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Don't Look Down: Royal Affairs Book One

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Briar Penner has grown up knowing one thing—she will be Queen one day. Not by birthright, but by marriage. Everything she has done, everything she has been taught, she’s been molded into the perfect prospect for the Crown Prince of Doriella.

But it is never that simple, is it?

Torn between two men, the Heir and the Spare. Two brothers, both with their sights set on her. Both used to getting what they want, while she’s used to doing what she’s told.

But there’s no guide on how to navigate a courtship with one, while having an affair with the other.

Welcome to Doriella, where the royal affair is just beginning…

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2026

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Michae Marie

9 books1,588 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Michae.
Author 9 books1,588 followers
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October 15, 2026
The start of Briar’s journey to find love, as well as the royal affair of the century, is all yours💖 I hope you enjoy them🫶🏻
Profile Image for Liezl.
394 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 4, 2026
Don’t Look Down: An ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a big fan of reading royalty romances, and when I see a love triangle involving the soon-to-be king and his younger brother, I’m instantly hooked. Briar is betrothed to Lockwood Caulfield, a crown prince destined to become king. They’re supposed to establish a foundation together for the summer, but Lockwood can’t attend, so his brother, Beau, takes his place. As they spend the summer together, Briar and Beau develop a forbidden attraction to each other.

This book is a delightful read. I’m genuinely curious about Briar’s ultimate choice. I’m just along for the ride for now. It seems like she’s leaning towards one brother, but considering all the books Michae’s written so far, I think she’ll make Briar’s choice in the second book even more challenging. I’m eagerly anticipating it!

Thank you to Michae Marie for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Nicki in Bookland.
285 reviews249 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
Michae is taking us on a royal journey. Then she said “let’s make them squirm” and made it forbidden. Aye! This was sooooo damn good and an incredible set up for what’s surely to be an absolute angst fest!! I’m feral for the next book!

And I’m gagged at the cover!!🤩

Full review to come closer to publication date.
Profile Image for feliciaslibrary.
769 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
5 stars ⭐️

ARC review

Welcome to the country of Doriella! Michae’s take on a royalty romance was so much fun to read, especially with some forbidden aspects with it. Let’s just say, I inhaled this book because of how addicting it was. We follow Briar Penner, a princess who’s destined to marry the crown prince Lockwood Caulfield. The problem? She has her eyes on Beauford Caulfield, Lockwood’s brooding and troubled brother. The wild one who makes Briar feel alive and seen.

I love all three of these characters, well mostly. Briar is someone who wants to feel alive and not live by the rules that she is taught by her parents. Lockwood is a follower of rules and is quite the opposite of the kind of husband that Briar seeks. And Beau, the other brother, is looked upon as the troubled prince. He lives by his own rules and stands up for his rights.
Oh my gosh, Briar and Beau has my whole heart and soul at their mercy. I adore these two so much. The yearning? The tension? The banter? The sad truth with them having to hid their feelings from the rest of the world. My babies! The cliff scene and the car scene that follows were my favorite part of this book. These two are my endgame, if they don’t end up together then I’ll riot 😅🙈

The way this book had me in a chokehold throughout the story. My eyes were plastered at my kindle. I absolutely loved it and the cliffhanger ending left me wanting more! Like I need answers. I cannot wait for the next book, Eyes on Me, to release this upcoming November. You definitely don’t want to miss this release and unfold this forbidden and messy love story that is within Don’t Look Down by Michae Marie. All thanks to Michae for providing me with an early ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kayli Sherman.
27 reviews
October 10, 2026
I’ll start by saying Michae Marie is one of my favorite authors! There isn’t a single book she’s written that I haven’t gobbled up, and this one was no different!

As soon as it began, I was hooked and I flew through the book in less than 24 hours. Each of the characters are multifaceted and have their own personalities that are brought out by one another. The plot is thrilling and easily keeps you interested. I was disappointed when I finished, but I’m so glad I only have to wait a month for the next part! How can it end right there???😭

I’ve read all of Michae’s books and the evolution of her writing is incredible. Simple descriptive sentences in this book floored me and some of the dialogue had me blushing and kicking my feet. I need the paperback to annotate immediately!

A huge thank you goes to Michae Marie for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Monika.
1,757 reviews58 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 6, 2026
A royalty romance with a love triangle? Yes please! I absolutely devoured Don’t Look Down. Briar is betrothed Lockwood Caulfield, a crown prince who is set to become king. However, the connection she has Beau, Lockwood’s brother, is strong. Beau is the wild brother while Lockwood is the stoic one. Honestly, I don’t know who Briar will end up with, but I’m invested! I really like the characters and how they developed thus far in the book. The romances are good, and why does Briar have to choose? Why can’t she be with both? Don’t Look Down is quick, fun, and has me hooked for what is coming next!

Thank you to Michae Marie for an ARC copy. All the thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for elle .
663 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 12, 2026
This book pulled me out of my 3 month long slump hallelujah. I always enjoy Michae's stories, and although this wasn't my favourite (or even her best work, in my opinion), I devoured it in less than a week. I only hope the finished version is tighter and more polished. Also, book 2 NOW. gimme pleaseeee🤲🏽🤲🏽
1,752 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 2, 2026
I was starting to worry we'd never get another book from Michae so when I seen her share this messy love triangle romance was coming I rannnnnn to sign up for an arc

I absolutely loved this start and I am hooked! I want to know more about Lock, Beau and Briar. I'm definitely team Beau at the moment but I feel like Lock could win me over if he was around more

5/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews