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The Night the King Claimed Her
A king, his Cinderella and the night they gave in to their passion… USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson captivates with this royal romance.
The king’s forbidden innocent…
For just twenty-four hours!
When Elsie Wynter is stranded in Silvabon, she dreads seeing arrogant King Felipe. He knows far too much about the scandalous secrets in her past, yet her attraction to him returns with a dangerous intensity…
Felipe has vowed to be the last to wear his kingdom’s heavy crown. He’ll take no queen and sire no heirs. But with tantalizing Elsie back in the palace for one night only, he can think of nothing but finally claiming her… What will Felipe do when their unique fire demands more?
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
The king’s forbidden innocent…
For just twenty-four hours!
When Elsie Wynter is stranded in Silvabon, she dreads seeing arrogant King Felipe. He knows far too much about the scandalous secrets in her past, yet her attraction to him returns with a dangerous intensity…
Felipe has vowed to be the last to wear his kingdom’s heavy crown. He’ll take no queen and sire no heirs. But with tantalizing Elsie back in the palace for one night only, he can think of nothing but finally claiming her… What will Felipe do when their unique fire demands more?
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
14 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Anderson
615 books545 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good.
With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good.
With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2022
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to both for the opportunity to read and review. My own opinion and thoughts.
This one was a bit of a struggle to finish and also wrestled with the rating.
One of the issues I found difficult was the flash backs, how it's written, plus the insertion during the story timeline. Difficult to follow and distracted very much to the flow of the story and comprehension as well.
Elsie Wynter, works at a coffee shop in the small country of Silvabon. She has befriended a sweet teenager, Amelia that has visited the coffee shop. Elsie is gifted in the mandolin and Amelia has musical gifting's as well. Amelia has lost both her parents recently and is recovering from injuries from the accident. Elsie has taken her under her wing and the two have bonded.
Amelia, step brother Felipe is King , he's been advised his step sister is visiting the coffee shop frequently. Concerned he decides to investigate and when he meets Elsie there is a strong attraction and connection. The two start a friendship of sorts but some misunderstanding develops and Elsie flees the country.
Months later she is headed for Spain and the fight has to make an emergency landing on Silvabon. The Felipe is warned by his security team what's transpiring and who's on that flight. He bring's Elsie to him and they cleared up a lot of their misunderstand as well as their feelings for each other. They both have hangups and issues that need to be addressed before they get their HEA.
Another issue I had besides the flash backs is the heroine. I can accept somewhat her hurt from the past but she came across and a very unhappy and somewhat mean heroine. Her responses to Felipe were somewhat harsh and unreasonable in my opinion. She wasn't a heroine I really liked very much.
I will say I loved Felipe and he is the reason that this book has a three start rating. He was wonderful and in my opinion deserved better.
This one was a bit of a struggle to finish and also wrestled with the rating.
One of the issues I found difficult was the flash backs, how it's written, plus the insertion during the story timeline. Difficult to follow and distracted very much to the flow of the story and comprehension as well.
Elsie Wynter, works at a coffee shop in the small country of Silvabon. She has befriended a sweet teenager, Amelia that has visited the coffee shop. Elsie is gifted in the mandolin and Amelia has musical gifting's as well. Amelia has lost both her parents recently and is recovering from injuries from the accident. Elsie has taken her under her wing and the two have bonded.
Amelia, step brother Felipe is King , he's been advised his step sister is visiting the coffee shop frequently. Concerned he decides to investigate and when he meets Elsie there is a strong attraction and connection. The two start a friendship of sorts but some misunderstanding develops and Elsie flees the country.
Months later she is headed for Spain and the fight has to make an emergency landing on Silvabon. The Felipe is warned by his security team what's transpiring and who's on that flight. He bring's Elsie to him and they cleared up a lot of their misunderstand as well as their feelings for each other. They both have hangups and issues that need to be addressed before they get their HEA.
Another issue I had besides the flash backs is the heroine. I can accept somewhat her hurt from the past but she came across and a very unhappy and somewhat mean heroine. Her responses to Felipe were somewhat harsh and unreasonable in my opinion. She wasn't a heroine I really liked very much.
