementioned kissing and two full scenes. I loved the wedding night scene!!!
I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 6, 2025
While I don't love fortune hunter books, I'm really into a fortune hunter-adjacent book: a book where one of the characters has to marry the other not because they want to get married or are in love, but because they have ulterior motives (that are not money). Often it's because they need to save someone dear to them from a terrible fate. Some examples of my favorites are The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy, Demon from the Dark, and, now, Claiming the Princess.
Why is that? Luke needs to marry Princess Danielle d'Orleans because some other French nobleman is obsessed with her. This guy also killed all of Luke's crew and took his mentor captive. So Luke plans to save his mentor by dangling Princess Danielle as bait and then revealing his marriage as a final "eff you" rub in the face.
But does he tell Dani that? No. What's more, Dani doesn't even know she's a princess, and Luke doesn't tell her THAT, either. What Dani DOES know is that Luke is really hot, owns the manor house down the lane, and he wants to marry her PDQ.
Charis Michaels knows how to write a romance, and this was both funny and emotional. It includes a self-tortured, self-made hero, a really appealing FMC, sooo much making out (and nuzzling), an epistolary section to die for, and more.
24-Word Summaries:
Laine: Plans seem so great until the people you view as pawns turn out to be actual people with their own opinions and squishy bodies.
Meg: Dani is just an innocent village girl who’s a little shocked (but not unpleasantly) when she’s betrothed to a national hero! Except … she’s not.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Why is that? Luke needs to marry Princess Danielle d'Orleans because some other French nobleman is obsessed with her. This guy also killed all of Luke's crew and took his mentor captive. So Luke plans to save his mentor by dangling Princess Danielle as bait and then revealing his marriage as a final "eff you" rub in the face.
But does he tell Dani that? No. What's more, Dani doesn't even know she's a princess, and Luke doesn't tell her THAT, either. What Dani DOES know is that Luke is really hot, owns the manor house down the lane, and he wants to marry her PDQ.
Charis Michaels knows how to write a romance, and this was both funny and emotional. It includes a self-tortured, self-made hero, a really appealing FMC, sooo much making out (and nuzzling), an epistolary section to die for, and more.
24-Word Summaries:
Laine: Plans seem so great until the people you view as pawns turn out to be actual people with their own opinions and squishy bodies.
Meg: Dani is just an innocent village girl who’s a little shocked (but not unpleasantly) when she’s betrothed to a national hero! Except … she’s not.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 22, 2025
I loved this book, Dani and Luke were hilarious characters to read. This book read like an old Barbie movie ie. Barbie and the magic of Pegasus🧑🍳💋
I love love loooooveeeed the dynamic between the two of the main characters, and Luke Bannok’s genuine affection for the princess Dani. The way his inner monologue didn’t match up with his actions, it can be annoying, but I feel like in this case it was executed perfectly, chefs kiss. There was some spice, but it’s definitely a slower burn ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5 The way they kiss… biblical level need, the nightmare scene…. my new favorite I’ll never forget it, the letters… kill me now I need them. The writing is AMAZING, there are some scenes where I feel like I’m dissociating along with the characters, like it all feels like a blur, I’m a big fan.
I don’t know I really enjoyed this book!!! it was very easy to binge. I didn’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but there are definitely fun moments where we are introduced to characters from earlier books, which makes it fee seamless enough for this to be a standalone book. I’m sure if you’ve been reading the series from the get go, you’ll be excited to see them too! I’m going to have to go back and start the series from the beginning, these characters have charmed me.
If you like this series, I would recommend The Lost Heirs series by Candace Camp, it’s a similar premise of three long lost siblings who find love - and eventually find each other… those books were also revolutionary to me 😂
Overall 4.5/5!
I love love loooooveeeed the dynamic between the two of the main characters, and Luke Bannok’s genuine affection for the princess Dani. The way his inner monologue didn’t match up with his actions, it can be annoying, but I feel like in this case it was executed perfectly, chefs kiss. There was some spice, but it’s definitely a slower burn ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5 The way they kiss… biblical level need, the nightmare scene…. my new favorite I’ll never forget it, the letters… kill me now I need them. The writing is AMAZING, there are some scenes where I feel like I’m dissociating along with the characters, like it all feels like a blur, I’m a big fan.
I don’t know I really enjoyed this book!!! it was very easy to binge. I didn’t read the previous 2 books in the series, but there are definitely fun moments where we are introduced to characters from earlier books, which makes it fee seamless enough for this to be a standalone book. I’m sure if you’ve been reading the series from the get go, you’ll be excited to see them too! I’m going to have to go back and start the series from the beginning, these characters have charmed me.
If you like this series, I would recommend The Lost Heirs series by Candace Camp, it’s a similar premise of three long lost siblings who find love - and eventually find each other… those books were also revolutionary to me 😂
Overall 4.5/5!
November 1, 2025
Aaand we found it, guys this is my favorite book in the series. Absolutely loved it from start to finish. The audiobook was fantastic too (the narration really brought out the slow-burn tension and banter).
As I’ve said in my other reviews of Charis Michaels, I adore her writing and this book reminded me exactly why. She writes female characters with agency, purpose, and realism. They’re not perfect, but they’re clever, kind, and curious in a way that feels deeply human. Dani is no exception; her journey from “simple village girl” to hidden princess is both emotional and empowering.
The setup sounds classic an arranged marriage between a reluctant princess and a brooding sea captain with a grudge but the execution? Delicious. The chemistry crackles, the character growth is satisfying, and Luke’s transformation from vengeance-fueled hero to devoted partner had me swooning.
Romantic, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt this book hits all the right notes for anyone who loves historical romance with depth, humor, and a heroine who refuses to be a damsel.
🎶"Human" by Rag’n’Bone Man
🎶"Demons" by Imagine Dragons
🎶“Lose Control” by Teddy Swims
🎶"Lover" by Taylor Swift
As I’ve said in my other reviews of Charis Michaels, I adore her writing and this book reminded me exactly why. She writes female characters with agency, purpose, and realism. They’re not perfect, but they’re clever, kind, and curious in a way that feels deeply human. Dani is no exception; her journey from “simple village girl” to hidden princess is both emotional and empowering.
The setup sounds classic an arranged marriage between a reluctant princess and a brooding sea captain with a grudge but the execution? Delicious. The chemistry crackles, the character growth is satisfying, and Luke’s transformation from vengeance-fueled hero to devoted partner had me swooning.
Romantic, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt this book hits all the right notes for anyone who loves historical romance with depth, humor, and a heroine who refuses to be a damsel.
🎶"Human" by Rag’n’Bone Man
🎶"Demons" by Imagine Dragons
🎶“Lose Control” by Teddy Swims
🎶"Lover" by Taylor Swift
January 14, 2026
Audiobook- This book should have been titled Saving The Old Man. I like my MMCs to put the FMC first no matter what. Captain What'shisface put the FMC second the entire book. At first, I understood, he accepted the arranged marriage because he was going to use this exiled hidden princess as a pawn to rescue the old man (old man was a surrogate father and he felt guilty and responsible about his capture). But once he got to know the FMC he had to have known she would have helped him. Instead he lies until they marry then leaves her after their wedding night to go rescue the old man. He only apologizes in letters and then she has to go rescue his dumbass. Ugh. Anyway, it was well written, the make out scenes were top tier and I loved the FMC. She deserves better imo. Narration was okay. I wasn't a fan of the way the narrator voiced the men in the book.
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Arranged Marriage
Tortured hero
Revenge
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Arranged Marriage
Tortured hero
Revenge
November 14, 2025
After Captain Luke Bannock saves the prince’s cousin, the Crown offers him a reward for his heroism. And he asks for the one thing that could save his adoptive father’s life - a marriage to Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans in exile. Meanwhile, Dani has no idea she’s a princess and has been living in a small village in Kent, raised by adorable (but ridiculous) surrogate parents. She’s not expecting some man to show up with an arranged marriage proposal and access to the property that could save her small town. And neither of them expected the burning hot attraction and chemistry. I swear to you that first kiss was one of the HOTTEST kiss scenes I’ve ever read. Charis really has a way of building that sexy tension and absolutely paying off on it.
