You just never know what will happen when a Royal family visits England. Of course they have a daughter they hope will make a match to pull their two countries together!!

Having met a few years ago, he could not believe he was seeing her again. Could they ever be together? A good addition to this series!

Jess Michaels is fast becoming one of my go-to historical romance authors. I loved her “the Three Mrs” series, and if this first book is anything to go by, I am also going to enjoy the Regency Royals.
If you love steamy bodyguard romances, historical settings and some saucy “private” club action, then this book is definitely one you should give a try. There’s also a hint of different social classes thrown in there for good measure, and I loved how Princess Illaria’s background from a different society to ours meant that her attitudes towards sex and relationships could be a little more modern.
This was a really enjoyable, satisfying romance which was a great start to a new series that definitely got me wanting to read more.

This book is the beginning of a new series by Jess Michaels, I’ve always enjoyed her writing.

Read this if you like:
Royals
Class difference (heroine is royalty)
Mystery

Unfortunately I couldn’t get into the premise of this book. It took a long while to get through the back story before we got into the romance part of the book and I didn’t feel the chemistry and type of push and pull I usually like in this author’s writing. I just didn’t connect with the plot in this one.

I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series. To Protect a Princess, was fun to read. What I liked the most was all of the alone time that Jonah and Ilaria had. They get to know each other very well.
Well worth a read

The writing style in this just wasn't for me - there was so much info dumping, a ridiculous amount of characters introduced very early on, and it just felt very this happened then this happened then this happened. I felt disconnected from the characters and the plot, and it was a bit too melodramatic for my tastes.

In saying that, I can see how other people would like this, so I wouldn't necessarily tell people not to read it, I just personally didn't vibe with the writing style!

This is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect. I thought it was well written, entertaining and full of interesting characters. While it was slightly predictable in places I don't think it detracted from the story. Well done.

4.25 second chance stars

I have been a fan of Jess Michaels for many years, and her books never disappoint! This is a great start to a promising series, and I am already looking forward to the next books.

The Royal Family of Athawick has come to London for several reasons, chief among them finding a respectable, titled gentleman for Princess Ilaria to wed to take some of the heat off of her elder brother who has recently inherited the throne. Their small island, located on a key trade route, has experienced some unrest since their father's passing, and the pressures are mounting. Under the guise of celebrating the new king's reign, Ilaria is blindsided when she is informed en route to London that she will be married before they return home. Though she is not opposed to marriage, her heart has been spoken for since she first saw the handsome captain in the Royal Navy that visited on a diplomatic mission two years ago. After a stolen moment that nearly led to more, her father warned both of them away from each other, though she has pined for him ever since.

When he sees the princess at a welcome party, Captain Jonah Crawford is struck just as dumb as he was the first time he laid eyes on the beautiful young woman. In those last two years, his life has changed significantly as he felt he had to retire his commission as an officer in the navy to assume the care of properties and tenants left to him. Since that time, he has felt something missing, so when the King of Athawick, a man Jonah respects and considers his friend, requests that someone serve as a bodyguard for his sister during their stay, Jonah feels compelled to volunteer. Little does he know that someone is plotting against the new king and that entity has its sights set on getting to him through his beloved little sister. Can Jonah keep Ilaria safe despite her penchant for seeking thrills while maintaining his cover as her security detail, or will their passion lead to further consequences?

This was a fun, fast-paced story with solid steam and engaging characters. I highly recommend it to those who love a little mystery/intrigue with their steamy goodness!

Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

Well written short historical romance book. The characters were likable enough and it was entertaining. If you are looking for a historical romance book, you may want to take a look at this one.

I loved that the author added a content warning on the author's note at the start of the book, I really appreciate that and her care for her readers. I loved how angsty the main characters are at first, but then it became too boring for me as the story unfolded so slowly with nothing really happening. I loved how Ilaria is doing her best to explore and stand on her own feet despite the restrictions on women and princesses like her back then. She and Jonah are totally meant to be together. I just wished they made a move about it sooner instead of Jonah just stalking Ilaria. In that way, it will not be boring because we are always anticipating their angsty and secret romance.

This first novel in a new series by Jess Michaels is fun and surprisingly moving. Princess Ilaria and her family have left their island home of Athawick to spend time in England. The hope is to arrange a strategic marriage for Ilaria and stave off colonization. The only flaw is that the king (her brother) and queen (their mother) neglected to let Ilaria know about it

Captain Jonah Crawford (a ginger!) first met Ilaria a couple of years ago in Athawick when he accompanied the Prince Regent on a diplomatic trip. Through a few flashback chapters (a little awkward in the flow, in my opinion) we learn that Jonah and Ilaria liked each other from the get go; only her father's cold interruption stopped them from kissing. There's a new king though, and he convinces Jonah to keep an eye on Ilaria for her protection.

