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Awakened by a Kiss #2
When You Wish Upon a Duke
USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels returns to her Awakened by a Kiss series where overlooked fairy tale characters get their own happy endings, with a captivating romance about Miss Isobel Tinker and the duke who makes her believe in magic.
All it takes...
After a childhood spent cavorting around Europe with a dangerous crowd, Miss Isobel Tinker has parlayed her experience and language skills into a safe, reliable life. Working as a clerk in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, she dreams of someday owning her own travel agency and has vowed never to leave the familiar shores of England ever again. When a handsome duke arrives at her doorstep, she realizes her staid existence is about to take flight.
...is faith and hope
Jason “North” Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, desperately needs a travel guide. He’s inherited a dukedom but has a final mission for the Foreign Office—rescuing his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Isobel Tinker is the ideal translator, discreet and unknown, but she’s also uncooperative, stubborn, and disarmingly beautiful.
And a little bit of trust
In exchange for her help, North promises Miss Tinker her own travel agency upon return and strict professionalism at sea. Isobel cautiously agrees but soon realizes “strict” and “professional” are not how she would describe her feelings for the irresistible duke. As their adventure sweeps them to the shores of Iceland and beyond, can temptation and growing trust give way to the magic of wild, passionate love?
All it takes...
After a childhood spent cavorting around Europe with a dangerous crowd, Miss Isobel Tinker has parlayed her experience and language skills into a safe, reliable life. Working as a clerk in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, she dreams of someday owning her own travel agency and has vowed never to leave the familiar shores of England ever again. When a handsome duke arrives at her doorstep, she realizes her staid existence is about to take flight.
...is faith and hope
Jason “North” Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, desperately needs a travel guide. He’s inherited a dukedom but has a final mission for the Foreign Office—rescuing his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Isobel Tinker is the ideal translator, discreet and unknown, but she’s also uncooperative, stubborn, and disarmingly beautiful.
And a little bit of trust
In exchange for her help, North promises Miss Tinker her own travel agency upon return and strict professionalism at sea. Isobel cautiously agrees but soon realizes “strict” and “professional” are not how she would describe her feelings for the irresistible duke. As their adventure sweeps them to the shores of Iceland and beyond, can temptation and growing trust give way to the magic of wild, passionate love?
384 pages, ebook
First published September 7, 2021
38 people are currently reading
1504 people want to read
About the author
Charis Michaels
13 books502 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 208 reviews
July 26, 2022
This book is the perfect mixture of laugh-out-loud fantastic (as in, almost fantasy) hijinks and believable characters - one of our favorite kinds of romances. Jason is a recently-retired spy and currently-reluctant duke who recruits Isobel for one final mission. Isobel has tried to embrace a life of respectability after a wholly unconventional youth, but Jason embodies all of her particular temptations: carefree but respectful, funny but not meanspirited, and - of course - really sexy.
We were in love with the entire trajectory of the novel and all of the unexpected twists and turns - we follow Isobel and Jason from her job at a travel agency in Mayfair, to a long sea voyage, all the way to Iceland, and then back to England to the ducal estate. This book is just so much FUN! We had smiles on our faces the entire time. Loved it!
45-Word Summaries:
Meg: Ducal spy recruits lady travel agent as consultant for his last (unofficial) mission for the crown. She might’ve been able to keep from falling for him if he’d been able to keep from falling at her feet… in Icelandic hot springs… under the aurora borealis…
Laine: Isobel strikes a bargain to return to the site of her life's great tragedy in exchange for financial and social independence. The guy offering it is super sexy. She won't be a mistress, and he doesn't want her to be, but she doesn't trust men.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
We were in love with the entire trajectory of the novel and all of the unexpected twists and turns - we follow Isobel and Jason from her job at a travel agency in Mayfair, to a long sea voyage, all the way to Iceland, and then back to England to the ducal estate. This book is just so much FUN! We had smiles on our faces the entire time. Loved it!
45-Word Summaries:
Meg: Ducal spy recruits lady travel agent as consultant for his last (unofficial) mission for the crown. She might’ve been able to keep from falling for him if he’d been able to keep from falling at her feet… in Icelandic hot springs… under the aurora borealis…
Laine: Isobel strikes a bargain to return to the site of her life's great tragedy in exchange for financial and social independence. The guy offering it is super sexy. She won't be a mistress, and he doesn't want her to be, but she doesn't trust men.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
March 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this one. It had so much potential and some really great scenes, but overall this book went on too long and had so much wasted time. I really loved how Isobel had such an interesting past being raised by a mother who was the mistress to a titled gentleman. She now works for a travel company and helps plan trips for people. North needs to get to Iceland to save someone close to him, and he knows that Isobel has been there before. Isobel, though, has nothing but bad memories of Iceland and refuses to go. North has an offer that Isobel can't refuse, though, so the two travel together. Like I said, this premise was great and this had some really fun scenes as Isobel and North travel together and try to outsmart bad guys. But the book went on too long and just had too much dead time between the exciting scenes. I wish some of that unnecessary time was cut out so that we could get to the meat of the story. So sadly, I just couldn't love this one.
I really wanted to love this one. It had so much potential and some really great scenes, but overall this book went on too long and had so much wasted time. I really loved how Isobel had such an interesting past being raised by a mother who was the mistress to a titled gentleman. She now works for a travel company and helps plan trips for people. North needs to get to Iceland to save someone close to him, and he knows that Isobel has been there before. Isobel, though, has nothing but bad memories of Iceland and refuses to go. North has an offer that Isobel can't refuse, though, so the two travel together. Like I said, this premise was great and this had some really fun scenes as Isobel and North travel together and try to outsmart bad guys. But the book went on too long and just had too much dead time between the exciting scenes. I wish some of that unnecessary time was cut out so that we could get to the meat of the story. So sadly, I just couldn't love this one.
July 10, 2024
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋 🦋 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (for the main one, the other was very short)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
The hero from book 1 is a side character in this book but doesn’t play a large part. There is mention of his marriage to the heroine in book 1. Most of the book doesn’t involve this and would be fine to pick up without reading book 1 if you really want to do that. BUT I really loved book 1, which is A Duchess a Day, so I think you should all try it :)
Basic plot
Isobel Tinker is working toward realizing her dream of saving up enough to run her own Travel Shop, so she won’t have to work for the despicable Drummond Hook anymore. Her help is requested by North, whose cousin has been kidnapped by Nordic pirates. North has found out Isobel has insider knowledge of Iceland’s terrain and towns and knows there’s no better guide for his mission.
Give this a try if you want:
- Fairy tale retelling – this one is a wink to Tinkerbelle/Peter Pan vibes
- Regency time period – 1817
- Class difference romance – hero is a duke, heroine is a bastard and daughter of an actress
- A consent filled romance (zero hints of dubcon/noncon here!)
- Lower steam – there’s a few kisses, and 2 sex scenes, one being extremely short
- Experienced heroine – this heroine has experienced life and has had lovers
- Ex-soldier hero/travel agent heroine
- Roadtrip romance – this book starts in London, they travel to Iceland, then return to England for the end of the book
- Heroine is 27 and the hero is “older than her by at least 5 years” (his exact age may have mentioned but I missed it, if so, I think he’s like 6 years older)
My thoughts:
This is my 4th Charis Michaels and I really enjoy her writing style. I find her a wonderful mix of dialogue, character depth and cleverness. I have been loving this most recent series, probably because they are fairy tale retellings and that is just fun! And instead of the commonly done Cinderella, etc book 1 was Snow White and this one is Tinkerbell.