A lot is going on in this one in terms of plot. From Luke’s scheme to save the man who raised him using Dani, to the village drama, to the hidden royalty of it all, there’s plenty to keep you invested. And while the plot is Plotting, the chemistry between our leads is undeniable and still became my primary focus of the story. Dani is the type of character that’s hard not to love: she’s got the best intentions, loves with her whole heart, and is also a little silly. So when you know that Luke is entering this with the intention of using her, it does get your hackles up. But there’s just something about Luke that always keeps you grounded and understanding of his own stakes in this. He doesn’t want to use Dani, but he also wants to save his surrogate father above all else. And that’s a super redeemable reason to lie and scheme.
Aside from steamy hot chemistry, this author did a great job of building a deeper emotional connection as well. Like yes, they’re both so hot for each other they want to get nakey….but ALSO they get nakey with their feelings and that’s even better sometimes. Or at least makes the spice hit even harder. This one was fun, hot, romantic, and had me so invested in these characters!
4.5/5
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. Out now!
A lot is going on in this one in terms of plot. From Luke’s scheme to save the man who raised him using Dani, to the village drama, to the hidden royalty of it all, there’s plenty to keep you invested. And while the plot is Plotting, the chemistry between our leads is undeniable and still became my primary focus of the story. Dani is the type of character that’s hard not to love: she’s got the best intentions, loves with her whole heart, and is also a little silly. So when you know that Luke is entering this with the intention of using her, it does get your hackles up. But there’s just something about Luke that always keeps you grounded and understanding of his own stakes in this. He doesn’t want to use Dani, but he also wants to save his surrogate father above all else. And that’s a super redeemable reason to lie and scheme.
Aside from steamy hot chemistry, this author did a great job of building a deeper emotional connection as well. Like yes, they’re both so hot for each other they want to get nakey….but ALSO they get nakey with their feelings and that’s even better sometimes. Or at least makes the spice hit even harder. This one was fun, hot, romantic, and had me so invested in these characters!
4.5/5
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. Out now!
October 19, 2025
This was more like 4 1/2 stars. I needed a grand gesture from Luke and I don’t feel like I got that so he loses a half star.
Danielle is the last lost royal of the series. Captain Luke Bannock is determined to find her and marry her. But not for any romantic reasons. He needs to save his father from his enemy and he plans to use Danielle as bait to do it. Problem is, once he meets her he falls for her and his plans to use her change.
Poor Danielle has been lied to her whole life and now she finds out the man who is her new husband has also been lying to her. Too bad she is kind of attacked to him so she needs to figure out if she is just going to stand by as he blows everything up or if she is going to take an active role in her life.
Danielle is the last lost royal of the series. Captain Luke Bannock is determined to find her and marry her. But not for any romantic reasons. He needs to save his father from his enemy and he plans to use Danielle as bait to do it. Problem is, once he meets her he falls for her and his plans to use her change.
Poor Danielle has been lied to her whole life and now she finds out the man who is her new husband has also been lying to her. Too bad she is kind of attacked to him so she needs to figure out if she is just going to stand by as he blows everything up or if she is going to take an active role in her life.
October 29, 2025
Captain Luke Bannock is a national hero, and as his reward for saving the Prince Regent's cousin from drowning, he has a request: to marry Princess Danielle Allard d'Orleans, a French princess in exile. This is shockingly easily granted, as the princess has been in hiding for twenty years and most of the English court has forgotten about her. Danielle is a part of Luke's plans for revenge against the French soldier who killed his crew, and marrying her means his enemy cannot marry her and access her dowry lands which are rich and adjacent to his own. He hasn't though through what this means, especially when he meets her and 1) she's stunning, self-possessed, and he goes weak in the knees for her and 2) she has no idea she's a French royal in hiding. Dani has been raised by an older couple in Kent, far outside of the trappings of court, since she was two. Now Luke needs to convince her to marry him, because he sees it as the only way to get revenge and to rescue his adoptive father.
The third book in the Hidden Royals trilogy had everything I needed: a sea captain, daring rescues, Napoleonic Wars and the political fallout from the French Revolution, and a swoon-filled romance. Dani is the youngest of the D'Orleans siblings - we see their romances in books one and two - and has lived her whole life completely unaware of her connection to the French Royals. I loved that Charis Michaels gives Dani an amazing and supportive adoptive family, but also who bungle the basic responsibility of telling her who she truly is. It's a great storytelling dynamic (especially in establishing that the people around Dani are a little too in awe of her and don't know how to hurt her feelings...), but also entirely realistic because hard truths can be hard to share.
Dani may be young - in fact at one point Luke thinks, "Eleven years younger than his own thirty-three. He was hardly in the grave, but there was London twenty-two . . . or even a Cornish twenty-two . . . and then there was twenty-two raised in Kent by besotted old people who lied to their adopted daughter. It was the youngest of all the twenty-twos." - but she proves over and over again that she's able to use her resources, ask difficult questions, and capture a roomful of people with her determination and poise, as a princess should. I loved Dani and Luke's dynamic on page, and while it's clear she's much younger than he is, he still has much to learn from her. While there are a lot of half-truths shared between characters, Dani in particular calls out every one of them and forces better communication. She reclaims all agency that those around her have taken from her, making her a delightful FMC to read.
Claiming the Princess is my favorite in the Hidden Royals series. (I will admit I love Charis Michaels's fairy tale series a little bit more overall, though.) From on page character dynamics to a plot I enjoyed, Claiming the Princess was a joy from start to finish. (4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for GR.)
Thank you to Avon for an eARC. Claiming the Princess is out 10/28/2025.
The third book in the Hidden Royals trilogy had everything I needed: a sea captain, daring rescues, Napoleonic Wars and the political fallout from the French Revolution, and a swoon-filled romance. Dani is the youngest of the D'Orleans siblings - we see their romances in books one and two - and has lived her whole life completely unaware of her connection to the French Royals. I loved that Charis Michaels gives Dani an amazing and supportive adoptive family, but also who bungle the basic responsibility of telling her who she truly is. It's a great storytelling dynamic (especially in establishing that the people around Dani are a little too in awe of her and don't know how to hurt her feelings...), but also entirely realistic because hard truths can be hard to share.
Dani may be young - in fact at one point Luke thinks, "Eleven years younger than his own thirty-three. He was hardly in the grave, but there was London twenty-two . . . or even a Cornish twenty-two . . . and then there was twenty-two raised in Kent by besotted old people who lied to their adopted daughter. It was the youngest of all the twenty-twos." - but she proves over and over again that she's able to use her resources, ask difficult questions, and capture a roomful of people with her determination and poise, as a princess should. I loved Dani and Luke's dynamic on page, and while it's clear she's much younger than he is, he still has much to learn from her. While there are a lot of half-truths shared between characters, Dani in particular calls out every one of them and forces better communication. She reclaims all agency that those around her have taken from her, making her a delightful FMC to read.
Claiming the Princess is my favorite in the Hidden Royals series. (I will admit I love Charis Michaels's fairy tale series a little bit more overall, though.) From on page character dynamics to a plot I enjoyed, Claiming the Princess was a joy from start to finish. (4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for GR.)
Thank you to Avon for an eARC. Claiming the Princess is out 10/28/2025.
August 10, 2025
I couldn't get into the first book of this series, but the synopsis for this one was too good to pass up.
I loved Danielle and Luke. They're both smart and maybe a little lost and definitely looking to belong to something. She's a bit sunny and he's a bit grumpy and they have chemistry for days. I couldn't get enough of his absolute yearning for her.
Plot wise, it's good. There is a lot of push and pull, dramatic reveals to her lineage, and vague plans for revenge. Did I mention the yearning? The time spent apart was marked by letter writing and it was easily the best way I've ever read that done. I could have done with more at the end (especially since this is the last book), but I think I just wanted more with these two.
Overall, this story was so good that I'm thinking of going back to read the other two.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Danielle and Luke. They're both smart and maybe a little lost and definitely looking to belong to something. She's a bit sunny and he's a bit grumpy and they have chemistry for days. I couldn't get enough of his absolute yearning for her.
Plot wise, it's good. There is a lot of push and pull, dramatic reveals to her lineage, and vague plans for revenge. Did I mention the yearning? The time spent apart was marked by letter writing and it was easily the best way I've ever read that done. I could have done with more at the end (especially since this is the last book), but I think I just wanted more with these two.