Apparently, that protection includes trailing her to a sex club (from a previous series by this author, I gather). Several times. I'm not a huge fan of the sex-club-run-by-a-decent-and-happily-married-man trope, but I tried not to let it color my opinion of this particular story.

Anyway, someone tries to kill her presumably as part of a rebel plot to overthrow the monarchy, so she and Jonah head off to hide in the country. Sexy times ensue, but as she's a princess and he's a bastard commoner, there's no hope for the future.

The conundrum is ultimately solved, but the rebel plot isn't; clearly it will thread through the other books in this series and probably won't resolve into King Grantham gets his book someday. I liked what I read enough to look forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

A lovely start to a new series from Jess Michaels. Sister to the newly crowned King of Athawick (a small, European Principality), Illaria and her family are on their way to England for a politically expedient visit, en route she is informed, by her brother the king and her mother, that they expect her to make a politically expedient marriage with a member of the British aristocracy to cement ties with England, and help protect them against revolutionary plots against them. Illaria has been blindsided by this especially as her mother and the family all suffered from the horrendous political marriage of her mother and father.

Determined to try and find some freedom before she has to comply, Illaria is determined to thwart her security and her family.

Captain Jonah Crawford visited Athawick two years ago, as part of the Prince Regent's honor guard. He was immediately attracted to Illaria, and she to him, but the differences between them meant nothing came of it.

Since then, Jonah has inherited an estate and responsibilities that meant he had to resign his commission, and his life has changed immeasurably. Grantham, the king knows that Illaria might rebel, and asks Jonah to discreetly guard her, and they end up at the infamous Donville Masquerade, when Illaria is repeatedly accosted by a stranger, they realise that she is the target of rebel forces in Athawick. Can Jonah keep her safe, and not give in to their mutual attraction?

This was a pacy, sexy story, with a 'Bodyguard' type plot, and a couple of characters you can really root for, great fun.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Ilaria and Jonah's story! It was fun watching them navigate their class difference and giving into their inevitable ending of being together. Plus throw in a little danger and you have a great read!

I loved this bodyguard, second chance romance. Princess Ilaria and Captain Jonah Crawford were magical. I loved see them fall in love and try to figure out how to make their relationship work. The stakes were really clear and I felt their desire, especially Ilaria's, to do what was expected for them. I'm excited for the rest of this series to find out more about the ongoing politics and secrets of Athawick. Also to see who everyone ends up with.

Get the tissues out! And a fan! Goodness! Between the heartfelt and poignant moments of star-crossed lovers exposing their hearts, and parts, to each other, and the action between the sheets and spilling onto the streets with zealous attempted on the life of the princess, I was destroyed! My poor heart! My poor box of tissues! It was a treat for sure and I look forward to more from this royal family. #netgalley #toprotectaprincess

The start to a great series surrounding the Royal Family of Athawick, a small island country facing uncertainty with its neighbouring proximity with England. When Princess Ilaria is informed of the real reason why her family is visiting and that is to be married off to a man of title and influence, she is incensed. When Ilaria sees Captain Jonah Crawford again, she finds herself again, fighting her attraction to him, knowing that he does not fit any of the criteria required in a husband by her family. When Jonah visited Athawick two years ago, as part of the Royal Honor Guard, he too was captivated by her beauty. However, when Ilaria’s life is threatened, Jonah volunteers to be her bodyguard, knowing that they must fight their attraction, in order to do what has been asked of them by their king.
The chemistry between the couple is intense and their story, one that from the start, does not hide their attraction to each other. Jonah is a strong, resilient, and honourable man who does all that he can to protect Ilaria, whilst understanding the almost insurmountable odds of their relationship becoming real. Likewise, Ilaria was a strong-willed character who was not afraid to go after what she wanted, whilst understanding her responsibility to the crown.
I look forward to reading more about this interesting family in books to come.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

To Protect a Princess by Jess Michaels
Regency Royals #1

Oh, how I love stepping into the pages of this author’s books! I am swept away to a time and place I can easily imagine and often find myself young and in love and eagerly reading to find out what I, as the heroine, will do next. In this book…sigh…well…I fell in love again and eagerly await what will happen next. The nice thing about books is that I get to be someone else every time I read a new book!

