This was a wonderful romance novel that truly swept me off my feet. From the first page to the last, the writing was exquisite—smooth and evocative, with each sentence pulling me deeper into the world the author created. The prose flowed effortlessly, making it impossible to put the book down. The attention to detail in both the setting and the emotional depth of the characters was masterful, setting the stage for a love story that felt both timeless and fresh.

Overall: ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: they are kind of on page from the beginning but don’t really interact until about 7%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the couple
Epilogue: kind of? The last chapter is a bit of a wrap up, but not too far in the future

Should I read in order?
This is the first of Michaels’ Hidden Royals series.

Basic plot:
Elise is determined to find her missing brother. So when ‘the royal fixer’ starts managing her, she uses him to help her in her case.

Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian – 1803
- London and country settings
- light road trip
- royalty – princess heroine
- son of an Earl hero that works for the King
- light mystery aspect – the heroine is searching for her missing brother
- class difference – heroine is a princess and hero is the son of an Earl and a dancer (that has affected him socially)
- instalust (from hero)
- one horse
- child in the story (hero’s nephew) – not a huge part of the story
- must remove your wet clothes in the abandoned cottage in the woods...
- lower steam – 1 full steam but quite a few kiss scenes

Ages:
- Heroine is 25, hero is 33

My thoughts:
Hero falls first is such a favorite of mine! And when he has all this unrequited love roiling inside him….soooo good!

I enjoyed the premise of this one – sometimes books with royalty in them get a bit too plot focused and political for me but I found this one remained character focused. Killian was such an enjoyable hero for me. But, I LOVED Elise. I find this with Charis Michaels. She writes my favorite heroines. I adore them all. They are women I love and want to be friends with. And Elise just worked her way into my heart. And there was even a scene where she broke it a bit with her concern for her missing family.

I am not sure how I feel about a few things in this book – like the ending. I’m not sold on the hero’s actions and they annoyed me a bit. But overall this was a really sweet story that made me excited for the brother’s story next.

I am in a major reading slump right now, so it is no fault of this book, but it was just not vibing with me. I was just looking for the thing to get me hooked again and unfortunately this wasn't it. Again, that is not to say this was not a good book, I was just not in the mood for it.

Say Yes to the Princess is the first book in the Hidden Royals by Charis Michaels. Killian Crewes serves as the "royal fixer" for St. James Palace. His job is to make anything that could bring harm to the palace disappear. His newest assignment is the seduce and distract exiled Princess Regine Elise Adelaide d'Orleans before she stumbles on information that could change everything. He just doesn't expect her to seduce and distract him as well.

When reading the premise for this book, I thought I was going to be very invested. A bodyguard/princess dynamic? Sign me up! Unfortunately, things did not keep me as invested into this story as I wanted. It was hard for me to really enjoy their characters and their relationship. It was either a ton of information dropped on the reader all at once or insta-connections with no real background. There was no middle ground and it was because I couldn't get fully invested in their relationship.

Both Killian and Elise have trauma from their pasts and being around each other allows them to open up about it. As a reader, I wanted to be invested in this, and their healing together but, I just couldn't get into it. There was so much promise there but, unfortunately it fell very short for me. I think it was because just like their relationship, there was so much information being dropped with no real resolution. There wasn't time to breath before being forced to move onto the next thing.

Say Yes to the Princess is the first book in a series but, I do not think I'm going to continue. The way that these characters are written and their dynamic just didn't work for me. I wanted there to be more. I always felt like something was missing. That might be just me though ... it might be appealing to other readers though.

Killian is the second son of an Earl. His older brother hated him. His brother died and he thought he was an Earl until his secret wife showed up with their son. She was not loved by his brother.

Killain Crewes is known as the royal fixer. When the British Royal family has a problem they want removed they call Killian. Her Serene Highness, Regine Elise Adelaide d’Orleans is the Royal Family’s current problem. Elise is an exiled French princess who is the houseguest of the Royal family.

Recently Elise thought she saw her missing brother in the countryside on her way back to the palace. Now she is desperate to find him. She needs to know if this man is her brother Prince Gabriel. Unfortunately this is a problem for the Royal family. They will not endorse her search. This is why they have dispatched the royal fixer.

Killian is hired to seduce Elise. They want Elise so distracted she will not care about finding her long lost brother. Killian is a man of honor. He does not want to trick Elise and seduce her.

Killian and Elise have an almost instant connection. Killian is attracted to Elise. Elise is intrigued by Killian. He is a distraction that she cannot allow to interfere with her quest to find her brother. Yet she discovers that by allowing him to escort her, she can do more investigations into finding her brother. What is the problem? She is surprised about her strong feelings for him since she has not known him long. Can it be love Elise feels? Killian finds he wants to help Elise find her brother not stop her. Can he actually seduce Elise like he was hired to do? Can he stop her investigations or will he help her? Their back and forth banter was entertaining. They are hot together!

The author weaves a story that captures your attention from the start. It is an easy read and a page turner. Watching them fall in love was enjoyable. The story flows and keeps you entertained. The author has you rooting for the couple and hoping they will be together. This is book one in the Hidden Royals trilogy. I look forward to her next books and reading the stories about Elise’s brother and sister. Reviews left on Amazon, Goodreads, iBooks, Bookbubs, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

This was my first Charis Michaels book and I adored it from beginning to end!

We start off with Killian Crewes, who is a "Royal Fixer" for the English king's court, tasked with distraction by seduction of a particular French princess residing within the court. Normally Killian would fix the problems with no questions asked, but something about this "problem" with the princess rubs Killian the wrong way... or perhaps the right way.

Princess Elise has made herself a nuisance among the court, where she is hidden away after the French Revolution. She is recently determined to find her brother after being separated 10 years ago during their escape from France, though the king is determined to keep her quiet.

What follows is a fantastical little adventure as Killian tries to fulfill his duty as Royal Fixer, get the payment he's been working towards all these years as a professional dirty problem solver, all while protecting Elise from harm, and the whole story is full of snarky banter and heartwarming feels.

I just adored Killian. It's obvious he's a good guy trying his best to do the right things, and he's so snarky about it the entire time. Elise gives him a run for his money, as a smart and capable woman, which leads to constant hilarious banter between them as they verbally spar for each getting their own way. It's even possible the banter between Killian and his friend Hodges is even better, honestly.

I loved Elise too! She was so smart and determined. You can't help but feel for her story as she was torn away from her family and suffered in silence for so long, and realizes now that she can fight for what she wants and the things she deserves.

Say Yes To The Princess is perfect for historical romance lovers who love a bit of banter, a heartwarming story, and some serious feels within a rather lighthearted and amusing novel.

When the royal family's fixer is order to "distract" (read: seduce) an exiled French princess from her search for her lost brother, he finds that he's actually the one distracted — from his work and his plans. The premise sounds sordid and salacious, and while there's definitely heat, I was pleasantly surprised by how much heart this little book has. The hero falls fast and is hilariously, endearingly dismayed by it, and the heroine is equally lovable in her search for family and belonging. A charming romance with humor, heart, and just the right amount of drama.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was too cute!! I really love Charis Michaels’s writing, the setup of a princess and a royal fixer, and everything about their dynamic. I’m really looking forward to reading more of this series, and will definitely recommend it.

Michaels books are frothy delight, not too high angst and good chemistry/heat. This one was very good. Don’t generally love a bodyguard romance, but this was good. Charming and easy with low drama. Liked.

I found this book to be flawed but enjoyable. I liked the H and h but couldn’t stand the insta love. I think they spent less then 24 hours together and both were in love. There were a few plot points that never got resolved and I might read the next book in the series to find out what happens.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is adorable! Chris Michaels is such a fun author to read. I love her writing and how she transports you to another time. I also love reading her author's notes in the back of every book explaining what exactly was fictional and what was based on true events. This new series is so fun, but also has those serious topics that she weaves throughout the story.

An exiled princess is trying to find her lost brother; however, the family who took her in want to keep her silent. Of course the solution is to hire the Royal Fixer to seduce her. And obviously he wants to be noble and not seduce her, so he fights his attraction. I really enjoyed the plot of this story. I loved how Elise had anxiety and Killian helped her through it. And I loved how strong Elise's character was, especially with all she had gone through.

This was definitely a unique historical romance that had all the tension/pinning to build up to the romance. I obviously recommend this author and can't wait to see what's in store next for this series!

I received an ARC from the publisher from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Princess Regine Elise Adelaide d’Orleans is no longer a princess, but not a commoner either. She is obscure French royalty exiled to Great Britain. Killian Crewes serves as the "royal fixer" taking on any jobs the British royal family needs him to do. When he is tasked with seducing the princess to distract her to keep her out of trouble, he realizes she is more than she seems. She was just a job, but now she is much more than that.

I really enjoyed the first two books in Charis's Awakened by a Kiss series, but the last book and this one has fallen flat with me to the point where I am constantly closing my Kindle because I am just so frustrated that I can't keep reading. I just want the actual fairy tale feel those other books have with characters I just love. These two characters just got on my nerves to the point I was rolling my eyes during most their interactions. I was extremely disappointed and bored for the first fifty percent, and then it did finally pick up, but I was at a point of not caring. I am hoping the next book will bring back the stories that I know and love by this author, and I might give one more of her new books a try before going backwards and hoping some of those are what I am searching for

2.5 rounded up to 3 .

July 6, 2023
Elise and Killian are both well written characters. Complex and understandable motives make them relatable as they push forward to their goals and their own inevitable romance.

Elise's desire to find her siblings and how she's only just starting to try and do more than just existing is well portrayed. The way the possibility of seeing her brother is enough to bring her back to trying to be an active participant in things, instead of just being, is an amazing source of motivation. Watching how those changes influence Elise from what we see in the book makes what we hear of the before seem almost like a different person.

Killian, who has never stopped to think of anything but how to improve things, is startling refreshing when you learn the full extent of what Royal Fixer does encompass even in the vaguest of terms. He's stubbornly resourceful and willing to do anything he's asked. Even if it's unsavory. His own interactions with his family are interesting, but leave almost more questions than we are given answers, though it's obvious that he does care.

The juxtaposition of their positions, deposed Princess versus Royal Fixer, puts a level of perspective between their situations. Shows how very different it is for those of different titles and statuses in a court where rules and family lines are more important than almost anything else.

Their romance, which feels almost too fast and too slow in equal measures, is well written. I enjoy their flirting and Killian's ability to put his foot in his mouth when he shouldn't have the chance. Elise is very sure of what she wants and is willing to press her suit when she doesn't think she is going to get what she wants. That doesn't mean that their relationship doesn't seem to move from acquaintances to lovers almost fast enough to leave you spinning.

I do think that the ending feels almost rushed compared to the rest of the book, condensed into a handful of pages when the rest of the story feels, in places, almost overly detailed or almost repetitive. There's also some questions that are left without answers or at least without a satisfactory answer. However, since it is part of a series, perhaps those details were left open deliberately as set up for the next book.

For the most part, it's an enjoyable read with a charming political backdrop to a sweet, if a little quick to move from start to end!

If you're not reading Charis Michaels, you're missing out on sparkling conversation, endearing, well-developed characters, infectious humor, adventure, and heart-tugging romance, all of which are front and center in her newest book, Say Yes to the Princess.

There are so many things to love about this story. First are Killian and Elise. As the "Royal Fixer," I expected Killian to be the rescuer in this relationship and, yes, there are instances when he does come to the princess's rescue. What I did not expect was that the princess would also be his rescuer, in situations where both his physical and emotional well-being were at stake.

Killian has many layers to reveal and deep-seated emotional baggage to overcome. He's a charmer who excels at his job but he meets his match when he's tasked with distracting Elise. Despite his best efforts, he grows increasingly smitten with Elise, developing deep, genuine feelings for her. His core of honor keeps him from acting on those feelings but he soon learns the princess has other ideas and a will of iron. Really, he never stood a chance.

Elise also has emotional baggage, rooted in the events that precipitated her escape from France and then nurtured by ten years of exile in England's royal palace that can best be described as an emotional void. It was so satisfying to watch her re-engage with the world around her. She's outspoken, opinionated, and determined to discover what has happened to her siblings, regardless of obstacles put in front of her but she's also kind, loyal, and compassionate. She's falling hard and fast for Killian and determined to fight for him...and them.

These two were so easy to cheer for. I enjoyed them immensely but I also enjoyed their supporting cast of characters. Particular favorites include Killian's family, a mish-mash of individuals who he insists are not his family though he takes both financial and emotional responsibility for them while still holding himself apart (some of that emotional baggage I mentioned) and Elise's best friend, confidante, and protector, Sister Marie.

If you're looking for a charming, adventurous, historical romance with a fresh, intriguing plot and a feel-good happily ever after, add Say Yes to the Princess to your summer reading list. I highly recommend it.

ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.

A royal bodyguard romance! Sign me up! Charis Michaels weaves together an intriguing plot with a sensual romance at its center, to beautifully launch her new series! Michaels' writing is accessible and clever, her characters are bold and fun, and the balance between plot and romance works beautifully together. Any lover of Charis Michaels or historical romance is sure to find delight within this novel.

This fake seduction plot swiftly transitions to one of protection. The hero and heroine have a lovely sensual chemistry with the other, and the push and pull of their emotions really drives the romance along. A hero who just wants to protect and has to convince himself that seduction is not the answer (no matter how much he wishes for it), is fun and sexy. The heroine is bold and strong, and watching her maneuver in new situations is interesting and rewarding. Watching these two learn to work together, trust each other, and accept their feelings for the other is charming and fun.

If you adore a bodyguard romance, than Say Yes to the Princess is sure to delight. Charis Michaels is a wonderful historical romance author who should definitely be on your radar!

The cover may not be the best, but don’t let that deter you from picking this up. I loved almost everything about Say Yes to the Princess! From the writing to the plot and characters, I didn’t want this to end.

Exiled Princess Elise d'Orleans from France but has been living at the English Court since leaving her native country 10 years ago. She is assigned to the Royal Fixer, Killian Crewes to keep her out of the way of the Royals and to prevent her from looking for her brother, who could petition to become ruler of France. Edward, one of the Royal dukes, assigned Killian to seduce Elise so that she would give up her search for her brother, whom she hasn't seen since they fled France. Although Killian refuses to follow Edward's demand that he seduce Elise, he does take her out of the city on a trip to find more information about her brother. After their carriage has an accident, they are force to detour to Edward's nephew's home for shelter overnight. Elise is introduced to his nephew Bartholomew and his mother, Pearl. Killian and Elise use the attempt at seducing her as a way they can spend more time with each other and they are helpless to act on the growing attraction they have to each other. Killian knows he is no match for a Royal Princess, but Elise knows what and who she wants and she does not settle. A beautiful, romantic start to a new series by Charis Michaels. I am looking forward to reading the next installment to get the background story on her brother, Gabriel.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review

Elise is a French princess in exile after the French Revolution. Mr. Killian Crewes is the second son of an earl with a position of influence in the palace. When Elise begins searching for her younger brother who may have a claim on the French throne, Killian is tasked with seducing Elise to keep her occupied. The pair roam the English countryside and Killian soon finds he is the one being seduced by the charming Elise.