Overall, this story was so good that I'm thinking of going back to read the other two.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
October 22, 2025
3.5 Stars.
Naval captain Luke Bannock cashes in on a favor with the prince regent to be granted an estate and a betrothal to Danielle Allard d’Orleans, an exiled French princess. When Luke meets Dani, he is shocked to find she knows nothing of her royal heritage. Dani is bewildered by everything going on but agrees to marry Luke, partly because she finds him attractive and partly because the estate he has been granted is her dream home. Luke has an ulterior motive in marrying Dani as he initially sees her as a way to get revenge against the man who almost killed him, but as he grows to care for her, using Dani as bait becomes harder and harder.
This is the third and final book in the Hidden Royals and probably my least favorite of the three. I liked Dani and Luke individually and together, but I found the plotting of the book to be a bit off. It felt like so much happened in the first quarter of the book and the last quarter but the middle half dragged. Luke’s revenge plot line ended up feeling like an after thought that then didn’t really go anywhere. I had a good enough time reading it but I don’t see myself returning to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Naval captain Luke Bannock cashes in on a favor with the prince regent to be granted an estate and a betrothal to Danielle Allard d’Orleans, an exiled French princess. When Luke meets Dani, he is shocked to find she knows nothing of her royal heritage. Dani is bewildered by everything going on but agrees to marry Luke, partly because she finds him attractive and partly because the estate he has been granted is her dream home. Luke has an ulterior motive in marrying Dani as he initially sees her as a way to get revenge against the man who almost killed him, but as he grows to care for her, using Dani as bait becomes harder and harder.
This is the third and final book in the Hidden Royals and probably my least favorite of the three. I liked Dani and Luke individually and together, but I found the plotting of the book to be a bit off. It felt like so much happened in the first quarter of the book and the last quarter but the middle half dragged. Luke’s revenge plot line ended up feeling like an after thought that then didn’t really go anywhere. I had a good enough time reading it but I don’t see myself returning to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars
My only complaint is that this book needed an epilogue! I mean there was so much left that I wanted to know and didn’t find out.
But seriously, I loved this book. I love Charis Michaels and her writing. It’s just so easy to get lost in the book. This had a very interesting plot with the arranged marriage and everything that happened. I actually wasn’t sure which direction the book would go, but was pleasantly surprised as I kept reading. I loved the attraction between the two characters but how it wasn’t just the physical and it was about sharing their past and experiences with each other. This book had a lot of character growth from both sides. And I loved Dani and how she handled things, especially finding out she was a princess. If you are looking for an east to read historical royal romance, then I highly suggest this book. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I received a free eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My only complaint is that this book needed an epilogue! I mean there was so much left that I wanted to know and didn’t find out.
But seriously, I loved this book. I love Charis Michaels and her writing. It’s just so easy to get lost in the book. This had a very interesting plot with the arranged marriage and everything that happened. I actually wasn’t sure which direction the book would go, but was pleasantly surprised as I kept reading. I loved the attraction between the two characters but how it wasn’t just the physical and it was about sharing their past and experiences with each other. This book had a lot of character growth from both sides. And I loved Dani and how she handled things, especially finding out she was a princess. If you are looking for an east to read historical royal romance, then I highly suggest this book. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I received a free eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
3.5 Stars! This is the 3rd and final book in the ‘Hidden Royals’ trilogy and can be read as a standalone. The first two books were fantastic but this one fell a bit flat with me. Pretty anticlimactic, honestly. The main characters are Princess Danielle Allard D’Orleans and Captain Luke Bannock. I liked both characters and thought they were both relatable. I felt like the book was dragging on and a bit boring at times. It was still entertaining but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I was hoping for more. Even the way the bad guy was dealt with was just ‘oh, that’s it?’. I liked that the past main characters make an appearance, but again, I wanted more. I also wish it had an epilogue to wrap up the trilogy.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
March 28, 2025
I received an ARC of Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels through NetGalley. Although I usually read clean romance books, I was intrigued by the concept behind the Hidden Royals series, which involves exiled members of a royal family who live in hiding until they fall in love. This is the third and final book in the series, and it made me want to read the other two. The story reminded me a lot of Anastasia, which is one of my favorite movies. Even though there were three brief passages that I needed to skip over, it was surprisingly sweet, adventurous, and relaxing, with charmingly flawed characters and an enticing plot.
When Captain Luke Bannock saves a prized member of the royal court from a vicious nobleman, he is offered a reward of his choosing. He selects the hand of the princess that his enemy wishes to marry as a form of revenge. Little did he know that Princess Danielle was raised by surrogate parents who never told her of her royal roots. When he realizes that her life is already full of secrets, he finds himself unable to reveal his true intentions for marrying her. Meanwhile, Dani is blindsided by her betrothal, her history, and her secret family that she never knew she had. All she wants from Luke is answers that he is reluctant to provide.
Although the book had high stakes revolving around Luke's intent to rescue his surrogate father being held prisoner by his enemy, it was a surprisingly cozy read. Dani's quest for answers was fulfilled in gradual chunks, during which her feelings toward Luke grew to a crescendo. Before learning about her identity as a lost princess, Dani had a simple goal of helping the people in her small village by running a local estate. As luck would have it, that very estate was provided for Luke as part of his reward. Her goals change very little upon learning about her royal lineage other than helping Luke with his own quest.
The main theme of Capturing the Princess is what it means to be a family. Both Dani and Luke were raised by parental figures that they loved like real parents and would do anything for. When Dani learned that she had a brother and sister who were also in exile, she was eager to get to know them as well. Luke was a brooding, adventuresome type who had very little interest in romance until he met Dani. Suddenly, starting a family with her didn't seem so bad. Although I wish the book had included more details about the rescue mission at the end, it was interesting to read about Luke's adventures from Dani's perspective through the letters she received from him. The story led up to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels is a delightful, adventurous romance that will captivate fans of royalty-themed tales. With its charmingly flawed characters, gradual-burn romance, and an enticing plot, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a sweet, relaxing read. The story's exploration of family, identity, and loyalty adds depth to the narrative, making it a satisfying conclusion to the Hidden Royals series. While it can be read as a standalone, it's clear that Michaels has crafted a rich, immersive world that will leave readers eager to explore the rest of the series.
When Captain Luke Bannock saves a prized member of the royal court from a vicious nobleman, he is offered a reward of his choosing. He selects the hand of the princess that his enemy wishes to marry as a form of revenge. Little did he know that Princess Danielle was raised by surrogate parents who never told her of her royal roots. When he realizes that her life is already full of secrets, he finds himself unable to reveal his true intentions for marrying her. Meanwhile, Dani is blindsided by her betrothal, her history, and her secret family that she never knew she had. All she wants from Luke is answers that he is reluctant to provide.
Although the book had high stakes revolving around Luke's intent to rescue his surrogate father being held prisoner by his enemy, it was a surprisingly cozy read. Dani's quest for answers was fulfilled in gradual chunks, during which her feelings toward Luke grew to a crescendo. Before learning about her identity as a lost princess, Dani had a simple goal of helping the people in her small village by running a local estate. As luck would have it, that very estate was provided for Luke as part of his reward. Her goals change very little upon learning about her royal lineage other than helping Luke with his own quest.
The main theme of Capturing the Princess is what it means to be a family. Both Dani and Luke were raised by parental figures that they loved like real parents and would do anything for. When Dani learned that she had a brother and sister who were also in exile, she was eager to get to know them as well. Luke was a brooding, adventuresome type who had very little interest in romance until he met Dani. Suddenly, starting a family with her didn't seem so bad. Although I wish the book had included more details about the rescue mission at the end, it was interesting to read about Luke's adventures from Dani's perspective through the letters she received from him. The story led up to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels is a delightful, adventurous romance that will captivate fans of royalty-themed tales. With its charmingly flawed characters, gradual-burn romance, and an enticing plot, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a sweet, relaxing read. The story's exploration of family, identity, and loyalty adds depth to the narrative, making it a satisfying conclusion to the Hidden Royals series. While it can be read as a standalone, it's clear that Michaels has crafted a rich, immersive world that will leave readers eager to explore the rest of the series.
July 25, 2025
This book was such a wonderful surprise. It contains mystery, suspense, a tortured hero, a lost princess, a rescue, and oh so much delicious angsty steam. The latter is especially well done and it has been a while since I read a book with such amazing love scenes.
Luke is a wonderful, noble, slightly broken, tortured hero and Danielle adjusts to her new position so well. She is a woman of strength and character, and holds her own so well.
The love letters were such an amazing touch as well!
