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Royal Babies #8
A Princess Under the Mistletoe
HER ROYAL CHRISTMAS SECRET
Princess Sasha of Sergenia was born to rule, not change dirty diapers. But after threats force her family into exile, Sasha becomes "Sara" a nurturing nanny in Chantaine. Now, rather than having servants wait on her during holiday festivities, Sasha is caring for construction specialist Gavin Sinclair's children for Christmas. Baby Adelaide and five-year-old Sam win her heart, but their father makes her pulse pound.
For Gavin, "Sara" is a holiday miracle. Since his late wife died in childbirth, Gavin has struggled to keep his life afloat and his family together. This unexpected addition has brightened his world--and made him wonder if love might be on the horizon. He knows the mysterious nanny has secrets aplenty. But is true love enough to create a fairy-tale ending under the mistletoe for the sexy single dad and the lovely royal?
Princess Sasha of Sergenia was born to rule, not change dirty diapers. But after threats force her family into exile, Sasha becomes "Sara" a nurturing nanny in Chantaine. Now, rather than having servants wait on her during holiday festivities, Sasha is caring for construction specialist Gavin Sinclair's children for Christmas. Baby Adelaide and five-year-old Sam win her heart, but their father makes her pulse pound.
For Gavin, "Sara" is a holiday miracle. Since his late wife died in childbirth, Gavin has struggled to keep his life afloat and his family together. This unexpected addition has brightened his world--and made him wonder if love might be on the horizon. He knows the mysterious nanny has secrets aplenty. But is true love enough to create a fairy-tale ending under the mistletoe for the sexy single dad and the lovely royal?
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
15 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Banks
520 books289 followersLeanne Banks was born on 14 May 1959 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, which she claims she can only use on fictional characters. When her first book was published in 1991, she used the money from her advance to take her family to Disney World.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 17, 2015
Very good story. Sasha and her sister were forced to flee their country and have taken refuge in Chantaine. In order to maintain their anonymity, both she and Tabitha have taken on fake names and the Chantaine royal family have helped them find jobs. So instead of her career as the princess concert pianist, Sasha has become Sara the nanny. The book opens as she arrives to take her first position as nanny to American construction specialist Gavin's children. She's a bit worried about how she'll do, but is determined to do her best.
I really liked Sara. She's worried about her brother, who is missing, and her sister, who is having a hard time with their exile, but she tries very hard to keep a positive outlook. I loved the way that she wanted to make things better for little Sam, who was struggling so hard with his grief for his mother. She seemed to know just when to push him a little and when to just let him be. I also loved seeing her cuddle with baby Adelaide. As the days went on it was obvious that she was falling for the children. But it was her growing feelings for Gavin that had her in turmoil.
I also liked Gavin. He hasn't had it easy since his wife's death, with trying to take care of his children and keep on top of his construction business. Because of his hours and the children's challenges, he has been through multiple nannies, and doesn't have much confidence that Sara will be any different. It doesn't take long before he realizes that she's making a huge impact on his children's lives, but that's nothing to the impact she's having on his.
I loved the development of their relationship. They are very attracted to each other, but Sara knows that it can go nowhere because of who she is and her need to keep it a secret. But the more time she spends with him, the more she wants to take a chance and just live a little. She didn't expect her heart to get involved so quickly. With Gavin it starts as simple attraction, a desire that he hasn't felt since before his wife died. He's carrying a load of guilt because the marriage had been in trouble and he felt that he was responsible for it. He's not so sure that he deserves any happiness because of it. I loved seeing how Sara's frequent comments on how good a father he is begin to lessen those feelings and open his eyes and heart to the idea that he could love again. I hurt for him when he let her know what he wanted and she refused him. He's hurt and angry that she won't trust him with her secrets.
There's an interesting twist involving Sara's sister, though what it is wasn't hard to figure out early on. The question becomes one of what effect it is going to have on Sara's future. I loved seeing her face the issue head on, and then finally be able to share the truth with Gavin. What he does with the information and what he says to Sara shows how far he has come. The ending is sweet and romantic, and left me anxious to see what will happen with Sara's sister and brother.
Young Sam was adorable and I loved how Sara's love helped him through his grief for his mother. He was so quiet and sad at the beginning, then his natural mischievousness began to emerge. I loved the scene with him and his sister and the green magic marker. It was so realistic that I could picture it as I read it. I loved his part in the epilogue and how it showed how far he had come.