I definitely thought this was part of Charis’s fairy tale series until I was about 25% in and was super confused why I couldn’t figure out which fairy tale it was. It’s a new series. Not a fairy tale. This is one of those books where I knew just a tad too much of the real history to really enjoy the political plot. I appreciate that the author’s note went into the real history and where she deviated from the truth, but while reading I found myself growing frustrated. I did like both Elise and Killian. I could feel the heat between the two even though the book was a slow burn. Given the politics of the story as well as Elise and Killian’s childhood traumas, this is a lot more serious of a book than the previous books I’ve read by Charis, but I thought they were handled well. I look forward to continuing the series.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars! This is the first book in the new trilogy series ‘Hidden Royals’ and can be read as a standalone with only a few things unfinished in this book. The main characters are Princess Elise and Killian Crewes. I loved Elise from the get go and Killian took a little warming up to for me to like him too. Dang Royals, being all demanding and secretive. Tip for future use - Never trust a Royal! This was a pretty fast “falling in love” book and had me thinking it was more lust than love. The book has witty banter, court politics, secrets, lies and betrayal, and the Princess has a cousin/lady in waiting who deserved a good punch in the throat. All of that is wrapped up with a surprising HEA ending that I really loved. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing how this all wraps up. Do the ‘Hidden Royals’ ever find each other?! Can’t wait to see if they do & how. Also- shout out to the author for adding the historical facts and fiction at the end of the book! I love learning about the past through entertaining fictional historical romance that includes factual bits from history & I appreciate the author highlighting what was truth and what the author made up.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Say Yes to the Princess is the first charming book in the historical romance series Hidden Royals by Charis Michaels. I have many of her books, but this is the first I've read...and what a wonderful introduction to her work! Ms. Michaels uses enough real people and historical details to make the story come to life. But it's the enchanting characters that truly shine here.

Princess Regine Elise Adelaide d’Orleans is obscure French royalty. When her father met his fate via Madame Guillotine, she was separated from her brother and sister and exiled to England after the French Revolution. (And their mother went to Spain with her lover. Not exactly mother of the year, that one.). Princess Elise became a houseguest of the British Royal family. She is guarded and treated well, but feels trapped and lonely. Killian Crewes serves as the “Royal Fixer” in St. James’s Palace. Does a messy indiscretion need to be covered up? Does someone causing trouble need to disappear? Killian's their man! This was by no means his goal in life, being the second son of an earl, but his late mother was a dancer, leaving Killian more like staff than a peer. When Princess Elise swears she sees her long-lost brother on a busy market street, she will do all in her power to find him. This, however, puts the Royal Family in a bit of a pickle, as her meddling may upset some plans they have. Killian is instucted to seduce the Princess to keep her from mucking up the works...except it seems Killian is the one being seduced! Is there any possible way the Royal Fixer can fix this?!

The storyline here was fun and exciting, but it's the characters who truly shined here. I'm not sure who I loved more, Killian or Princess Elise! I might feel just a smidgen more for Killian. He was such a complex character. He had a difficult childhood, mainly due to his half-brother's hatred for Killian and his mother. When his brother died, Killian became earl...until he found out he actually wasn't! He had a previously unknown nephew who was the true heir. Killian worked hard to support the new earl and his family. He didn't particularly care for being the Royal Fixer, but he needed the income. He bought neglected properties and renovated them, so he didn't have much choice. Though he was crazy about Princess Elise, he didn't want to ruin her reputation. He tried to stay away, really he did, but it didn't quite work out that way! He was SO torn about what he was required to do and how he really felt. The Princess was grateful to have a place to stay, but she felt trapped among these people she didn't really want to be around. When she spotted who she believed to be her brother, she was bound and determined to find him. Princess Elise convinced Killian to help her look for him, and she quickly fell for him too. But unlike Killian, she didn't hide was she truly wanted. She wasn't a royal who looked down on others, but was funny, sweet and warm. I don't want to give away any major plot lines; I'll just share that I almost cried a few times, but mainly laughed. Killian and Elise had wonderful chemistry. Steamy times weren't really graphic, mainly funny and sweet. Supporting characters were wonderful, particularly Killian's nephew Bartholomew (non-stop run-on sentences and exuberance), Hodges (his manservant), and Maria (the Princess's friend and protector...oh, and a nun). The only thing keeping me from giving the book 5 stars was its slow start. Just dive right into this engaging romance; I'm sure you'll be looking forward to the next book as much as I am!

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.