What I liked:
* Princess Ilaria: intelligent, independent, strong, caring, family-oriented, dutiful, capable, likable, finds herself in a difficult situation, willing to make the best of it, knows what she wants, hopeful but accepting. Really liked her.
* Captain Jonah Crawford: retired naval officer, caring, capable, strong, wise, knows his “place”, overcame difficult childhood, rational, lethal, protective, knows what he wants, doesn’t dare to dream…too much…everything one could ask for in a book boyfriend.
* The make-believe country aspect that allows more leeway to tell the story
* The plot, setting and way the story is written
* The way the royal family cares about one another and overcame the difficulties faced being royal
* That it is believable
* Wondering who is behind the assassination attempts against Ilaria
* Revisiting places and people from previous series/books
* The Donville Masquerade portions of the book…and other steamy bits :)
* That Ilaria was not a shrinking violet
* The way Sasha was a steadying person and friend-sister-companion to Ilaria (eager to read her story)
* That I felt part of the story and enjoyed it all.
* The introduction to the royal family and thinking about how the four future stories will potentially be told and seeing that Sasha is up next.
* The cover…beautiful!
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The baddies out to create trouble for Athawick and kill Ilaria
* The way royals were bartered for political gain and the impact it had/has on their lives
* Having to wait for the next book in the series

Did I like this book? No, I *loved* it!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen, LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

The market for regency romances is so saturated and overdone that it really takes something unique and special to stand out amongst the masses. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like this particular read struck any new or different chords like I was hoping. The first half of the book felt almost completely recycled from other things I've read recently, and really only began to pique interest in the latter half. Overall, this was fun read, but not doing anything new or overwhelmingly praiseworthy.

Would I recommend this to someone who likes regency romance? Of course! Would I read this again or consider this at the top of the list of regency romances? Perhaps not.

Jess Michaels is definitely one of my favourite authors; she writes wonderful steamy novels that explore the feelings of the characters and make them feel very alive. And with this book she’s really outdone herself! This is the first book of a new series, Regency Royals, and in my opinion this series has got a lot of potential. The main characters of this book are Princess Ilaria and Captain Jonah Crawford, the man assigned to protect her. Ilaria and Jonah met two years before and their attraction was undeniable. But when they meet again, that attraction becomes something more and they cannot deny what they feel about each other any longer.
I loved Ilaria and Jonah: they are really a wonderful couple. Their love is passionate, very deep, intense. And for once the heroine isn’t a shy young virgin, but a woman who knows what she wants and defies convention to obtain it. And Jonah loves her so much that he’s willing to help her, but also to give his life to protect her. Because there’s a bit of mystery in the story as well, and Jonah will be a perfect and dashing bodyguard...
As for the side characters, who will have a book each in the series, they are already well defined, lovable and intriguing and I look forward to see how their stories will develop in the following books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To Protect a Princess is the first book in the new Regency Royals series by Jess Michaels. A new series by one of my all-time favorite writers of steamy historical fiction? Yes, please! However, I almost didn't get past the dedication page. Prince Harry and Meghan? Seriously? Can't stand them. But enough about that; I knew I was in for a treat reading this series so I dove right in...and I was not in the least disappointed. Steaminess abounds!

The Royal Family of Athawick, a small island nation, heads to London for a Season to celebrate the coronation of their new king. Princess Ilaria, the king's only sister, knows the real reason for the visit: she is to be married off to someone to strengthen the ties between their country and England. She is totally not on board with this. There's only one man who stirs her heart, and that is Captain Jonah Crawford, whom she met two years ago when he was part of the Royal Honor Guard when the Prince Regent visited Athawick. Jonah is not the sort of man her family wishes for her; he's not titled, and he's no longer in the Royal Navy, having had to resign his position to take responsibility for an estate that he doesn't want. Oh, and he was born on the wrong side of the blanket. They meet again in London, and their attraction is a strong as ever. When it becomes apparent Ilaria needs a bodyguard, Jonah volunteers. Will they forever be kept apart? Will they even survive the danger that is stalking Ilaria?

This was a fun and exciting start to a new series, with the abounding steaminess I mentioned earlier. I'm usually not thrilled with stories concerning made-up nations, but it worked well here and the premise was the perfect way to bring Ilaria and Jonah together. Individually they were great characters, but together they were even better! Ilaria was no demure, innocent wilting violet, not by a long shot. She had strong opinions and had no problems with speaking her mind or rebelling against her family. One of the places she went to defy her family was the Donville Masquerade, owned by Marcus Rivers, who appeared in previous books by Ms. Michaels. (Squeeee! I just adore Marcus!) Jonah was extremely protective of Ilaria and wanted her to be his, but he understood her duty and that there couldn't be a future for them together. Jonah missed his position as Captain in the Royal Navy; he also had issues from a rough childhood that still haunted him. He tried to resist her...really he did! But he wasn't particularly successful. Which led to deliciously carnal, uh, pairings between them. The supporting characters were very entertaining, especially dissolute brother Remi and body double and adopted sister Sasha. I am very excited to read about the other members of the Athawick Royal Family and their search for love; hope the next one is out soon!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.