Charis Michaels is a new to me author but I certainly will be reading much more of her work.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an advance copy of this thrilling adventure romance!
Luke is a wonderful, noble, slightly broken, tortured hero and Danielle adjusts to her new position so well. She is a woman of strength and character, and holds her own so well.
The love letters were such an amazing touch as well!
Charis Michaels is a new to me author but I certainly will be reading much more of her work.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an advance copy of this thrilling adventure romance!
November 8, 2025
Thanks #NetGalley for an advanced copy of #ClaimingthePrincess by Charis Michaels in exchange for an honest review. Here you go:
This was my first book by Charis Michaels and now, I'm wondering what took me so long to read her work. I actually own several of her books but just haven't read them yet but after this one, I am anxious to get started on them! The angst in this book is top notch! Bannock is a complete goner for his princess who doesn't know she's a princess. If you've ever wished one day, someone would come and tell you that you were actually royalty, you will probably enjoy this book as much as I did. I loved getting to see characters from previous books in the series and while I was fine reading this one without having read those books, I wish I had read them first as I think those moments with Elise, her protector nun, Killian, and Gabriel would have been even more fun and exciting if I had known them from reading Say Yes to the Princess and The Prince's Bride first. My TBR grew quite a bit after reading this book because I definitely need more Charis Michaels in my life!
This was my first book by Charis Michaels and now, I'm wondering what took me so long to read her work. I actually own several of her books but just haven't read them yet but after this one, I am anxious to get started on them! The angst in this book is top notch! Bannock is a complete goner for his princess who doesn't know she's a princess. If you've ever wished one day, someone would come and tell you that you were actually royalty, you will probably enjoy this book as much as I did. I loved getting to see characters from previous books in the series and while I was fine reading this one without having read those books, I wish I had read them first as I think those moments with Elise, her protector nun, Killian, and Gabriel would have been even more fun and exciting if I had known them from reading Say Yes to the Princess and The Prince's Bride first. My TBR grew quite a bit after reading this book because I definitely need more Charis Michaels in my life!
July 21, 2025
This third book delivers the perfect conclusion to a truly unique series. The premise is original: exiled members of a royal family living in hiding.
This final installment is sweet, funny, and full of adventure. It wraps up the story in such a satisfying way, being a slowburn and light-hearted.
While you can read this one as a standalone, the full experience is much richer if you’ve followed the journey from the beginning.
And the cover is stunning
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This final installment is sweet, funny, and full of adventure. It wraps up the story in such a satisfying way, being a slowburn and light-hearted.
While you can read this one as a standalone, the full experience is much richer if you’ve followed the journey from the beginning.
And the cover is stunning
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a new author to me so I came into this with no expectations.Danielle grew up not knowing about her background. Luke had saved one of his friend from drowning. Luke asks for something to get back at someone who took someone he cared about that saved his life when he was younger. He plans to use Danielle to get this person back from the kidnapper
January 4, 2026
Captain Luke Bannock initially wants Princess Danni as a pawn in his revenge plot… Until he finds that he needs her for his every happiness! 🥰SWOON🥰 Now that’s my kind of romance!
Claiming the Princess is the third and final book in Charis Michaels’ Hidden Royals series and I can safely say this is my favourite of the trio! I had so much fun watching and waiting for Danny to have it revealed that she is actually a hidden royal … Luke’s bumbling delivery was epic! Just seeing these two come together in such questionable circumstances and find such a connection was a delight to read.
But great storytelling aside, this cover clinch is absolutely stunning! This is what cover last Friday is all about and I want a need to see more of this on my new historical romance books! All the elements are here from the gorgeous couple to the steamy embrace and the beautiful background that invokes the story location. Absolute perfection.
Claiming the Princess is the third and final book in Charis Michaels’ Hidden Royals series and I can safely say this is my favourite of the trio! I had so much fun watching and waiting for Danny to have it revealed that she is actually a hidden royal … Luke’s bumbling delivery was epic! Just seeing these two come together in such questionable circumstances and find such a connection was a delight to read.
But great storytelling aside, this cover clinch is absolutely stunning! This is what cover last Friday is all about and I want a need to see more of this on my new historical romance books! All the elements are here from the gorgeous couple to the steamy embrace and the beautiful background that invokes the story location. Absolute perfection.
June 17, 2025
✦2, undisguised and unknowingly undercover, stars✦
This one was not for me. I’m a historical romance fiend, and Avon almost always delivers the goods. Almost, being the key word here. I wish I could say that I loved Claiming the Princess, but unfortunately I can’t fake it.
The first 20% is close to absolute drivel. The characters behaviors, and words were just nonsensical. Unnecessary wordiness caused my little brain to rattle. A wife to be used as a bargaining chip; what could go wrong? Parents not telling their daughter…she’s a what? Once again, totally makes sense. I understand that almost all HR’s require a certain amount of suspended belief, but I need a little plausibility to keep me invested. Here I found none, and it was a start-to-finish problem. ‘A house built on a cracked foundation,’ is a good metaphor for how I feel.
I’m sure this will be perfect for many readers! It’s just not for me, and I wish it was.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC
This one was not for me. I’m a historical romance fiend, and Avon almost always delivers the goods. Almost, being the key word here. I wish I could say that I loved Claiming the Princess, but unfortunately I can’t fake it.
The first 20% is close to absolute drivel. The characters behaviors, and words were just nonsensical. Unnecessary wordiness caused my little brain to rattle. A wife to be used as a bargaining chip; what could go wrong? Parents not telling their daughter…she’s a what? Once again, totally makes sense. I understand that almost all HR’s require a certain amount of suspended belief, but I need a little plausibility to keep me invested. Here I found none, and it was a start-to-finish problem. ‘A house built on a cracked foundation,’ is a good metaphor for how I feel.
I’m sure this will be perfect for many readers! It’s just not for me, and I wish it was.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC
February 16, 2025
Rating: 4.75
Captain Luke Bannock, former smuggler turned privateer, never intended to become a war-hero. He simply wants to rescue his surrogate father and avenge his dead crew mates. As his reward of valor, Luke requests a marriage with the French princess living in exile. He plans on using her to confront his nemesis; however, the princess is not what Luke expected. He soon finds himself loath to include her in his revenge plot. Can Luke find another way to rescue his surrogate father without using Danielle?
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans never knew her royal French heritage. Her simple village life gets disrupted by the sudden news of her arranged marriage to a war hero. Danielle knows nothing about the handsome sea captain, but she senses there is more to Bannock than what he has told her. And he offers Dani a way to save her beloved Kent village. However, she soon learns Luke’s true reasons for marrying her. Can Danielle forgive Luke for all his lies? Will she help him rescue his surrogate father?
I have always been a sucker for the wounded / tortured hero types. So, it was inevitable that I would love Luke! He is haunted by the gruesome deaths of his crew and the kidnapping of his surrogate father. I like how Luke felt uncomfortable being labeled a “hero”. He believed he did not deserve that title. What I love the most about Luke is that he often wrestled with his guilty conscience. He hated lying or misleading the truth to Dani, but he felt that he had no other choice. Desperate men do desperate and risky things.
Danielle is a good fit for Luke. Both were raised by surrogates from a young age. This allows the two to easily identify with the other. I admire Danielle’s dedication to her hometown. She hates how it is becoming a ghost town due to a businessman’s greed. Dani knows, for it to thrive once again, she needs to find a way to bring back jobs for the townspeople. What I love the most about Danielle is how the news of her royal blood did not diminish her love for her adoptive family. She refused to push them out of her life but to share them with her missing sister and brother.
CLAIMING THE PRINCESS is the third and final book in Charis Michaels’ historical romance series, HIDDEN ROYALS. I started this series in the middle with THE PRINCE’S BRIDE. It made me want to read the next installment because I became invested in the d’Orlean siblings. I seriously need to read SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS, book one. Elise, Killian, and Gabriel - characters from the prior books – play important roles later in the story. I practically devoured this book in two days, even forgoing precious sleep.
There are only two things that kept me from giving this delightful book five stars. Bannock and his mother. Danielle alleged there was a valid reason his mother never was a part of his childhood. I sensed a story there. I even expected it to be touched on, but it never happened. If it was not going to be explored, then why bring it up? Heck, I would have been happy with it being covered in the epilogue.
