First Impressions
I felt so blessed to be able to have been gifted this ARC from the publisher on this one here, I was so thrilled to see that Sparks decided to continue the series, and I didn’t know if she would or not, as there has been a long length of time since the last one in the series “The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea” What we get with this one though, is a continuation of the series that features the children of the couples in the first five books of the Embraced series. I was really fascinated by this one here though, and I adored the cover of this one here too. This was quite an interesting story though, and even though I didn’t quite love it like some of the previous books, it was still a solid story. And it features some fun tropes such as “road trip adventure” and “unrequited love” which are two of my favorites. I don’t get a chance to read road trip adventures too often, but I was in love with the way that this one was written and seeing this romance blossom.

Summary
Princess Eviana has always felt like the black sheep where her gift is concerned. She is the daughter of Luciana and Leo, but her gift is dangerous and many fear what she would do with it. Even her family has kept her shielded and locked away. But now she is of age to marry and is now able to venture out in the world, Then enters our hero, Quentin, who is valuable but he is also low born and has loved Eviana for years but has stayed in the shadows, yearning for a woman he can never have. But when he reaches out to protect her and reveals the true intents of her suitors at a ball, secrets of the royal family are revealed but becomes a turning point for Eviana to be herself and find the freedom to fly her wings from her overprotective family. When there are suspicious deaths happening and the princess is almost taken captive, Eviana and Quentin begin a journey together in discovering the true intent of the villain, and they discover their enemy wishes to destroy all fo the embraced. That the peace that has been cultivated for years, could be lost. But will Quentin’s secret be revealed in trying to protect her here? Will his love be revealed and when it does will Eviana fight for the man who deserves a HEA just as she does?

What I Loved
There were so many things to this story that I was all the way in for. I was so stunned by the way that this author wrote this unrequited love. I absolutely adore unrequited love and it was done so well here. And I really respected that Sparks didn’t drag it all the way out. Eviana learns of it and even though there is this forbidden love, with their class difference, Eviana becomes such a fighter for the relationship. She knows what they have together is powerful and worth fighting for. Seeing Eviana go about attempting to court Quentin, was beyond adorable. I understood where Quentin was coming from though. I understand why he didn’t feel he was worthy of her, but Eviana doesn’t see it that way. Quentin has protected her for years and sees who she really is when her own family doesn’t see the power and passion she is capable of and what a leader she is. Quentin understands Eviana and only wants her to break free and show what she is capable of and doesn’t stand in her way when it matters to her. The plot of the story was well done and we do get a POV from the villain so that was really interesting. I was intrigued by the way this story was built and what was hinted at for future books. The romance between Quentin and Eviana was beautiful, and so many sweet and sexy moments were built. The chemistry was well done, but it is more slowly built due to the forbidden nature of the relationship and Quentin being so resistant to them being together. But seeing their HEA and how they achieve it …well it was just BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY!

What I Struggled With
I will say that the pacing is the only real aspect to this story that could have been improved upon. It’s what kept it from a five-star read for me, it just didn’t quite engage me quite as much as I was expecting considering the last book in the series completely I couldn’t put down.

Overall View
When A Princess Proposes was a magnificent read, that combines themes that are built within this fantastical world that Sparks has grown so beautifully. It’s a story of adventure, hidden love, and embracing one’s self!

This book takes place twenty years after the Embraced by Magic series. Even if you haven't read that series, you'll thoroughly enjoy this first entry in a new series. Although, I highly recommend that series as it sort of acts as a foundation for this one. Anyway, in the past twenty years since the Circle of Five was defeated, everything has been peaceful in the world of Aerthlan. But now there is a new threat, and it is up to the next generation to save the day. Can Princess Eviana and the others manage to stop the Brotherhood from overthrowing the Kingdom and killing the Embraced? And will she find love in the process. I have to say I'm very happy that Kerrelyn Sparks has once again returned to the wonderful world of Aerthlan. This was just such an enjoyable fantasy romance that I just didn't want to put down. I found both Eviana and Quentin characters to be amusing as well as the supporting characters of Elam and the "Confessor" to be highly entertaining. All in all, I thought it was a fun read and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

When a Princess Proposes is the sixth book in the Embraced by Magic series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It takes place twenty years after the last novel in the series, and we get to see the next generation take center stage. It is currently scheduled for release on April 26 2022.

