A romance story with a mystery to solve, Jonah and Illyria fall in love at first sight, but she’s a princess who has to do her duty and marry well to secure her country’s safety. He is an ex captain, and the illegitimate son of an English blue blood. She goes along with her brother’s plan to court the Earl of Bramwell, but when a second attempt on her life is made, she has to flee London and Jonah is charged with her safety. They let loose with their feelings and make the most of their time in hiding, until sent for and return to London, where another attempt is made on her life. The kidnapper kills himself, so we are left not knowing who/why but looking forward to answers in the follow on second in series. Bramwell and Sashas’s story.

This is book one in a new series entitled Regency Royals and this book has definitely set a high bar for the rest of the series. Jonah Crawford, a British Captain, meets Princess Ilaria while traveling abroad with the Prince Regent. Two years later Ilaria and her family are in London, with the intention of solidifying their alliance with Great Britain by marrying Ilaria off to an English Lord. Jonah and Ilaria reconnect and sparks fly from there.

I was so swept up in this book and its amazing cast of characters. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series brings for this family. The tropes are class difference, non-virgin heroine and forced proximity. I love some angst in my historical romance and this book had it in spades. It also showed us an update on Marcus Rivers and Annabelle from a prior book, and a hint of what book was to come next in the series.

The steam level was high and the open door scenes were plentiful. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley, The Passionate Pen and the author Jess Michaels.

I was sold the moment I heard personal bodyguard.

Princess Ilaria of Athawick has arrived in London with her family to foster relationships for their kingdom. Unfortunately for her, one of those reasons is to find her a husband. Someone with a title that will be able to secure their relationship with England. That doesn't describe Captain Jonah Crawford. The man she first laid eyes on when he was a member of the Royal Guard visiting Athawick. He is the one she wants... but he is not the one she can have. But when circumstances begin to change as Ilaria seeks to gain some temporary freedom she finds herself back in his arms wishing for forever.

This was a good easy read with enough political intrigue and interpersonal drama to keep it interesting but I was left with wanting more. Ilaria and Jonah fall in love. But I honestly couldn't tell you why. It definitely seemed to come from an attraction that neither could resist. That and there first few sexual encounters are in a London Sex Club. Which I understood she wanted more freedom but also she was raised to understand the risks to her crown and I'm not sure if its something that made sense. Going there once out of curiosity, yeah sure. But multiple times even if it was with Jonah still feels incredibly risky to me. Though this brings up the fact that the book does have some spice to it. There is definitely multiple steamy scenes that the author writes wonderfully.

I think my main takeaway with this book was that since I couldn't tell why the characters loved each other I find the background characters very interesting and wanted to know their stories more. I personally can't wait to read Sasha's story. I want to know more about her.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Princess Ilaria of Athawick has had quite a privileged life, but when her brother becomes king, and there is rebellion on the horizon, she has to travel to England, to form alliances, and find a husband. However, she can't stop thinking about the handsome naval Captain Jonah Crawford, whom she met two years ago during a trip by the Prince Regent, and meeting him again in London has fanned the flames between them. The attraction is there on both sides, but Jonah, though a war hero, and landowner, is not the suitable match her family are looking for. But as the rebellion comes closer to home, and Ilaria is put at risk, Jonah must step in as her bodyguard and the desire grows. Will they be able to cope with only have a few moments together, before going their separate ways, or will they be doomed to always love each other?

I've been loving Jess' books since I read my first of hers last year, and as soon as she announced this one on Twitter, I knew I would enjoy it. And boy, did I? I devoured the entire book on a rainy Saturday morning, and was fully engrossed in Ilaria and Jonah's story, as well as being intrigued by the lives of Ilaria's family too - who look as if they will have their own books in the series. Ilaria might be a princess, but she's not spoiled and she's seen what arranged marriages can do to the couple, and their children. However, she is willing to marry for the sake of her family, and thinks that having a few stolen moments with Jonah would be enough - until it's too late. I really liked the chemistry between the couple, and their shared history too - we really felt like the relationship was real, and the scenes with them in the countryside were perfect. Jonah may have a small estate, and a stellar reputation in the navy, but his family history has tainted him, and he doesn't want to hurt Ilaria in any way. They were really a fantastic couple, and the added intrigue of who was after Ilaria, and just what was brewing back home in Athawick is definitely setting the stage for the rest of the series. I have my theories, but I'm waiting until all five books are released to see!

A British captain, Jonah, falls in love with a princess, Ilaria, while visiting her country. When she comes to England he is tasked with protecting her. Both of them try to fight their attraction to no avail. I received an ARC from NetGalley and The Passionate Pen LLC for my honest review.

This was a good royal historical romance read. I particularly liked how protective the MMC was towards the FMC. Pick it up if you like:
- Historical romance
- Royal family & all the duties that come with
- Family ties
- A bit of suspense

This was my first Jess Michaels.

#netgalley #arc

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.