My other small nitpick – I wish we knew what became of Amelia and Fernsby courtship. Did they wed? Did he get praised for his part at the end? Their courtship was a very minor detail in the story.
Captain Luke Bannock, former smuggler turned privateer, never intended to become a war-hero. He simply wants to rescue his surrogate father and avenge his dead crew mates. As his reward of valor, Luke requests a marriage with the French princess living in exile. He plans on using her to confront his nemesis; however, the princess is not what Luke expected. He soon finds himself loath to include her in his revenge plot. Can Luke find another way to rescue his surrogate father without using Danielle?
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans never knew her royal French heritage. Her simple village life gets disrupted by the sudden news of her arranged marriage to a war hero. Danielle knows nothing about the handsome sea captain, but she senses there is more to Bannock than what he has told her. And he offers Dani a way to save her beloved Kent village. However, she soon learns Luke’s true reasons for marrying her. Can Danielle forgive Luke for all his lies? Will she help him rescue his surrogate father?
I have always been a sucker for the wounded / tortured hero types. So, it was inevitable that I would love Luke! He is haunted by the gruesome deaths of his crew and the kidnapping of his surrogate father. I like how Luke felt uncomfortable being labeled a “hero”. He believed he did not deserve that title. What I love the most about Luke is that he often wrestled with his guilty conscience. He hated lying or misleading the truth to Dani, but he felt that he had no other choice. Desperate men do desperate and risky things.
Danielle is a good fit for Luke. Both were raised by surrogates from a young age. This allows the two to easily identify with the other. I admire Danielle’s dedication to her hometown. She hates how it is becoming a ghost town due to a businessman’s greed. Dani knows, for it to thrive once again, she needs to find a way to bring back jobs for the townspeople. What I love the most about Danielle is how the news of her royal blood did not diminish her love for her adoptive family. She refused to push them out of her life but to share them with her missing sister and brother.
CLAIMING THE PRINCESS is the third and final book in Charis Michaels’ historical romance series, HIDDEN ROYALS. I started this series in the middle with THE PRINCE’S BRIDE. It made me want to read the next installment because I became invested in the d’Orlean siblings. I seriously need to read SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS, book one. Elise, Killian, and Gabriel - characters from the prior books – play important roles later in the story. I practically devoured this book in two days, even forgoing precious sleep.
There are only two things that kept me from giving this delightful book five stars. Bannock and his mother. Danielle alleged there was a valid reason his mother never was a part of his childhood. I sensed a story there. I even expected it to be touched on, but it never happened. If it was not going to be explored, then why bring it up? Heck, I would have been happy with it being covered in the epilogue.
My other small nitpick – I wish we knew what became of Amelia and Fernsby courtship. Did they wed? Did he get praised for his part at the end? Their courtship was a very minor detail in the story.
November 22, 2025
Charis Michaels never fails to deliver an immersive reading experience with atypical settings, multi-layered characters, and intriguing, original storylines that keep me engaged from start to finish. Her newest book, Claiming the Princess, concludes her Hidden Royals trilogy with a story that pulled me in and refused to let go until I had turned the final page.
I do love a tortured hero. Enter Captain Luke Bannock, smuggler, part-time courier for the Crown, and reluctant public hero. Luke has one goal: to rescue his surrogate father from French captivity and avenge the brutal deaths of his crew. The key to accomplishing both? An exiled French princess living in a small English village. He's certain she will be thrilled to be returned to her rightful, pampered position in French aristocracy. I mean, she's a princess, right? Poor Luke has no idea what he's actually signed up for or all the ways in which this unexpected woman is going to impact his plans.
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans is English to her bones. A young woman from a small village in Kent, Dani's primary concerns are her adoptive parents, her friends, and saving her village from unscrupulous men with too much money. Dani has no idea that she's a princess. She doesn't even know that she's French. And, why in the world would the King even be aware of her existence, let alone insist she marry a national hero? An attractive, intelligent, appealing, bent on revenge, national hero?
This book checked all of my happy reader boxes. I love the slow-burn romance between Luke and Dani, first as they get to know one another in Kent, then through their letters while they are apart. The letters are an especially effective method of allowing feelings to deepen as they gradually open their hearts and minds to one another. I loved watching them slowly discover not only their love for each other but also the path each is destined to follow. Their engaging journey from strangers to love is brimming with emotional depth, sparkling banter, unexpected surprises, action, danger, and a hard-won happy ending. I was with them every step of the way.
Michaels has crafted a supporting cast who only add to the richness and complexity of the overall story. Fans of the series will no doubt enjoy seeing Dani reunite with her siblings while also celebrating the found family that means so much to both Dani and Luke. They all contributed to laughter, tears, and several tugs on my heartstrings.
While I enjoyed all three books in this series and am happy I read them in order (I'm weird about that), those new to the series need not worry about beginning with Claiming the Princess. All three books stand well on their own and all have my enthusiastic recommendation.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
I do love a tortured hero. Enter Captain Luke Bannock, smuggler, part-time courier for the Crown, and reluctant public hero. Luke has one goal: to rescue his surrogate father from French captivity and avenge the brutal deaths of his crew. The key to accomplishing both? An exiled French princess living in a small English village. He's certain she will be thrilled to be returned to her rightful, pampered position in French aristocracy. I mean, she's a princess, right? Poor Luke has no idea what he's actually signed up for or all the ways in which this unexpected woman is going to impact his plans.
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans is English to her bones. A young woman from a small village in Kent, Dani's primary concerns are her adoptive parents, her friends, and saving her village from unscrupulous men with too much money. Dani has no idea that she's a princess. She doesn't even know that she's French. And, why in the world would the King even be aware of her existence, let alone insist she marry a national hero? An attractive, intelligent, appealing, bent on revenge, national hero?
This book checked all of my happy reader boxes. I love the slow-burn romance between Luke and Dani, first as they get to know one another in Kent, then through their letters while they are apart. The letters are an especially effective method of allowing feelings to deepen as they gradually open their hearts and minds to one another. I loved watching them slowly discover not only their love for each other but also the path each is destined to follow. Their engaging journey from strangers to love is brimming with emotional depth, sparkling banter, unexpected surprises, action, danger, and a hard-won happy ending. I was with them every step of the way.
Michaels has crafted a supporting cast who only add to the richness and complexity of the overall story. Fans of the series will no doubt enjoy seeing Dani reunite with her siblings while also celebrating the found family that means so much to both Dani and Luke. They all contributed to laughter, tears, and several tugs on my heartstrings.
While I enjoyed all three books in this series and am happy I read them in order (I'm weird about that), those new to the series need not worry about beginning with Claiming the Princess. All three books stand well on their own and all have my enthusiastic recommendation.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
October 25, 2025
I never feel like I can accurately articulate how much I love reading a Charis Michaels novel. I just want to hold up Claiming the Princess and yell to the rafters how much I loved it and want everyone to read it!
I am so sad the series is over. We need more Charis Michaels historical romance and we need them ASAP!
I adore a Charis Michaels character from the MCs to the supporting characters. Can I have a Luke Bannock in real life please and thank you! I love how he was a planner and how the moment he met Dani unplanned-things went haywire for the man. From Luke being fine without a chaperone to trying to wrangle in Fernsby who owed Bannock a life’s debt but not when it came to being on the river (that belly slide from the punting boat to dock will live rent free in my mind) Michaels always does an amazing job of balancing wit and heart in her novels and Claiming the Princess is such a fantastic example of this. We have the devastation and loss experienced by Bannock setting him on a path of revenge which is heartbreaking balanced with the wit of Dani and her not only adoptive family but discovering her birth family/siblings.
Dani is a character I loved from the moment she enters the scene attempting to eat tarts before she is waylaid on her way to a town meeting. Her attempt to get answers is continually thwarted by her adoptive parents until Bannock is finally forced to tell her her true identity. And she takes that with the grace that is assumed by a royal - even one who had no idea she was royalty in the first place. All she wants from then on is to be told the truth and I loved seeing her reunion with her long lost sister. (And Killian, the girls, the dog and Marie!)
Can we also discuss Bannock’s revenge plot and how it drove him to use Dani to save his captured father. And how this inevitably led to a third act break between the characters. And for someone who isn’t one for third act breakups I LOVE how Michaels used letters to connect Luke and Dani! They worked perfectly for the plot and I loved the difference between a letter written by Luke and the ones written by Dani. 😂 And I also loved the reverse rescue can we give a medal to Marie she makes the castle scenes!