All Princess Eviana needs is an escape. Possessed of an unfortunate and unusual Embraced gift, which she’s been banned from using, she required no training. Now, her overprotective parents want her to wed. As a result, the palace is crammed with obnoxious noblemen…Until Quentin, the enigmatic eagle shifter and royal spy, maneuvers several of the unsuitable suitors into revealing their most embarrassing secrets before the court. Finally, Eviana has an excuse to free herself. If only her family knew the blow that’s shaken her: golden-eyed Quentin’s refusal to let her near. Heroic, but low born, Quentin’s infatuation with Eviana is as inappropriate as it is unshakable. He must keep away from her, for his own sake. But after a series of suspicious deaths, and the princess’s narrow escape from kidnapping, Quentin knows that only together can they expose the danger stalking Aerthlan’s Embraced. On foot, in disguise, they’ll need trust and quick wits to uncover the vicious conspiracy closing around them. But finding the truth might break down their own defenses as well.

When a Princess Proposes continues the story set up by the previous books, with some faces returning readers will remember well. I liked getting to know some of the secondary characters from the earlier books better, but somehow missed one along the way. I think readers that might have missed one or two will be able to follow the story fully, but like me want to go back and see how those missing bits played out. I liked Eviana and Quentin ad how they interacted a great deal. I liked that no one in this world is perfect- everyone has their issues to deal with and flaws to overcome while still doing the best they can. I loved the world building and how there are so many layers to the story, with even the minor characters feeling real and whole, like they just might get their own story next. I look forward to whatever Sparks might do in this world next.

When a Princess Proposes is a good continuation of the series and I think fans of the series and author with be very happy with the direction the series has taken.

Book three in this Embraced by Magic spin-off series captures my attention and draws me back into this world of people with power and those without. In two decades, as much as things have changed, they are still the same. There are those who are jealous of the embrace's power and those who fear it. I am not sure which is worse. Or perhaps it is those who both fear and covet the power that are the truly dangerous. This book can be reads as a standalone. It is better reading the original series and the books before this one to fully see the connections between the different characters.

What happens when a princess falls for someone who is not of the nobility? Most likely not great things and a possible star-crossed lover trope. Ms. Sparks takes a bit of a different approach and I liked it. Eviana is the princess in her ivory tower. This is not of her choosing and more a necessity due to fearful parents. I like how the information surrounding her power is slowly doled out. This reveal made it more impactful for me. I liked how Eviana wanted to take charge and break free from her protective cocoon.

Quentin is a mix for me. He's an honourable guy whose self esteem is to low for me. His lack of confidence in his worth makes him less sexy. I'm not saying I wanted an arrogant asshat who demands what he thinks he is worth. I'm saying that his self depreciation became a little too much for me. Almost like he uses his lack of status to hide behind. His fear of rejection made him want to discount himself even more. Blech.

