ARC Review: To Protect a Princess (Regency Royals #1) by Jess Michaels
10:00
Series: Regency Royals #1
Author: Jess Michaels
Published July 20th 2021 by The Passionate Pen LLC
Goodreads Synopsis
A royal new series from 10-Time USA Today Bestselling Author Jess Michaels.
All of Society is atwitter about the arrival of the Royal Family of Athawick, a small island country with important ties on a tour to celebrate the coronation of a new king. Or at least…that is the reason on the surface for their Season in London. Princess Ilaria knows the real truth: her family wishes to marry her off to a man of title and influence, in order to strengthen their own “special relationship” with the British Empire. The problem is that only one man has caught her eye and he does not fit any of the criteria required in a husband by her family.
Captain Jonah Crawford was part of the Royal Honor Guard that accompanied the Prince Regent on a visit to Athawick two years ago and it was there he first laid eyes on the princess. Since then, much has changed in his life, including a resignation from the position he loved and the undertaking of responsibilities he never asked for. But seeing Ilaria sparks hungers that he cannot deny.
As they continue to encounter each other, sometimes even in shocking places like infamous hells, their desire grows, but so is the danger lurking around every corner. And when Ilaria requires a bodyguard, Jonah volunteers. Will burning passion turn to love? And will love be enough to save them when the worst comes to pass?
Heat Level: Princesses and Bodyguards and Steamy Clubs...OH MY!
Goodreads
Review
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!
Dates Read:
July 3, 2021
Rating
4 Stars
0 comments