I will say I loved Felipe and he is the reason that this book has a three start rating. He was wonderful and in my opinion deserved better.
August 22, 2023
4.5 stars...
Another good read by this author for me and why haven't I read many of her books before I asked myself.
This is the second romance I have read in less than a week where it takes place within a 24 hour period interspersed with their meeting 3 months prior.
I enjoyed this couple together.
Another good read by this author for me and why haven't I read many of her books before I asked myself.
This is the second romance I have read in less than a week where it takes place within a 24 hour period interspersed with their meeting 3 months prior.
I enjoyed this couple together.
July 25, 2022
Fairy tale of a fairy tale!
August 9, 2022
Umm, this is not my type of read – hence the rating, but is an interesting book if you like royal settings.
This is the story of Felipe (about to be King of small European island nation) and Elsie (talented amateur musician drifting around Europe taking short term work, whilst fleeing the infamy of a social media pile on following family betrayal). Elsie comes into Felipe’s life via her friendship with his musically talented niece. The story has a double timeline which it partly switches between but largely takes place over 24 hours or so at the point of Felipe’s coronation.
The emotional tension in this book comes from Felipe’s inability to trust in love matches mainly due to his fractured family background and his sense of duty to country and from Elsie’s vulnerability to trusting again (she has been badly betrayed by her family after losing her Mum and then suffers at the hands of public opinion via internet trolling). Elsie’s social media infamy makes her tarnished goods for an heir to a throne.
The set-up of this book is my least favourite type of romantic read; I’m not fond of highly situational meet ups; or of central characters with vast differences in social standing and I can do without old fashioned royalty and its trappings. This genre leaves the characters too wooden and the emotions too superficial for me. They often are not an emotional enough read for me and the pomp and glitz just turns me off. Accordingly, this was just not my type of thing. However, I did find the storyline connected to the social media pile on interesting, fresh and brave and the structure of the book (largely told over 24 hours) added to the intensity of the read.
If you like glitz, royalty and something a bit different, this might be for you. If you are looking for an emotional punch that draws you in and relatability, you may be less enamoured.
I read an advance copy of this book.
This is the story of Felipe (about to be King of small European island nation) and Elsie (talented amateur musician drifting around Europe taking short term work, whilst fleeing the infamy of a social media pile on following family betrayal). Elsie comes into Felipe’s life via her friendship with his musically talented niece. The story has a double timeline which it partly switches between but largely takes place over 24 hours or so at the point of Felipe’s coronation.
The emotional tension in this book comes from Felipe’s inability to trust in love matches mainly due to his fractured family background and his sense of duty to country and from Elsie’s vulnerability to trusting again (she has been badly betrayed by her family after losing her Mum and then suffers at the hands of public opinion via internet trolling). Elsie’s social media infamy makes her tarnished goods for an heir to a throne.
The set-up of this book is my least favourite type of romantic read; I’m not fond of highly situational meet ups; or of central characters with vast differences in social standing and I can do without old fashioned royalty and its trappings. This genre leaves the characters too wooden and the emotions too superficial for me. They often are not an emotional enough read for me and the pomp and glitz just turns me off. Accordingly, this was just not my type of thing. However, I did find the storyline connected to the social media pile on interesting, fresh and brave and the structure of the book (largely told over 24 hours) added to the intensity of the read.
If you like glitz, royalty and something a bit different, this might be for you. If you are looking for an emotional punch that draws you in and relatability, you may be less enamoured.
I read an advance copy of this book.
August 23, 2022
The Night the King Claimed Her by Natalie Anderson is very enjoyable, dramatic slow-burn romance which features a very regal, selfish, spoilt, furious and possessive King – just how i like ’em.
I love dramatic beginnings, where you are pulled in from the start. An unexpected landing in the country she was kicked out introduces the heroine Elsie. The first chapter was fast paced and I loved how I had no clue why Elsie was told to LEAVE. NOW! At the same time the hero, King Felipe, is alerted to the unexpected plane drama and the unwanted passenger, although Elsie is under a different name (Why?). With his impending coronation, top security is in place. And when Elsie is whisked dramatically out of the airport I was on the edge of my seat for an explanation.
Elsie was set to become the King’s stepsister’s music teacher in an official capacity but after a terrible misunderstanding, Elsie thinks she must leave King Felipe’s beautiful country at once. With her family history, she’s not at all surprised she has to go on the run. When Elsie and Felipe come face to face again the attraction is instant. Unfortunately Elsie’s past is catching up quickly and she’s mortified Felipe will learn the truth (or not the truth) about her terrible family.
I loved the way the author captured the musical theme and wove it into her love story. It’s central to the romance. I loved the slow burn; it was built up perfectly for the expected explosion. It was captured perfectly when Felipe was immediately enchanted by Elsie after he finds her softly strumming her instrument and hears her beautiful voice. I loved the King was so kingly and I enjoyed the addition of his little stepsister. I enjoyed the flashbacks; I enjoy any attempt to make one Harlequin Presents different from another when there is only so many troupes that can be used.
I could be biased being a Kiwi myself but I really, really enjoyed Natalie Anderson’s latest offering.
I love dramatic beginnings, where you are pulled in from the start. An unexpected landing in the country she was kicked out introduces the heroine Elsie. The first chapter was fast paced and I loved how I had no clue why Elsie was told to LEAVE. NOW! At the same time the hero, King Felipe, is alerted to the unexpected plane drama and the unwanted passenger, although Elsie is under a different name (Why?). With his impending coronation, top security is in place. And when Elsie is whisked dramatically out of the airport I was on the edge of my seat for an explanation.
Elsie was set to become the King’s stepsister’s music teacher in an official capacity but after a terrible misunderstanding, Elsie thinks she must leave King Felipe’s beautiful country at once. With her family history, she’s not at all surprised she has to go on the run. When Elsie and Felipe come face to face again the attraction is instant. Unfortunately Elsie’s past is catching up quickly and she’s mortified Felipe will learn the truth (or not the truth) about her terrible family.
I loved the way the author captured the musical theme and wove it into her love story. It’s central to the romance. I loved the slow burn; it was built up perfectly for the expected explosion. It was captured perfectly when Felipe was immediately enchanted by Elsie after he finds her softly strumming her instrument and hears her beautiful voice. I loved the King was so kingly and I enjoyed the addition of his little stepsister. I enjoyed the flashbacks; I enjoy any attempt to make one Harlequin Presents different from another when there is only so many troupes that can be used.
I could be biased being a Kiwi myself but I really, really enjoyed Natalie Anderson’s latest offering.
July 30, 2022
The Night The King Claimed Her is a Harlequin/ Mills & Boon Modern novel written by Natalie Anderson.
Elsie Wynter is a mandolin player who was working in a small coffee shop in Silvabon. She was befriended by the King’s step sister Amelia and they bonded over the love of music. When King Felipe found out he wanted to meet Elsie as he was suspicious of her motives for befriending someone much younger than herself.
When the two meet there is a strong attraction which culminates in a 24 hour love affair and Elsie leaving the country. Several months later Elsie is travelling to Spain and the plane makes an emergency landing in Silvabon just before Felipe’s coronation. Elise’s name is recognised on the flight manifest and his security team remove her from the flight and she is brought before him. All the past misunderstandings are cleared up but will they get their HEA?
I enjoyed this book. I especially liked the detailed description of the medieval castle, it was so realistic. I have mixed thoughts about the flash backs. As a writing device flashbacks can add to the storyline help set the scene. I enjoyed some of them but some seemed slightly unnecessary and confusing. The characters seemed realistic - the heroine wasn’t sickly sweet but forthright and rightly bitter about what had happened to her. Felipe was the caring brother who wanted what was best for his step sister.
This novel was #gifted to me by Natalie Anderson via BookFunnel. This has not affected the views expressed in this review.
July 5, 2022
This is a wonderful blooming-love in mere twenty-four hours from Natalie Anderson and I quite loved it. I loved how Natalie Anderson cleverly wrote the plot from the present to the past and to the present until it reached the coronation of Felipe. Everything began when Amalia, Felipe’s stepsister often visits a cafe where Elsie works, and it frightens Felipe, because he is so overprotective mainly because of his parents’ scandal in the palace. Despite their age gap, Amalia adores Elsie as they share music and Elsie plays mandolin for her therefore Felipe invites Elsie to the palace to teach Amalia.