This whole book I found to be a breath of fresh air and newness. I read almost exclusively HR, so some stories can feel the same to me after awhile. Not this one. Iceland? Yes please. A travel agent heroine? I found that part fun and interesting. And a duke that, well, he doesn’t want to be one. He’s lived a life of adventure and he doesn’t want to be stuck in a pile of boring paperwork. It’s a lovely story of two people working together towards a goal. They respect each other. They admire what each other brings to the mission. They trust each other. And ultimately fall in love and humble themselves to each other for the sake of it.
North is caring and sweet and understanding. He’s absolutely not a jerk. He needs Isobel, but more importantly he wants her. He wants her as a partner and he allows her to take the lead when needed and do the hard parts when she can. He doesn’t believe she can’t do it because she’s a woman, or he knows better, or that she should let him do it anyway to keep herself safe. He really trusts her enough and believes in her, and it’s everything to their relationship and her confidence and healing. He wants to know her, the true her she hides from everyone else. And he doesn’t pressure her to shed her layers, he works towards it. He earns it from her.
Isobel is a survivor. She’s lived life, a life many can only imagine. Adventure, risk, travel...It all came to a halt in Iceland. Hurt and a broken, she returns to England. Goals: recover. Never return to Iceland. Work towards a life selling travel dreams to London’s families. North comes and dashes her plans. But she knows she's the one meant for this, to help him.
This book did grip my heart a bit. All the characters just feel so real. They came alive for me. As they shared themselves with each other, I fell more in love with them. Especially Isobel’s heartbreaking history. Much of this story is Isobel’s story. What she has overcome, accomplished, and all she hopes to be.
I'll admit this one the romance itself wasn't quite as gripping to me. The tension was there, but maybe not quite as strong as I prefer. But this is one of those few stories where I just didn't care. I don't care. I loved them so much for other reasons, and was so fascinated with what was happening, I still adored the story itself.
I think this book had a lot of really sweet, romantic parts. Their discourse with each other was funny, and as they shared more with each other, I couldn't help but melt with them. It especially tugged my heart when North called her "S'bell". And one of my favorite parts was witnessing Isobel going in and taking care of business in Iceland. I quite adored that she was the 'hero' here.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋 🦋 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (for the main one, the other was very short)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
The hero from book 1 is a side character in this book but doesn’t play a large part. There is mention of his marriage to the heroine in book 1. Most of the book doesn’t involve this and would be fine to pick up without reading book 1 if you really want to do that. BUT I really loved book 1, which is A Duchess a Day, so I think you should all try it :)
Basic plot
Isobel Tinker is working toward realizing her dream of saving up enough to run her own Travel Shop, so she won’t have to work for the despicable Drummond Hook anymore. Her help is requested by North, whose cousin has been kidnapped by Nordic pirates. North has found out Isobel has insider knowledge of Iceland’s terrain and towns and knows there’s no better guide for his mission.
Give this a try if you want:
- Fairy tale retelling – this one is a wink to Tinkerbelle/Peter Pan vibes
- Regency time period – 1817
- Class difference romance – hero is a duke, heroine is a bastard and daughter of an actress
- A consent filled romance (zero hints of dubcon/noncon here!)
- Lower steam – there’s a few kisses, and 2 sex scenes, one being extremely short
- Experienced heroine – this heroine has experienced life and has had lovers
- Ex-soldier hero/travel agent heroine
- Roadtrip romance – this book starts in London, they travel to Iceland, then return to England for the end of the book
- Heroine is 27 and the hero is “older than her by at least 5 years” (his exact age may have mentioned but I missed it, if so, I think he’s like 6 years older)
My thoughts:
This is my 4th Charis Michaels and I really enjoy her writing style. I find her a wonderful mix of dialogue, character depth and cleverness. I have been loving this most recent series, probably because they are fairy tale retellings and that is just fun! And instead of the commonly done Cinderella, etc book 1 was Snow White and this one is Tinkerbell.
This whole book I found to be a breath of fresh air and newness. I read almost exclusively HR, so some stories can feel the same to me after awhile. Not this one. Iceland? Yes please. A travel agent heroine? I found that part fun and interesting. And a duke that, well, he doesn’t want to be one. He’s lived a life of adventure and he doesn’t want to be stuck in a pile of boring paperwork. It’s a lovely story of two people working together towards a goal. They respect each other. They admire what each other brings to the mission. They trust each other. And ultimately fall in love and humble themselves to each other for the sake of it.
North is caring and sweet and understanding. He’s absolutely not a jerk. He needs Isobel, but more importantly he wants her. He wants her as a partner and he allows her to take the lead when needed and do the hard parts when she can. He doesn’t believe she can’t do it because she’s a woman, or he knows better, or that she should let him do it anyway to keep herself safe. He really trusts her enough and believes in her, and it’s everything to their relationship and her confidence and healing. He wants to know her, the true her she hides from everyone else. And he doesn’t pressure her to shed her layers, he works towards it. He earns it from her.
Isobel is a survivor. She’s lived life, a life many can only imagine. Adventure, risk, travel...It all came to a halt in Iceland. Hurt and a broken, she returns to England. Goals: recover. Never return to Iceland. Work towards a life selling travel dreams to London’s families. North comes and dashes her plans. But she knows she's the one meant for this, to help him.
This book did grip my heart a bit. All the characters just feel so real. They came alive for me. As they shared themselves with each other, I fell more in love with them. Especially Isobel’s heartbreaking history. Much of this story is Isobel’s story. What she has overcome, accomplished, and all she hopes to be.
I'll admit this one the romance itself wasn't quite as gripping to me. The tension was there, but maybe not quite as strong as I prefer. But this is one of those few stories where I just didn't care. I don't care. I loved them so much for other reasons, and was so fascinated with what was happening, I still adored the story itself.
I think this book had a lot of really sweet, romantic parts. Their discourse with each other was funny, and as they shared more with each other, I couldn't help but melt with them. It especially tugged my heart when North called her "S'bell". And one of my favorite parts was witnessing Isobel going in and taking care of business in Iceland. I quite adored that she was the 'hero' here.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
August 13, 2021
Barbara’s Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Awakened by a Kiss #2
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Regency London (and Iceland) - 1817
Number of Pages: 384
I am a bit at war with myself over this book. It is witty and entertaining, yet totally anachronistic – more like reading a contemporary novel. I understand it is a nod to the Peter Pan fairytale with Tinkerbell as the heroine and I think the author did a nice job of working in references with the pirates and the missing watch. I think the ‘Lost Boys’ reference was a bit of a stretch though. I liked both of the lead characters very much, but I would have expected our male lead to be more of an alpha hero than a very beta one. As a much-lauded war hero and agent for the crown, you’d expect someone much more alpha and much less beta. However, I still loved the romance between the two leads.