This is more than just a fumbling romance between two socially awkward characters. There is actual a dual romance that is sweet. This is a character growth journey that is fun to witness. There is also a conspiracy to break up and possible new players to cause mischief. There is also a wild card that I suspect will receive their own book. This book opens up new possibilities in the Embraced world and I'm excited about them. Ms. Spark delivers a magical tale and I wanted more when I reached the end. This fantasy romance is recommended to readers who enjoy characters who learn to be comfortable in their own skin.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
After the previous book in the Embraced (by Magic) series, I was content with how things were left for the major characters. However, that made When a Princess Proposes an unexpected, yet pleasant, surprise. I loved the premise immediately of seeing the previous couples as rulers secure in their new positions and as parents to a new generation of gifted heroes and heroines. And while there’s always the chance it will get old at some point, for now, I quite like the direction the series is going.
Eviana is exactly who I thought Luciana and Leo’s daughter would turn out to be like. Given her father’s fearsome reputation and her mother’s own complicated history with her powers, it’s not shocking that Eviana is in the position she is, even if her “gift” does happen to be a particularly intense one. I love that she’s a bit of a rebel who isn’t content with their attempts to manage her life…especially in terms of who she marries.
Quentin is lovely, and while he did sometimes frustrate me in his complete nobility in personality tempered with a hefty dose of self-loathing about his inferior status to Eviana, I also understand where he’s coming from in wanting to be able prove his worth.
As for the plot, there’s once again a threat to the safety of the Embraced of Aerrhlan, and I’ll be interested to see how that develops going forward. The developing politics of Aerthlan has always been one of my favorite parts, and I’m intrigued as to how things will shake out.
I’m very excited for this new “chapter” in the Embraced world, and would recommend it to other fans of the series thus far, and anyone looking for an engaging fantasy romance.

When a Princess Proposes takes place 20 years after The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea. The children of the Embraced kings and queens are now nearing adulthood.
Eviana is the daughter of Luciana and Leo. Her gift has been kept a secret outside of her family.
Quentin is an eagle shifter and one of the children Maeve found on the island all those years ago. He loves Eviana but believes he will ever be worthy of her.
The development of their relationship is a complicated process. I love that Eviana is so determined. I wish Quentin would have recognized his value a little sooner.
There is a new or rather recurring threat to the Embraced kingdoms and Quentin and Eviana play a major role in the discovery process.
I enjoy how close the embraced are and how they support one another and the people within the kingdoms. I like the relationships of side characters. Olana is a lovely woman with such challenges from her gift. Elam and Nevis are loyal and good friends to Leo’s kingdom. There is a second love story but I don’t want to give away too much.
Content warnings: nudity - hey, we got shifters here; kissing; sex following a marriage; discussion of marital activities; death caused by evil doers; kidnapping.

Eviana and Quentin’s story was a fast moving and satisfying adventure. It was wonderful getting to know Evi and Quen as well as seeing. some returning characters. I hope there are going to be more stories to come!

When a Princess Proposes is fun, frolicsome, and an easy-breezy read for those who like fantasy romances.

Once upon a time, there was a world called Arlen, and in Arlen there were five kingdoms.  Any child born during a spring or autumn lunar-solar eclipse event called The Embrace is automatically given magical powers, and they are known as The Embraced.  After a terrible battle with The Circle of Five, an era of peace has settled in.

Thus we open the tale of Princess Eviana, who is one of The Embraced.  She has a horrifying Embrace, one so terrible that her parents decline to have her train to use it, and have instead sequestered her and encouraged her to repress it. They plan on marrying her off, but none of the dozens of suitors who have showed up move her.

Quentin - whose Embrace is the ability to shapeshift into an eagle -  is a royal spy, and he’s loved Eviana from afar for ages but is lowborn and thus not among the many princes who might ultimately win her. That doesn’t stop him from being jealous of the suitors and ruining their chances any time he can.

Eviana and Quentin are quickly thrown together by a series of calamities. Eviana is nearly assassinated, and it becomes clear that someone’s trying to disrupt the peace by trying to hurt Embraced people.  Eviana finally gets to experience adventure and Quentin finally gets to be closer to Eviana, but will paradise be spoiled by a murderer?

This story is entertaining and easy to engage with, but hard to really understand without having read the other books in the Embraced /Embraced by Magic series.  I liked Eviana in spite of her almost unrealistic naiveté,  and Quentin is sarcastic and quick and filled with yearning for her.  The magic elements are fun if a tad confusing, and the worldbuilding is interesting and clear.

When a Princess Proposes will probably work best for fans of Sparks’ long series (this mini-series actually covers the lives of children in a previous outing).

Buy it at: Amazon or your local independent retailer
Visit our Amazon Storefront

A great edition to the Embraced by Magic series by veteran author Kerrelyn Sparks, When a Princess Proposes does not disappoint. With a return to Aerthlan, this newest story introduces the next generation of Embraced royalty with a love story and mystery sure to delights fans of the series.

I was delighted to see the Embraced series is continuing, this time 20 years later with the next generation of Embraced characters. Though it would be best to read previous books to better understand the world building and the history of past events, its not necessary to enjoy this story.

This was another fun romp in the fantasyland of Aerthlan. There is a new danger brewing for Embraced people, with sinister new villains. I loved the new characters and the appearance of past favorites. The humor was spot on, and interjected at just the right moments. Quentin has been in love with Evie for 6 years, but she is a princess and he is a servant, and feels unworthy of her. But Evie shows us she is more than just a pretty royal. She's smart, noble and kind, and willing to risk everything to save those she loves. Evie and Quentin are forced to spend time together while they go on a mission to unearth the new danger attacking the Embraced. Their journey gets them into both dangerous and hilarious situations. I also enjoyed the secondary story of Olana, The Confessor, and was glad to see she finally finds acceptance and a true love of her own.

This series is so great because there are so many possibilities and promises of more stories to come. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Each one is a light, fun read with a sweet romance.

[bookcover:How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days|29875893] ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
[bookcover:So I Married a Sorcerer|33574150] ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
[bookcover:Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon|34962717] ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
[bookcover:How to Love Your Elf|50206318] ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
[bookcover:The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea|50508735] <i>Waiting on Kindle TBR</I>
[bookcover:When a Princess Proposes|58751170] ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*~*~*Notes*~*~*
I was slightly confused with all of the newly introduced children. This spinoff series is about them and their HEAs. I typed up these notes for myself, but figured others would benefit from them. Hope this helps 😁

<u>1) Eberon -> Ebton Palace</u>
<b>Luciana & Leofric/Leo</b>
Son: Eric (Melt Metal)
Daughter: Eviana/Evie & Quentin (The Master Spy/Eagle shifter)
Son: Dominic

<u>2) Tourin -> Lourdon Castle</u>
<b>Brigitta & Rupert/Ulfrid Trepurin</b>
Son: Reynfrid
Daughter: Roslyn (preparing 4 spring wedding to wealthy nobleman)

<u>3) Norveshka -> Draven Castle</u>
<b>Gwennore & Silas</b>
Daughter: Lenushka/Lennie (1st female Dragon Shifter)
Son: Pedras (Dragon Shifter)

<u>4) Woodwyn -> Wyndelas Palace</u>
<b>Sorcha & Brennan/The Woodsman</b>
Son: Brendelf
Daughter: Kendall
Daughter: Glenda

<u>5) The Isles</u>
<b>Maeve (Seer) & Brody/Brodgar</b>
Daughter: Julia
Son: Rudgar

<u>* Benwick Castle</u>
<b>General Nevis (Lord Protector) & Elinor </b>
Daughter: Faith

Olana (The Confessor), Quentin (The Master Spy/Eagle shifter), Elam (Tripping People) = Embraced Random Children

*The Brotherhood of the Sun*
Bran (Raven shifter)
Zane
Arlo

<b>RELEASE DAY April 26, 2022.</b>
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/When-Princess-Proposes-Embraced-Magic-ebook/dp/B09BKCD362/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TX6ZVGD9NXVK&keywords=when+a+princess+proposes&qid=1648685594&s=digital-text&sprefix=when+a+princess%2Cdigital-text%2C202&sr=1-1">Kindle Link</a>

I don’t like series. I just don’t! After the 3rd book or so something happens. I can’t explain it, and it’s most likely my fault/mood, but I am terrible at completing a series. However… Kerrelyn Spark’s Embraced collection seems to somehow keep me entertained and coming back for more. I just can’t get enough of this Aerthlan world.

Something about this story is simple yet enchanting. It balances feel good romance with a sprinkle of action and conflict. It’s enough to distract from the stress of everyday life, without putting the story’s burden on the reader. You get me? Hopefully this is making a little bit of sense.

Moving on to the Embraced world.

Twice a year, one of the two moons of Aerthlan eclipses (or Embrace) the other. Children who are born when the moons embrace are gifted with a magical power. These children are called the Embraced. For many years, the kings on the mainland actively sought our those who were embraced out of fear. Fear of their power. Fear of what they may do. To be embraced meant a death sentence, and many were killed. However, some were whisked off and hidden on the Isle of Moon. This is where our five Embraced queens come from. Their stories and adventure come from the original five books. Now Kerrelyn Sparks is revealing their children’s Happily Ever Afters.

<b>20 years later</b>

<i>“She might not know it, but she could take on the world”</i>

In [bookcover:How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days|29875893] we met Luciana and Leo who reside and rule in Eberon. In [bookcover:When a Princess Proposes|58751170] we get their (now an adult) daughter’s HEA. Princess Eviana is the innocent, sheltered, and overprotected daughter everyone would expect having read the previous books. She has been hidden and isolated most of her life for multiple reasons. Her character grows and evolves quite beautifully in this story. She comes into her power and fights for what SHE wants <i>*cough* *cough*</i> Quentin. It’s not often we get to read about a heroine who does the pursuing 😉

<I>"Heroic, but low born, Quentin’s infatuation with Eviana is as inappropriate as it is unshakable."</i>

Quentin, our hero, is The Master Spy and eagle shifter. He is an asset to the five royal houses; always among them but never one of them. Because of his social standing, although he’s loved Eviana from afar for many years, he restrains himself from pursuing her. So it’s up to Eviana to take matters into her own hands… hence the title 😉😉😉

When a Princess Proposes is an enjoyable read with fantasy, action, suspense, romance, and humor sprinkled throughout. It’s not flashy with action, full of angst/drama, or heavy with content. What you’ll get is a nice light read to immerse yourself in.

<i>“This ordeal was not over. It was, in fact, just beginning.”</i>

Bring on the next book!
I have a feeling it will be about Brigitta & Rupert’s daughter, Roslyn 😅🤞. And after that maybe Faith and Eric???


Overall Rating → <b>3.5 STARS</b>
Price is Right? → <spoiler> Kindle version $9.99 RN on Amazon. </spoiler>
Love Triangle? → <spoiler> no </spoiler>
Cheating? → <spoiler> no </spoiler>
Angst Level: High, Medium, Low → <spoiler> LOW </spoiler>
Heat/Language Level: Rated G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17 → <spoiler> Rated R (very mild) </spoiler>
HEA → <spoiler> yes </spoiler>
Would I recommend? → yes
Would I re-read? → maybe
Would I read more from this author? → YES!

<img src="http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah301/ehafkenscheid/Mobile%20Uploads/63fcd1af-c2b8-4068-bc6d-63a555aa5b75_zpscohx5mzj.jpg">

<i>***Special thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kerrelyn Sparks for sharing this ARC COPY with me in exchange for my honest review***</I>

I really enjoyed coming back to the world of the Embraced and getting to see what all my favorite couples have been up to for the last 20 years..

We follow Quentin a hawk shifter, and Princess Eviana as they travel in disguise to uncover a new plot to destroy the royal family and everyone that is Embraced.. I loved seeing Quentin and Evie really get to know each other and fall in love.. I also loved the relationships of the side characters Oriana especially.

While reading this I laughed ALOT.. There is a part in the beginning when Evie's suitors are all spilling their worst secrets and it had me smiling and laughing out loud.. This story was cute and heartwarming all with this overall feeling of tension as they are on this mission to find out who is behind the deaths of the Embraced.

I can't wait to see whose story we get next! I hope we get one for all of the kids of the original couples.. and that Raven will get his own HEA.