This was my favourite book of the series! (Don't check out my previous reviews for this series as I adore each and every book and say they are all my favourites - which they are!) From the moment I read my first Charis Michaels novel I knew she was going to be a favourite authour of mine and I will forever champion her writing!
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am so sad the series is over. We need more Charis Michaels historical romance and we need them ASAP!
I adore a Charis Michaels character from the MCs to the supporting characters. Can I have a Luke Bannock in real life please and thank you! I love how he was a planner and how the moment he met Dani unplanned-things went haywire for the man. From Luke being fine without a chaperone to trying to wrangle in Fernsby who owed Bannock a life’s debt but not when it came to being on the river (that belly slide from the punting boat to dock will live rent free in my mind) Michaels always does an amazing job of balancing wit and heart in her novels and Claiming the Princess is such a fantastic example of this. We have the devastation and loss experienced by Bannock setting him on a path of revenge which is heartbreaking balanced with the wit of Dani and her not only adoptive family but discovering her birth family/siblings.
Dani is a character I loved from the moment she enters the scene attempting to eat tarts before she is waylaid on her way to a town meeting. Her attempt to get answers is continually thwarted by her adoptive parents until Bannock is finally forced to tell her her true identity. And she takes that with the grace that is assumed by a royal - even one who had no idea she was royalty in the first place. All she wants from then on is to be told the truth and I loved seeing her reunion with her long lost sister. (And Killian, the girls, the dog and Marie!)
Can we also discuss Bannock’s revenge plot and how it drove him to use Dani to save his captured father. And how this inevitably led to a third act break between the characters. And for someone who isn’t one for third act breakups I LOVE how Michaels used letters to connect Luke and Dani! They worked perfectly for the plot and I loved the difference between a letter written by Luke and the ones written by Dani. 😂 And I also loved the reverse rescue can we give a medal to Marie she makes the castle scenes!
This was my favourite book of the series! (Don't check out my previous reviews for this series as I adore each and every book and say they are all my favourites - which they are!) From the moment I read my first Charis Michaels novel I knew she was going to be a favourite authour of mine and I will forever champion her writing!
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
After saving Viscount Fernsby, the Prince Regent’s cousin and being named a war hero, Captain Lucas Bannock is offered a reward by the crown. He only wants one thing, the release of Linus Welty, his surrogate father from Vincent Surcouf, Comte d’ Moulac, the French military officer that took him prisoner before killing the rest of Lucas’ crew, to achieve that, he needs to marry Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans, the exiled French princess that the Comte wants to marry. He is granted her hand in marriage and an estate in Kent, it seems like everything is going according to his plan – that is until he meets her and realizes she has no idea she is a princess, or French or why the Prince Regent would be interested in her or that he would be so attracted to her.
Adopted as a baby by retiring retainers for the King and Queen of England, Danielle “Dani” Allard has been raised with no knowledge of her title or heritage. She lives a modest life in Kent and has strong ties to the community, so she is stunned when her parents tell her that she has been betrothed to Captain Bannock by the Prince Regent. She askes why the prince would be concerned with her but gets no answers and before she can press them for more information, Lucas arrives. Can love grow in a bed of lies and secret agendas or is she doomed to a life of heartache?
This was a well written, interesting story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. Dani and Lucas share a strange bond, they were both raised by surrogates for vastly different reasons, yet they both have a strong love for their foster parents. My heart broke for Lucas, he is consumed with guilt about the loss of his crew and his foster father and believes he would do anything to save Linus, only to feel more guilt upon meeting Dani. This book was filled with secrets, lies, deception, shocking revelations, a heart of gold hero bent on revenge, found family, surprise reunions, a heroine who can hold her own, lots of cats and finally a hard-won HEA. Overall, I liked this story, Dani and Lucas are easy to root for, but I felt disappointed that there was no epilogue, especially since the siblings were finally reunited. This is the final book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
3.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Adopted as a baby by retiring retainers for the King and Queen of England, Danielle “Dani” Allard has been raised with no knowledge of her title or heritage. She lives a modest life in Kent and has strong ties to the community, so she is stunned when her parents tell her that she has been betrothed to Captain Bannock by the Prince Regent. She askes why the prince would be concerned with her but gets no answers and before she can press them for more information, Lucas arrives. Can love grow in a bed of lies and secret agendas or is she doomed to a life of heartache?
This was a well written, interesting story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. Dani and Lucas share a strange bond, they were both raised by surrogates for vastly different reasons, yet they both have a strong love for their foster parents. My heart broke for Lucas, he is consumed with guilt about the loss of his crew and his foster father and believes he would do anything to save Linus, only to feel more guilt upon meeting Dani. This book was filled with secrets, lies, deception, shocking revelations, a heart of gold hero bent on revenge, found family, surprise reunions, a heroine who can hold her own, lots of cats and finally a hard-won HEA. Overall, I liked this story, Dani and Lucas are easy to root for, but I felt disappointed that there was no epilogue, especially since the siblings were finally reunited. This is the final book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
3.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
November 6, 2025
I feel so lucky every time I get to read a Charis Michaels book because I know I’m in for a treat. And as the last book in her Hidden Royals series, Claiming the Princess was the icing on the cake. This hidden Royal is Danielle Allard d’Orleans, a French princess whom was secreted away to the English countryside at the age of two and given surrogate parents whom she has always thought of as her own, never realizing her true identity. But within a span of days Danielle learns she is to be betrothed to a war hero, Captain Luke Bannock and that she has living family, and oh yeah, she’s also royalty. I loved this story. Considering she’s had the shock of her life, Dani somehow manages it with grace and patience even in the midst of being told lies upon lies.
Michael’s is so good at writing her characters’ perceptions. There are moments when Dani just wishes Luke would ask her what she wants, would ask her to go with him, would consider her, that I found so human and vulnerable. Luke has this plan to save his father figure and no one can tell him otherwise, not even the King of England. Again and again he is rocked by his encounters with Danielle, so much so that he digs himself deeper into his lies because he wants to protect her and cares for her.
Anytime a hero is tormented by his feelings for a heroine, I’m a happy camper. I loved seeing Luke pushed constantly by his own preconceived plans for Danielle as an instrument to employ his rescue mission and his actual feelings for her. His internal dialogue is something like this: “Who me? Fall for a woman? I have zero interest in marrying, I must avenge my surrogate father’s captor! But ohhhhhhh, she’s so pretty. She’s so innocent and youthful. She’s so lovely and clever and perfect. Why does she like me? It makes no sense.” The moment Luke realizes Danielle is someone to be prioritized and upheld and is HER OWN WOMAN happens organically through distance and longing and letters. The epistolary part of this novel was perfect; take away exactly that which a man thinks he does not want and see how he does without it.
You’re also in for a treat with the intimate scenes. They’re sooooo good. Danielle knows EXACTLY what she wants, virgin or not, and she will demand it of Luke. And we wonderfully get a reprise of their chemistry in the epilogue. This was yet another banger from Michaels and I strongly recommend the series. Thank you to Charis Michaels for my gifted print copy and to Avon for my eARC. All opinions are my own.
Michael’s is so good at writing her characters’ perceptions. There are moments when Dani just wishes Luke would ask her what she wants, would ask her to go with him, would consider her, that I found so human and vulnerable. Luke has this plan to save his father figure and no one can tell him otherwise, not even the King of England. Again and again he is rocked by his encounters with Danielle, so much so that he digs himself deeper into his lies because he wants to protect her and cares for her.
Anytime a hero is tormented by his feelings for a heroine, I’m a happy camper. I loved seeing Luke pushed constantly by his own preconceived plans for Danielle as an instrument to employ his rescue mission and his actual feelings for her. His internal dialogue is something like this: “Who me? Fall for a woman? I have zero interest in marrying, I must avenge my surrogate father’s captor! But ohhhhhhh, she’s so pretty. She’s so innocent and youthful. She’s so lovely and clever and perfect. Why does she like me? It makes no sense.” The moment Luke realizes Danielle is someone to be prioritized and upheld and is HER OWN WOMAN happens organically through distance and longing and letters. The epistolary part of this novel was perfect; take away exactly that which a man thinks he does not want and see how he does without it.