Jason (North) Beckett is the newly minted Duke of Northumberland, and he isn’t in the least happy about it. He dearly loved his father and two brothers who have pre-deceased him, so now, he’s grieving and having to adapt to a lifestyle he has never wanted. All of his life, he has abhorred idleness, stillness, inactivity and that is all his life as duke will hold. His restlessness has served him well as a soldier and then a secret operative for the crown. Having to give that up is tearing his heart out. He has just one more mission before his work is done – and that mission isn’t an ‘official’ mission, though it really is. His hapless cousin, Reggie, has managed to get himself and several other merchants from his village, captured by pirates. Not just any pirates – no – these are Icelandic pirates. Not a lot is known about Iceland and certainly little, if anything, is known of Icelandic pirates. North needs to find someone with practical knowledge of the country and the language. His agency has a file on a woman who has spent time in Iceland and she speaks the language, all he has to do is convince her to help him. As the manager of the Everland Travel agency, North assumes the lady will be middle-aged, but in his several days of observing the agency, he has only seen two younger women entering – one is very tiny and very lovely. Where can the manager be?
Isobel (Bell) Tinker led a nomadic lifestyle as the daughter of a renowned actress. Together, they traveled the world when Isobel was very young, and when Isobel was older she traveled on her own with the children of others involved in the theater. Seven years ago, that all ended in tragedy for Isobel. Her uncle managed to rescue and retrieve her from Iceland and bring her home to England, and Isobel has sworn that she’ll never, ever, under any circumstances, leave English soil again. What is she to say when a duke approaches her at work and asks for her help? She’ll tell him what she can for the money he offers – but that is all she’ll do. So, when he comes back again and asks her to go to Iceland with him to rescue his cousin – what is she to say except a resounding – NO? What if he sweetens the offer to include her heart’s desire? Uh-Oh!
I loved that a large part of this book took place in Iceland – something you certainly don’t normally see. I loved Jason though he seemed a bit milquetoast to me. I loved Isobel with her strength and intelligence. I loved the vivid descriptions of Iceland, the northern lights, etc. I thought the pirate portion was anticlimactic and much too easily solved.
I enjoyed this book and I can recommend it. It is witty – and heartbreaking – and romantic – and has a lovely HEA to it. However, if you want any semblance of period correctness at all, you might want to read this at your own risk. Since it was a feel-good fairytale, I could ignore all of the anachronisms and just enjoy the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Awakened by a Kiss #2
Publication Date: 8/24/21
Period: Regency London (and Iceland) - 1817
Number of Pages: 384
I am a bit at war with myself over this book. It is witty and entertaining, yet totally anachronistic – more like reading a contemporary novel. I understand it is a nod to the Peter Pan fairytale with Tinkerbell as the heroine and I think the author did a nice job of working in references with the pirates and the missing watch. I think the ‘Lost Boys’ reference was a bit of a stretch though. I liked both of the lead characters very much, but I would have expected our male lead to be more of an alpha hero than a very beta one. As a much-lauded war hero and agent for the crown, you’d expect someone much more alpha and much less beta. However, I still loved the romance between the two leads.
Jason (North) Beckett is the newly minted Duke of Northumberland, and he isn’t in the least happy about it. He dearly loved his father and two brothers who have pre-deceased him, so now, he’s grieving and having to adapt to a lifestyle he has never wanted. All of his life, he has abhorred idleness, stillness, inactivity and that is all his life as duke will hold. His restlessness has served him well as a soldier and then a secret operative for the crown. Having to give that up is tearing his heart out. He has just one more mission before his work is done – and that mission isn’t an ‘official’ mission, though it really is. His hapless cousin, Reggie, has managed to get himself and several other merchants from his village, captured by pirates. Not just any pirates – no – these are Icelandic pirates. Not a lot is known about Iceland and certainly little, if anything, is known of Icelandic pirates. North needs to find someone with practical knowledge of the country and the language. His agency has a file on a woman who has spent time in Iceland and she speaks the language, all he has to do is convince her to help him. As the manager of the Everland Travel agency, North assumes the lady will be middle-aged, but in his several days of observing the agency, he has only seen two younger women entering – one is very tiny and very lovely. Where can the manager be?
Isobel (Bell) Tinker led a nomadic lifestyle as the daughter of a renowned actress. Together, they traveled the world when Isobel was very young, and when Isobel was older she traveled on her own with the children of others involved in the theater. Seven years ago, that all ended in tragedy for Isobel. Her uncle managed to rescue and retrieve her from Iceland and bring her home to England, and Isobel has sworn that she’ll never, ever, under any circumstances, leave English soil again. What is she to say when a duke approaches her at work and asks for her help? She’ll tell him what she can for the money he offers – but that is all she’ll do. So, when he comes back again and asks her to go to Iceland with him to rescue his cousin – what is she to say except a resounding – NO? What if he sweetens the offer to include her heart’s desire? Uh-Oh!
I loved that a large part of this book took place in Iceland – something you certainly don’t normally see. I loved Jason though he seemed a bit milquetoast to me. I loved Isobel with her strength and intelligence. I loved the vivid descriptions of Iceland, the northern lights, etc. I thought the pirate portion was anticlimactic and much too easily solved.
I enjoyed this book and I can recommend it. It is witty – and heartbreaking – and romantic – and has a lovely HEA to it. However, if you want any semblance of period correctness at all, you might want to read this at your own risk. Since it was a feel-good fairytale, I could ignore all of the anachronisms and just enjoy the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2021
4,5⭐
charming and enjoyable!!
however, there were points about their class difference brought up so many times that I found it redundant and annoying...dear author I don't have amnesia eas up with the repetitions...
charming and enjoyable!!
however, there were points about their class difference brought up so many times that I found it redundant and annoying...dear author I don't have amnesia eas up with the repetitions...
August 22, 2021
When You Wish Upon a Duke follows Isobel Tinker, who runs Everland Travel Agency and North, a man in search of someone to help him rescue his cousin. Because of her background, Isobel knows a lot about many different countries, including Iceland. North has one final mission in Iceland, and he seeks Isobel’s help in helping him have a successful one. Isobel is quite happy with her life as a travel agent and has no intention of going back to Iceland. But when North dangles an offer that will secure her future, Isobel can’t resist. However, can Isobel and North resist the growing attraction between them? Will they succeed on this potentially dangerous mission?
Jason “North” Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, is handsome, charming, and intelligent. A newly retired spy, North resents the dukedom, which has been thrust upon him. North longs for adventure and detests stagnation, so having the opportunity to lead one final mission is like a dream come true for him. North is still grieving the loss of his father and brothers, and he is unhappy about his future. He’s also struggling between familial duty and personal desires. Plus, he didn’t expect to develop feelings for Isobel, which adds to his inner turmoil, especially since she is so resistant.
Isobel is wonderful! She is strong and outspoken, a woman who is comfortable taking charge. I think that is part of the reason North falls for her. Behind her reserved and respectable mask, she is adventurous and unafraid. The more that is revealed about Isobel and her younger years, the more you realize why she chose such a sensible and controlled life for herself. I love that she faces life head-on and doesn’t back down. She is brave and strong and fierce, and she lives her life on her terms, whether it is the wilder, unconventional side or the serious and work-oriented side. Even though she presents herself as a self-assured and independent woman, Isobel still struggles with trauma from her past and feelings of worth. As she journeys with North, she faces these inner demons.
Isobel and North have fantastic chemistry from their very first meeting. The way they tease and flirt is funny and charming, and it’s clear that they are a well-matched pair. I like that they challenge each other and share similar feelings about what they long for in life. I also love their ease with each other. They let their walls down and confide in each other, which is rare for both of them. Of course, responsibilities, being of different social classes, feelings of unworthiness, and more stand in their way, but I enjoyed watching them face and deal with their obstacles.
There was something about her that reminded him of a demonstration he’d seen in a chemist’s lab at Oxford: a luminous burst of electrical current flickering inside a tiny glass orb. She strummed. Her bearing suggested coiled energy. He was afraid to look away for fear of missing the explosion.
I also love how patient North is with Isobel and how much he respects her. You can tell that he really understands her and wants what is best for her. He teases and cajoles her, but ultimately North shows an incredible amount of understanding, patience, and love for Isobel. He doesn’t try to control her or squelch her identity as others do. Instead, he embraces and admires her uniqueness, strength, and fearlessness even when he wants to protect and shelter her. They have an amazing love story, and I wholly rooted for their happy ending.
The Icelandic setting enhances the love story between Isobel and North. The Northern Lights, the beautiful scenery, the hot springs, and more create such a magical atmosphere, which is a perfect backdrop for the budding romance between Isobel and North. The high seas adventure, piracy, kidnapped innocents, daring rescues, and more add action and suspense to the story, especially when in Iceland.
Other characters like Isobel’s work friend and both North and Isobel’s mothers are also well-developed and interesting. Many strong and intelligent women in the story contrast with the expectations of society. I love how these women lift each other up, respect, and support each other even though they are so very different. The dialogue and witty banter, as well as the letters included throughout the novel, contribute to the wonderful character development.
When You Wish Upon a Duke is a fun, witty, and swoon-worthy historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are dynamically developed, the story is well-paced and interesting, and the romance is swoon-tastic!!! I also love that it is a nod to Tinkerbell and the story of Peter Pan. Characters, personalities, business names, different elements of the plot, and more are reminiscent of the beloved Peter Pan story.
Though it’s the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, the first book is great too, and another that I highly recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Charis Michaels, and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Jason “North” Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, is handsome, charming, and intelligent. A newly retired spy, North resents the dukedom, which has been thrust upon him. North longs for adventure and detests stagnation, so having the opportunity to lead one final mission is like a dream come true for him. North is still grieving the loss of his father and brothers, and he is unhappy about his future. He’s also struggling between familial duty and personal desires. Plus, he didn’t expect to develop feelings for Isobel, which adds to his inner turmoil, especially since she is so resistant.
Isobel is wonderful! She is strong and outspoken, a woman who is comfortable taking charge. I think that is part of the reason North falls for her. Behind her reserved and respectable mask, she is adventurous and unafraid. The more that is revealed about Isobel and her younger years, the more you realize why she chose such a sensible and controlled life for herself. I love that she faces life head-on and doesn’t back down. She is brave and strong and fierce, and she lives her life on her terms, whether it is the wilder, unconventional side or the serious and work-oriented side. Even though she presents herself as a self-assured and independent woman, Isobel still struggles with trauma from her past and feelings of worth. As she journeys with North, she faces these inner demons.
Isobel and North have fantastic chemistry from their very first meeting. The way they tease and flirt is funny and charming, and it’s clear that they are a well-matched pair. I like that they challenge each other and share similar feelings about what they long for in life. I also love their ease with each other. They let their walls down and confide in each other, which is rare for both of them. Of course, responsibilities, being of different social classes, feelings of unworthiness, and more stand in their way, but I enjoyed watching them face and deal with their obstacles.
There was something about her that reminded him of a demonstration he’d seen in a chemist’s lab at Oxford: a luminous burst of electrical current flickering inside a tiny glass orb. She strummed. Her bearing suggested coiled energy. He was afraid to look away for fear of missing the explosion.
I also love how patient North is with Isobel and how much he respects her. You can tell that he really understands her and wants what is best for her. He teases and cajoles her, but ultimately North shows an incredible amount of understanding, patience, and love for Isobel. He doesn’t try to control her or squelch her identity as others do. Instead, he embraces and admires her uniqueness, strength, and fearlessness even when he wants to protect and shelter her. They have an amazing love story, and I wholly rooted for their happy ending.
The Icelandic setting enhances the love story between Isobel and North. The Northern Lights, the beautiful scenery, the hot springs, and more create such a magical atmosphere, which is a perfect backdrop for the budding romance between Isobel and North. The high seas adventure, piracy, kidnapped innocents, daring rescues, and more add action and suspense to the story, especially when in Iceland.
Other characters like Isobel’s work friend and both North and Isobel’s mothers are also well-developed and interesting. Many strong and intelligent women in the story contrast with the expectations of society. I love how these women lift each other up, respect, and support each other even though they are so very different. The dialogue and witty banter, as well as the letters included throughout the novel, contribute to the wonderful character development.
When You Wish Upon a Duke is a fun, witty, and swoon-worthy historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are dynamically developed, the story is well-paced and interesting, and the romance is swoon-tastic!!! I also love that it is a nod to Tinkerbell and the story of Peter Pan. Characters, personalities, business names, different elements of the plot, and more are reminiscent of the beloved Peter Pan story.
Though it’s the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, the first book is great too, and another that I highly recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Charis Michaels, and Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2021
While I enjoyed the first book of this series, I was disappointed with this second book.
I was only alright with the duke and Isobel. The main reason I did not want to continue this book was because it was draggy. Their conversations did not interest me and they just kept going on and on about their back stories, especially isobel’s.
I get maybe the author wants to emphasise that she is badly scarred but I felt it was too much, to the point that it is compromising the bonding between her and the duke. Everything felt too serious. The chemistry between them is barely there. Once in a while, the duke will make a joke and isobel would laugh, but other than that, there isn’t anything else that I see that make me love love them and the almost non existent chemistry between them.
The start of the book was good but it went downhill somewhere in the middle due to it being draggy so I decided to stop reading at chapter 16.
I was only alright with the duke and Isobel. The main reason I did not want to continue this book was because it was draggy. Their conversations did not interest me and they just kept going on and on about their back stories, especially isobel’s.
I get maybe the author wants to emphasise that she is badly scarred but I felt it was too much, to the point that it is compromising the bonding between her and the duke. Everything felt too serious. The chemistry between them is barely there. Once in a while, the duke will make a joke and isobel would laugh, but other than that, there isn’t anything else that I see that make me love love them and the almost non existent chemistry between them.
The start of the book was good but it went downhill somewhere in the middle due to it being draggy so I decided to stop reading at chapter 16.
October 11, 2022
4.5 stars. Wow, I’m frankly shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. I always have somewhat mixed feelings about fairytale retellings, but this one was SO EXTREMELY WELL DONE. There are some slight nods to Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, etc. But the story was not just a few details away from the originals, like so many retellings are. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a slightly lighter and fun read. This story isn’t angst free, but I never found it to be overwhelming.
Safe; no virgins, hero’s past makes him seem manwhore-adjacent, heroine had one lover in the past and a miscarriage, no ow drama, some slight om drama, no scenes with om/ow, no cheating.
Safe; no virgins, hero’s past makes him seem manwhore-adjacent, heroine had one lover in the past and a miscarriage, no ow drama, some slight om drama, no scenes with om/ow, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
This was cute and I really liked Jason (Bell got a bit frustrating but we persevered) BUT we needed an epilogue!!! I need to see them with kids (their own or adopted) my GAWD. The narrator was great. Needed more spice especially from Thai slow slow burn and two experienced MCs. The scene where he went down was so odd???? She was like he’s moving down my body and oop! climax! Why??? Bc the scene later at the end of the book that scene was at least full?
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.5/5
CWs: Miscarriage
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.5/5
CWs: Miscarriage
August 12, 2021
Jason “North” Beckett, former spy and the new Duke of Northumberland is in desperate need of a woman – but not just any woman, no, he needs Isobel Tinker, the manager of Everland Travel. His cousin Reggie has gotten himself kidnapped by Icelandic pirates and Jason has learned through his contacts in the foreign office that Miss Tinker is not only fluent in Icelandic, but she is very familiar with the country itself after residing there for quite some time years ago.
Isobel Tinker is the daughter of the world-famous actress Georgina Tinker and spent most of her youth touring Europe – with and without her mother. Seven years ago while in Iceland, Isobel’s happy-go-lucky life took a sharp turn into reality and left her alone and broken in heart and soul. With the help of her Aunt and Uncle, she returned to England and vowed to never leave her shores again. So when the Oh-too-handsome duke tries to hire her, she has no problem shutting him down. But when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, neither of them will be prepared for the adventure that awaits them!
This is the second fairytale-inspired story in the series and it is just as fun and entertaining as the first book. For this story, the author has taken her inspiration from Peter Pan and has styled Isobel as a Regency-era Tinker Bell. While set in the Regency era, the author has taken a lot of creative license with what is considered proper etiquette for the period – something she explains in her author notes and honestly didn’t bother me at all. I loved this story, it is filled with witty banter, a duke that doesn’t want to be a duke, pirates, a bit of heartache, barely-warm love scenes, great secondary characters, a heroine who can save herself, and a hero who is fine with that, some incredible imagery and finally a HEA that is anything but typical. As mentioned there is a fair amount of creative license that might bother some readers, as well as title/formal address errors (that bother me, LOL), but overall this is a fun read and I would happily recommend this title. It is the second book in the series, but the books are easily read as standalone titles.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Isobel Tinker is the daughter of the world-famous actress Georgina Tinker and spent most of her youth touring Europe – with and without her mother. Seven years ago while in Iceland, Isobel’s happy-go-lucky life took a sharp turn into reality and left her alone and broken in heart and soul. With the help of her Aunt and Uncle, she returned to England and vowed to never leave her shores again. So when the Oh-too-handsome duke tries to hire her, she has no problem shutting him down. But when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, neither of them will be prepared for the adventure that awaits them!
This is the second fairytale-inspired story in the series and it is just as fun and entertaining as the first book. For this story, the author has taken her inspiration from Peter Pan and has styled Isobel as a Regency-era Tinker Bell. While set in the Regency era, the author has taken a lot of creative license with what is considered proper etiquette for the period – something she explains in her author notes and honestly didn’t bother me at all. I loved this story, it is filled with witty banter, a duke that doesn’t want to be a duke, pirates, a bit of heartache, barely-warm love scenes, great secondary characters, a heroine who can save herself, and a hero who is fine with that, some incredible imagery and finally a HEA that is anything but typical. As mentioned there is a fair amount of creative license that might bother some readers, as well as title/formal address errors (that bother me, LOL), but overall this is a fun read and I would happily recommend this title. It is the second book in the series, but the books are easily read as standalone titles.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
May 17, 2021
Charis Michaels is a new author to this reader and was anticipating reading this book for the first time. "When You Wish Upon a Duke" was quite an interesting historical romance that I did somehow like although it had my attention span wavering in and out of the story. It was a story mostly of conversation between the H/h but the pacing was good. What I didn't like was the lack of steamy that I look forward to in my historical romance readings...this was lacking in that department. What I did like was the Icelandic trips that drew me into the story as if I was right there with the H/h. This was just an okay read for me and I felt a bit lacking when I finished.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions contained in this review are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions contained in this review are my own.
July 23, 2021
It's no secret that I adore Charis Michaels, but this series is just so good. I love her twists on fairy tales. They are so unique and well done and outside of the romance, I am constantly watching for the threads of stories that I know and love woven through the book. When You Wish Upon a Duke has all of the best elements of Tinkerbell/Peter Pan woven through a historical romance. Isobel Tinker is a travel agent to ladies in Regency London and North is a reluctant Duke trying to rescue a group of merchants from a band of pirates. They both have pasts that slowly unfold as the story progresses across England and Europe. Her insecurities paired with his determination provide the perfect conflict and tension between the couple. As a die hard historical romance reader, I love a new twist and perspective. This is just that and more.
August 26, 2021
I just adore romance novels with a fairy tale twist, or that are new takes on classic tales, or that build elements from fairy tales into them. This series reminds me rather of Lenora Bell's Disgraceful Duke's series, where each book pulls in little elements from some story or other.
When You Wish Upon a Duke is a Regency romance with some excellent Peter Pan flavor. Our heroine, Isobel Tinker, flitters about in green dresses with her long blonde hair pulled into a bun atop her head. She works for the dastardly Mr. Hooke at Everland Travel Shop. Isobel is trying so hard to be good, but then North (aka the Duke of Northumberland) sweeps in and tilts her world on its axis.
North is just... *dreamy sigh* I just love an irreverent rogue with a heart of gold. And Isobel is this amazing, daring, strong woman that I'd either like to BE, or be best friends with. The chemistry between Isobel and North is bright and fun, but that brightness also reveals the shadows and caverns within both of them. Their banter is witty and playful, but they also throw some major sparks. Charis Michaels creates such realistic and deep characters that I completely forgot I was reading a book and was just sucked right into this world.
The plot sets this historical romance verging on the edge of almost fantasy, which is lovely to see. There's a lightness and playfulness, and just an element of FUN and ADVENTURE, that made this book really hard to put down! (Which makes sense, really, for a book with a main character based on the infamous Tinkerbell...) I loved every moment of it, even the inevitable third act dark moment/drama (which was DELICIOUS).
This is the second book in the Awakened by a Kiss series, and can be read as a stand-alone. Declan, the hero from the first book in the series, A Duchess A Day, is a side character in this book, but there aren't any spoilers for book one beyond what you'd read on the back cover blurb. (A Duchess A Day is ALSO a really great book, and I highly recommend it!)
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
When You Wish Upon a Duke is a Regency romance with some excellent Peter Pan flavor. Our heroine, Isobel Tinker, flitters about in green dresses with her long blonde hair pulled into a bun atop her head. She works for the dastardly Mr. Hooke at Everland Travel Shop. Isobel is trying so hard to be good, but then North (aka the Duke of Northumberland) sweeps in and tilts her world on its axis.
North is just... *dreamy sigh* I just love an irreverent rogue with a heart of gold. And Isobel is this amazing, daring, strong woman that I'd either like to BE, or be best friends with. The chemistry between Isobel and North is bright and fun, but that brightness also reveals the shadows and caverns within both of them. Their banter is witty and playful, but they also throw some major sparks. Charis Michaels creates such realistic and deep characters that I completely forgot I was reading a book and was just sucked right into this world.
The plot sets this historical romance verging on the edge of almost fantasy, which is lovely to see. There's a lightness and playfulness, and just an element of FUN and ADVENTURE, that made this book really hard to put down! (Which makes sense, really, for a book with a main character based on the infamous Tinkerbell...) I loved every moment of it, even the inevitable third act dark moment/drama (which was DELICIOUS).
This is the second book in the Awakened by a Kiss series, and can be read as a stand-alone. Declan, the hero from the first book in the series, A Duchess A Day, is a side character in this book, but there aren't any spoilers for book one beyond what you'd read on the back cover blurb. (A Duchess A Day is ALSO a really great book, and I highly recommend it!)
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
December 8, 2021
Ugh, I wanted to love this so very much. The first one was the best historical I have read all year. I really do love the way Charis writes but this one was extremely info dumpy.
It started really well, and the plans for this were amazing, the whole peter pan vibes were awesome. The execution did not deliver. I laughed so much during the first one and I was expecting a lot more humor in this, there wasn't any. I still consider the first book of this series to be incredible and I will read the third one when it comes out because I do have hopes that Charis will pick up on her humor and sensuality a lot more, just like in the first one.
This was also absurdly serious, heavy and the characters did have a spark in the beginning, but then after a while, every single dialogue they shared were very long and about their pasts and that broke the spell a little. I am bummed, I wanted to love this.
I think this wasn't for me! Personally. However I think the right person could still appreciate this a lot. It is romantic, surprising and she plays really well with the peter pan details she decided to insert in the story (it is not a retelling) but it gets pretty close. Tinkerbell getting her happy ending in a world where Peter Pan is really just an ass and she finds someone else, it's what all of us always wanted to see. I really do think it just could have been executed better. The first one was also way more sensual, sassy, more feminist. Just go back and try to find my review for the first book in this series, because it was a masterpiece.
:(
July 6, 2022
I expected this to be a road trip type of romance with lots going on. What I got was a scarred heroine with a bland hero on a ship while absolutely nothing happens.
October 23, 2021
Oh this was EXCELLENT. I cannot tell you quite how much I loved reading this. This book was a really great example of the sort of retelling I enjoy most - it's not just following the original plot, but neither is it just using character names on top of another story. The whole thing is very clearly inspired by Peter Pan, but you can also relatively easily ignore that if you wanted to.
There are two choices that Michaels makes here that I think are brilliant, and are probably indicative about what it is about her writing that really works for me:
There are two choices that Michaels makes here that I think are brilliant, and are probably indicative about what it is about her writing that really works for me:
January 26, 2023
So sweet, charming, clever and imaginative!
May 30, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars
I have no idea why I never reviewed this book. But I love Chris Michaels writing so much! I was in a really bad reading slump when I started this, and I am excited to say that this book got me out of it. It was an amazing Peter Pan retelling. And I loved how unique the author made this. It was completely different than any other retelling I've ever read, and it was just so nice. This brought out so many emotions, which is exactly what I needed. I definitely recommend this book!
I have no idea why I never reviewed this book. But I love Chris Michaels writing so much! I was in a really bad reading slump when I started this, and I am excited to say that this book got me out of it. It was an amazing Peter Pan retelling. And I loved how unique the author made this. It was completely different than any other retelling I've ever read, and it was just so nice. This brought out so many emotions, which is exactly what I needed. I definitely recommend this book!
September 7, 2021
Miss Isobel Tinker works as a clerk in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, and dreams of someday owning her own travel agency. Jason “North” Beckett, the new Duke of Northumberland, has one final diplomatic mission and needs a guide. He'll pay for Isobel’s agency, if she agrees to help him on his voyage. But close quarters take them beyond just a professional relationship.
This is the second book in the Awakened By A Kiss fairytale reimagining series. This book can standalone, although the hero from book one has a small role. This book is built on the Peter Pan and Tinkerbell lore, and the winks and nods in the story are plentiful!
Tinkerbell is my favorite Disney character, so I was really excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! Isobel has led an adventurous - and heartbreaking - life...all she wants is to live quietly, away from her past. But Jason barges into her orderly existence, whipping up memories she wished would stay buried. Jason is the opposite...family tragedy has dropped the dukedom in his lap, when he all he wanted was to continue his busy life with the Foreign Office.
I enjoyed watching these characters connect and open up to each other. The steam was low, but I expected that having read other books from Michaels. The Icelandic backdrop was also very intriguing! It was lovely to read about a different location in historical romance. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Working Heroine, Class Difference, Spy/Govt Work, Ship Trip Romance
Steam Rating: 1
Trigger warning for pregnancy loss
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #WhenYouWishUponADuke #NetGalley
This is the second book in the Awakened By A Kiss fairytale reimagining series. This book can standalone, although the hero from book one has a small role. This book is built on the Peter Pan and Tinkerbell lore, and the winks and nods in the story are plentiful!
Tinkerbell is my favorite Disney character, so I was really excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! Isobel has led an adventurous - and heartbreaking - life...all she wants is to live quietly, away from her past. But Jason barges into her orderly existence, whipping up memories she wished would stay buried. Jason is the opposite...family tragedy has dropped the dukedom in his lap, when he all he wanted was to continue his busy life with the Foreign Office.
I enjoyed watching these characters connect and open up to each other. The steam was low, but I expected that having read other books from Michaels. The Icelandic backdrop was also very intriguing! It was lovely to read about a different location in historical romance. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Working Heroine, Class Difference, Spy/Govt Work, Ship Trip Romance
Steam Rating: 1
Trigger warning for pregnancy loss
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #WhenYouWishUponADuke #NetGalley
October 23, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
Miss Isobel Tinker has put her unconventional, transient youth to good use as an adult, employing her language skills and savvy as a clerk in a respectable travel shop. She hopes to save enough to open her own travel shop eventually, but she has no plans to ever again leave England, up until her careful plans are upended by a handsome duke snooping around her shop.
Jason Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland needs someone to guide him on his last, albeit unsanctioned, mission for the Home Office: to rescue his accident-prone cousin from pirates in Iceland. Isabel is the perfect attaché, but she’s incredibly unwilling to cooperate and her beauty is distracting in the extreme.
Jason finally enlists Isabel’s help by promising her own travel shop after they return from their mission, along with a vow to keep their relationship strictly professional. Isobel agrees, though she’d rather not, as she struggles with her unwanted feelings for the duke. As they are forced together on an unwanted adventure, Jason whittles away at Isobel’s defenses, but it may not be enough to convince her of the sincerity of his feelings.
I adored the setup of this book as well as the exotic Icelandic setting of a good portion of the book. Isobel and Jason had explosive chemistry from the beginning, and I was so looking forward to seeing that palpable tension ignite in the face of so much forced proximity. [Possible spoilers from here]. Unfortunately, that’s not quite what happened. It took these MCs so long to finally come together that I despaired of it ever happening. Of course, Isobel had every reason to be afraid of beginning a new relationship, but Jason worked so hard to gain her trust and was never anything but open and sincere with her, so her continued doubt of him and his feelings for her lasted entirely too long for my liking. In fact, the continued resurgence of Isobel’s insecurities and tendencies to push Jason away got very old for me. After such an excellent build up of tension and trust, the third act separation killed the romance, especially since she instigated it by running away and then blamed Jason, despite the fact that he was only doing what she asked and trying to make her feel safe. I adored Jason and the romance here, but it was sadly let down by the heroine’s over the top reticence and I wanted to see these two settled together a lot sooner than we did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Miss Isobel Tinker has put her unconventional, transient youth to good use as an adult, employing her language skills and savvy as a clerk in a respectable travel shop. She hopes to save enough to open her own travel shop eventually, but she has no plans to ever again leave England, up until her careful plans are upended by a handsome duke snooping around her shop.
Jason Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland needs someone to guide him on his last, albeit unsanctioned, mission for the Home Office: to rescue his accident-prone cousin from pirates in Iceland. Isabel is the perfect attaché, but she’s incredibly unwilling to cooperate and her beauty is distracting in the extreme.