The fantasy is still alive in this riveting story. Kerrelyn gave us wonderful stories of five embraced sisters all finding their happily ever after with their kings. We are now getting a chance to see the grownup children of the Kings and Queens and the children from the Isle of Mist. This is Quentin and Eviana’s story, and do they have a story to tell. Once again the embraced are being targeted by those who want the power to rule. Quentin and Evian’s will fight along with their family and friends to save themselves and each other from this evil. It is a wonderful adventure and everyone should be along for the ride. I look forward to many more adventures to come.

The Embraced series just keeps putting you on the edge of your seat! This book picks up with the next generation of embraced while still bringing in the originals that we know and love. Someone is killing off embraced young adults in order to diminish the powers, but things get intense when it is obvious that someone is after the Eberoni Princess! Great plotting to keep you intrigued and engaged coupled with wonderfully developed characters that once again draw you in and keep you interested in their unique perspectives to the story! Toss in a little light romance and you have a sweet romance wrapped in an intriguing paranormal suspense to keep you delightfully entertained for hours! I can't wait to see what comes next as it seems clear to me that this storyline is far from finished!

We return to the magical world of Aerthlan, the setting of the Embraced series. When children are born during the Spring or Autumn eclipses of its two moons, they are born which special gifts. It is now twenty years after the events of the original series, twenty years of living in peace. However, that peace is soon to be shattered. The seer has had a disturbing and dark dream of trouble coming especially for those who are embraced. As with the previous books the characters are marvelous, likeable, a bit insecure, very human, and the villians even more dastardly than the previous ones if that is possible. The story mainly evolves around Quentin, an eagle shifter from a humble background, secretly in love with the Princess Eviana (love that name). Of course, she is far above him. As they investigate the challenge to peace will they find otherwise? Along the way several characters of this generation are introduced, will we be seeing more of them in the future?
Did you ever ever really look forward to reading book, excited to start to read, get so engrossed that you didn't want to put it down, but yet didn't want the book to end? This is that type of book.

I have forgotten how much I love this author. I laughed a lot during this sweet tale. It was very interesting to see where the Embraced were up to 20 years down the road and the main characters were very nice. If you liked the other books in this series, this one is for you.

I had such a great time with this book! When I read book 5, I thought that was the end. But we're now getting the next generation, and I'm so excited for that, and for more books set in this world! It'll be great to see familiar faces!

The romance between Quentin and Eviana was so fantastic to read, because he thinks that he's not worthy of her, he's a common born bastard, and she's a princess. But from the way he treats her because of this, has her thinking that he doesn't like her. I loved that reveal of his feelings!

There were some really hilarious moments in this book! The first was when he had to borrow clothes, and getting confronted by the owner of the clothes, and the drunks with him. The second was when they pretended to be married, that was just absolutely hilarious!

The aim of the Circle of Five always seemed more power based. But the bad guys for this next generation are religious focused, and worship the Sun God, and hate the Moon Goddesses. And their methods, boy are they extreme, and I just hated them!

That ending was so fast paced, and a lot of things happened very quickly, and once things started going down, I just couldn't put it down, I read those last few chapters in a rush! Things are well set up for the sequel, whomever it stars! Can't wait to find out who!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to see where the series goes from here!

I love all of Kerrelyn’s books! She has been one of my favorites. This book was amazing as the other ones. It was a great follow up to the first in the series.

This was a good book with fantastic world building. The romance between Eviana and Quentin was really cute and I loved that Olana and Elam played a part in sparking Eviana and Quentin’s path into romance.

I really wanted to know more about The Raven and what happens to him, but I guess that will be for another book.

3.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The second generation is here with When a Princess Proposes (Embraced by Magic #3) by Kerrelyn Sparks. Danger, a new threat, and suitors all give Princess Eviana a need to escape. A journey in disguise with the one who does get her heart racing makes for a fun and compulsive read.

Quentin is everything one would want in a hero including being humble. Princess Eviana has no doubt of this it is only Quentin who doesn’t believe it. On the road together brings all to light. It makes you want to go back to the beginning again, then read Leo's and Luciana's story.

What a thrill! Read When a Princess Proposes if you love well-written plots with wonderful unique characters.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.