Fun twist on the Peter Pan story. There's a Tinkerbell, a Captain Hook, Lost Boys, a ship, and more. Plus: a female travel agent in old timey England??? Excellent!

Isobel Tinker has had her fun when she was younger, and now at the ripe old of age of twenty-seven she wants nothing more than to settle down and work at a travel shop giving young ladies their once in a lifetime trip to see the world. Jason Beckett, Duke of Northumberland, has other ideas. He needs Isobel as a translator and guide to venture to Iceland with him to rescue his cousin from a band of pirates who have taken them prisoner.

“Inside her mind and her heart, hidden where no one could see, her response had been the most wonderful sort of unfurling. She’d heard everything he’d said from the smallest half sentence to the declaration that he “valued” her too much to trade. The words had been a warm sun thawing soil. Her heart had sprung up, growing from a hard seed, buried deep, into a life that wanted to flourish.”

This book was an adventure from the beginning to the end. A fairy tale retelling of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell that was full of life, unconventional characters, and heart stopping romance. I enjoyed this story with all the quirky characters. Isobel was fearless and unexpected. I found her so refreshing once she opened up and explained her back story. There was so much heartbreak in her young life that it really endeared her to me. Jason was wonderful too because he never judged Isobel for her parentage or her past mistakes. He was always kind to her and showed her his love in many different ways. Their relationship was syrupy sweet and exceptionally fun. I bet this couple will be going on many adventures together having the time of their lives.

This book wasn’t perfect though, and I think that is because at some points I found myself getting frustrated at Isobel when she was not trusting Jason even though he had given her absolutely every reason in the world to believe in him and his word. In my opinion, Jason is one of the most steadfast heroes that I have ever read. I feel like he is a constant and strong man who always supports Isobel even though she doesn’t see it. This kept going even through to the end where she would fully close herself off, and it even caused a misunderstanding between them that kept them parted for way too long in my opinion.

If you like less angsty reads full of adventure and romance like those of Anna Bennett or Amelia Grey then give this book a shot.

~ Michelle

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!)

The heroine is done with traveling around Europe and wants to stay firmly in England. But the hero needs a guide for a last mission for the Foreign Office before focusing on being a duke. As the two travels around certain European countries, the two fall in love. How will this relationship last after the mission ends?

This Charis Michaels book was an enjoyable read and a solid addition to the series. I liked the author's writing style and the couple was definitely entertaining as their relationship progresses throughout the story. Definitely looking forward to reading more Charis Michaels books in the future.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

What a charming take on the Peter Pan fairytale! This book is fun and interesting and romantic. I loved Jason and Isobel so much. And the author's descriptions of Iceland were truly breathtaking. I'm looking forward to more books in the Awakened by a Kiss series.

Many thanks to the publisher, Avon, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

North & Tinker(Bell)

I am thoroughly enjoying the very modern take on a historical fairytale re-imagining that is Charis Michaels series.
Isobel Tinker (Tinker Bell, of course) agrees to aid North, a duke in need of a travel guide on his last adventure before he well, becomes a duke. Adventure, pirates, Everland (wink). It was fanciful and very much embraced the Peter Pan cannon, only for grown ups with adventure and some sauciness.

Recommend.

This was delightful! Never wanted it to end.
This is a fairytale retelling with a regency setting. I loved this idea from the first book and continued to love it in this one. I'm a sucker for fairytale retellings so this is right up my alley.
I loved that this book's heroine is inspired by Tinkerbell. I think that's so different from the typical fairytale retellings we get. It made the story more interesting and unpredictable.
I also enjoyed that the setting changes throughout the book. So much fun to see other places, especially since quarantine.
This was sweet, steamy and filled with adventure. Would definitely recommend!