You’re also in for a treat with the intimate scenes. They’re sooooo good. Danielle knows EXACTLY what she wants, virgin or not, and she will demand it of Luke. And we wonderfully get a reprise of their chemistry in the epilogue. This was yet another banger from Michaels and I strongly recommend the series. Thank you to Charis Michaels for my gifted print copy and to Avon for my eARC. All opinions are my own.
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October 13, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels is a third person dual-POV historical romance set about twenty years after the French Revolution. Luke is a thirty-three-year-old smuggler who is determined to do whatever it takes to get back his adoptive father from a French commander, including taking an exiled and coveted French princess as his wife. Danielle has spent almost all of her twenty years unaware of her noble lineage and lives in England with her adoptive parents. At first, she's suspicious of the arranged engagement Luke claims they have, but she agrees to wed him after a steamy kiss.
This is a mild age gap romance and it comes up a little bit in the text. I wouldn't say the characters make a big deal of it themselves as that was the norm of the time, but some readers might be uncomfortable with the power imbalance as Luke is not only holding information back, but is more worldly and has more life experience than Danielle. Danielle is quite sheltered and hasn't travelled much or met someone in Luke’s line of work before, but she is eager to learn and is quite smart.
This is not really what I would call a Regency romance because it's missing a lot of the trappings of the balls and seasons and the marriage mart that are so common when that subgenre is dealing with nobility and royalty. It's a lot more removed from the ton and is instead more in the countryside and we don't see Luke competing for Danielle’s hand with other suitors. I'd say this is more for the readers who like the ideas of secret princesses but aren't really fans of series like Bridgerton and want something that is allowed to breathe and be its own thing.
I would put this at maybe a two or three on the spiciness scale as we get the heat fairly soon after Danielle and Luke meet, but it doesn't go as far as kink and it takes up maybe 5% of the book. Because it is more detailed instead of focusing on feelings or fading out, it is closer to a three for me.
I would recommend this to fans of historical romance looking for a break from the ton and readers of romance who prefer royalty x commoner relationships
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels is a third person dual-POV historical romance set about twenty years after the French Revolution. Luke is a thirty-three-year-old smuggler who is determined to do whatever it takes to get back his adoptive father from a French commander, including taking an exiled and coveted French princess as his wife. Danielle has spent almost all of her twenty years unaware of her noble lineage and lives in England with her adoptive parents. At first, she's suspicious of the arranged engagement Luke claims they have, but she agrees to wed him after a steamy kiss.
This is a mild age gap romance and it comes up a little bit in the text. I wouldn't say the characters make a big deal of it themselves as that was the norm of the time, but some readers might be uncomfortable with the power imbalance as Luke is not only holding information back, but is more worldly and has more life experience than Danielle. Danielle is quite sheltered and hasn't travelled much or met someone in Luke’s line of work before, but she is eager to learn and is quite smart.
This is not really what I would call a Regency romance because it's missing a lot of the trappings of the balls and seasons and the marriage mart that are so common when that subgenre is dealing with nobility and royalty. It's a lot more removed from the ton and is instead more in the countryside and we don't see Luke competing for Danielle’s hand with other suitors. I'd say this is more for the readers who like the ideas of secret princesses but aren't really fans of series like Bridgerton and want something that is allowed to breathe and be its own thing.
I would put this at maybe a two or three on the spiciness scale as we get the heat fairly soon after Danielle and Luke meet, but it doesn't go as far as kink and it takes up maybe 5% of the book. Because it is more detailed instead of focusing on feelings or fading out, it is closer to a three for me.
I would recommend this to fans of historical romance looking for a break from the ton and readers of romance who prefer royalty x commoner relationships
October 28, 2025
(3.5 Stars) I know Charis Micheal’s from reading another series by her. This is the third and last in her Hidden Royals series. While I read/listened to it easily as a stand alone. I realized there are appearances from the MC’s in previous books. The series focuses on a French family, close relatives to the King, that are rescued from France during the revolution. This book is about Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans. She is 22 and only has known life as a simple village girl in England.
Captain Luke Bannock is the newest hero in the Kingdom. He was a smuggler who turned to making money by running dispatches for the Royal Navy. When his ship is attacked he manages to rescue a cousin to the king and save the dispatches as well. In return the King has given him a prize. His choice is a princess living in exile under the protection of the King. He expects a foreign princess wanting to return to her native country. Not a young and beautiful village girl that has no idea of her background. His reasons for marrying her are convoluted and have to do with getting revenge for the loss of his ship and crew. He never expected to have feelings for her.
Dani is wonderful. Her character cares about her village and she sees ways to improve it and makes things better for everyone. Luke is likable and he always has plans to leave Dani better off than he found her. But I felt the middle of the book with all the plotting went on too long. I did like the ending and how things work out. I know my daughter owns physical copies of the series so I can read the first two books about Dani's siblings stories. Maybe when my TBR pile is lower.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Morag Sims. And I think Michaels’ books always have beautiful covers. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio and Avon for the audiobook and I am leaving an honest review.
Captain Luke Bannock is the newest hero in the Kingdom. He was a smuggler who turned to making money by running dispatches for the Royal Navy. When his ship is attacked he manages to rescue a cousin to the king and save the dispatches as well. In return the King has given him a prize. His choice is a princess living in exile under the protection of the King. He expects a foreign princess wanting to return to her native country. Not a young and beautiful village girl that has no idea of her background. His reasons for marrying her are convoluted and have to do with getting revenge for the loss of his ship and crew. He never expected to have feelings for her.
Dani is wonderful. Her character cares about her village and she sees ways to improve it and makes things better for everyone. Luke is likable and he always has plans to leave Dani better off than he found her. But I felt the middle of the book with all the plotting went on too long. I did like the ending and how things work out. I know my daughter owns physical copies of the series so I can read the first two books about Dani's siblings stories. Maybe when my TBR pile is lower.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Morag Sims. And I think Michaels’ books always have beautiful covers. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio and Avon for the audiobook and I am leaving an honest review.
March 14, 2025
I loved this book! Romance, political intrigue, adventure! It has it all!
The story follows Danielle, a small-town girl in England whose main priority is getting her beloved town hall back up and running.
Meanwhile, newly dubbed Cornish hero Captain Luke Bannock is granted a boon from the Prince after rescuing his royal cousin. With his mind set on revenge and the rescue of his father, Luke requests the hand of an exiled princess—one his enemy desperately wants. His plan? Marry her, claim the dowry, use it as leverage to free his father, then annul the marriage and return to sea.
Simple, right?
Except when he arrives in the quiet town where she was raised, he makes a shocking discovery—Danielle has no idea she’s a princess. She doesn’t even know she’s French! Confused and blindsided by the sudden marriage, she’s just as wary of Luke as he is of her. But as they spend time together, Luke quickly finds himself captivated by her tenacity and wit, while Danielle starts to imagine a future with him—one where she becomes the mistress of their new home and helps breathe life back into the town.
But secrets loom. Luke is torn between duty and desire, struggling with the truth of why he’s really there. Danielle, still unaware of the real reason she was chosen as his bride, is left frustrated by the lack of answers from him or her surrogate parents.
This book was SO much fun—romantic, exciting, and full of heartwarming twists! The banter was fantastic, the romance felt natural, and the steam? Absolutely worth the wait!
This is book #3 in the Hidden Royals series, but I think it can be read as a standalone. If you love historical romance, hidden identity tropes, or just some top-tier banter, you need to pick this up!
I received this ARC from NetGalley, Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels will be released October 28, 2025!
The story follows Danielle, a small-town girl in England whose main priority is getting her beloved town hall back up and running.
Meanwhile, newly dubbed Cornish hero Captain Luke Bannock is granted a boon from the Prince after rescuing his royal cousin. With his mind set on revenge and the rescue of his father, Luke requests the hand of an exiled princess—one his enemy desperately wants. His plan? Marry her, claim the dowry, use it as leverage to free his father, then annul the marriage and return to sea.
Simple, right?
Except when he arrives in the quiet town where she was raised, he makes a shocking discovery—Danielle has no idea she’s a princess. She doesn’t even know she’s French! Confused and blindsided by the sudden marriage, she’s just as wary of Luke as he is of her. But as they spend time together, Luke quickly finds himself captivated by her tenacity and wit, while Danielle starts to imagine a future with him—one where she becomes the mistress of their new home and helps breathe life back into the town.
But secrets loom. Luke is torn between duty and desire, struggling with the truth of why he’s really there. Danielle, still unaware of the real reason she was chosen as his bride, is left frustrated by the lack of answers from him or her surrogate parents.
