CLAIMING THE PRINCESS

The Hidden Royals series concludes with the romance of Danielle Allard d’Orleans, a French princess exiled as a baby and raised unaware in Kent, England.

When Capt. Luke Bannock, a smuggler, unexpectedly became a national war hero, he made a plan for what he’d ask of the Prince Regent as his reward: betrothal to the Princess d’Orleans. His surrogate father was taken prisoner by a French captain who also wanted the hidden princess in order to claim the lands included in her dowry; Luke doesn’t actually care to marry, but he wants to use the princess as a bargaining chip. When he meets Dani, though, she is passionate about her village and has no clue about her heritage—not at all what he expected. Luke must change his plans, quickly. Luckily, the prince gave him an estate, and it’s just what Dani needs to revitalize her town and provide jobs to the locals. Luke knows he has to tell her the truth of who she is and what he wants from her, but as they start to fall for each other, he also wants to protect her. Although hesitant about the engagement at first, Dani becomes fond of Luke, but she can tell he’s holding back, and she won’t abide secrets. The majority of the book is tightly focused on the first few days after Luke and Dani meet, leading up to their quick wedding, with a lot of introspection for them both. The story’s reliance on their lack of communication feels tired, but Dani’s indignation and willfulness when the truth comes out is gratifying. Distinct characterization and the intriguing setup propel the plot, and the final act turns into exciting action as the couple embarks on a daring rescue. Luke’s groveling and deep admiration and love for Dani by the end is delectable.

A character-driven historical romance that slowly builds to a rewarding ending.