Dreams do come true in Tinkerbell-inspired book “When You Wish Upon a Duke” by Charis Michaels! Well-traveled Isobel Tinker was minding a business when she finally decided to confront the “Lurker” in front of Everland Travel. All five-foot-two-inches of her and her parasol found Jason aka North, new Duke of Northumberland, at the back door looking for his future cultural attaché for a rescue mission. Not believing North was a duke and preparing for her meeting with the welcomingly-absent owner of her workplace, Isobel dismissed him. The semi-retired spy used his tricks of the trade to get a clandestine meeting with her to explain why he needs her expertise. Said meeting consisted of answering questions, kissing to hide her identity from scandal, then telling him to leave her alone. A few days later, Bell escaped her boss’s ultimatum and agreed to accompany North to a land she promised never to return to in exchange for her own building.

I thought this book was so charming and I smile every time I read the word “shimmer!” There was travel (by sailing, not flying), pirates, tummy-upsetting fairy dust, familiar names, and the color green. I love to travel so I loved that aspect of the book. We got to escape to Iceland where Isobel and North got to experience its wonders, and she got to heal from and replace bad memories.

I enjoyed S’bell who was feisty, goal-oriented, and knowledgeable. I got a kick out of how she would barely let North explain himself throughout the book, for goodness sake he was a duke. North acted, as always, in spy-mode so he spoke to her as a person. I loved that North saw how valuable S’bell was as an informant, and how capable she was as an escapist. I love that they would have conversations and when things got too serious, they intuitively lightened up the mood.

I am enchanted by book! If you want to read about a heroine who dreams and works for a happier future despite her circumstances, then this book is for you. If you want to read about a cinnamon roll hero who cares about his relations and does not mind a female being an equal, then this book is for you! If you like stories about hope and realizing we can be whatever we want to be, then this book is for you!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I liked this book. The writing was well done and the characters likable. I definitely liked book one better. Things feels kind of bogged down here and there as the story unfolds and although I could feel sparks between this couple there was sadly very little heat. This book offers up a very modern twist on a historical romance, so if you like your books historically accurate you are going to be disappointed. I can't say that I'm a huge Tinkerbelle fan but I do think the concept behind this series is clever and as a whole, I thought it was a fun read.

This is the first Charis Michaels book I have read and I was completely swept away by this story and her writing style. I'll be reading "A Duchess A Day" next. Each of the books in this series is loosely based on a fairytale.

I'll admit I was so caught up in the romance, I missed the nods to Peter Pan until I was half-way through and read another review. **Palm to face** BUT, in my defense, the storyline was so great and I devoured it so fast, that I didn't really need the Peter Pan comparisons to thoroughly enjoy the ride.

Instead of Neverland, you get to escape to Iceland to save people from pirates and fall in love with a sexy, spy Duke! Yes please. I prefer this version! No Peter necessary.

This book could've easily ended with their adventure's conclusion and relied on reader to infer the "happily ever after," but Michaels goes on to write about what happened in the weeks after their big adventure back in the "real world" to give the love story a realistic wrap-up. They still have to face the society's challenges to their union when they get home. They have to create a world they can both co-exist in happily together. It was lovely watching Jason and Isobel create their own Neverland together.

Steam level is about a three out of five. Nothing too racy or excessive, but definitely a few satisfying moments. Hot springs make-out sesh is not to be missed!

A fairytale story wrapped up in a historical romance setting. This book is full of adventures and love.

Isobel Tinker spent her childhood running around Europe with a crowd of other young people and little supervision. After leaving that life behind, she uses her experiences and language skills to manage the Everland Travel Shop. She never wants to leave England again and just wants an opportunity to own her own travel agency. Then Jason Beckett, Duke of Northumberland, shows up at her doorstep wanting her help. He has a final mission for the Foreign Office – rescuing his cousin from Nordic pirates. He figures that Isobel is the perfect translator and cultural attaché. If she helps him, North will give her a building, allowing her to have her own travel agency. She agrees on the condition of strict professionalism throughout their trip. But their adventures in Iceland might lead to more temptation than they can handle.