Jason finally enlists Isabel’s help by promising her own travel shop after they return from their mission, along with a vow to keep their relationship strictly professional. Isobel agrees, though she’d rather not, as she struggles with her unwanted feelings for the duke. As they are forced together on an unwanted adventure, Jason whittles away at Isobel’s defenses, but it may not be enough to convince her of the sincerity of his feelings.
I adored the setup of this book as well as the exotic Icelandic setting of a good portion of the book. Isobel and Jason had explosive chemistry from the beginning, and I was so looking forward to seeing that palpable tension ignite in the face of so much forced proximity. [Possible spoilers from here]. Unfortunately, that’s not quite what happened. It took these MCs so long to finally come together that I despaired of it ever happening. Of course, Isobel had every reason to be afraid of beginning a new relationship, but Jason worked so hard to gain her trust and was never anything but open and sincere with her, so her continued doubt of him and his feelings for her lasted entirely too long for my liking. In fact, the continued resurgence of Isobel’s insecurities and tendencies to push Jason away got very old for me. After such an excellent build up of tension and trust, the third act separation killed the romance, especially since she instigated it by running away and then blamed Jason, despite the fact that he was only doing what she asked and trying to make her feel safe. I adored Jason and the romance here, but it was sadly let down by the heroine’s over the top reticence and I wanted to see these two settled together a lot sooner than we did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 31, 2021
5 stars
AHHH I'm so late with this review but When You Wish Upon a Duke has to be one of the best books I read this year! I liked this new interpretation for Tinker Bell but in a regency romance setting. It was perfection. North was a great love interest, he did annoy me when they eventually went back to England, a part of me actually wanted someone else to become the Duke or something.
Either way, it was really good!!
AHHH I'm so late with this review but When You Wish Upon a Duke has to be one of the best books I read this year! I liked this new interpretation for Tinker Bell but in a regency romance setting. It was perfection. North was a great love interest, he did annoy me when they eventually went back to England, a part of me actually wanted someone else to become the Duke or something.
Either way, it was really good!!
September 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters I found very entertaining. I that Jason and Isobel’s characters were very strong and maintained a commanding performance and personalities. The writer maintained the intensity and excitement of the story by giving the readers descriptive details in the story. The writer avoided adding ill relevant verbiage that would turn you off from the story. I like the quick pace of the story. This prevents the story from lagging. The romance was sweet and oh so charming. I liked everything about the book.
May 10, 2021
This was one of those stories where the details and plot revolved around the couple and their relationship. In fact, some of the story takes place "off book," which made a huge difference in pacing, and I really loved it. In fact, I wish more authors did this - amazing. In my opinion, Charis Michaels' books are always really substantive.
Jason, Duke of Northumberland, needs to travel to Iceland to save his cousin Reggie from Icelandic pirates. He bullies the proprietor of a lady's travel agency, Isobel, into helping him and leading the trip. Isobel is sort of this fragile, mysterious heroine with a past; part of that past takes place in Iceland, which is why she's the perfect person to assist him.
The majority of the story is comprised of conversations between Jason and Isobel as they embark on a journey to Iceland. All the action takes place in the back half; most of the drama exists in the characters' pasts and present challenges as told to each other. Eventually, the story involves pirates but it's such a small part of the heavy weight of their falling in love.
The Iceland storyline was well researched. I feel like I went on that trip to Iceland with them. Also, it had a lot of heavy themes, but it really worked. And when you finally get to know Isobel's story, there's a nice emotional payoff. The reader feels like they are right there with Jason as he falls in love with her.
The story has steam but might disappoint some - Jason and Isobel do not have sex until the last chapter. Their relationship unfolds emotionally before it does physically. I also really loved the way the book ended,
I have read almost all of Michaels' books, and I always feel like they are so wildly different. She writes trilogies, but each book really stands on its own, and the devil is in the details. I appreciate that about her as a writer. I can't recommend her books enough. This one didn't disappoint and is a good choice if you are looking for something a bit more emotionally heavier.
Jason, Duke of Northumberland, needs to travel to Iceland to save his cousin Reggie from Icelandic pirates. He bullies the proprietor of a lady's travel agency, Isobel, into helping him and leading the trip. Isobel is sort of this fragile, mysterious heroine with a past; part of that past takes place in Iceland, which is why she's the perfect person to assist him.
The majority of the story is comprised of conversations between Jason and Isobel as they embark on a journey to Iceland. All the action takes place in the back half; most of the drama exists in the characters' pasts and present challenges as told to each other. Eventually, the story involves pirates but it's such a small part of the heavy weight of their falling in love.
The Iceland storyline was well researched. I feel like I went on that trip to Iceland with them. Also, it had a lot of heavy themes, but it really worked. And when you finally get to know Isobel's story, there's a nice emotional payoff. The reader feels like they are right there with Jason as he falls in love with her.
The story has steam but might disappoint some - Jason and Isobel do not have sex until the last chapter. Their relationship unfolds emotionally before it does physically. I also really loved the way the book ended,
I have read almost all of Michaels' books, and I always feel like they are so wildly different. She writes trilogies, but each book really stands on its own, and the devil is in the details. I appreciate that about her as a writer. I can't recommend her books enough. This one didn't disappoint and is a good choice if you are looking for something a bit more emotionally heavier.
August 3, 2021
When You Wish Upon A Duke takes you on a journey from England to Iceland and along with romance, you'll get to meet pirates, spies and be thrust back into a ballroom.
Inspired by Peter Pan, this is the story of Isobel Tinker and Jason "North" Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland. When Jason needs someone to guide him through Iceland, he thinks Isobel is a perfect choice and makes her an offer she can't resist. Jason didn't want to leave his job at the Foreign Office and be a Duke. He, like Isobel, loves to travel. Isobel has gone through a lot in life and as a travel agent, she only wants to help people travel. I loved their interactions; both of them have great chemistry and despite being from different rungs of English society, they fit together so well.
While I loved the magical feeling of the story and the action up until their time in Iceland, this book lacked enough steam. Overall, this is a unique take on historical romances and I would recommend it to those who love where the protagonists go on adventure & fall in love.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Inspired by Peter Pan, this is the story of Isobel Tinker and Jason "North" Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland. When Jason needs someone to guide him through Iceland, he thinks Isobel is a perfect choice and makes her an offer she can't resist. Jason didn't want to leave his job at the Foreign Office and be a Duke. He, like Isobel, loves to travel. Isobel has gone through a lot in life and as a travel agent, she only wants to help people travel. I loved their interactions; both of them have great chemistry and despite being from different rungs of English society, they fit together so well.
While I loved the magical feeling of the story and the action up until their time in Iceland, this book lacked enough steam. Overall, this is a unique take on historical romances and I would recommend it to those who love where the protagonists go on adventure & fall in love.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2021
Did not finish at 28%. Just didn’t continue to capture me.
August 27, 2021
When You Wish Upon a Duke is the delightful 2nd addition in Charis Michaels’ Awakened by a Kiss series. I adored the first book in the series, A Duchess a Day, a spin on Snow White, and couldn’t wait to read this book! This one is a spin on Tinkerbell but instead of the usual characters getting their HEAs, this series gives those overlooked fairy tale characters their much-deserved HEAs.
Isobel Tinker works in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, a travel agency that caters to wealthy women. Isobel spent her childhood traveling around Europe with a dangerous crowd and uses her past experiences to create wonderful vacations for her clients. She hopes to own her own travel agency but has zero desires to ever leave the shores of England again. One day Jason, Duke of Northumberland, shows up and needs her help as a travel guide. A recently retired spy for the Foreign Office who has recently (and reluctantly) inherited a Dukedom, Jason has one final mission…to rescue his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Jason knows that Isobel lived in Iceland and that she is the right person to help him rescue his cousin…he just has to convince Isobel to go back to Iceland, a place that holds bad memories for her.
This book was so much fun! The characters, the travel (sea voyage!), Isobel’s strength, pirates, adventure, and Iceland! I cannot think of any other historical romance book that the characters travel to Iceland and it was so refreshing (the Icelandic waterfalls, hot springs, Northern Lights). Isobel and Jason together were such a great balance, I loved their adventurous spirits and how much they bond on their journey together. Jason is such a caring hero who respects Isobel so much but also enjoys teasing her on their journey. Isobel does have tragedy in her past (cw: a past miscarriage) and this book blended those hard, tender moments with the charming and fun moments really well. I adored all the Peter Pan nods in this book and just cannot exclaim more how delightful and charming this read was!
*I received a copy from the author, all thoughts in my review are my own
Isobel Tinker works in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, a travel agency that caters to wealthy women. Isobel spent her childhood traveling around Europe with a dangerous crowd and uses her past experiences to create wonderful vacations for her clients. She hopes to own her own travel agency but has zero desires to ever leave the shores of England again. One day Jason, Duke of Northumberland, shows up and needs her help as a travel guide. A recently retired spy for the Foreign Office who has recently (and reluctantly) inherited a Dukedom, Jason has one final mission…to rescue his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Jason knows that Isobel lived in Iceland and that she is the right person to help him rescue his cousin…he just has to convince Isobel to go back to Iceland, a place that holds bad memories for her.
This book was so much fun! The characters, the travel (sea voyage!), Isobel’s strength, pirates, adventure, and Iceland! I cannot think of any other historical romance book that the characters travel to Iceland and it was so refreshing (the Icelandic waterfalls, hot springs, Northern Lights). Isobel and Jason together were such a great balance, I loved their adventurous spirits and how much they bond on their journey together. Jason is such a caring hero who respects Isobel so much but also enjoys teasing her on their journey. Isobel does have tragedy in her past (cw: a past miscarriage) and this book blended those hard, tender moments with the charming and fun moments really well. I adored all the Peter Pan nods in this book and just cannot exclaim more how delightful and charming this read was!
*I received a copy from the author, all thoughts in my review are my own
June 8, 2023
This book was SO CUTE, honestly the way I'm actually obsessed with this series - if you love Disney/fairytales & historical romance, this is the series for you.
Isobel was such a fun and intriguing main character, and I absolutely loved this take on the Peter Pan story - you can tell this was written by someone who understands and loves the original story. I typically don't like retellings/reimaginings of Peter Pan where Pan is cast as a villain, but this one did it really well and it didn't bother me.
North & Isobel were actually the cutest couple, the yearning, the tension, I love a man obsessed on his knees for her. When he said 'I'm perishing'?! I died. He's such an in love simp and I'm so here for it. Also I adore adore adored the way he let her have her own way and understood her past and how that affected her present actions and respected her for who she is and just really allowed her to be herself while being a supportive partner. Honestly, find me a man like North.
My only pet peeve actually has nothing to do with the content of the book and is the fact that 'When You Wish Upon a Star' is from Pinocchio, not Peter Pan? Like the vibes fit but as a Disney Adult and an autistic with both Disney & Peter Pan being special interests of mine, this bugged me.
Anyway, everything else about this was perfect, 10/10 recommend, this series is making its way into my favourite historical romance series' of all time.
Isobel was such a fun and intriguing main character, and I absolutely loved this take on the Peter Pan story - you can tell this was written by someone who understands and loves the original story. I typically don't like retellings/reimaginings of Peter Pan where Pan is cast as a villain, but this one did it really well and it didn't bother me.
North & Isobel were actually the cutest couple, the yearning, the tension, I love a man obsessed on his knees for her. When he said 'I'm perishing'?! I died. He's such an in love simp and I'm so here for it. Also I adore adore adored the way he let her have her own way and understood her past and how that affected her present actions and respected her for who she is and just really allowed her to be herself while being a supportive partner. Honestly, find me a man like North.
My only pet peeve actually has nothing to do with the content of the book and is the fact that 'When You Wish Upon a Star' is from Pinocchio, not Peter Pan? Like the vibes fit but as a Disney Adult and an autistic with both Disney & Peter Pan being special interests of mine, this bugged me.
Anyway, everything else about this was perfect, 10/10 recommend, this series is making its way into my favourite historical romance series' of all time.
February 19, 2022
What a hoot this book is!!
It's everything you could ever want from a historical romance; laughter and great banter, wit and humour sexiness and sensuality, Great character's an original plot, as I said everything!!
This is what I would call a proper bodice ripper, with a proper bodice-ripping duke and a woman who is more than able to hold on to her bodice.,
There is so much to love about this book, from the eye-catching beautiful cover to the hilarious hi-jinks within the pages, it's such a fabulously, feel-good and romantic story
I love, love, love the setting, putting our gorgeous couple in Iceland and having them watch the northern lights is pure romance. it's so charming and atmospheric I love every detail in those scenes it gives you all the romantic feel and makes you wish you were sitting overlooking the north-lights lit up the sky with a loved one too. It's so pure and free-spirited and utterly whimsical.
I loved this book, it's cosy and yet incredibly sexy, it sizzles and ignites the imagination.
It's everything you could ever want from a historical romance; laughter and great banter, wit and humour sexiness and sensuality, Great character's an original plot, as I said everything!!
This is what I would call a proper bodice ripper, with a proper bodice-ripping duke and a woman who is more than able to hold on to her bodice.,
There is so much to love about this book, from the eye-catching beautiful cover to the hilarious hi-jinks within the pages, it's such a fabulously, feel-good and romantic story
I love, love, love the setting, putting our gorgeous couple in Iceland and having them watch the northern lights is pure romance. it's so charming and atmospheric I love every detail in those scenes it gives you all the romantic feel and makes you wish you were sitting overlooking the north-lights lit up the sky with a loved one too. It's so pure and free-spirited and utterly whimsical.
I loved this book, it's cosy and yet incredibly sexy, it sizzles and ignites the imagination.
August 14, 2021
When You Wish Upon a Duke
2nd book in the Awakened by a Kiss series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
When You Wish Upon a Duke is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last! I truly enjoyed it. I loved the chemistry between Jason and Isobel. Their bantering was so much fun to read and it was fun watching them fall for each other when they really were not expecting to develop feelings.
Jason and Isobel's romance was very sweet and I loved how he gave her the time she needed and respected her decisions on when to take the next step.
This book followed the Peter Pan theme...pirates, ships, our female lead with a last name of Tinker
I have not read the first book, but I will soon look into that!
2nd book in the Awakened by a Kiss series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
When You Wish Upon a Duke is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last! I truly enjoyed it. I loved the chemistry between Jason and Isobel. Their bantering was so much fun to read and it was fun watching them fall for each other when they really were not expecting to develop feelings.
Jason and Isobel's romance was very sweet and I loved how he gave her the time she needed and respected her decisions on when to take the next step.
This book followed the Peter Pan theme...pirates, ships, our female lead with a last name of Tinker
I have not read the first book, but I will soon look into that!
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