Title: Claiming the PrincessAuthor: Charis Michaels
Series: Hidden Royals #3
Pages: 384
Publication Date: Aug. 26, 2025
Publisher: AVON BOOKS
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:
Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans grew up believing that she was a simple village girl raised in Kent by surrogate parents. That simple life vanishes when she discovers she’s actually a princess in hiding— especially as the first order of royal business is to marry a war hero she’s never met.
Captain Luke Bannock wasn’t trying to become a hero—and even less so, a husband. But he shows selfless courage in a fierce Naval battle and the Crown offers him a reward for valor. His chosen prize? The hand in marriage of an obscure princess, living in exile. The reason? Revenge against his sworn enemy.
What begins as an arranged marriage between a village girl and a cynical captain evolves into dance of passion and self-discovery. As Luke helps Dani reckon with her secret royal blood, his thirst for revenge is replaced by desire for his new wife. The shock and hurt burn away, and an all-consuming love sails this fated couple into their happily ever after.
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This is the third and final book in the series, and I’m sad to see it end. It was such a great trilogy, and this was a wonderful conclusion. The story follows Danielle, the youngest of the siblings, who is forced into an arranged marriage with Captain Luke Bannock, a reward to him for his services to the king.
Dani and Luke have a super swoon-worthy, slow-building romance. I loved it. They have so much chemistry, and the feelings they develop for each other run deep. They’re opposites in many ways, but it somehow works, and they complement each other so well.
And I love the inclusion of Luke and Danielle’s letters to each other that they write when they’re apart. their correspondence shows their evolving relationship so well, and there’s such a romantic feel to them, even though most aren’t romantic in nature. I like how the author uses these letters to show how the characters heal, forgive, and grow while also adding suspense to the story.
The authors note at the end is also interesting, and talks about the history behind the plot and characters. It’s definitely interesting to see what inspired the author.
I also loved that the main characters from the first two books showed up in this book in a big way. Their stories were so wonderful, and to see the siblings reunited and supporting each other is lovely. When Dani needed them, her siblings and their partners and friends were there without hesitation and with all the necessary to help. Loved it!
With a suspenseful plot, layered characters, and a fantastic romance, this is a great ending to the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
“What is timing when there are truths to be revealed?”
- forced proximity
- arranged marriage
- hidden princess
CHARIS MICHAELS is thrilled to be making her debut with Avon Impulse. Prior to writing romance, she studied Journalism at Texas A&M and managed PR for a trade association. She has also worked as a tour guide at Disney World, harvested peaches on her family’s farm, and entertained children as the “Story Godmother” at birthday parties. She has lived in Texas, Florida, and London, England. She now makes her home in the Washington, D.C.-metro area.
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