I really liked Sara. She's worried about her brother, who is missing, and her sister, who is having a hard time with their exile, but she tries very hard to keep a positive outlook. I loved the way that she wanted to make things better for little Sam, who was struggling so hard with his grief for his mother. She seemed to know just when to push him a little and when to just let him be. I also loved seeing her cuddle with baby Adelaide. As the days went on it was obvious that she was falling for the children. But it was her growing feelings for Gavin that had her in turmoil.
I also liked Gavin. He hasn't had it easy since his wife's death, with trying to take care of his children and keep on top of his construction business. Because of his hours and the children's challenges, he has been through multiple nannies, and doesn't have much confidence that Sara will be any different. It doesn't take long before he realizes that she's making a huge impact on his children's lives, but that's nothing to the impact she's having on his.
I loved the development of their relationship. They are very attracted to each other, but Sara knows that it can go nowhere because of who she is and her need to keep it a secret. But the more time she spends with him, the more she wants to take a chance and just live a little. She didn't expect her heart to get involved so quickly. With Gavin it starts as simple attraction, a desire that he hasn't felt since before his wife died. He's carrying a load of guilt because the marriage had been in trouble and he felt that he was responsible for it. He's not so sure that he deserves any happiness because of it. I loved seeing how Sara's frequent comments on how good a father he is begin to lessen those feelings and open his eyes and heart to the idea that he could love again. I hurt for him when he let her know what he wanted and she refused him. He's hurt and angry that she won't trust him with her secrets.
There's an interesting twist involving Sara's sister, though what it is wasn't hard to figure out early on. The question becomes one of what effect it is going to have on Sara's future. I loved seeing her face the issue head on, and then finally be able to share the truth with Gavin. What he does with the information and what he says to Sara shows how far he has come. The ending is sweet and romantic, and left me anxious to see what will happen with Sara's sister and brother.
Young Sam was adorable and I loved how Sara's love helped him through his grief for his mother. He was so quiet and sad at the beginning, then his natural mischievousness began to emerge. I loved the scene with him and his sister and the green magic marker. It was so realistic that I could picture it as I read it. I loved his part in the epilogue and how it showed how far he had come.
February 1, 2018
This was a cute book. The children were adorable. I couldn't stop laughing at them
January 3, 2016
With her country's economy in ruins, the public blames the royal family, forcing Princess Sasha and her other siblings into hiding. Sasha ends up living life as Sara, nanny to Gavin's children.
Much attention was paid to tending the children, which yes, is real, exhaustive work, however, it doesn't make for a particularly interesting read, nor does a lack of conflict, the biggest issue between Sara and Gavin is that she hasn't told him she's a princess, it's not a problem with really high emotional stakes.
I think I may have enjoyed this one more had Sara struggled in her new surroundings and had a steep learning curve in caring for/relating to the children. With everything coming so easily to Sara, and little evidence of Gavin's distance from his children, these were two fairly perfect human beings, and perfect leaves little room for personality.
I'm disappointed this one didn't work for me, as not only did I receive it as a Christmas gift, I had really enjoyed a previous book from the author..
Much attention was paid to tending the children, which yes, is real, exhaustive work, however, it doesn't make for a particularly interesting read, nor does a lack of conflict, the biggest issue between Sara and Gavin is that she hasn't told him she's a princess, it's not a problem with really high emotional stakes.
I think I may have enjoyed this one more had Sara struggled in her new surroundings and had a steep learning curve in caring for/relating to the children. With everything coming so easily to Sara, and little evidence of Gavin's distance from his children, these were two fairly perfect human beings, and perfect leaves little room for personality.
I'm disappointed this one didn't work for me, as not only did I receive it as a Christmas gift, I had really enjoyed a previous book from the author..
November 29, 2015
No one does secret princesses and babies better than Leanne Banks and her latest is no exception. In Banks’s capable hands the well-known trope is fresh and new and keeps readers reading. The current installment, A Princess Under the Mistletoe brings us back to her fictional country of Chantaine. This princess is from a nearby country that has been overrun and the royals disposed. Sasha becomes Sara, nanny to Gavin’s two kids. Not surprisingly Sara immediately falls in love with the children and eventually Gavin. The conflict is minor and both Sara and Gavin address it like adults. The kids are darling and add humor to the story. Even better, we catch glimpses of the Deveraux’s from her previous princess baby books. It is fun to see how the characters have progressed, like catching up with old friends. If you are looking for a light read this is a great Christmas themed books. If you aren’t already a fan of Banks, you should be.