This book was SO much fun—romantic, exciting, and full of heartwarming twists! The banter was fantastic, the romance felt natural, and the steam? Absolutely worth the wait!
This is book #3 in the Hidden Royals series, but I think it can be read as a standalone. If you love historical romance, hidden identity tropes, or just some top-tier banter, you need to pick this up!
I received this ARC from NetGalley, Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels will be released October 28, 2025!
November 9, 2025
4.5 enthusiastic stars!
Listen, I stayed up late into the night reading this book, and I don't stay up late! It had me in its clutches! The writing! The pining! The danger! The spice! That freakishly perfect privateer! But I digress.... Let me attempt to write a proper review.
Luke is out for revenge. He needs to rescue his father (figure), but how? He needs leverage, and he finds it in the form of Dani, a long-lost French princess. The king allows their betrothal, unaware that Luke intends to dangle her as bait. What Luke never counts on is the magic that IS Dani. She's beautiful inside and out. And she has no idea that she's actually a princess (and not just a village girl from Kent). Luke has his work cut out for him, and it primarily takes the form of not losing his heart to this incredible young woman.
I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK. The way that Michaels choosing to describe events that occurred before the story begins was perfection. I felt like we hit the ground running, and never looked back. (Often new novels can feel like a slog at first, but this one drops us right into it!) I became invested in both Dani and Luke, two flawed people who are really doing their best. The love scenes were phenomenal. The myriad letters written between these two were engrossing.
I highlighted SO. MANY. LINES. I never realized what a gem Michaels is, but that changes TODAY. I'm going back and reading book two: The Prince's Bride, ASAP. And then I want to devour her backlist. She can play with words like a master. It was riveting. This will 100% be one of my favorite reads of 2025.
Trigger warnings: child abandonment (before story begins), references to cruelty related to war/battle (referenced after the fact)
I'd like to thank Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Listen, I stayed up late into the night reading this book, and I don't stay up late! It had me in its clutches! The writing! The pining! The danger! The spice! That freakishly perfect privateer! But I digress.... Let me attempt to write a proper review.
Luke is out for revenge. He needs to rescue his father (figure), but how? He needs leverage, and he finds it in the form of Dani, a long-lost French princess. The king allows their betrothal, unaware that Luke intends to dangle her as bait. What Luke never counts on is the magic that IS Dani. She's beautiful inside and out. And she has no idea that she's actually a princess (and not just a village girl from Kent). Luke has his work cut out for him, and it primarily takes the form of not losing his heart to this incredible young woman.
I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK. The way that Michaels choosing to describe events that occurred before the story begins was perfection. I felt like we hit the ground running, and never looked back. (Often new novels can feel like a slog at first, but this one drops us right into it!) I became invested in both Dani and Luke, two flawed people who are really doing their best. The love scenes were phenomenal. The myriad letters written between these two were engrossing.
I highlighted SO. MANY. LINES. I never realized what a gem Michaels is, but that changes TODAY. I'm going back and reading book two: The Prince's Bride, ASAP. And then I want to devour her backlist. She can play with words like a master. It was riveting. This will 100% be one of my favorite reads of 2025.
Trigger warnings: child abandonment (before story begins), references to cruelty related to war/battle (referenced after the fact)
I'd like to thank Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 19, 2025
3.5*
Luke, a career naval officer, ends his latest battle by saving the royal prince’s cousin. As a reward, the crown offers him anything he desires—and without hesitation, Luke asks to marry Dani, a French princess who has been living in exile in England. Though he has never met or even seen her, his time as a prisoner in France left him intrigued: the man who captured Luke and his crew was obsessed with Dani and wanted to marry her to increase his estate. Luke’s true motive, however, is more complicated—his beloved mentor, a father figure, remains captive, and Luke believes that presenting the princess may be the key to securing the old man’s freedom.
The crown grants Luke not only Dani’s hand but also an estate in the quiet Kent village where she was raised. Upon arrival, Luke discovers that Dani has been brought up by an older couple who concealed her royal lineage and station. Handsome and charismatic, Luke quickly wins Dani’s agreement to marry him—especially once she learns that their union will give her access to property that could help save her struggling village.
From the start, Dani and Luke share undeniable, fiery chemistry. While it may seem difficult to root for a man who intends to use a woman as leverage, the author skillfully makes their romance compelling. Dani, who has been deceived her entire life, now faces the painful truth that her new husband has also hidden secrets from her. The story brims with intrigue and deception, yet the satisfying happy ending redeems the twists and betrayals.
Romantic, witty, and unexpectedly heartfelt, this novel delivers everything fans of historical romance crave: depth, humor, passion, and a feisty heroine. Michaels once again proves her mastery of the genre with a captivating tale.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
Luke, a career naval officer, ends his latest battle by saving the royal prince’s cousin. As a reward, the crown offers him anything he desires—and without hesitation, Luke asks to marry Dani, a French princess who has been living in exile in England. Though he has never met or even seen her, his time as a prisoner in France left him intrigued: the man who captured Luke and his crew was obsessed with Dani and wanted to marry her to increase his estate. Luke’s true motive, however, is more complicated—his beloved mentor, a father figure, remains captive, and Luke believes that presenting the princess may be the key to securing the old man’s freedom.
The crown grants Luke not only Dani’s hand but also an estate in the quiet Kent village where she was raised. Upon arrival, Luke discovers that Dani has been brought up by an older couple who concealed her royal lineage and station. Handsome and charismatic, Luke quickly wins Dani’s agreement to marry him—especially once she learns that their union will give her access to property that could help save her struggling village.
From the start, Dani and Luke share undeniable, fiery chemistry. While it may seem difficult to root for a man who intends to use a woman as leverage, the author skillfully makes their romance compelling. Dani, who has been deceived her entire life, now faces the painful truth that her new husband has also hidden secrets from her. The story brims with intrigue and deception, yet the satisfying happy ending redeems the twists and betrayals.
Romantic, witty, and unexpectedly heartfelt, this novel delivers everything fans of historical romance crave: depth, humor, passion, and a feisty heroine. Michaels once again proves her mastery of the genre with a captivating tale.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
August 19, 2025
Let me tell you, this was exactly what I needed in a book. Perfect. No notes.
I loved this book from the very first page. Everything about it was delightful. I read the entire thing in one sitting because I was so enthralled.
First and foremost, the chemistry between the MCs was INCREDIBLE!!! From the beginning the sensual tension palpable but it wasn’t insta-love. Second, I was not prepared for how angsty this book was, but in all the best ways. It was raw, vulnerable, and messy just like real people are. Dani was both reasonably upset with the people closest to her withholding very important information, but she also was able to forgive without letting them avoid any shame for them. And Luke was the perfect yearning man that I love so much. He was enamored, undone by her, and while he knew he shouldn’t have her, he did everything he could to be a good man for her. And oh boy did I love it. The fight between how much he wants her and how much he thinks she deserves better was just everything.
Im finding it difficult to properly articulate how delightful this book was. I enjoyed every page, and I will most definitely be picking up the other books in the series sometime soon!
I think this book is an amazing starting point for any romantasy fan looking to branch out! It has all the elements of secret royalty, morally grey MMCs, and arranged marriage turning into true love that so many readers adore in the romantasy genre.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the early review copy!!
I loved this book from the very first page. Everything about it was delightful. I read the entire thing in one sitting because I was so enthralled.
First and foremost, the chemistry between the MCs was INCREDIBLE!!! From the beginning the sensual tension palpable but it wasn’t insta-love. Second, I was not prepared for how angsty this book was, but in all the best ways. It was raw, vulnerable, and messy just like real people are. Dani was both reasonably upset with the people closest to her withholding very important information, but she also was able to forgive without letting them avoid any shame for them. And Luke was the perfect yearning man that I love so much. He was enamored, undone by her, and while he knew he shouldn’t have her, he did everything he could to be a good man for her. And oh boy did I love it. The fight between how much he wants her and how much he thinks she deserves better was just everything.
Im finding it difficult to properly articulate how delightful this book was. I enjoyed every page, and I will most definitely be picking up the other books in the series sometime soon!
I think this book is an amazing starting point for any romantasy fan looking to branch out! It has all the elements of secret royalty, morally grey MMCs, and arranged marriage turning into true love that so many readers adore in the romantasy genre.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the early review copy!!
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