This book is based on the story of Peter Pan, and right off the bat you really get swept up into that same feeling of adventure and romance. I enjoyed the way Charis Michaels was able to twist the elements of Peter Pan to fit into the gender-bent historical setting of this book. Isobel is a complete badass, a fact that’s completely clear right from the beginning, even before we really get to know her. North is difficult to like at the start, because it’s easy to understand how Isobel feels about men who are too charming and how dangerous they are. I think that’s very relatable even today. However, he quickly loses that slick exterior and we get to know him better, making him much more likeable. Although there are definitely moments where he wants to protect Isobel because he loves her and she’s a woman, he understands that she’s a capable, independent person in her own right and tries to control his initial instincts.

There were a few moments in the middle of the book that were a bit slow because they were stuck on a boat. It was great to have an opportunity for us to get to know both Isobel and North a lot better, but reading long passages of them recalling earlier bits of their lives was not my favorite way to learn about characters. Once they got to Iceland, the pace picked up quite a bit and I enjoyed watching them figure out how to implement their rescue. Iceland provided a beautiful, atmospheric setting and it was fun to see how they explored their surroundings while also trying to get other things done. The ending was not my favorite I’ve read, but I did like how it fit so well with Isobel, North, and their relationship.

If you like fairytale retellings and historical romance, definitely give this book a try. It was a pretty quick read with a great atmosphere and a fun adventure. Although I didn’t read the first book in this series, I’m curious to go back and give it a try now. I also hope we get to see stories for North’s sisters!

4.5 ⭐
This was such a cute and exciting read! I could not put it down. It's a regency romance with pirates and a female lead that is more than what she seems! I love that the characters were all related in some way to the characters from Peter Pan, but in no way is this a retelling or suitable for young readers. 🔥😅🌶 The only thing that would have made this a 5 star read was more pirate action, other than that... I absolutely loved it!

Thank you @netgalley and @avonbooks for the e-arc!

Content warning: This book contains discussions of miscarriage

When You Wish Upon a Duke is book two in Charis Michaels Awakened by A Kiss series. This book offers Michaels’ spin on Peter Pan, focusing on Tinker Bell. While I enjoyed this one, I didn’t find it as magical as A Duchess A Day, the first book in the series that I absolutely adored. The tone in this one felt a little more serious at times, which isn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t as light-hearted a romp as A Duchess A Day. However, I still really loved the spin Michaels put on the classic tale of Peter Pan and how she wove different elements of that story into this historical romance.

After spending her youth cavorting around Europe with the Lost Boys, Isobel Tinker has worked hard to build a respectable life as a travel agent at Everland Travel Agency, helping women book trips around the world. When Jason “North” Beckett, the new Duke of Northumberland and former spy, shows up in her back alley asking for her to serve as a guide on a rescue mission he’s undertaking in Iceland, Isobel’s life gets turned upside down. She vowed never to go back to Iceland, but when North promises her own travel agency in exchange for acting as his guide, it’s too good a deal to pass up. Forced with confronting her past and fighting her attraction to North, this trip could make or break Isobel.

First off, the plot of this was so much fun! You get pirates and a high-stake adventure in Iceland – I feel like that’s where some of the whimsy of the fairytale really comes in. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book – historical or otherwise – set in Iceland, and I really loved the setting. I feel like Michaels described it beautifully and I loved how a few of the romantic scenes even highlighted the land’s natural beauty. The pirate plot was a lot of fun, though I did expect the stakes to be a little higher during the rescue mission and felt like it resolved itself a little too efficiently.

In terms of the characters, I really admired Isobel. This girl went through so much in her youth and it left some deep emotional scars. She’s been hurt and abandoned by so many men in her life. However, she didn’t let that tamp down her spirit. Instead, she channeled her energy into helping other women gain some semblance of freedom and independence by using her knowledge to build and run a successful travel agency. I really loved that she’s a smart, successful and independent woman. She knows her own flaws and strengths and won’t be pushed around by others. Considering everything she’s gone through in her life, I loved her fortitude and spirit.

Then we have Jason “North” Beckett, the new Duke of Northumberland. He’s a fascinating character to me and I really liked his vibe and energy. For most of his life, he’s been acting as a spy for the Foreign Office, but after the death of his father and two eldest brothers, he unexpectedly finds himself the Duke. He’s totally ill-suited for the role of Duke. Idleness and sitting behind a desk all day long are not for him. He wishes he could continue his job with the Foreign Office, but he knows he cannot let his family down by forgoing his role as Duke. I really liked his personality – there was something very light-hearted, carefree and charming about him. I’m also always picturing him leaning on something – he tends to do a lot of that – which I think illustrates some of that carefree attitude. Despite that, he’s also incredibly smart and good at what he does as a spy. I loved that he valued Isobel’s intelligence and knowledge – that was one of the first things that attracted him to her. He also was not pushy at all when it came to a relationship with her. He could see she had barriers up and instead of pushing her, he let her open up and trust him on her own terms.

In terms of the romance in this book, I liked it, but I also felt like it was missing something. I cannot put my finger on what was missing, but I felt like the spark between Isobel and North wasn’t always there. It would flicker and spark up at some point but fizzle out at others. What I did appreciate and enjoy with the romance was that it wasn’t built purely on lust. For a historical romance, this book is very light on the sexy times and they don’t actually get together fully until the very end of the book. I think that worked in this book’s favor as it allowed the romance to be built up over the course of the novel and the relationship be built on trust and understanding.

My one issue with the romance was towards the end. I felt the drama introduced in the final act could have been easily avoided if both characters talked to each other. Also, I got a little annoyed with Isobel towards the end as she insisted North would change his mind about their relationship, despite him constantly saying and reassuring her he wouldn’t. It did lead to a little bit of unnecessary heartache for both of them.

Overall, this was a fun reinterpretation of Peter Pan. Peter Pan was always one of my favorite fairy tales growing up and I loved the spin Michaels put on it. All the nods to the original tale made me smile so much.

The romance was cute, and I felt like these two characters definitely earned their Happily Ever After. I was genuinely so happy for both of them in the end as they were able to overcome all the barriers in their lives to find true happiness. If that doesn’t encapsulate the perfect HEA in romance and fairytales, I don’t know what else does.

While I like this one a bit less than A Duchess A Day, I still recommend you check this out. It’s a great escape from the real world for a little bit as it takes you on a fun adventure to Iceland and offers up an inventive reimaging of a classic tale with some romance sprinkled in.

I desperately hope we get more books in the Awakened by a Kiss series as I truly enjoy Michaels’ writing and her reimaging of classic stories. I love to see her do spin on Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast next as I feel like she’d present these classic tales in a fun new light.

Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you Avon for an e-arc of When You Wish Upon A Duke! I really enjoyed this book. I love how this series is a twist on fairy tales. This one is based off Peter Pan. I cannot wait to see what fairy tale her next book is based off!

True Rating 4.5 stars
This second installment in a fairytale inspired historical romance, we are dealing with a bit of a Peter Pan vibe. There is a lot of creative license taken here.
When Jason becomes a duke, he didn't ever think that would be the case. He has one last mission for the crown, to rescue his cousin from pirates.
When Isobel Tinker is approached by the duke, she does not want to go back to Iceland. But there is obviously some love along the way, and her feelings for this gorgeous man can't go unanswered.
It was cute. It's best to just enjoy this one, and not compare it to the fairy tale. It's a fun historical all on its own.

Maybe it's because Peter Pan was my favorite holiday television special when I was a child, or because I couldn't get enough of Disney's Peter Pan's Flight ride that carried me off into the magical world of Neverland. Maybe it's because I was thoroughly captivated the first time I saw Tinkerbell sweep through the night sky, sprinkling fairy dust as she flew overhead. Or maybe it all comes down to Charis Michaels' charismatic writing and spellbinding storytelling. Whatever the reason, once I started reading this fresh, original, and thoroughly entertaining historical romance inspired by Tinkerbell and other characters from Peter Pan, I couldn't put it down. Michaels snagged my interest almost immediately, then took me on a twisty adventure from England to Iceland and back again, weaving together an unlikely romance between two intriguing characters. Is it a bit over the top at times? Yes. Did I care? Not in the least.

Isobel and North are both fully fleshed characters whose personalities and back stories gradually unfurl as their journey progresses. I love that both of them turn out to be so much more complex than they seem at first appearance, with intriguing layers as well as surprising strengths and weaknesses, and a few twists I wasn't expecting. The chemistry between them sparks almost immediately, leading to wonderfully delicious friction, tension, and snappy banter. No easy road for these two but what a fun, adventure-filled, and thoroughly satisfying journey.

The nods to elements from Peter Pan, seamlessly woven into the story, felt like a delightful gift each and every time I stumbled upon them. And the characters inspired by Peter, Hook, Tinkerbell and more, while all true to their time, place, and part in this story, still honored those earlier characters from whom many of their characteristics were taken.

You know those books that charm you, enthrall you, and make your heart flutter with glorious butterflies? This is one of those books. It's an adventurous, heartwarming, happily ever after that pays homage to one of my favorite characters who never got a happy ending - until now - in a way that made me laugh, cheer, sigh, cheer some more, and pretty much grin from beginning to end. It's going straight to my keeper shelf where it's destined to become one of my comfort reads, a story I can revisit whenever I need an infusion of joy.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

This is my first book by Charis Michaels and I loved it!!!!!! I definitely have to go back and read the others before it in this series. It was an adorable historical that will keep you enthralled from page one. I highly recommend this book.

Isobel works for Hook travel agency when the Duke of Northumberland is in need of her assistance on a mission to save his cousin in Iceland. I really enjoyed this Peter Pan inspired adventure and plus....pirates! Isobel and North are the perfect adventure seeking duo. Super excited to see what's next in this series.

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 Q: what are you currently reading?

A couple of weeks ago I read a historical romance that’s lacking in moments of emotional intimacy—then I read this one, where the leads have lots of kissing + convos about their pasts & it was just *delightful.*

Charis Michaels’ When You Wish Upon a Duke is “over the top,” as she writes in her Author’s Note. In a really great way.

Isobel Tinker is a 27 year old manager of Everland Travel, an agency that caters to wealthy women. She leads a staid, respectable life by choice & that’s all disrupted by the arrival of the bold, handsome, & charming Duke of Northumberland, real name Jason Beckett, a former foreign service agent who asks her for help on his last mission.

Jason knows that Isobel lived in Iceland & for a number of reasons feels she can help him rescue his cousin from pirates. Even though Iceland left Isobel with a great deal of heartache & she’s vowed to leave that time, that Isobel, behind her.

This book is filled with moments where the sexual tension building between our two fascinated leads bubbles over—though the actual sex scene doesn’t happen until late in the book—& I read it with *great* anticipation.

Fiercely brave Isobel gives off the sense that she can handle any situation & Jason is the equally adventurous, surprisingly sensitive Duke she didn’t even know she wanted. His need to learn more about her, his desire to, burns throughout their every interaction even as he battles her reticence to reveal the things that have made her who she is.

Eventually they both open themselves up to the other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable in ways they prohibit others, & it’s lovely.

From a charming travel shop in Mayfair to a ship crossing the sea to a waterfall in Iceland, When You Wish tells a story of two curious, unconventional leads who can’t resist the lure of the other.

4.5 ⭐️. Release date: 08/24.



CW: Isobel previously experienced a miscarriage.

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.
I have not read the first book, but I will soon look into that!