November 30, 2015
A splendid story that touched my heart. Two princesses who are sisters had to change there identity and move to another country because of economic downturn the citizens were attacking the family. Princess Sasha (Sara) is a character that everyone falls in love with in romance novels. She follows rules and is very loving and caring. She puts others before herself and expects nothing in return. Princess Tabitha (Jane) on the other hand breaks all rules and does what pleases her. Gavin was the perfect character for Sara. She was able to help the family with there loss and cheer them up for the holidays. She grew attached and feel in love with her boss. As I read through the book my heart was broken for all the turmoil they had endured and not knowing what happened to there brother kept my nerves out of edge. It was wonderfully written and picked the perfect book cover. Highly recommend this read for the holiday season.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2015
"A Princess Under the Mistletoe" by Leanne Banks is one of my favorite books I've read this year. It's a classic romance between the 'Nanny' and the Boss. Princess Shasha and her sister were forced to flee their little country Chantain, and assume new identities while their missing brother is looked for and they remain safe. Sara (Sasha) becomes the Nanny to Gavin Sinclair's children Sam and Adelaide. He thinks she's too young to look after the kids but Sara begins to show Gavin just how well she is trained. He also begins to suspect that she is hiding something. Meanwhile, her wildchild sister Jane (aka Tabitha) reminds Sara to remember to be careful and use condoms if she decides to act on her feelings for her new boss.
December 2, 2015
I was lucky enough to get an advance reading copy of this book.
When you take a Princess, Sasha who is hiding and turn her into a "Nanny Sara" to two children, Sam and Adelaide, who have lost their mother and have to come to a new country and a father who has come to grips that life will never be the same for him and his children, you have a great story.
But throw in Christmas and all the "Miracles" that come with the season, secrets Sara is hiding, a Royal family who is helping Sara to find her way back to herself again, Gavin and his kids and Mistletoe, and you have a wonderful heartwarming holiday romance to read.
When you take a Princess, Sasha who is hiding and turn her into a "Nanny Sara" to two children, Sam and Adelaide, who have lost their mother and have to come to a new country and a father who has come to grips that life will never be the same for him and his children, you have a great story.
But throw in Christmas and all the "Miracles" that come with the season, secrets Sara is hiding, a Royal family who is helping Sara to find her way back to herself again, Gavin and his kids and Mistletoe, and you have a wonderful heartwarming holiday romance to read.
December 8, 2015
Sweet story that continues the Princess saga....with new royalty. This story is about Sasha "Sara" and Gavin. I loved seeing how the couple grew in their relationship as well as the healing of the family unit. I look forward to the next in the series to see more about Tabitha & Alex, the sister and brother that are such an integral part of Sasha's story. The reality of Sara learning how to become a new person while trying to hide her identity to the man she has fallen in love with was a struggle to watch but Banks did it so realistically. Wonderful holiday read!
November 18, 2015
Every now and then you need to read a sweet story filled with hope. Christmas stories seem to excel at this and A Princess Under the Mistletoe is no different. A Princess Under the Mistletoe is a well written story of a Princess in exile doing the best she can under the circumstances and a widowed father of 2 young children. Neither are perfect but they are perfect for each other. A Princess Under the Mistletoe is a total feel good romance.
November 30, 2015
A heartwarming story of how love and happiness triumph over pain, disappointment, and grief. The story of how a man and a woman from totally different stations in life are thrown together by circumstances of life. The story of how they find peace, love, and joy with each other. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Read
January 13, 2016"Fast-paced dialogue, a riveting storyline and charming characters make Banks’ tale flow well. Her imaginative settings and the royals in this fictional fiefdom give this holiday tale some pizzazz, while the temporary-to-forever family gives it heart" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Royal Babies
Miniseries: Royal Babies
December 5, 2015
Cute Christmas themed read. The cover caught my attention and I'm glad I picked this one up. I have a weakness for anything related to royalty. Would have been 4 stars but there was a bit of un-wanted drama for my liking around the middle.
December 7, 2015
A sexy, light-hearted read. Love this series!
March 2, 2016
Good Read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews