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The Drake Diamonds #2
The Princess Problem
A Diamond in the Rough
Always-proper princess Aurelie Marchand never flouts the wishes of her father. But when she's set to marry a man she doesn't love, Aurelie finally escapes to glittering New York City. And she's got a surprise for her hosts at Drake Diamonds: a magnificent secret treasure that can guide their fortunes forever. But it's the dour but dashing Dalton Drake who is the true surprise.
Despite a store built on finding true love, after one tragic try at marriage Dalton's wed only to his family's business. When the feisty princess appears on his doorstep, though, she immediately tries his patience and charms her way into his fiercely padlocked heart. But can the secret-filled runaway royal become his forever bride?
Always-proper princess Aurelie Marchand never flouts the wishes of her father. But when she's set to marry a man she doesn't love, Aurelie finally escapes to glittering New York City. And she's got a surprise for her hosts at Drake Diamonds: a magnificent secret treasure that can guide their fortunes forever. But it's the dour but dashing Dalton Drake who is the true surprise.
Despite a store built on finding true love, after one tragic try at marriage Dalton's wed only to his family's business. When the feisty princess appears on his doorstep, though, she immediately tries his patience and charms her way into his fiercely padlocked heart. But can the secret-filled runaway royal become his forever bride?
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 21, 2017
17 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Teri Wilson
207 books1,636 followersNew York Times bestselling author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Four of Teri's books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), ROYAL-ISH, based on her book ONCE UPON A ROYAL SUMMER, THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.
When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys visiting schools and health care facilities with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog and reading education assistance dog. Teri also loves pretty dresses, cupcakes, going to the ballet and following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.
When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys visiting schools and health care facilities with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog and reading education assistance dog. Teri also loves pretty dresses, cupcakes, going to the ballet and following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2017
Rating 3.5
Sweet, cute and nice read.
Princess, Aurelie is running away from an arranged marriage and a distant and cold father.
Offers a family heirloom to the CEO of a famous jewelry store (Tiffany like) in New York to put on display. The catch is he, Dalton needs to show her around New York and what it's like to be a "normal/average" person.
Dalton, is all business and no play, pretty much married to the company. Aurelie is spontaneous, sweet and wears her heart on her sleeve. Sweet, cute, romance blossoms between the two. A little over the top at times and insta love which isn't really my favorite either. But all around nice romance.
Sweet, cute and nice read.
Princess, Aurelie is running away from an arranged marriage and a distant and cold father.
Offers a family heirloom to the CEO of a famous jewelry store (Tiffany like) in New York to put on display. The catch is he, Dalton needs to show her around New York and what it's like to be a "normal/average" person.
Dalton, is all business and no play, pretty much married to the company. Aurelie is spontaneous, sweet and wears her heart on her sleeve. Sweet, cute, romance blossoms between the two. A little over the top at times and insta love which isn't really my favorite either. But all around nice romance.
April 3, 2018
I f*cking hate Cherish line. There is NEVER any redemption or grovelling. NEVER!
He all but hands her over to her father who is getting her married to someone for convenience. The father says that in front of him that he doesn't care about her feelings, he cares about his appearance and he hands her her bag and all but pushes her out of the door.
If she didn't find a weapon to dethrone her father, she would've HAD to get married to the OM. She threatens him, he doesn't back down and she has to actually make good on her threat and dethrone him. Which ideally also meant there was no chance with the hero because she is now the queen and if they had to be together, he'd have to leave his job to be with her, which was NEVER an option, because he a) never indicated his love for her, b) kicked her out, TWICE and c) loved the company more than life. So she just did what she had to without ANY help from him to get her life back, and to stop a loveless marriage AND make good on HER side of the agreement even though he was a tosser and she knew she lost him forever.
And if it was up to him and her cruel father, she'd be married by now. HE did NOTHING UNTIL the engagement was off. He had happily handed her over to another man and left her with him knowing fully she does NOT want to marry him.
Yet what do we see? SHE comes to him? He hugs her, she melts, he is free to go with her. All is forgiven. HEA.
Where the fuck is the grovelling?! I'm pretty sure even his siblings are disappointed who were pretty much ready to order popcorn for the huge grovelling scene. Let me spell it out, I. AM. MORE. DISAPPOINTED. THAN. GROWN. MAN. MISSING. OUT. ON. POPCORN!!!!!!
He all but hands her over to her father who is getting her married to someone for convenience. The father says that in front of him that he doesn't care about her feelings, he cares about his appearance and he hands her her bag and all but pushes her out of the door.
If she didn't find a weapon to dethrone her father, she would've HAD to get married to the OM. She threatens him, he doesn't back down and she has to actually make good on her threat and dethrone him. Which ideally also meant there was no chance with the hero because she is now the queen and if they had to be together, he'd have to leave his job to be with her, which was NEVER an option, because he a) never indicated his love for her, b) kicked her out, TWICE and c) loved the company more than life. So she just did what she had to without ANY help from him to get her life back, and to stop a loveless marriage AND make good on HER side of the agreement even though he was a tosser and she knew she lost him forever.
And if it was up to him and her cruel father, she'd be married by now. HE did NOTHING UNTIL the engagement was off. He had happily handed her over to another man and left her with him knowing fully she does NOT want to marry him.
Yet what do we see? SHE comes to him? He hugs her, she melts, he is free to go with her. All is forgiven. HEA.
Where the fuck is the grovelling?! I'm pretty sure even his siblings are disappointed who were pretty much ready to order popcorn for the huge grovelling scene. Let me spell it out, I. AM. MORE. DISAPPOINTED. THAN. GROWN. MAN. MISSING. OUT. ON. POPCORN!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2017
Loved this hero - Teri writes with a true and pure romantic heart. This is why I read romance. The loneliness of two lost people - then the hope, the heartbreak then the happy ending that makes it all worthwhile. Teri is a princess of romance.
April 10, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
July 15, 2017
Good book. Aurélie is a princess on the run. She desperately wants a chance to live a little before undergoing an arranged marriage to a much older man. She disguised herself as a courier and accompanied a collection of jeweled eggs to New York, where they will go display at Drake Diamonds. She also brought another treasure to use as the incentive to gain Dalton's cooperation. Dalton's world has revolved around Drake Diamonds for most of his life, even affecting his one attempt at marriage. Aurélie's arrival throws his well-ordered life into complete turmoil.
I really liked Aurélie. She suffered a blow to her outlook on life when she learned the truth about her parents' so-called fairy tale marriage. I liked how she took matters into her own hands and seized the chance to do what she wanted while she still could. I thought her methods were creative. I really liked when she came face-to-face with Dalton and stated her requirements, and didn't back down when he tried to intimidate her. It was sweet to see her enjoyment of the little things like eating a hot dog and shopping for vintage clothes.
I liked Dalton, too. He's a workaholic who has always put the company first, even though it cost him his fiancée, but he unbent enough in the first book, His Ballerina Bride, to help Artem win Ophelia. He's surprised when he is confronted by Aurélie, and hesitant to put his arrangement with her father at risk. It was fun to see him try to keep her under control and failing miserably.
I enjoyed the development of their romance. There are sparks flying between them from the start, but both have good reason to resist. Aurélie because she knows she will have to go home and marry, and Dalton because he swore never to put another woman at risk because of his behavior. I loved how helping Aurélie with her wishes began to pull Dalton out of the shell he had built around himself. He stunned everyone around him by actually ditching work to be with her. Aurélie was able to forget what was waiting for her when she was with him, and discovered that she was happier than she had ever been. The attraction continued to build until neither could resist it any longer. I loved how Aurélie seized her chance with such enthusiasm. The connection scared Dalton a bit and he started to pull away. A family crisis intensified his need to avoid more loss in his life and he continued to push. I loved that Aurélie stepped up to help in a different crisis, which brought the two of them back together in an intense encounter. But an unexpected arrival the next morning brought everything crashing down and sending Aurélie back home. I ached for Dalton and his misery at her absence and loved seeing his sister point out the obvious. I loved Dalton's solution once he made his decision. There was still an expected twist waiting for him before he could carry out his plans and I loved what it was. The ending was great and I loved how Aurélie proved to have more courage than she expected. I'd love to see more of her and her new future.
I really liked Aurélie. She suffered a blow to her outlook on life when she learned the truth about her parents' so-called fairy tale marriage. I liked how she took matters into her own hands and seized the chance to do what she wanted while she still could. I thought her methods were creative. I really liked when she came face-to-face with Dalton and stated her requirements, and didn't back down when he tried to intimidate her. It was sweet to see her enjoyment of the little things like eating a hot dog and shopping for vintage clothes.
I liked Dalton, too. He's a workaholic who has always put the company first, even though it cost him his fiancée, but he unbent enough in the first book, His Ballerina Bride, to help Artem win Ophelia. He's surprised when he is confronted by Aurélie, and hesitant to put his arrangement with her father at risk. It was fun to see him try to keep her under control and failing miserably.
I enjoyed the development of their romance. There are sparks flying between them from the start, but both have good reason to resist. Aurélie because she knows she will have to go home and marry, and Dalton because he swore never to put another woman at risk because of his behavior. I loved how helping Aurélie with her wishes began to pull Dalton out of the shell he had built around himself. He stunned everyone around him by actually ditching work to be with her. Aurélie was able to forget what was waiting for her when she was with him, and discovered that she was happier than she had ever been. The attraction continued to build until neither could resist it any longer. I loved how Aurélie seized her chance with such enthusiasm. The connection scared Dalton a bit and he started to pull away. A family crisis intensified his need to avoid more loss in his life and he continued to push. I loved that Aurélie stepped up to help in a different crisis, which brought the two of them back together in an intense encounter. But an unexpected arrival the next morning brought everything crashing down and sending Aurélie back home. I ached for Dalton and his misery at her absence and loved seeing his sister point out the obvious. I loved Dalton's solution once he made his decision. There was still an expected twist waiting for him before he could carry out his plans and I loved what it was. The ending was great and I loved how Aurélie proved to have more courage than she expected. I'd love to see more of her and her new future.
October 6, 2017
...Her Royal Highness Aurelie Marchand tossed her hot dog aside, grabbed Dalton Drake by the lapels and kissed him as though she wasn't already engaged to another man.
That's not a euphemism, it's a metaphor!! ;)
This was a fun book to read! Runaway princess Aurelie finds herself at the Drake Diamonds store as she tries to escape an arranged marriage. I love reading about jeweled eggs, and it was nice to go back to the Drake siblings as Aurelie, with a penchant for NYC street food, tries to find refuge with Dalton Drake, married to his work and surrounded by death.
My favorite part was when they danced to a violinist playing Gershwin on the frosty, snowy city streets and then they went to Dalton's apartment. Like Ophelia (from the first book), Aurelie adopts an animal - this time an ugly, comical bulldog named Jacques - and I wish he had been featured on the cover as Jewel the kitten was.
This book is full of passion, sex, and steam -- you could see the attraction chemically build up between Dalton and Aurelie. The ending is beautifully rewarding, and I'm excited about the third book!
That's not a euphemism, it's a metaphor!! ;)
This was a fun book to read! Runaway princess Aurelie finds herself at the Drake Diamonds store as she tries to escape an arranged marriage. I love reading about jeweled eggs, and it was nice to go back to the Drake siblings as Aurelie, with a penchant for NYC street food, tries to find refuge with Dalton Drake, married to his work and surrounded by death.
My favorite part was when they danced to a violinist playing Gershwin on the frosty, snowy city streets and then they went to Dalton's apartment. Like Ophelia (from the first book), Aurelie adopts an animal - this time an ugly, comical bulldog named Jacques - and I wish he had been featured on the cover as Jewel the kitten was.
This book is full of passion, sex, and steam -- you could see the attraction chemically build up between Dalton and Aurelie. The ending is beautifully rewarding, and I'm excited about the third book!
January 11, 2023
I don't know how to feel about this book.
I liked some parts and sometimes it felt rushed. I just wish that they would communicate more. I know that there are both in an interesting situation but had they both trusted each other more then they would have been able to communicate properly with each other and get rid of some of the heartbreak that they ended up facing.
In books one character has to always be willing to put their heart back on the line and go back for the other person. This time it was Aurelia which is fine but did Dalton have to be this hard headed. At the same time I can understand him because he cannot force her nor her father to let her marry him. He might not have wanted to force her to choose him and moving to the US over whatever her life was over the sea. She basically did not share anything with him about herself so he can't possibly know everything. Also, he needed some sense knocked into him. Thank you Artem.
I was surprised with the ease that he started to view his legacy and how he was able to let go of certain things.
I liked some parts and sometimes it felt rushed. I just wish that they would communicate more. I know that there are both in an interesting situation but had they both trusted each other more then they would have been able to communicate properly with each other and get rid of some of the heartbreak that they ended up facing.
In books one character has to always be willing to put their heart back on the line and go back for the other person. This time it was Aurelia which is fine but did Dalton have to be this hard headed. At the same time I can understand him because he cannot force her nor her father to let her marry him. He might not have wanted to force her to choose him and moving to the US over whatever her life was over the sea. She basically did not share anything with him about herself so he can't possibly know everything. Also, he needed some sense knocked into him. Thank you Artem.
I was surprised with the ease that he started to view his legacy and how he was able to let go of certain things.
October 26, 2022
Let me preface this by saying: I selected this book to read because it was not long. It's a thin little paperback romance. It should've been a quick read. Yet it took me just shy of 7 weeks to slog through.
This book was beyond frustrating.
The characters were poorly developed.
Well, I guess the characters themselves were semi-developed, but their relationship was very poorly developed. They meet and instalove, and before ya know it they're jumping into bed. Ugh.
I struggled to read this book. I found excuses to NOT read this book. Each chapter was a challenge to finish.
The ending was cute, and I have no complaints about the writing style, so it gets 2 stars for that.
This book was beyond frustrating.
The characters were poorly developed.
Well, I guess the characters themselves were semi-developed, but their relationship was very poorly developed. They meet and instalove, and before ya know it they're jumping into bed. Ugh.
I struggled to read this book. I found excuses to NOT read this book. Each chapter was a challenge to finish.
The ending was cute, and I have no complaints about the writing style, so it gets 2 stars for that.
May 10, 2017
I got recommended to read Teri Wilson's books from one of my favorite author's Emily Giffin and I'm so glad I did. I really liked this story and even though it's part of a series it works so well on it's own. I really enjoyed it being a story of a modern day royal princess escaping to New York and falling in love with an American. Looking forward to reading Teri's other novels and seeing the Hallmark movie adaptations of two of her books.
May 26, 2017
The Princess Problem is the second book in the Harlequin Special Edition's Drake Diamonds series. Written by Teri Wilson, it is a cute story about a princess who wants to escape her life and have some fun before she must marry a man she isn't in love with. It is an easy read with a feel good story.
May 21, 2018
It's a logical response.
When Aurelie Marchand, royal princess, learns her father has arranged her marriage to an older man, she does the logical thing. She replaces the courier in charge of transporting the principality’s priceless jeweled egg collection to New York.
Dalton Drake is all business, all day, every day. But something shifts inside him when Aurelie presents his store an opportunity to display a previously secret royal jeweled egg. In exchange, she wants to spend a few days with the freedom of an average New Yorker.
Pearls. Diamonds. Puppy. And oh….a kiss in the back seat of a hired car.
Ms. Wilson has written a sexy little romp that is good medicine for a rainy day.
When Aurelie Marchand, royal princess, learns her father has arranged her marriage to an older man, she does the logical thing. She replaces the courier in charge of transporting the principality’s priceless jeweled egg collection to New York.
Dalton Drake is all business, all day, every day. But something shifts inside him when Aurelie presents his store an opportunity to display a previously secret royal jeweled egg. In exchange, she wants to spend a few days with the freedom of an average New Yorker.
Pearls. Diamonds. Puppy. And oh….a kiss in the back seat of a hired car.
Ms. Wilson has written a sexy little romp that is good medicine for a rainy day.
June 7, 2017
Sweet n sexy. Wish I could have gotten to know the characters more.
August 15, 2017
A slower start than the last, but still quite enjoyable.
November 29, 2019
A sweet story, a bit predictable and formulaic. Aurélie and Dalton are both fun to read.
A good book for a pot of tea and a rainy day.
A good book for a pot of tea and a rainy day.
March 27, 2017
Love it Aurelie and Dalton Drake. I love the love story between them she was a princess and she fell in love with an commoner. like Prince William fell for Kate.
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April 3, 2017Miniseries: Drake Diamonds
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews