Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An exiled princess and a broody royal "fixer" play a game of seduction in the tense Georgian romance that launches the Hidden Royals series from Michaels (A Duchess by Day). Ten years after fleeing the French Revolution, deposed former princess Regine Elise Adelaide d'Orleans lives under the protection of the British royal family, hidden away from the public eye for her own safety. She's lonely and feels trapped in a gilded cage--until she catches sight of her long-lost brother in a crowded London market and becomes determined to reunite with him. Her search has her poking into court secrets, and to stop her from meddling, the British royals hire Killian Crewes, an earl's second son known for his unique approach to solving problems and stopping scandals, to distract the princess using any means necessary--including seduction. But the closer Killian gets to Regine, the more it seems that she may seduce him first. The romance, while sultry, occasionally feels rushed, but the richly textured historical backdrop, taut political dynamics, and high stakes will keep readers invested. This promises more good things from the series to come. Agent: Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Killian Crewes has found his place in court by serving as the fixer for the royal family, yet their most recent request of him is unusual. He is to seduce and distract the exiled French princess living at court with the Queen's daughters. Princess Regine Elise Adelaide d'Orleans has appreciated the safety that the British royal court has offered her, but when she catches a glimpse of her brother, who was separated from her when they were smuggled out of France during the revolution, she finds that the royal family has begun to see her as a problem. Not only is she blocked from asking about her brother, but they have ordered their royal fixer to trail her, pretending to become her special friend. Elise is not sure if she can trust Killian, but she knows that she must resist his charms if she wants to find her brother. VERDICT The first in a new series by Michaels (A Duchess by Midnight), this is a slow-burn historical with enough adventure and intrigue to keep readers turning pages until the happy ending. Fans will anxiously await the next sibling's story. Hand to fans of Mary Balogh and Eloisa James.--Morgan Lockard
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In 1803 London, a Royal Fixer is tasked with seducing an exiled princess. Princess Elise d'Orleans has been living with the British royal family since she fled France 10 years ago during the French Revolution. When she spies a man she believes to be her brother, she feels reinvigorated and determines to find her two siblings who are also in exile. This new interest causes problems for the British royals, who need her to stay quiet, so they assign Killian Crewes to distract her with seduction. He may be the son of an earl, but his mother was a dancer, so Killian paved his own path by making a living fixing problems for the royal family and leveraging that connection to buy old properties. He quickly realizes headstrong Elise is a force to be reckoned with and finds himself falling for her. As their connection grows, they have to decide what they're willing to risk for love. With the enticing hook of exiled royalty, this start to a new series is fresh and fun. Court intrigue adds drama and strengthens the setting; the leads' banter and their pining as they try to resist their desires are delectable; and secondary characters shine just as brightly as the couple. The ending feels rushed, with a lot of plot--some of it contrived--but it doesn't detract from the satisfying happily-ever-after. Readers are sure to anticipate the next books in the series to find out what befell Elise's brother and sister. Frothy romance with a fascinating historical setting. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
