What a lovely book. After reading the first book in the series, I needed to see where the story was going. Finding out what happened to Gabriel and seeing him overcome his fears to protect Ryan was moving. And that waterfall shower...
I'm looking forward to the next book.

The Prince's Bride is the second book in the Hidden Royals series.

I found this difficult to read. It was almost as if it was a fairy tale in a cave. It is sweet but hard to believe. It was not a good fit for me.

Oh I loved this book! Gabriel was sent into hiding as a young boy, separated from his family, and dealt so much hardship that it led him to living off the grid. Hiding in the forest, training horses, with minimal contact while fearing for his life has the reader feeling for this darling man. He hears a struggle off in the woods and can't stop himself from saving the girl. It just happens to be the girl he was betrothed to as a child, Marianne - who prefers to be called Ryan. She's got a girl-next-door vibe, takes care of her ailing father and two sisters, and is searching for her prince to save her from an imposter trying to claim her as a bride. I love that so much of the book shows the couple together. Their betrothal might have been a financial necessity when it happened, but the children admired each other from the start, so you really want them to get together. It's such a darling tale. Gabriel is not the rough hermit he believes himself to be and you can completely understand both characters' viewpoints. If there was anything more I could have asked for the story it would have been to see more of the cousin/imposter get his due, as it happened mostly off-page. I would have read two novels worth of this story. I've not read book 1, but it's going on my list! Looking forward to more Hidden Royals.

By the 32% mark, it is still the same day it was at the 0% mark. Nearly half of the book is the same day. Gabriel is frustrating to the extreme in his refusal to leave his cave, and it gets old. I liked Ryan, though, so there was that. This just seemed a little too serious in tone for my taste. Usually Charis Michaels has less angst.

A French prince in hiding for twenty years, a young lady desperate to find him. Her life and her sister's are threatened. Betrothed since children she needs him to come forward and unmask the imposter. He is in hiding to protect himself and his family from assassins. But it is hard to resist the woman who disrupts his life and brings him out of hiding.
They form a bond very quickly and love is not far behind.
Very romantic with descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This was one of the best books I have read in a while. Ryan and Gabriel have such good chemistry and their story was exceptional Readers will love these two as their story unfolds. Charis Michaels does a wonderful job bringing these two together.

Lady Marrianne “Ryan” Daventry travels from her home in Guernsey to England in search of prince she was betrothed to as a child whom the world assumes is dead because his cousin is trying to force her to marry him in Gabriel’s place. She finds a Prince Gabriel d’Orleans living in a hidden cave and training horses for England’s rich. With Ryan’s coaxing Gabriel returns to the world of the living and reunites with his family and agrees to marry Ryan in name only to give her his protection, but the two have an undeniable attraction that leads to love.

Charis’s books are always so much fun (not even remotely realistic, but fun). I loved Ryan and her gustiness in taking her fate into her own hands. I liked Gabriel but found him a little harder to fully get. I’m not going to lie, I struggled with this book in the beginning. Literally the first third of the book is a single day (and really most of that is a single afternoon and evening), before the pace picked up. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put it down and read most of it in one sitting. I’m excited for the third book in the series.

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

Rating: 4.5 Stars

CW: Physical abuse; injury (dog bite); fire; references to sexual assault, murder, death of a parent, illness

I think this is my new favorite Charis Michaels book, as this book was such a TREAT. I absolutely adore the spin Michaels puts on real historical figures of royals in exile from France in this series as she draws inspiration from actual historical events but makes the story completely and uniquely her own while balancing the serious, heavy nature of the characters’ family situations with the romance and light-hearted fun.

Gabriel and Lady Ryan made this book for me. As my friend Kelsey on Instagram said, Gabriel gives major horsegirl vibes. And honestly, it’s so true. He’s basically a horse therapist. A horse whisper, if you will. He’d much rather spend his days in his forest rehabilitating horses that have gone through trauma. For his own safety and those he cares about, he’s isolated himself from society as he worries his mere existence as the exiled Royal Prince of the Blood puts those around him at risk. He’s been through so much in his life – a lot of pain and heartache at an early age, but he’s content with his life in the forest, living in his Hobbit-house-type home that is built into a cave with a freaking waterfall room in it. Until Lady Ryan enters his life and draws him out.

Lady Ryan is desperate to find Prince Gabriel, who she was betrothed to as a child, to avoid marrying his truly awful cousin, the impostor claiming to be the Prince of the Blood, Maurice, who claims he inherited the betrothal. Not content to sit around, she takes matters into her own hands to find the long-lost prince. And find him she does. I fell in love with her as soon as she appeared on the page. She’s determined, sassy, frank, brave, and won’t take no for an answer. She’s the perfect person to draw Gabriel out of his shell and out into the open, as there is an energy about her that he cannot help but be drawn to and want to protect.

The connection between Gabriel and Ryan was apparent from the beginning. It’s been a while since a book hooked me so quickly, but this book did that from the first page. The opening was so engaging and captivating, and I was immediately drawn to these two characters and could feel that chemistry from the start. There is definitely an attraction between these two as they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but I loved how well they knew each other. Lady Ryan understood where Gabriel was coming from with not wanting to claim his title, and I appreciated how she didn’t push him to do things he didn’t want to do, even if that meant she was put in a more difficult position. Luckily for her, he also couldn’t help but want to protect her, which slowly drew him out of his shell, as he cared deeply for her and was incredibly empathic to her situation.

The sexual tension between Ryan and Gabriel was fantastic! Seriously, this book had sexual tension galore. I loved how Michaels sustained that throughout the book, as it helped heighten the romance. As much as these two were trying to deny their feelings to each other, they literally couldn’t keep their hands off each other whenever they were alone. Luckily for them, their chaperones were more than willing to give them alone time to push them together so they would admit their feelings. I loved how these two clearly cared deeply for each other, but it did take them a while, particularly Gabriel, to express those feelings. I did get a little frustrated with Gabriel in the middle for his continued denial of his feelings, but it all worked out wonderfully in the end. Leaning into the whole royal trope, it definitely felt like a fairy tale ending, but it worked for the story.

Another thing I loved about this story was how emotional it was. Yes, it’s so romantic, but there is also a lot of pain and healing that both Gabriel and Ryan need to go through. I felt so much for these characters and everything they’ve dealt with. My heart hurt for both of them at various times throughout this story, but I loved seeing them come out lighter and happier in the end. Michaels does a fantastic job balancing the more emotionally heavy beats of the story with the light-hearted ones. I always love that her tone can feel more playful and fun, even when tackling some heavy topics in her stories.

The Prince’s Bride was such a treat, and I truly enjoyed every second of reading it! It’s a beautiful story filled with lots of emotions, healing, and love – definitely pick it up! I also cannot wait for the final book in the Hidden Royals series, as the ending tees up the hunt for the youngest royal, Danielle. If you’re curious about this series, I’d recommend starting with book 1, Say Yes to the Princess, as it would provide some helpful context for the royal family situation, but I do think this could be read perfectly fine as a standalone, too.

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

A charming read about a hidden prince and his childhood betrothed who is in dire need of rescue.

3.5 stars

Hidden identity
Royalty romance
Historical romance

Absolutely adore Charis Michels’s books. Been looking forward to Gabriel’s story and it did not disappoint. His heroine Ryan was exactly what he needed! This is a great read for the beach.

Lady Marianne “Ryan" Daventry, middle sister Diana, youngest sister, Charlotte, daughters of the Earl of Amhurst, her maid, Agnes, all cared for the family home Winscombe. Ryan was the oversee'er of the budget, tenents, and general peacekeeper, Diana over watched the livestock and land, Charlotte read to their father.

Now that life is being threatened. She is determined to find her former fiance to see if he can help. The cousin is insisting the betrothal stand and he is due the land and money that was loaned. If not he will still marry Lady Ryan and sell the land.

So off to England with only one clue as to Tue last known whereabouts of Gabriel. When she is accosted by a highwayman, Channing Meade, who wants money, he horse, and her body as fee for crossing his territory.

Gabriel Rein, Prince Gabriel d’Orleans, is out working with one of the horses when he hears a scream. He is reluctant to investigate until he realizes it is a woman that the highway man has cornered. He silently feels up, scoops her up and runs for it. Gabriel is now a woodsman, horse healer recluse. He values his solitude.

Without telling her his name he takes her to his place and based her not to touch anything. Which she does and discovers her letters. Now armed with the truth of who he is she tries to convince him to help. He declines but offers the only help he can think of. His sister. Killian and Elise Crewes, Gabriel's sister and brother in law, offer what they can but tell Gabriel that the best course of action is to marry her.

Cousin and imposter Prince Maurice d’Orleans, is a selfish, mean bully.

So come join in the quest to foil Maurice and see how it all turns out. It is heartwretching to find out how far he has gone to survive being hunted and how much he wants interaction with people on his terms. Lady Ryan only wants to protect her sisters and home. She is willing to compromise but deep down wants him.

I enjoyed the meeting with Maurice and what happened to him. He got his due and Lady Ryan an longer has to worry over him. That's the only spoiler I will say.

This is book 2 in the Hidden Royals series. I did not read book 1 in this series but I loved this book so much I just purchased it to read .
Gabriel, Prince Orleans, has been betrothed since he was 10. He has been in exile,hiding since he was 11. He has seen his father executed and has seen his school burn down in an attempt to kill him.
So now he lives in a cave isolated from All, raising and training horses.
Ryan, Lady Marianne, has been betrothed since she was five. She hasn't seen or heard from him since the revolution in France began. But now his cousin has shown up and is trying to enforce the betrothal. He is a nasty piece of work. The only solution Ryan can see is to find the real Prince and prove that his cousin has no legal rights to her lands and her self
And so the adventures begin. This book was full of action from the very beginning. I loved the story of Gabriel and I loved how strong Ryan was despite everything she was facing.
I can't wait for book 3.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

He comes with a warm waterfall!!! Gabriel Rein in “The Prince’s Bride” would have a great dating profile. However, only Lady Marianne Daventry gets to call him hers in Charis Michaels’ second of the Hidden Royals series.

There are many great characters in this book! The heroine aka Lady Ryan was relatable especially to an eldest sibling who would do anything to save her family from uncertainty like taking a trip to honor an arrangement marriage. Mr. Rein aka Prince Gabriel d’Orleans was a handsome, protective yet reclusive cinnamon roll. Their close proximity had him reconnecting with family and we come to adore each person.

I love the attraction Ryan and Gabriel had since their second meet-cute. Since then, their tension and chemistry builds, and I love that he can’t stay away. He’s a type of shadow daddy you want following you. The familiarity they have with each other from childhood adds to how comforting and heartwarming this book was.

I appreciate that Ryan made choices when Gabriel was slow to overcome his external and internal conflicts. She did what she needed to do without being annoying or pushy, and I love her for that. Gabriel stopped hiding behind his horse whisperer identity and made the best royal entrance to stop a foe and to assure Ryan of his love!

If you enjoy road trips, secret identity, sad boys, close proximity, forced proximity, arranged marriage/marriage of convenience, epistolary, and hilarious romances, then I highly recommend this swoon-worthy book!!!

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

Where to begin? How to properly tell you about a book that gave me such immense joy and surprised me over and over and over again at each turn? I went into this book with little background info as one does. And since I trust Charis and have loved everything she's written I partially knew what to expect from The Prince's Bride, book two in the Hidden Royals series. I knew the book would be funny. Sensual. Teasing. Smart. Witty. And yet, I was still mesmerized and unable to put it down. Much like our dashing recluse of a hero, Gabriel, I wanted to hide in the woods, far away from others so I could be left alone to live life to the fullest, i.e., read and drink coffee.

I want to tell you everything and yet don't want to tell you anything or spoil any of the little secrets and gasp! moments because I want you, friend, to discover them as you read. So many times I was like, no she didn't! She did!! So so so clever as Charis often is. Which is a good thing bc I really had no idea how this story was going to play out so that our *perfect for each other* couple could find their HEA. And the way she crafted Gabriel and Ryan to truly be two pieces of the puzzle who just fit together with such ease...sigh with heart eyes.

There's a line in the book where sweet hermit Gabriel says of capable and compassionate Ryan "...I am not ambivalent. To her." To which I noted, "I am not ambivalent. To this book." Feelings. There were some feelings, man.

But also, Elise and Killian are back. Killian steals each scene he's in and provides the levity that is needed at times. But there's a nanny who is hilarious without even knowing it. And lastly, my new favorite line spoken by Gabriel, who speaks French, a line that all romance heroes should be saying from now on, "Que veux-tu que je te false, Princesse?"

What I want is more of this book and the last book in the series because I have questions and I need answers. And I need more Killian and Elise, more Gabriel and Ryan, and an epilogue for the ages.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, charming, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

I had a hard time putting this one down. Charis Michaels kicks things off with a bang (actually, it's a scream) that throws Gabriel and Ryan together and into an inevitable journey that held me spellbound from start to finish.

There's so much to love about this book, beginning - and ending - with Gabriel and Ryan. He's a loner (for good reasons), rarely leaving the safety of the forest. She's determined to drag him into the open. He lives in a cave. There's only one bed. And a waterfall. She'll do whatever it takes to save her family. He only wants her gone. But he also wants her. It's a no-win situation. Or, is it?

I loved the chemistry between these two but more so the tenderness that grows as they begin to know one another as adults. Gabriel is such a complex, decent man, sweet and innocent in some ways while strong and determined in others. He has, after all, been living a reclusive life for many years. Ryan, a strong, competent woman who has always put others first, is fierce in her determination to save her family but will she do so at the expense of this man who has been through so much already? The deep conversations between them are heart-tugging. The care that develops - on both sides - seems inevitable and only makes their journey more compelling and endearing. The love and assistance that comes from unexpected sources fills their lives with laughter, hope, and the long-awaited joy of reunion. And the final scene encompasses all of my swoony, big girl, fairytale dreams.

I'm not sure I've ever read a story quite like this before. It's fresh, fun, heartwarming, romantic, deeply emotional, and checked all of my happy reader buttons. Fans of book one in the series, Say Yes to the Princess, should enjoy seeing Elise (Gabriel's sister), Killian, and their growing family while readers new to the series should have no trouble beginning with The Prince's Bride, if that's their preference. I, however, am glad I read the books in order and am already looking forward to discovering what happened to their youngest sister in book three.

*ARC received from Avon Books via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review.

He's a French prince, now horse whisperer, who lives in a cave in the forest to stay safe. She's seeking him out because his successor is a terrible abusive man who plans to enforce the arranged marriage the prince and she agreed to as children.

The first half of this book was a delight. It's all within 24 hours. There's action, palpable sexual tension, a cottage cave in the woods, and just all manner of good historical romance shenanigans. The next 30% of the book has the couple staying with his sister and takes place over the span of weeks. I nearly DNF'd during this. The last 20% picked up again, but that slow down that fore-fronted the Prince's internal conflicts (which are boring and dumb), sort of poisoned the well for me.

It's such a shame that that inconsistent pacing made this a miss, but because that first half was such a fun ride!

Two and a half stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Charming...

Sometimes you just need...charming. That's what The Prince's Bride is. Its light, fun and charming. Lady Marianne "Ryan" is no damsel in distress. She is being threatened with an unwanted marriage. As she is clever, she seeks out the proper prince on her betrothal contact. Ryan is fearless and fun.

Prince Gabriel d'Orleans, or rather Gabriel Reign. Much like Snow White, he's hiding out in the deep woods, far from any thing royal. Nope. Its him and his horses and the forest.

Gabriel is the grumpiest Prince Charming you never knew you needed until you read The Prince's Bride.
Highly recommend.
Purchased.

I think I've come to the realization that Charis Michaels and I don't really mesh together which is SUCH a shame because she has the prettiest covers. I like how her books are super easy to read and are nothing but a good time, but I have difficulty connecting with her characters. When our characters are intimate together during their first day of being acquainted, I lose interest quickly. This is exactly what happened in The Prince's Bride. For me to enjoy a book, I think I need more angst and a little more push and pull between the characters.

I loved the setting of this story. The bravery of our heroine going out into an unknown city to find a man she'd only met once when she was a young girl was commendable. The setting was great and I feel like I could have liked the characters more if I had had more time getting to know them before they got to know each other.

Oh nothing makes me giddier than having a new to me author to rave about and I am in my Charis Michaels era. After listening to the audio of Say Yes to the Princess (excellently narrated by Morag Sims), I knew I wanted to find out what happened to Elise’s missing brother Gabriel. So I was ecstatic to receive a complementary copy from the publisher and author. This book has it all. It opens with a scream (literally), a rescue from highwaymen in a forest, a cave dwelling former prince, an earl’s daughter with the most calming presence, horse training, an evil cousin, hilarious children, slow burn tension building need, set against a marriage of convenience and there’s “only one cave”. I laughed so much while reading and yet by the end my eyes were brimming with tears. And how difficult is it for an author to do that—to make you feel it all?

The premise is that Lady Ryan must seek out her childhood betrothal to French prince, Gabriel d‘Orleans so that she may not lose her estate to his awful cousin Maurice who claims to be the real prince. But fleeing his home in France as a young boy, Gabriel wants nothing more than to remain hidden in Savernake Forrest, away from royal life and his former identity. The differences between Ryan and Gabriel could not be more stark and yet because of their youthful history they feel drawn towards one another. Michaels builds the most delicious tension between a “woman starved” man and a lady that has always felt overlooked and undesired by men. They are primed to fall for one another and the journey from forest to Mayapple, to Guernsey lets their love story slowly unfurl all while ramping up the sexual urgency.

I loved visiting the Crewes in their home at Mayapple, their bold and hilarious daughters and Nanny whom is unfortunately afflicted by nearly everything and is never seen on page. It is not a requirement to read Say Yes to the Princess first, and yet the reader’s experience will be so much better for it. Spending time with familiar characters is always a pleasure. I also adored the time Gabriel and Ryan had alone to themselves in the forest. Michaels has a way of writing importance into the most minuscule things and having her characters go mad with want from it. Gabriel was much like an onion being slowly peeled back to reveal layer upon layer of his isolation and Ryan was the perfect female suited to unravel him.

This series historically is so interesting; I know minimal French history and I love the liberties taken to bring French royalty and English together. I can only imagine baby Danielle’s book will be the third in this series and am excited for the direction it will take because we know so little about her. If you love the humor of Tessa Dare and the steamy tension of Lorraine Heath, I know you will adore Charis Michaels. I cannot wait to read more. Thank you to the author for my print copy and Avon for my ebook. All opinions are my own.