I really enjoyed the first book in this series and the set-up for French royals trying to forge their way after the trauma of The Terror is so unique and fresh! But this one didn’t work for me as well as book one (which is the older sister of our MMC!)

I loved that this was a sorta kinda second chance between the daughter of an Earl and a Prince of the French royal family. Betrothed as children, they haven’t seen each other in 15 years since Gabriel fled France and took to living in the woods in England. It’s a unique story set-up and I thought both characters were so lovely. Gabriel is a bit of a recluse that’s determined to stay buried as the prince. And I loved that we really get to see his struggle with wanting to help Lady Ryan but being terrified to do it because it means giving up his life rehabilitating horses in peace. And Ryan is my favorite type of historical lady: fiercely protective of her family but also kind compassionate to Gabriel’s fears.

Unfortunately I struggled with the pacing and it really made it hard for me to enjoy the story. The first 40% takes place over 24 hours and then the rest of the story is a mad dash to fulfill the plot and relationship development and story resolution. If it had been more evenly spread, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time getting through the story. But I was really struggling to stay engaged.

Not my least favorite from Michaels, but not one of her best.

Lady Ryan ventures to England from the Channel Islands to search for the long lost Prince D’Orleans. They were betrothed in childhood and now his cousin is laying claim to the princedom in Gabriel’s absence. Gabriel has retreated into the forest, changed his name and life, in order to keep himself safe. What he doesn’t realize is that the revolution in France is long over, and no one is searching for him anymore. This is the second installment of the D’Orleans children but can be read as a stand alone. Gabriel’s transition from the lone man back to civilization is done very well. He fights it but realizes his love for Ryan triumphs over everything!

I really adored this romance. From the lush writing to the character growth.. everything about The Prince’s Bride worked for me. I highly recommend it!

This historical romance book was amazing! The romance was very well done and I loved it so much. I loved the character development in this book.

The second in the Hidden Royals series, this is a delightful historical romance featuring a strong heroine searching for the lost prince she was betrothed to as a young child. Lady Ryan needs help to save her family from the villain who claims he is the new prince, while Prince Gabriel has changed his name and wants nothing to do with his title, having made a life for himself in a forest as a very successful horse trainer. Their journey is one well worth taking, and I look forward to the next installment. Highly recommended.

Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry desperately needs to find her missing betrothed – an exiled French Prince believed to be dead. She follows the only clue left her: an old letter postmarked near an ancient, spooky forest. Ryan finds herself rescued by a gruff and reclusive horse trainer, only to discover he is the prince she is searching for. However, Gabriel is reluctant to help Ryan escape his cousin’s evil machinations. Can Ryan convince Gabriel to leave the safety of his forest home? Or will she be forced to find another way to save her home and her sisters?

Gabriel Reign purposely abandoned his royal persona. He now lives a modest life in the middle of the forest working with horses. However, his solitary life is turned upside down when Gabriel rescues a woman from highwaymen. The lady turns out to be his childhood betrothed. Gabriel empathizes with Ryan’s plight, but he fears leaving the safety of the forest. Can Gabriel find the courage to step out of his comfort zone? Will he willingly assume his old role to protect Ryan?

Ryan surprised me in a delightfully good way. She is a woman who knows her limitations and accepts them. I admire Ryan’s inner strength. She would do anything to protect her home and sisters from a self-absorbed jerk. Ryan even dared to travel alone without protection. What I liked the most about Ryan is her acceptance of Gabriel’s fear. She understood his reluctance to leave the forest; she did not berate him but empathized with him.

I admit I have a weakness for any hero who shares my youngest son’s name (lol). Even better when that hero is a wounded or tortured type. Gabriel totally tugged on my heartstrings. He is a survival, one who has endured such heartrending ordeals. I understand Gabriel’s reasons for becoming a recluse living in the forest. The author did a good job showing the effects of his trauma. And I like that Gabriel was not instantly “cured”. Every milestone he faced was a trial for him.

I am new to this author’s works. Sadly, I did not read the first book (SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS). I remember looking at it, intrigued by the synopsis but my review queue was full at the time. My loss, one that I hope to remedy soon.

However, that aside, it did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy the story. The book can easily stand alone. Elise and Killian, the couple from the first book, play a vital role in the second half of the story. I am anticipating the next (and final) installment!

Charis Michaels is one of my all time favorites. This novel was absolutely lovely. I was blessed enough to receive an arc of book 1 and now the sequel. Michaels writes with lush prose and true emotion. A fabulous historical romance, with a royal twist. An absolute joy to read.

I really enjoyed this romance! It was fast paced and sexy and romantic. I also loved the writing, as it kept me engaged the entire time. The cover is an adorable bonus as well. Highly recommend!

Charis Michaels always does a good job of setting a unique scene, giving you likable character (and a few bad ones), and a love to root for. This book was no different.

A lost prince, a lady willing to do anything to find him, a bad guy needing to get what’s coming to him. Right from the start this book hooks you and doesn’t let go.

If you like a fast paced romance you’ll enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Harper for the ARC.

The Hidden Royals series remains Top Tier.

The Prince's Bride features Gabriel, a French prince who fled during the terror and is presumed dead, but really he is hiding in an english forest training horses and living in a cave and doing Just Feral Guy Things. And then his former fiance seeks him out because she needs his help to oust his odious cousin who is trying to usurp Gabriel's title and his former betrothal and all that comes with it--namely, Lady Marianne's (aka Ryan's) home and family. And then Gabriel goes feral for Ryan.

This book is focused on coaxing Gabriel out of the self-imposed isolation caused by trama from the french revolution and being hounded by those for and against the french kings during his childhood and offering him opportunity and incentive to reunite with his sister and rejoin the wider world, and he does this by going after what he really wants--Ryan. He wants to be a man who can support her and assist her and help her and not be held back by fear and trauma, and he works to be that man for her. I also really loved Ryan's patience and her kindness and her also untapped feralness for Gabriel. This book is very hot.

Definitely a five star romance read. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC. The Prince's Bride comes out May 21, 2024.
Heat level: 4.5 (serious pining and UST leading up to major fireworks)