I felt deep empathy for Elsie, a nomadic innocent who travel after travel when people commence figuring out who she is and judging her nonetheless she copes with the predicament. She is brave, strong and independent. Felipe and Elsie have misunderstanding after their first encounter thus when Felipe finds Elsie before his coronation, he determinedly brings her to the palace again and their sexual attraction apparently has yet to disappear.
The splendid medieval palace has its appeal for me as I was taken into lots of secret paths and labyrinths, furthermore how the rite of the coronation caught my imagination of Felipe being a king. The book is deliciously packed with emotional affairs and entertaining romance. Thank you, Natalie Anderson, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
I felt deep empathy for Elsie, a nomadic innocent who travel after travel when people commence figuring out who she is and judging her nonetheless she copes with the predicament. She is brave, strong and independent. Felipe and Elsie have misunderstanding after their first encounter thus when Felipe finds Elsie before his coronation, he determinedly brings her to the palace again and their sexual attraction apparently has yet to disappear.
The splendid medieval palace has its appeal for me as I was taken into lots of secret paths and labyrinths, furthermore how the rite of the coronation caught my imagination of Felipe being a king. The book is deliciously packed with emotional affairs and entertaining romance. Thank you, Natalie Anderson, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
hq-to-read
July 24, 2022The king’s forbidden innocent…
For just twenty-four hours!
When Elsie Wynter is stranded in Silvabon, she dreads seeing arrogant King Felipe. He knows far too much about the scandalous secrets in her past, yet her attraction to him returns with a dangerous intensity…
Felipe has vowed to be the last to wear his kingdom’s heavy crown. He’ll take no queen and sire no heirs. But with tantalizing Elsie back in the palace for one night only, he can think of nothing but finally claiming her… What will Felipe do when their unique fire demands more?
From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
For just twenty-four hours!
When Elsie Wynter is stranded in Silvabon, she dreads seeing arrogant King Felipe. He knows far too much about the scandalous secrets in her past, yet her attraction to him returns with a dangerous intensity…
Felipe has vowed to be the last to wear his kingdom’s heavy crown. He’ll take no queen and sire no heirs. But with tantalizing Elsie back in the palace for one night only, he can think of nothing but finally claiming her… What will Felipe do when their unique fire demands more?
From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
August 12, 2022
I cannot even force myself to read more than maybe 10 pages at a time. Not only is this one boring, but it is also creepy with its BDSM undertones. I for one am not turned on by the idea of being locked up in a dungeon, and no interest in silk ropes (I peaked to the end to see if it would get any better).
The writing was incoherent and choppy, and italic font is just annoying. I don’t buy all the angst and drama over meeting someone for a few hours.
I hope I remember not to waste my time on any more of this author’s books. Hard pass for me.
The writing was incoherent and choppy, and italic font is just annoying. I don’t buy all the angst and drama over meeting someone for a few hours.
I hope I remember not to waste my time on any more of this author’s books. Hard pass for me.
April 22, 2022
Elsie thought she had left King Felipe in her past. But when an emergency plane landing brings her back to his country on the eve of his coronation, will they get a second shot at love? Or will secrets and duty stymie their happily ever after?
I liked this book! (3 stars is a liked in my book) This book was a fast, fun read. Elsie and Felipe were great characters. Spicy as expected!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this e-arc. All opinions my own
I liked this book! (3 stars is a liked in my book) This book was a fast, fun read. Elsie and Felipe were great characters. Spicy as expected!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this e-arc. All opinions my own
May 9, 2022
2.5 stars. I struggled to finish this one. The flashbacks distracted from the story. Elsie bonded with the new King's newly orphaned stepsister but fled after a misunderstanding. Now a year later, Elsie is stranded in the kingdom due to an emergency on her plane. I found the h too independent and a little too insecure and she came across as harsh. I liked the H but his reasons for never marrying and never having kids seemed a bit selfish and kind of lame.
July 28, 2022
Whew, that was a great story! The angst was real in this one! Jesus, I think I shed a tear or two while reading this drama 😢! Thank God, this was an HP because I could see them not being together, if this was real life.
The H’s father story bought in my mind Harry and Megan. I wonder if this is how he felt when the British press treated Megan so horribly. The only difference was Harry really wasn’t in line to take the throne no time soon, so I am happy he made the choice they did.
The H’s father story bought in my mind Harry and Megan. I wonder if this is how he felt when the British press treated Megan so horribly. The only difference was Harry really wasn’t in line to take the throne no time soon, so I am happy he made the choice they did.
July 28, 2022
3/5 Stars
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
I enjoyed my time reading this book. I will admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of the flashbacks. They felt a little odd and out of place. They pulled me from the present storyline. Overall I still had a great time, I'm always a sucker for a royal romance!
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
I enjoyed my time reading this book. I will admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of the flashbacks. They felt a little odd and out of place. They pulled me from the present storyline. Overall I still had a great time, I'm always a sucker for a royal romance!
August 8, 2022
This story was a refreshing take on the prince/king trope, where the hero was not a total A-hole. I liked both characters, however, their conflict seemed a little far fetched, as did some of the timeline occurrences. Overall, I enjoyed this story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 11, 2025
Both main characters were insufferable.
The flipping back and forth from past/present was not well suited to the story.
It drove me crazy from start to finish, and not in a good way.
Bleh.
I'm officially done with Harlequin romance novels.
The flipping back and forth from past/present was not well suited to the story.
It drove me crazy from start to finish, and not in a good way.
Bleh.
I'm officially done with Harlequin romance novels.
July 20, 2022
Love it
July 28, 2022
Natalie Anderson’s writing is immersive and entertaining. Enjoyed the angst and the sexy times between the H/h in this novel. 4 Stars ⭐️
October 24, 2022
I very much dislike books that jump back and forth in time to the extent this one did.
I could forgive that, but I didn't believe the contection between the two main characters.
Couldn't finish it
I could forgive that, but I didn't believe the contection between the two main characters.
Couldn't finish it
October 10, 2022
I congratulate the author for trying something new. This story is intense and emotional and ultimately very satisfying. Her writing is fluid and powerful. I loved that aspect of the book.
However, I really could not buy the name she chose for her heroine. I mean ‘Elsie?’ Oddly, the transposition of two letter would have resulted in ‘Elise’ which is an elegant, aristocratic, artistic name.
Whereas Elsie reminds me of wartime grannies dressed in their pinnies , gossiping over the wall separating their gardens. I couldn’t help giggling every time I read it.
I found Elsie a bit of an aggressive bore a lot of the time. I adored Felipe. even whilst I really never understood him. In spite of those qualms, the character development was beautifully done.
NA is one of my favourite authors, but although I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I have enjoyed so many of her books, I would still highly recommend it.
However, I really could not buy the name she chose for her heroine. I mean ‘Elsie?’ Oddly, the transposition of two letter would have resulted in ‘Elise’ which is an elegant, aristocratic, artistic name.
Whereas Elsie reminds me of wartime grannies dressed in their pinnies , gossiping over the wall separating their gardens. I couldn’t help giggling every time I read it.
I found Elsie a bit of an aggressive bore a lot of the time. I adored Felipe. even whilst I really never understood him. In spite of those qualms, the character development was beautifully done.
NA is one of my favourite authors, but although I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as I have enjoyed so many of her books, I would still highly recommend it.
July 27, 2022
King Felipe wants to know why Elsie abandoned him and his sister. When Elsie's plane makes an emergency landing in his country, he gets his chance. Will they be able to make amends for past mistakes?
This is a heartwarming, uplifting book. I enjoyed the characters and the romance. Felipe's young sister was a wonderful addition to the story.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a heartwarming, uplifting book. I enjoyed the characters and the romance. Felipe's young sister was a wonderful addition to the story.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 29, 2022
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This was a crazy read. I mean totally unbelievable. But yet it made me laugh and I still enjoyed it. The characters were fun. I felt for poor Elsie. The king Felipe was interesting. The plot was so out there and it all happened in like a day or two. Wow Still it was fun. 3 stars
May 17, 2024
I didn't like the first few chapters, due to the use of flashbacks. However, once past that I enjoyed the story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews